Work Text:
The things a broke college student will do for money. To be fair, this one isn't the worst prospect you've stumbled across. For one, it's actually from the university, so it can't be anything too strange or uncomfortable. And second, it's easy. At least you hope. You never once considered yourself to be a model by any means, but when the illustration studio was looking to pay for live models, your interest suddenly skyrocketed. The illustration instructor was ecstatic to see you were interested. She ensured that it would be easy, even fun. You're not sure how much fun you're going to have sitting in a chair for three hours, but the stipend would be worth it.
The day of, you were strangely anxious. You would be the focus of artwork, and you felt pressure to present in an extraordinary way. You didn't want to over do it, but you did spend some extra time picking a good outfit and accessorizing a bit. The more you over-analyzed yourself in the mirror, the more self conscious you became. You don't know what makes someone attractive, or even just pleasant to look at. Your mind began to zoom in on all the little blemishes that scatter your being. They've never bothered you to this extent before. You startle when your alarm to leave goes off. You give one last glance to yourself in the mirror and sigh. This will simply have to do.
The clock in the courtyard chimes, marking the beginning of the day. You had no classes today anyway, so this gig worked out perfectly. You arrive at the classroom early and the professor greets you warmly. They compliment your look, which only eases your mind so much. They gesture to the chair in the center of the room and invite you to sit in a comfortable position. The chair is on a short plinth, ensuring everyone will have a good view of you. As students begin to file in, you realize just how many pairs of eyes will be on you for so long. A knot begins to form in your stomach, and it coils tighter with each person who enters. Not even five minutes pass when all the easels are accounted for. The professor begins class by welcoming everyone and outlining the assignment: figure drawing. They then introduce you as today's subject. All at once all the eyes in the room fall onto you, and that knot coils tighter. You smile shyly and wave. The professor then officially begins the studio session, and everyone goes to work.
You're already regretting the position you chose. It's nothing too elaborate, but you find all the eyes on you are making it uncomfortable to hold still. As you force your body to remain statuesque, you let your eyes wander. Everyone appears focused, looking at you as nothing more than angles and proportions. Most of the students quickly glance your direction before scribbling their interpretation of you onto their pages. Your eyes land on one particular individual towards the back of the studio: a young woman with warm brown skin. She studies you for far longer than just a cursory glance. You feel utterly seen under her golden gaze. You watch her eyes carefully trace each of your features, drinking in the image you've set before her. Her eyes flick upwards and meet yours. She notices you staring, and gives you a coy smile before finaling turning to her blank page. It sends a warm heat into your chest, which you find strangely comforting. Your muscles seem to relax, and some of your stage fright ebbs away.
The longer you pose, the easier it becomes. Your thoughts drift easily, only ever being anchored by that woman's intense ire. Your eyes will lock every once in a while, but the interaction feels playful. You're more than just a subject to her, but an experience. When she is actually focused on her artpiece, you admire how serene she looks, compared to everyone else's tense expressions. You can't help but wonder how you've never noticed such a striking individual before. The teacher claps, making you jump, and announces the end of the work period. The time passed much faster than you had anticipated. You allow yourself to stretch as the students pack up and begin to leave. The teacher invites you to walk around and view some of their drawings. They're all quite good. Some focus on the little details while others captured your form as a whole. Some focused solely on your face while others took in your whole body. You can't help the gentle smile that starts to tug at the corners of your mouth; you inspired such lovely art. One piece towards the back makes you stop in your tracks. You gape at the elegant yet bold strokes. The piece is fluid like water, yet gives your form a stark edge. Your features look delicate and regal.
"Hello." An elegant voice from right behind you makes you jump a bit. You turn around and are face to face with that golden eyed woman.
"Oh, hi."
"Do you like it?" She gestures to the piece. The realization finally hits as you attempt to regain any composure.
"Yes! It's beautiful!"
"I'm glad you think so," she giggles at your enthusiasm. "Could I borrow you for a moment?"
"Yeah, of course."
"Most of the models who come in are rather - how do I put it - uninspiring to me. But you, you were both easy and a challenge. I felt like I was drawing a living being, and not just a statue." She speaks so earnestly. You can see sincerity in the twinkle in her eye. "Would you be willing to model again? Just for me this time." Your eyes widen at the bold request, and you feel a blush beginning to form at your cheeks. All your earlier insecurities melt like ice under this woman's warm gaze.
"Uh, yeah! Sure!" You agree, a stupid smile plastered to your face. It makes her giggle again. You finally remember you're both still strangers and you introduce yourself.
"Pleasure, I'm Mel." She smiles in reply. That flustered blush spreads along your neck and chest as you two exchange numbers. "I look forward to it." She says with a lilt in her voice, before gliding out of the classroom. You sigh dreamily, unsure how you managed direct contact with such an ethereal being as her.
A few days pass in a flurry of classes and homework. The week has been so mundane that you almost forget about your upcoming modeling session with Mel. Your phone reminds you that morning, sending a wave of excitement through your chest. When you're getting ready, you don't feel the same pressure to present as you did the first time. It helps knowing that Mel sees you as a person, rather than just a subject. Now that you've met her, it's hard not to notice her as you move through campus; It's hard to believe such a beautiful woman went noticed by you for so long. You wait in the courtyard in the golden evening sun, excitedly anxious for your time with her. It's just a few minutes of waiting before she approaches, greeting you with a warm smile. She leads you through unfamiliar halls of the academy until you enter a secluded studio. She gestures towards a chair she's set for you as she settles into her spot behind her easel.
"Pose however you'd like, I'll mostly be focusing on your form." Not being an artist yourself, you interpret her words best you can. You settle into a comfortable position, feeling very relaxed. She smiles pleasantly, seemingly noticing how you're much more at ease this time. "You don't have to be silent this time either, we can talk." She says invitingly.
"Okay. Are you an art major?" You ask, testing the waters.
"Art and political relations double major."
"Wow, that's impressive."
"And what about you?" She looks up from her canvas, pinning you beneath her inquisitive gaze.
"I'm in general studies."
"Ah, so you're well rounded. Good." Such simple praise from her sends warmth to your cheeks, which you're sure she notices.
"Do you have much time for extracurriculars?"
"Not really, but I don't need to. I enjoy my schedule, and I enjoy keeping busy. Makes me feel productive and in control during such a time of chaos." She speaks with such easy command and confidence, it's mesmerizing. You can't help but feel ever more drawn to her.
"How about time for socializing? You must be quite popular around here." She smirks as she glances back up.
"What makes you say that?" You feel your cheeks flush even more at her bold directness.
"Well, um, you just seem like the type to attract a lot of attention. In a good way, I mean!" You cringe a bit as you stumble over your words. Your anxiety is soothed when you hear her amused giggle and see that warm smile spread across her lips again.
"You could certainly say that. I like to be in the know about the world around me, but I save my time only for those who truly peak my interest." Her sentence is punctuated as her eyes flicker up to yours, pinning you down. Everything about this woman has you nervous in an excited way. You're suddenly unsure about what you've done to deserve such attention from her.
"I wouldn't say I'm anyone who's particularly interesting."
"Well I disagree." As her sincere words sink into your chest, she takes a moment to sit back and admire her work. You hadn't realized how long you had been sitting there for, but the sun has dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in violet and navy hues. "I believe I'm done. Would you like to come see?" You nod and stand, stretching your muscles a bit after sitting for so long. When you come face to face with her painting, you're once again rendered speechless. Her style is expressionist, almost abstract the way she blends the colors together to create such a smooth form. Your eyes are guided effortlessly by the fluid brushstrokes, stopping at all the points of interest to admire how wonderfully she captured you. She breaks you out of your trance with her elegant voice. "What do you think?"
"It's beautiful. You're incredibly talented."
"An artist is only as skilled as their subject is captivating." A shy smile splits across your face under such kind words. "I had a pleasant time talking with you, we should do this again."
"Yes, please!" She giggles at your excitement, intrigue and interest dancing in her eyes. She leads you both out of the studio and back to the main corridor where you part ways. It's not a bitter goodbye as she has so adamantly expressed her interest in you as a person, even beyond the scope of art. You carry the warmth she's instilled in your chest with you all the way back to your dorm, where it helps lull you into a pleasant sleep.