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 is very impressed with how she takes to the job at hand, with no fuss and plenty of confidence. And he gets the impression it is better to help when he can, then try to tell her that she has done enough.

"You are wonderful. Truly wonderful."

[brave_heart_verity]

It's smart of him to just let her go once she gets started, and kind. "Thank you. I've had plenty of time to get good at the things I'm good at since there aren't many of them."

She sweeps her gaze around the kitchen one last time before turning to him with a smile. "So, what now? Nails, spa treatment, fashion show?"

[losthunter]

"That sounds like a good plan. Where should we set up for the nails and spa treatment?"

"I could clear the table. Or I do have a very huge bathtub."

[brave_heart_verity]

"You seem oddly determined to get me naked today," she teases, bumping her hip against his in passing. "But if you want to take a soak while I do your nails that's fine."

[losthunter]

"The way I look at it, I am just comfortable with the idea of getting naked around you." Hunter chuckles lightly.

"And now, the idea of a soak, while getting my nails done, then a facial sounds heavenly."

[brave_heart_verity]

"It does sound better that way," she agrees. "I didn't bring any bubble bath, so I hope you have some."

[losthunter]

"Tons." Hunter admits. "I usually use a lavender scent before bed."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Then why don't you go run a bath while I unpack?"

[losthunter]

"Can do." Hunter heads into the bathroom. After the bath stopper is in place, he starts by running the water. He prefers close-to-hot baths, so is grateful that the water heater for his place provides enough water to fill the large tub.

He waits for the tub to get a third full, before placing the bubble bath into the water.

There is also a stereo system in the bathroom, so he can listen to the music. He starts humming along with a familiar song.

[brave_heart_verity]

Well isn't he Mister Fancy-Pants.

While he's getting the bath ready she'll unpack; pajamas are set out on the foot of his bed--she'll probably get splashed at some point and will want them later. She's got a manicure kit, about a dozen bottles of nail polish, and a few skincare tools. She wanders through to drop these things off on the way back to the kitchen. "Is your skin sensitive? Or do you think you can handle a little lactic acid?"

[losthunter]

"The only areas that are sensitive are the deeper scar tissue." Hunter answers her. Most of those are on his face.

By the time the tub is two-thirds full, Hunter pushes the button to activate the jazzuzi features of the tub.

[brave_heart_verity]

Now he's just showing off.

Ver will mix up a honey and aloe facial for him; if the scars are still sensitive, gentle and soothing seems like the best bet. A few drops of lavender oil will help too.

"Let me know when it's safe to come in."

[losthunter]

Hunter is now at the point where the only thing left is to get undressed and into the tub. He doesn't feel any doubt in his mind, as he removes his clothes (placing them in a hamper close by).

With the perfect amount of water in the tub, he shuts off the tape. Then climbs into the bath tub.

There is a sloped part of the tub, where he can relax and still be accessible. The water and bath bubbles covers up to his chest.

"I'm ready."

[brave_heart_verity]

She pauses with the door half-open until she's sure he's in the tub before coming in. Privacy is more important to her, it seems. But she's got a little smile and some bowls with her, so it can't be that bad?

"You look comfy. Do you want the mask or the hand massage first?"

[losthunter]

Even with the water covering most of Hunter, Verity will still be able to see the network on tattoos that cover his torso. The heart-shaped tattoo over his chest is the most noticeable of them all. Here, it seems the tattoos entwine, creating a fluid piece across his body.

"Why not the mask, then the hand massage?"

[brave_heart_verity]

Ver kneels beside the tub and lines up the bowls. "Okay. Close your eyes. And hold your breath for just a sec."

First thing she does is mist his face with rosewater. Now he knows what makes her smell so good all the time. There's a moment's pause while she makes a paste in her hands, powder with no identifiable scent and more rosewater, which she then massages into the skin on his face and scalp. It's very faintly abrasive, not rough so much as not smooth.

"First, we cleanse and exfoliate. But you don't want anything too harsh. This is a nice gentle daily cleanser, I use it every day on my face. The rosewater helps keep your skin healthy."

[losthunter]

Hunter closes his eyes, as she had directed, and held his breath until he can tell it is safe to breath lightly.

"Mmmmm...." He mutters in approvement. "This scent reminds me of you."

[brave_heart_verity]

"I do make liberal use of it. And since you like roses so much, maybe you should too. Nothing wrong with wanting to smell nice and have your skin feel good."

After she's done exfoliating, she begins using a soft sponge to wipe the cleanser away. The sponge has an odd texture, velvety but with a little grit to it. "The sponge is made of konjac. It's a plant. It's another very gentle exfoliator. It gets hard when it dries out, but give it a soak and a few squeezes and it gets soft again pretty quick. I use it in the shower anywhere I get dry skin, like my elbows. This one's new so you can keep it I left the box by the sink so you can read the care instructions later."

[losthunter]

"A nice rose scent would be pleasant." Hunter notes softly. He doesn't mind smelling like lavender. But he has to agree, that he has a connection to roses.

"It feels really nice on my skin." He is not feeling any issues with any of the scar tissue on his face. The sponge and the cleanser are very soothing.

[brave_heart_verity]

"We could mix it with lavender water if you'd like. That would be nice. Clean and floral without being perfumey." When she's done wiping his nose clean she boops the tip. Yes. She says 'boop' and if he ever tells anyone she might have to deny having ever met him.

"I've learned a few tricks about taking care of my skin, and I'm happy to teach you."

With the washing-up done she takes a minute to rinse out the sponge and squeeze it as dry as she can before setting it beside the sink. "Okay, facial time. Hold your breath please."

It starts with another misting of rosewater. Then she applies the mask, starting with his cheeks. She works with careful assurance, smoothing it over the skin on his face and then working her way up over his bare head. There's less of a massage involved this time.

[losthunter]

Hunter has to laugh when she 'boops' the tip of his nose.

"I appreciate any lessons you want to pass onto me."

He holds his breath again, as she applies the facial mask onto him. The application definitely feels good on his skin. He can't talk much during this part of the facial process. But he is content.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Oh yeah? Sure you want to learn about the different kinds of clay used in masks? Or how to keep your eyeliner nice and even?" She will totes teach him how to wear makeup if he wants. She doesn't judge.

Once the mask is on she gets up to wash her hands. "Now don't eat that, I know it smells yummy," she teases.

"Ready for the hand massage now?"

[losthunter]

He can't tell her that he wouldn't be afraid of using makeup. Since it is still difficult to talk with the mask on his face.

He holds out his hands in answer to her next question.

[brave_heart_verity]

A subject to discuss another time, in that case.

Ver takes his hand in her oil-slicked ones, first smoothing oil over his skin from the wrist down, then working it into his cuticles and nail beds. "So I dunno if you've had manicurists like this, but when I get my nails done, the tech is usually real chatty. Lots of gossiping and talking about new recipes and sales at favorite stores. And of course, the debate about what nail art I'll get. And you're kind of a captive audience, aren't you?"

Before he protests, he might want to consider that she's moved on to the massage part now.

[losthunter]

Hunter is trying really hard not to chuckle in response to Verity's chatter. She is just so adorable right now.

His left hand is the one with the dead rose bush, so there is some tattoos that wrap around his fingers -- like tiny little roots. There is just a Egyptian eye tattooed on his right hand. Other than that, it is mostly clear of any other markings.

The massage of his hands is really nice and he gives a soft moan of contentment.