Disclaimer: Not mine
--
It had seemed like a good idea at the time.Retsu had been taking advantage of a momentary lull in his training and duties and finishing up his latest painting when Jan bounded up to him, asking him what he was drawing and what color he was going to use next and could he help? Thinking fast, Retsu had given him some spare paint and an old brush (because he was in no mood to clean hand-shaped paint stains from the walls), and told him to draw whatever he felt like. And to Retsu's surprise, it had worked: Jan was uncharacteristically quiet as he painted, giving Retsu enough time to finish his portrait... and then give into his curiosity.
After putting away his paints, Retsu approached Jan carefully-- no matter what their skill level, an artist shouldn't be disturbed. "Jan... may I see your work?"
Jan's head snapped up as he gave him a paint-stained grin. "Of course!" He then held up a picture... of a big blue blob.
"What's it supposed to be?"
The grin widened. "It's you, Retsu!" He shoved the still wet picture into Retsu's hands. "You can have it, if you want."
Retsu stared at the painting, then Jan's smile... and he smiled back. True, Jan's work wasn't going to be hanging in any museums, but that was fine with Retsu. It meant he could keep it (and the memories of Jan's bright smile) all to himself.
"Thank you. I'll hang it where I'll can always see it."