InsaneJournal

Who: Rapunzel and Klaus Mikaelson
What: Setting up for Rapunzel's art show
Where: Klaus' gallery
When: End of August
Rating: PG
Status: Complete


Klaus had been back from Europe for a few days now. His gallery was full of art from Paris, Rome and London. However he still needed to show some local artists. At least the ones he liked. He couldn’t jet off to Europe all the time after all… okay he could. But still there were some artists in Orange County that were pretty spectacular.

Rapunzel was one of them.

Klaus was a fan of her outdoor settings. The way she showed nature, how the light came across each of her paintings. And whenever he showed some of her work in his gallery it never stayed for too long. “How many new pieces do you have for me?” Klaus asked when Rapunzel entered the gallery. It was after hours. The two of them had the gallery to themselves to place Rapunzel’s work skillfully.

Rapunzel was constantly in awe of the idea that anyone who owned a gallery would want to display her art. She always described her style as whimsical folk art or whatever she was feeling in that moment. It never felt like fancy art that belonged in a gallery, but Klaus has approached her at an informal show and here they were; putting new paintings on an empty wall.

"I have about 6 this time. The children's book has taken up a lot of time, but I am thinking of making some bigger pieces of artwork from the book, minus the story words, and having you put those up. It seems like a good thing to do if people really enjoy the story." She had cleared it with the author and they seemed to like the idea, "And I need to go lose myself in a nice outdoors area soon." She couldn't help but chuckle because it was one of her favorite things to do.

Klaus rarely helped with the hanging of artwork. He usually left that for Jeremy. But there was something about Rapunzel. She had a light about her and Klaus needed more of that in his life. Though he would never admit it.

“Six is a decent amount,” Klaus replied examining one of the paintings, eyes scanning the use of light, before placing it on the wall taking care to make sure it was level. His statement was true though. If he was only showing Rapunzel’s art he would of course need more. But he had quite the collection of artists in his gallery.

“You know,” he went on. “I was just thinking the same thing.” It had been awhile since he had gone out and gotten himself lost in a painting. Most of his art he did in the privacy of his home, a lot of it based on scenes from his dreams. But perhaps getting out and painting would do him some good.

The confirmation that six was enough was good enough for Rapunzel and she flashed him a smile with a nod. Once this book project was over she definitely needed to get a few more pieces done for Klaus. He had done a lot for her when it came to her artwork and they managed to create a friendship as well. She reached up to adjust a painting just slightly.

“Oh yeah? I thought I was the only one that got flights of fancy,” Rapunzel admitted with a laugh as she reached up to brush some hair out of her eyes, “I have a few outdoor places that I really enjoy going to that are so beautiful and quiet.” It was a good way for her to clear her head and come up with some new ideas for paintings.

“I usually stay in doors,” he had a whole room dedicated to it after all. And for the most part that was how he preferred it. Klaus’s art was just for himself. He never showed it in his gallery. It was how he worked through things, emotions, the dreams. All of it. “But a change of scenery might be good. I’m sure Freya would appreciate it.” Not that Freya was home this much these days, what with her work and Evie.

“I totally get that. I definitely have a spot set up in my apartment just for art, but I really love going out to the park and sitting on a bench while watching the people walk by,” Rapunzel turned to give Klaus a smile, “And I think it’d be a great idea. Sometimes you just need to recharge and get away from things. And why would Freya appreciate it? Are you being an overprotective brother?”

“Always,” Klaus replied. Because he was fiercely protective of his family… well his siblings. He didn’t give a shit about Esther or Michael. In fact he hadn’t spoken to them in years. “But the same could be said for her.” She was quite the protective older sister. All his siblings were on the protective side though. It was just part of being a Mikaelson. “I’m sure she’s just tired of feeling the need to check on me in there.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Rapunzel’s voice had a teasing lilt to it as she looked over at him with a grin. It didn’t surprise her, she had gleaned a few pieces of information about his personal life, but his family was large and sometimes complicated from what she had learned, “and you just need to stop giving her reasons to check on her. But, getting away and doing some painting is the right way to go about that.”

“Pretty sure she would no matter what. Older sister syndrome.” Though Klaus was well aware of the fact that he gave his siblings plenty to worry about. Well Freya and Elijah at least. “But you’re right. I do need to get out and paint. Change of scenery and all.” Though he doubted it would change the subject or tone of his paintings much.

“I’m kind of glad I’m an only child in times like these,” Rapunzel pointed out as she helped finished putting up one more painting and then stepped back to admire the handiwork, “Oh! I think we may be done. I think it looks really good laid out like this. As long as you approve then we should be settled. And then maybe you can go run outside and do some painting.” She finished that comment with a wink.

Klaus couldn’t imagine being an only child. He had no idea what he would do without his siblings. As much as they got on his nerve at times they were the only family he really had. At least the only ones he cared about.

Klaus stood back to observe the display of Rapunzel’s paintings. “Agreed.” It was ready for Rapunzel’s show the next day. “Yeah I’ll leave that to you for now.” Maybe he would go out and paint another time. “I have some more work to do. See you tomorrow.”