Getting Messy - a_carrion_crow

[heaven_helps]

Helena Kyle forced the third bucket of paint open, not closing it again like she had the others. Two rollers waited. Some of the kids had offered to help her, but she'd sent them out to play, at least for a little while. If she ended up needing the help, a couple of them would still be interested at least

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[a_carrion_crow]

Joshua arrived a few minutes early - a force of habit drilled into him. In most people's opinion, he wasn't dressed for painting; the pressed, long-sleeved shirt and slacks he wore were a bit formal, and certainly too nice. This habit was one her wasn't about to abandon soon. It was in his best interest that nobody got a good look at his body.

He shifted the container of cookies Duela'd insisted he bring, and rang the bell.

[heaven_helps]

A few moments after the bell rang, Helena opened the center door. Her smile faded slightly, only to reappear a second later, at his clothes. They looked odd for this setting. After all, they were going to be painting, a rather messy task, and he looked much more suited to simply going out.

"Come in," she said.

[a_carrion_crow]

"Hi." Stepping inside, he handed her the container, rolling his eyes at the absurdity of having been forced to bring snacks. "My mom made me bring these. She didn't want me to give the center more of a financial problem with my appetite."

Noticing her look at his clothes, he added, "It's okay. These are for painting - just worried about getting paint on my skin. I have some allergies; no big deal, but better safe..."

[heaven_helps]

Helena took the container and grinned at him. "Does she think we're still in grade school where we have to bring snacks?" However, a moment later, she added, "They look great, though. Thanks." She had to hope he wouldn't take much of her teasing to heart. One of these days, she told herself, she was going to offend someone who wasn't quick to forgive.

"O--oh!" Helena looked at him carefully, genuinely concerned. "Are you sure it's no big deal? I don't want to get you sick or anything, and some might still get on your hands or face..."

[a_carrion_crow]

"You could set up a non-profit management group, get some reasonably smart people to arrange a committee - I don't know. This shouldn't be the only thing you have."

He painted for a while, thinking. "My mother works with a lot of investors. You could probably make a fair amount of your money back."

[heaven_helps]

"Most people aren't really up to this place," Helena said with a smile as she kept painting. "But the offer is great."

[a_carrion_crow]

"You should talk to her. Most of the investments are actually above-board, too." He sounded like he was joking.

[heaven_helps]

"Probably a good thing," Helena said with a laugh. She glanced over at him, joking. "Wouldn't do the center any favors if it weren't."

[heaven_helps]

"It looks great," Helena said, grinning at Joshua as she set down her roller, looking around the painted room. "You've been a major help. And I think I still owe you dinner. If you aren't sick of me yet."

[a_carrion_crow]

"No. You'll have to try harder. Sure you still want pay, now that you've seen me eat?"

[heaven_helps]

"As long as you're willing to take responsibility for my financial troubles if I can't fund the Center afterward," she teased.

[a_carrion_crow]

"That sounds like a plan - that, or I could just pay."