The sigh echoed up through Nikolai’s fingertips and he lightly stroked Ferran’s skin in response, brushing his thumb over one rib, as if that would soothe away a sigh. The motion of his chest nudged the paintbrush slightly off its intended course, but Nikolai happily followed the changed direction. Lifting the brush, he smiled approvingly at the exaggerated curve that branch now took.
He closed his eyes for a moment as he received the other man’s impressions, listening and watching, with his brush held aloft for the time being. Hmm, I like it, seems fitting. Your mind never ceases to impress. A sense of admiration and gratitude infused his thoughts. He hesitated and kept his next thought to himself. Best not to give his affection such free range. His eyes opened again, gaze following a single tendril up to Ferran’s neck and slipping across over his shoulder. Nikolai bit his lip, grateful his hands were occupied, as he turned to collect more green onto his bristles. Satisfied with the blend, he returned to his artwork and finished the length another branch before adding leaves. A sense of sadness crept over him as he noted that his painting was nearly complete.