Art class. The studio was built creatively, with an airy atmosphere and plenty of natural light flowing in without any windows set in ways that would threaten the privacy of those inside. That was important, considering the kind of studio it was. Derek looked around at the fresh, bright faces, and felt out of place; he'd never been the artistic type. Fortunately, he wasn't there to draw. While they went to their easels, he sat on the edge of the platform in the middle of the room.
As the students settled, the teacher cleared her throat. "Class, today we're moving onto life drawing, with a live model. Since this is your first time with it, we're going to go with a half-class. Some of you know Derek; he's going to be our model for today. Everyone, please make him feel welcome."
There was a chorus of mumbled, half-hearted greetings, interspersed with a few real smiles. One caught his eye: he didn't remember seeing that woman before. Chin-length, blonde hair fell from underneath her beret, but judging by its dull lustre and the darkness of her arched eyebrows, it was bleached. There was a friendly look in her dark brown eyes, matching well with the smile she was giving. Her clothes were simple – a tank top and a knee-length skirt – and suggested a slim body without showing anything off.
After some more preamble, it was time for class to begin. Derek stripped to his skin, and stood up on the platform. The room was warm enough for him to be physically comfortable, and psychologically, it was just another day. He held himself in a simple pose, head turned to the side to offer the artists a profile view while his body still faced them. Next up was going to be a half-hour of silence, except for the sound of scratching pencils.
A feminine, French-accented voice broke that plan. "Pardon, Miss Fletcher?" It was the bleached-blonde woman he'd noticed earlier.
The teacher looked to her. "Yes, Patricia?"
Patricia lowered her hand. "The model, he is soft, yes? I thought that, perhaps, it would be best to capture his image when he is stronger, more, um, alive-looking?" She shifted in her seat, preparing to rise. "I could help."
The teacher considered, a smirk spreading over her face. "I think it could be an interesting change in the class plan. But, it's up to Derek."