[Open + Closed] With a starry brush, paint the dusk venetian blue

[akatatai]

WHO: Izumi Miyamura and you!
WHERE: Mostly at Palettes in Tisse.
WHEN: Throughout June!
WHAT: A catch-all for this month's event!
WARNINGS: N/A!

Palettes
[Given the state of the city, it's more than understandable that most businesses aren't functioning the way they normally would. But upon realizing that art supplies are necessary for a couple of the quests (because really, who's going to paint a self portrait with their giant paintbrush?), Izumi's taken it upon himself to work his shift in his family's art supply store anyway! It'll be fine.... probably. Who wouldn't want to come in after seeing the cheerful "Open to Retrospec users for art supplies!" message written on a chalkboard he's set up outside the door?

Of course, there are far fewer people stopping by than usual, so Izumi's taken to sketching at the register in the meantime. But likewise, it means that anyone who enters will be greeted with a wave and a bright smile.]

Hi! What can I do for you today? Are you looking for supplies to paint a self-portrait too?

[Students from Recolle High School might have a difficult time realizing that this cheerful, ponytailed guy with several ear piercings is the same gloomy, quiet Izumi Miyamura that they may or may not know.... With his easygoing disposition and appearance change, that's to be expected. But whether he knows whoever's just entered or not doesn't matter!]

Not all of the paints are the right colour, but it should be okay! There are still tons of options to choose from, since a bunch of people helped me paint everything in different shades last month. So, what are you looking for? If you want to, we can even paint something together!

Wildcard
[Feel free to change up anything you'd like, or even go with something else entirely, since this is pretty limited! If you'd like a unique prompt, feel free to message me at reunite!]

Comments

get in the car loser we're painting ourselves

[stressweets]

[ Tsukasa's probably a familiar enough face at Palettes. Particularly this month so far, since he's been buying supplies to... Well, he wouldn't call them "art classes," since he doesn't think he's good enough to offer those... but he's been doing free-for-all paint sessions.

...His allowance is draining, but the discount helps... ♪

He's just been sitting in Palettes today though (by the counter, out of the way of anyone heading to the register), taking a break from being out and sketching to... be inside and sketching, listening to him greet people about self-portraits as he works more on his red spider lily landscape... hmm.

Hmmmmmmmm.

He waits 'til the next customer is gone to reach his sketchbook back and smack it against the counter to get Izumi's attention. ]

Do you have finger paints? Or, well, I mean, stuff that's not going to be bad on skin. [ ... ] Um, body paint...?

[ ...he has a legit reason for asking this, he has a great idea— ]

[akatatai]

[Believe him, Tsukasa is always welcome at Palettes, and Izumi's more than happy to shower him in discount coupons. Discounts, discounts! It's nice to see him here, really, and Izumi's been peering over and watching him sketch whenever his own pencil isn't to paper.

....That is, when a customer isn't in the shop. But soon after the person he was helping leaves, the sudden smack against the counter is enough to make Izumi nearly jump in place, and he flips around toward Tsukasa and tries to put on a face like his heart didn't jump halfway out of his chest from the sudden noise (hint: it isn't working).]

Huh?! Yeah, uh-- [BREATHE] Yeah, we do! None of the heavy duty stuff, but washable paint would work too! [Wait, but that means....] You aren't thinking of painting yourself, are you?

[stressweets]

[ ........He doesn't want to laugh because this is Izumi, His Friend, so he clears his throat and nods. ]

It's a self-portrait, right? So I was thinking... Um, well, I'm bad at people [ he has gotten a little better, practicing, but it's embarrassing to him still ] so— why not just paint my face and then press it to something? That'd technically be one, right...~?

[ even if he hasn't been adhering, necessarily, to the standard self-portrait for his open painting sessions anyway. ]

[akatatai]

[No, please laugh at him, it's what he deserves for being so easily startled.]

Isn't that more of a face print, then? I don't think that counts....

[But the idea of Tsukasa covering his face in paint and smashing it against a canvas is kind of hilarious. He almost wants to see that, but....]

Well, no one ever said it had to be a good self portrait! [He didn't mean for that to be an insult, honest. Tsukasa's a wonderful painter, so any portraits he does will definitely be good!] So it's probably fine as long as you're at least trying to paint yourself. Even if it's really abstract!

[stressweets]

[ No... Izumi is his Friend..... Even with that unwittingly insulting comment. Is this how people feel when he talks? Is it? When his Suzakura-brand honesty comes out, is that how people feel??? ]

It'll be so abstract, you won't even know it's a self-portrait. [ siiiiiiigh. ] Mao's got a really nice face, so I thought it'd be good to draw, but every time I try I don't get any better...~ Here, look.

[ ...Izumi is also a fellow artist so he's less shy about showing his work, here— those sure are Mao, probably, on this page. They're mostly half-finished out of frustration because of some mistake or another; they're enough like him that it's probably recognizable but. Tsukasa really. really isn't great at people—

(there are also flowers here. lotuses. a lot of lotus flowers. THEY LOOK MUCH BETTER.) ]

I was thinking that maybe I could just get away with painting things that represent myself... That sort of self-portrait... But then I started thinking, "What if that doesn't actually count?" So that's why I wanted to try the face print self-portrait.

[akatatai]

[Yes.... The answer is definitely yes.]

Aww, don't be so hard on yourself! I'm sure you're fine, don't worry. A lot of people that have never done any art before are giving it a try, and it's not like you have to display it somewhere or anything.

[Mao? Tsukasa obviously knows that a solid 2/3rds of Izumi's sketchbook is pictures of Mao, so the fact that he's doing them too is really cute. Izumi leans in when Tsukasa turns the sketchbook around, and.... they really aren't that bad, and the subject is definitely identifiable, but the difference in skill between Tsukasa's drawings of people and flowers is kind of mind-blowing. Understandable, but mind-blowing nevertheless.]

Yeah, see? You can tell it's him! Do you think you'll feel better about it if you draw a bunch of flowers around yourself? Or cover your face up with flowers or something....

[Hmm. Give him just a second to bring a hand to his chin in thought.]

But if you want to try doing a face print, I won't stop you! [Also, he. Kind of wants to see it.] It probably wouldn't take too long....

[stressweets]

[ He'll be more careful in the future.

...He's also brightening up, oh boy, Izumi's agreeing to help him with his really stupid idea— ]

I humbly request your assistance in putting paint on my face then...~ Ahaha, well, I'd really like it if you could, anyway. [ ♪ ] Um, if this doesn't work out, then I'll... definitely try one of your other ideas... Though the second part of the task has me worried. I really don't know if I want to know what you think my self-portrait means at all.

[ it's just like art critique.......... ]

[akatatai]

I get to be the one to paint your face? That's even better! If you're sure it's okay, I'll do my best to make it really beautiful!

[Is that the point? IT IS NOW.]

Hmm... Well, I'm always told I'm a pretty easy critic! You don't think I'd be hard on a friend, would you? [He.... would, if the situation called for it, but THAT ASIDE.] What kind of paint were you hoping for? Like the kind of face paintings you see at carnivals, or just a flat colour?

For Mao!

[akatatai]

[In complete and perfect honesty, this change has been.... well, hard. It's been difficult to get used to not only having a vast majority of the city disappear, but also essentially losing all of his family, outside of only their voices. With all of his cousins no longer on the app, it's just his friends he has to rely on, and vice-versa. But given that Mao is one of those friends, everything is much more comfortable than it would be otherwise.

It's kind of funny, in a way, how easy it's been to slip into a surprisingly domestic everyday routine with his best friend. Mao's always been good at taking care of everyone around him, so he's essentially been acting as the homemaker for the two of them while Izumi works his self-imposed shifts at Palettes. It's like their own weird little family, but it's honestly nice to come back home to a smiling face and a meal every day. To come back to someone at all.... someone who always makes everything seem so much less lonely.

But that doesn't mean that Izumi's past joking about how they've gone from normal high school kids to suddenly acting like a newlywed couple who just moved into their first home together. So upon arriving back to Mao's place, he slips off his shoes and doesn't waste any time poking fun at the situation with a broad grin.]

Honey, I'm home!

[It's so easy to make carefree jokes like this in a way he probably wouldn't with anyone else, but of course, that's because it's Mao.]

For Sena!

[akatatai]

[It's been pretty fun helping people out as they come by, knowing that each person who shows up is a Retrospec user and already familiar with at least some of the nonsense they have to go through. There's always something to talk about, which has kept him cheery and bright even without as many people as usual stopping by, so he doesn't mind setting his sketchbook down and offering a genial smile when someone new walks through the door.]

Hi! Welcome to-- gah! [Did he just say gah?] Mizuki?!

[Listen, it's not like Miyamura hates the guy or anything. Sena just.... really seems to hate him instead, so he's at a loss for what to do. Force a smile, force a smile!]

Um, hey there! Were you hoping to get some art supplies for the tasks Zee sent out? If you've never been here before, I can show you around!

[adoringpast]

Jesus, just quit the act, will you? What am I, a ghost?

[ is this how miyamura welcomes people to his shop... lordt. sena can only throw the other boy a blank, slightly miffed look as he lets himself in and walks towards the counter where miyamura's shaking in his boots.

or at least he thinks that's miyamura. that's a lot of piercings on him? not to the extent of leo's but that's still too excessive for sena's taste. and didn't he mention on the network that he woke up with a bunch of tattoos too? this stupid punk. hmph. ]

Well, kind of. I want to get to somewhere else but there's still a bunch of blank spaces that are still unpainted so I might as well finish the job. [ sighs, but then his eye catches the sketchbook sitting at the side. ] You were drawing something?

[akatatai]

That's not it! I just wasn't expecting to see you!

[Really, that's all it is! That plus the fact he's 95% sure that Sena actually wants him dead, but hey. He might as well make the best of it and treat him like a normal customer.]

Um... Well, we sell tons of paint, but it's all in tubes or bottles. So you might be out of luck if you're looking for full buckets, unless you think spraypaint will do the trick.

[But the next comment does catch him off guard, and he turns to hand his sketchbook to Mizuki before realizing that.... it's like 60% sketches of Mao, which is a problem. Give him just a moment to flip to a page with a picture of a pretty girl and hold it up, making very sure not to hand the whole sketchbook over lest he die right here today.]

Yeah! Just sketching things from my memories.

[adoringpast]

[ he's not wrong about wanting to end miyamura's life... kind of. mao made sena promise not to be all aggro towards him anyway for the sake of their friendship and past-life bullshit, but he still can't help but be really wary. for some damn reason. dammit sena.

don't think he didn't see all those mao doodles too; he can only narrow his eyes in suspicion though as miyamura turns the page but at least he's not commenting about it out loud. ]

Hm, pretty. The girl, I mean. [ ... ] Can you draw other people, then?

[ aside from your girlfriend in this world, that is. ]

[akatatai]

["Dammit Sena" is kind of a motto, honestly. One that works in any situation.]

She was my girlfriend in my memories! Hard to believe, right?

[LISTEN, HE DRAWS ALL KINDS OF THINGS, OKAY.... Mao just happens to be with him a lot, so Miyamura winds up drawing him often.]

Hmm? Yeah, I draw lots of people! What, did you want me to draw you too?

[adoringpast]

[ you know what, tea ]

Sure is hard to believe. [ MIYAMURA? WITH A GIRLFRIEND? NO WAY........... he blinks at the question and places his elbows on the counter, tenting his hands together. ]

Well, I can't turn a request to be drawn, right? [ sena that's not how he asked ] Drawing an actual model should be different compared to trying to parse what you remember in your memories. Go right ahead. ♪

[ ... ]

But also make it quick.

[akatatai]

Right? I'm still as surprised as you are! I'm pretty sure no girl's ever had a crush on me... at least not in school, anyway.

[Because he's hit on a decent amount when he looks like he does now, not that girls coming in to talk to him really counts. But somehow, he wasn't expecting Sena to respond so earnestly, and he blinks in surprise before flipping to en empty page of his sketchbook.]

I feel like you're going to be a super harsh critic, but I'll do my best! Do you want to stand or sit down? It shouldn't take too long, don't worry.

[adoringpast]

That's really fucking sad...

[ WH-WHAT ELSE IS HE GOING TO SAY TO THAT. if miyamura thinks sena's going to fall for his pity party, think again.

sena does find a chair to sit down on, crossing his legs together and putting on a relaxed look on his face. it's pretty telling that he's used to posing for people like this. ]

You may start.

let's make some fine art

[sketchythief]

[ Daisuke had called up Izumi the other day and called him to Tisse. He wanted to make it a challenge this time and wonders if Izumi had the experience of what he wanted to suggest, though he left him in the dark about it. That's why the set location was a cafe in Tisse, but it looks like Izumi is already there.

Daisuke runs up to him, waving as he gives his greetings. ]

I hope I'm not too late! Let's go in.

Just like True Artists

[akatatai]

[Naturally, Izumi's more than happy to meet up with Daisuke no matter the reason, but he can't say that he has any idea what they're actually meeting about. There's clearly some sort of reason, but given that it's Daisuke, he doesn't have any doubt that whatever they do will be fun. How could he, when his friend runs up to him with such a bright smile?]

Daisuke! Don't worry, you're right on time!

[His immediate instinct is to ask what they're going to do, but....]

After you!

[sketchythief]

Thanks!

[ Daisuke walks inside the cafe, appreciating the air conditioning welcoming them with cool air. Once Izumi comes inside, he faces him and offers a suggestion. ]

The list said "create a work of art using whatever you can find", so I was wondering... instead of those creme latte arts we see on Instantgrams, how about we make a picture on top of coffee with tiny pieces of broken up marshmallows instead? They would melt on top of the coffee, so I think it would make it look interesting!

[akatatai]

[It may not be the peak of summer yet, but boy, it feels nice to be inside a cool, air conditioned cafe. Izumi's happy to let Daisuke enter first, as promised, and closes the door behind them to keep the cool air in.]

Marshmallows? That's such a smart idea! I should have expected that you'd come up with something creative like that!

[Not that he knew they were doing tasks, much less anything artistic to begin with, but....?!]

And then we can drink our creations afterwards, too! It's a win-win scenario!

[sketchythief]

It'll be fun, we can get a drink, and help the city out! Definitely a win-win scenario!

[ He feels a little proud of himself for the idea and the fact that Izumi seems very approving of it. He can't help but to smile. ]

I brought a bag of tiny marshmallows and we can order a hot beverage of whatever you want. Since I asked you to come, I'll treat you today.

[akatatai]

There aren't many things I love more than art and a hot drink!

[And hanging out with his dear friends, but saying that seems pretty sappy. It's absolutely true, though.]

Really? You don't mind? Thanks! You know I can't say no to that! [He hums under his breath just a little. This sounds excellent. Way to go, Daisuke!] I'd normally get coffee, but if we're doing marshmallows, it has to be hot chocolate! What about you? We should match and then see who can make the better creation!

[sketchythief]

Sure! I'll get hot chocolate too.

[ Daisuke is pretty excited now, since this is fun and doing something like a challenge with a friend. ]

That sounds great! Let's do it. Go ahead and pick a table. I'll get the hot chocolate for both of us.

[akatatai]

[There's something so innocent about this, but it's heartwarming in a way Izumi hadn't expected. A new way to do art! This is perfect for them!]

Okay, I'll get our artist's rags!

[By which he means.... napkins, which he grabs with a small wave before taking a seat at an empty table.]