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 Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 8:23 pm
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"Music is a key...
§тσяץ 
•·.·´¯`·.·• •·.·´¯`·.·•
He was a prodigy, someone who was adored, he had a great life and the opportunity to go far. His family was wealthy and his mother and father loved him very much but not all great lives stay that way. Jealousy is a cruel thing and at the age of sixteen his ability to play the piano was stolen from him by a jealous father. His right hand was crushed and in that one moment his life was changed. It took a year for him to heal completely but the pain was not going to stop there. Only a month after finding out he could never play again his mother and father died in a crash, leaving the family fortune to his older sister, and consequentially leaving his fate to her.
Unfortunately his sister was a jealous creature, cruel and heartless, and even with the already aching wounds of losing so much she took even more from him. He was locked away, hidden, kept from meeting anyone in the inner circle, and not allowed to continue his education. He was hidden away from the world and when he was nineteen he was dumped out of the house and into a tiny apartment. She had him deemed unfit to live alone, a psych evaluation gone bad, and so he was left to live his life still tied to her but far away.
The only solace that he was given was the ability to go to the museum. He couldn’t work, he couldn’t learn, he could only live the monotomus life of going to look at art, then go home, then back to the museum again. It was his love for this that saved him though, his love of art and the one freedom he was allowed. He met him in the museum, during an event he should never have been attending, they both found themselves staring at a sculpture by the name of "The Angel Gabriel". They were both silent as they stood side by side, not taking notice of each other presence, before he spoke.
"He looks sad" Was the first words uttered between them. It sparked something in the two though, something amazing, and within only a few minutes they were conversing about the art work. It was a short lived meeting when his sister spotted him and in the next moment he was saying a quite good by and absently mentioning that he visits the museum every day. The next day would see if the two would meet again and if the spark they felt was something more.
...The one thing that opens the heart."
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Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 8:25 pm
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Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 12:04 am
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The sun always seemed brightest in the morning when first waking up. Even on a dull cloudy day in a cramped space. Even when dust flitted around your head and tickled at your lungs just begging for you to cough the sun was always bright when you opened your eyes. Most people would see this as an irritant, a hindrance, something to try and block out so that they could roll over and go to sleep, but for Matthew Yates it was a sign that he was alive and got live another day. This didn't have to mean that he was happy, or that he was sad, or anything at all really. His thoughts weren't meant to bring him down or lift him up they were just an observation he made every morning before he released a breath he didn't know he was holding and gladly started his morning routine.
Things were always the same for Matthew, no matter how hard he tried to break the routine, he would wake up at six or seven every morning and get out of bed. He could slip on his slippers, pull on his dressing gown, and then head to the kitchen to make himself his breakfast. It wasn't a very far walk, just five steps to the door of his bedroom and six steps to the door of his kitchen, and once inside he always started the water boiling first. Water, then toast, then butter and jam, and finally tea before he would gather his breakfast and sit at the small table he had deemed his eating area. He would sit and eat, the process almost always taking only about 15 minutes, and then he would get up and head into his bathroom.
Grab a towel for his hair, a towel for his body, and then carefully strip down and clean himself up. It was the same, always the same, and while it was boring and tedious at least it was a constant thing in his life. This morning though was different, the whole day was meant to be different for Matthew, this time Matthew stepped out of the shower and blow dried his hair. This time he put on his nicer trousers and his expensive cotton long sleeve shirt. This time as Matthew dress he made sure to look like someone of a higher class than a jobless man living in a too small apartment that he couldn’t even pay for on his own. He grabbed his nicest jacket, something he had from a time where he wasn't the poorest man in the room and his fingers didn't ache as he made his tea.
He grabbed a scarf and then instead of waiting till his usual time of four or five in the evening Matthew walked out of his apartment, dishes still in the sink, and headed past the broken elevator and down the stairs. His nicest dress shoes made a pleasant thudding noises as they landed on each step and Mathew could help the smile that spread on his face. He cast green eyes to the sky as he left the apartment complex, the clouds above heavy with the rain that was sure to sill, but it did not bother Matthew. Today was a different day, a small break in the drag of his boring caged life, and he was going to be sure to get to his 'different' day before it was over.
Matthew followed his normal path, another constant but one he was always overjoyed to have, and he carefully walked each pace as he headed down to the subway. He stepped inside and glanced down at his watch. The ticking hands pointed out to him that it was just reach nine thirty and he had plenty of time to get to the museum. Matthew smiled to himself in joy as the train moved along its path and when his stop came the ding almost made his heart jump. He knew he shouldn’t be too excited, or grinning ear from ear, but a chance to crash his sisters oh so precious art show was one that he could not pass up. She could do nothing to him that she had not done already so as Matthew stepped into the museum and saw all the different people he felt a small tingle of retribution shift up his spine.
He of course was not there only for the desire to ruin his sisters art show. Matthew would never disgrace his art museum in such a way as to not view it's many worked while he was there, but ruining his sisters day was an added bonus that he could not pass up. Matthew nodded to a few of the men and women as he passed them by, it was obvious to many of them he was not the normal person to attend these sort of events but Matthew knew how to hold himself. He came from good blood and good teach so he knew to stand straight, chin up, hands at his side. The only difference for him was the very friendly and bright smile he often held.
Matthew made his way silently to the back of the room where everyone was currently milling, his eyes roaming over the works of art, and finally his gaze landed on the one that he had been aching to see. It was not the reason everyone was present in the museum at this moment, not the reason that people milled around for the two hours he wandered about after a quick glance, but it was the reason he now stood and stared. Matthew could not comprehend the simplistic elegance and beauty that stood before him carved in stone. It was a sculpture he had found himself desperate to see, and analyze, and learn of. It was a beautiful thing that had eyes that gazed back in a somberly loving way. "The Angel Gabriel" was a beautiful sculpture that took Matthews breath away and kept him enraptured for a great deal of time.
He almost didn't notice the person standing next to him but since they were both very silent he bit his tongue and chose not to say anything. After a few long and tense moments Matthew sighed a little "He looks sad." It was a simple phrase, an honest analyzation of the piece before him, and if the man next to him so chose to say anything in return than Matthew would be pleased but if he did not than Matthew would understand.
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Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 2:17 am
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Five in the morning, the sky still dark and the sun has not yet taken over control of the sky from its polar opposite. Their constant fight everlasting and their reign never lasting long. Though desipite the constant battle, this time of day was Julian's favorite. His day started and he was always greeted with the sound of the alarm. The buzzing enough to bring him from his slumber to turn it off. Rising from his bed, Julian grabbed the long, olive curtains and pulled them open, throwing a bundle to one side of the wall and the other bundle to the opposite end. His penthouse having a wall made of glass. Giving him the sight of the city laid out before him like a beautifully wrapped gift topped with all kinds of lights that twinkled and came on and went off.
That was how he saw the slowly awakening city. Julian listened to his quiet home, not a single sound other than his breathing and the beating of his heart in his own ears. This always disturbed him. It was always so quiet. Eerily quiet. Julian turned and walked out of his bedroom into the living room to turn on the television and the news. The instant noise and talking calmed him down from the anxiety that slowly began to build in him like it did every morning. The coffee was already brewed, the machine set on a timer. He grabbed a large glass mug and filled it with the black elixir. He took the mug to the couch with him and sat down. Kicking his feet up on the coffee table, Julian wanted the news, occasionally talking to the news casters about some of the things they said.
It was a lonely man's company. His father's words echoed in his head. 'You need to find somebody you deeply care for, like how I found your mother.' It was such a simple thing, something he already knew but something about it, hearing it from his father meant so much more than thinking it himself or hearing it from a stranger. When he decided he had enough of sitting, Julian rose and walked to the large bathroom. To say he came from money would be an understatement. He did enjoy the good things that money could buy but never flaunted it or rubbed it in anybody's face. He used his own money to help others, he was apart of many organizations that went towards many causes. This is what he loved to do, help others. Which is why he was an attorney. He helped those innocent get off and prove their innocence.
Julian removed his clothes and stepped into a large walk in shower, the door and walls made from glass. He turned on the water and stood in the spray. The news echoed into the bathroom from the living room and if he forgot enough, it would sound like there were people out there talking. Thoughts like that helped him get through the day. By the time Julian was dressed, clean shaven and hair dried it was going on six twenty. He poured himself another glass of coffee before making himself an omelet with fresh vegetables and herbs from his rooftop garden. He always started with a healthy meal, brain food to keep himself going. He cleaned up, brushed his teeth and put his shoes on. He didn't need to head into work today. He was free to take care of some errands that had been piling up. Julian grabbed his wallet, keys and phone then headed out. He walked into the garage, getting into his car and taking off.
Julian parked a few blocks away from the dry cleaners to walk the rest of the way. He smiled at the petite woman behind the desk, handing her his ticket. She turned around and pulled up his suit. Julian payed for the cleaning and gave a generous tip, he always did. As he walked out, his mother called him, asking him to pick her up so she could go get some new fabric that was needed for her newest clothing line. Julian spent the rest of the day with her, both of them talking over lunch and as he went home with her to help her with her work. When his father came home, Julian was pulled in the warm, familiar hug before being let go. He knew that if his father was home, then it was getting late.
He bid them both goodbye and left for the art show that he had been wanting to go to. Any time there was an art show going on, he was there. This one was at a popular museum, there was no entry fee and the museum even stayed open, but their gardens were closed until tomorrow when they'd open them for the public. Julian simply made a stop at his home to shower again, drying his hair to make sure it wasn't messy or anything was out of place. Walking around in his boxers, Julian made himself dinner, lemon grilled chicken over a bead of spinach, bell peppers with dried cranberries and sesame seed dressing.
The lonely table was only occupied by Julian. He had the television on again to the news, yet again. He could see it from where he sat. They talked as he quietly ate and listened to them as if they were his parents. It helped dull the pain. As he stood, Julian looked out the window. The clouds hadn't let up all day long. They hung low and lingered over the entire city. He dressed in his cleaned suit and pulled on an over coat, knotted a scarf around his neck and grabbed his black umbrella just in case it did rain. Steeping outside, he was quickly met with a chilling breeze, thankful that his coat blocked out the majority of it. Making a short trip to his car, Julian drove off towards the museum.
The tall, pale building loomed over its guests, the steps welcoming and guiding them in. Julian couldn't help but to stop and admire to architecture of the building. He had seen it plenty of times, but against the dark sky, it was stark in comparison. Even the windows with their warm glow, promising the people outside warmth and shelter from the cold. As another breeze passed by, Julian pulled from his trance and hurried up the steps into the museum. The soft, classical music and warmth instantly greeted him. Loosening the knot of a scar, he headed in and graciously picked up one of the wine glasses that they were offering.
He looked at the modern art, finding almost all of it very distasteful. There was no passion behind it. They thought they could but hair on cheese and call it art. That wasn't art. That was a drug induced dream. "This is art." He muttered to himself as he stopped at a statue that was not in the art show. A sculpture of an angel, "The Angel Gabriel". It was beautiful, all polished and clean. Truly, an angel. Julian felt the presence of another but paid no attention until his companion spoke.
"Actually, I think he looks righteous." Julian spoke as he continued to stare at the statue. Finally looking over, Julian did a double take at the lad before him. Soft, gentle features with a hair like soft, warm wheat. Julian just started at the male before him. Such a beautiful creature existed? Glancing back to the statue, he found that they two looked sickeningly similar. "You two look very much a like. Are you say you're sad?" Julian looked over the male, which true, upon further inspection did look sad.
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Mute Black Sheep Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 2:48 am
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Out of all the answers that Matthew could have heard from the man next to him he was not expecting the other to say that the sculpture before them looked righteous. Matthew gave a low humm at the answer, tilting his head, and carefully tried to find what the other had seen. He found it, hiding in a different angle, and he smiled to himself. "I suppose you are right… he looks righteously sad." Matthew still for a moment when he heard the other speak again. An odd thing for someone to say to a person that they had just met is it not? Who tells someone else upon first glance that they look like a sculpture? Is that not the same as telling them in shock that they are beautiful?
Matthew turned his head, catching sight of the males shoes first, and then he looked up at the man. Matthew had only see such blues on the canvas's that held the marvelous paintings here in the museum. He had never thought it possible for a person to hold such clear blue eyes. Not to mention the sharp features and perfectly clear skin. Were Matthew to not have heard his voice he would have thought that the man himself was a painting or sculpture left beside him without any warning. He should have known better about impossible colors finding themselves into humanity, his own eyes were a color he had only ever seen on the finest jade pendant, but still it was a shock.
Matthew gave a small smile to the man, just a tilt of the head and a curve of the lips, before answering. "I am sad. But does this mean that you see me as righteous? An odd conversation starter to compare a strange to a famous sculpture." Matthew felt a small chuckle bubble up as he looked back to the sculpture. Suddenly he felt less like he was observing the sculpture and more like it was observing them. Storing away this imagery of them talking so that one day the rest of humanity could look back threw it's years. Each sound being stuck to the stone in layer after layer for centuries from the moment of its creation to the day an artist chose it to create the perfect statue that stood before them.
"I guess you could say I am righteously sad. I have every reason to be." Matthew sighed, his left hand rubbing at the fingers on his right hand. Even though his words were somber he still had a bit of a humorous tone to his voice. He could not be blamed to find his tragic existence a cosmic joke. It was hilarious to Matthew how he could go from being what he was to suddenly nothing more than a shadow no one wished to speak of. It seemed as if his existence and his humanity were a shameful spot to all the rest who treed on the same ground as him. But who would not think so when they knew of who he was? The poor prodigy who was later found to be unstable, the rumors about him having crushed his own hand, the hateful comments that it was all his parents fault, certainly his life was part of some cosmic comedy and if he found no joy in it than there was no hope for anyone else.
It was cold that day and his old injuries were acting up, he would need to warm his hands once he returned home. There was a bit of a murmur starting behind them and Matthew knew it would not be long before his sister was presenting her atrocity she called art to the world. How her scribbles and dribbles could ever be displayed alongside the works of even Picaso was beyond Matthew. Unfortunately it also meant that it would not be long until he was found standing beside someone he should very well not be talking to and at an even that he should not be in. |
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Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 5:20 pm
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Julian only chuckled at the male's comment, slowly, he turned the wine glass in his hand looking at the deep red liquid slowly move. "I actually didn't mean it like that. Just righteous." He had been staring at the statue again, the moment he felt eyes on him, Julian turned his head to meet jade spheres staring right at his own sapphire eyes. There were no words to describe what he had been staring at. Sure, he saw the male before their eyes met, but those eyes truly took his breath away. So clear, deep and yet very sad, so very sad. Julian finally got a chance to really take in all of his appearance. Lips soft, pouty and a wonderful shade of pale coral that could be found on the inside of a conch shell and clear, soft skin.
Truly breath taking. Finally, Julian was brought back by the male's voice. Julian chuckled himself. "I believe there is righteousness buried by the sands of time. It will resurface." Julian finally lifted the glass and took his first drink of the wine. This conversation was wonderful compared to the usual ones that took place at these art shows. Julian tried to avoid socializing with people when he went to these, despite how much he loved to and that he didn't want to be alone. But it was simple to see that almost all of these people were narcissists who fancied themselves educated on art and talked about modern art as if it was god's gift to man. They always looked past the real works of art that clung to the walls like shadows.
Julian looked back to the male in front of him, his sharp eyes catching the small, subtle movement in his hands. The fingers on his left hand were gently touching and rubbing at the fingers on his right hand. An injury perhaps? Pain that could result from an injury or illness, Julian ruled out all other possibilities. The memories danced on the male's face like a nightmare that forever would claw away at his life, draining him and sucking all happiness and joy from this young lad to leave him an empty shell of his once former self. It truly was sad. Julian hadn't the slightest thought about who this boy was or his story, but he already felt for him. He felt the sadness that came from him and wanted to turn that around for him.
"It's a shame isn't it?" Julian continued to stare at the male in front of him as he spoke. "All of this, modern art crowding the real pieces of art, the real talent that's being over looked. Have you seen the cheese yet? It has hair. People stand around it and nod their heads as if they understand the 'artist's' drug induced meaning behind their 'art'. They say it's so deep, meaningful and powerful. I see a slowly rotting piece of dairy that's fallen on a very filthy floor." Julian smiled. It was still beyond him how men and women, dressed in all black clothes, a black turtle neck and a black beret could stand around the say they complete understand and connect with some splatters of paint on the edges of a canvas. One that truly irritated Julian was a page ripped from a magazine with the paragraphs cut out framed and hung on a wall.
He'd rather go to a art show that displayed true talent, passion and dedication. He missed the days when people valued art and talent. But now, now anybody could be an artist and get their work put up. Julian returned his gaze back to the male in front of him, thought now, he looked more worried. There was commotion as a frame that had a sheet covering it have been reveled. Julian stared at the painting, hell if you wanted to call it a painting. There were what looked like crayon scribbles and blotches of paint all over. "That has got to be one of the worst unveiling." People all around made pleased noises, congratulating the woman for a job well done, for her deep perspective on life and how wonderfully talented she was.
Julian looked around at the people before looking back to the male at his side. "Would you like to accompany me to look at the real pieces of art?" He motioned his hand to the empty part of the museum. It was left open for an hour more if people decided they had enough of looking at the pathetic attempts at art.
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Mute Black Sheep Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 7:22 pm
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Matthew tilted his head ever so slightly as the man next to him chuckled. It was a very genuine and sweet sound, it touched at Matthews senses like water, and it left a lingering feeling of warmth in Matthew. This man certainly was much different than the others that he had met in the museum before, many of them only there to crowd the atrocities that were plastered through the museum and deemed "modern art", and Matthew was certainly enjoying himself. It didn't matter that they had said so few to each other but just knowing that there was a like minded person to speak to was enough to please Matthew.
Matthew shifted as he heard the others next question, curious as to what he would say, and he felt a smile spread a little wider on his lips as he looked up at the other man, his head tilted slightly to the side. It was the first time he had ever heard anyone say that and it was honestly one of the best things that he had ever heard. To know that someone else had the same thoughts as he did on the hideous modern art was completely fantastic. Matthew turned slightly as everyone in the room start gathering a bit closer t the unveiling area and the murmurs grew. Matthew saw the bust woman he knew to be his sister step on stage, her dress cut to low and her foundation a shade to light, and watched as she unveiled her disaster to the art dead group of shameless narcissists.
It was a pathetic display of no better than a mentally handicapped four year old in Matthews opinion. It was not art, it was a disaster, and it showed how truly ugly the superficially beautiful woman was. At least his sisters art portrayed who she really was. Matthew was tempted to laugh as his sister stood there and took in the praise like a bloated beast, filling her worthless ego just a bit more, and then he was pulled away from the work by the comment from the man next to him. Matthew blinked once, then twice, and then carefully ducked his head and covered his mouth to smother the chuckle that was escaping him. The truth to that statement was so astounding that Matthew was sure the headlines would read the complete opposite tomorrow.
Matthew lowered his hand and looked up at the man next to him, green meeting blue again "And the headlines tomorrow will read about the success of her horrible work in yet another country. Truly and unfortunate series of events." Matthew sighed a little and looked back up to the stage, where his sister was starting to scan the room and answer questions, before he was being offered something that he would much prefer over that of listening to his sister vomit so drivel about how the paint was for her poor brother. The shallow emptiness of the statements were perfectly masked by the needless emotions shown on her face and the imaginary tears that were brushed away. Matthew had to admit that his sister had become a very good actress and if she were not already in the business of ruining the meaning of art he would suggest that she go find herself a leading role in which she ruins a family and betrays her own blood.
Matthew nodded, catching his sisters eyes for the briefest second, and then turned back to the man next to him. "I would be more than glad to. It's nice to finally have someone to talk about the true art with. Quick though, I think the fraud has caught on that we are not bowing at her "glory"-" Matthew heard the clicking of heals coming closer and he looked up to see his sister heading his way. Jade eyes turned hard and he sighed before turning back to the man before him. "Unfortunately it seems I must leave. 'Speak of the devil and she shall appear' as they say. I am here every day though… if you wish to continue a look at the museum with me than we can meet here in front of Gabriel." Matthew gave the other man a parting smile and then turned on his heel and headed to leave. He wished he could stay longer and converse with this strange man, they had not even exchanged names yet, but to allow his sister to catch up to him would be to allow her the ability to take away his one joy. If Matthew did not speak to her than she could not rightfully say that it was him at her art opening.
Matthew was quick on his feet, leaving in a hurried pace, and he bid a few good people ado before heading outside and trotting down the front steps. Today had been a good day, a right day, one that he would be more than glad to repeat. He had gotten the chance to meet a brilliant man and cause his sister quite a bit of grief. As Matthew headed home though he could not get his mind off the strange that he had spoken to. This man seemed to know what he spoke of and was certainly more intriguing than many of the others. Their conversation had been so short, to short, but Matthew knew he wanted to speak to the man more. Maybe he would meet him in front of Gabriel tomorrow, maybe the man would be there and Matthew would get to tour the rest of the art with a true art lover for once.
Matthew could only hope that this would be true and as he curled into his bed that night, hair still damp from his nightly shower, he silently prayed that when he went to the museum he would get to see that statue esque figure standing there and willing to continue what was started that night.
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Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 10:30 pm
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Julian turned to chuckle at the male who took great delight in the simple statement he had made. Well, it was true. It was a horrible unveiling. It was like somebody who claimed to find a rare animal and when it was showed to the world where many thought it to be majestic, Julian saw the yarn that kept the cardboard wings around the cat's back. It was sad actually, very sad that people valued such worthless scribbles. Turning to the male again, Julian laughed and nodded his head. The woman was speaking again and shedding empty tears. Julian easily saw through her little act. "She's a good actress isn't she?"
The man's response pulled a smile from Julian. As a woman walked by, he set his wine glass down on the tray, only a few sips taken from it. "Yes it is. It seems that the only art people want to converse about it modern art. I'm sick of it." He laughed and turned to go, only to stop himself and look over at the woman who had just been 'crying' a few seconds ago. She looked much different now. Uglier, angry with her fists balled up and upper lip twitching in a threat of a sneer. "She can't expect everybody to love her and her work, can she?" Julian stared at the approaching woman before looking down at the man in front of him. "I will see you tomorrow then." Julian managed to get out just as the man slipped past him and quickly walked out the door. Julian shifted to turn to face the woman now who had made a quick stop and stared slightly shocked at him.
She was turning around slowly now. Good, she would not come over to him. Though Julian stared at the door where the mysterious young man had scurried off to. The museum suddenly felt very empty, cold and he felt utterly alone again. That was his cue to leave. He paused at the entrance to say what a beautiful set up the museum had and thanked them for the wonderful evening. Stopping just outside, Julian lifted the umbrella and opened it, holding it over his head. It was merely a light drizzle, but he'd rather not deal with a wet suit in the morning. Gradually the sidewalk became darker with the droplets of rain that had grown in size and number. He was glad for the umbrella that he brought. Turning around, Julian looked up to admire the structure once more, engraving the image in his head before turning around and walking back to his car.
Once at home, Julian slowly removed his scarf from around his neck, tossing it onto the couch. He removed his coat slowly, his mind wrapped around the young lad he met at the art show. He knew nothing more than his views on the statue that they both admired and his views on modern art. He was appealing, very appealing to the eye. Beautiful jade stared at him as they spoke. It was hard to get those eyes out of his head. Julian smiled as he walked to a large window and looked out at the settling city. The water running down the thick panes of glass distorted the city, the color of the lights mixing and blending together to create a beautiful image before, him almost like a painting. It reminded him so much of Starry Night by Van Gogh. He couldn't wait until his meeting with the male tomorrow.
Julian made himself a cup of hot tea, sitting on a large, plush chair by the window that over looked the city. He sipped at the liquid as he stared at the blurred city. It suddenly didn't feel as lonely as it used to. He had his thoughts on the mysterious male and their plans for tomorrow. He wasn't sure if he'd show up, but if he did, then Julian could truly be thankful.
He remained awake for a few more hours before walking into the bedroom, removing his suit and hanging it up. He got under the silk sheets and laid on his side to look out the wall of glass to see a very similar image as the one in his living room. Julian fell asleep to the thoughts of those jade eyes and wonderful paintings. It was a peaceful, night and sleep, only waking when his alarm went off. Julian reached over and picked up his phone to turn his alarm off before rolling back over onto his side to stare out the window again. He was met with dark clouds and an endless flow of rain. It would be cold, he'd have to bundle up again.
His morning was a little different this time. He was happy and didn't feel lonely at all. It was a large change. He walked with a skip in his step and a smile on his face. The television wasn't turned on, he didn't sigh as he ate his breakfast alone and he didn't waist time. By the time Julian was done and walking out with his umbrella it was around ten in the morning. He did rest a little longer in bed, but it didn't matter since the museum had only opened its door thirty minutes ago. Julian smiled at the school groups that took field trips to the museum, glad to see that schools were educating their students on fine art. A few small girls ran in front of him to rush over to the very statue he would be standing in front of waiting. He chuckled and walked over to the angel and stared at it as the girls did.
Now that Julian really looked at it, he could see that it did look sad. Like it had been crying for humanity for all of its sins and its wrongdoings. "Were you weeping for us?" He asked the lifeless statue after the girls had run away to another piece of work. Thankfully the trash that had been looked upon as art had been removed last night and the real pieces of art were back in the center of attention.
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Mute Black Sheep Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 11:05 pm
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Matthew woke the next morning feeling much lighter than he had the previous day. His mood seemed in protest to the clouds outside and while it was dark and gloomy and the weather was poor, for once Matthew felt he could ignore the ache in his hands. His morning was met with a bit more of a bounce in his step and a smile on his face. He made his tea with a bit of honey this morning, something he rarely did unless he was going to have an eventful day, and then he went to get dressed. This morning he didn't bother to blow dry his hair, finding that the weather had tamed what curl he had a bit and made his hair look messy in a way that made him look nice. As Matthew went to get dressed he found himself at a loss as what to wear, his mind saying he should jus dress as himself, and he knew he was being a bit of a fool.
This was no date, this was a meeting with a man that Matthew hardly knew, but as he remembered the man's voice and picture his eyes Matthew couldn’t help but fret over what he was to wear. Eventually he settled for something simple and warm. He wore a turtle neck dark blue shirt with a slightly tighter pair of blue jean pants and a warm tweed rain coat. He wore a vanilla colored scarf and slid on his gloves before grabbing his umbrella and heading out. It was much colder than he thought and the walk to the subway was a bit of a hassle thanks to all the people trying to escape the rain. Thankfully though Matthew was able get on the subway without too much fuss and head on his way to the museum.
Once he was there Matthew was almost beyond excited to see the school buses waiting outside for all the children who had just started their tours. Matthew loved when the children visited the museum and a lot of the teachers at the middle school had come frequently to ask him to tell the student a bit about the art they were view. It was a big help to the museum staff and to the elementary and middle school teachers who needed the help when they could get it. Matthew had a feeling that today was going to be another great day.
The steps up to the museum were slick but once Matthew was inside he found his footing and dried the pads of his converse before closing his umbrella and giving it a bit of a shake. He knew that his appearance was not one that would represent the person he was last night, not a complete opposite but certainly different, and he just hoped it didn't turn the man away. Matthew made his way to the sculpture, passing a few students on his way and motioning them to some good pieces of art work down a few halls. When Matthew spotted the man from the previous night he felt his stomach give a small flutter of nerves before he walked over and stared at the sculpture. "I still think he looks sad." Matthew said with a light tone to his voice and then he turned to the man next to him.
"We didn't introduce ourselves yesterday so I think, before we start this tour of sorts, that we should tell each other our names. My name is Matthew Yates. It's a pleasure to meet you." Matthew held his hand out for the other to shake, his cheeks and nose still a bit red from the biting cold outside. He didn't remove his gloves, and most likely he wouldn’t remove them all day, because he had a preference not to show the scars on his right hand.
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Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 7:10 pm
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Julian had been staring at the eyes of the statue, he hadn't heard the male walk right next to him. Much like last night, the male spoke and pulled Julian from his studying. "You're right. I do see it now." He smiled at the male, not bothered by his appearance at all. It was nice to see somebody comfortable with what they wore. Besides, last night was a very big thing, thus the need to dress up was great. "We haven't." Julian turned to the male and reached over to grasp the male's gloved hand to shake it. "My name is Julian Axtell. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Julian smiled again before slowly letting the male's hand go. "Shall we then?" He motioned to a large hall where more statues and carvings stood scattered through the hall.
Julian waited for Matthew to walk before following after him, hands gently folded behind his back as he walked next to the shorter male. "It is nice to see that everything is back in place." Julian moved aside as some kids ran past him to go up to a marble statue of the Capitoline Wolf. It wasn't the original but a very well done piece and was a favorite. "If the rain lets up, would you like to go in the gardens?" Julian asked after taking a quick glance outside the window at all the lush green and splashes of color from the various flowers. "So, Matthew Yates, what is your story?" Julian relaxed his hands, they hung at his sides as he took long, careful strides. The hells of the shiny, black shoes clacked with each step he took.
The sound echoed off the walls and became one of the most predominate sounds in the hall other than their voices. Seeing as the children had run on their way to another hall of art. The one they were currently walking down led off into the classic paintings. The majority of the paintings in that hall were used with oils and acrylics. They were Julian's favorites. The ones in that hall were very colorful and filled with life. They brought life to the clean, white walls of the museum. Julian was actually rather excited to get to that hall to get Matthew's opinion on those paintings. They clearly both enjoyed the same kind of art and had the same views on modern art, if you wanted to even call it that.
Julian slowed as they approached a group of statues that consisted of Greek mythology creatures. Medusa was at the head of the group. Julian turned from the statues to look at Matthew, his soft features and bright, jade eyes. "So other than coming to the museum, what are your other hobbies? Do you paint?" He wasn't trying to pry, just trying to get to know this man a little more.
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Mute Black Sheep Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 7:51 pm
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Matthew carefully clenched the other males hand, his own not able to grasp nearly as firmly, and he gave it a small shake. "And it is a pleasure to meet you as well." Matthew wasn't surprised by the slightly firm grip but he was a bit released that the other man was not a hard shaker like most people. It was always a pain when he had to shake someone's hand then they grasped his like their life depended on it. It was painful and irritating because people didn't seem to care. As Julian motioned for them to start walking Matthew nodded and carefully start on down to the oil paintings.
He knew the trip their almost by heart from this hall, he traveled the same path every day, because he loved to stop and look at the sculptures on his way to the paintings. Matthew guessed he had a special love for the paintings in a bit of a bitter way. He always found it entertaining to imagine his sisters art sitting alongside such works as "Florinda" by Fran Xaver Winterhalte was enough to send Matthew into a fit of uncontrollable giggles. When the other commented about everything being back in place Matthew nodded and smiled. "It is so much better to see the real works of art… I certainly hope they threw out that cheese." Matthew chuckled, side stepping the children as they ran by to go look at the sculpture, and then he glanced outside.
It did not look like the rain would let any time soon, and on a more worrying matter it looked like it was in fact getting worse, but Matthew held out hope that soon the rain would let up and he would get to go venture out into the garden with the man beside him. "Should the rain clear up a bit I would be more than glad to. I fear though that the weather will hold true today. Isn't that just the luck? The gardens won't be open much longer since were truly heading into fall." Matthew side, glancing longingly out the window and at the few still blooming flowers that lingered.
Julian's next question had Matthew chuckling a little, the words seeming so familiar, and he simply glance at the man. "How about I leave that up to you to puzzle out? I am sure you can find my story lurking somewhere." There was a light roll of thunder outside, very far off and rather quite, but it sent a foreboding shiver up Matthews spine. Storms were not kind to him in any sense and more often than not left his cowering and shaking on his bed. It was a fact he was not proud of but a fact none the less. As they continued along Matthew glanced at Julian every now and then to see the mans reactions to the art, to gage if he like the ones he like and found any distaste in the same ones he did. To say that the results were pleasing would be an understatement.
By the time they reached the Greek statues Matthew was completely ecstatic with knowing that the other man like the same works of art as him ,most people finding them rather uninteresting or distasteful. Matthew stilled his movement of pressing on his hand and glanced at Julian "I used to play the piano… now I draw when I can but I am not very good at it. I like working with clay as well but… My art was music. I only come to the museum… or I stay home. I am not allowed anywhere else." Matthew bit at his lip lightly when he last words left him and then quickly tried to change the subject and get them moving to the paintings. There was another, closer, rumble of thunder and this time Matthew had to hold down the visible shudder.
When they reached the paintings Matthew seemed to light up even more around the colors. He smiled as he looked at them, excitedly explained why he like them and agreed with all the points that Julian made. He the rain seemed to be completely forgotten as the sound of the two of them filled the empty space, the school groups off to another section of the museum, and everything seemed to be going well. They were both looking at a replica of the Mona lisa at the moment. "I want to see the real one. These replicas are pretty spot on at least when it comes to the general look of the painting, but it's not the same. Leonardo spent his whole life painting her, changing her, creating this woman on a canvas. He invested his time, and his heart, and everything he loved into that painting and it shows. These recreations… they just show what the picture is. They don't hold the same emotion, the same care, they are wonderful in their own right but they just aren't… they aren't real." Matthew sighed as he stared wistfully at the painting. The idea of seeing the real one was something he would never be allowed to have.
It was nothing but the cream of a man who had nothing left but to live day bye day. Matthew just barely glanced at the window when there was a loud crush of thunder. Almost instantly he paled, hands going to cover his ears, his body started shaking. There was another crash and then a flash of lightning and he let out a small yelp as the lights went out. If he could have said anything then Matthew might have made a comment about luck but as it stood at the moment he just did nothing but stand there with his ears covered and eyes closed looking rather petrified.
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Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 10:18 pm
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"Even then, we always have umbrellas." Julian lifted his own and looked out the window as well as the large rain droplets fell onto the green leaves and beaded off. Each leaf, each flower kissed with raindrops. Their velvet petals and leaves weighed down with the droplets. Just like last night, with the water streaming down the window, it made the outside world look like a painting. So clear, so bright. Almost too colorful to be real. But with the contrast of the dark, gray sky, anything out look abnormally colorful. "They won't but, they do open up when the trees are at their peak in the fall, when every leaf has changed color and they begin to fall. They get a lot of children then." Julian hooked his umbrella to his arm, holding his arm bent at the elbow to his side as he walked, the black and damp umbrella moving with the motion of his walking.
"Then it will be a pleasure to piece the puzzle together. I assure when I am done, there will be no taking it apart and putting it away. I will forever treasure your puzzle." Julian thought about what he had just said. A little too personal? They just really met each other. Julian shook it off. The thunder had him looking towards the windows again as the sky got darker. Thunder and lightening had no effect on him. It was actually quite calming to him. He always loved laying in bed at night and staring out the window, looking for the lightening and counting the seconds after to see how close it was.
Julian would glance at Matthew as well as they made their way down the statues. It was amazing that there was somebody who liked the same pieces he did, that had the same views and appreciated the same things. Matthew was truly, a rose amongst thorns. He managed to find the one person in the art show that had the same views on art as he did. It was refreshing. There were so many people that got deep in modern art. Julian tore his eyes from the statues to look at Matthew as he began to speak. His smile slowly faded as he got to the end. "Not allowed? Why not?" Worry welled up in Julian. He did not know this man, but he would be lying if he said he didn't care. Julian studied Matthew carefully, he could see how tense he became as the thunder rolled around. He became rooted to his spot and his shoulders clearly stiffened.
Julian would have pressed more on the not allowed to, but after seeing him tense from the thunder, he guessed it would be best not to. not yet. They hardly knew each other. They finished up in the hall of statues and made it to the oil and acrylic paintings. They really came to life in there. Both bouncing off each other what they liked most about the painting and what stood out the most. Julian talked about the style they used for the painting and how delicate or broad a paint stroke was and how it fit together perfectly. Julian could never talk to anybody about art like this. They would often tell him he sounded like a know-it-all or too pompous for their blood. A reason he never went out with coworkers and why they never invited him out.
The room was filled with their excited voices, getting lost in each painting. It was like they had been pulled into it and it was just them and the colors. "You are right about that. They are very good replicas, but they can never amount to the real thing. They can never capture the same thing." Julian smiled at Matthew. "I've actually seen it. It is small, but it truly does not matter. People look at it and they see a painting of a woman, I see a life, dedication, a dream. It is breathtaking." He remembered standing there for hours, studying every single stroke in the painting. "This may sound odd, but we could always go. I hate traveling alone." Just as he finished, thunder rattled the windows and the lights had gone out.
Julian looked around for a moment before turning his head back to Matthew. The male frozen in place. Hands covering his ears and visibly shaking. Quickly, Julian removed his coat and placed it over Matthew's shoulders. "It's okay. It's only thunder." He stood in front of him, hands on the smaller male's shoulders. Julian had to bend over to get to Matthew's eye level. Julian stood up straight and carefully pulled Matthew closer to him, his hand rubbing his shoulders. The lights flickered back on and Julian smiled. "It's over, it's okay." He reassured Matthew, the lights remaining on. A few flickered here and there but nothing more.
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Mute Black Sheep Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:02 pm
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Mathew shuddered and tried to breath as everything went dark thanks to the lights going out. In his head everything was falling apart, the one true mental illness he had rearing his ugly head, and Matthew just kept remembering the night his hand was crushed. It was over and over again in his head like a very bad dream that hit him harder with every new roll of thunder and Matthew lost any touch with reality at that point. He forgot where he was, who he was with, and what he was doing. All he could remember was being shoved from the piano bench at the school, his back hitting the ground hard, and then a man looming over him before lifting a large bust of the school principle and sending it crashing down onto Matthews right hand a few times.
There was a change though, a small drift, when Julian placed hi coat on Matthews shoulders. There was an extra warmth the spread threw him, the other man rubbing at his shoulders as well, and slower Matthew felt his mind creep away from the horrible nightmare, focusing on something else, and after a minute the shaking died down and Matthew was able to open his eyes. His hands slide away from his eyes, rubbing lightly at his neck, and he looked up at Julian with apologetic eyes. "I am sorry… I have a small case of PTSD one of my triggers just so happens to be lightning and rain." Matthew sighed heavily at the words. He stood there for a moment and then reach up and gently grabbed one of Julian's hands looking him in the eye with a very sincere smile.
"Thank you though… It's nice for once to not waste an hour because of it." Matthew stood there, hand gripping Julian's lightly, and tried very hard to ignore the scent on the others jacket. He didn't know if it was cologne or just the way that Julian smelled but it was very pleasant. After a few more moments Matthew released the others hand, albeit a bit reluctantly, and then slid his jacket off before handing it back to the taller male. Matthew looked back to the painting, trying to pick up where they had left off, but it was in a place he didn't want to be. "I would love to go with you and discuss the real painting but… I can't. I can come here and I can talk about the art here but I can't do anything else." Matthew glanced at Julian.
"I am not allowed to and I don't think I ever will be allowed it. Maybe you can figure that out in my story?" Matthew smiled a little at the last part "It's not going to be a pretty puzzle you put together Julian… there is a reason that I share in Gabriels emotions and it isn't pretty. If you don't like sad stories I suggest you stop reading now." Matthew gave a bit of a sigh at the end and left it at that. He wouldn’t give the other anymore to go on. Matthew walked a bit closer to Julian was they looked at more paintings, the thunder striking a few more times and causing him to have to pause and take a breath. Thankfully toward the end it seemed that the rain was letting up a bit and the two of them could go to look at the flowers.
Matthew was excited to feel the cool air and as they stepped out he felt a small smile spread larger on his face. He wasn't used to smiling so much these days, even when looking at the art, but as he talked to Julian about the flowers, and his secret love of botany, he couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear.
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