Tyler stood in awe of Andy's studio loft. Almost every square inch of the exposed brick was covered with paintings or inspirational clippings. By the window, brushes lay in a mason jar full of water muddled with color. At the center of the room stood an easel with a huge blank canvas.

"Wow, your place is so... "

"Neat?" Andy teased.

"Yeah but more than that. It's amazing."

"Thanks," he said, offering Tyler a beer.

"Do you have any pop?"

"Like a Warhol or Lichenstien?"

"Is that a new flavor of Coke?"

"Oh, soda? God, I'll never get used to Midwesternese. Sure." He went to the fridge and grabbed Tyler a Coke in a glass bottle.

"I just wanted to say, I've really liked seeing you for the past few weeks," said Tyler.

"It's been, nice," Andy said, unsure of where the conversation was going.

"I also wanted to say, thanks for... y'know... letting me take things slow."

"Hey, it's all about living in the moment, right?"

And Tyler suddenly seized the opportunity of that moment. He kissed Andy abruptly and passionately. Andy reciprocated, taken completely aback. Tyler pushed Andy to the bed, fumbling to undo his belt, unbutton his jeans, to rip off his shirt. Tyler lay on top of him, looking at the beautiful, artistic man that he was lucky to start to call his. He kissed him even more hungrily, kissing his way down his nipples, down his stomach, and down to the throbbing bulge in Andy's boxers. It was just like he'd seen in the movies.

Tyler had done everything so expertly, Andy would never have known that it was his first time.

*

"Thank you," said Tyler, laying his head on Andy's chest, playing with his hair.

"Hmmm?"

Tyler kissed Andy's chest and closed his eyes serenely. The moon shone through the window and they lay there peacefully drained, falling asleep. Andy woke up slightly as he felt Tyler's finger running over his smooth chest. Playful at first, Andy realized that he was tracing words on him: "I. Love. You." Andy looked down at Tyler, kissed him on the head, and got out of bed, making sure not to disturb him.

He approached the blank canvas, grabbed a brush, and began to work. As the sun rose, he emerged covered in reds and blues, standing in awe of his new painting. He looked at Tyler then back at the painting. He decided that this latest work would be called "Regret."

###