Sleepovers with Someone to Cling to ((Verity))

[losthunter]

It has been a quiet week for Hunter. One of the advantages of the quiet is the fact that Hunter has had lots of time to work on his artwork. (Perhaps a little bit too much time, in all reality).

So receiving a message from Verity was a good thing, all things considered. Hunter really had wanted to speak to her, about some small things going on in his life. And just have a fun night with a great friend. So they had decided to have a good-ol' fashioned sleepover.

Knowing that Verity was going to stay the night -- and having no qualms with sharing his bed with his good friend -- Hunter had made sure to bring out his best rose-themed sheets for the King-sized bed.

He also raided the closest convenience store to stock up on a few snack goodies for the evening. But of course, for the wine selection of the evening, Hunter went to one of his favourite stores. There he also picked up some cheese selections of the evening.

Almost was ready for Verity to arrive. Hunter's apartment is very open concept. The kitchen, dining room and living room are all visible from the doorway. Of course, his art studio is a little more tucked away -- close to the balcony, and where Hunter grows his roses.

Comments

[losthunter]

Hunter cleans off the cutting board easily enough. He also takes down some plates from his cupboards for them to use during dinner itself.

"Maybe there is a bit of a show-off in me." He laughs.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Thank you. Don't all artists need to feel that compulsion in order to show their art in public?" No pizza wheels here, she uses her big chef's knife to cut the pizzas into wedges and transfer the slices onto their plates.

"There we go. It's a good thing you're so good at the things you like to show off about."

[losthunter]

"Not all artists. I know of a few who worry a little too much about being criticized to showcase their work."

"And I know I had to fight those fears, before my first art exhibit."

Hunter smiles, and does a little twirl on his way to set up the table. "Well, it was either my art, or my amazing dancing skills."

[brave_heart_verity]

Verity will hang back a moment, cleaning up and putting things away, making sure the oven's off, topping off their wine. "Well, I stand corrected. And maybe I just can't see what you'd be worried about since you're such a great artist."

Fun fact: Ver knows how to wolf whistle. Hunter knows that now. "You'd be a great dancer."

[losthunter]

"It is because of people like you, believing in me, that I feel more comfortable about showcasing my work." Hunter smiles in response.

He blushes at the wolf whistle. "Just wait until you and I hit the dance floor at our gay club night."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Then I'm happy to help, and the world can line up on the right to thank me."

His blushing only makes her grin and encourages her to tease him more. "Oh, I'm sure it'll be a show to enjoy. Why d'you think I'm willing to go with?"

[losthunter]

"Just promise no video taping or flash photography."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Scout's honor," she assures him. She was never a scout, so...

"I may want a picture of the two of us, but I won't spring it on you."

[losthunter]

"Those kind of photos are fine with me. And if there needs to be photographic proof of my dancing skills, I think I would be okay if you were in my arms." Hunter wraps his arms around her waist at that statement.

"I promise not to get all growly for friendship photos."

[brave_heart_verity]

Ver squeals and reaches up to lace her fingers together behind his neck. "Oh yeah? And why would it be okay when you're dancing with me instead of a handsome guy?"

Her tone remains sweet, but the question is pointed. He shouldn't be afraid of who he is.

[losthunter]

"The handsome guy might not want his picture taken." Usually taking pictures of strangers can have negative circumstances.

"But you know ... I actually do need a new photo portfolio for my exhibits."

[brave_heart_verity]

"I would ask first," she reminds him with a smirk. She's not the sort to start taking lots of random pictures after all.

"A whole portfolio of them? Well, I'm sure we can find a good photographer for you."

[losthunter]

"As long as asking happens..." Hunter is going to find the strength to flirt and dance in the first place. He would not want to upset any potential suitors.

"I figure the next step after painting myself, is getting photos of myself."

[brave_heart_verity]

Ver has no intention of doing anything to interrupt his ability to flirt and dance with strangers. What kind of wing-woman does he think she's gonna be, anyway?

"Ah, that makes sense. So people can see that your talent is in capturing fact, not being diplomatic." Yes this is obviously the reason let's go with this one. "Are you going to want a professional shoot, or to start with candids?"

[losthunter]

"Candida might be easy ... to ease me into things."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Okay." He gets a little squeeze before she takes a half-step back. "After dinner? Or do we want to go full-on Instagram tonight?"

[losthunter]

"After dinner sounds fun." Hunter smiles, hugging her back. "It allows for a perfect excuse for fashion show. And rockin' nails."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Very true. You think of everything."

Time to eat, then, before the pizza gets cold. Nothing is sadder than pizza that's neither warm nor chilled. That in-between state of greasy cheese and soggy crust is not to be borne.

[losthunter]

Hunter goes to the table, holding out Verity's chair for her. He then lights the floating candles, before sitting himself. There is a remote nearby, which he can put on some soft jazz.

"To my beautiful date." He toasts her, smiling softly.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Thank you." She can accept the chivalry without making a scene; instead, she makes a mental note to balance the scales later. The choice in music gets an approving smile.

"Oh yeah? Well, then, to my handsome bedmate." Two can play at that game, Hunter.

[losthunter]

Hunter laughs softly. "You know, I never stayed an entire night with a woman in my bed."

"I will try not to hog the covers too much."

[brave_heart_verity]

"I don't think my anatomy will make much difference when it comes to the actually sleeping part," she points out. "If you start hogging the covers I'm not above kicking you."

Do not take that as an opening for a short joke, Hunter, if you know what's good for you.

[losthunter]

He is so tempted to call her his short, cuddly teddy bear right now. But look at him resist.

"You could always cuddle closer, instead of kicking. Just saying..."

[brave_heart_verity]

"To conserve bodily warmth?" Not saying she won't do that, but.

She'll enjoy some of her pizza while he tries to find a safe answer.

[losthunter]

"Is this a trick question?" Hunter starts to dig into his pizza too.