Chapter Text
"sit- yes, just...mm, turn your head a little, you look like an animal when you stare like that."
L turns his head a quarter to the left, staring not at you, but at the sconce on the wall behind you. "Are ladies supposed to call their guests animals?"
"Are men of high society supposed to be alone with ladies?"
he takes a long, slow sip of his tea, lips pinkened as he sets it back on the dainty china plate to the left of him.
With no answer, you begin. You wash the canvas in blue, a backdrop for his gaunt features to stand out in. In truth, the room was a deep, jewel-toned green, lined with oak bookshelves. There were a few round tables, some to sit at, some to support tea sets. You yourself sat with nothing other than your materials before you: a small tray to hold your paints and brushes, your canvas, and your muse.
there wasn't a lot of light, but a few strategically placed candles created a lovely shadow. Upon L's request, all of the windows were drawn, their velvet curtains blocking the afternoon sun. All, but one.
One, open and parallel to you, allowing the warmth to spread across your face, and your face only. It highlighted every intricate detail of your handstiched dress, the rich red fabric, the white lace of the petticoat that peeked out from beneath, the silver buttons lining up your sleeves. Covered, from head to toe.
he could do nothing other than watch as you dip into some colors, wipe off others, attack the canvas with precision. The brushstrokes were honest, confident, so sure as your hands flit back and forth. He couldn't see what you were making, only the process that accompanied it.
What were you adding now? The linen of his clothes? The still veins of his arm? The downward curve of his lips?
Whatever it was, you were looking at him with more intensity than anyone ever has before. As if you could see into him, as if you were picking up the vast, unending hunger in his eyes.
a summer breeze sweeps in. Rustles his hair. Stirs the still, quiet air, against your skin, into his nostrils. His mouth waters. His jaw clenches.
"Is everything alright?"
He guzzles down the remaining tea in his cup.
"Yes. Fine."