It's Paint, Not Pox.

Hey there, I'm Bria... can you just, scoot to the side? Please? Thanks! I just need a good view of the forest. It's perfect for a background for my painting... Wanna see?

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

His head bobbed approvingly when Bria said her sister would meet them there with the rings. But it was the words that followed that made his heart do somersaults. And gave him his answer. “Just you,” he repeated back, taking both her hands in his and stepping closer to her, “And Bria? I think I love you.” He leaned in to kiss her quickly, only just a peck, but they had places to get to, and there’d be enough time for passionate kisses after the wedding. Nicholas was utterly insane, he knew that. But supposedly people did crazy things when they were in love. It was a good enough sign for him. Never in his life had he done anything even remotely spontaneous. And here we was, marrying a girl he’d only officially met earlier that night.

For a moment, he just watched her, but the next he stepped away, hands still holding hers, “Your car or mine? Or are we walking?” Nicholas didn’t care either way, but the church was waiting for them. And he was too excited to wait even a moment longer.

[paintspeckledcarson]

She looked up at him as he took her hands, smiling already due to his return of her desires for the evening. Her heart stopped when he spoke next. Just for a moment. She returned the kiss, despite having agreed to get married, the words stunned her for a moment. But in the best way possible. Her heart felt twice as fluttery as before. "I love you too." He words felt unreal leaving her lips, but not unwanted or untrue. It was just so perfectly something from a fairytale to see real. But she was glad it was. Sometimes you couldn't fathom the best moments before the happened.

Bria didn't move, knowing they had time before Brooke would be there. Storybrooke wasn't that large and it wasn't like it would take them that long to there. So she wasn't in much of a rush. She just enjoyed the brief moment wth him. "Let's take your car? I walked this morning, it was nice." And she knew if whether had changed she could but Brooke to pick her up. She'd never dreamed this would be how her day would go. Not in a million years. 

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Hey Brooke, Can I ask you a HUGE favor? Can you bring a canvas and those rings mom gave us a while ago? Gigi and Pepe's rings? And meet me at the town hall? I'll explain later..." She trailed off realizing in that moment how crazy her twin was going to think her.

"Hey Bee-" Brooke paused, listening to her sister list off very specific instructions. "Uh…?" She blinked, slowly standing up from where she sat on the couch, thus making the dogs move too. Finally it clicked. Gigi and Pepe’s rings. Town hall? Canvas? "Wait what?!" she barked with a chocking cough, hitting her chest shortly after. "Bythesecondstar, Bria what are you getting me involved in?" Though she sounded unamused and irritated, she was actually very amused and was quickly hopping around to get her keys and the rings from the jewelry box. 

[heavyheartedcarson]

Brooke leaned against the wall and picked the crutch back up, hopping faster to get to the paints and canvas. She smiled as she listened to Bria. Bria was a generally happy person, but this was a new level. He really made her happy, and truly that’s all the twin wanted for her sister. It seemed more real now that it happened to Bria. It always sounded like a tale coming from Gigi. Someone came to mind when Bria said you’d just know, but she shook it from her mind, telling her stomach and the butterflies to die down. This was Bria’s moment, not a time to think about a friend, a dance partner. “I will! I have the paints and canvas. Just need to get the rings. I’ll be there in fifteen.” 

[paintspeckledcarson]

Bria had always loved the story of Gigi and Pepe. How they’d met. How he’d proposed on the fourth date because he just knew. How she said yes for the same reason. How Bria was now feeling the same thing. That rush of excitement that Gigi had always talked about. The way that when she looked at Nick her heart and stomach simultaneously did a flip and felt like they were soaring all at once. The way his hand and her hand just fit together so perfectly... "Thank you!" She practically squealed, not something she did often. Far too excited for the ceremony to commence.

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

"That’s a good start to a marriage," an amused grin tugged at the corner of his lips, "Prioritizing our wedding." For a second, Nicholas looked almost nervous, but he leaned in to kiss her cheek anyways, "I hope she does…" He knew for a fact that he’d a very hard time if his brothers didn’t like Bria, but he was sure they would. Both of them were rather openhearted, though each certainly had their flaws. But he didn’t know her sister yet, and that made him nervous. With any luck, that would just be his self doubt interfering. 

The call didn’t take very long, being that the man on the other side had been one of his father’s best friends, many years ago. And it didn’t hurt that the man owed the Ozmunds a few favors. A few minutes later, he ended the call, slipping his phone into his pocket as he stopped pacing, walking over to Bria with a purpose now. The necessary papers would be at the church for them, since it seemed that it was there that the ceremony would occur. She was still on the phone when he returned, however, so Nicholas reached for her free hand, interlacing their fingers again as he waited for her to finish talking, a smile playing on his lips as he watched, waiting for her to finish, so they could continue.

"Everything we should need will be at the church," he spoke softly when she hung up, eyes meeting hers, "Except maybe rings. But other than the necessities, do you want anything, Bria?" They could make a few stops along the way, if she wished it. But all he wanted was for the wedding to transpire, to start his relationship with his wife. 

[paintspeckledcarson]

Bria grinned, though wondering if he really did realize what it meant for her prioritize him over her art. Well, art gallery, which wasn't quite as important as painting to her. Just because she loved the actual process. However, that wasn't the concern at the moment. She found herself realizing she'd prioritize their wedding - which still sounded quite thrilling - over anything else she could think of for the moment. 

Talking to her sister was quick, but Nick was done first and too her hand. Bria smiled at him happily. Just completely content to talk to her sister for the moment while she held hands with him. Finishing up her conversation she then turned her attention to him.

"Alright, Brooke is going to bring the rings and meet us there." She nodded, "I don't want anything else... just you." That was the honest truth, it was quite perfect. She knew her grandparents had gotten engaged quickly, and thus married quickly, but Bria never thought she'd follow so appropriately in their footsteps. But they were so perfectly happy together... It only reassured her that was she was doing was the right thing. "What about you? Do you want anything?"

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Hey Brooke, Can I ask you a HUGE favor? Can you bring a canvas and those rings mom gave us a while ago? Gigi and Pepe's rings? And meet me at the town hall? I'll explain later..." She trailed off realizing in that moment how crazy her twin was going to think her.

"Hey Bee-" Brooke paused, listening to her sister list off very specific instructions. "Uh…?" She blinked, slowly standing up from where she sat on the couch, thus making the dogs move too. Finally it clicked. Gigi and Pepe’s rings. Town hall? Canvas? "Wait what?!" she barked with a chocking cough, hitting her chest shortly after. "Bythesecondstar, Bria what are you getting me involved in?" Though she sounded unamused and irritated, she was actually very amused and was quickly hopping around to get her keys and the rings from the jewelry box. 

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Uh…yeah. Yeah, of course I do." She sounded as if she took a pause. I think. Limping on one crutch, she headed for Bria’s studio and where the supplies were kept. She almost made it half way when she dropped the crutch, shocked at what she just heard. Brooke stared at the wall decorated with pictures from their youth, jaw hanging just above the ground. “Wait…Nick? Oh! Wait…wait…WAIT. THE GUY THAT BUYS ALL OF YOUR LANDSCAPES? WAIT?! Really? BUt.. but what does he do with all the paintings first off. And what do you mean you just met and you- you’re…” A smile slowly grew on her lips. “You are just as bad as Pepe!”

[paintspeckledcarson]

"They're on the desk near the door of the studio." She kept them there so she could grab them when she decided to paint in the park or where ever suited her fancy at any particular moment. She was about to ask if Brooke was okay at that thump she heard. "Yes! Him, he's so sweet, Brooke. I can't wait for you to meet him." She laughed. "I don't know I haven't... asked yet." Bria looked up as Nick walked over. "I am but... I understand why they did it so soon... it's sort of amazing... you just know." She gently squeezed Nick's hand. "So - meet us there? Soon!... please"

[paintspeckledcarson]

Hey Baby I think I wanna marry you.

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

"I wouldn’t make you wear anything,” he smiled at her, trying to imagine her in a fluffy wedding dress like she didn’t want to wear. He couldn’t. Formalwear, maybe, but a white gown seemed less natural. Not that she wouldn’t be beautiful, it was just hard for him to picture. “Sounds perfect,” Nicholas smiled, glad that they had that sorted. For a brief moment, he paused, making a mental note to look into wedding bands, or the price of resizing the ones she already had, if they needed to. He wouldn’t want to forget that. “I think we’re set, then,” a grin tugged at the corner of his lips. He glanced back towards the gallery, a  brow quirking, “Do they still need you. Or can we…?”

"I look forward to meeting her," he nodded slightly, hoping he’d be able to pick her out as soon as possible. Nicholas was about to say more, when her kiss distracted him, even though it was brief. "Very," he agreed, pulling his own phone out of his pocket. For a moment, he found himself watching Bria, still not believing that they were going to get married later tonight. But then there were arrangements to make, so the how of this arrangement became less important, replaced instead by the focus of getting them a  marriage license. It was a relief when his father’s old friend picked up. Nicholas stepped away for a moment, beginning to pace along a stretch of the sidewalk as he spoke.

[paintspeckledcarson]

She smiled when he said he wouldn't make her wear anything... that was good. That was... well honestly it was something that could have been a deal breaker if he had tried to. Bria wasn't one to be pushed around and wouldn't appreciate it. But she knew Nick wouldn't do that. Some reason, something in her heart told him he was good for her. That they were a good match. It was something that was continually reassured of over the short time they'd been spending together. "They'll be fine, they have gallery workers keeping things running, I'm not really... needed. Plus this is more important!" She grinned.

"She's going to adore you." Mostly because Bria did. She knew Brooke would love him. She just... would need to accept the fact that Bria was actually going to marry this man first. That would be the challenge... oh she hoped this went well. Bria dialed her sister's number from memory and walked a bit down the road, just so her voice wouldn't interfere with his call. But as she walked over and sat against a guard railing she watched him fondly. Pacing as he spoke, she found a smile creeping up on her features before her sister answered and her attention was drawn to her phone, though her eyes still followed her soon-to-be-husband.

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Hey Brooke, Can I ask you a HUGE favor? Can you bring a canvas and those rings mom gave us a while ago? Gigi and Pepe's rings? And meet me at the town hall? I'll explain later..." She trailed off realizing in that moment how crazy her twin was going to think her.

"Hey Bee-" Brooke paused, listening to her sister list off very specific instructions. "Uh…?" She blinked, slowly standing up from where she sat on the couch, thus making the dogs move too. Finally it clicked. Gigi and Pepe’s rings. Town hall? Canvas? "Wait what?!" she barked with a chocking cough, hitting her chest shortly after. "Bythesecondstar, Bria what are you getting me involved in?" Though she sounded unamused and irritated, she was actually very amused and was quickly hopping around to get her keys and the rings from the jewelry box. 

[paintspeckledcarson]

Bria breathed slowly listening to her sister. "My portable paints too, you know where they are right?" She added quickly, Nick didn't know about that bit but it was something she'd wanted to do for her wedding. The only thing she'd really decided on. "I- okay I can't wait to tell you... I might... be getting married pleased don't freak out, it was sort of... spontaneous. Do you remember Nick? Well- the guy that's at all the galleries? Well he was there today... and we got talking, and then... we sort of kissed. And we might... have sort of agreed to get married? I know we just met and I know it's sudden but it feels... right... weirdly... perfectly... right."

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

"I believe we do," his voice trailed off as he tried to figure out what they needed. A license shouldn’t be too hard to obtain, he had a few old friends of his father’s who would be more than happy to expedite things. "A minister or a judge, depending on if you want a religious ceremony or not. Are you religious?" He himself wasn’t, but he had been raised in a Christian household. But he did know that he wanted to make vows, needed more than just his signature on a piece of paper to make it official. So if she didn’t mind, he’d rather a church or something of the sort, to do it right. By the traditions he had been taught, anyways. It seemed that it was all they should need. Except for one thing. "We need rings," he glanced at her, biting his lip, "Any idea where we can get those now?" Other than that, it seemed that they were good. He’d have to make a call to get them the license, but that would be it. 

"A twin sister?" Nicholas didn’t think he ever saw her, though if they were fraternal that didn’t really mean much. For a moment, he wondered if he should call his brothers. But they would be worried for him, convinced that he was doing something rash and stupid. Calling them would be ill advised, he could tell them after the wedding. Catching her hand in his, and bringing it to his lips, he smiled at Bria, looking at her curiously. "I need to make a call to get us a license. Want to call your sister, and we can figure out the rest as we go?" It was almost a rush, doing all this without thinking twice, without the months and months of intensive planning and a bridezilla. But it had to be said that Nicholas liked it much better this way.

[paintspeckledcarson]

"I'm not, but I don't mind something in a church. As long as you don't make me wear a fluffy wedding dress." She laughed. "I'm good in something cute, but the whole... princess thing never really appealed to me." She shrugged. Hoping that wasn't unappealing. She could do white... for a limited time. She could do pretty, but fluffy and in her way never seemed like something that would be fun to wear. "Rings... Oh! I'll have Brooke bring my grandparent's rings... Not sure if they'll fit perfectly... but it'll be something for the time being, right?" She smiled. She'd always thought the rings were a beautiful set. But she'd always been too afraid to touch them.. afraid to get paint on such beautiful, probably expensive jewelry. But this was the perfect occasion for them.

"Yeah- She looks just like but blonde." She laughed, most people assumed they either looked exactly alike.. Or nothing alike. But that wasn't true. They were mirror images of each other but their hair was different. She grinned when he caught her hand and kissed it. She stepped closer and pressed her lips to his quickly. "Alright, you take care of that, and i'll call Brooke.... This is exciting, isn't it?" Pure joy  in her words she felt like she could soar. She laughed, pressing another quick kiss to his lips, unable to help herself. It didn't linger though, as she smiled and pulled out her phone.

Brooke was going to freak.

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

What did they have to lose? He couldn’t think of anything. If it didn’t work out, he wasn’t in any position worse than the one he’d started in. She was young, had a future and other options. It really couldn’t hurt in the least. “Right now,” he echoed her words, the ambivalence disappearing from his voice and thoughts. A smile tugged on the corner of his lips when she agreed again, though it had been her who suggested it, and her reasons only made it grow, until he was smiling the first wholehearted, genuine smile that he had worn in years. Decades. “The first of many,” he spoke the words softly, liking the sound of that. The could work it out, he’d always believed that it could be done. So why not try.

Leaning in Nicholas pressed his lips to her cheek, pulling her into a hug. “You’re crazy, do you know that?” he asked, nothing but affection in his voice. He held the embrace a bit longer, but after a moment he stood, offering her his hand again, “Then… shall we?” Perhaps he was in a bit of a rush, but the last thing he wanted was for either of them to think better of this and change their mind. He was too happy right now for logic to crush the emotion. “What do we need, Bria?” he asked her, thinking for a moment. He wasn’t sure if she wanted a church, or temple, or anything of the sort, but they had to stop by city hall to take care of the legalities, that much the accountant knew. He wasn’t sure if flowers or dresses were needed, though he was already in a suit. There was the matter of a witness, which technically they were supposed to have. And there were other things. But it was less a matter of what they needed, at the moment, but how fast could they find them, so he could marry her.

[paintspeckledcarson]

Bria's own thought process was much the same. She doubted this could end that terribly. It wouldn't worsen things for either of them anyway. And if it worked, well they would have the best sort of love she could think of. The best story. And they would never regret anything. Who would regret marrying the love of their life on the first day they'd met them after all? She couldn't think of any down fall and she mostly decided not to try. Why would she try to screw up such a beautiful thing as love? Because right now- even if she really didn't voice it... she knew she could, maybe already did to a small degree... love him. She had to have high hopes for them. Why else would she marry him?

"We shall." She took his hand and pulled herself up with it before brushing herself off, to make sure she didn't have any wayward dirt particles stuck to her. "I- don't know!" She laughed. "I can provide a witness... we need one of those right? Do we... want both with a church? Or just... legal things?" She didn't really want a dress, that much she knew. She thought it silly. Maybe a dress but not a wedding dress. That wasn't her style. It was the one thing that, if she even every considered marriage she was certain of. A wedding dress wasn't necessary to make her happy. "My sister... my twin sister." That was probably something he should know. "I'll call her, so... that's one thing... what else do we need?" She laughed realizing how ridiculous this was. She had no idea what was needed. But that didn't matter. Trial number one: How to wed.

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

Nicholas relaxed when she kissed him, moving his hand out of hers so he could gently brush some hair out of her face. But his brow furrowed in confusion when she said she wouldn’t leave, about to ask her how she could assure him that when the thought completely left his mind. Skip the dating part? How did one even do that? “W-what do you mean?” he asked. The only thing he could think of was getting married, but you didn’t get married without dating, did you? That couldn’t be what she was asking. “You mean getting married?” the words escaped his lips before he could figure out what she actually meant. No one got married the day they had met, even elopers. It just wasn’t done.

But did it really sound so bad? This felt right, and if they were married… he wouldn’t have the chance to mess things up the way he always seemed to. They’d be able to work through their problems and… This felt right. Absolutely right. But he had never been spontaneous, not even an impulse shopper. “I- okay? Now?” his eyes searched hers, sincerely hoping he understood correctly, “Will you marry me?” He didn’t have the time to think twice about it, knowing he’d dissuade himself if they waited even a day. But a part of him, deep down inside, told him he’d regret it more if he didn’t do this, if he didn’t just elope with the woman who made him feel like he had a heart again, broken as it was. She said she could fix him, if she knew what was broken. And Nicholas was a fool, but he believed her completely. In fact, he couldn’t actually think of a reason not to marry the beautiful artist, if she wanted to marry him.

[paintspeckledcarson]

"Yeah... I do, I mean... why not right? What've we got to lose?" She looked at him, really really looked at him for a moment. Right now, she couldn't imagine anything else. She'd never considered marriage, not really. And definitely not to anyone specific. But her words rang true. What was there to lose? Why not? Why shouldn't she marry him? She was sure he had flaws but so did everyone. It was something she expected and there was nothing in this moment that made her think they were anything she could absolutely despise. She wasn't a big planner anyway, she had no real dreams for a wedding. She just wanted love. And what a love story this could be.

"Right now." She assured him, all question gone from her voice. All doubt. He wanted to. "Yes! I'd love to!" She laughed, not because it was funny (though admittedly it was) but because she was happy. Completely joyously happy. "I said I won't leave you, and I'm serious about that fact. I want to marry you. I want to get to know you. And we can work everything out together.. it'll be the first of many adventures... for us." She gave his hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze and grinned. This was all completely absolutely bonkers. But- it was right. That much she knew.

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

Nicholas ignored her words for the time being, focusing on kissing her. Despite it being terrifyingly sudden, him never having been even remotely spontaneous, never doing something like kissing a beautiful girl he just met, he found that being more comfortable than talking. Kissing her was the most comfortable thing he had done in a while, though at the same time it made his pulse race and left every part of his body on edge, seeking more. He was unsure of a lot of things right now, what they were doing being the biggest question he had to answer. But kissing her was a certainty, he could feel that down to his core. And holding her made him happy, his heart fluttering with the hope that maybe it could be pieced together, as foolish and painful as it was to hope that. But he couldn’t bring himself to stop kissing her, not yet. It was all he wanted at that moment.

"The past," he spoke softly, eyes finding hers. Only his brothers knew about the past, them and people who knew him while he was in college. It wasn’t public knowledge, and it wasn’t something he shared. But he trusted Bria, for some reason unknown to her, and he found himself speaking completely honestly, telling her why he was broken, why he wouldn’t be capable of loving anyone. "I met a girl in high school, I knew she was the one right away. I proposed to her when we were in college, and everything was amazing. But I was too clingy, o-or too busy trying to get my degree, or not enough and…" he swallowed, closing his eyes for a moment to keep tears back. There was a reason he never spoke about this. "She left me at the alter. For my best friend. My heart wouldn’t survive falling for someone to have them leave me again. And anyone who’s ever dated me has. Eagerly."

[paintspeckledcarson]

Bria had never kissed anyone before, she'd never really considered it. It seemed like such a silly thing to get worked up over. But now- now she understood why people enjoyed it. Maybe it was just because it was with him and something about him made her ridiculously happy. Never really being truly anything buy happy, unless her muse had left her. She was a cheerful young woman, she was doing what she loved for a living. But the happiness she felt with him... it was like she'd just grown wings and she could suddenly fly. It was an amazing feeling, one she usually only got when she finished a painting she'd been working on for too long.

Listening to him speak, her heart broke for him. She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips, quickly, softly. Just a little reassurance. "Sometimes things just aren't meant to be... but I won't leave... I..." She paused, an idea hitting her that could end only in disaster... but her mouth was moving before she could stop it. 'What if we skip the dating part?" Oh god, she froze the moment the words left her mouth but she couldn't take it back now... and really, the idea wasn't so bad. Her heart told her this was right. That this right now was absolutely perfect. 

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

Her words triggered a humorless little chuckle. Nicholas couldn’t see her as a bad girl, not when her smile was as sweet as it was. Not when she seemed so kind. But her laugh perplexed him. He knew it wasn’t malicious, not meant to make him feel bad, especially when her hand moved to rest over his heart. His own moved to rest over it, fingers slipping between hers to hold it there, his heart speeding up at the touch, at her words. “It’s broken,” he spoke softly, words no more than a whisper, when she told him she could feel it, “It doesn’t work right anymore.” His gaze fell to the sidewalk when she continued to talk, to tell him everyone should have a chance. But it shot up as soon as she said she thought she could be happy. With him. This girl, who he’d never spoken to before today. Who hardly knew him. It made no sense to Nicholas, and regardless of how far his mind raced, he couldn’t think of anything that could give her reason to believe that. 

But she still wanted a chance. She had said it. And though Bria didn’t know him, couldn’t possibly, he believed her words. Nicholas did know her, he’d known her for years now. Through her art. And if she believed it, then he couldn’t find himself to disagree. But he couldn’t find the words to speak either, too shocked, confused, amazed to be able to say anything. But, just as a picture was worth a thousand words, actions spoke louder than words could, and Nicholas leaned in to kiss her again. The painful beating of his heart intensified, but it was the good kind of pain, and with her hand over his heart, he hoped she could feel it. Maybe he was being foolish, but right now he couldn’t bring to think of this as a road to getting hurt in the future, like he’d thought of any kind of relationship for years. All he could think was that Bria believed in it, so it couldn’t be all bad.

[paintspeckledcarson]

"Why is that?" She asked softly. "If you don't mind me asking. Can't try to fix something if I don't know what's wrong..." She felt like speaking any louder than he was would ruin whatever this moment was between them. Though covered by his suit, she could feel the way his heart beat and knowing that he'd been hurt enough to make him say that. Make him... afraid? Worried enough about his own ability to even care for someone so much that he wanted to push her away. He'd tried, though he hadn't done a very good job of it. He'd tried to convince her it was a bad idea. Her own heart ached to fix his, and make it better. Despite this being the first time they'd spoken, she still hated knowing the sadness in his eyes wasn't just her imagination.

She was pleased when his lips met hers again, glad he didn't argue. That he didn't keep trying to make her lose hope that this could go somewhere. Because honestly... she wanted it to. Her heart was telling her that this was right. That the way her heart raced, and the way the butterflies in her stomach seemed to refuse to die down... that this was all right and there were so few things in her life that made her that certain. Painting was the only other thing. She knew she'd wanted to be an artist. And she knew painting was her medium. Right now, in this moment she knew with that same certainty that she wanted to be with Nick. And she assured him of that by kissing him back, letting the sheer adoration and happiness she felt then guide her actions.

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

Nicholas leaned into her hand when it touched his cheek, craving the comfort of her touch, despite knowing it was bad. “I don’t,” he spoke softly in response to her words, and though his voice didn’t tremble, there was still a weakness, a vulnerability in the tone, “But you should.” Age differences had never bothered him, but he felt like this one should bother her. A broken, old man who’s heart had stopped working properly two decades ago, and a beautiful, brilliant artist with an optimistic future. He wouldn’t be good for her, at that moment he would have been willing to testify to that.

The hand around hers twitched, just for a moment, tightening around hers so hard it might have been painful before his grip relaxed to how it had been before. “And I don’t have a heart.” Not a working one. Not one worthy of any kind of fondness or love. His had been shattered when he’d been left at the alter, and though he could feel it there again, a painful throbbing that told him he still had a heart, technically, it didn’t function. He hadn’t loved, not more than in a filial way, ever since what was supposed to have been the happiest day of his life. And no one, especially not Bria, should have to deal with the broken mechanism. “You deserve better. A chance for more.”

[paintspeckledcarson]

"Well I don't. I'm an artist, we never do what we should." She gave a little grin, hoping to coax out the smile she'd seen moments ago. She didn't understand why he was so suddenly concerned. She didn't think the age should matter to anyone. She didn't care. She didn't understand why, if you enjoyed spending time with someone, if you liked being around them... why you shouldn't. If it happened to be romantic and that made you happy, why should anyone care. She was fairly set in her opinion that age was just a silly thing that too many people concerned themselves over.

Bria was caught by surprise as his grip tightened but she said nothing. She couldn't help but laugh, not at him but at the idea of someone so kind, so sweet... not having a heart. With her free hand again, she dropped it from his cheek to cover his heart. "That's a lie. I can feel it beating... right there." She didn't care if he meant metaphorically, that much was obvious. He needed a heart to live. "And I don't care what anyone has told you, or you believe yourself... I don't know what you've been through that makes you think that... But I think everyone deserves a chance at what makes them happy. And I think..." Suddenly her throat seemed dry, but she too a breath despite the embarrassment building in the pit of her stomach. "I think that I could happy... with you. I think it's at least worth that chance... don't you?"

[tarotranispace]

[flirtyquotes]

Flirty Quotes

don’t.

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

Of all the reactions he could have gotten, the last thing Nicholas expected was for her to kiss him back. For a moment, he froze, too convinced it wasn’t real for him to do anything. Then he realized he didn’t care, that if it was a dream, he didn’t want to wake up. His free hand came up to cup her cheek, lips barely moving over hers, afraid that the moment would break if he did anything too bold. But that little bit was enough to make him dizzy, the whole world around him spinning, Bria the only stable, constant thing at that moment.

He held the kiss until he had to breathe, but even then he was forcibly pulling himself out of the embrace. Moving too far away wasn’t an option, not something he could bring himself to do, so Nicholas ended up with his forehead against hers, one hand on her cheek, the other still holding onto hers. His nerves tingled at every point of contact, sending electricity through him from where her skin met his. And there was a smile on his lips, the result of the kiss. He was genuinely happy.

But being that it was Nicholas, that wasn’t meant to last. His heart fell, fingers moving off her cheek, as he spoke softly, though he wasn’t strong enough to bring himself to pull away completely, hand still holding hers. “I’m sorry,” he breathed, eyes suddenly downcast, “Y-you shouldn’t… I’m twice your age and…” He didn’t want to finish the sentence, even the thought of the words enough to wrap barbed wire around his heart, pulling it taught so his heart bled as he tried to bring himself to move away. I can’t fall in love.

[paintspeckledcarson]

The kiss was, actually quite innocent, but it still made her heart race and when his hand reached up to cup her cheek she could feel a blush warming them. She couldn't believe this was happening right now, but she certainly wasn't about to complain. She thought Nick was... wonderful. He was handsome, and he liked art. The short conversation she'd had with him had been enough to make her want to get to know him more. He'd been visiting her galleries for years... she wanted to know more about the man with the sad eyes, though, kind eyes.

Breathing, as she was reminded again in a short time, was a necessity and she found she hated it when it forced them to break apart. Pleased he didn't move away, a smile on her own lips as she looked at him. Not sure what to say or do. Not sure what would be the best course of action in this situation. How did one act after something like that? Bria found herself suddenly aware of how little about romance in regards to reality she knew.

Bria was a little disappointed when his hand dropped but she couldn't expect him to hold it there forever. However, when he spoke again she found it a bit like he'd just slapped her. Did he... regret it? Did he wish she'd never spoken to him? "I-..." No, he still held her hand, and he hadn't really pulled away. She took a breath and with her free hand reached up to brush her thumb over his cheek. "Nick." She looked at him, completely certain in what she was about to say. "You don't have to apologize. I might be younger, but I'm a grown woman, I don't... I don't care how old you are. What anyone thinks I should or shouldn't be doing... I like you Nick. I don't care about age... " She paused. "Do you? If not... what else? Why... shouldn't I..?" She invited him to explain to her the and he'd stopped on. Hoping it wasn't something like I'm married or something equally heart-crushing to her. 

[paintspeckledcarson]

Can't Take My Eyes Off You || Nick & Bria

[nicholasozmund-blog]

His lips parted in a silent gasp when Bria’s eyes met his, every muscle in his body freezing until she looked away. There was no way she hadn’t noticed he was staring. He was fully expecting her eyes to be filled with horror, disgust, repulsion towards the older man who was obviously either starstruck or head over heels, neither of which was fitting or even remotely proper. But Nicholas didn’t see that, not even for a moment. Maybe he was a bad judge of character after being closed off to everyone but his family for years, but he couldn’t have forgotten how to tell the difference between attraction and disgust. Attraction? No, maybe he had forgotten, that couldn’t be it. But her gaze darting down to his lips, the fact that she hadn’t moved away, had to mean something. Why else would his heart be pounding, his stomach twisted into knots.

Without even being aware he was moving, still lost in thought, Nicholas leaned closer to her, gaze moving away from hers to move to her lips. His parted once again, tongue darting out to wet his lips. His movements were ever so slow, not even enough to be considered inching, but he found himself closer and closer to her, until, without his conscious approval, his lips just barely brushed over hers.

That was when everything caught up to him, and, nose against her cheek, he froze, pulse racing even faster, though out of fear this time. Nicholas was fully ready to be slapped, for her to pull away and run, to never talk to Bria again, to never get to look at her art again. He’d probably be forbidden to go to the gallery now. Nicholas’ jaw clenched at the thought, but whatever she did, it was all his fault, and there was nothing for him to do but wait and see how she’d react. It couldn’t be good. It was weird enough for them to sit there talking, him being twice her age and all. She wouldn’t be wrong to run.

[paintspeckledcarson]

She noticed, she recognized the look in his eyes. Well, she thought she was imagining things. Hoping that someone like him, an extremely attractive older man, could look at her like that. She'd believe it if it were Brooke, she deserved that look. Not Bria... she was usually a paint covered mess. But there it was- she was either going crazy or he was actually looking at her like that. She felt like she'd just been punched in the stomach as she had to remind herself that breathing was a necessity.

The slow, deliberate movements weren't lost on her. And her mind was reeling, it felt like it was going in slow motion, despite knowing it wasn't. They way he wet his lips made her heart skip a beat, it felt like it was constricting in her chest. She couldn't believe her own thoughts at the moment. Half convinced she was still standing inside, day dreaming about the attractive patron across the gallery.

And then their lips met, and her whole mind just froze for a fraction of a second. Her heart stopped, her body didn't want to move... but that instant was over and she wasn't about to let the moment pass her by. If she learned anything from painting, it was to follow your heart. And she did that. Letting instinct take over her she returned the kiss. Their lips meeting having felt like an electric shock to her system. A feeling she didn't want to go away.