Work Text:
Another day at the losers' motel, and there, in his room, was a lonely artist. Alessio wanted to paint again, so he thought he'd paint a portrait of his beloved, who, in terms of artistic features, he thought was magnificent. For the Italian, the poker player had unique features, and he loved to mentally outline them every night, looking for ways to capture them on canvas. But every time he picked up a brush, his hand would start to tremble, and his brushstrokes weren't at all what he wanted to express. Alessio wanted everyone to see Gordon's beauty; he wanted to express what no one could see unless they looked deeply. Everyone knew his mistakes and imperfections, but no one could see his sweet side, except Alessio.
And today was no exception. After a quick breakfast and coffee, Alessio went to find another canvas to return to. He started simply, with the basic shapes and colors. However, once again, his mind wandered and he doubted himself, unsure he could capture the player in his perfection. As he tried, his disappointment grew, before he suddenly stopped...
"I don't know what to do anymore. I can't express my fascination with him through my art." He sighed exhaustedly and dropped the paintbrush to the floor. Before he knew it, an unexpectedly welcome voice echoed throughout the room.
"Are you giving up already? Don't you think it's a bit soon for that?" Ted stood in the doorway with a cocky grin.
Alessio panicked, cursing in Italian from shock; he hadn't realized when his opponent had entered his room. He put on his glasses and picked up the paintbrush from the floor. He sighed as he looked at Ted, feeling his heart race.
"Tedsworth!? Don't you know it's rude to enter without knocking?" the artist asked with a slight hint of panic, but trying to disguise it as a reprimand, hoping the player wouldn't notice his slight nervousness. Still, the player shrugged indifferently and walked in, approaching the artist.
“I'm sorry, but you usually leave the door open for a, so-called, 'landscape inspiration,' right? Besides, you didn't answer the first time I called.” He answered. After that, Alessio didn't know what to say since everything else said to the contrary was true. He loved having his windows and doors open early in the morning or late at night so he could enjoy the scenery to the fullest, resulting in the perfect image, but this time his current struggle couldn't handle a simple group of trees, a group of animals, flower bushes… Not even the brightest sunrise or the most orange sunset could grant him the necessary inspiration given his circumstances. His struggle was human, both figuratively and literally. It was true that he no longer felt as lost as before, but he also didn't have enough self-confidence to pick up a brush and paint a picture right away. When Alessio sighed again, tired of his internal dispute, Ted seemed to notice that something wasn't right and changed his expression to a more confused one.
“Birds aren't enough anymore, huh? You need a muse? I could pose for you. I don't mean to brag, but I'm sure many of you would like me to pose for you.” Ted said, waving his hand in front of his face with a confident smile, hoping to bring the artist out of his funk, but also because he liked seeing his partner happy. Their time together on the island had been a lot of fun, and Alessio was one of the main reasons why; he gave the atmosphere a different, more jovial and cultural feel. Maybe they could spend some more time together after the game...
“Despite your impertinence, even if I had you in front of me, I couldn't paint the picture I want. It's impossible. I can't even make a simple stroke; I'm pathetic.” He commented dramatically, shrugging his shoulders in defeat. Ted's eyes widened before clicking his tongue in disapproval, thinking that perhaps none of it would help.
“Tsk, don’t be so dramatic, Alessio. Look, I’ll just stay here and strike my best poses. I’m sure you’ll like some of them.” With that, the brunette stood in front of Alessio and began posing, stretching out his arms. “Oh yeah, is that okay with you? Or should I do this instead?” He smiled seductively, placing one hand on his chin and the other holding his elbow.
Alessio couldn't help but laugh; he loved knowing that his partner now felt comfortable enough with him to make jokes or have a good time. One of the many reasons why the Italian admired the man in front of him. Why was he so inspiring? Could it be because he was different from any muse he'd ever had before?
“Very well, Teddington! I gratefully accept your offer,” Alessio said, feeling the spark growing again. Now he just needed to keep the flame alive; Ted could help him master this art.
"So... should I strike a specific pose?" Ted asked curiously. Alessio tapped his chin with his pencil as he hummed thoughtfully.
“Well, since I'll have you as my... muse... you'd better represent yourself as best as possible.” The artist said thoughtfully, taking out a sketchbook along with a brush and pencil. Ted chuckled.
"Roger Dodger! A Ted Gordon special is just around the corner!" the player said, putting a hand on his hip and biting his dollar-shaped necklace. Alessio rolls his eyes and chuckles.
"You're really special," Alessio says, running his pencil over the canvas to mark the basic shapes. Ted smiles at his cheer and decides to do his best to give him even more confidence.
“Hey, don't sell yourself short. You're pretty special, too. A guy like you makes things so…” Ted pauses, making a hand gesture like I used to see the artist do, and then says in a voice similar to his own: “...magnificent.”
Alessio didn't reply, but the way he drew and painted in his notebook seemed to speak for itself.What Ted said right there wasn't a lie at all. He admired Alessio's determination and his radiant face as he pursued his passions. Something he identified with was that drive to persevere in the pursuit of his passions. Knowing when to hold the line and when to back down.
Alessio had a similar thought: the confidence his beloved Ted can provide, both in victory and failure, was admirable, along with the drive to broaden his horizons and reap the rewards by taking life's risks and making the most of it. Inspiring, truly inspiring.
“Good and... done. Just the finishing touches and…” Alessio murmured as he pressed the brush down on the canvas, but he pressed too hard, slipping his hand and accidentally splashing some green paint on Ted's face. They both looked shocked. Alessio was about to apologize profusely, while Ted remained expressionless. Before he could, he noticed a bit of green paint bringing the paint back to its shine.
"Hehehe, we're even now," the player joked with a laugh. The artist paused for a moment, confused, before deciding to cheerfully play along.
“It was an accident, but… not anymore!” Alessio exclaimed with a smile as he poured some red on Ted. “Now we're even. What do you say, bet on red or something?”
"Oh, there you go..." Ted replied with a defiant smile as they threw paint at each other for a couple of minutes, laughing. In that moment, the nerves and tension disappeared, and they were able to enjoy each other's company. Luckily, as they relaxed, the paint didn't touch the work Alessio was working on. They both laughed and hugged, admiring the work in front of them.
Sure, it had rough strokes that projected strength, but also soft, delicate lines that revealed a hidden beauty. Ted is seen standing confidently, holding cards in one hand and a wad of bills in the other. All the proportions seem precise, and the colors contribute to the work's feeling... radiant. Ted marveled at the painting, awestruck, and Alessio observed it with renewed pride.
“Mmm, it's not so bad, if I do say so myself…” Alessio replied with some relief.
“Not bad!? Man, I'd say more than bad! You know how to flatter a guy visually.” Ted exclaimed in amazement.
“Pfft. You're just saying that because it's of you.” The Italian replied sarcastically, but that confidence kept growing. “Besides, it's not that hard to praise you.”
Ted's face flushed a little in flattery, then he decided to get on with it.
“If so, I'd love to repeat this with you. You certainly make the day much less boring.” He comment while Alessio felt her cheeks heat up and smiled.
"Maybe I'll have to take you up on your offer. No one here shows as much inspiration and beauty as you do.” Alessio said to his companion, while Ted shrugged.
"Well, it takes one to know the other. But still, it seems like a deal," Ted replied as they shook hands and smiled warmly. "Perhaps those two can make the most of this and be true inspirations for each other. Be the muse not only for their decisions or creations, but also for each other's lives."