Turpentine & Vetiver

32. Love -if I know what love is, it is because of you. - Herman Hesse

   The day of Inky's art exhibit, Thorn had taken extra precautions to make sure things were precisely how he'd set them up- all of Inky's art arranged in the narrow red hallway; lit with LED lights. He'd framed a photograph of her, placing it amongst her sculptures and canvases. Inky's face stared back at him in black and white, in the background was one of her half-finished paintings, and there were ink stains on her white button-down shirt. I want everything to be perfect for you tonight, Inky. You've already proven to me how you feel- bringing me back from the Red Void- and I want everyone to see what I do when they look at your artwork.
   Once he'd deemed everything satisfactory, Thorn called Inky to let her know the museum was ready. "We can go out for a drink first," he insisted. Inky met him outside the museum, stepping out of her battered black Charger and staring up into the grey sky. Thorn couldn't help but stare at her; she wore a long dress- a gradient of red into burgundy; contrasting against her pale skin like fresh blood on snow. Her black hair hung in loose tendrils around her face, and she slowly met his eyes; the intense grey appearing almost silver in the fading light. Still staring at her, Thorn imagined all of the things he'd like to do with her after the art show- trying to push the thoughts aside for the time being.
   She walked with him to a small bar located near the museum, and they ordered drinks; Inky opting for red wine- which seemed appropriate- and Thorn getting his standard gin and tonic. "We should go over to the museum after this," he told her; almost impatient for her to see how he'd set up her artwork. "I don't know what to say- during the opening ceremony," she complained. "Just introduce yourself, talk a little about your artistic process and inspirations for your work- people like a background story; they require context. I know you're nervous- you'll be fine." He thought about his own art shows of the past- remembering the only reason Cayson had promoted his work was for money- and Miranda only worked with him for false recognition and unearned notoriety.
   Inky was the only one who'd seen the true intentions behind his art, searching for meaning and understanding. Everyone except you refused to see me- they only saw the mask; and fearing it, they turned away. You never let the fear control you, your curiosity and empathy won in the end. Thorn paid for their drinks, and they exited the bar, walking over to the museum. Inky held his hand, following him down the hall and into the main art room. It still looked the way Thorn had left it, the strips of LED lights illuminating the exhibit, white chrysanthemums surrounding the photograph of Inky. She'd taken several glasses of champagne from the event's catering cart, nervously sipping the sparkling wine. Thorn stood in the corner of the room, drinking gin out of his silver flask.
   A year ago- when I was first working on this art show for you- there was something I wanted to talk to you about. I know you don't like working at the Gallery- and I could most likely get you a better job here at the museum with me. He watched Inky quietly; hoping his presence would lessen her anxiety. "Are you ready to start the show?" he asked softly, eyes focused on her intensely. Thorn noticed that her face turned slightly red, and she awkwardly adjusted the strap of her dress. "I don't feel like myself," she replied, setting aside the now-empty champagne glass. Thorn watched her peek through the black velvet curtains, then walked across the room to stand beside her. "Maybe you're just a different version of yourself," he told her.
   Inky smiled at him nervously, fidgeting with the red ribbons around her still-bruised wrist. Thorn noticed she hadn't asked him about the second ribbon- which he'd given her the night after they'd been together in the sub-basement room. Inky seemed a bit quieter than usual; silently contemplative. Thorn could sense her nervousness and apprehension, despite her lack of vocalization about it. He rested his hand on her shoulder, trying to reassure her that everything would be okay. "You're going to do great- don't worry about everyone else- just pretend like nobody else is watching."
   She turned slightly to face him, catching him staring blatantly at her. "What's wrong?" she nearly whispered, and Thorn stared back in amusement. "Nothing's wrong, Inky. I was just- staring. Sorry," he explained, refusing to look away. "Anyway," he continued, "you look fucking amazing- red really is definitely your color- I mean, if I didn't already know you, I would be stalking you now for sure," he told her, only halfway-joking. Inky's face turned red, and she averted her eyes at his strange compliment. Thorn looked at the clock on the dark maroon wall- it was nearly 5:00; Inky's show was almost ready to begin. She gave him a wry smile, turning to face him. "Okay Mr. Stalker- are you going to be staring at me the whole time?" Her voice was subtly sarcastic, and there was a certain playfulness in her expression. "Of course," he replied seriously, reaching out to hold her hand. He leaned down to kiss her, brushing a stray tendril of hair out of her eyes.
   God, you're beautiful, Inky. I would kill anyone who made you feel insignificant; feel like less than who you are. There's no reason someone like you should feel so self-conscious -if anything, they should all be intimidated by how talented you are... Inky looked up at him, grey eyes slowly meeting his. The museum hallway was silent, and the anxious atmosphere seemed to have completely dissipated. "I think I'm ready to start the show now," she paused; voice quiet. "I don't mind if you watch- I like it..." Thorn smirked, giving her a suggestive look. "Oh really... I'll keep that in mind," he answered- with more than a few new ideas involving the two of them coming to mind.
   Once, before he'd gone into the Red Void, Inky has explained to him that she didn't mind him staring at her- because it made her feel less invisible, and the only reason it had been unnerving at first was the fact that she'd been mostly overlooked and ignored for a lot of her life. You'll never be invisible to me, Inky. I love you, and that's real- I would never lie to you about how I feel. The black velvet curtain parted, and Thorn watched as Inky stepped out onto the stage- the crowd staring at her in patient anticipation. "Hello- good evening. My name is Inky Delaney, and thank you all for coming to my first official art exhibition here at the museum," she said confidently.
   Thorn drank gin out of his silver flask; listening to Inky explain her artistic process, the emotions behind her pieces, and her job at the Gallery restoring old art. In all actuality; Inky was an excellent public speaker- her thoughts were cohesive and precise, her explanations less convoluted- more straightforward than most. She was polite- thanking the audience for showing up, and he watched as she glanced behind her to the back room where Thorn was waiting for her. "I would like to dedicate this art show to the museum's art curator, Thorn Keir- because without all of his hard work, I wouldn't be here tonight showing you all my art." She blushed, suddenly looking shy and awkward once again. Thorn stepped out from the dark corridor, feeling somewhat embarrassed being put in the spotlight rather unexpectedly.
   He introduced himself to the audience, mentioning how they'd met at the Gallery, and talked about a few of the paintings she'd done that had caught his attention. He obviously neglected to mention the fact he'd been stalking her beforehand- this was something only the two of them would remain privy to. I'm sure nobody else would properly understand my obsession with Inky- they'd misinterpret it, misconstrue it as something... negative. Inky is the reason I'm trying to be- what? Am I really so different from before? Do I care about what someone thinks about me for a change? Maybe I am trying to be a better person- if only for Inky's sake...
   Once Inky had finished speaking to the audience, the two of them went back behind the black curtain; Inky apologizing for the awkwardness of her speech to the crowd. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot or anything- but I felt that you deserve recognition as well," she told him quietly. Thorn glanced in her direction, unsure what to say. "Nobody's ever- dedicated an art show to me before," he replied. "Hell- you're the only one I've met who's even given me artwork, stayed around long enough to get to know me, I guess. Sorry- I'm not very good with words sometimes. You know- explaining things- feelings." He inspected one of Inky's sculptures; a piece she'd made using an old, broken ship's wheel. "So- you're not mad at me or anything?" Thorn shook his head, wondering why Inky would think this. "Of course not- why would I be mad at you? I chose to be here, after all- I wanted to do this for you." He turned to look at her, a serious expression on his face. "It's all for you, Inky. It always has been."
   A few hours had passed, and everyone had said their goodbyes and told Inky they enjoyed seeing her artwork. She stood facing the wall, examining her own exhibit. "I told you that everyone was going to like your work- and if anyone had said anything negative- well, they would have me to answer to," Thorn explained to Inky; feeling both impressed by and darkly protective of her. She gave him a knowing smile; a strange, unreadable look in her grey eyes. They walked down the empty museum hallways, the other people having left for the evening- leaving them alone together in the silent room.
   "What would you think about having your work here as a permanent installation?" Inky seemed confused at first by his suggestion; "if that's what you think I should do," she answered softly, seeming unsure of herself. "It's your decision, Inky. I can only give you suggestions. However- it is part of my job to add new art installations and exhibits to this place- and I've never seen anything like your work. It's a reflection of you- of your mind. I think you should say yes," Thorn replied seriously, reaching over to hold her hand. "All right," Inky agreed, suddenly seeming more quiet and reserved than usual. She looked down shyly at the ground; thoughtful and contemplative.
   "I want to come work here with you. My apartment lease is up at the end of the month- I was wondering- if I should move in with you." She seemed almost reluctant to tell him this; refusing to maintain eye contact. He held her hand tighter, trying to reassure her. This is what I wanted to ask you, it's as if you've read my mind... "Are you sure- I was actually going to ask you the same thing- but I didn't think you'd want to actually move in with me- especially into that building," Thorn admitted, recalling the various acts of violence that had previously occurred there. "Of course I would, Thorn. It's just a building. It's where we first- I don't know, were properly introduced? I don't really care anymore what dark things took place there, because there's other things that happened there too..."
   He watched her avert her eyes again, a slight blush creeping across her skin; oddly enhanced by the red dress she wore. I know exactly what you're referring to, Thorn mused, remembering all of the other things that had taken place there- involving the two of them. Just the memory of what they'd done was a turn-on alone; from his point of view- he did want her to live with him- hell, he wouldn't mind one bit if she wandered around half-naked and covered in ink... "I'll talk to the art director about your new job tomorrow- we do need a person skilled in art restoration and history, and I can get you your own office here within a week," he told her. Inky looked up, meeting his gaze this time. "I'll go anywhere with you. Remember that," he added, hoping he didn't do anything to upset her on accident- she was definitely much quieter tonight. "I know," she finally said; and he watched as a single tear slipped down her pale cheek.
   "Hey- don't cry. I'm not going to leave you again, I never wanted to." Thorn gently touched her face, brushing away the solitary tear. Don't cry, Inky. I promise I'll do everything I can to never disappoint or upset you. Because of you- I don't feel so attached to my dark impulses. He pulled her closer, and she leaned against him, listening to his heartbeat. This is reality, Thorn reminded himself. Don't convince yourself otherwise. This was indeed the best reality- one Inky would always be a part of. "I can help you start to pack your things tomorrow," he said, distracted by the feeling of Inky's soft skin against his hands. "I- don't know what to say. Yes. There's nothing I want more than to be with you," Inky answered softly. Then, as he listened in solemn curiosity, Inky explained the plan she'd devised to stop the abomination from harming them again. "You know, I think that you're right. This time, I really think it's going to work."  "I sure as fuck hope so- it's the last thing I thought of- when we were down there in the dark," Inky replied, her body relaxing against him, reassured by his words. I know it'll work- it has to. I believe we can stop the abomination together; we are the parallels...
   The next few days he and Inky packed up the contents of her studio apartment- relocating them to the dark building. He'd intended to give her one of the spare rooms as an art space- a getaway if she needed to be alone to focus on her work. Sometimes, distractions were unnecessary- and he wanted her to feel comfortable with their new living arrangement. They'd left the sculpture of the abomination behind at Inky's old studio- planning to use it in the ritual Inky had explained to him. In the meanwhile, Thorn had painted one room a deep shade of velvet midnight blue- meticulously decorated with intricate gold constellations- reminiscent of their night together at the observatory.
   Someday we won't remember the stars... hopefully, not in this lifetime. He had also taken the time to make a scroll of parchment to hang on the door- written in precise sepia calligraphy- Inky's favorite Latin quote- AD ASTRA PER ASPERA- which when translated, meant 'to the stars through difficulties' -and it seemed extremely fitting, especially regarding himself and Inky.