Kazimir wanted to lose himself in his art. Let it transport him to another world; some place without the aches of needing a fix or the fear of death.

Perched on his new art stool in the back of the building, he put the finishing touches on his latest painting. It took him almost a week to complete, but he was satisfied with the finished project. While it wasn't one of his greatest works, he enjoyed trying out something new.

His painting depicted a mythical dragon guarding a ginormous castle. Lovely shades of blue captured an ethereal view of the sky, but his primary focus on the green dragon hadn't turned out how he wanted it to. Maybe he should've made the dragon larger? Maybe he used the wrong colors?

After trying out different styles and tools, Kazimir found himself fascinated by fantasy worlds. Perhaps he painted them to escape the horrors of his own reality.

The grand opening of his art studio was mostly for his close friends and the Voiceless Rebels, but anyone was welcome. Kazimir didn't expect a large turnout. He was content with just having the people close to him there.

Kazimir had dreamed of having his own art studio, and Emmett made it all come true. Agreeing to use the art studio as a front for their drug business was the only price he had to pay. Keeping their drug business a secret would be easy, since they did most of their trade late at night. Nobody would ever encounter Emmett or anyone else during those times.

Finding more artists to share artwork with would be tricky, but Kazimir didn't mind. He just wanted others to enjoy the same passion as him and give them a space to paint. Kazimir knew all too well how finding a comfortable and safe place to work on their art could be difficult.

Those troubling times he'd spent painting back home in his mom's garage weren't the best, but he'd had his art classroom too. Many marvelous artworks were created in that small art room, nothing but distant memories now.

Art opened up a new outlook on life for Kazimir. Throughout his school days, he never found joy in anything until his teacher took him under his wing. Being in Mr. Lamphere's class helped him learn more about himself and what his aspirations were. He was sure his old mentor would be proud of him for wanting to help other artists out. If only he knew how much blood stained his hands now...

Kazimir's hand trembled as he pulled away from his canvas, almost dropping his brush. Blood tainted his vision, blurring out the fantastical castle and dragon. Death surrounded him again. Familiar friendly faces morphed into foes out to kill him.

Letting his heartbeat settle back into place, Kazimir took a deep breath and focused his attention back on his artwork. Sometimes horrid memories resurfaced out of nowhere. Being witness to the cruel murders and beatings the rebels inflicted on their enemies was still too much for Kazimir to stomach.

A knock on the door pulled him from his reverie, breaking his concentration once more. It was probably Emmett back from picking up lunch for them. All the rebels left after helping Kazimir get settled in, giving him space for his creativity to flourish.

Kazimir laid his paintbrush down and went to unlock the door. To his surprise, it was his good friend, Jordy.

"Hey, I wasn't sure you'd be able to make it," Kazimir said, holding the door wide open for him.

"I wouldn't miss your grand opening. My classes ended a few minutes ago. That's why I got here so late," Jordy told him, taking in the vast space. "Emmett and those rebels aren't still around, are they?"

"Nah, you're fine. And they left not too long ago. You just missed them," Kazimir replied. "Emmett will be back soon. He went to grab pizza for lunch."

"Of course he did," Jordy muttered. "He's the one who helped you get this place, right?"

"Yeah." Kazimir wiped his paint-stained hands on his green apron. "You know I'd never be able to afford this place by myself."

Kazimir knew his friend wasn't fond of his lover. They'd had a dispute before Kazimir moved out and Jordy insisted he reconsider staying with him. It was obvious to Kazimir that Jordy was just worried he'd get sucked up in the gang's world like his brother did, but Kazimir wouldn't let that happen. He knew what he was doing.

Jordy had convinced him to relocate to New Syracuse over three years ago when they shared the rent for an apartment. Sometimes Kazimir missed that old place, as it housed a lot of memories. Living with Emmett and their gang took some time getting used to, but he'd grown to enjoy waking up beside Emmett every day.

"You've got a nice setup here. Emmett paid for all those new canvases and paint supplies too?" Jordy asked.

Kazimir looked down at his converse, nodding. "Yeah, he did."

Jordy sighed. "I'm worried about you. Like, I get it. You love this guy and he buys you all these nice art supplies, but he's no good for you. I thought you guys would've broken up by now, honestly. I just don't wanna see you get hurt. He's a dangerous criminal who's killed people. He enables you to take more coke with him. I ain't trying to be mean, but you've lost some weight and you're as pale as a ghost."

"Not this again. We've been over it." Kazimir turned his back on his friend, heading over to his artwork. "I'm fine and so is Emmett. And yeah, I love him. He's not perfect, but who is?"

"I just hope that one day you'll understand you deserve better."

Kazimir didn't respond to his friend, instead returning to his art stool and positioning a new blank canvas. Painting was his escape from his emotions. So long as he had his paintbrush, he could hide away in his own little world.

🖌️

The smell of cigarettes, pizza and stale beer mingled with the musty aroma of paint. Jordy sat cross-legged on the floor and watched as Kazimir's new creation took shape. Emmett perched himself on another stool beside Jordy, admiring the way Kazimir rambled about his creative process as he ate a slice of pepperoni pizza. Kazimir wasn't used to an audience, but he enjoyed explaining the steps he took to them.

Kazimir's creative skills were remarkable. The sketchy outlines of the rebel's emblem faded into the background of what was supposed to be a friendly comrade's face. After a few minutes, the rebel's face slowly came into focus. It was a disturbing, feral, soulful version of Emmett—and it was frightening, yet also beautiful.

"This might be a new favorite of mine," Emmett remarked, wiping his saucy lips with a napkin. "And I don't say that just because I'm your muse."

That earned an eye-roll from Jordy, but he kept his thoughts to himself. A relief to Kazimir. The last thing he wanted was for the two of them to bicker or fight.

The door chime broke into Kazimir's reverie, bringing him back down to reality as he glanced over his canvas. Mal grinned, stretching his eerie tattooed skull face, as he waltzed inside like he owned the place. His baggy clothes looked like they'd fall right off his small frame, yet he didn't seem to mind. A backpack hung loosely around his shoulders.

"How y'all doing?" Mal greeted them.

Emmett scowled, side-eyeing Jordy before raising from his perch. "You're early."

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I was in the neighborhood so I thought I'd drop by. I got the, um, extra paint supplies Kaz needed," Mal stumbled over his words, chewing on his lower lip.

"Just leave it over here." Emmett gestured for Mal to follow, leading him toward the restroom.

"Are you fucking serious?" Jordy whispered, nudging Kazimir. "They're dealing drugs here?"

"Keep your voice down." Kazimir pressed a finger to his lips, casting a glance toward the restrooms. "Just pretend you didn't see that."

"Kaz, you shouldn't let them bring that shit here. What if the cops catch wind of this? They'll pin it all on you."

"You're making a huge deal out of nothing. So what if they brought a little coke?" Kazimir shrugged. "I've got some stashed away in my art supplies. I don't mind."

"You should mind," Jordy insisted. "This is dangerous for you. They're making your art studio into another stash house."

"Like I said, I don't mind." Kazimir continued his painting as if nothing were wrong.

"If you're gonna have that going on, then I'm sorry, but I won't come around here anymore." Jordy crossed his arms over his chest.

Kazimir's paintbrush faltered as he pulled it away from his canvas. He tried to mask the crestfallen look on his face, but failed miserably. "You don't mean that, do you? You're one of my closest friends. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable here."

"Then you need to tell them to take their drug dealing somewhere else," Jordy snapped.

Doubt clouded Kazimir's judgment. On one hand, he wanted Jordy to feel welcome in his new art space, but on the other, he didn't want to disappoint Emmett. His lover bought the art studio for him and it wasn't like their dealings bothered him.

Emmett and Mal emerged from the restrooms. Mal no longer carried his backpack, but Kazimir didn't question them. Not even when Jordy kept glaring at him, expecting him to say something. Only when Mal left the art studio did Jordy finally speak up.

"You'd really stoop low enough to use Kaz to store your precious drugs?" Jordy asked, pointing an accusing finger in Emmett's direction.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Emmett narrowed his eyes at him. "Are you accusing me of something? Do you want to call the cops on me, huh? Go for it. Have them search every crevice of this studio. I can promise you, they won't find any drugs."

Jordy stood his ground, refusing to shrink back from Emmett's intimidating glare. He met Kazimir's eye, as if pleading for him to stick up for him. However, Kazimir just picked his paintbrush back up and continued working on his newest piece. Jordy would forgive him. He always did. Even if he never came around to the art studio again.

Kazimir would just tell him not to deal drugs around Jordy. They could compromise and reach a common ground. Kazimir was no fool to Emmett's plans for dealing drugs in his new art studio, but he saw the price to pay for it was nothing significant. Jordy was just blowing things out of proportion, assuming the worst-case scenarios.

"Kaz, come on. Don't let him treat you like this." Desperation clung to his friend's words.

Emmett snapped, "Quit filling Kaz's head with bullshit about me. I've never treated him wrong. Have I?" His gaze settled back on Kazimir. "Have I ever abused you? Treated you unfairly?"

Kazimir gulped painfully, shaking his head. "No, but if it makes you uncomfortable to be around the Rebels, I can try to give you times when they're not around."

"You've made your choice. Can't say I didn't warn ya." Jordy raised his hands in mock surrender. "Don't call me to bail you outta jail when the cops come raid this place."

After Jordy stormed out, Kazimir considered reaching out to him. Should he have stuck up for his former roommate? Jordy's always been on his side and helped him when he was at his lowest. Did it make him a jackass for keeping quiet? What if pissed off Emmett? The last thing he wanted was conflict between the people he cared the most about. Maybe Jordy just needed some space. Surely he'd come around, right?