Alec was right. He knew Alec was right in that assessment. "I suppose..."

He practically glowed as he let the words settle in, nose wrinkling. Anthony would like it; Alec said so, and he wasn't one to soften things into lies (just cushion the blow a little, but never lie).

"The house does need a little color, anyway." Fell touched the edge of the canvas with a swell of pride. The painting was maybe not the most notable work of creation, but it was one of his own, and it would belong with Anthony. "Help brighten it up a little, bring in the sunshine."

And then, softly, "Thank you."