To the surprise of no one, the slightest mention of art has Nixon practically bouncing in excitement. It’s the very reason that he has a high-priced membership for The Met, dragging Aspen with him to view art that they’ve both seen hundreds of times. It’s the very thing that will have him opening up within seconds. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the many things he’s lost inspiration for. Even years after freedom, after escaping a fate he’d never thought possible, he shrinks at the touch of a paint brush. Some days it’s even difficult to pick up his tattoo gun, but it’s not the same as charcoal or paints. Painting was the closest to bearing his soul he could get. To Nixon, they had been everything — only to be taken away and mocked.
He doesn’t paint anymore. At least, he tries, but it’s hesitant, not as free as it once had been. On top of that, it’s emotionally draining, and most of the time he ends up ripping the canvas in two. Anger shouldn’t guide his outlet, yet it’s one of the few things that has him trying again only to end up in disaster. He doesn’t paint, no matter how bad he wants to and no matter how often Aspen gently pushes him to. It’s hard to explain to himself let alone to his boyfriend, so he avoids it altogether, stores any brushes and palettes he bought on a whim in a box shoved far into his closet.
As he glances over at Deacon, a pang of envy washes through him. He’d give anything to be able to hold a paintbrush again without seeing his hands shake and hearing the mocking tone of his ex as he destroys piece after piece that he slaved over. He wants to paint and draw and sketch beautiful portraits. He wants to feel satisfied after seeing his artwork, not choked. Deacon doesn’t have that problem. He’s jealous — so fucking jealous — that what feels like drowning comes naturally to his companion. He’s so tired of feeling this way.
Impulse opens his mouth and claws the words out of his throat before he can stop them. “Can you help me paint?” Nixon stills before he tears a nervous hand through his curls. He shakes his head. The usual smooth baritone of his voice is higher, shaky, and he falters as he stares helplessly at his best friend. “No. No, I… I don’t know. I’m— I don’t know. I… want to but I’m… scared.” Of what, he isn’t sure. Nixon examines his hands, head dipped low in shame. “It’s stupid. I just… I haven’t painted in years. Not since I was fifteen.”