Crescendo

A/N: Yeah, I had to split chapter 3 into two parts because my brain kicked the plot into high gear. But! We do get some sweet moments between Shadow and Sandy this chapter so it's worth it. Yes, I know this is dumb and self-indulgent; writing's the only thing I'm good at.

Shadow took in a shaky breath as he heard the commotion from downstairs. It wasn't his business. He was just a painter. For as long as Sandy commissioned him, he just might make it his business. He was quiet when Sandy returned, walking stiffly past him. He watched her sit on the bed, touching her left hand.

"I," Sandy started, biting her lip. "Valen wants you to leave as soon as you're done with this." She said. "There's a secret passageway here in the garden next to the roses."

"I understand," Shadow replied, filling in the green of her eyes. As soon as he was done, he'd have to make it seem like he left for good.

Weeks passed in what seemed like a few days to Shadow as he signed his name on the portrait. He had rarely seen Sandy aside from at dinner, even less so did he see her not attached to Valen.

Shadow leaned back in his chair, looking at the now framed portrait. He had managed to finish them both and left the first unframed. The second was more traditional, Sandy looking as demure as a plucked flower. Her painted eyes and expression hinting at the sudden turn of events in her life, trapped and lifeless.

Shadow looked down as something hit his foot and he watched Valen walk into the room.

"It's your payment," Valen said, walking towards Shadow. "Granted, it's not as good as the real thing."

Shadow was quiet as he stood, walking past Valen with the unframed portrait and into Sandy's room. She sat up straighter when he entered, book nearly falling into her lap.

"I didn't know you were still here," she said, smoothing out the cover on her leg. She noticed the unframed canvas in his hands and frown. "You're leaving."

"Yes," he answered, setting the portrait underneath the bed and pulling out an enveloped letter. "I'll write to you once I get there and talk to Randy before I go."

"Where are you going?"

Shadow shrugged, trying to remember the letters he received while being here. "Italy. A good friend of mine, Claudia, wanted me to visit. Let me take on an apprentice, that sort of stuff." He said, putting his hands in his pockets. "But I'll write you, I promise."

He watched her nod, picking up her book again to start reading until he tilted her face up by the chin.

Her breath was warm against his fingertips. What in the world was he doing? "Will you be my muse?" he asked, body suddenly warmed. This wasn't like him. Shadow had never needed a muse before, but he wanted to keep her in his thoughts. As if that alone could keep her safe.

"Of course," Sandy said, swallowing as he pulled his hand away. "In return, you'll visit when you get back, won't you?"

Shadow nodded, almost not wanting to leave. It was strange, but it wasn't the first time he fell in love with a client. But he was younger then and barely out of his apprenticeship and Rouge was well, a princess. He looked at Sandy once more. "Will the doctor be here when I go?" he asked.

"I hope so, the rain makes me ache something terrible."

He fiddled with the bag of coins Valen tossed at him. Before he left completely, he needed to speak with Randy.