In The Name Of Love (BL)

14. Cage of colours

A little boy and an Adult male, the son and his father stood in front of a canvas, both were ready for the painting session.

They approached a table adorned with an old, weathered palette. The father held up a palette filled with colors... dark colours to be precise, a glint on his face. "Alright, son," he said sternly, "Let me show you how to cage colours together."

Elegantly yet Tightly Brush was gripped in front of the canvas. He took the bloody red and stroked different lines, tyrannical yet beautiful. Adding the warmth of black, casting its shadow.

Leo attentively looked at his father the way his brush was guided across. Each stroke of the brush revealed a new layer of dusk, as the colours themselves held stories waiting in darkness caging on board.

"Cage them, control them. Be the master. Don't go soft or else the layers will be rotten." His growling words echoed through the room. Imprinting on Leo's fragile mind.

.........

Present

Reaching towards the station from where they are supposed to leave for. The sunlight streaming in through the windows, adds a warm glow to the surroundings.

"You know why I liked art?" Leo grabbed his hands intervening hands together.

Muse glanced at the taller statuette with endorsing shy gestures. His eyes were glistening, he felt happy that the cold heartthrob of college was about to share some of the oldest memories with him. Only him.

"Words! Muse." Leo said in an authoritative voice as negligible responses were coming. He needs the attention. All of it. He knew he was being selfish for it, he could be more than that. Unaware Muse was already giving him all. His senses were only focused on him.

"Ah, ye-ah yes, why?" The voice sent a shiver down his spine.

He stumbled as they got off the subway. In the afternoon, the subway station was a bit crowded with people rushing to get to their destinations. Pushing both outwards the gate.

Hearing the sound of trains arriving and departing, the hustle and bustle of commuters, and announcements echoing through the station.

Leo groaned in annoyance. Disturbance made his face frown.

Both Leo and Muse looked at each other. "We are here, Let's go. I'll share this story with you later." Leo said as he grabbed Muse's hand intervening just like a paint brush he stroked through. Muse blushed while hiding his Face sideways.

"Don't hide it. I kinda like the shade your face is giving right now." he smirked as he tightened his grip.

"Whaaa-t do you mean?" Muse whispered shyly.

Leo held him by his chin making eye contact with the fragile boy. Making him more nervous than he ever is. Leo teased, "This crimson red shade on your cheeks."

Muse gaze looked downwards as his heart skipped a beat. Leo was super close to his face. Just 0.5 meters away. He bit his lips and started expecting something more.

But Leo pulled himself away, patted his head and held him tightly.

"Don't lose me." He commanded.

They crossed the road. Leo was leading the way through the roundabout. Eventually, they were in front of the Gallery.

"Wooooaaah" Muse's mouth hung open. Gate, It was vintage heretofore elegant. The whole front yard was covered with different types of sculptures. People who were roaming around glowed from daylight.

"Let's go" Leo smiles at him. They entered the art gallery hand in hand, their footsteps echoing softly in the serene opening.

The gallery was alive with colours and textures, each artwork telling a unique story. Muse, with a curious gleam in his eyes, listened intently as Leo shared insights into the art.

"And that's Woodstock art, That's Resin through the paper that's-"
Leo's voice was a gentle guide, leading Muse through the gallery, pointing out the brushstrokes and details that made each piece special.

"Why is there a mirror in front of these rods?" Muse asked curiously.
It was his first time coming in contact with those art pieces personally, he asked questions through and through as not knowing anything made him more gullible.

"That's a Cage Muse." Leo knew exactly what it was.

"Mirror on a wall at one side, cage on the other and you in between. A Prey. Confined in emotions that can't be escaped. That's what this is." Leo smirked, the emotions and inspiration behind the artwork will look simple until someone looks deeply.

And He knew how to look deeply...

They walked away from that piece but Muse's mind was still there. He was silently taking peaks over and over.

As they moved from one painting to another. Muse's genuine interest and Leo's passion for art created a silent yet exquisite peace in their hearts.

The soft lighting and hushed whispers around them added to the enchanting aura.

"So, are you hungry?" Leo asked. Muse glanced at the watch and then at Leo.

"Maybe a bit. But it's fine we can have coffee." Muse said feeling empty in his stomach.

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Leo and Muse walked into the bustling cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee swathed them. They found a seat at the corner with dim light making the scenery cosy.

They decided through the menu but when it was time to pay, Leo turned to Muse with a warm smile, "Let me." He offered to pay for Muse's mocha.

Muse, feeling a bit flustered by Leo's gentleman gesture, blushed and stammered out a surprise. He resisted, "It's okay. You don't have to do that. Thank you." A hint of flustered gratitude in his voice was evident.

Leo just grinned warmly and urged, "It's my pleasure. You're my date and I believe in good old-fashioned chivalry."

Muse couldn't help but escape a smile at Leo's politeness, feeling a flutter of butterflies in his stomach.

As they sat down with their coffees, the soft chatter of other cafe patrons creating a soothing backdrop, Muse couldn't help but to feel a sense of warmth.

The simple act of kindness made Muse feel special and treasured in that moment, creating a sweet and heartwarming ambience between him and his lion.

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