Chapter 6: Caffeine Fix
Evan pulled the coffee cup closer, breathing the heavenly smell of liquid energy. It took all his self control not to chug the mug in one gulp, but he knew his mouth would instantly regret that decision. It was close to 4 am when he finally went to bed, after an intense round of PMs with FallenSparrow. It had been a pleasant surprise when her PM came thru, since they usually kept to the chat box to discuss role playing plots. When she asked for his help, he was more than willing to oblige.
What came next was a drawing. The cartoon was adorable, with floppy ears, a curly tail, and a mischievous expression. He had grinned the moment he saw it, already knowing who it was. 'Isn't that your dog?' Other than her artwork, FallenSparrow has once shared a handful of photos of Bandit. She was like a proud mom doting over her first born.
'I know, it's dumb, but I started drawing and he was what I came up with.' Instead of explaining, her next PM contained more drawings: Bandit on a walk, Bandit eating pizza, and the last panel contained a second dog. The two canines were staring at a stick, with a speech bubble saying 'No matter how many times I bring her the stick, she always throws it away again...'
Maybe it was the sleep deprivation, but Evan had laughed out loud. The face of her dog looked so depressed, you couldn't help feel sorry for it. 'This is adorable.' He told her. 'Is there more?'
'Kinda. I mean, they're just doodles, but I hit a wall with my other comic, and now, this is all I can draw.' He could almost sense her frustration, and chuckled slightly as he responded.
'You know, sometimes the best art is just what you create for yourself. I know you were trying to make a web comic, but did you ever consider just starting a comic strip?' To him, it was obvious. Her cute and quirky art style was great for one panel jokes like this. True, her other art was good, but this seemed so organic to him. Even as he opened the picture that morning, coffee in hand, he knew he steered her the right way. He knew plenty of artists that got their footing with something as simple as a cute dog. Who knew if she could do the same?
Like a brick, the thought pulled him back to reality. Ughhhhh, he hadn't finished coloring that panel for his update today. Rubbing his eyes, he forced himself to get started, motivation dragging with every movement of his pen. By the time he emptied his mug, he was cleaning the lines, until finally, he saved the final draft. Once it was uploaded he slouched in his chair. He had a lot to catch up on after procrastinating last night.
'Do you even sleep anymore?' The message glowed on his phone, and Evan rolled his eyes before picking it up.
'Sleep is for the weak,' he responded.
'Just making sure your digital romance doesn't steal my best friend,' Zane retorted.
Evan rolled his eyes. 'When has ANY romance stolen your best friend?' He mused.
Zane didn't reply right away, which gave Evan a chance to open the neglected commission. He considered refilling his coffee cup for the extra push, but even caffeine couldn't jump start creativity. This was one of the reasons he understood Sparrow's frustration. She had one plan, but her inspiration took her elsewhere.
Evan had a bit more experience coaxing his muse where it needed to go though. He drew bags of flour, he doodled donuts, he drew cakes. Anything that could lure the right logo from his subconscious into the computer screen. By time time lunch rolled around, he had two pages of sketches, and a rough font blocked out on the canvas. A knock on the door broke his concentration, however, and he looked up in surprise.
When he opened the door, Zane was standing there armed with a pizza box and a liter of cola. "It's break time. Open the door and let your favorite friend come in."
Evan rolled his eyes as Zane strolled to the kitchen counter and deposited the food. "You could have warned me." He accused, ignoring the loud gurgle his stomach made.
"And give you a chance to come up with a reason for me not to come over? Fat chance. You're taking a break, and you better be ready for me to take you to school in a melee match!" With confident strides Zane scooped up a video game controller and mockingly waved it at his friend.
"You know I have—"
"A deadline. If you can make time for your internet buddies you can make time for me."
That was hard to argue with. Evan picked out a cup from the cupboard and poured himself a glass of cola instead. "How was the movie?" He asked, pulling the pizza box closer.
"Torture. They never should have done a reboot," Zane complained. He thrust the controller into Evan's hand and opened pizza box. Folding his slice like a burrito he crammed the whole piece in his mouth before planting himself in front of the TV. Evan smirked.
"Glad I didn't miss anything major," he navigated through the windows until he found his favorite character to play, then clicked into a stage before Zane could react.
"Nooo you know I hate the rainbow round...." Zane sputtered, hastily pushing buttons to dodge the incoming attack's. The level flipped upside down, sending both their characters flying through the air. Zane cursed, and Evan leaned forward, trying to get his own character to dodge falling stars.
"Now this....is a game. I don't get why you waste your time in those forums...." Zane remarked, smashing the A button in concentration.
"It takes.... creativity," his character threw a brick across the screen. "Not just blind luck." The level turned again, and they both hurried to correct themselves.
"This isn't luck, it's blind talent!" Zane cheered as he knocked Evan off the screen, the green avatar flying into space. "You can't tell me it's because of the people. I mean, you don't even know her name." He taunted. Evan rolled his eyes.
"I role play with more than one person," he defended. Zane smirked.
"But she's your faaaavorite," he teased, earn a real/life swat across the head. "Ouch!"
"Like you're any better. Didn't you ask that girl from your work to go to the movies too?"
"Hey, that's just a friend. If I wanted to date, would I invite you too?"
"Touché."
They continued the trash talk until the pizza was gone and the cola bottle empty. In the end, Zane had utterly kicked Evan's butt. "37 to 12. In your face!" Zane cheered.
"Fine, you proved a point. I'll practice more for next time. But seriously, it's time for me to get back to work," he didn't dare look at the clock. At least he managed to complete the PowerPatron update first. If he finished the commission tonight, he wouldn't get behind.
"Okay, okay, I'll let you finish. But tomorrow you should come hang out at least. I'm planning on hitting some raids around 5. Sure you don't want to join?"
Evan sighed, "I guess I can try. No promises though!" He had to yell the last bit as Zane darted for the door.
"5 it is! See you tomorrow!" The door slammed shut and Evan groaned. Why did he feel like Zane had ulterior motives....
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone