cravating | (no subject)

Yeah, well- that's not going to stop anytime soon. [He can't help the way the corners of his mouth turn up into a smile.]

Better fucking not. [ Which... sort of makes no sense in the context of things, but fuck off he's emotional he's allowed. ]

It's raining. [ No shit. ]

Could still go to the gallery, if you'd like. [Which would still involve moving. And people around people on the tube. He doesn't want either of those things. He's scared that it will make Matt second guess all of this.]

You want to go to the gallery? [ He passes the buck fairly expertly, but at least if he's not making the decisions he can't get things wrong. ]

For a bit, yeah. Should be cleared out by now, so we wouldn't have to worry about people bothering us. Get out of the rain a bit too.

[He wants any excuse to keep seeing Matt tonight, honestly.]

It's not that far.

Okay

[ So they need to do the parting thing, right? He needs to step away from him. He doesn't for a moment, because he knows himself well, and what if he lets this shatter whatever resolve he's found himself with. He knows he could shut down, he knows he could say all the wrong things.

He closes his eyes for a second, as though that makes it easier, and then he steps back and to the side, gesturing a hand out to the space around for him to lead the way. ]

After you then. Let's go to this gallery of yours.

[The space between them feels massive. He hates it. And it takes a lot of willpower not to pull Matt right back towards him. Instead, he takes a shaky breath and steps away from the wall, giving Matt a small attempt at a smile and a nod before he walks down the alley. He shoves his hands into his pockets in an attempt to keep them to himself as they make their way towards the nearest tube station.

He doesn't say much as they walk. Nothing really. He just focuses on moving. Thankfully, they don't have to wait long before it arrives, so on they go. Nate moves to stand next to one of the poles, too nervous to sit. His hand wraps around it so he can keep his balance.]

I listened to the file you sent me. I'm glad you're still playing.

[ he feels like he should fill the silence somehow, but with what he's not quite sure. Small talk would have them talking about Simon again and he's about the last topic Matt wants to bring up. So he stays quiet, occasionally looking over towards him as they walk. Usually when he thinks it won't be seen.

On the underground Matt leans back against the glass partition, lazy and comfortable like he owns the place, like he always has a habit of doing. ]

Yeah well I'm kind of rusty. Almost gave it up completely. You know I got approached about an album deal? But well I fucked that one up didn't I.

[It's just plain rude how good he looks just leaning there. Nate doesn't know how he does it. And with the tshirt soaked and clinging to him, there's plenty for Nate to be distracted by right now. Fucking hell.]

Never too late, you know. Just need to get back out there.

Nah that ship has sailed. [ He still doesn't think he deserves it, no really, and after everything he's sort of scared to try.

It's funny how Nate looks at Matt having no idea Matt is looking right back. He looks like one of those models from a high fashion magazine, all high cheekbones and eyes that stare off into the middle distance. He can't help but notice too just how drenched he is. It makes him smirk. ]

You're soaked. You look like a drowned rat.

[Nate frowns, wanting to argue about the music thing, but not so sure if he should right now. Maybe he just needs time to get back into it. He's still playing. That's what's important.

The drowned rat comment distractions him a bit, causing him to look down, shaking out his hair a bit. Which probably hits Matt with a drop or two.]

You're one to talk.

[ he most definitely is one to talk, and he takes a look down at his sodden tshirt that is now partially see through. It might be obvious that since being with the Knights, Matt has been spending a fair bit of time in the gym. ]

Looks like we've got a wet tshirt competition going on. Who do you think will win?

[ he's teasing him in a way that feels natural, a way he always did. It always bordered on flirting but the difference is before it had always been so innocuous. He just used to enjoy flustering him ]

[He used to just get flustered. Now he's pretty sure Matt wouldn't mind him playing along. With his free hand, he slips the buttons of his coat so that he can shrug it off his shoulder. Removing it completely, he reveals that the rain did in fact soak through it, leaving large wet patches over his shirt. It was already a fairly snug fit, so there's quite the view here.

Nate's not exactly built, but he's got that lean look that really works for him.]

Might be a close call.

[ Matt watches him do his walk walk fashion baby, a brow raised and a wry smile to go with it. And... is he getting turned on? Fuck, he thinks he's getting turned on. Ok that's new. Even when they shagged he didn't really feel like he was getting turned on. Well ok he did, but not like that. More the heat of the moment stuff. This is new. Especially as he finds himself really noticing the way his nipples can be seen through the wet fabric.

He lifts a hand and wipes it over his face, shaking his head. ]

You're getting worse than I am. Someone's taught you bad habits, Mr Artiste.

Yeah, right terrible influence, that one. [He says with a little teasing smile of his own. He's watched Matt flirt plenty to know just what to say that he might. Not that he wants to be like Matt. It's what makes them different that makes this work. Or almost work. It could work.]

You complaining?

I look like I'm complaining?

[ He doesn't reach out, doesn't touch him or anything as grand as that, but it's remarkable, really, not only has he not run but their teasing like this where people could see. Oh it could be two friends joking, but the difference is that Matt knows it's so much more than that. ]

You know you best be careful. Those hipster natural fibres of yours, I bet they're all dry clean only.

I'll live. Some things are worth ruining a shirt over. [No one around them knows just what might have ruined it, but they do. And Nate's being more than a little bold to say as much out in public. He's trusting that Matt will be better with it this time, that he won't snap, won't lash out out of fear and anger.]

Next stop's ours.

[ It's the sort of thing that could have him recoiling, but almost remarkably? He doesn't. He doesn't say anything though, just smirks a bit and looks to the doors as the train slows down and they open. He nods towards it and pushes from the glass, stepping around him only to smack him gently on the backside as he passes. ]

Careful.

[It's the most surprising thing that's happened all night. This isn't some reactionary instinct like Matt kissing him was. That was a purposeful decision.

One that he liked, honestly.

Turning, he follows him out, catching up and leading the both of them back up the stairs and onto the street. He can't help but glance over at him every now and then, wondering how long they can hold on to this feeling.]

Just there. [He points to a building up ahead that looks just like what one would think a gallery showing Nate's work would look like. It's square and stark white, very minimalist. There's not even a sign on it. You just have to know. Digging in his pocket, Nate pulls out the key card they gave him and swipes them in, holding the door open for Matt.]

Should have known it would be a place like this. [ He gives hm an approving look as they head up to the pretentious looking space, and when he steps in he wipes his feet and imagines if he came here in the day he'd probably be asked to leave. ]

Look at this, swanky.

[ As they step in a series of expensive looking strip lights light into life, not too bright, moody, probably more art. He steps up, seeing a flyer in all dark blue with Nate's name in white minimal font. He picks one up and turns it towards him. ]

Well look at this. Do I get an autograph from the artist?

[Nate leaves his coat draped over a chair near the front. They're both dripping water all over the floors, which is probably frowned upon, but fuck if he cares right now. As Matt lifts the flier, he just rolls his eyes and laughs.]

If you want. Can have anything you'd like.

[And he means that.]

Nate

[ Matt says his name pointedly. This is all very precarious, he knows. They both know. But despite the gentle warning, he isn't really chiding him. He isn't telling him not to. ]

I already know your signature. I used to forge it to get the Chinese when you couldn't be arsed to pick it up.

[He looks down briefly, a little bashful at the way Matt says his name. A little too far? Maybe. They're figuring this out together.]

Forge it, then. Sell it on eBay for a whole five quid if you'd like. Won't fetch you much more. [He can't stop smiling. Is that normal? It probably isn't.]

Come on. The best stuff's in the back.

Oh I don't know Mr Big Artiste. Soon you'll have people flocking around you. Screaming at the doors, just to get a glimpse. The rockstar of South Wales, that's you.

[ He shoots him a small wink, and follows on behind him, letting him lead the way. He's kind of excited, he's not really seen any of his stuff in ages. He just hopes there's not a block of wood he's got to look enthusiastic over like that one time. ]

[He can't even dignify that ridiculous idea with a response. It's nice to think about, though. Maybe he could be as famous as Matt thinks he could be. He's done well so far. Some big purchases lately, not that he knows who they are for. But it's still good for his confidence. Really pushes him to keep at it.

The room in the back that he leads them to is darker, but it's on purpose. There are a few sculptures and a few paintings, both. It's all still very modern and abstract, but it's not just pieces of wood so there's that.]