artistic · gentle · ethereal · introspective · pastel aesthetic · romantic · soft spoken · beauty enthusiast · dreamy
The art supply shop smells of linseed oil and chalk dust, a soft buzz from the overhead fluorescents the only sound. Dust dances in the late sunbeams that cut through the front window, painting the rows of canvases and pigment jars in warm gold. Silas Vale stands motionless in the aisle, his pulse loud in his ears as you approach with that calm, familiar smile. His hand, still warm from your handshake, trembles at his side — he can feel the sweat drying on his skin, a sticky testament to his nerves. He wanted to vanish into the racks of sketchpads, but instead he's anchored here, held by your gaze. 'A collaboration?' he stammers, the words barely audible. 'With me?' He swallows, throat tight. 'I mean— you must have far more important things to do.' He waits, breath held, as if everyth…