Kiah checked herself out in the small mirror. It was haphazardly leaned against the wall; Kiah had to squat a little to see her full frame in it. She straightened out her tie and made sure her crimson button-up was tucked neatly into her black high-waist pants. A little voice in the back of her mind kept telling her the outfit would be too formal for attending an art exhibition – she'd look out of place, people would stare at her, her body wasn't made for such clothes. With a deep sigh, she focused on pushing those thoughts away and replacing them with something more positive. It was a new thing for her – dressing up, letting herself be seen instead of always hiding in the crowds. Blending in was her comfort zone and she wanted to change that. Her willingness didn't stop her anxiety from acting up, unfortunately. Without wasting any more time Kiah put on her blazer and made her way out.

The ride to her destination turned out to be a smelly old cab.

Don't they have safety regulations or something for these things???

She thought to herself while trying to touch as little of the inside of the vehicle as possible. If a truck was to hit them at that moment they definitely wouldn't survive. The old car was more a metal cage than anything. At least they would find her body in her best clothes. The thought was accompanied with a slight chuckle to herself.

  Finally, she was standing in front of the gallery. The building's architecture was distinctly modernist.

It brought back memories of her.

Kiah's heart constricted, causing a painful pang. She hadn't been to the gallery ever since...she left. All too painful memories continued to flood her mind. She helplessly wondered how much longer she would have to feel like this – months had passed already. Fighting through her overwhelming need to go home and curl into a ball, she made her way inside the gallery.

  Tall white walls surrounded her – some looking as if they had been randomly placed all about the place. She walked around a single wall that stood about 6 ft tall causing it to tower over Kiah by a few inches. On it hung a guitar – its three thickest strings broken. The voice in her head had been right – most of the people there wore more casual clothing. The only thing keeping her from leaving were a couple with such outlandish outfits they absorbed all of the attention of strangers' wandering eyes and the fact that she had paid a lot for the ticket.

Wallowing in your own sadness at home for months saved you a surprising amount of money.

Her destination was clear – the wine table. Enjoying art is always better when you're slightly tipsy. Ignoring the implication of the statement, she downed a glass and took another to sip on.

Kiah was in no way an art critic. Frankly, she simply enjoyed the peace of galleries. She could stand there, observing art with no one to bother or judge her. Also – it was a great excuse to drink in public and not look like a miserable alcoholic. Which she definitely was not...or at least that's what she told herself. A place to just be in silence. Except apparently, it was not.

"It's an exceptional piece, isn't it?"

A deep feminine voice came from beside her.  Truthfully she hadn't paid actual attention to the painting. She was just mindlessly staring at it, her mind somewhere far away. Kiah focused her gaze on it to actually take it in. It hurt. Something about the colors, the setting, it all reminded of her. Tears threatened to spill so she averted her gaze from the painting to the source of the mysterious voice. In front of her stood a woman – tall with blonde hair, strikingly blue eyes and features so sharp they could cut. For a moment Kiah could just stand there, insecurity and anxiety overwhelming her.

"It is. It – uh – it holds so much emotion. I actually got a little overwhelmed looking at it."

She smiled at the woman and sipped on her wine nervously. No one usually approached her at such events. It was supposed to be her 'me time' and people interrupting it felt frustrating. Although she could definitely make an exception for such a striking woman.

"How interesting. I found it peaceful. The dark blue really drives you to a place of zen."

Kiah hummed in thought, her eyes traveling back to the painting to take a quick glance.

"That's what I like about art. One piece could be as many things as there are people looking at it."

The corner of the woman's lips tugged upwards, causing a few smile lines to appear.

"I suppose how we perceive art is strongly tied to what we're already feeling."

Her deep velvety voice sounded like a work of art itself to Kiah. She could only look into the woman's eyes where she found something resembling acknowledgment or understanding...she was not sure.

"I am Cate, by the way. Pleased to meet you."

The woman – Cate – extended her arm to Kiah.

"I am Kiah, nice to meet you too, Cate."

Kiah shook her hand, noting how warm it was in contrast to her own icy cold one.

"Oh, that's such a beautiful name. I suppose it goes with the person."

Cate smirked at Kiah as she was once again left speechless. Talking to people, especially strangers, was not her strongest pursuit. Even more so when said strangers were attractive women flirting with her. As much as she wanted to be left alone, Cate had undoubtedly spiked her curiosity.

"Is that how you charm people, Cate? With flattery?"

Kiah teased back and Cate looked at her with faked offense.

"I have done no such thing! I only speak the truth."

"Sure thing."

"Are you saying you don't trust me?"

"My trust, miss Cate, must be earned."

Kiah smiled and raised her glass at Cate, drinking the rest of its contents. She then walked past the woman, making her way to another piece of art near the wine table. This confidence of hers was undoubtedly unleashed by the pleasant buzz of the wine. It seemed it had paid off when she heard steps approaching behind her.

"Did you really just walk away from me? Don't you know that it's rude?"

Cate spoke again. The woman was persistent, Kiah could give her that. She turned around to face her.

"It's a free country and I'm a free woman."

"That you are."

"Besides, you'd have to do more to keep my attention."

Cate's brows shot up in what looked like genuine surprise. It seemed the woman was not used to a challenge.

"Kiah, do you know who I am?"

The question was undoubtedly weird, but once Kiah thought about it, the woman did seem somewhat familiar. She just couldn't place her.

"Should I...?"

Cate shook her head with a smile.

"So, what is it that would keep your attention then?"

The woman changed the subject, going back to her charming ways. Kiah squinted her eyes in suspicion.

"How about you fetch me another glass of wine and we'll see."

Cate stepped closer – a lot closer – to Kiah with a look of challenge on her beautiful face. The younger woman tried to keep her poker face while her heart sped up in her chest.

"Quite bossy, aren't you."

The words were spoken as a statement rather than a question. Cate reached her hand towards Kiah's chest only to have it trace down her arm and take the empty wine glass from her hand. She smirked confidently at how flustered Kiah looked for a moment. Then she turned around to walk to the wine table. The young woman realized the kind of game they were playing and felt determination strike. She was going to win.

Cate came back with two glasses – one she handed to Kiah and one she drank herself.

"Thank you."

Kiah made sure to brush her fingers against Cate's hand as she accepted the glass.

"So what brings you to this exhibition, Cate?"

She asked and began walking ahead, exploring different art pieces.

"Oh, I was invited, actually."

Kiah stopped.

"Excuse me??"

Disbelief was clear on her face. Cate shrugged

"I know the artist. He invited me. Not a big deal."

"Do you know how much I paid to attend this thing?! Artists that expensive usually are a big deal...Are you like an important person or something? Am I making a fool of myself?"

Cate laughed. A loud, hearty laugh that made Kiah smile a little.

"He's just an old friend of mine. That's it."

Admittedly a little drunk, the younger woman completely missed Cate avoiding her question again.

"I wish I had such friends. I paid a weeks' pay for this."

Kiah frowned and drank her wine.

"At least I get free wine, I guess."

"When you get to my age, you might just have such a friend, who knows."

Cate's name came from somewhere in the room. A man's loud voice boomed over the chatter of dozens of people as he called her over. It was the man from the couple with the outlandish outfits. Cate looked at him and signaled that she was going.

"I have to get back to my people – would be rude to get invited and spend the whole time ignoring them."

She smiled at Kiah. Kiah felt herself become a little disappointed.

"But, that shouldn't mean goodbye! There is going to be a party after this. Close circle only. If you would like to come..."

The woman's voice was hopeful.

"I appreciate the offer but I definitely don't make the close circle. Besides, I have to get home soon anyway."

Cate sighed.

"What a shame."

After a few moments of silence and Cate's apparent unwillingness to part she spoke up again.

"Why don't you give me your number?"

Apparently, Kiah had made a face because Cate hurried to clarify.

"You said you wanted a friend with connections. Believe me, I can get you in a lot of art places for free."

"Let me get this clear, you want my number so you can take me to art exhibitions?"

For the first time that evening, it was Cate that was nervous.

"...yes...scout's promise! No funny business!"

Kiah laughed gestured for Cate's phone.

"You're lucky I'm tipsy and you're charming."

She shook her head with a smile and typed her number.

"I'm lucky indeed." Cate spoke barely audible "Well, once again – it was a pleasure to meet you. Have a nice evening, Kiah."

The woman put a hand on Kiah's shoulder and squeezed it. Then she turned around and made her way to the weirdo that had called her. Kiah was left with a smile on her face and warmth inside. Whether it was the alcohol or Cate she didn't know. Or didn't want to admit. Regardless, that was the first night since many where she fell asleep with a smile instead of tears.

_________________

Ah, I'm back! I guess I haven't really gone anywhere...anyway! This is a fic I have been thinking about for a long long time. I first came up with the concept while healing from a bad break up and it took me an embarrassingly long time to actually write it. And now....it's here. This whole thing was written by my caffeinated brain at 5 am. I proofread it but still, there may be some typos or grammatical errors and I hope you'll excuse them.
Hope you enjoyed and if you did votes and comments are always appreciated!