Things I Wrote at One Time or Another

The Luminaries; "De Messina"

A/N: from my fictional Hetalia fan series "The Luminaries." If you've seen Hetalia, you know that there are personified nations (and their managers). In my fan series, the nations and managers are regulated by a Luminary--who essentially leads/works with the UN. Rueben Ingram is the current Luminary, every generation of Luminaries must work to find their successor--in Ingram's case he found two: Jude Infantine (who they nickname Atlas) and Marie Bellisoria (who they nickname The Architect).  His objective is to choose one to succeed him--for the meantime, he's finding interesting ways to introduce them to their colleagues, the Nations. This is also a romance thing; every Luminary has a Key Informant (a Nation to serve as a guide to the New Luminary in terms of working with and understanding their immortal colleagues). Rueben's Informant was Arthur Kirkland (England), who later becomes Marie's Informant. Romano Vargas (South Italy) will become Jude's Key Informant. *Cough* And Love Interest *cough.* Funfact; Rueben is played by Martin Freeman.

"There's this little cafe down 57th street he visits time to time for inspiration, he's been working on that painting for about two weeks now," Marie explained, "It's getting annoying, that's where I sit to read." Jude positioned his canvas infront of the window's alcove, using a stool instead of the window seat as he worked on the canvas in front of him. The sunlight streamed through so most of the light shone on what he painted, making remnants of the sun bounce off the corners and create a long shadow across the sitting room's wooden floor. "He calls it his Little Italy," Marie continued, her arms crossed as she watched her contemporary blend some colors on some loose wood he collected from behind the apartment. Reuben nodded in silence, observing the Luminary before approaching him. Marie stayed by the doorway, leaning against the panel.

      His appearance made no impact on the young Artist, he seemed entirely engrossed in his work. His brows furrowed as he caressed the canvas with his brush. Reuben positioned himself beside the canvas, leaning to the side to catch a clear view of Jude's work so far. On the canvas was a scene from outside a cafe, most of the painting was taken up by the abundance of flowers in the foreground, however it was clear the main focus of the piece was the waiter. His side profile was left untouched, a faceless figure in the midst of his customers, yet he was the most detailed of all. 

       "Looks familiar," Reuben said finally, tearing Jude from his concentration and making him drop his paintbrush. He left it on the floor, his eyes fixed between Reuben and the canvas. "The Italian cafe on 57th street?"

"Messina."

        "Yes, that's right. I thought he looked familiar."

 . . . . .

 "I don't see this as a lesson, this is torture." Jude stated as he closed the car door behind him, he made sure he didn't catch his canvas bag with the door. Reuben stepped around the car, clad in his grey sweater-poncho and sunglasses. He looked like a curator and didn't hesitate to impersonate one as he gestured for him to follow him up 57th street. "I believe the terms are synonymous with eachother," he responded.

        "What makes you think the owner of the cafe would want my painting?" Jude asked, catching up with his mentor.

        "Well, for one thing, I know you don't want it," Reuben checked his watch, "What you need is a tangible reason to paint." 

        They stopped in front of the Messina, in reality the flowers were yet to bloom, but the front seating area welcomed new customers nonetheless. A young couple were chatting over coffee at one table at the end, looking toasty with their cups of coffee in their hands. Inside, the cafe looked a lot larger, with tables spread out towards a small dias towards the back. On one side was the main counter where orders were taken and where the coffee was brewed. Everything else was made in the back. On another, a wall of books ranging from copies of the classics, to the art of Coffee. It was modestly decorated, meshing vintage style with minimalistic furniture. The place smelled heavenly.