Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder ((for multisensual))

[losthunter]

Hunter is attending an art gala event in New York City to debut his newest creations. The centerpiece of the art show is his newly created Chimera statue, which is situated in the middle of the large gallery.

Other pieces on the wall are all mythological-themed. There are crayon-pencil drawings of famous stories of the Greek Gods and their heroes. There is also a large realistic drawing of Kendra, cropped down to just her eyes, so it looks like she is staring out into the art gallery itself.

There are literally hundreds of people attending tonight. Honestly, it makes Hunter a little nervous being around so many people.

But he is dressed for the event, with dress shirt and jacket and dark blue jeans. He has not been introduced as the artist yet -- but really, that is his preference. He would rather not have all these eyes focused on him. Instead, he can stand near the wall and watch everyone as they tour around his artwork, and witness their reactions.

Comments

[multisensual]

It had been years since Will had seen Hunter, or Kyle or whatever he was calling himself these days. It didn't matter who he was on the outside, Will only saw the man on the inside, which he appreciated more since regaining his sight.

He had read about the show in the papers; he always knew what was going on. Hunter had become important to him somewhere along the way, so he kept tabs, never wanting to force his presence on anyone.

He dressed in his sharpest looking outfit and walked into the gallery his head held high. He spotted Hunter's work right away, moving towards it in awe of the power and beauty before him. He always knew that Hunter would do great things.

[losthunter]

Hunter had found a quiet corner where he could sketch down some new ideas for future art projects. There was something inspiring about seeing how the art could inspire a wide-range of reactions from different people.

He had been lost in thought... when suddenly Will, of all people, entered the gallery and started to move through the art pieces. Hunter felt a slight dryness in his throat, as he watched the other man. It had been such a long time since he had seen Will. And still, Hunter felt those same emotions he had hidden away during their time ago.

And Will looked good in the outfit that he had selected.

Taking a deep breath, Hunter strode across the art gallery, until he finally reached where Will was standing. His throat was still dry. And it felt like a struggle to find the right words.

"Hey. Long time, no see." Not the greatest greeting. But at least he was not standing there, feeling like a total idiot.

work ate my life this week

[multisensual]

Will couldn't help the huff of laughter that came out of his mouth as he turned to face Hunter for the first time in.... God, he didn't even know. His own mouth became dry as he took in Hunter for the first time with his own eyes.

Yeah, nope the bubble in his stomach that he got every time Hunter was in the room was still there. He couldn't help but let his gaze linger for probably longer than he should. He finally tore his gaze away from Hunter, focusing on the man's eyes.

"I'll say. You look Good Hunter. You've been keeping busy?"

know how difficult that can be. hope this week is better

[losthunter]

Hunter felt the warmth of a blush cover his face caused by the compliment. It still felt a little surreal to be standing here, talking to Will. His heart felt like it was beating so hard, that it would be loud enough to hear.

And there was a rush of excitement, watching as Will's once-sightless eyes had life in them now. Hunter swore that there was a little sparkle there too.

"Just a little," Hunter teased, with a coy little wink. After all, it was his art that was being showcased tonight.

Re: know how difficult that can be. hope this week is better

[multisensual]

"Well, my my look who found his confidence," Will spoke with a grin plastered on his face. "It was hiding under a rock wasn't it, or wait.... in that Chaucer text you never opened...."

Will reminded himself that Hunter was no longer his student and that it was okay to banter with him. As long as Hunter didn't mind, and from the looks of it, he didn't.

"So you live here then or just travelling?"

[losthunter]

Hunter laughed softly when Will teased him slightly. The line was just so Will, that it reminded Hunter of all the reasons he had harbored a crush on the other man. But what was really nice, was that Hunter didn't feel any guilt over feeling attracted to him now, since Will was no longer his teacher. And in addition, Hunter had been comfortable with his sexuality for a couple of years now... and wasn't trying to figure himself out.

It felt really good to have Will approving of his display of confidence too. Hunter felt that the approval was a slight green light.

"I live in my own studio apartment." He answered.

The last time Hunter had seen Will, it was when he was going to try to find Lindy, before she left on that trip abroad. And he wanted to address what happened before them, but was a little nervous all the same.

"I did talk to Lindy before she left. We even shared a kiss... but it felt like kissing a sister, not someone who I could share a romance with." Hunter traced a hand over the top of his head. "She left to explore the world... and I needed time to find myself and accept who I am, inside and out."

He struggled to find the words to 'come out' to Will. It seemed that there was so much more on the line. But all the same, it was important to him. "And so now here I am. The newest gay artist that everyone wants a painting from."

[multisensual]

Will hadn't asked the question about Lindy directly, but he couldn't help but be a little curious. Oh who was he kidding, of course he was curious. He wouldn't mention that the thought of Lindy and Hunter together had caused him many sleepless nights.

It was too late for him to admit that he had no interest in Hunter outside the confines of his house, the ship had long since sailed. He smiled brightly at the man in front of him after hearing his words. His nervousness did a little to reassure Will that he had made the right decision in coming here tonight.

He rested a hand on Hunter's arm, looking him in the eye. "Oh yeah, me too.... except you know without that painting part."

[losthunter]

Hunter smiled softly. He felt very happy just by the initial gesture. And he also felt very happy by Will's statement.

He never imagined that this situation could be true. It felt like a dream.

He moved an arm to rest it gently on Will's hip slightly. "I'm not surprised. That you are someone everyone desires."

[multisensual]

Will's breath caught in his throat as heat from one simple touch fired through his body. He certainly hadn't expected this when he came to the show. He roughly cleared his throat before he did something stupid like kiss the man senseless in the middle of his exhibit or something equally hormonal.

"So," Will said softly. "How late do you have to stay? Maybe we could grab coffee or something?"

Smoothe.

[losthunter]

Hunter was resisting similar thoughts of kissing the other man. He clearly remember the moment that he realized that it had been Will who was his sanctuary. That it had been Will who he had fallen for.

All those realizations had come literally minutes after Hunter had kissed Lindy, and knew that he didn't love her. And watching her walk away to live her life... all those moments with Will had flooded his senses.

It had broken his heart that he was denied access back to the Townhouse. That he didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye. He had seen Kendra since then, and she reassured him that her magic had taken a different path for him. But that her promises that Will would regain his sight, and Magda would be able to bring her family to America, were both kept.

And now here was the living proof before him. Will, looking as handsome as ever. Looking at Hunter with... Hunter took a deep breath to steady himself. He could almost swear that there was something between them.

"They don't even know that I am here..." He chuckled and offered his arm to Will. "We could go now."

[multisensual]

Will could see the play of emotions roll over Hunter's face, and he smiled slightly at the fact that he got see them at all. He glanced down at the arm, and instead of taking the arm, he slid his hand down said arm until he got to Hunter's hand where he interlaced their fingers together before grinning up at the man.

"I don't need a guide anymore... If we are walking out of here we are doing it together and with our heads held high. I think that you have some splaining to do Lucy, and your place might be the best place for that?" He whispered softly, his eyes trained and focused only on Hunter.

[losthunter]

Hunter had to catch his breath slightly when Will slid his hand down his arm, and then interlaced their fingers together. The sensation of his hand moving down his arm like that had been very intense. And holding hands with Will... was the best feeling in the world.

A big smile appeared on Hunter's face when Will told him that they are walking out of the gallery together and with their heads held high.

"I already had the intention of taking you to my place." Hunter had wanted some privacy, so they could talk. And besides, his desires to kiss Will were only getting stronger. So privacy would be a great thing.

"The reason the patrons don't know I am here, is I am sort of playing up that whole eccentric artist bit." Hunter explains why it is easy for him to leave as he heads for the door, holding Will's hand in his. Right outside the door is where his motorcycle is waiting. Luckily for him, he has an extra helmet stored in his saddlebags. And he takes it out, and offers it to Will.

"But you will get the whole story back at my place." He has to let go of Will's hand to get on the bike and start the engine roaring to life. But he can't wait to feel Will's arms around his waist. And to whisk him away to his apartment, which is several blocks away from the art gallery.

[multisensual]

Hunter was most definitely not the only one that felt something when their hands touched. Will bit back a soft moan and forced a smile onto his face. Will couldn't resist a little teasing at his remark. "Tsk Tsk.... who says I'm the type of guy to go back to anyone's apartment on the first date?" He said with a grin.

Will winked at him before taking the helmet and sliding it on. He got on the bike, pulling himself has close to Hunter as humanly possible. "Are you sure you know how to drive one of these?"

[losthunter]

"Now now... we both know that I am not just anyone." Hunter couldn't resist running his hands along Will's arms, as the other man pulled himself close to his body. He had to remind himself that it was very important to stay focused on the road, no matter what sort of sensations were rushing through his body right now due to the close contact.

"Hang on. We are about to find out." He teased right back.

Hunter focused on the road, driving the motorbike through the streets, He was really good at driving the vehicle, even with the distraction of having his secret crush holding tight onto him. Finally, they arrived at their destination. Hunter's home was a small modern bungalow that was located close to the park. It was on a nice large lot, that gave Hunter a little isolation and privacy.

After stopping and parking the bike in the drive way, Hunter linked his hand with Will's once again, and slid off the bike. He took off his helmet with a soft smile. "Home sweet home."

He led Will to the front door, unlocking it and swinging it open so that they could both enter. His place was an open concept, so there was plenty to see as soon as they entered the door. To the right of the entrance was a large bachelor-style kitchen, with many appliances and other conveniences.

The kitchen and the living room were only divided by a large dining room. Hunter had a large entertainment center in his living room. To the left of the living room was a large art studio. Both the living room and artist studio were against an exterior wall that had large windows -- so it would be possible for Will to see the large rose garden that was right outside in the back yard.

An entrance to the bathroom and Hunter's bedroom were on the left side of the house. Both doors were closed at the moment.

He felt a little nervous suddenly, excited and anxious all at the same time. So he headed into the kitchen to start making some coffee, giving Will some time to look around the place. "So... with what explanation should I start?"