Work Text:
Nathaniel didn't know how to react when the akuma had burst into the art room while he was waiting for Marc to arrive. He barely had the time to throw his arms over his head as a small amount of protection as they held out their hands, a beam of light shooting out of it and hitting the artist square in the chest. It ran over him in waves, leaving tingling sensations over his body.
He looked up, a bit scared and confused, not feeling any different. The akuma glared at him.
"You have your entire career set out in front of you because of your art skills. But without it, what will you do?" They cackled, "Nothing. That's what. Because you're nothing without your natural talent."
Nathaniel resisted the urge to correct them that art skills weren't natural and needed lots of practice as they taunted him, leaving the room. Slightly unsettled, he returned to his work.
His pencil paused before it hit the paper. Really, it should be unreasonable to think that the akuma removed years of experience, but somewhere in the back of his mind, there was still a hint of worry. Weirder things have happened in this city. What's stopping this akuma from doing that? Nathaniel pulled out his sketchbook, flipping until he reached the first blank page, quickly making a sketch, not really thinking of what to draw.
He lost himself in the zone, simply enjoying the process of art like he had always done. His heart dropped once he finally noticed the final product, a mess of scribbles.
So the akuma was telling the truth. Nathaniel really couldn't draw right now.
Somehow, that fact brought much more pain to him than it should.
Marc rushed into the room, running over to where Nathaniel was sitting, "Are you okay? I saw an akuma walk out."
Nathaniel jumped, snapping out of his trance, "Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I should probably be heading home right now." He stepped around Marc, heading for the exit.
"Wait, why are you leaving?" Marc asked, turning around and grabbing Nathaniel's wrist.
"I- Um- Well, I can't draw right now, so..."
"Why does that matter?" Marc pushed on.
"W...What other reason do you have to hang out with me besides my art?" Nathaniel murmured, shrinking into himself.
Marc stared at him for a moment, before tugging him closer and hugging him. "Nathaniel. I love you for so many more things than just your art. You are more than your ability to draw."
Nathaniel started tearing up at the sentences. He never realized how much of his self esteem was balancing on his art skills. Without it, it felt like he had suddenly become worthless.
Nathaniel shivered. He's really glad Marc was there to pull him out of that trance.
He leaned further into the writer's embrace, enjoying the warmth of his body. His boyfriend's presense was comforting. Even without words, Nathaniel could tell Marc was pouring his adoration into the hug.
It was nice to know that Marc would always love him, regardless of his ability to draw art or not.