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

[brave_heart_verity]

When he comes back out, he'll find Ver looking through his bookshelves, head tilted in that peculiar way that means 'I'm trying to read the titles on the spines'. She looks up when the door opens. "I was starting to worry you were serious about sleeping in the tub. Think you can stand more spoiling, or should I give you a break?"

[losthunter]

His book choice is varied, with a mixture of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance and yes, even a few graphic novels.

"You mean there is more spoiling?"

[brave_heart_verity]

It may seem varied to other people, but to Verity, it's all 'lies' with a side order of 'lies accompanied by pretty pictures that are also lies'. The fact he reads romance novels is a little amusing.

"Well, I have to finish what I started, right? You wanted nail polish, and I need to finish the facial treatment."

[losthunter]

Nothing wrong with a good romance novel late at night, right before bed. Hunter knows the stories are just imagination and yes, 'lies', but he enjoys them.

"Okay. Where do you want me?"

[brave_heart_verity]

He's lucky he can enjoy them. She's never had the ability to suspend her disbelief; stories are painful for her. As painful as every other kind of lie.

There's a few obvious jokes, but they're beneath her dignity. "Someplace you'll be comfortable since you'll be staying there for a while. I'll put down a towel in case of drips."

[losthunter]

Hunter shrugs his shoulders, with a small smile. Then gets on his bed. Hey, it is a comfortable place.

"All ready for a sexy, short dynamo. Know any?"

[brave_heart_verity]

"Nope. All I've got is this pink-haired weirdo." Ver gathers up the things she'll need and settles on the bed beside him. "You want a color under the hologram polish?"

[losthunter]

"What about a rose pink?" Combining their two colors sounds like a great idea.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Rose pink, hmm." She looks through the bottles she brought before pulling out a bottle. "This one? It's rosy with a touch of beige, it should look nice with the top coat and not compete with it."

[losthunter]

"Looks good to me." Hunter holds out his hands to her, so she could start to work.

[brave_heart_verity]

Shake and stir, then she watches the polish drip off the brush before starting to apply it. It's a good, richly pigmented polish that shouldn't need many coats. Her hands are steady while she works and the polish goes on smooth; any bubbles are quickly dealt with so they won't mar the finish.

"So now I think it's your turn to talk."

[losthunter]

"Earlier, you had mentioned how beautiful you find my tattoos." Hunter starts speaking, as he watches her apply the polish. "And it has taken me time, but I appreciate my markings a lot more these days."

"And I have come to realize, that there are features of the tattoos that I miss. The magical qualities of a few of them."

"How the rose bush would change with the seasons. How the heart on my chest would beat when I was nervous or stressed. How the Egyptian Eye would wink at me now and then."

[brave_heart_verity]

Ver's listening intently, but keeps her eyes on her work. When he's done she can't help teasing a little. "Oh, you only like them extra fancy, I see how it is."

[losthunter]

"What can I say? I guess I have always had a fancy flair."

[brave_heart_verity]

She laughs and thoughtfully puts the brush back in the bottle instead of trying to paint freestyle modern art all over his fingers. "Mmm, maybe you can find someone to put that part back, if you want it?"

[losthunter]

"Who knows... maybe that is something I will be able to do myself." Hunter is not sure what magic still exists in him. But he is open to exploring the new opportunity.

"The biggest thing for me... is being able to see myself in the mirror and feel happy about who I see."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Maybe." That would make sense, from a certain point of view. "You might need a teacher first."

She gives a little nod; she, too, knows that struggle. "Do you like who you are?"

[losthunter]

"Now I do." Hunter smiles softly. "It has taken me a long time, but I am very happy with my life."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Good." She flashes him a smile before she gets back to work on his nails. "You deserve that."

Once the rose has set enough, Ver starts with the top coat. It's shimmery and adds flashes of color to the existing polish. She thinks it's a charming effect.

[losthunter]

Hunter can't help but wiggle a few of the finished fingers, so he can see the shimmer and flashes of color dance in the light.

"This is awesome."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Mm-hmm. Now, dip them in here." She sets down the bottle and gets a bowl of cold water. "It sets the polish faster. Let them soak for about a minute."

While he's doing that, she'll close up the bottles of polish and put them away.

[losthunter]

He places his hands in the cold water. "I can't express how good it feels to be included in a few projects now. It is like I am finally able to do something productive."

[brave_heart_verity]

"No problem. I'm glad to have someone to help since I can't see art the way other people do. Ready for me to finish with your face?" Oh yes, there's more pampering.

[losthunter]

"Is this your way of getting me quiet again?" Hunter teases her. But he lays down, placing his head closer to her, so she can finish the facial.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Yes. You've seen through my clever scheme."

No, she's just going to put toner and rosehip oil on him. Healthy skin needs to be moisturized, after all. And yes, there's another mist of rosewater at the end.