Work Text:
You weren’t popular.
You were just an underground artist who liked painting and sketching. Even dabbling in digital art every once in a while.
That was all there was to it. Nobody was a remarkable #1 fan (to your knowledge) and no big companies were trying to make collabs either.
It was peaceful like this, and you wanted it to stay this way.
It was hard to notice at first, even though you never had recurring customers.
Your (permanent) art gallery had mostly visitors and occasionally customers. Nothing out of the ordinary, and no reason to have you remember who came and went.
And then you saw him.
Itrapped.
Itrapped, of all people, took a step into your establishment. Walked through that door like he wasn’t a known businessman.
You knew that he could feel your gaze. He felt your eyes pierce through his back. He didn’t mind. He relished in the attention.
That’s why he kept coming back. Sometimes he bought a painting or two, sometimes didn’t. (Maybe he didn’t feel like it sometimes, you knew well that he had the money.)
That’s how the Itrapped became your first recurring customer.
——
A familiar face slid through the doors of your gallery, a charming smile presented on his face.
The two of you were the only ones in the room, and you greeted Itrapped with a polite smile and a wave.
”Good morning,” You chirped. “Looking for anything in particular?” Itrapped turned around to face you after hearing you.
He took a few steps in your direction, looking left and right for any other paintings that might pique his interest.
“Not exactly. I just wanted to stop by and see my favourite artist.” He replied, leaning on the counter you sat behind.
It wasn’t uncommon for the two of you to exchange banter, but him calling you his favourite artist was new.
”Oh?” You couldn’t help but smile at the comment. “Favourite artist, you say? Why, you flatter me.” You said playfully while innocently pointing to yourself.
Itrapped let his finger run through the wood grain engraved in the countertop. “Of course, it’s my pleasure. In fact,” He reached for something in his pocket. Eventually, he pulled out a business card and slid it across the counter towards you. “Take this. I have a bit of a schedule today.”
You gently picked up the business card and looked up to reply, but he was already gone. You shake your head.
Of course. You weren’t surprised.
A sigh escapes your mouth as you let the card slip into your bag, focusing your attention onto the empty room, waiting for another customer to arrive.
——
The sky was still blue. But you could tell that it was late, judging by the way the sunlight hit the ground and where the shadows appeared.
You let out a yawn and stretch your arms, walking towards the door, ready to close up for the day.
“Did I really come too late?” A playful voice invades the space as you turn the lights off. Of course, Itrapped. Who else could it have been?
“Hey,” You mumble, stepping outside and flipping the sign from open to closed. “I was just closing up for the day, so I guess so. Unless you wanted something more?”
It sounded normal to some tired artist. But not to Itrapped, because of course it didn’t. “Isn’t that a bit inappropriate for a customer and vendor?” He teased, leaning closer.
His words took a moment to process, because again, you were tired. “You know what I meant.”
“Anyways,” Itrapped smoothly shifted the subject. “I was thinking, I’m interested in the process of your art. Maybe you could walk me through it.”
“Sure, no problem. When?” You accepted without hesitation.
”Right now.”
“WHAT?!”
——
That’s how you found yourself painting in your bedroom while Itrapped watched.
“Impressive.. that’s a pretty smart technique.” He pointed out, sipping on a coffee he definitely didn’t force you to make him.
Your paintbrush moved across the canvas, occasionally dipping into water and finding a new colour. What was once shapes and blobs turned into something more as you kept painting.
“Yeah, I’m pretty great like that.” You praised yourself jokingly. “I just need to add some finishing touches and I’ll be done.”
The sky, once a blue, was still blue, but it didn’t take on the same brightness it had from earlier. It was now a darker colour with the tiniest bits of the sunset seeping into it.
“That’s nice. How’d you paint this one so quickly?” Itrapped inquired while leaning spears for a meter view.
A small chuckle escaped your mouth as you kept painting. “Because this one’s basic and you made me do this on short notice while I was tired.” You answered bluntly while not sparing Itrapped a second glance.
“Well you agreed to it, why blame me?” He questioned with a smug smile.
”Because I didn’t expect it to be right after my shift.
”Oh well.”
“Screw you.” You laughed, sighed your name at the bottom of the canvas. “Okay, look! Ta-da!”
The canvas was quickly picked up by yourself and swung beside you to show Itrapped. For being rushed, it was an extremely nice painting.
Space was the easiest way to put it, but he’d have to really overanalyze it another time.
Itrapped examined the painting, squinting his eyes to see some of the finer details. “Beautiful. Outstanding as always.” He complimented you, again. “Do you plan to sell this?”
You thought of a reply, unsure on what to say. “Err… I kind of just planned to give it to you right here and now. I didn’t think to sell this.” You sheepishly admitted, bringing the painting closer to you.
“Really, now?” Even Itrapped seem shocked at that. “A gift? How thoughtful of you. I didn’t realize I served so much importance to you.”
You shot up, pointing your finger at him in an accusatory manner. “Hey, you’re just a customer, don’t let your ego get ahead of you!” You shot back in annoyance, before your voice dropped to a mumble.
”But you were my first recurring customer, and my customers are important to me.” You quietly mumbled in defeat.
“Well,” Itrapped leaned forward and took to painting from your hands. “I’ll be taking this, thank you very much. Thanks for having me over.”
He started to walk to the door of your bedroom before you called out. “Wait, are you seriously leaving?”
Itrapped pivoted, head now facing you. “Hm. Miss me already? Want me to stay longer?” He teased, watching your expression shift to one of annoyance.
“On second thoughts, get the fuck out.”