Linnaeus the Living Statue: Part Two (complete)

(One of my OG stories gets to continue. Read the first part here. )

I stumble into the house out of the cold and rain. When I push back the hood of my rain slicker, a puddle of water falls to the floor. I kick off my shoes, which have become soaked to the socks, sit under the line of coat hooks and sigh in exasperation. It’s been a long trip home, especially in this sort of weather. It doesn’t help that my parking space is quite a walk from the house as well.

I’ve taken some extra work at my college, aside from my usual museum job, which has kept me late almost every day. It’s worth it in the long run - when the winter break hits, I’ll be able to stay home the entire time. It takes a small fortune to heat my studio, and I need to save every penny for when cold weather hits. It’s already beginning to get cold out. 

At least I have someone to come home to. I take off my rain slicker and toss my wet socks aside, then slog back to the kitchen. Already there is a kettle on the stove a place set at the table for me.

“Linnaeus?” I call out. “I’m home.”

“Oh, good.” The voice comes from the pantry. “I was getting out my gun to shoot an intruder, but I guess I can put it away now.” He steps sideways out of the narrow door of the pantry with a couple boxes of tea. “Which do you want?”

I slip up to him, placing myself between his arms and hugging his waist as I lay my cheek against his smooth, glossy chest. “This.”

“I am not tea, no matter how much I steep myself in water.” He returns the hug and kisses the top of my head. “You seem in need of a pick-me-up. I’ll put on the cinnamon.” He tosses a box over his shoulder, back into the pantry. “How was work?”

I sign and sit down at the table while he goes to the kettle. “It was fine, but this weather makes everything seem a little dim.”

Linnaeus is a statue my father created when he was young, one of his first and most favorite works. He was made of Dutch Delft, entirely porcelain, and pure white with many blue floral designs all over his body. His face was smashed long ago, and I repaired him myself. Somehow, about a year ago, he sprang to life one day. It was a blessing to me. I had been alone ever since my father passed away. I sometimes like to think my father chose Linnaeus to take care of me and love me.

“Oh, I don’t know,” he sighs as he glances out the window. “To me, all this rain and gloom only makes the good things seem much warmer.” He motions around. “Doesn’t it make you want to get close and cozy?”

I shrug. “Yeah,” I murmur. “But you don’t have to drive in it.”

Linnaeus chuckles. “You won’t let me.” He sets a tea bag into my cup and looks back to the kettle. 

“A watched pot never boils,” I tease.

“Good thing this is not a pot.” Linnaeus sits down in front of me. He places his hand over mine and I turn it so my palm accepts his grasp. 

I sigh softly and slouch in the chair a bit. “I can’t wait for winter break to start back up. I feel like I’ve been so busy, all I’ve done is come home, complain, and go to bed.”

“You bathe too, don’t forget that,” he laughs.

I smile at him. “Yes, I bathe.” I lean forward, planting a small kiss on his lips. “I just feel like I’m ignoring you is all. I know you must get bored here.”

“Bored? Me?” he laughs. “Never. I’m having a brilliant time here, waiting by the window and crying for you to come home.”

I give him a withering look and he pats the top of my head.

“I keep myself busy,” he assures me. “I write, I watch television. I even have ta social media account where I post pictures of Kasper.”

I look around. “Where is he?” 

Linnaeus shrugs. “Oh, somewhere I’m sure. He always likes to surprise you when you get home. Always an entrance with that cat.”

I got Kasper for Linnaeus as a gift, to keep him company when I’m away at work. Being a living statue, it’s hard to find outdoor activities for Linnaeus to partake in. Having Kasper allows Linnaeus some form of comfort. Kasper is a sphynx cat, totally hairless and very much like raw chicken, but Linnaeus fell for him at first sight. Linnaeus had even taken up crocheting in order to make the cat sweaters and clothes. He posts pictures of Kasper almost nonstop on the internet. 

The kettle whistles, and Linnaeus goes back to the stove to pour my cup, which he then sets before me. “What would you like for dinner?” 

“What is there?” I look to the refrigerator. “Are there any more of those dumplings?”

Linnaeus peruses the freezer for a moment before producing a box. “Shall I steam them or toss them in the microwave?”

I watch him as he reads over the box. “Just do the microwave. No need to dirty up a pot or two.” Linnaeus is a horrible cook, so I rely on prepackaged meals or leftovers for dinner. It’s the best I can do until I go on break. 

“This isn’t healthy,” Linnaeus complains as he prepares the dumplings for the microwave. “I’ve been watching cooking tutorials online. Let me try and at least kill you with my cooking before the food does.”

“I expect too much out of you already,” I laugh. “You’re not my housewife slave, you’re my partner.”

Linnaeus tilts his head to the side. “Hmm. Housewife Slave, I think I watched that porno by mistake recently.”

“Am I going to have to restrict your internet privileges again?” I scoff. “Is that all you do all day?”

His fingers tap against his lips, making a gentle ringing noise. “Aside from crying by the window while Kasper glares judgmentally at me from the wardrobe? Yes.”

The microwave goes off, and Linnaeus brings the plate to the table along with a bottle of plum sauce from the fridge. “I’ve also been managing your site,” he says.

I roll my eyes as I open the sauce. “What’s to manage?” I grumble bitterly. “All of nothing?”

He dips his fingers into my tea, removing the tea bag and stirring in some honey. “Not all of nothing. Your father’s art books have been selling quite well.”

“That’s good,” I mumble. 

I’ve set up a webpage for my artwork, at the insistence of a friend of mine who keeps a good deal of it in her gallery. It allows people to buy pieces, see my sketches, and offer to commission me. I also have a section of the website dedicated to my father, his artwork and personal history, as well as his book and prints of both our works. The art books sell well, and the prints that sell are mostly his. I’ve not gotten much traffic for my work yet.

“I guess nude sketches don’t sell like they used to,” Linnaeus chuckles weakly before turning back to look outside.

As I’m dipping a dumpling into the plum sauce, something grabs my ankle and starts swatting it. Looking down, I see Kasper mauling me. “And the prodigal son shows up.”

Kasper looks up at me with his cold, unblinking stare and meows as sweetly as an angel. He sits up and stretches out, showing off the new sweater Linnaeus has him styled in.

Linnaeus scoops Kasper from the ground and cradles him in his arms. “Don’t let this get to you. It takes time for good art to get recognized. People just need to let their eyes adjust and grow before they really see it.”

I sigh, chewing on a microwaved dumpling that’s still a touch cold in the middle. “Yeah,” I murmur. “I know. I just don’t want to wait until I’m dead for people to be able to see it.”

Linnaeus’ cool fingers slip under my chin and tilt it up. “There is no braver deed in this world than chasing your passions when everyone says it’s foolish.”

A smile spreads across my face at his words, and I close my eyes to accept his kiss. Kasper growls in discomfort as we come closer together, and he quickly jumps to the floor and chatters at us before disappearing again.

I moan softly as Linnaeus pulls away. “You kiss far too well.”

“I am merely performing my duty as a housewife slave.” Linnaeus teases before he kisses me again. “You wash your dishes, I’ll go run your warm bath for you.”

“Thanks.” I kiss his hand gratefully as he slips away. 

As I leave the kitchen to go to the bathroom, I pass by the studio. Inside, I have my paintings lining the walls. One remains unfinished on the easel and there are a few canvases that I have sketched out. I’ve always enjoyed painting figures, especially in the fashion of Reubens. When I was younger, I had been told by an acquaintance of my father that I would fare better if I studied ‘beautiful’ women rather than that. It made me so angry. Who was he to say these women weren’t beautiful?

I sigh, wishing someone loved my artwork as much as me. More and more, I have been wondering if I am painting pictures for another time. Perhaps I am too late to have my works seen and adored. 

“There you are,” Linnaeus whispers. He kneels and puts his arm around me. “If you don’t hurry, Kasper will steal your bath.”

I look up at my paintings and sigh. “My dad was selling out galleries when he was my age,” I lament. “I can’t even sell a single print.”

“Hey,” Linnaeus shakes me. “Stop comparing yourself to your father. It will do you no good!” He lifts me up and claps his hands on my shoulders. “Annemieke, talent is not measured by how many things you sell. It can’t even be measured. It’s abstract. It’s dull to proclaim who is talented and who isn’t.” He cups my cheek. “What matters most in creating art is that it makes you happy.”

I close my eyes and let out a half sob. “I know. I know, but it’s just-”

“Just nothing.” Linnaeus scowls. “This weather really does get you down. Well, no matter, I will pick you up again and again, as many times as it takes.”

I nod, and he wipes away the few tears that fall. “I know.”

Linnaeus takes me to the bath, where I sink into the hot water and try to let all my stresses melt away and be sucked down the drain. Kasper hops up onto the edge of the tub and sits there, looking down into the water and swatting at offending bubbles.

My art isn’t the only thing getting to me lately. Having to work so much and not getting to spend a lot of time at home has taken its toll. I’m run ragged and it causes me to doubt myself. I worry that I am not good enough for Linnaeu,s and I sometimes fear I don’t make him as happy as he should be. He seems to try so hard for me, but am I trying hard enough for him?

When I get out of the bath, Linnaeus is waiting in bed for me. He’s watching a video, but he instantly closes his laptop as I come into the room. 

“Feel better?” He pulls back the covers for me. 

I crawl into bed and flop down. “A little bit.”

He strokes my hair from my face as I nestle into the pillow. “Is it warm enough?”

I yawn and nod. “Everything is fine. Really.”

Kasper hops onto the bed and curls between us with an extra-loud purr.

“Tomorrow is a new day,” Linnaeus assures me. “Better and brighter than today.” He kisses my forehead.

“I sure hope so,” I grumble. 

The next day, my cell phone rings during lunch. The number calling me is private, but I answer anyway.

“Is this Annemieke?” a man asks.

“Yes,” I furrow my brow. “How may I help you?”

“My name is Robin Fawn,” the man says. “I’m something of an art collector and dealer.” I already know where this is going before he explains anything to me.

“Look, my father’s works are all already where they are supposed to be. Anything else is purely…”

“No,” Robin laughs. “I’m not calling about your father’s works. I’m calling to inquire you about your own.”

I nearly drop my soup. “M-my…” I cough to clear my throat. “My work?” I finally blurt.

“Yes!” Robin laughs. “I’ve been trying to find a wedding gift for a dear friend of mine and a belated wedding present for my brother as well. I came across your website when I was looking for your father’s book, but then I went through your portfolio, and I wanted it more for myself than anyone else.”

I’m shocked and I don’t know how to respond. “Well I, uh…” I let out a laugh. “Is there anything in particular that caught your eye?”

“All of it. I was calling to ask if we could work out a time I could come and see your works in person, if that’s all right. My wife, Eira, is extremely excited about it.”

My heart is hammering so fast it’s about to leap from my throat. “Of course! Um…” I fumble about in my bag, then toss it aside. “This Saturday? Maybe Sunday, if that’s better?”

“Sunday,” Robin says smoothly. “It will probably be between eleven and three when we arrive, if that works for you?”

“That’s perfect! But… there’s a gallery with some of…”

“If I wanted what was hanging in a gallery, I would go to the gallery. What I want are the pieces you keep, Ms. Annemieke. I find the hidden gems are usually the most beautiful. I have your address and I shall see you soon.”

I can’t stop grinning. “Yes, of course! You too, Mr. Fawn.”

“Oh and,” he quickly intercuts before hanging up, “Eira will probably insist on bringing lunch, so do stay hungry. Don’t try to argue. She’ll insist, since we’re bothering you in your home, after all. Thanks again. Until Sunday.”

He hangs up and I am fit to burst. I can’t make it home fast enough at the end of the day. When I finally do, I throw myself at Linnaeus.

“You’re not going to believe what happened!” I gasp in elation. “I had someone call me about my artwork!”

Linnaeus grins and squeezes me tight. “Is he wanting to destroy it all?”

I smack his arm. “No, you ass!” I hug him again. “He’s coming Sunday to look at my collection, and he wants to buy something!”

Linnaeus cheers, lifting me up off the ground and spinning me in the air. “How wonderful! Oh, my darling, I am so happy for you. See, I told you!”

I loop my arms around his neck. “I know! I should have listened.” I breathe deeply as we hold one another. “Thank you for always believing in me.”

“I love you so much,” Linnaeus sighs. “You have no idea how hard I pray for you to find the success you deserve.”

I kiss, cupping my hands around his face so he won’t pull away as it’s getting good. “I’m so excited,” I sigh between kisses. “I don’t know where to begin. I need to clean up the studio.”

Linnaeus moans softly and he places his finger between our lips. “We have all of Saturday to prepare. Tonight, we celebrate. I’ll preheat the stove for that pizza you’ve been saving. You go and get comfortable.”

I head upstairs, practically dancing from my excitement. I get into some clean pajamas and then I go back downstairs.Leaving Linneaus in the kitchen, I go into the studio. I stand before my paintings and beam at them. Then I turn to the unfinished canvas, and for the first time in a while, I see the potential in it again. I sit down before it, take out my paints, and start using my fingers. I don’t have time to go and find my brushes, inspiration has taken such a strong and demanding hold on me.

I use my pajamas to wipe my hands off as I continue to work in fever I have not felt since I was young. Linnaeus comes in and sees me standing on my seat as I try to reach the top of the canvas.

“Are you crazy?” he laughs.

I turn back and look at him, smeared with paint. His grin is pure and warm as he looks up at me and points. “You can’t eat pizza with your fingers like that.”

I look down at my hands. My nails are caked and overflowing with gunked-up paint, and the grooves of my fingerprints are saturated in dark color. 

“Oh,” I smile shyly. “I got carried away is all.”

Linnaeus shakes his head. “Keep going. I’ll hand-feed you if I have to. I’m just happy to see you excited again.”

I beam down at him and continue working. I sit down when he returns, eating from his hand while my fingers remain coated in thick paint. I work late into the evening, and only stop to bathe at Linnaeus’ insistence. He helps me scrub my hands off and, in bed, he uses a flat tool to scrape out the paint from under my nails. Kasper snuggles in my lap as I sit through the process. 

“What will you do if you sell something?” Linnaeus asks dreamily. 

I think for a moment. “You know, I’m not sure. Aside from being happy, I haven’t thought that far in advance.” I look at him and grin. “Depends on which one sells. If it’s one of the bigger ones, I can leave that second job with the art class and start getting home at a reasonable time. Maybe even cook a meal for once.”

Linnaeus kisses my knuckles after he finishes cleaning one hand. “You could hire a maid to do that.”

“Why hire a maid when I have you for free?” I tease.

Linnaeus bites my hand and I break out into laughter. This horribly bothers Kasper, who starts kneading his claws into my thigh. 

“Very funny,” Linnaeus sneers. “Is there anything you want, though?” He murmurs. “Something you could buy for yourself, or you’ve always wanted to do.”

I watch as Linnaeus’ fingers work over mine. I gently touch his hand and squeeze around his ring finger. “Just a bit of jewelry.” I smile as his hand stills. “A two piece set. Nothing fancy, just a traditional piece.”

Linnaeus takes a breath as he looks into my eyes. “Don’t be teasing me now,” he warns. “Because if you are teasing me, I will end you!”

I shake my head. “Would you marry me, Linnaeus?” I ask. “Is that even something you would want?”

“If I could cry, I would. I would cry so hard and so much, it would drown Kasper.”

Kasper makes a weak argument before going back to sleep.

“I am a thing - a literal object - and yet you want to marry me?” He places his palms against his chest. “I only say I am a man because that is how I feel, but I am just a statue! Annemieke, you could marry a king or some hot young stripper. Why would you want to marry me?”

This question hurts more than any other. How could he think I would even want someone else? I grasp his hand tightly and give him a stern look. “I love you, that’s why. I love you more than most things, almost anything.” I blink as tears fall down my cheeks. “It hurts me to think that you’ve been worried you aren’t what I want, when you are everything I need.”

Linnaeus wraps his arms around me. “But am I enough?” he demands. “There is so much that I can’t do. So much I…”

I kiss him and press him down into the bed. “Shut up, okay?” I kiss him again as Kasper tries to find a way to get in between us.

“Now I am going to ask you again.” I place my finger over his lips. “And it is an easy yes-or-no question. Got it?” I move my hand away. “Will you marry me, Linnaeus?”

Linnaeus nods. “Yes! Of course!” He hugs me tightly. “But only if you sell a painting.”

I laugh as he rolls me over on the bed. Looking up at him, all my doubts melt away. He lays his head on my chest and we snuggle together. After a while, I need to get up and use the restroom, but Linnaeus won’t move.

“I have to pee really bad,” I tell him. “Don’t joke around.”

“I can’t move,” Linnaeus grunts. “Kasper is asleep on my back. If I move, he’ll wake up and get angry. I don’t want to disturb him.”

I grunt and thrash my arms. “I’m going to pee on the bed!”

Linnaeus chuckles. “Then hurry and get it over with.”

Kasper finally hops off because of my thrashing, and I am able to run to the bathroom in time. While there, I start up my phone and open the app where I have a set of antique wedding bands saved. I go ahead and buy them, regardless of if I sell a painting or not to Mr. Fawn on Sunday. It doesn’t matter if I’m a success as an artist. As long as I have Linnaeus in my life, I’ll be happy. I’ll marry him no matter what, and that I can guarantee.

All of Saturday, Linnaeus and I bust our humps getting the studio cleaned up. I do things that should have been done ages ago, and organize all my supplies for painting.

Afterwards, Linnaeus and I spend a little longer than I cared to admit organizing my collection. We argue over placement - which ones should go in direct sunlight and which ones should go in corners. I don’t have any place to hang them, and some have to be stacked together against the wall, but they are at least placed in such a way that Mr. Fawn and his wife can look through them easily. 

“Who is this Mr. Fawn, anyway?” Linnaeus asks as he tries to get Kasper down from the top of the supply wardrobe.

“He said he was an art collector and dealer.” I shuffle a couple of paintings back and forth, trying to decide which has more oomph where. “I’m not sure what else. But if he wants to buy paintings as wedding gifts, he must have some money.”

“Must have a lot of it.” Linnaeus finally gets Kasper down and sets him on a soft chair. “Collecting and dealing isn’t a poor man’s career.” He comes over and stops me from moving things around again. “I think we’ve got it. You can stop stressing now.”

I let out a long, heavy sigh. “Yes, you’re right. You’re right.” I chuckle and beam up at him, rubbing my hands together. “I just keep thinking about it, and I can’t make myself sit still. It’s crazy. I just keep wanting to nitpick and… ugh.” I walk away, and Linnaeus puts his hand on the small of my back.

“I just hope he likes everything.” I go to the fridge and pull out a lemon soda. 

Linnaeus snickers and holds his hand over his mouth.

“What’s so funny?” I scoff. As I pop the soda open, Kasper appears out of nowhere. I and let him sniff the can, which he quickly rejects as offensive.

“He’s coming all the way out here to look at your work. Why would he do that if he didn’t?” Linnaeus laughs. “He’s obviously in love with your work. Why else would he come out here himself, let alone bring his wife along to let her pick something out?”

I sit down at the table and sigh. “I can’t keep saying ‘you’re right’ it’s losing all its meaning I have had to say it so much.”

Linnaeus kneels in front of me. “You’ve got this, kid. I doubt this Mr. Fawn will leave empty-handed. I’m certain he’ll be a happy customer.”

“What if this leads to something?” I ask anxiously. “What if I become like my dad and travel everywhere and have all sorts of shows?”

“Then I’ll stay here with Kasper. Or you get to become one of those crazy recluse artists who only talks to her cats.”

I smirk at him. “I can’t just always leave you here.”

“I’m pretty lucky, considering,” Linnaeus laughs. “Not many statues get to lead the life I have.”

“I just wish there was a way I could take you with me, even if it’s just to put gas in the car or get greasy food at the drive-through.” I run my fingers over his cheek. “You deserve to see the world too.”

“We’ll just have to find lots and lots of costume parties to attend.” He kisses my forehead. “But that’s the future to worry about. Who knows what will happen between now and then, right?”

I barely sleep that evening. I just lay in bed and stare out the window as my nerves churn my stomach into custard. Linnaeus puts his arm around me, and his palm lands on Kasper. 

“You’re thinking too loud. It’s keeping me awake,” Linnaeus sighs. “What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing really,” I laugh. “I just keep going over scenario after scenario in my head, good and bad ones.”

“Only good,” Linnaeus whispers. “Because that’s all that can happen. The worst case is that nothing happens, and that’s not even the worst thing ever.” He hugs me tightly. “You’ve got nowhere to go but up, so just think about how great that will be.”

I take a deep breath. “I just can’t keep my mind from racing. It keeps running around and around in circles so fast and I can’t stop it.”

Linnaeus turns my head and kisses me deeply. “Let me try?”

Kasper huffs and bounces off the bed, wandering over to the dirty laundry where he makes a nest.

Linnaeus rolls me over onto my back. “It’s been a while, but I think you’re in need of a little extra affection.” He kisses my neck, gently biting down.

I whimper and close my eyes. “You don’t have to, Linnaeus. It’s all right.”

“Nonsense,” he scolds. “Lay back and let me take care of you. I’ll shut off your mind and you can get a good night’s sleep.” His arm slips under my back, and his fingers run across my neck. His lips brush against mine, teasing me lightly. His free hand roams, running down my torso and prodding a finger into my navel.

I’ve never been a very sexual person, and neither is Linnaeus, but every so often he awakens some small need in me. Linnaeus is all too happy to please me, and his hands are very skilled. It’s a blue-moon event for us, and I could count our sexual experiences one hand. 

Linnaeus removes my pajama bottoms and underwear. His white-and-blue fingers move through the thatch between my thighs, and I suck in my breath. His fingers feel cold as they slip between me and I have to let out a whimper. 

“That all right?” Linnaeus asks gently. “What about this?” He swirls his fingers around, pushing down and then sweeping back up. “Just focus on me, okay? Nothing else.” He peppers kisses all over my cheek and forehead. “No art. No visitors. Not even breakfast in the morning. Just me and how much I love you.”

I bite my lip as his fingers rub my clit. As he pulls them back, there is a small strand of fluid attached to them.

“You’re doing good,” Linnaeus chuckles. His fingers sink inside me while his thumb continues to rub my clit. I open my thighs a little wider and press my head against his shoulder. “Is that good too?” he whispers. “You’re twitching a little.”

“Yeah…” I manage to pant. “It’s good.”

“I’m glad,” Linnaeus crooks his fingers inside. “It makes me happy knowing I can make you feel good. I know we don’t do this often, but I like it when we can get so close and intimate.”

I sigh, closing my eyes tightly. His touch is slow and gentle, but to me, it’s more than enough, even overwhelming. I’m not used to this sort of sensation, and I doubt I’d like it if it was anyone but my Linnaeus. 

“Kiss me,” I say.

“As you wish.” He tilts his head down and, as our lips touch, I press against him. I loop my arm around his neck as my hips lift from the bed. I squeeze tight around his fingers as a crackling goes through my body. I push at his hand. “Enough! Enough!” I fall back onto the bed, breathing shallowly. My head is on fire.

“Better now?” Linnaeus kisses my cheek. “Mind empty, distractions gone?” He mops me up, then tucks me back into bed. “Did I help?”

I nod sleepily. “Yeah, you did.” I kiss him lazily. “It felt so good. You always do.”

“You needed me,” he says. “I did what I could. Now get some sleep. You need it.” He kisses my temple as I fall back into my pillow.

I feel like I have only been there for a second when I open my eyes to morning light. Linnaeus is up, plucking Kasper from the dirty laundry. “Good morning, sleeping beauty.” He sets Kasper on the bed beside me. “Sleep well, I hope?”

“Too well.” I kiss him lovingly. “I almost didn’t want to wake up.”

“Well, now is the time. The coffee is almost ready, and I have one of those awful breakfast burritos you love so much cooling.” Linnaeus puts a new sweater on Kasper. “So go wash your face and meet me in the kitchen.”

“I’ll try.” I stretch out on the bed and lay there a second longer before Kasper walks across my stomach, his paws like needles weighing fifty pounds each. 

I get up and go through my morning routine before heading to the kitchen, where coffee is being poured. “Smells good.” I take my cup black and sip as I go to the table. “Thank you again for last night. I know it isn’t our usual custom, but it did help me shut down for a while.”

“I told you, I like our intimate moments. I may not get the same stimuli as you do, but pleasuring you is a pleasure for me.” He sets my burrito down on the table. “Eat your nasty habit and then we begin waiting for Mr. Fawn.”

“How do you know this is nasty?” I laugh.

“Look at it,” he sneers. “Awful thing. Get a job.” 

Some time later, I get a call from Mr. Fawn alerting me that he and his wife are headed my way. I’m a ball of nerves again, and I begin bouncing around the place while Linnaeus tries to calm me down and Kasper happily chases me like a toy. 

When the front buzzer rings, I stiffen with terror. I realize that Linnaeus will have to hide, and I will be doing this all by myself.

“You’ve got this. I’ll be watching over you like an angel.” Linnaeus gives me one last kiss. “You can do this, kid.”

He slips away as I turn to answer the door. Opening it, I see a beautiful, petite woman with pitch black hair and olive skin. Behind her is a tall and willowy man with combed-back hair that is graying at the temples. He has thick glasses and a neat salt-and-pepper beard.

“You must be the Fawns! Welcome, welcome.” I step aside to let them in. “Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for having us.” Eira smiles brightly, then offers me a picnic basket. “I brought lunch as promised. I do so hope you like it. I made some finger foods - I wasn’t too sure what you’d enjoy.”

“I’ll set that in the kitchen.” I laugh a little nervously. “I’m not hungry at the moment.”

Eira sighs. “Not to worry, Robin and I have been so excited. We fell in love with your work right away.”

I glance at Robin, who seems stoic and silent, as if he is listening to some frequency in the air that no one else can hear. I gulp and nod.

“Well, everything is right this way if you’re ready.” I lead them into the studio and, to my shock, I see Linnaeus posed in the corner of the room with my coats hanging off of him. I gasp and try to steer my guests away from him. “This way!” My voice cracks.

“So many paintings,” Robin murmurs. “You’re prolific like your father.”

“I’m a hoarder like my father,” I correct. “He kept everything, didn’t matter if it was good or bad. He knew there was always someone out there that would love it.”

Robin cracks a small smile. “Smart man.” He turns to look at Eira, who is sitting down before a section of paintings. “Pick out whatever you want, love, but don’t forget we’re supposed to be getting something for my brother and Authaire as well.”

“I know!” She shoos him off without even looking his way.

Robin walks around, admiring the smaller paintings. Then he points at Linnaeus. “This is a remarkable piece. Yours?”

I purse my lips tight. “In the sense that I own him.”

Robin tilts his head. “Then a creation of your father’s, I suspect. Very elegant. I’ve not seen something like this in a long time. Does he have a name?”

“Uh...” I look between him and Linnaeus nervously. “Yes, I...” I clear my throat. “I call him Linnaeus.”

Kasper runs into the room and starts circling around Linnaeus’ ankles. He rubs against him, yowling for attention.

“My, my, he seems to like him,” Robin chuckles. “Perhaps you should pet him like he wants.”

I bend over to get Kasper.

“Not you, him.” Robin motions to Linnaeus. “No need to act around me, sir. You must be as nervous as your paramour is.”

Kasper is basically screaming at this point, which is what I wish I could do.

Linnaeus brushes aside the coats hanging off of him, then finally picks up the still-yowling Kasper. “How did you know?”

Robin smiles. “My business is a lot like you; odd, beautiful, and very much alive. Now tell me, which of these pieces are you particularly fond of? No doubt you’ve been studying them longer than anybody.”

“Wait!” I blurt. “You said you were an art dealer?”

Robin nods. “Art, antiques, and forgotten things who need another chance. This world is filled with marvels like your Linnaeus. You’re not alone in loving someone who is ethereal.” 

“This one!” Eia exclaims, breaking through my shocked and rattled brain. She selects a painting of a woman draped across a blue sofa, with silk poured over her like melting chocolate. “This will be perfect for the bedroom!” She claps her hands excitedly.

“We need something for my brother and Authaire, Eira!” Robin scolds. “I did not bring you to the toy store for yourself.”

“But the blues match the bedding so perfectly!” Eira gasps. “And look at her! She’s so beautiful, I have to take her home.”

Robin sighs. “I’d rather see you pick out the gifts before you shop for yourself.”

I look anxiously at Linnaeus. “I’m still dreaming, aren’t I? This isn’t quite real, right?”

“I do believe you are awake, but I’ve never been too sure if I was dreaming or not.” Linnaeus watches Robin and Eira. “There’s something strange about him, almost like a curtain hiding his true face. But it’s not a malicious face. There is something… trustworthy about him.”

“Ms. Annemieke,” Robin calls. “Can you come answer a question?”

“Yes,” I yelp and dash over. “Is there a problem?”

Robin shakes his head. “Not at all, aside from my wife being sentimental. I’m afraid I’m bound forever to make her happy. Should I buy a considerable deal of your art, could we work out a small deal? I won’t ask for too big a discount, but just enough to make me think I’m doing well.”

“Oh!” I exclaim. “H-how many were you thinking of buying?”

“Well,” Eira claps her hands together. “The blue one for the bedroom. The pink one for the guest room. The green one for behind the register in the shop. The red one for Authaire, and the grey one for Puck. Not to mention the one with the lambs, and the other one with the adorable goose chasing the gardener.” She smiles sweetly as she counts on her hands, gives Robin the most perfect puppy eyes I have ever seen. “Oh, why don’t we make it an even ten, love?”

Robin sighs, removing his glasses so he can rub the bridge of his nose. “How much for ten?” he grumbles in defeat. 

I gawk. “Ten?” I blink and look away briefly to get my bearings. “Ten?”

“I can pick out more if that helps!” Eira chirps.

“I want to get some to sell in the shop, too!” Robin scolds. “Stick to ten so we can discuss putting the rest in the store.”

“Your store?” I wheeze.

Robin turns to me with a serious look on his face. “Yes, I’d love to display your work for sale. I have customers constantly asking for new paintings, and I just can’t keep enough in stock. I have no doubt that your paintings will sell within the week of going on the wall. I just ask for a small payment for housing them, but you’ll be able to name your price.”

I try to keep a stiff upper lip. “Mr. Fawn, I hope you don’t mind if I cry a little.”

“By all means, dear, sob away if you have to. I’ve seen many artists in the same situation. But I mean it when I say I want to be in business with you. Your artwork brings out a joy in me, and obviously my wife. There’s a magic quality to it. You put a soul into the things you love.”

Tears run down my cheeks and I nod. “Thank you, Mr. Fawn. So much.” I wipe my face. “You’re so kind.”

“I’m also a businessman,” he smiles. “So work on that deal for me, and you’ll be my friend for a long time.”

Eira sets aside her ten paintings, while Robin and I work up a contract for another five that will sell in his shop. Then I help Eira wrap and prepare each canvas for her to take home. “I promise I will take very good care of them,” she assures me. “And you and Linnaeus can come visit them whenever you want to make sure they’re happy.”

“Oh,” I gasp. “I trust you. It’s okay, Mrs. Fawn.”

“Please, call me Eira,” she says with a smile. “I want us to be friends. I plan to do business with you often.” Then she leans closer and cups her hand around her mouth. “I would love for you to paint me, if you’re able. Something for my husband for our anniversary, a little saucy if you don’t mind. I’ll pay you double what we paid for the blue lady.”

“I would be happy to!” I blurt, then quickly cover my mouth. “You have my number, we can work out the details.”

After they leave, I have to sit still for a long time and stare at my phone, and the large deposit Robin left me with. He’s promised me another by the end of the month. 

“Well,” Linnaeus murmurs. “you okay?”

I take a deep breath and sigh. “Yes. I’m just in shock. About Robin, about the sale, about everything.”

“Robin told me there are others out there like us, people we could befriend and invite into our home without worry.” He grabs my hands. “Annemieke, this is a blessing beyond our wildest imagination.”

It isn’t even a week later that I hear from Robin again. Already the five paintings have sold and he wants more. I also get an invite from Robin’s brother, Nathan, to come and do a special piece for his art gallery and school. After that, Robin sets up shows of my work with his inner circle. It’s there that Linnaeus and I enter a world we didn’t know about, but have been part of this whole time.

One day while I am visiting Robin’s shop, he hands me a small box. “You ordered these a while back. When I saw your name, I wanted to do something personal before I gave them to you.”

“I bought the rings from you?” I gasp. I open the box. Inside are the wedding bands, made of the same Dutch Delft as Linnaeus, with our names painted on the inside of each band.

“I have a gift for being able to find where things belong, or where they are needed,” he says. “You have no idea how lucky you and Linnaeus are to have found each other. There are many in this world who do not get the same.” He gazes up at the wall and sighs. “I know you are particular to your studio, but should you ever want to move closer, I have a place that’s perfect for you and Linnaeus to stay. Kasper as well if he deems it fit.”

“I’m actually looking forward to a break now that I’ve caught up on work,” I reply. “Actually, I was hoping for a honeymoon of sorts.”

Robin glances at me. “Congratulations. Any plans on where to go?”

I smile. “Just home, just us.”

He chuckles. “Very lucky.”

That evening, I place the ring on Linnaeus’ finger, and he gives me mine. We have our first dance in the studio, and Kasper chases our feet as if he wants to see us trip. 

“This isn’t the wedding I pictured, I must admit.” Linnaeus spins me across the floor, then wraps me up in his arms.

“What did you have in mind?” I laugh. I yelp as Kasper catches my pant leg, and start dragging him as we continue to dance. “Something bigger?”

“Oh, of course. It would be quite the event!” Linnaeus smiles down at me. “There would be a massive cake, you would be in a giant gown, and we would say ‘I do’ in front of a sea of people.”

Kasper growls as I continue to drag him. 

“But none of it would matter, because the only thing I would see would be your smile.” Linnaeus dips down, and we kiss as husband and wife.