Work Text:
Layer the drop cloth on the floor?
Done.
Make sure the blinds are closed and the light is just right?
Done.
Set the paints she wanted aside and make sure her brushes are in good shape?
Done.
Make sure the door is locked?
…
It wouldn’t hurt to make sure.
Glancing at the handle, Naminé saw the lock set and gave a satisfied nod. She’d set aside time this weekend to get this done. Making sure her studio had just the right set up. This was a painting she wanted to give her best for, after all. Not a drawing or a scribble to pass the time, a genuine painting. The culmination of practice and planning.
And an expression of her love.
She pulled out her notebook, turning to the bookmarked page of her chosen sketch. Turning past other pages of the two of them she had considered. Ideas that, for one reason or another, weren’t quite right. Not bad, but just not quite what she was looking for. Not for this picture. Something to express the relationship she had with Roxas. Something that would be a memorable Valentine’s Day gift.
Something to stir emotions the same way his voice had for her.
Naminé closed her eyes for a moment, memories of a private serenade drifting through her mind. The way it swept her off her feet. How she could feel the care Roxas put into every note. Looking at the page for her planned picture, Naminé nodded in determination. She opened up some of the paint, reached for a palette and brush and got to work.
Using paint was so different from crayons and pencils. It flowed and blended in ways an unpracticed hand might have trouble controlling. But with experience and the right tools, it felt simple, freeing. Putting down hues that she could guide for a few moments. Give them texture and nuance. Piece by piece bringing to life what had begun in her mind and heart.
A gift befitting the one who held her heart as she held his.
Though as the sky slowly took form on the canvas, she couldn’t help a momentary glance toward the window. Even if the blinds were down, it had become almost reflexive these past few weeks. The change in seasons had brought with it something transformative. Something that so rarely came to Twilight Town.
Snow.
She’d seen it a few times on other worlds, how it changed them so dramatically. Adding a sense of wonder wherever she looked, and a sort of excitement in everyone. Especially in Roxas. He sometimes ventured out to take pictures of familiar vistas transformed by the scattered snowflakes. And with that change came new things to do like snowboarding and skiing. Even if Naminé wasn’t as practiced as many of her friends, she still found a thrill in trying some of those activities. A sigh escaped her lips as she recalled the time she practiced skateboarding with Roxas. The rush she had when she was finally able to ride it across town was unforgettable. Roxas told her she wouldn’t stop grinning through it all.
Alas, most of the season so far kept her indoors with commissions and other work. But Roxas was sure to show her the pictures he brought back whenever he came home. If she couldn’t go out in the snow, she might have a way to bring it here.
She could think of no better way to do it than to draw Roxas and her together in a winter wonderland.
Slowly, she crafted the mountains against the sky. A brush defining the land as it rose up into the clouds. Taking a few dabs of white paint, she crafted the snow covering the rock. A twist or flick of the wrist adding texture and depth. Soon she reached the bottom and moved onto the trees. The green pines that could endure the cold and were a haven for life. ‘And for Roxas and I as well,’ Naminé mused as she painted one larger tree in the foreground.
It was coming along nicely. Just like she planned in her sketch. Glancing at it, Naminé nodded as she confirmed she would have the space for both of them. But as she turned back to her canvas, she paused as her eyes fell on the clock. Was it half past noon already? She set down her brush and looked over her handiwork so far. If she kept up the pace, she might just be able to finish tonight. But it’d be better for her to take a quick break and grab a meal.
Though, having made the progress she had today, Naminé barely felt like she needed it. As if her creativity and inspiration were sustenance all their own. As she made her way to the kitchen, her thoughts drifted to Roxas. He’d been working part time jobs this winter in addition to his trips. If Naminé had to guess, he was probably saving up for something nice this Valentine’s Day as well. She couldn’t help but ponder what he’d choose.
She giggled, looking forward to the surprise. Roxas had a talent for coming through in the most unexpected and delightful ways.
One lunch and a quick break later, Naminé was back at her easel. From paint she began to craft their bodies and clothes. Two figures, hand in hand in the snowy forest. With a practiced hand, she added detail. Buttons and belts on their clothes. Tiny snowflakes that clung to their boots and gloves. Piece by piece going from abstract shapes to something real.
Yet those details wouldn’t make them feel alive. Not quite yet.
She started with the eyes. Eyes she knew so well from the mirror, and from the face of the boy she loved. Eyes that saw one another as the most magical thing in this winter wilderness. A fond smile, full of affection. A touch of pink to the cheeks from the cold and being so close together. A few strands of hair that peeked out from their winter caps. Slowly bringing the two of them to life.
Pulling away, she set her brush down and let her wrist rest. The hours of painting finally caught up to her. However, the result so far was more than worth that effort. Just a few finishing touches and the picture would be ready.
“I’m home!”
At the sound of Roxas’ voice, Naminé couldn’t help but smile. Even if it reminded her she’d also have to make sure her picture was stowed away till Valentine’s Day.
Oh well, it wouldn’t take too long to do both.
Closing the door to their apartment and locking it with a tap of his keyblade, Roxas called out, “I’m home!”
“I’ll be out in a bit!” Naminé’s voice was clear enough, even if it was muffled by the door and walls.
“Sure, take your time.” Roxas had been with Naminé long enough to understand that muffle meant she was not only busy with her art, but didn’t want to be disturbed. If it was for an important commission, she didn’t need someone looking over her shoulder. Roxas didn’t mind at all. There were plenty of nights where she worked on something for herself or friends and she left the door open. An invitation to see what she was bringing to life with her crayons and pencils.
But today, Naminé would only be coming out when she was ready. Hanging up his jacket, Roxas was content to lounge on the sofa for however long she needed. Get some rest after finishing his day. Even with the constant sun, Twilight Town had plenty of winter cleanup that needed to get done. Fortunately, people were willing to pay for it, which was a good way to save up for a Valentine’s Day trip.
He knew that Naminé mentioned being curious about skiing and maybe snowboarding. How she occasionally looked out the window and watched the trains heading off to the ski resort hidden in the mountains of Twilight Town. After the cold snap that left them apartment-bound for months, it would be great to go somewhere nice this Valentine’s Day. Something new for the both of them. Luckily, with today’s munny, he’d have plenty for a great trip for the two of them.
Thoughts of holiday trip plans came to a stop as he heard a door open from down the hall. Looking up with a smile, he saw Naminé locking her studio with a tired but content smile. As her eyes met his, that smile gained a bit more energy as she made her way over to him. Sitting up, Roxas made room for Naminé as she lay down next to him and snuggled close. Clearly wanting a moment to rest before answering the question of dinner.
Studying her face, Roxas cocked his head and asked, “So, what’re you painting?”
Raising an eyebrow with a slight smile, Naminé answered, “I usually sketch. What makes you think I’m painting something?” The smile faded as Roxas raised a finger and gently tapped her nose. As she saw on his finger a stray drop of paint, smudged ever so slightly from her face, Naminé let out a small giggle. “Oops.”
Chuckling, Roxas leaned in and asked a teasing, “Well?”
Naminé met his gaze as she leaned closer and admitted, “It’s something for a certain day.” Giving Roxas a gentle kiss, she touched her forehead to his. “For a special someone.”
Even if it wasn’t a perfect surprise, Roxas knew well how much effort and care Naminé put into her artwork. “I know it’ll be great,” he assured her as he gave her a gentle squeeze. “Are you going to work on it more tomorrow?”
With a tired grin, Naminé nuzzled up to him on the couch. “Actually, I just finished it.”
Roxas’ brow creased in concern as he gave her another gentle squeeze and murmured, “You don’t need to push yourself for my sake you know.”
Shaking her head, Naminé reached up to stroke Roxas’ cheek. “I wasn't really pushing myself. I just started and kept going. It was like the inspiration kept me going.”
Roxas smiled and clasped her hand. He could understand that sentiment all too well. After being told that they were nothing for so long. That the two of them had nothing to feel. To let that sentiment run free and push them further was exhilarating. But more than that, letting one of the strongest feelings in their hearts lift them up to achieve what they dreamed. Much the same as how he pushed himself to earn the munny for the trip.
They were each other’s inspiration, in life and love.
Roxas’ musing was cut short as Naminé pulled away her hand and propped herself up off him. “Though I think a good dinner might also help keep me going.”
Slowly rising from the couch, Roxas turned to Naminé and offered a hand. “Any preferences?”
“Something warm and homey for a cold night together,” Naminé answered as Roxas helped her up.