Round Two

It was amazing how much Evan took the use of his arm for granted. Once he was released from his brace, he had a wonderful sensation of freedom, and it took self control to avoid drawing to his hearts content. Limiting his movements was difficult, but it was better than long term damage to any of the muscles.

After leaving the doctors, he enjoyed a few simple sketches before taking a break and posting on the role play forum.

Evan was enjoying the posts with FallenSparrow lately. Most people expected guys to dislike writing romance, but there was something amusing about it. Maybe it was because Evan felt clueless in love, but writing with Screech made him feel like he had an avatar to test drive through situations. The character was also frustrated by women, but he was more outgoing and outspoken.

Although, Rylee was not as fierce as Willow.

At least, he didn't think she was?

Evan was calm thinking about Rylee now. She agreed to go to the movies, which was a step back in the right direction. Zane and Evan would carpool, and the girls would take Tara's truck. Maybe, just maybe, he could talk Rylee into going for ice cream after. It was lame that he was resorting to these high school techniques to date, but felt she would appreciate the gestures. Something about her was a little more old fashioned, inclined to a courting type behavior instead of the usual drinks at a bar.

Evan's thoughts were broken when his phone went off next to his computer. He picked it up before it bounced to the floor, holding it to his ear with his shoulder, "Hey, what's up?"

"Everything go okay with the doctor?" Zane sounded casual, but Evan senses the deeper concern.

"Yeah, everything is great. I healed fine, full recovery. It wasn't that bad to begin with, I told you that."

"I know, I just hate feeling responsible... how's the comic?"

"Got another batch of backers this week. If we hit the next tier I'm going to have to come up with new rewards. Only so many exclusive art pieces I can tempt them with."

"You really need to move forward with a management company, man. I mean, voice actors and authors use them all the time. You need someone to schedule events, or just let fans see your face. They'd love that stuff!"

Evan grimaced and leaned back in his chair, "The whole point of doing art is the privacy. It gets famous, I stay normal. You don't see DND artists hounded by fans."

"Maybe, but I've seen other DeviousArt big shots doing artist alley at least. Even Ry is going to have a table. It's part of the career."

Evan sighed, it was a common argument between them. Art was a career that left a gap between short term income and long term gain. While he was producing new pages, the PateonPower backing would carry him forward. But the second he stopped, it could eliminate him financially.

To be successful he needed a way to make money when he stepped back. That's what took someone from being an artist, to growing into a company. It was logical, but annoying to consider.

Evan just didn't feel like a business. He was a single artist, with one successful comic. If he hand other paintings, or books, he could share those, but what if he was a one hit wonder? Twisted Tales could only go so far.

That's why he did the freelance design on the side. It felt more legitimate and stable. He did logos and sometimes fan art, treating it like a desk job. Even if he ran out of ideas for the comic, the side work could continue. New businesses needed help every day. He wanted to be a go to source for that.

It didn't matter though. Zane was overthinking things. Evan was barely 26, it was too early to stress about his career.

"So I'll be there around 5, movie starts at 5:35. Try not to dress like a professor." Zane used the silence to change the topic.

Evan laughed, "I do not dress like a professor."

"No collared shirts! Pick one of your nerdy T-shirt's, she'll appreciate it more."

"Since when are you an expert on girls?" Evan snorted.

"Ry is one of my best friends. We work together, I overhear her and Tara gossip all the time. The way to win her over is connecting with her hobbies."

"Fine. Connect with hobbies, noted," Evan wandered to the kitchen, pouring a glass of water while they talked. Turning on his TV he woke up his gaming system. He loaded his Z of Legend game, dropping into his favorite arm chair. "Hey, if we invite Dean and Emma over we could get a wicked game of Risk'd going! We could stream sci-if reruns. Is that nerdy enough?"

Evan could almost hear the face-palm on the other side of the phone. "You two are hopeless. I feel like I'm chase chickens. But yeah, that actually sounds like a good idea."

"Do you want to invite Tara?" Evan suggested.

"I'm pretty sure the phrase 'sci-Fi reruns' would make her run for the hills."

"I can invite Anna?"

"And now you want ME to run for the hills."

"Fair enough. See you later."

They ended the call and Evan returned to his game. He was surprised when his phone pinged again, this time with a text message.

It was Rylee!

'Do you still have my hat?'

His excitement deflated. She was so formal...

Pausing the game, he looked around and texted her back. 'Yeah, sitting right here.' He snapped a picture of it, and attached the image.

His phone pinged again. 'Hey, you're playing Breathe of Wind! I'm so jealous!'

Evan blinked. He realized the TV screen must have shown in the shot. He grinned and responded, 'I should have offered to let you play the other day. I forgot your a Z of Legend fan.'

'I have been dying to buy it. Is it as good as they say?'

'The art takes some getting used to but the game mechanics are great. You can borrow it if you want?'

'I don't own an N Swap. :('

'Then borrow the N Swap too.'

The message was delivered, but the next reply took longer. The (...) bubble was torture while he waited. 'I start work again tomorrow. I won't have much free time to play.'

'No worries. Next time you come over I'll still share.'

':D Thanks. I will grab the hat next time I see you.'

Evan closed the chat window but didn't put down the phone. Instead he navigated to an online listing for the collectors edition of the system. It was black and gold, with a foil logo in the middle and a copy of the game. Perfect starter set.

The idea came quickly and he acted on impulse. He purchased the system, set it to deliver to Rylee's address, and left a gift message on the bottom.

'Thanks for your help this week. Don't work so hard, make time for more fun. —Evan'

Connect with her hobbies? Check.