Soul Ink

by Carriedreamer

Everyone is born with a tattoo- something known as their "soul" ink- and when two tattoos "meld" then those two are destined to be together forever-they are "soul mates" - No matter what or who is left behind: But one has finally given up on the system and is determined to beat it- though she may have a surprise in store for her as soon as she sits in that chair...:: [Complete]

4. Part IV: Falling Slowly

A/N: And at long last- we are back here again in the world of the "ink"- hehehe- I missed this universe: Enjoy my lovelies!

---

-o-o-o-

It's hard to notice how much someone has missed something… until they start doing it again.

And Brick… was definitely out of practice. The brush felt… heavy- clunky even in his hands- when once it had been an extension of his goddamn fingers- he could have closed his eyes and still managed to stay in the lines per se.

And now… look at him.

His paints were utter crap. This was disastrous: When was the last time he'd cleaned his palate knife? His goddamn palate?

He took a quick look and grimaced-… well fuck that was in the trash. Yup. Permanently in the trash- alley oop. The crash of wood hitting the metal was oddly satisfying. Yes. Yes it was. He had a spare one somewhere… this drawer? No…this one?

No… AHA! Heh- there is it and… covered in two years' worth of dust- ugh. Well hold the breath and blow and cue the dust storm! This place was like a tomb… a fucking tomb. He hadn't opened this damn door since…

It was going to take forever to clean this all out. And… why did he even want to? Canvases were littered everywhere- old sketchbooks… these Serky was never allowed to look in… ever.

He was not about to explain the birds and bees and the "ink" to his four year old. Nope.

Regardless he dragged the easel towards the window and wiped it all down: the dust was so caked on… had it really been two years?

Shit… it had been two years.

He scrubbed his face somewhat with his hand and took a deep breath- new palette. New paint. New brush.

New canvas.

New start.

Yeah… do something simple first. Something he could do with his eyes closed- no reference or model or… anything.

..A sunset. Simple. Easy. He'd done likely hundreds of them in art school. Perspective, color theory- melding- blending- and hell he was in California and they had some gorgeous sunsets.

Alright. Yes that was it. A sunset. So… reds, oranges- yellows- a dark blue and purple for the rising blanket of night and…

Brick paused again.

The movements were clumsy and well he was definitely out of practice but today was his day off- Serky was off with Nana at the mall getting new clothes for school so Brick had the place to himself. He could be the responsible adult and start packing things back into boxes for the move back to Townsville.

But Brick was lazy… and he was still in summer mode so…

What better way to procrastinate… and be a lazy fuck… than… with his old standby.

Mother had been whining about wanting a new painting for the house and not wanting to pay for it anyway. In other words-

"I want a Brick original. I want another masterpiece for my living room wall…" He muttered. "Not that I'm pressuring you daaaarling but when should I be expecting another grandchild hmmmmm- but I'm not being passive aggressive oh no- not at all. Neeeeever." The brush swirled- the medley of colors melded- blended- because Brick didn't just follow an outline and be done with it- oh no. Brick's painting had always been a mess. A swirl of colors and lines, shapes that made no sense until the final product- it wasn't like he didn't possess the ability to do ultra-realism- of course he did- he'd been professionally trained and were this renaissance or something he could have made a solid living being a portrait painter quite easily.

But call Brick a fool but… he didn't want to.

What was art… if it were generic or god forbid cookie cutter?

No… that wasn't worth it. And so he had infuriated his school teachers with making his own way- not following assignments- oh an exercise on perspective? No problem- draw a house? Sure- the house was actually living within an aquarium and was in reality a model.

Sure. Go ahead. Fail him. At least his drawing had been interesting.

High school had been better- slightly: At least there he'd been lucky enough to run into some teachers who'd encouraged creativity versus conformity. And who had encouraged him to submit his work to the city art show… and who had then condemned Brick to the single worst mistake he had ever made in his entire fucking-.

The golden yellow smeared all across the canvas. No. Not a mistake. He couldn't call the whole thing a mistake. He wouldn't have his Bridget… and he had loved her. He'd loved her enough to be a fucking idiot and believe her.

His eyes lingered on the yellow smudge- before he swirled in red and the muted orange he had just mixed within it: The yellow had consumed the canvas. Fuck. No matter the amount of red it was still clear yellow was everywhere – sunsets weren't yellow. Shit… even when he mixed into the colors more and more it was just becoming more of a burnished gold.

Gold… money. Fuck. Fuck it all. The brush went crashing down with a disgusted snarl in its wake. He ran his fingers over his eyes. Well shit.

It was official. He was all washed up. How could he have made such an amateur mistake? More rubbing. It was done. He was finished.

…Unless. Red… white… that dark muted navy blue mixed with a lot of white then the same red… there we go. Worth a shot.

Pink. Violet… a medley of the two. His tongue clicked. Maybe this could alleviate the gold catastrophe here.

Ah… there we go. Okay so crisis somehow averted- so… by some miracle maybe he wasn't a lost cause just yet. The sunset began to take shape- was it over the pier- the beach? By a lonely road… well he'd just have to concentrate on the sun itself- that was the core of the piece.

Wait…

His eyes narrowed. He squinted and looked closer at the painting. Nope. Wrong shade. Not pink enough. Too much yellow was still peeking through. Maybe some thinner- more of the violet… no…

The fuck. Okay… maybe some more red- damn it! Now it was more magenta- ugh! He'd taken how many years of art school!? What was his degree worth!? And he couldn't even mix the damn paints right! The fuck- hell no! Not happening!

So clearly he'd gone too dark- and hadn't used enough of the midnight blue to shadow the red and create a deeper purple… now mix some white… maybe some… no.

He frowned. No that wasn't right either. The hell?

His arms folded and he peered closer- well now the yellow was almost nonexistent… so… too dark. Some orange and now… too red. THE HELL MAN!?

Was he really that out of practice…?

…No. It just… didn't look right.

The shade was all wrong. He didn't know why but it was wrong.

He mixed another shade of red- maybe the red had been too overpowering like the yellow. So soften it a bit. Well… it was better somewhat at least.

Still something missing though. The canvas was filling rather quickly- he threw together a mix of black and blue with hints of white - another beach scene typical but hey what else was new.

It was still bugging him.

A lot.

Why was this color being such a bitch? It was a run of the mill painting to shut Mother up. This was no… well… maybe if he painted the ocean itself he'd be able to figure out-.

It was wrong. That shade was fucking wrong and it was bugging him. No it was infuriating him. He stood up and bent over- nose almost hitting the wet canvas. Pink. Purple. Violet.

Sunsets were made of a mixture of different colors and ratios to those colors- tricks of the light- depending on the background it was… still wrong. Nope. This was wrong. Nope. Nope. Fine.

Fine.

Brick was out of practice. He clearly needed to practice. So be it.

Swish. Scratch. Swish.

Nope.

Swish. Scratch. Swish.

Nada.

Swish. Scratch. Swish.

Dud.

Swish. Scratch. Swish.

Worse than before.

Swish…. Scratch…. Swish.

That was a joke right?

Swish…. Scratch. SWISH.

Fuck no.

SWISH. Scratch. Swish.

Yeah no.

Swish. Swish. SCRATCH. Swish.

Fucking.

SWISH. SCRATCH. SCRATCH. Swish.

HELL!

Swish. Swish. Swish. SCRATCH.

WHY.

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch. SWISH.

WASN'T.

SWISH. SWISH.

THIS.

SCRATCH. SCRATCH.

WORKING!?

SWISH. SCRATCH. SWISH. SCRATCH. CRASH

He jumped up and paced the floor- and wrenched the window open. It was hot as hell in here. Clearly it was messing with Brick's brain!

The canvas just stood there mocking him.

He bit the inside of his cheek and tapped his foot ominously. The hell was wrong- what was going on here. It was pink. It was purple. There was no magic color between them. What. Was. Wrong!?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He was overthinking it. That was all. Yes.

He picked up the palette again and set it back to rights and swirled the brushes in the water. Just… paint. Don't think. Paint.

Paint.

It'll create itself- maybe it's not supposed to be a sunset. Close the eyes. Let the brush do the talking.

Just… paint.

Left. Right. Around and around. Ah… there we go muuuuch better. So it wasn't a sunset after all… so… uh what is it?

Ah well- his brushes will answer that eventually.

Lots of pink and purple… not the right shade still but fuck it- maybe Brick was just having a really off day is all.

He'd been having those lately. Off days he meant- like some kind of weird fog or haze was engulfing his brain. He'd been getting too much sun or something- yeah… that was it. Sun.

Lots… of sun.

…. Sun.

His hand was back on autopilot- and he became lost in the rhythm and relished in the familiar sensation of the dancing brush.

It had been… an interesting… err… experience the last couple of… fuck it'd only been… barely a week. Not even a week. But it felt… like a lifetime. Just… fuck.

His gaze drifted to his hand- the flames and ice stared back at him.

Yeah… she had kicked… some serious ass back there- Brick would admit that had been… impressive as hell: A little bit of a blow to his ego but… still this…Laura Utonium was… not one to be trifled with.

And… shit did she live up to her "other" name too: Blossom. What a perfect name. What was this "Laura" bull? Should have been Blossom hands down. She was… she was as pretty as any flower he'd ever seen and those eyes… shit those eyes.

He'd never seen such a shade… so…violet… they almost seemed pink. Just like a cherry blossom…or a setting sun… sunset eyes… he'd never… seen such a thing in his life… they were… extraordinary… simply beautiful and…

…and Brick was being creepy again. Like…. The bad kind of creepy and… for the love of…

It was just…. Ink.

Stupid… life ruining ink which had already completely turned Brick's life upside down once and now it was threatening to do it- again!?

Fuck no. Uh uh. Hell no. Not interested. No way.

They lived in the same city. But… they may have lived in Townsville but they didn't live in the same part of Townsville. Yeah. That's it. They'd avoided each other for… how old was she again? Err… twenties for sure… but uh… right.

He had no idea how old she was. Or about her interests - was she into martial arts? – would explain the kung Fu- beat down he'd been a witness to and the fact her friends hadn't even seemed surprised. – And he knew she liked… ribbons? Flowers… and uh…

Yeah. Yeah no. He wasn't about to drop everything for a total stranger.

Even if that display in his shop had been one of the hottest things Brick had ever seen in his life (blow to his ego aside)

N-Nope! Nuh uh! Nada. Was. Not. Happening.

Not again. Nope.

Just nooope.

… And she hadn't seemed interested in the whole thing really either! She'd seemed… just… just as freaked out by the mentality a total fucking stranger and her were… were…

God damn it!

Why was Brick even thinking like this!? What was he doing?! Was he insane!? Deluded- he couldn't put Serky through this! He barely knew the woman! And what if…

The chill was instant.

"Welllll Jacky asked and I couldn't say noooo to him Bricky. It was a soul request duuuuh."

Soul Request. One of the most fucked up… fucking mentalities of this whole fucking thing. If you ever – ever denied your soulmate a "soul request" well then- fuck your life because you just didn't do that shit.

And that's why she had gone and abandoned their beautiful little girl and then Liz had ever-…. No let's give the bitch her proper due. Her proper name. "Princess"- God did it suit her. A fucking high maintenance bitch who had gone and turned Brick into her bitch. What the fuck had he ever been thinking…?

God all the signs had been there right in front of his hormone addled teenage eyes and he'd just… blinded himself to them.

His mother had hated her. Fucking couldn't stand her. And she'd had no problem whatsoever letting Brick know… every… fucking… chance… she… got.

Frankly if he wasn't her beloved son he had a dark feeling she'd be constantly laughing in his face- singing the "told you so- told you so- nan a- boo boo!" song any chance she could fucking get.

He loved his mother- really he did.

But good God she'd been driving him crazy lately.

Serky needs a mother! I won't be around forever! You can't give up painting! Why aren't you painting! How about you at least come and MEET [insert name] of whoever of her friends' daughters were still single. She wasn't worth it. Never worth it. Nothing but a – [copy, paste- insert every single G-rated insult she could come up with in a ten minute period.]

He'd kept his mouth shut about Blo-… Miss Utonium. Dear God if he didn't it would never end.

Nevvvvvveeeerrr.

He just had to play the waiting game. Just had to play it- a few more days and she was leaving and then…

The commotion was loud and he looked at the clock briefly but furrowed his brow. That…was odd.

They'd only been gone for an hour and a half. Knowing his mother… it should have been at least three hours… at the minimum.

"Daaaaaaaddddyyyyy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy-daddy- Daaaaaaaadddddyyy!"

And… there went Brick's quiet time- ah well. Three. Two. One.

The blur of red came crashing into, " Daddy! Daddy! Lookit! Lookit!" Bridget did a little twirl, " Nana took me to get my nails and toes done! See! Lookit my pretty flowers! And I got a bunch of pretty clothes and-and- OHHHH ARE YOU PAINTING!? DADDY ARE YOU PAINTING!?"

…Three… two… one.

CLICKCLACKCLICKCLACK

"Oh my Goodness!" And cue the matriarch of the Jojo clan- the almighty Lucille Jojo. "Luci" for short. She pressed her hands together and her mouth was a perfect little O'.

"Ohhh daaarling you are painting! Look at this! What on earth is this?" She bent over his canvas immediately, and immediately wiped her eyes- oh for the love of… was she crying? Fuck she was crying.

"Mom… it's not really a big deal it's just a-."

"Not a big deal!? Matthew Edward Jojo III!" (God that was a mouthful) She clicked her heels on his floor, "What do you mean – "not a big deal-!?" You haven't painted or even set foot in here since- since-!" Her mouth twisted and she slammed her newly manicured hands over both of Bridget's ears, "Since that no good, spoiled little-!" And… here we go.

Berserk giggled and wiggled her own bright pink nails in front of him and he nodded- should a four year be getting her nails done… probably not but there was no arguing with his mother so… yeah.

"And of all the wretchedly selfish husks of humanity out there she was certainly the worst and-!"

"Okay… mother. Mother- I get the point." He smoothly removed his mother's hands from Bridget's ears and the little girl went flying into his lap.

"Daddy I wanna see- can I see! Can I see?" He sighed and turned around in his seat- her eyes went wide, "Oooh! Pretty…." Her little hand went up and he gently grasped it and set it down quickly. She pouted.

"Paint's not dry baby girl." He murmured. "Wouldn't want to ruin your pretty nails. What is that- a few flowers on em' this time?" She grinned.

"Uh huh! See- this pretty flower's blue- and this one's green- and then this one's blue again- cause the lady at the salon said pink, blue and green can look reaaaaaaalllly pretty together and-and-!"

"Ah yes- you know Matthew-."

Brick…

"Speaking of flowers-." He didn't like that look in his mother's eyes. No… no he did not. They were too… bright. "You know we met the nicest girl today at the mall- seems she and her girlfriends were having a beauty day too and they seemed to recognize little Serky here."

That smile was too big. Too wide. Too scary. Fuck. Oh no. No. Life didn't hate him that much. Life did not hate him that-!

"Daaadddyyy we saw Miss Blossom! You know the pretty lady with the thingie on her hand!"

OH FUCK!

"Serky-shh! Shh-!"

His mother's gaze was terrifyingly calm. Brick was a dead man. A dead man.

… Well at least Serky would… have a loving grandmother to take care of her.

"Bridget darling- could you be a dear and put all these bags in your room?" Bad smile. Bad. Baaaad.

…How much money did that woman spend on his daughter!? They were gone for barely-!? And his little girl was practically buried in bags- oh for the love of-!? What happened to not spoiling Bridget to the point she'd turn into the [insert insult of the day towards Brick's ex.]

Apparently Nanas didn't count.

His spoiled senseless little girl only beamed, "Okay Nana! Ooh! Can I wear my pretty new shoes today!?"

"Don't you want to save them for the first day-?" Brick began but Lucille Jojo only waved her granddaughter out of the room.

"I think that would be lovely sweetheart- best hurry now."

…. He didn't like that. He didn't like the sound of that. No… no he did not.

Nor did he like the speed his studio door was closed when Bridget skipped out and she leaned against the door, arms folded and heels tapping ominously on the floor.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Well Brick was a grown ass man and he was not about to be bullied by his mother like some kind of surly teenager! No, no he was not! He picked up the brush-.

"Put the brush down Matthew."

He froze. That tone did not bode well.

"Mother. I am twenty eight years-."

"Who's acting like a seventeen year old again- only this time-?"

Click. Clack. Click.

Brick's arm was immediately seized and the sleeve of his sweat shirt was pulled up. His mother's eyes centered on… the ink that was around his hand and oh fuck his life what had Bridget told her!?

"She didn't have to tell me anything. A mother you see always knows." Fuck she'd gone and read his mind again. "I did after all labor with you for twelve hours now didn't I Matthew Edward!"

It's Brick…

"But it was just all worth it when I held my baby boy in my arms for the first time- I memorized every-." That squeeze on his wrist was kind of getting tight. "Little-." Tighter. Ow. "Inch-." Tighter. Tighter. Ow. OW! – "Of my little boy- including!-!" She shook his wrist. "Where certain ink had ended up and what it was!"

His mother was shorter than him. And tiny. Not as short as his dad had been. Dad had kind of been a shorty and Mother had been taller than him sure but Brick had apparently gotten his height from his grandfather and- Jeez! OW! Stop squeezing woman!

"Okay! Okay I get the point Mom! Ow! OW!" Stupid death nails!

"Oh really – you do- do you? Then mind explaining to me why you apparently were planning on hiding this wonderful piece of news from your poor innocent mother who only wants the best for her son and precious granddaughter!"

"I'm aware of that Mother- trust me I know but this is-."

"MATTHEW EDWARD JOJO III!"

It's… BRICK!

He bristled, "Mom… I was going… to tell you okay- I was but…later I was going to tell you."

"Later?" She said dubiously.

"Yes."

"You mean later as in- Miss Utonium would be gone."

He flinched. "Mother she's not interested in this kind of- we barley know each other-!"

His mother's expression suddenly changed. Her smile was bright and she patted his cheek,

"Oh yes, yes- it's always a little awkward at first- anyone who says otherwise is lying- why I can still remember when I met your father for the first time-."

Oh God not again! He put his hands up,

"Yes… Yes mother I know… I've heard the story." At least a hundred plus times at this point… But Lucille Jojo was still smiling way too much. WAY too much for Brick's comfort.

"But that awkwardness always fades away rather quickly sweetheart- trust me." Another big smile. The cold creeping feeling at the back of Brick's neck was only growing worse.

"Uh…yeah… uh…huh. Sure… Mother… is there-." He cleared his throat. "Is there a reason… in particular Serky wants to wear her new shoes at…two o' clock in the afternoon?"

"Daaaadddy!" And speaking of mysteries-she had returned- brand new Mary Janes shining with the little red…bows attached. He blinked. Again with the bows- why was he surrounded by bows lately!?

Bridget did a little twirl and his mother clapped her hands.

"Well whaddya think Daddy! Will I look pretty for today?"

"You… always look pretty baby girl… what's today?" He said slowly. And now both his mother and his daughter were beaming.

Oh dear God what did this woman do!?

"Heheehe it's a surprise daddy!"

"Ah…" he cleared his throat. "I…I see. Serky… why don't you give me and Nana a second okay?"

She blinked.

"Am I in trouble Daddy?" Her lips trembled.

"No baby girl you're not in trouble."

"Oh. Is Nana?"

"I haven't decided yet. Go play in the living room for a few minutes okay."

"okaaaaay." She cocked her head. "But Nana says you like surprises."

Not… if it's what I think it is.

Luci simply kept smiling away like the world was made of kittens and rainbows and chocolate rivers flowing everywhere. Oh Brick didn't like the sound of this. He closed the door behind his innocent four year old.

"What. Did. You. Do. Mother?" He said through a huge gritted smile. She shrugged,

"Nothing baaad."

"I'll be the judge of that." He rubbed his brow. "Mother. What did you do?"

She folded her arms, "She seems like a perfectly nice young lady Matthew-."

"It's Brick."

"And when we saw her at the mall why you should have seen little Serky's face- it just lit up and then Miss Utonium's smile- oh it was simply heartwarming. We had a lovely time talking to her at the salon."

Oh… God.

"That's…. nice mother but-." Maybe she'd get the message if I just went back to painting… yeah… that was a good plan.

Swish. Scratch…. Swish.

"And Serky was simply going on and on, why I couldn't get her to stop even."

"Uh huh…."

Swish. Scratch.

"Oh yes and she had quite the interest in the arts it seems."

"Yep."

Scratch.

"So I simply thought- why instead of talking about the incredible artist my son is why not show her."

Swisssssssh.

That was a rather obnoxious pink smear. Fuck. Uh… white. Lots of white. Fade it out.

But… what had she just-?!

"Mother…"

"So I just thought it'd be nice if we all got to know her better in a quieter setting."

"Mom…"

"And well luckily her hotel isn't that far from here- beautiful location really- she's staying right at the Sea Scallop- over near the boardwalk-."

The brush went down.

"Mother. What. Did. You. DO!?"

She shrugged oh so innocently- "Well I didn't do anything Matthew."

"It's- Brick mother."

Her eyes narrowed, "I named you Matthew Edward Jojo III- and that is who you are!" She pointed a blood red fingernail in his face. He flinched back. "And furthermore what your poor father would think knowing-." She sniffed, oh hell. "Knowing his only son was rejecting his family in such a way." She dabbed at her eyes. Oh… FUCK. "I'm not getting any younger you know and yet- yet still how can I possible go to my eternal resting place knowing my son is still-."

"Mother… you're forty-six." He said dryly.

"Oh hush you! You never speak of a lady's age!" The paintbrush made an effective "mallet"- he rubbed his head irritably. "And little Bridget absolutely insisted- for some reason Miss Utonium was also somewhat hesitant but I assured her-."

"Hesitant… about what?" Bad feeling growing worse.

"And really how could anyone say no to those big eyes- our little Bridget is going to be an absolute heartbreaker. Just like Nana- ohoho!"

"Mother..." Alarm Bells ringing. Alarm Bells ringing very loudly!

She ceased in her unhinged laughter and threw a giant smile in his direction.

"So of course I invited her over for coffee this afternoon- she should be here in-… oh ten… minutes give or take- plenty of time for you to change and get something less… err…" She delicately pulled at Brick's paint stained sleeve. "Angry painter…"

She…wasn't serious- oh dear God she was. Oh for the love of-!?

"Mother…. Mother you can't just invite some total stranger you meet at the mall for coffee- IN MY HOUSE!"

She blinked. "But she's hardly a stranger son." His head was patted like a dog. Woof. "She's your-."

He narrowed his eyes, "And I've told you before- I'm. Not. Interested. In. A. Goddamn. Soulmate! -What do they cause but more problems! She and I don't even-!" He pulled at his hair. "I'm not interested in-!"

Her arms folded. "Oh really?"

"Yes!"

"Is that so?"

"YES!"

She moved past him and then bent over to look at the canvas, "Bridget dear- would you mind coming in here for a moment!"

What? He blinked.

Bridget came skipping in, "Yes Nana?"

"Look at this pretty picture Daddy's been working on- isn't it so pretty but you know… there's something familiar about it but Nana just can't place it- can you help me sweetie?"

He frowned but Bridget hopped on his lap anyway and looked at the painting with a keen eye- she was naturally talented in so many things- and she certainly took after Daddy when it came to the perception of color and-.

"It's an eye Nana! See!"

Brick blinked, "No sweetie it's a sunset I know it looks like a mess right now but-." She shook her head.

"No Daddy- gawwd- it's an eye! See- look!"

What….? His mother bent over.

"Well I'll be- you're right Bridget- how strange though I don't think I've ever met anyone with pink eyes before have you?"

She giggled, "Yes we have Nana! Miss Flower has the really pretty eyes they look kinda pink remember! Oooh! Daddy are you painting a picture of Miss Blossom's eyes?"

"…..It's a sunset." He croaked.

She cocked her head, "Nooo…. Silly Daddy it's an eye."

"No… it's a sunset." Another croak.

His mother serenely plucked his confused little girl off his lap.

"Thank you sweetheart- why don't you go pick out what kind of cookies we should have for when Miss Blossom gets here okay?"

"YAY! Okay! Daddy what kind of cookies you want?"

"…A-Anything… you…want baby girl."

And out did the little traitor go skipping along.

Silence.

His mother just kept smiling.

He looked at the sunset…. Eyes…. On the canvas…

"It's a sunset." Sunset eyes.

"Of course it is sweetheart." She patted his shoulder serenely. Not even a hint of smugness. Oh no- never.

"It is."

"I know."

Silence.

A sigh and her hand was on his shoulder,

"Mat-…. Brick." He looked up. "It's been two years sweetheart…" He flinched away but his mother held firm. "Son… I… I just want to see you happy darling." He scowled.

"No you want a grandson." He muttered, she frowned,

"Would I welcome a Matthew Jojo IV? – Yes: But I also would welcome my son being happy again and not have that wretched… wretched... She sniffed loudly and took a deep breath. "She's already cost you so much Brick. Don't let… her cost you this."

He turned back to the painting, "I don't even know her Mom."

She nodded, "Don't you want to?"

Silence.

"… I don't know."

Another squeeze on his shoulder.

"There's only one way to find out Brick…"

The clock ticked. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

It may as well have been one of those ominous gongs… His sweatshirt was covered in paint. He looked like a total slob.

"… I'll just go change." He muttered.

Another pat on the cheek, "You do that darling."

She went strolling off- humming as she did so. He frowned and gulped.

What am I doing…?

The sunset stared at him- a reject. Yet another one. Why he kept bothering he just didn't know.

He stood up irritably and shoved the cloth over the canvas. He'd toss it later.

Ding Dong.

"Daaaaaaaddddy! Someone's at the door!"

… Well…it couldn't go… that bad…

Could it?

-o-o-o-

It could.

This… easily took one of the top ten slots for single most awkward moment of Brick's life. How… many times did one have to stir their coffee? Because he was pretty sure… that was sufficiently mixed by now. Bridget happily gulped her milk and chowed down on her cookies- Nana Luci simply sipped her tea while the other two adults…

Just stared at their cups. Like they had…for the last oh… eight… nine minutes now? Berserk chattered happily- going on and on about her pretty nails and how pretty "Miss Blossom's" nails were and she would answer any questions directly asked of her but…

This was a disaster. This was a terrible idea. Fuck why had he let his mother talk him into this-!?

"So… Laura- tell me you mentioned something about being a teacher…?" Luci broke the constant four year old chatter finally- as well as delivered a subtle kick to Brick's ankle. Laura Utonium seemed to jump somewhat but then she smiled,

"O-Oh. Yes Mrs.-."

"Pleaaaase darling-." His mother's hand went up, "Call me Luci."

"Oh…" Her gaze flicked to meet his briefly but then just as quickly fell back on the table and her utterly fascinating mug. "Yes- I'm an English teacher."

"High school right?" They all looked at him at that. He took another quick swig, "You mentioned you have debates on the merits of Shakespeare in your classes." Her face flushed- oh hell. She'd mentioned that at most in passing and now she probably thought he was some kind of stalker who-!

"Yes." She gave a small nod, "I teach high school English- run the drama club. You have a good memory…Brick." She murmured. Stalker.

"My son's always been extremely observant." Luci took another smug sip. Because to her of course this was all going swimmingly.

Over bearing mother… stalker… oh I can tell this fine woman's relishing in what life has decided for her at the moment. Fuck my life.

"Uh huh! My daddy can see things like no one else can! Least that's what my Nana says- it's why his arts is so pretty!" Bridget gushed while she took another bite of a cookie. What was that- three? Four now? He frowned,

"Bridget- easy on the cookies you'll spoil your dinner." He said firmly and the little girl pouted with a little bit of a tremble to her lips but he kept his gaze stern and finally she buzzed her lips and took another drink of her milk in somewhat of a huff.

His mouth curled somewhat and he heard a small laugh at his side but as soon as their eyes met once again she quickly averted her gaze. Though… was that a smile? A slight… curl to her lips as she sipped at her coffee again.

"Are you an actress Miss Blossom?" Bridget blurted out, "Are you on Nana's stories?"

"Stories?"

She blinked and Brick almost hit the table- oh… hell. She gave him a strange look: Berserk giggled and almost jumped over the table.

"YEAH like-Hospital Diaries- the Brava Mama- As the Butter churns-!"

"As… the Butter churns?" Head in table. Just… head in table. This wasn't happening- his mother beamed.

"Oh yes- haven't you heard of it darling? It's just all the juicy happenings that occur in this family owned bakery – it's on its thirty fifth season- but it's just one of those shows that's sooooo easy to pick up if you're interested."

Kill me now… Kill me now.

"YEAH! Tony and Maria are supposed to get married but he's just been picked up by the mob and they're trying to take the bakery!"

…What… has my four year old been watching…?

His mother ignored the withering stare of course- and Bridget continued to gush about whatever… was going to be happening next Thursday at three o' clock sharp with the Italian mafia and a plot for a hostile takeover of some bakery in revenge for one of the pastry chefs choosing this… Tony over one of the gangsters… note to self… Bridget was not allowed to watch television with Nana unsupervised anymore. No four year old should know what a "hit" is.

She continued to drink her coffee and listen politely- nodding and oohing and ahhing at all the right moments as Serky continued to gush about…bakeries and… yeah. No more TV. No more. Educational only. Would it be better or worse if he made a point to mention that he'd had no idea what kind of programming his little girl was watching with Nana…?

God damn it she was hard to read!

Another slight meeting of eyes- another smile (?) – Before once again her gaze averted.

The jolt in his chest was almost painful- almost like it was jump starting after being dormant for a long time… every time he caught even a glimpse of those… sunset eyes.

… He hadn't even come close- he inwardly lamented. Her eyes were… he was out of practice. He'd mixed those colors completely wrong.

Ugh. This was a disaster- he reached for a cookie but hit something soft instead. Aw fuck! What was this high school!? He ripped his hand away- and he knew… he knew he was blushing like a stumbling little idiot- that gawky freshman who had spent his adolescence buried in a sketchbook and had been left a stuttering mess when a member of the female species had so much as looked at him.

And he didn't have his sketchbook now so he was just gonna stuff the cookie in his goddamn mouth like a moron and he saw she herself had quickly grabbed her own cookie and was nibbling at it rather daintily.

Eyes plastered on the table. He cleared his throat and took one last gulp of coffee. This was disastrous. Utterly- disastrous- beyond comprehension. He was almost thirty fucking years old and he was left acting like that moron of a kid he'd been back then and- fuck.

Okay… time to end this before he humiliated himself more in front of his four year old. Soulmate or not she was probably looking for an out too- judging from how once again her eyes flicked in his direction briefly when he got up.

"Aw where you going daddy?"

Antarctica.

"Daddy's… got some work to do in the studio- ladies thank you but um-….uh." He cleared his throat. He was supposed to be a professional… and he hadn't even come close to reaching the color of those eyes… were they contacts…? They had to be contacts- no one had eyes… that color.

No…No one.

Serky clapped her hands, "Again! Yay! Daddy you're painting again! You're painting!"

… I sense Nana here.

He nodded weakly and began running the sink- taking care of his dishes but he wasn't alone for long. Silently his mug was taken from him and a faint… yet pleasing aroma drifted around him- it wasn't obnoxious and sickeningly sweet like the perfumes he was used to- Elizabeth could be smelled a mile away for God's sake but…

"Err… you don't have to you're a guest-." He began but she shook her head.

"When… the muse strikes you can't just ignore it." Her smile was gentle and the lurch in his chest was almost painful. It took everything in him not to gulp like a creep. "But… um…" He paused. Another brief glance upwards before she became engrossed in wringing the dish towel. "Not… that I would ever intrude but…well I was sort of hoping- um... wondering- wondering I meant- if I could… maybe see… one of your paintings…. Before I go! I mean… your mother and Bridget mentioned them…."

She wouldn't look at him. He blinked. Bridget was grinning ear to ear and his mother's smile was just as big.

…Well played. Well played indeed.

Yep… definitely no more soaps for Serky.

He cleared his throat but she continued to wring the washcloth.

"Only if you're okay with it! I mean it's your art and if its private-."

He put a hand up, "It's… not a big deal- I don't have much in there but-." The snort wasn't necessary. His mother quickly began cleaning up the table. Oh so innocently. Serky was cheerfully helping. They were laughing.

…Brat.

"Oh pish Matthew- you have an entire studio you know- why not show Miss Utonium around hm? Serky and I'll clean all this up." She practically pushed the two of them away from the sink. "Go on- Go on now." She made a "shooing" motion.

Meddling old…bat.

Their eyes met again- and she shrugged.

"Err… right its uh… right back there."

Luci hot him a huge broad toothed smile and Serky mirrored her.

…I'm surrounded.

-o-o-o-

"Well uh… here we are. After you."

She strolled in without a care in the world- Brick meanwhile pulled at his collar somewhat before following after her. Ugh the place was a mess. A total fucking mess.

"Err… sorry I uh wasn't expecting-."

She laughed somewhat, "its fine- I did sort of show up unannounced."

He snorted, "No… you had plenty of notice- my mother just didn't bother telling me you were coming."

More laughter. Nervous. Again… he was back in high school apparently. Wait… no not high school- he may have been the sputtering wreck but Liz… well she had just been completely at ease- she'd known who was… gonna wear the pants in that relationship.

Ugh he really had been "Princess' bitch.

The laughter stopped and once again those violet eyes centered on him- violet… lilac… lavender… hell arguably in the right light those were pink. No wonder his brush had been completely unable to-.

… Best not mention that. Nope. That sunset (because it was a goddamn sunset!) would have to-!

"Oh… what's that?" Again he was released. Damn it. And she walked over to-… Aw hell! NO!

"That!-." He rushed over and straightened the cloth. "That's nothing! Nothing at all- Just a reject!"

Stalker. I am a stalker. The muse is a stalker. No the muse is a stupid meddler.

Oh God she was lifting the cloth up anyway- fuck!

"It's really not worth looking-!" He persisted.

It hit him in the face. She folded her arms and bent over to look at the canvas and aw hell looking at it now really did show how washed up he was.

Not. Even. Close.

Her eyes were huge as she peered closer- "Why on earth would you not finish this?" She demanded breathily before she whipped around. "You have to!"

No I don't… I really don't…

"It's… look at the colors! The water- the sky- everything! Brick its beautiful!"

It's wrong.

He frowned and folded his arms, "It's… not mixed right the colors aren't-."

"So you can fix it! I don't see what colors could possibly be wrong here but-." She shook her head. "Brick you have to finish it! It's… outstanding. Won't you finish it? Please? For…um me?" She almost squeaked the last part.

Fucking hell.

"Oh is that so?" Brick scowled, "Is that a soul request." He air quoted. Ugh. Of course- and now Brick was stuck in that same wretched system wasn't he? She blanched before she quickly shook her head.

Hm?

"N-No! Never! Absolutely… absolutely not! I would never "force" you to- I mean if you really don't like it… than that's your right I just… oh hell. That is not what I meant!" Her face was buried in her hands. He blinked. "I didn't mean to- oh God I'm so sorry I um… Oh hell- brilliant Blossom- brilliant!"

She looked genuinely horrified. And… he didn't like that. No… he didn't like that look whatsoever.

"I'll… I'll go now-." She whimpered.

He latched onto her hand, "its… fine Blossom. Sorry I shouldn't have snapped like that just-."

It was a soul request Bricky- kinda can't argue with those- and my Jacky was-.

THIS IS YOUR DAUGHTER! AND YOU JUST LEFT HER- WHO… WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?

Um her mother? I can do whatever I want with her-.

NOT ANYMORE YOU CAN'T! STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER! HEAR ME!

You can't do that! I won't LET YOU DO THAT!

What you gonna do Elizabeth- make a "soul request" out of it! You can't order me to do shit! NOT ANYMORE!

"I…just don't like the idea of-." Brick said quietly.

She nodded, "No… I understand completely- to be brutally honest I've never liked the idea myself. I mean… sometimes they can be used for good reasons… Brendan quit smoking because Buttercup asked him to but-."

"Buttercup?" His eyebrow raised. She sighed,

"Isabella's nickname- you uh…. met her briefly in the parlor-."

"Ah… the uh one that uh owed the brunette thirty bucks for some reason-."

She blushed somewhat, "Yes…. That one. She's my best friend… most of the time – and err… that was nothing but a silly joke they were playing on me." The pink was growing deeper and now her eyes genuinely looked pink for real.

His painter's hand twitched. The brush was within reach- all he had to do was add a few streaks of dark pink and meld the white and purple he'd already mixed and… no. Bad. This was destined for the trash.

"A joke huh?" He forced his attention from the painting again and his grip on her hand grew tighter. "Care to clue me in because I have a feeling it was about me." He snickered- that blush only grew.

"Um… well… I… it was a… bet really and-." She cleared her throat. "It's stupid. Not worth-." Another throat clearing. "She was suitably scolded afterwards and on her behalf I'll apologize for her um… err…" Third time's a charm apparently. "She had had quite a few beers beforehand." She muttered.

Hmm…. This was interesting. Very interesting indeed.

"Aw c'mon can't be that bad- what was the bet about- I'm always good for a laugh."

And making you blush…. Is strangely addicting.

"It doesn't matter I said." She said rather primly. She was a worse liar than him. Heh.

"Oh I think it does."

"I think it doesn't. We were talking about painting not-."

Hmmm…. He released her hand this time and picked up the brush idly spinning it, "You know… I could finish this reject… I just have to have the right… motivation. You know." Her eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms. She was blushing up a storm and he was strangely enjoying this.

"And what kind of motivation would that be Mr. Jojo?" A hiss. A blush. Again- he was going to enjoy this as much as he could.

Those eyes were blazing now. A true sunset- a medley of different colors and aw hell his painting hand was twitching like crazy. God damn it.

"Tell me what the bet was and I'll finish it."

Her eyes near popped out- and she sputtered.

"Y-You- You WHAT!" She demanded. "I-um."

"I'll even sweeten the deal- you can have it when it's done."

Her gaze flew to the painting and he could see the want in that gaze- she was lusting after that painting like a bitch in heat. Oh the internal war was hilarious to behold-must have been a juicy bet indeed. Heh heh.

"I can have it." She said in a small voice and pointed.

He nodded, "I'm never one to break my word Miss Utonium."

"I can have that." Another shaky point.

"Yep. Better hurry though-." Another spin of the brush. "The muse is fickle and well otherwise I was going to just trash it-." He trailed.

"Robin said my soulmate was unbelievably hot and yummy and Buttercup didn't believe her so then she saw you and how yummy and hot you were and ate her words- now finish my gorgeous painting damn it and don't you dare throw it away!"

She said it in a whiplash before her face near exploded and she slapped her hands over her eyes with a groan.

The heat in Brick's cheeks… didn't bode much better for him.

"Uh… yummy huh?"

He got a high pitched whimper in return… but he also got a nod.

"…Oh." Another agonized moan. "Is uh… that all." He cleared his throat. "So… do you think-."

"Just. Finish. The. Painting. Brick." Same high pitched agonized tone.

He nodded quickly.

"Um. Sure- yeah- uh deal's a… deal." Another nervous laugh- he grabbed his paints and plopped on the stool- "Did you uh… wanna watch?"

She peeked between her fingers, "I can?"

He nodded, "If you want."

"Won't it take a long time though?" She crept closer.

Not when there's a model…

"Nah I'm pretty fast- most of these were uh… an hour or two. It's all about the technique. This one's basically done I just need to fix the colors."

Or get them right in the first place.

He hadn't been aware of the breath he'd been holding until she dragged a chair over and only then did he release it.

"As long as I don't… intrude."

Those eyes seemed to shine just then- and she looked behind them… almost eagerly. Was this all feigned… she'd mentioned being a drama teacher… was this… an act? It had to be an act.

She looked completely… fascinated as she watched him work- and her eyes skimmed the rest of his studio.

He swirled the brush- "As good an effort as you're making Miss Utonium- watching me paint can't be that exciting." Another blush. "You can look around you know."

Her eyes widened- "Really?"

He shrugged- mixing another pink streak in with the red. "Don't see why not- you're not going to find much worth looking-." And she was gone. Out of that chair and exploring his studio like a kid in a candy shop.

Guess she liked… art?

Case in point a failed seascape from almost a year ago, "Look at this…" She breathed, "It… the water could simply come off the canvas it seems." She even rubbed her fingers together- as if she expected them to be wet. He frowned and shook his head.

"The perspective is off." Her eyes widened and she looked at the painting again.

"Wait… this isn't a seascape at all this is-." Her hand went to her mouth, "How… extraordinary. Oh my God it's a turtle." Another shrug. "No- no I'm right- see look…. This isn't the ocean it's its flippers and the shell is this island- and the beach is-." She trailed and cocked her head with a frown. "You didn't finish." She murmured.

"Like I said… perspective's off… reject."

"This is a reject?" She demanded. His shrug seemed to irritate her- her brow furrowed and those otherworldly eyes flashed- before she moved onto the next one. Her head moved to the left… then right. One after the other.

A busy city street had been a painting within a painting. The colors had been off.

A secluded grotto within a snow globe. The snow globe's dimensions were wrong.

Various seascapes of course- different times of day- animal- plant- didn't matter what it was. All were utter crap.

She kept shoving his rejects in his face- and each of his answers seemed to irritate her more and more.

He froze.

Oh hell not that one!

She stared at it- this one was the least "finished" of them all- he'd recognized what it was becoming right away…. And the slash in the middle… well… he'd been drunk.

Drunk painting… had never worked out well for him.

The sea of stars had drifted down the canvas and formed the beginning of a gorgeous long gown- a nightgown arguably who knows what his drunken mind had come up with- drunk and heartbroken… just…the spot where he his palate knife had struck the canvas- again and again- the splotches could be oil- they could be the tears of a heartbroken fool. Who the fuck knew.

Of course her hair was a sun- or some other celestial body. God damn it….

She was silent. That one was put down without further comment. Fuck.

Well it was nice while it lasted. She bent over and seemed be looking at-… oh hell.

"Err- uh you don't want to see that trust me." He said quickly and snatched the sketchbook away. She blinked.

"Why?"

"Well…. These are uh…. these are art school… shit-stuff- I meant stuff-." She laughed slightly,

"You know Brick- we're both adults I can handle some coarse language." She folded her arms, "I am twenty seven."

He flushed, "O-Oh…. yes of… course you are- can- I mean… aw hell." He slapped his brow. The laughter continued.

"You're… nervous too I see?" He paused. She continued to wring her hands. "To… tell you the truth Brick… I'm… sort of shocked you agreed me to me… coming here in the first place." She murmured.

He sighed, "Yeah well there's no arguing with my mom when she gets her mind set on something-."

"I…meant um…" She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Your studio I mean."

"…O-Oh." He cleared his throat, "Ah… yeah well as you can see there really isn't that much-." Her eyes narrowed.

"You know there is such a thing as being too humble- seems to me you're extraordinarily talented- I mean I knew that from the shop… but Brick some… if not all of these… could be gallery worthy at the very least so what on earth are they doing here?" She shook her head.

"Just… never got my break is all." He shrugged.

"Well… it's criminal." She murmured. "Hacks that don't even have a quarter of your talent are household names. I don't know much about… well art but-." She began flipping through the sketchpad – wait when had she!?- "It seems to me you being featured in at the very least your own gallery is beyond-." Her cheeks flared and her eyes widened.

And…. now would be a good time for Brick to sink into the floor. That's it. Turn into goop and sink through the floorboards.

She cleared her throat once- twice a third time before she again tucked another strand of hair behind her ear. "N-Now see. Look- look here for example just… why this young woman you could almost swear was… actually standing in front of you… erm…" Another delicate throat clearing. "Unclothed."

Brick cleared his own throat, "Yeah…. Err in order to learn… uh the anatomy of the human body and such… we uh… needed live models."

Elizabeth had hated live model day. She had chewed him out and practically stomped him into the ground- demanding he transfer out of his required class immediately- oh he'd be sorry if he didn't- how dare he cheat on her! (How it was cheating by simply looking at the model had never been adequately explained) – God… she really had been a bitch.

Blossom quietly was turning the pages- while her face was still… rather err pink and she blinked a few times more than usual she didn't seem that…fazed to be honest save her initial reaction.

He turned back to the canvas. Just paint. Paint and…

"You're…. like I said extremely talented Mr. Jojo- you have a true gift." She murmured.

"Meh- well I had to be good at something you know." He laughed somewhat but her expression remained sober.

"Like I said I think I'd go a little farther than saying you're merely good at this Brick…"

His cheeks felt warm again- it just sounded so damn… sincere. He'd heard plenty of gushing over the years- teachers, peers, fair weather friends…

"My own personal Michelangelo!"

The brush paused and he averted his gaze- looking around the studio- anywhere but… those astonishing eyes. The color he'd been looking for but couldn't match was right there in front of him- the perfect shade of violet and pink- almost a lilac but not quite- he'd never known a natural eye color to be like this but to be fair Brick's shade was perceived as unusual too.

He heard a little cough, "Is… there a reason you're… staring at me Brick?"

He blinked. Oh shit! Had he-?!

He was expecting a lot of reactions- many involving screaming and cursing out the almighty for her rotten luck but laughter was not one of them. She shook her head and rested her chin in her hand.

"No worries- I'm used to it. I know my eyes are strange." She sighed, " I can't begin to tell you how many people have called me out on wearing colored contacts or something for attention but I promise… they're real." Another sigh. His eyebrow rose.

"Yeah well people suck sometimes- I wouldn't call em' strange they're…. -." Breathtaking. Awe inspiring. Gorgeous. "Unique." Let's not go the stalker route.

She snorted, "That's one way of putting it I suppose." She continued flipping through the sketchbook but then paused. Her head arched to the side- "This… is an interesting piece." She murmured. He frowned and peered over her shoulder.

Hmm?

That was…? He finally set the brush down completely and held his hand out.

"You mind?" She shook her mouth and he took it from her. It was all in charcoal but… what the? He for the life of him couldn't remember the assignment or what possibly would have made him draw… whatever this was- over and over.

But the date on the bottom… yep this was an old sketchbook alright. First year of art school it looked like- maybe it was a shadows exercise or something. He squinted- who though? She was in the shadows- looked like she was…hiding?

She was rather quiet as she stared at the girl hiding in the shadows- all angles- and then he turned the page and then it hit him. He shook his head.

Ahhh that was it.

"A… friend of yours?" Blossom finally murmured. He chuckled somewhat,

"Nah… truth be told… I don't even remember her name." She stiffened. "but… weird as this is gonna sound- for the longest time she was all I could think about- Liz would have lost her mind if she'd ever found out." He murmured. She was still silent. "Something about her you know…"

"Like…. What?" Well he couldn't blame her for sounding… weirded out.

"Well… to be honest… I don't know." She was the one to frown this time. "Maybe it was… some kind of I dunno- chivalrous instinct or whatever- the chick had some guy after her and she was clearly scared of him." He murmured. Her silence was worrying. "I always kind of wondered what happened to her… but Liz-." He couldn't stop the shudder. That had been a nightmare. The screaming. The yelling. The crying. Oh God the crying.

"I take it she wasn't pleased to hear you inquiring about another girl?" She murmured again.

He snorted, "No. No she was not." He shuddered again, Blossom laughed somewhat but she still seemed subdued.

"You certainly… have drawn her quite a bit here."

He sighed, "Like I said… I just… kind of couldn't stop thinking of her." His hand trailed over the charcoal drawing save the one splash of color that stuck out like a sore thumb. "I couldn't really see her that night- it was dark and I was…. Distracted but… maybe it was just that… bow she was wearing. It just… I dunno it made her seem… vulnerable I guess. It was too damn big for her head."

She bristled at that. "Well I mean… a big bow in the hair was all the rage in Paris back in… our high school days because of that movie and what not… maybe she was trying to emulate that."

He chuckled. "Maybe. But… I dunno Blossom… just something about that girl… couldn't get her out of my head and I mean I tried but…" As in he had tried and failed to get it out of his insanely possessive girlfriend a name – any information- but even the most innocent of inquiries had resulted in screeching weeping girlfriends.

And "Miss Bow"- Brick had decided for the sake of his own sanity had been best left… forgotten.

He'd gotten a name he remembered vaguely… but it had been… in passing… and fuck. There was that weird feeling in his stomach again. Just looking at this picture… the mystery girl in the bow…

Something was bugging him and now his wrist was itchy as fuck. He frowned and scratched it irritably. She mirrored him. He snorted.

"You know- they never talk about the "ink" being this-."

"Ungodly itchy. My thoughts exactly- perhaps that's the almighty's fail safe."

"Oh you hapless mortals think you know better than me eh- well here- take that! Have some permanent itching powder why don't ya!"

She laughed out loud. She had a nice laugh- not as… screechy or shrill.

Her eyes centered on the picture again and she seemed to chew on her lip.

"So… you don't know what happened to her then?" She said quietly. He shook his head.

"No. but like I said- must have been the bow- something about her just stuck out you know." He shrugged, "Here's the thing with artists mademoiselle-." He chuckled, "We don't think with our heads- we think-." He spun a brush idly, "With our craft." He grinned somewhat, "Maybe I dunno- my starved college student self was just… trying to figure something out. Maybe something reminded me of it- maybe I saw another big bow on some chick's head." He shrugged. "Not like you could miss it."

Her frown increased and she smoothed down her hair irritably it seemed. That was an odd gesture.

"I know it's weird, but hey all-nighters and having had nothing but coffee and energy drinks…" he shrugged. " Your brain fucks with you.'

She was still silent. Fuck- she probably thought he had stalked this mystery chick or something and-!

"I mean it was just concern on my end- she looked really freaked about this guy that was-!"

"Why do you think you couldn't get this… girl out of your head for a time?" She murmured. He sighed and shrugged,

"I don't know." He murmured back just as softly, she leaned closer to hear him. "It's gonna sound crazy… But-."

His gaze drifted over the picture- black and white….save that shock of red.

"Part of me felt like I had known her." He shook his head. "Or… like I was… supposed to."

She stiffened. That sounded really bad. Really bad. Those startling eyes centered on him and he almost gulped.

"Did you think… she was your-…?" She trailed. His cheeks flushed.

"W-Well…I mean it crossed my mind briefly but… I was with….Liz and all but that night…-." Her cheeks flushed. "Not like that- I took too long to get back to her so she uh- taught me a lesson for a few days."

She frowned, he sighed. "It wasn't… the healthiest relationship I know." He mumbled.

"With all due respect. It doesn't sound it." She murmured.

He shrugged, "Join the club- my mother would certainly come up with a few choice words to describe her." She was silent. "Not… that I can blame her in some aspects." Damn it- again with the itch! "But… yeah Blossom… I'll admit… part of me wondered whether that… whether Miss Bow… was my… you know-."

He averted his gaze- utterly ashamed. What must have been going through her mind right now… God he couldn't blame her if her next move was going to be throwing that sketchbook at his face before running to Mexico or something and getting her tattoo removed. New painting be damned! Get her out of here!

"You never looked for her?" She whispered.

He sighed. "I did… Once."

She froze. Fuck. Well… it'd been nice while it lasted. "My… intuition proved right that night I found out- I was driving home from my first year at school when I hear on the radio- "Scandal at local charter school with "fake" ink trial beginning today." She stiffened. "I know… fucked up beyond all measure- the guy… some guy had faked a fucking "soul ink" on some poor chick and…" He scowled. The memory almost made him want to puke. "Something in me… just… I just knew it was her." He shook his head. "So I was driving through town and I see some huge crowd by the court house and…I stopped."

Silence.

"I was supposed to be meeting up with Liz because she always insisted I see her first- you know even before my mother but… something made me stop. There were all these reporters gathered outside- and this huge crowd. I was at the back… so I saw the doors open and there was just this huddle of people surrounding this girl as she walked out- and she just didn't move her eyes off the ground once- but… there was that damn bow again."

Blossom wrung her hands somewhat.

"I remember… that trial." She whispered. "It was… unbelievable."

Brick nodded, "Fucked up beyond all measure." He looked at her, "Listen… you went to Townsville Prep right?"

She stiffly nodded. Well… if he was going to scare her off… may as well do it properly.

"Do you know what happened to her?" He murmured. Her eyes widened. "I mean… obviously." He rubbed at his wrist idly. That itch was finally abating. Sweet relief. "But… I dunno Blossom… seeing how small that girl looked- I'm guessing it was her father and her real soulmate or whoever holding as they huddled her into a car away from all those vultures- but- something about it just-."

"It was…her cousin actually." She whispered. "Her father and cousin were the ones that got her back in the car. Very close knit family."

"So you did know her?"

She nodded, "It was… the talk of the senior class- it was discovered at Prom of all things." He flinched. "One minute she's with her so called "soulmate" on the dance floor the next he's escorted out in handcuffs by the police and his astounded date is just left sputtering and completely clueless at the mercy of the high school rumor mill." He sighed.

"He was involved in something "shady" right?" She sighed deeply.

"That was one of the rumors… yes." She kept scratching at her hand. "Of course when the truth came out… it was ten times worse."

The silence was terribly awkward. Shit… had they been friends or something? She seemed to be taking this… kind of personally? Or… was it more annoyance that her soulmate had been fixed on not one- but two other women before finding her.

This woman didn't have good luck with the "ink" it seemed.

"Did she… really look that…small?" Yes… but not as small as that little voice. What was up with her?

"Well… she was a pretty tall girl so… maybe small is the wrong word- but she was just huddled by her cousin you said and her dad- so I only caught a glimpse of her… and I doubt she'd have remembered me anyway. I can't even remember if I gave her my name that night you know?"

"Well if it was as brief an encounter as you said…"

"True. But still…" He frowned. Okay…something was up. "You okay -You seem kind of-."

She blinked, "Oh! Um… yes. Sorry it's…just… a horrible memory- she cried through graduation you know- and she just left as soon as she got her diploma- it was…. Terrible." She shook her head. He flinched again.

"So… what happened to her… if you don't mind my asking- it's just… finding this-?" He held up the sketchbook. Those violet eyes centered on him.

"Well…I suppose she went to college… it was a rather large class Brick- but she found her real soulmate I know so-." She trailed.

"Well… that's good. It would have been… awful if she just kind of gave up you know- no one could blame her I mean but-."

"Oh yes. She was a strong girl- always rather practical and such."

"So you did know her?"

She blinked and cleared her throat, "I um… knew of her. I was…. Focused on other things in school. My theatre… my schoolwork… friends… family. You know."

"Ah… yeah that makes sense I guess."

"…Were you truly in that crowd?" He blinked but nodded.

"Briefly… I mean like I said I was… on my way back from school so I couldn't ya know… and well she wouldn't have recognized me anyway so I was just-."

"A face in the crowd." The whisper… almost sounded-. His eyes narrowed.

"Yeah… just another face… in that big crowd. Were you there too…?"

A small nod. She began scratching at her hand again but for some reason… he had to stop her. She froze.

God… damn it her skin was soft. It just seemed… delicate. And her hand was so damn tiny- swallowed up by Brick's.

Fire… Ice. Melding from a single touch… and then two strangers… suddenly are expected to…

It was insane… asinine. Beyond ridiculous.

His grip tightened.

"It… was very kind of you to… worry so much for a stranger." She murmured.

"I just kind of wish… I'd stuck around and made sure she… I dunno got home safe I dunno when the guy ambushed her with the fake ink- for all I know it was that night-."

"It wasn't." She said quickly. His eyebrow rose. "Harry…. Ambushed her in the beginning of their senior year… at least that's what I heard." She said quickly.

"Harry huh?" She nodded.

"Harold Pitts. His father was the CEO of that candy factory or whatever on the east side-."

"Those nasty things? Ugh- my dad worked there- Mom's still convinced the conditions in there are what caused his…cancer." Her eyes widened.

"You joined in that law suit then?"

He grimaced, "Yeah… it's what paid for this this place… and Rowdy Ink." He mumbled.

"My sympathies." She murmured. He shrugged and made himself put on a nonchalant air.

"Life just… sucks sometimes what can I say… he got to meet Serky and thankfully didn't have to see the total collapse of his son's...-." Too much info. He was still holding her hand and she seemed to be clutching it tighter.

"Still Brick… you have my condolences regardless."

Tighter. Firmer.

"….thank you." He finally murmured.

They fell into another silence. There was a lot of those it seemed. The media always portrayed the moment two soulmates found one another to be this wonderful- iconic- unforgettable moment of pure joy.

Swish. Scratch. Swish. Swish.

Certainly that debacle earlier this week had been set up as such- and this lovely young woman… had been left in the dust. Heartbroken and sad… and he'd in sympathy for the fucked up system mind you-just gone and put his hand on her shoulder… and now look.

Swish. Scratch. Swish.

Oh yeah… just a moment out of a fairy tale.

Swish. Swish.

Why this girl…? Why did the almighty seem to think… why did fate seem to think she and him… belonged together? There had to be a reason… some kind of grand scheme- so… what was it? Just random and out of nowhere and here he was societally expected to just drop everything and go with it?

Swish.

He couldn't do that. He wouldn't do that- his daughter! His life! What if this chick wanted him no she would expect him to… drop everything for her! Someone he had only known for tch a week? Eight days maybe?

Swish… scratch.

"Thank you… for letting me see your studio Brick."

And why… when she pulled away- did it almost seem like an instant chill in the space where she had been.

And why did he feel the need to stand up with her.

"You're… welcome. Sorry it wasn't much to see-."

"It's wonderful!" She said instantly. So suddenly, he was almost taken aback. "You have… a gift Brick. Don't try to say otherwise. You're a terrible liar."

Despite himself his mouth curled- he couldn't help it.

"And you're so sure of this?" He folded his arms somewhat. "What if I'm such a good liar I've mastered the art of making it look like I'm lying? A double whammy."

Her lip curled somewhat.

"A rare gift indeed- master painter… business man and now an actor." She tapped her chin. "My oh my- aren't we a DaVinci- tell me is there a workshop located somewhere- do you have a flying machine tucked away somewhere?"

Fuck… Beautiful… kind AND quick witted.

Fuck.

"Damn… here I was thinking I was being pretty slick." Her smile seemed to grow. "My flying machine's not really… ready yet though- sorry."

"Damn next time maybe?"

Next time?

"Sure… I mean it's not much- I'm only a-." She wagged her finger.

"No no, there'll be none of that Mr. Jojo- we already established you're a terrible liar."

Step.

"Oh I thought we'd established I was a master actor Miss Utonium?"

What am I doing?"

"We did I suppose but well… still Monsieur Artiste- you're still rather easy to read regardless."

Step.

"That so Mademoiselle?"

Step.

"Indeed- you're only playing at being humble. But in reality-."

"In reality…?"

Step.

"You're anything but."

Nose to nose. Stilted breathing. A return to stuttering adolescent boy buried in a sketchbook while pretty girl gives him a smile and… god damn it! What was this! He was a grown ass man not a-!

She stiffened then. And her eyes widened before she took a hasty step back.

"Oh… um sorry… I-I don't know where that came from- I uh- it was just a-!"

"Joke. Yeah. Ha…ha? Joke. P-Playing around."

"Yes… joke. I um… I know how comedic theory works and such… studied… it… college- um."

Was there a reason she was stuttering? And he was mirroring her? What was… ink? This had to be the ink- this was… this was almost worse than when he'd first met Elizabeth! Stuttering… sweating…

Hand… taking of a hand… but… that wasn't his… inked hand that was his other… why was she going for the plain-?

"Ink… is a strange phenomenon isn't it?" She said quietly- so quietly he had to strain to hear it.

"Blossom?"

"One moment… you're nothing but two strangers and the next…" She held up her inked hand. "Your whole life is thrown upside down- and you're still clinging to the ceiling for dear life- trying to make sense of what just happened…before you fall back down."

"An… eloquent way of describing what just happened." He shook his head.

"Well Monsieur Artiste- I am an English teacher."

"Damn good one I bet."

"I'm the best damn teacher that school has seen in years- you'd best believe that."

He snorted,

"Humble too."

"Look who's talking."

His lip curled.

"And what impression do I give of being a braggart?"

"Because you're a terrible liar."

More laughter. Nervous. Again. Her gaze drifted to the floor then back at the painting before back to the floor.

"So… Madam atrice- if I'm such a bad liar- what am I really thinking then?" He murmured.

The grip on his hand grew tighter and he heard the sucked in breath when he took hold of her other hand- inked this time- and the jolt was almost instant.

The ink will not be denied.

"You…" She began.

"Me?" Tighter.

Inches. Just mere inches were between them.

What the hell was he doing? Why was he… was this the damn ink!? It had to have been the damn ink! He barely knew this woman! This… this made no sense- it was crazy- ludicrous- and his heart was pounding- throbbing- he could feel every beat as if it were right in his throat.

He was too damn old for this kind of crap- he was acting like a teenager- this was… this was ridiculous.

Fucking… stupid.

He was too old...for this kind of crap.

Stupid…ink.

"So… what am I thinking then Blossom?" He murmured.

She looked at him from under her lashes- "You're… thinking… " She began.

Inches. Centimeters.

[Falling Slowly-Eyes that know me]

Her cheeks flared and she jumped back before she dug in her pocket, when had they even gotten that-? Thankfully his easel was close by- not that he was uh depending on it for support or anything at that moment like his legs threatened to buckle or the grip on the wood was only going to grow tighter and more savage.

What was-…What was that?

Ink… fucking ink…

"Oh yes? Hello Bubbles- oh… wait what? It can't be that-!?" She quickly cast a look at the clock. "Oh…no no- no worries I um lost track of time is all- yes I remembered."

He turned back to the painting- the colors melded and the sunset was evident… as well the beach and ocean serving as eye makeup… because it was no question… a fucking eye.

Creep. I am an artistic creep.

"Hm? Uh…. well… I suppose? – Stop laughing- I know you're not laughing I can hear Robin in the background-! …. Dear God is that man aware he has the cackle of some kind of witch? – Double, double, toil and trouble- Mind your own business Tuba Boy!"

He snorted and she threw him a wry look.

"Yes… I highly doubt it… stop meddling. Yes you are. You got lucky with those two- one instance does not make you the-! STOP LAUGHING MICHAEL- … Oh that was Robin? Are they aware they sound disturbingly alike? – No… I hope not… maybe…" Her cheeks flared. "I don't see how it's any of your-!" More pink. Brick's brush swung listlessly in the air. "Yes." She sighed. "Ha ha- no… I'll tell you later- yes later- because!"

Now that face was bright pink and little peeks were thrown at him occasionally and her blush only seemed to worsen.

"I-I… n-no I don't think that's… eh!? W-Why!?" Another quick look. "Bubbles absolutely not- Because I said so! – STOP CALLING HIM THAT ROBIN!-… Fine Buttercup I'd appreciate you not joining in thank you- you wouldn't dare- you wouldn't- Butch!? Butch give Bubbles her phone back right- No I will not! - What are you all crowding around the phone or something?!- … Yes… thank you Boomer much appreciated…. Are you sure? … Promise... With all due respect cousin- in-law I doubt that highly…. Fiiiiiine. See you all in ten."

She rubbed her brow.

"Sounds like a rowdy bunch." He snickered. She rolled her eyes,

"You have no idea." She mumbled before she paused, "What are you doing?"

He peered at the "sand" and swirled his brush again, "You wanted a "Jojo" original right? May as well make it official."

"It's done?" She gasped, "Already?"

He smiled wryly and the brushed flowed- melding with the sand and forming "letters" in the sand before he set it down quickly.

"Now it is." He folded his arms.

He hadn't… signed a piece in years. Nothing had even… been near complete enough. She rushed over and peered at the painting.

"It's...its beautiful Brick…" She whispered. "To think… you managed to create something like that… in so short… so short a time…"

He shrugged, "When the muse strikes she strikes." He murmured.

"Indeed…." She whispered. Her hand went out somewhat but she stopped short of touching the canvas. Her eyes almost seemed to glow as she stared at it- the swirls of lilac and pink on the canvas were almost a perfect match to the otherworldly beauty within those shining irises.

When the muse… strikes she does strike.

Their eyes met but this time… she didn't immediately avert her gaze.

"Brick…does… Bridget have a strict schedule of sorts?" She murmured.

He blinked, "Um… not really strict but I prefer to have her in bed by eight at the latest why what's up?"

She wrung her hands somewhat, "My dearly beloved friends are hosting an impromptu barbecue … and err…" She cleared her throat. "You hungry?"

He blinked.

"I mean… painting all this time… must have given you quite the appetite and well… Buttercup makes a mean burger? And… I mean does Bridget like burgers? We have hotdogs too- Buttercup always makes an exorbitant amount of food so…." She trailed.

"Your friends… won't care if a total stranger-?" He began but she shook her head.

"Well… they want to meet you… err properly because um you know…" She scratched at her hand and his own wrist itched.

"Oh…" She clapped her hands together,

"But um- they're always along the lines of the more the merrier! So um… what do you say?"

"You're sure we wouldn't be intruding- I mean Serky's-."

"Oh no no, trust me Clara loves kids- they're all harmless I promise."

He frowned, "Clara… is Bubbles right?" She laughed.

"Yes."

"And… Boomer… is?"

"That's Aaron- Bubbles' husband."

He blinked, "Oh… uh tiger guy right?"

She nodded, "He does like tigers yes." She laughed slightly again. "I'll… clue you in on the way, it's not hard promise."

He stood, "I'll uh take your word for it-I'm terrible with names just as a quick warning." She seemed amused by that most of all. "The uh… the ink may have to sit overnight… but I can drop it off tomorrow-."

"I'd… like that." She murmured.

"And uh… maybe after we could uh…?"

"Yes…?"

He cleared his throat

"Well… I know this… nice little restaurant by the beach- food's great but you need at least a day's notice or else you're never gonna get in- I mean sure I know the owner personally sure- and she'd be happy to let us in but-!" That's right- throw on the "wow" factor Jojo- you "know" people here. You're "important" – Wow the gorgeous tourist who's your… soul mate apparently.

Just throw on the "wow' factor… yeah. Really impress her!

Her eyebrow rose, "Is that so?"

"Yeah…" he shoved his hands in his pockets, "I mean... well okay in all honesty she'd probably give me a chewing out if I called her right now for a reservation because it's so late and well err dinner hour and shit but she could squeeze us in tomorrow for sure! As long… as I call her by tonight you know…or send her a text just uh…" He cleared his throat. "Are you… interested?"

"Well… I do like to eat. It is a pleasurable activity for sure but forgive me Mr. Jojo- if I didn't know any better… I'd think you were asking your so called "soulmate" on what amounts to a date?"

Now or never.

"I… might be." That eyebrow only rose higher, good or bad thing?

"Well-well." She murmured and cupped her chin, ""Dating" a soulmate… the very idea. How very strange and redundant even… it's not like you'll ever find anyone better is it not? What…" She leaned forward, "No undying declarations of your eternal love for me forever and ever just yet?"

Her smile grew and his own matched.

"Well I mean… with all due respect…"Soul mate"- I did just meet you Tuesday." He murmured- her lips curled somewhat.

"But it's been almost a week Mr. Jojo- plenty of time to throw everything to the wind and live happily ever after with a stranger?" Her smile was wry.

He folded his arms,

"Ah but Mademoiselle. I haven't even a proper ring."

"Tch- well aren't we prepared Monsieur Artiste- I thought it was proper form to be ready for the ink at all times- to be otherwise is-." Nose to nose. His hand twitched for an entirely different reason so dangerously close to the tight curve of her waist. "Rude." She finished in a breathy whisper.

Chest to chest. No protest was made when his hand finally went to her waist- tentatively, carefully.

"Well… alas Mademoiselle- my youth was spent mastering the mysteries of shading and colors… not the mysteries of Soul etiquette."

Those sunset eyes pierced his to the very core as they stood there- he didn't dare move… he couldn't really. Cupping her waist- bringing her closer… closer… no protest- no hesitation: Following his… (?) Lead.

"So… about that date?" He murmured. Her smile was small but gentle.

"I… wouldn't be against the idea… no matter how… unorthodox it might be." She chuckled and he joined.

"Well in the circumstances… us doing this the normal way would be kinda of a letdown after our "meeting story" eh?"

She snorted, "I suppose we do owe the world a "show" don't we?" Brows touched. Tighter grip on waist.

Closer… closer… closest…

What am I doing… and why… does it feel…?

BOOOOOOM

The door swung open and they jumped apart instantly - Bridget stood there beaming with Nana Luci who looked awfully smug behind her.

Damn it…

"Oh darrrrrling!" His mother gushed and went over, "Look at this- oh my God look at this- a true Jojo original at last oh I could cry!" She held her mouth. And… holy shit was mom seriously crying!? She wiped her eyes quickly and looked at Blossom, "My… My apologies darling just… just he hasn't finished something in so long I just-." Another quick dabbing. "But if I'm hearing this correctly you three will be leaving now no?"

"Yay! I got my shoes on and everything Daddy!" Serky lifted her foot proudly with a big grin. Shocker they were even on the right feet for once. A miracle.

Wait… how did they know about-… He glowered.

…OH… those little spies…

Blossom gave him an odd look. He shrugged. She seemed to recover quickly tough and turned to his mother with a bright smile. "Oh, well Mrs. Jojo there's plenty to go around if you'd like to-!"

"Oh pish darling- that's very sweet of you really but this old bat knows better than to try to keep up with the young'ins."

"You're… not that old mom." He mumbled.

"No, no-." Another dabbing of the tissue, "I'm old and decrepit- far past my prime- all I have left to look forward to in the world is relishing in the knowledge my son is happy and basking in the glow of a beloved grandma surrounded by her giggling grandchildren."

OH FOR THE LOVE OF-!

Blossom's face was a picture. Fuck. Fuck. Berserk only giggled and he scooped her up. He should have felt bad but in the scheme of things- Brick's little "shove" towards the door could be considered necessary.

"Have fun darlings! Don't worry I have plenty of my shows to watch- I'll be fine!"

"You're staying here?" Brick said dryly. His mother laughed.

"Of course darling- no need to thank me now run along- shoo. Shoo."

"Mother-."

"Oh and Blossom dear!" She turned around stiffly, her cheeks were still somewhat pink. His mother only beamed. "It was simply wonderful to meet you darling- we simply must do this more often no?" Her hands clasped together.

"Err yes… Mrs. Jojo- that would be lovely." This woman was a saint.

His mother certainly seemed to think so- one could almost see the hearts in her eyes. "Oh yes, yes! I look forward to it sweetheart- have fun darlings!" She waved jubilantly. "Oh well done Matthew."

Annnnnnnd cue another shove. Serky giggling the whole time.

"Yes- thank you mother!" Fuck. Run. Ruuuun.

Sure slamming the door was a bit much but in the scheme of things- again- slightly necessary.

And… the laughing that started almost immediately… that was sort of hard to read. With a little bit of a fuss he set Serky down. Her eyes were shining.

"Where are we goin' Daddy? Miss Blossom?" She was hopping up and down. "Is it fun? Huh huh?"

"Miss Blossom invited us to a cookout kiddo- so best behavior okay?" She nodded eagerly and took Brick's hand.

"YAY! Thank you Miss Blossom!" She gushed. The smile sent to his daughter was… so genuine. If… she was only acting… then… she was an extraordinary talent… it… certainly seemed real to him.

"It's no problem Bridget- and you don't have to call me "Miss" you know- Blossom is fine or Laura- or Laurette even."

"Really? That's cool! Okay! Blossom! Hee hee! I'm calling a grown up by her name- coooool! Yay! I'm goin' to a barbecue! And I'm a big girl! And I'm gonna eat a burger and a hot dog and chips and soda and-!"

He smiled wanly and her own matching one was broad as Berserk began reciting everything she was going to do at the "grown up" barbecue.

Wait…?

"Laurette?" He blinked. Her cheeks went slightly pink,

"And I'm gonna have ketchup and French fries and then I'm gonna have a hot dog and a burger and I'm gonna-!"

"Oh… err yes- it was my high school… nickname a few people still call me that." Weird… she was doing the whole avoiding his direct gaze again and…

Wait… "Laurette"-?

… Weird.

Brick had never… heard that name before- he'd remember it- it was unique after all. But… why then… did it sound so…

Damn familiar…

"I'll take your word for it Miss Bow."

A twinkling laugh.

"My name is-."

"Brick?" He blinked- then blinked again. Now both Blossom and Berserk were looking at him strangely. "Are... you alright?"

"Daddy?" She cocked her head.

"Huh? Oh sorry- got lost in thought there." He said quickly and strode ahead- they rushed to catch up to him.

What was...that? That was...weird.

Miss Bow...

That was something he hadn't thought of in well... years- so why...?

A flash of pink and white caught his eye just then as she tossed her hair over her other shoulder. Her other "ink" was nestled on top of soft skin... a ribbon... a flower... both (?) - for all the world to see.

What could have ever possessed him to to draw her such a thing anyway?

...Weird.

"See you random Flower stranger... good luck."

...It... it couldn't be. Wait... but that... Miss Bow... she was..she hadn't been-!

"My name is-."

It... it was insane. There was no way-!

...It was impossible. The coincidence... was near unheard of. Unbelievably... no. Aboslutely not.

There was... it wasn't...

Blossom...Laura... she couldn't be the girl in the bow... she couldn't have been...

That stuff didn't happen- it couldn't happen!

...Right?

-o-o-o-

---

And thus does the plot thicken:: but oh la la- sounds like the two "soulmates" are going on a *le gasp* "date"- but two soul mates doing that "redundant" step? What's the point in that? They're destined to be together forever- the ink knows alllll after all.

And that's all that matters... or is it ;D

I suppose you'll all have to wait and see. Heheeh:: Thanks for reading my lovelies! ATGB Act 5 is in preproduction as we speak:: So stay tuned!

Also thank you all for the birthday wishes *blush* - they were all much appreciated! :D

See you next time my lovelies!

Cheers,

Carrie