♬

[byrned]

Comments

[cravating]

[There's a visible relief that washes over Nathan when he spots them. He doesn't say a word, just hugs them both- first Lucy, then Matt holding on for an extra moment more with Matt.]

Thanks for coming. Both you. Means a lot.

1/2

[lucecaboose]

[ Lucy spots that. She spots everything. But she says nothing. ]

You're kidding right? He hasn't shut up about it all day. Anybody would think it was Christmas the way this one's been going on.

2/2

[byrned]

Shut up Luce

[ Matt gives her a shove with his elbow. Even if it's right. Nate doesn't need to know that. Nor know that he went and got another new shirt for the thing. ]

So what do we do, just walk around and act like we know what we're talking about? Where's your stuff?

[cravating]

[He can't help but grin. Lucy is good to tell him the stuff Matt won't, but even Matt is always going on about how good his work is. Still, it's good to hear just how excited they've been to be here.]

My stuff's mostly in the room over there. [He points to a room to the right.]

But there's loads of stuff all over. You guys can check out any of it.

[He doesn't want to push them at his stuff right away. And okay he might be nervous about if it's any good.]

[byrned]

[ Matt's gaze turns in the direction Nate tells them and so he's already eager to head off in that way. Truth be told half this art stuff makes no sense to him, but Nate's stuff he knows is amazing. Maybe he's biased. ]

So do we get the tour from the artist himself? [ matt asks as Luce slots her arm around Nate's. She knows he's nervous ]

[cravating]

[Nate gives Lucy a grateful smiles and nods to Matt's question.]

I can do that. All of the people in this course do great work.

[Except for Jim. Jim's work is shit. But Nate is very nice.]

This way, then?

[Opposite from the way to his stuff. He's going to keep that for last. Maybe he'll be less nervous then.]

[byrned]

[ It's fairly clear from Matt's expression as they walk around that Matt doesn't really care about most of this art. He hasn't got a clue what's going on, and why has that guy glued tshirts to a wall? Is that art? That's not art, it's a waste of tshirts! ]

You ever start doing stuff like this i'm going to have you checked.

[cravating]

Hush. [He says, but the small smile curving at the corner of his mouth gives away that he does find Matt's comments a little funny.]

But don't worry. I'm not really into that sort of statement piece stuff.

[byrned]

Yeah you better not be.[ He pulls his face a little more at something in front of him as Lucy laughs. ]

You're an uncultured twat, Matt [ she tells him. ] Nathan, you going to show us your stuff then or what?

[cravating]

Yeah, probably better to let him make those kinds of comments about my stuff than anyone else.

[He takes the two of them back through the main gallery area and into that room he had pointed to before. There are about a dozen paintings here, stuff he's been working on for most of the year. Matt's only actually seen about half of them because the others he's kept at the studio for his classes.]

Here we are, then.

[byrned]

[ As soon as they walk into this room, Matt's attitude changes. He's seen enough of Nate's work to recognise at least one thing he's seen, but amongst them, things he never has. Some of the ones with those big swishes, the sort he really likes. They draw his attention the most. ]

Fuck me.

Is that your review is it, Matt? [ Lucy asks, amused. ] No, but Nathan these are really good pieces. You should be proud. Apart from that one. Not sure what you were thinking there. [ Well, she's always been straight up. ]

[cravating]

[He loves that about Lucy, really. She keeps him humble.]

Actually forgot that one was due until the night before. You can sort of tell how rushed it was, can't you?

[Nate turns his attention back to Matt.]

You like them?

[byrned]

[ Matt's rarely speechless. He's usually got something to say; often inappropriate. But right now? Right now he's just a little slack jawed and awed. ]

Nate you are one talented bloke, you know that? I'm proud of you, man. Really. Didn't I tell you? Didn't I?

[cravating]

[There's a moment when he just can't reply. He's heard Matt say it before, but it just... it means a lot.]

Thanks. [He tries to snap out of it.] Both of you. Really. Thank you for coming.

[byrned]

You joking? You couldn't have kept me away if you'd tried. You just make sure you remember us little people when you're some big swish arty type.

[ And Lucy managed to find wine. Good girl. She has a glass for herself and one for Nathan, which she hands out towards him. Matt can go find his own. ]

And now you've done it maybe you can actually relax a bit [ she says as she hands it over ]

[cravating]

[Nathan takes his wine and has a healthy sip. He needed that.]

I don't know if I'll ever get used to this part.

[byrned]

Where's mine? [ Matt gives Lucy a look, before she gestures back the way she came anf gives him an 'i'm not your slave' look. ]

Okay don't go far. Especially you, Picasso. Or... whoever the good ones are.

[ He shoots Nate a grin before he heads off to find drink and food, someone said there was food, right? ]

[cravating]

[It's the grin that always gets him, even if he doesn't realize it. Nathan can't help but smile in return. The sort of smile that makes you stand up a little straighter and pay attention. His gaze lingers on Matt as he leaves, not thinking anything of it.]

[lucecaboose]

[ Lucy's looking at Nathan, having a bit of her wine. She sees that look and... has to check for a second that he's still looking over towards Matt, before her eyes turn sharply back to Nathan. ]

Oh no. Oh you've got to be kidding me. Seriously?

[cravating]

[He blinks, looking over at her, concerned.]

What? What's wrong?

[lucecaboose]

You! That face. You've got a thing for Matt. [ It's not a question, it's a statement. ] Since when?!

[cravating]

What? No, I don't. Don't be ridiculous, Luce.

[lucecaboose]

[ She gives him a look.
]
Nathan. Don't try and pull that shit with me.

[cravating]

I'm not pulling any shit! [He's just lying to himself. It's fine.]

[lucecaboose]

So you just give those big puppy dog looks at everyone do you? Okay where's mine then?