how long has it been

[losthunter]

It has been quite a few months since Hunter was last seen around the Nexus. His Starfleet studies have kept the tattooed man quite busy in that time. And with exams now out of the way, he needed to get back to a place that felt like home. To see the friends that he missed. And of course, distract himself from still being somewhat separated from his boyfriend.

Hunter sets up an artist pedestal, and places a white canvas on it.

"I have had an interesting time in the past while... learning about peacekeeping and diplomacy efforts. And having the chance to interact with other species from other worlds."

"It makes me realize the opportunity that the Nexus gives us... to learn from other worlds and cultures and species. And to give and get advice from those who visit this place."

"Who have you met that meant the most to you?" Hunter asks his question. "Also... I am accepting commissions again. So if you have someone in mind that you want a drawing off... let me know."

Comments

[tryingitall]

The sight of a canvas set up in the sunshine draws an angel out of the woodwork. Balthazar watches from a distance for a moment or two, then feels a frantic tug on his attention from the inside. Levi wants out.

His vessel asks for so little, and gives so much in return. He supposes it's natural that an artist would get excited to see another artist. He nips into a nearby shop and grab a couple bottles of water, then quietly turns over the body he shares to the human that was born into it.

Levi looks around with wide blue eyes and breaks into a little grin, briefly exhilarated by the opportunity to be out and about. He approaches Hunter a bit shyly, but with a look of genuine friendliness, and offers him one of the unopened bottles. "Morning! What's your medium? I used to do oils but there are so many paints available these days, it's lovely. I just got some shimmery acrylics and I don't know what to do with them but they're gorgeous."

He comes across as very enthusiastic, and very-probably-gay.

[losthunter]

Hunter is a little surprised to see the offered bottle of water. And smiles as he takes it. Immediately he knows he is speaking with another artist.

"When I do portraits, I prefer penciled crayons. But I also dabble in acrylics for landscapes and have introduced rose petals into my work for my abstract pieces."

"I also started creating metal jewelry and have my own pottery studio."

"I am a man of many mediums at times." He chuckles.

[tryingitall]

Takes one to know one, perhaps? Levi has only barely registered the marks and tattoos on Hunter, oddly enough. He's too pleasantly caught up in the idea of comparing notes.

"I used to do portraits in charcoal," he says thoughtfully. "Rose petals though, really? Do you dry them first? It sounds lovely but I imagine it could be messy if they decomposed on the surface of the painting..."

Which would be meaningful and artistic in its own way, but a bit more ephemeral than preserving them first would be. "I've never turned pottery on a wheel, but I've done some sculpting in clay. I'd love to give glassblowing a shot sometime."

"...sorry, I got excited there. I'm Levi, charmed to meet you." He offers a handshake.

[losthunter]

"I actually soak the rose petals in an acrylic paint, a little embalming fluid and rose water solution, so they don't decompose on the surface. Or I use them in my jewelry itself too."

Hunter extends his hand and smiles. "I am Hunter."

[tryingitall]

"Embalming fluid? That's terribly Gothic," he muses. "Not in a bad way; I just never thought of it myself. I used to to a lot of murals. I don't think anyone would have noticed if I'd sneaked in a petal or two."

His handclasp is firm. "Hello, Hunter! I'm afraid I'm a bit new to the place. I take it you've been visiting the Nexus for a while?"

[losthunter]

"I haven't been back to the Nexus for nearly a year... maybe longer."

"I have been staying in my boyfriend's world. In his apartment. But not as fun as it sounds... since he is away on a space exploration mission."

[tryingitall]

"Boyfriend? Oh!" Another thing they have in common! Levi's expression is a blend of shyly pleased and wistful. His lover is in Paradise, far beyond his reach, and he's only starting to learn how to live again.

"It's hard to be apart from them, isn't it? What about friends or family?"

[losthunter]

"Very hard. But it helps a little to know he has the support of his crew."

Hunter brushes a hand over his bald head. "I don't have any family myself. The few good friends I have made are here in the Nexus. So that is why I am glad I came back to visit."

[tryingitall]

"Mine...died. But I know he's safe and well now, in Heaven. That's not a religious statement, mind you. I'm sort of an agnostic, but I'm personally acquainted with an angel. It's a bit weird."

"I'm going to see him again, it's just a matter of when and how." That doesn't entirely help the heartache, though. Levi is quiet for a moment, then shakes his head as if to break free of the dark reverie.

"I'm from the very early twentieth century, so my family's all gone, as well, unfortunately. I've got the angel, at least, and his friends. That helps. I admit, I came over here looking for an artist friend, though."

[losthunter]

"That must be a little difficult. To have your lover gone." Hunter knows he worries about Jim all the time, considering the dangers of the exploration mission.

"Definitely anytime you want to hang out with another artist, I would be happy to be there for you. In fact, you are more than welcome to come to my studio too, if you wanted."

[tryingitall]

"Almost broke me," he admits with a faint grimace. "I was singlehandedly supporting the liquor industry in my corner of Brooklyn for a while."

He's making light, but it was a matter of time before his liver imploded, and he knows that now. But this is too dark a topic for a nice day. "I would love to see your studio! The angel has a room set up in his apartment for me, but I'd like a little more space, myself. Even if I'm not out all the time."

Realizing that's a statement that might require some clarification, he adds: "What I mean is, my body is an angelic vessel. I share it with an angel named Balthazar. He's taking a back seat right now but if you see me again and it doesn't seem like me, it's him."

[losthunter]

"I will even give you a spare key to access the studio, for your own use, when you have time. Right now I am not using it a lot. And I would rather art be made..."

Hunter listens to the explanation about the angel. And nods. Of course he believes the statement. His own life revolved around a connection with a witch.

"Will he remember this conversation?"