That had Zach looking down at his dwindling drink and wondering if he did need another. “Too close. I’m not sure how I feel about it.” Outside of feeling like his skin was raw and bound to react to any additional stimuli poorly. “He’s talented I suppose, though I don’t understand the feeling behind art.” That wouldn’t be a surprise to Ru. Not with what she knew about Zach already. “He’s friendly, possibly too friendly. There are times I’m not sure I’m understanding, but he was rather adamant about my costume.”
Ru was in fact unsurprised by the idea that Zach didn't get art. "Perhaps you should spend more time with him, get him to talk about art with you. He'd be the best source of information for further study." she suggested. "And not sure how you feel about it meaning...?" she prompted, wanting a better description.
“I’ve suggested that already. For his continued instruction on the theory behind art. He seemed agreeable to the idea, though it might also be because of the opportunity to teach someone about something he loves.” Which was fine by Zach, but he knew it colored the answer. “It was too much. My body feels like it’s in overload still, like it’s on fire or something.”
Listening, Ru nodded. "Oh, very much take him up on that." she encouraged. "Especially if he's passionate about it! all the better." she said with a smile. "And hmmm...that could actually be a positive sign, you know. Maybe you liked it. Whenever I've felt like that it's because I liked being touched how I was being touched."
“His level of passion might have no effect on my ability to understand the feelings around art any better,” Zach warned. “But it is something interesting to occupy my mind with so I’m fine with starting there.” Shaking his head slowly, Zach’s attention went back to his drink before finishing it off. “I don’t think that’s it. I didn’t feel like it was all that enjoyable. Nor is this feeling. It feels too strong.”
Ru smirked. "Quit overthinking, Mr. Briar. And don't you know if you go into something with a negative attitude, you're doomed to fail in the first place?" she said. "So, positivity. Go with it. It should be fun." she added. "And strong is good. You can't tell me you weren't feeling pretty strongly when we were...experimenting." she told him, giving him a coy smile.