Prince

Chapter 9

Both boys got back to Joeys room successfully avoiding the King for the second time today. Joey liked the rush of sneaking around, but he knew if it came down to a confrontation he wouldn't be able to defend Daniel. None the less he put on a brave face for him despite knowing he couldn't protect him for ever, and that terrified him.

'Something on your mind sweetie?'

Daniel dragged out the the nickname in a teasing kind of way, nudging Joey on the shoulder with his own.

'Of course not, just thinking about how much mess you're going to make with these paints'

'Excuse you?'

'You heard me'

Daniel playfully pushed Joey, taking the basket of paints, brushes and paper from him.

'I'll take my business else where'

Daniel huffed mockingly and began to walk towards the door. In return Joey stuck out his bottom lip and put on the saddest face he could.

'Pwease don't leave'

Daniel turned on his heels and took a step towards Joey.

'Are you going to appreciate me'

'Yes I promise'

'Fine, I'll stay'

'Good, I'll move that dresser over there and you can have that whole corner to yourself, you can make as much mess as you like'

He untied his cloak and tossed it on the bed, then rolled up his sleeves and gripped the edges of the solid wood dresser. He began trying to push it, while Daniel watched, undoubtedly amused.

'You need a hand?'

'No no I got it'

Daniel rolled his eyes and out the basket of supplies down on the bed, then went to the other end of the dresser. Together they managed to get it on the other side of the room without pulling any muscles out he process.

'See we make a good team'

They both smiled up at each other quite proud of their achievement. Joey went into his large closet and pulled out a folded up easel, then proceeded to put it together in the corner they had just cleared.

'You attach paper or a canvas to this part here and it keeps it still while you paint. Bring me the largest paper we got.'

He gestured to the basket on the bed as Daniel pulled out a stack of paper and brought it to him. He secured it to the easel and Daniel placed the basket beside it also. Joey walked over to the dresser they'd moved and returned with a decorative China plate.

'All you do is squeeze the paint into little piles on the plate then dip the paint brush in and paint t onto the paper.'

'What am I suppose to paint?'

'That's the good thing about painting, you can do anything you like, anything in the world. What's the most beautiful thing you can think of off the top of your head.'

Daniel paused for a moment and then burst out with excitement.

'Oh I have an idea!'

Joey couldn't help but laugh at how eager he was to start.

'Don't look! Go and sit over there until I'm finished.'

He walked over to the bed and lay down facing Daniel.

'Don't look!'

'The paper is facing you I can't see it calm down sweetie, and don't get paint on that jumper'