Room 43// An Inanimate Insanity College AU

5- Music Lessons

Paintbrush's phone began vibrating in their pocket, a small yet quick buzz emitting from the device. They were just working on their art project when it happened; the work was due on Monday, and the weekend had just begun. They didn't have much time now, before it needed to be submitted.

They pulled their phone out their pocket, slightly agitated at the interruption but also secretly pleased. They'd run into a block for their work; not really sure what else to add to the piece, although it didn't feel done. So they'd welcome the distraction, for now.

Marshmallow's name flashed on the screen along with a picture of the two of them, back in senior year of high school. It was only a couple of months ago at most, but it felt very far away now, like sand falling between their fingertips. They swiped on the answer button, bringing the phone to their ear.

"Hey Marsh!" They greeted, walking toward their bed and flopping onto it casually with one arm to their ear keeping the phone in place, the other sprawled across their Twin XL mattress.

"Hi Paintbrush," Marshmallow replied from the other side of the line, her voice coming out tinny and small.

"Did you need something?" Paintbrush asked nonchalantly. "I was just working on my assignment, but I'm thinking about taking a short break."

"Oh, on the topic of assignments!" Marshmallow said. shuffling around could be heard from the phone. "I actually had a proposition."

"Oh yeah? Hit me." The gears in Paintbrush's mind were turning wondering what Marsh was offering, their curiosity piqued.

A small strum, barely picked up on the phone, could be heard if Paintbrush was really paying attention. "So, I'm majoring in music, doing guitar. And in about a week, I need to play this song for my professors."

"Mhm?"

"Thing is, I'm... struggling. I can't memorize the chords properly, and you're not allowed to bring in sheets for this test. So I was thinking, what if teaching the chords to other people would help me out with that. Neither Bow or Apple wanted to, so uh... do you wanna learn a song on guitar?"

Paintbrush listened to the explanation half-heartedly, turning most of their attention to the lint that had collected on their bedsheets. They were about to refuse the offer before they thought about it a bit more.

College was supposed to be the time that you... do things. Paintbrush hadn't really done much at all, in the long term; they show up to classes, chill in the dormitory, and head out to the city every so often.

They haven't picked up any new hobbies, joined any clubs, or even really been enjoying themselves for the past couple of weeks they'd been here. The people were cool and interesting, sure, but they were mostly just bumming about in their room or hanging with friends like they did in high school. There really wasn't anything new to keep them excited about college as an experience.

"Sure," they agreed, just after realising that their response didn't flow with the conversation, clear sign that they hadn't truly been paying attention. "I'd love to."

"Great! I have a spare guitar; you can come by and pick it up whenever is convenient for you. Just let me know when you wanna run a lesson," Marshmallow said happily, the strumming of an acoustic guitar now louder as it got closer to the speaker.

"Hm, well I have an open schedule right now if you're not busy?" Paintbrush asked. They knew that Marshmallow was free for the weekend, and that this was the most convenient time for the both of them.

"Oh, yeah sure! My room number is 38," Marshmallow said. "I'll hang up now, you get here soon alright?"

"Yep! See you in a bit!" Paintbrush said, turning the phone over in their hands as the call ends. They pocket their phone and walk toward the easel they had previously set up, breaking it down and putting it away.