Chasing Perfection (Alvis & OhReally)

[Alvis Alendran]

He knew every inch of the place. And he well should, working as the cleaning staff gave him more than enough time ot familiarize himself with the floor plan. A show was going to be thrown for the artists soon, each artist getting their own section. He'd swept up. Put on the layer of wax. Made sure teh walls were clean. But for one place...there was more to do. Her place. The walls were more than clean, he'd touched the paint up. The floor was polished to a dull gleam, as much time spent in that one place as the rest combined. The wall mountings for the work she'd be putting up had been replaced with new ones. Not the simple steel hooks and trays. Glossy black ceramics, making them less likely to give way, and the tray was given a light coating of felt to ensure the bottom of the painting was unmarred. The gallery didn't pay for things like that. That was a personal touch. A gift to her.

He was going through the last few paces of touching up the baseboards, a tiny chip of paint missing from the side. Most didn't even notice it was there, but he wasn't most people. He sanded the ship area down, and applied a small layer of paint, making sure it came flush tot eh old paint. You could run your hand along it and not notice that work had been done. That was the best work he could do. So perfect it couldn't even be noticed.

The only real permanent worker for maintenence and cleaning, he also played with the climate controls, lowering hte temperature around her area by a few degrees, but not enough to be easily noticed. It'd be slow at first, but as the crowd came in, people would be drawn to the cooler area. More could be around her work. See what she did. Appreciate her art. Perhaps appreciate her gift. But there would be none besides him that really appreciated her. No one else could see her like he did. And perhaps soon he would let her know just how much he did for her...

He could already see it in his mind, how much she'd appreciate teh effort that he put in for her. How she'd be pleased that he noticed her, appreciated her greatness, that she was already known locally, but would be so much more so very soon. And that it would be the help he had given her that would push her farther and farther. They were partners. He knew that. And soon, she would know it, tell him how much she'd noticed the work he'd done for her. It made him smile. He had to get back downstairs. The artists would be getting there soon with their work. And they'd likely want a hand getting their pieces set up. And he'd be there. For them. For her.

 

[OhReally]

Today was the big day. Valerie would be showcasing her newest artwork, but she was a bit more nervous than what she would normally be. She usually painted using acrylic but instead she took a more abstract route and used watercolors. Her certain had been finished two days ago. On the large white canvas she had painted the outline of a man’s face. His look was firm, his strong jawline easily spotted. The man appeared to be looking off to the side, though there was nothing else insight. Around the man’s head there where different splotches of color which she had purposely let drip neatly halfway down the canvas, she made sure to keep it from looking too messy.

Just in case her center piece wasn't loved she had three more paintings. With her other three she had taken pictures of places around town and painted them. One of those painted landscapes was done so in a bit of an abstract way. It seemed a bit risky in her mind so she hoped that the gallery patrons would approve. Valerie at the clock, so far she still had enough time to properly get dressed for the function. Seeing that she was shorter than the average female she planned on wearing heels tonight. Wrapped in a towel, she headed for her closet. Earlier in the week she had purchased a new dress just for the occasion. It wasn't too over the top nor was it too casual. It was a wrap dress that stopped just above her knees. The dress was a deep purple, her favorite color. She slipped into the dress, wrapping it around her freshly lotioned skin. She sprayed a few spritz of her perfume, which smelled like warm vanilla.

Once she was dressed she slipped on a pair of basic black heels that strapped around her ankle. Valerie applied a bit of make up before she curled her hair; she skipped out on the eye shadow, only putting on mascara. The last thing she wanted to do was upstage her own work. Black ringlets cascaded down her shoulders and to the sides of her breasts. Her heart raced when she realized she was ready to go. It wasn’t unusual for Valerie to get nervous before showing her artwork to anyone. However she would push her nerves aside and carefully load her art pieces into her sand brushed Jeep Cherokee.

------

Valerie brought one of her smaller sized paintings in with her while she was on her way to check in. All of her paintings were covered along with all the over artists. She smiled sweetly at those she made eye contact with, not paying too much attention to anything or anyone in particular. Her nervousness soon turned into excitement, she got her favorite part of the gallery to set up at. Though, it did seem a bit different from what she normally had to work with. The hooks seems more sturdy, it was about time they got some newer hooks. After placing her first piece on the wall she stepped back to make sure the placement was right.

“Excuse me, do you mind helping me for a moment?” She asked, stopping a man that seemed to be gallery staff, probably a new hire. Not waiting long enough for an answer she was already heading to her Jeep to retrieve her work.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

And then she was there, in a dress that flattered her perfectly, and he noted that she fairly gleamed in the light. He was glad of the reduced temperature, it kept him from breaking into a sudden sweat at the attnetion on him.
"Of course." He said as calmly as he could, following her out to her Jeep. She'd noticed his work! That was why she'd asked him for the assisstance! She was acknowledging his hard work in the best way, quiet request for more work to be done. It was one of the best rewards he could conceive of. In public at least. Mayhaps soon he'd be given a proper private rewards by her.

He stepped to where her vehicle was, waiting for her to open the back.
"It's no problem, I've got this for you." He said as smoothly as he could, his gaze lingering on her form for just a few seconds more than was normal before pulling out a pair of odd looking hooks. They each had four prongs, but with the sets facing away from each other, back to back. He lifted, very carefully, the paintings, setting one on each set of hooks, allowing him to carry all of them at once. He simled at her, feeling a little grateful that she'd decided to let him help her out. He carried them carefully, as though each was a priceless work that could never be repaired or replaced. It was an act of almost perfect reverence when he came to her area.

"Did you need a hand setting them in place?" He asked her, smiling. He fought to keep his gaze on hers, to not let his eyes tear up at the notion that she was there! In front of him! Talking to him! This was the single greatest moment in his life so far. He only prayed that it would improve, when she finally granted him the acknowledgement that all his work had been for the good.

 

[OhReally]

Valerie fiddled around, looking for her keys so that she could open up the trunk for him. “Thank you so so much! I always hated this part.” She said, making a bit of small talk why she got the trunk open. Valerie had planned on carrying another painting in alongside him, though he assured her that her help wouldn’t be needed. She was curious as to how he’d get all the paintings in with a bit of help. “Are you sure? I could definitely help.” Valerie said while watching him pull out a pair of hooks. Her eyebrows knitted together as she tried to figure out exactly how he’d manage to get the paintings in that contraption.

“Oh wow, that’s awesome.” She said amazed. When he loaded the paintings she closed her trunk, locking her vehicle as they walked off back into the building. Her curls bounced softly while she walked, though her pace was a bit faster until she remembered that they were walking together. When he offered to stay around she was so thankful. “If you need to help someone else then don’t’ worry about it but I would love for you to stick around for a bit.” Her pearly whites gleamed as she smiled sincerely.

“I would like for the big canvas to be in the middle here.” While she talked, Valerie walked over to the wall where the paintings would be placed. “Then the smaller ones you can leave for me to hang, it’s just this really large one that I’m worried about.” Valerie felt like she was babbling a bit, she couldn’t really tell yet. He seemed lost at times, as if he wasn’t really paying attention so she felt like she was talking him to death; it was just the excitement though.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

She showed gratitude, and proper awe at the level of work that he had put into being ready for her. He had thought to try and anticipate everything that she might need. And now she was thanking him. It truly was a fine day, the greatest of days. When she brought up other people, he smiled.
"Oh no, don't worry. I finish helping a person before moving on to another." He said casually. Or at least he hoped it was casual sounding. She'd smiled at him! Glory of glories, she'd given him a smile! There were few better rewards for a dutiful partner than a show of gratitude like that. He examined the hanging point, carefully, and gently setting down the paintings, laying them carefully against the wall. He lifted the larger one, knowing exactly how the picture needed to go. He set it both on the mounting hooks, and into the tray.

Stepping back to look at it, he noted that it seemed...imperfect. He took out a level, and gently placed it against the side, checking it. Sure enough, it was off balance a little, and he nudged it, lining it up perfectly with a smile. It had to be the finest of work. Nothing else would be enough for her. He took the moment to look at the painting. It was...excellent. It showed that she was certainly finding her own style within the art world, and he could only assume it had a great deal to do with the way he was able to remove any stresses from her time here at the gallery. It was why he was here after all.
"You're sure you don't want a hand with the other ones? I've got time, and I don't mind?" He offered, smiling at her. It was an excuse really, to prolong the time he could justify spending in her presence. And the question was a reason to allow him to spend more time looking at her.

 

[OhReally]

She carefully unveiled her painting once it was up, biting back a smile as she tried to humble her excitement. “I hope everyone likes it as much as I do, this one is one of my favorites.” Turning to him she reached her hand out for a handshake. “Thank you so, so much. I honestly would have struggled so much without you.” Valerie made sure that he was aware of how grateful she was.
“Really you’ve done enough, and I don’t want to seem like I’m hogging you.” A few strands of hair had fallen into her face which she promptly pushed back behind her ear. Turning around she went to retrieve her painting when she realized that she didn’t even know his name.

“Oh my, how rude of me! I didn’t even get your name.” He had willing done so much to help her out and she didn’t even bother to get his name. Goodness, she felt horrible for not even getting introductions done. “I’m Valerie, and you are?” It would probably be good to get his name, she’d more than likely need his help once the showing was done as well. Of course, address people by their name was better than the typical ‘hey you’ approach.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Her hand was extended. She was...offering him another gift! The gift of touch, to lay a hand upon her own! He swallowed, adn reached out to gently grasp her hand. He shook it i what he hoped was a nonchalant manner. Her hand was soft. Save for several points on her index and middle fingers, along with teh inside edge of her thumb. Calouses. And artists callous. He was not surprised, though the care she put inot her hands made them not obvious. Some laws of workmanship could not be cheated though. He felt inadequate, wrong, that he had nougt to offer but his own roughened, workman's hand. The coy was she brushed the strands of hair away, it was a perfect gesture, obviously one she ahd rehearsed to affect a proper air. She ahd to know how important she was, how perfect.
"If you're sure. If you need anything else, give me a shout." He said to her with a smile.

He realised he was still holding her hand, and he released it. It hadn't been too long. But long enough that there was likely some notice on that.
"Oh, I'm, uh...Jose. People call me Joe." He said by way of introduction. "And don't worry, most don't bother to ask the name of the help. It's a pleasure to meet you...Valerie." He nodded to her, and took a few steps away, knowing that there would be a line of people wanting him to help move paintings and scultures and the like. But he had a plan for those too.

She had given him her name!
"Valerie." He muttered, drawing the word out, as though tasting the word, getting a feel for every syllable. He took the work as far away from her as he could, letting him work his way back to her. Drawing out teh time he could spend near her. ANd making sure that any who wandered into that area would find nothing but her and her work to observe.

 

[OhReally]

“Okay, Joe. Got it. I’ll keep that in mind just in case I need you.” She was sure that she would need him again, unless she got someone else to help her. Smoothing her hands over her dress she started to walk around a bit until she realized that she had left her cell phone in her purse, which of course was in her Jeep. She hurried out to her vehicle to retrieve her purse. Once her cell phone was in hand she locked everything up and headed back inside. Her slender fingers tapped the screen until a familiar number popped up. With another quick tap the number was being dialed. Valerie waited patiently until she heard her mother on the other end.

“Hey mom it’s Val, I was just hoping that maybe you could come out to my showing tonight…?” This wasn’t the first time she had invited her mother to a showing of hers and probably wouldn’t be the last. Unfortunately her mother didn’t approve of her decision to drop out of medical school to become an artist. She knew her mother still loved her, she just didn’t support her anytime it came to art. There was a long pause on the other end before her mother spoke. “Oh hun you know I would but I promised your father that I would have a date night with him.” Valerie felt her face drop, unable to put on a calm face she turned to the nearest wall so that no one could see her face.

“Oh okay, that’s alright. I um, I’ll call you when I leave. Maybe next time you can drop by.” Without waiting for a proper response from her mom she hung up. The rejection was to be expected so she wasn’t as upset and she thought she would be. It didn’t matter though, at least not for right now. She didn’t want anything to taint the mood for tonight.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Joe was hurried slightly, people impatient for him to get to work on their displays. He was curt, polite enough, but he felt his patience fraying around the edges. All of these chattering jackdaws, cackling about as though their opinions, their emotion, their efforts mattered in the scheme of things. It would look overly arrogant and presumptuous if they had done an entire show only about Valerie, and her body of work would have to expand enormously before the gallery could afford that. But in the meantime, he was forced to spend time with lesser people, if you could even call them that. An artist protested as he tried to adjust a stand for a huge glass pane that was nearly the height of Joe, and monstrously heavy. The stand was 'custom work' apparently, and someone like his shouldn't play with it. Joe shook his head, leaving the stand as it was, knowing that the springs that were made to keep the glass vertical were going to fail inside of two hours, assuming no one touched it, which would speed the process along. Idiots.

He kept working his way closer to Valerie's area, when he caught a sight of her talking on her phone outside of the building. She looked...displeased was a mild way of putting it. That in and of itself bothered him to a great degree. Had she not been honest with him? Had things not been done right? Had he somehow made a mistake in his preparations? His mind whirled, barely keeping on task. Several of the artists had brought their own help, and work was progressing well on getting everything established, so he took the time to head into the basement, looking at the elaborate system that controlled the heat to the building. If he lowered the temperature in Valeries section any further, it would set off a red flag to the monitoring system, and likely get him looked into. So he simply raised the temperature in every other place by a few degrees. The great boiler lit up, and he nodded. He would bring the people to her even more now. He had to make up the moment, he had somehow offended her, he was sure of it. Why else would she be upset? His own incompetence would not cost her anything in this showing of her talents. He paused, considering if he should go back upstairs. But he had to. She would be coming back in soon. And he didn't want to miss a moment of seeing her. Being close to her.

 

[OhReally]

Valerie was still disappointed in her parent's decision to not come down to the gallery. Not to mention things were starting and well, her area wasn't as big as a hit as she hoped. To be fair the night was just starting and she was being hard on herself. She had returned to her area, staring at some of her artwork when a patron had stopped by, asking her questions about the piece. A smile appeared on her face as she started to describe her intentions, what drove her to paint a piece as such and what it meant to her. He seemed to be fairly pleased with her work and even invited a blonde woman over to view the piece as well. The fact that someone was impressed enough to share it with someone else meant a lot to her. Her faith in the night was starting to be restored, though she didn't want to get too excited. After the patron and his guest left, she wondered a bit, always curious to see what the other artists had came up with...and of course to be nosy and see how much attention they were getting.

By the time she had made it back to her area she was fairly surprised, a small group of guests had formed by her paintings. Before she announced that it was her work she waited, eavesdropping if you will, to see what their honest thoughts and opinions were. She was not disappointed either. They had nothing but good things to say! Could it really be that her night was taking a turn for the better? Valerie sure thought so. Her smile had grew from ear to ear, if she smiled any harder her face could have possibly ripped in two! There she was excitedly chatting away to the guests about her work. Valerie wished her parents had come just so they could see the turnout! Their absence no longer had her down, not at all. She was on cloud nine right now and there was nothing that could bring her down.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

A drink had been dropped, and that meant work to be done. Fortunately, the call came within line of sight to her area. The crowd was drifting to it. He had ever confidence that they would have under any circumstances, the work was hers after all, and it was excellently hung and presented. And the fact that she had come to the area to speak about her work helped too. She tended to draw the eye and the crowds all on her own. He blew out a breath, finishing up, and looking around the area he was in. Not too many people in this one, and he knew why. The work was...good, he had to admit, but the man who painted it was well known to be something of an ass. He never tended to his own areas, feeling that having to explain his art destroyed the purpose of his showing it. Art should never be explained. It should simply be. He was also famously critical of anyone else's work. Joe wondered if he could manage to find him, and keep him away from her section.

Avery Campbell, self proclaimed King of the Oil Painting, was on the prowl for a new victim. It had become a habit to lambaste an up and coming artist, make sure they knew that they had a long way to go before he could consider them anything close to a colleague. And he had a victim in mind tonight. She was an up and comer, and had even stolen a lot of his normal attention at the last show. He'd need to tke her down a peg. He saw a crowd assembling around Valerie, adn he started towards the area. Time for some fun.

 

[OhReally]

The night was going greater than she could have ever fathomed. She had even had a nice offer on one of her painting so far along with the exchanging of business cards. Her cheeks were arching from the grin that was plastered on her face. Everything was going well until she saw him out the corner of her eye. Avery Campbell. She could feel her smile fading away, just like her dreams of a wonderful night. She knew about him and what he was capable of, and of course he was headed right to her. What were her options? Run to the nearest bathroom and wait for him to go away? Or maybe she’d just go sit in her Jeep for a while. No neither of those would do.

Valerie took a deep breath as she watched him stroll over to her. She was prepared to stand her ground and support her paintings. Besides for all she knew he could be coming over to compliment her. Either way she approached him before he made it all the way over. She smiled softly at the man trying to make it seem sincere. “Mr. Campbell, how are you doing this evening?”

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Avery smiled back, but it was not a pleasant smile. More of the look of a well fed predator.
"I am doing quite well this evening. Seems as though you're having a good one as well. Seems about right, you were about due for a good showing. So. This one..." He nodded to the closest piece she had on display. "Tell me about this one before I comment." He didn't seem to be asking, but speaking with teh kind of natural authority of one who was very used to having his instructions followed.

Joe cursed, having missed his chance to head off Avery. He needed to make a distraction, a way to force Avery out of the area. But what? Anything to hi directly would attract to much attention, and pick Joe out of the crowd. But if something happened in Avery's art area... an idea percolated it's way through Joe's brain. He head to the back of the place, and pushed open the service door. He saw a few of the local young men hanging out there, smoking.
"Oi. You boys want to earn twenty bucks?" He called. One of them stepped forward.
"I'm cheap. What do you need Joe? Something moved?" The young man asked. Joe had often hired them to do small tasks. It was easier than asking for more help from the gallery.
"Make a mess. Cause a disturbance where I tell you to."
"I'm good at that. Cash first?" Joe handed it over, and explained what he needed. The young man went inside, smiling at the easiest twenty bucks he'd ever made.

 

[OhReally]

Valerie’s eyes cut to the side for a split second, returning to the painting in front of them. He was an asshole and by now he was probably fully aware of that. It was hard for her to believe that at one point in her life she looked up to him. Even if he was a narcissistic dick she had to admit, he was an amazing artists. Instead of making a scene and being rude she forced a smile and nodded. “Okay, sure!”

“You might recognize the buildings, I took a few pictures around town. Though when I painted them I painted them from my point of view. I’m always in such a hurry so when I pass by I never pay it much attention; it’s all just a blur for me. With that being said, I painted a blurred version of the landscapes.” Oh God, was she rambling? It felt like she was rambling. It didn’t even sound like she had thought before she spoke. He was going to eat her alive and she knew it. It was now just a matter of when.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Avery looked at teh painting, listening to her as she explained it. He was glad she did. Else, he'd have assumed someone had thrown paint thinner on an otherwise skilled painting. But no, now he could see how she'd blended the colours, recreated the idea of a fast moving vehicle taking a picture. It...wasn't bad for someone her experience level. It was surprising actually. But the difference between an artistic vision and an artistic disaster was all in the presentation, and he knew how to point out the difference.
"This is not a bad piece. I could even call it...inspired." He started, looking at her. The look on his face told her that there was a huge but coming. Before he spoke again, there was a crash. Avery wrenched his head around, and looked to see one of his displays on the ground.
Hey!" He roared, seeing a young man stepping away from the mess. "Get back here!" Avery took off after the fleeing young man.

"Well, that was interesting." One man said near Valerie. "I'm Martin Carr, I write for the Artist's VIsion." He had just named one of the small, but highly regarded papaers about artwork. If he was a writer for this, he's likely made or broken careers with his articles. "And I have to say, the last thing that Avery had to say was he found your work inspired. I think that might be a good place to start for an article, don't you?"

Joe was at teh exhibit, cleaning up the mess. The youth had outdone himself. It was quite a mess. He glanced up to see Valerie being talked to by a man that was a frequent visitor to the gallery. Joe knew him as something of a writer to report on artists. And if he was talking to Valerie...judging from teh look on his face, it was a good thing. Joe had done something else for her, helping arrange this. It might look like a fortunate accident, but he knew better. This had simply been one more step towards helping her with their partnership. Soon she'd see. Soon...

 

[OhReally]

Valerie perked up when she heard him say that it was not a bad piece. Maybe he actually just came over to compliment her, though when he finished his sentence it seemed as if he was about to say something else. Something that probably would have crushed her dreams of having a good night. However before he could start shredding through her art there was loud crash. She jumped, everyone within the vicinity quickly turning to find the source of the disturbance. Valerie was still trying to process what was going on when she saw Avery running after another man. Well, at least she no longer had to worry about him.

Her shoulders relaxed back a bit, her slender fingers ran through her long locks as she tried to relax. “Very interesting indeed.” She said with a soft nod, it made her wonder if it was merely an accident. Though if it was then the man had no reason to run..then again it was Avery that they were dealing with. Quickly brushing the recent events off her mind she turned her attention to Martin Carr. She extended her right hand out to him for a handshake. “Good evening Mr. Carr, my name is Valerie Williams.” Valerie did have a little bit about Artist’s Vision and the kind of articles one could find in said paper, however she had not recently any articles out of Artist’s Vision.

How could she accept such an offer? Her ex-boyfriend had always told her that she was too hard on herself as well as too humble. Maybe he was actually right about something. “Considering he really has anything nice to say, I would agree.” She gave a soft nervous chuckle.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

"Stop that man! Stop him!" Avery shouted, chasing after the young man for all he was worth. As an artist, he hadn't exactly devoted a lot of time to his endurance, and he knew he was going to lose his steam soon. As they came near a corner, Joe moved the sign off the floor that warned it was slippery. The young man went a little wide, misssing the spot, but Avery saw a chance to close the gap, and charged on. His feet went out from under him, and he fell in a heap. He slid on the floor, and Joe then made a show of looking as though he was just finishing up, and placing the sign in the needed place. Avery glared daggers at Joe, but barely managed to stand. He'd jarred something in his leg, and he watched with hate as the young man made it out of the building. A security officer came over to help Avery outside to get a ride to a hospital to look at his leg.

It had been another brilliantly planned move, if Joe did say so himself. Avery out of the way, Valerie being courted by a art review magazine...her night was turly one of the best he could make it. He smled as he moved on to start sweeping Avery's damaged art up.

"Oh I know who you are Miss Williams. It's my job to know that kind of thing. We've been eyeing your work for a little while, but I think what you've shown tonight will be an excellent addition. And it's no less than exactly what he said. So I assume that by that you're willing to be featured in our publication?" Martin said to her with a smile.