Quiet Moments

15- Capturing Blodreina: An Artistic Endeavor

Octavia lay on the bed, propped up on one elbow, her hair cascading over her shoulders. She felt a little ridiculous, but Jade's enthusiasm was infectious. The room was filled with the soft hum of activity as Jade bustled around, setting up her makeshift easel and arranging her paints.

"Are you sure about this?" Octavia asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"Absolutely," Jade replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've always wanted to try painting a live model, and who better than my beautiful Blodreina?"

Octavia rolled her eyes playfully. "Flattery will get you everywhere."

Jade laughed, the sound warm and comforting. "Just hold still. I promise this will be worth it."

Octavia watched as Jade began to paint, her brow furrowed in concentration. Despite the chaos and harshness of their world, moments like this reminded her of the softness and joy that still existed. She couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for Jade, who always found ways to bring light into her life.

Time passed, and Octavia's mind began to wander. She thought about the battles fought, the decisions made, and the burdens carried. But here, in this room, all of that seemed distant. Jade's presence was a balm to her weary soul.

"How's it going over there?" Octavia called out, trying to suppress a giggle.

Jade glanced up, her face smeared with a bit of paint, and grinned. "It's going great. Just a little more patience, my muse."

Octavia snorted softly. "I never knew you had a hidden talent for art."

Jade's smile widened. "There are many things you don't know about me, Octavia."

As the painting session continued, Octavia found herself growing more curious. Jade's focus was intense, and she couldn't wait to see the result of all this effort. Finally, after what felt like hours, 

Jade stepped back and admired her work.

"Done!" she announced triumphantly.

Octavia sat up, stretching her stiff muscles, and made her way over to the easel. She was excited to see how Jade had captured her, expecting something heartfelt and beautiful. But when she finally looked at the painting, her eyes widened in surprise.

"Wow," she said, trying to keep her voice neutral. "That's... something."

Jade's grin faltered slightly, her eyes searching Octavia's face for a reaction. "Do you like it?"

Octavia blinked, struggling to find the right words. The painting was... well, it was certainly unique. Her face was an odd mix of colours, her eyes slightly mismatched, and her body looked a bit like a lopsided potato.

"It's very... abstract," Octavia said diplomatically.

Jade burst out laughing, the sound filling the room. "Okay, okay, I know it's terrible. I'm not exactly a professional."

Octavia couldn't help but laugh along with her, the tension of the day melting away. "I think it's perfect," she said, wrapping her arms around Jade. "Because you made it."

Jade pulled back, looking into Octavia's eyes with a mixture of affection and amusement. 

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"No," Octavia replied, her tone sincere. "I mean it. It's a reminder of you, of us, and this moment. And that makes it perfect."

Jade's eyes softened, and she leaned in to kiss Octavia gently. "You always know what to say."

Octavia smiled against Jade's lips. "I've had a lot of practice."

They stood there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, the painting a colorful and quirky testament to their love. It might not have been a masterpiece, but it was a cherished memory, a moment of light in their often-dark world.

"Let's hang it up," Jade suggested, pulling back slightly.

Octavia raised an eyebrow. "You want to display it?"

"Absolutely," Jade said with a grin. "It's our masterpiece."

With a laugh, Octavia helped Jade find a spot on the wall. They hung the painting together, stepping back to admire their handiwork. It was lopsided and strange, but it was theirs.

"You know," Octavia said thoughtfully, "I think this might be my new favourite thing."

Jade's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Really? Because I was thinking we could make it a series. Maybe a new portrait every week."

Octavia groaned playfully. "I don't know if my self-esteem can handle that."

Jade laughed, pulling Octavia close. "We'll make it work."

As they settled back onto the bed, Octavia felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the temperature of the room. It was the warmth of love, of shared moments and silly adventures. And in that moment, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, with laughter and love.