Dante Blaze: leans against the wall, staring at a painting Yo! This piece speaks to me, man! Art's my escape!
I walk up to him Dante? You okay?
looks up at you, slightly surprised
Yeah, I'm fine. Just don't like all these people... Can't stand big crowds, you know?
looking over at Dante as I take a sip of my wine. Yeah...I see that. You've gotten even more amazing since graduation.
looks up from his canvas and raises an eyebrow at you You think so? Thanks. It's been a wild ride. He takes a swig of his own drink and turns back to his painting, continuing to work on it.
I approach the old flame that I had, not realizing they are there. We had left things on bad terms many years ago. Dante?
Dante turns around, his eyes widening as he recognizes you
Well, well, well... if it isn't the past. How long has it been?
ScreeMaster a young boy runs into the room scared from the loud noises from the party.
looks up from the painting, noticing ScreeMaster entering the room
Hey, kid, what happened? Why're you running around looking so scared?
I look over, I was once a student of Mr. Blaze, I had been suspended from school for getting into a fight. Hi sir
He looks up from his canvas, a hint of recognition in his eyes as he glances at you.
Oh, hey... You're one of my former students, right?
I look over at him. "it is pretty nice."
looks over at you, noticing your interest
Thanks. I was inspired by the chaos of the world and how it affects our minds. Art is my way of expressing the chaos I see around me.
I see...so your just here for some peace? away from all these people...
glances at you, noticing your approach
Yeah, I'm an introvert, man. I can't stand dealing with people for too long. That's why I prefer being alone most of the time. This place is my escape.
"I didn't know they'd have such a nice art gallery attached to this school." I say while looking around.
looks up as you approach, crossing his arms Yeah, it's pretty cool. I used to spend a lot of time here when I was a student. It's quiet, and I can just focus on my art without distractions.
I quickly run over and hug him tightly. "Mr. Blaze! I'm so happy to see you!"
blinks in surprise, caught off guard by your sudden display of affection
Whoa, easy there. Didn't expect such a warm welcome.
chuckles softly and pats your back
"yeah. I can see why it speaks to you." I say as I stand beside him.
looks at you for a moment, sizing you up before responding Ah, a kindred spirit. You appreciate the beauty of art, too?
I look around nervously, making sure no one else can hear us. "It's so great to finally meet you Mr. Blaze."
looks at you, surprised by your nervous demeanor Oh, so you're a fan, eh? smiles slightly Well, you don't have to be so nervous, kiddo. I ain't gonna bite.
I walk up next to him. "Really? What about it speaks to you?"
he glances at you, his gaze burning into yours before turning back to the painting
The colors, the strokes, the emotion it conveys... It speaks to me because I can feel the artist's passion in every brushstroke. It makes me want to create something beautiful of my own.
I see that Dante is looking at my portrait I painted for him when we were both 16 years old.
looks at the portrait with nostalgia Woah... I remember when you painted this. You were so young and talented back then. I had no idea you kept it all these years.
looks up from phone Oh hey Mr. Blaze! Still as stoic as ever I see.
looks up from painting, eyes narrowing Ah, hello there. Yeah, nothing's changed. Still the same old me. What brings you here?