Classy, Controlled Chaos - The STEAM Team Adventures

☁️ Seven Days [3/7] ☁️

Tia's POV:

I sailed to Northwynd earlier than everyone else to spend some quality time with Arthur.

It was still ridiculously cold, with several feet of thick snow blocking the entrances to the castle.

He had set up an easel in his room, setting up his acrylic paints and preparing a jar of clean water.

I was in charge of getting the canvas, selecting the ideal size for his work.

"It has been a while since I last painted something nice." My mentor mumbled, taking out a pouch full of paintbrushes. "Remember when I used to teach you art before the war? I'd come and teach lessons at Baywharf once a week... You were so eager to learn from me, out of all the other students there."

I remembered those days very vividly- I never skipped a single one of his classes. "I took a liking to your art. Something just, I dunno, called me to you, I guess?"

"Maybe we were just destined to become good friends, I guess." Arthur shrugged, holding a half-inch brush in one hand.

"Good friends?" I blinked at him, watching him gently stroke the tip of the brush across the canvas I was holding. "Like, obviously we're friends, but... With a deeper connection. We're not like best friends, but we're close."

"Then we're close friends." He replied. "You and I are meant to be allies and nothing more. Simple."

"Cool." I yawned, eyeing his brush. "There's no paint on that, by the way."

"I know, Tia." The king muttered, casting a glance at me. "I'm just thinking about what to put on this blank canvas."

I gave him a quiet squeak, tilting my head to the side. "Do you need any ideas?"

"I'm thinking of some." He sighed, turning to face me.

Reaching out, he gently brushed the tip of my nose with the bristles of his tool, tickling my face.

I stood perfectly still, letting the brush glide across my skin.

He traced along my signature x scar, going over each scratch in one fluid, swift motion.

Imaginary paint was dabbed onto my cheeks, blended into my natural skin color with his fingers to imitate blush.

I closed my eyes, letting him apply some nonexistent eyeliner and smear on some eyeshadow.

It felt nice to be a canvas for once.

"Heh, you look like a pretty princess." He chuckled, holding up a hand mirror. "Wanna see the results?"

"Sure, why not?" I shrugged, playing along with his joke.

When he held up the mirror to my face, I wasn't surprised to see my normal, unaltered self staring back at me.

"Thanks, but I already know I look nice." I smiled, gently moving his hand aside.

"Just wanted to boost your confidence," Arthur said, putting the mirror down. "Teens like you nowadays are always shaming themselves. I will never understand them."