Title:  Portrait of Beauty
Author:  Jules
Pairing:  Nick/Kevin
Part:  1/1
Rating:  PG  
Disclaimer:  This is fiction for entertainment purposes.  Not to be mistaken for reality
Warning:  Slash warning.  AU warning,  NSYNC warning
Notes:  Setting is Toronto... so yeah.  Thought I'd point that out to ya'll in case you miss it.
~~
Portrait of Beauty
by Jules
 

He wasn't sure exactly when it all began.  It's not like it was something he was consciously looking for.  One day he wasn't aware of it, and then the next he was.  He wonders how many days had passed before he'd noticed.  Not that it mattered.  It didn't.  It's just that he prided himself on being a perceptive individual, someone who was always on the ball.  Usually.  This time not so much.  

 

Kevin Richardson was a big business tycoon on Bay Street, taking it the whole nine yards.  He had the posh downtown condo, the flashy car, the waiting line of single women just dying to spend a night, possibly more, in his company.  As much as he loved his life, there were times when he wondered how he got so caught up in it.  Working twelve hour days to secure that elusive client or win that impossible case.  Sometimes not seeing the light of day except through his window, because he got to work before the sun came up and left hours after it went back down.  Kevin had worked hard to get where he was and now continued to work just as hard to maintain his position.

 

His brother had come down to visit one day, wanting to see what kind of life his little brother was making for himself.  He had hung around the office for a little while, watching Kevin in action. By one, he'd decided that it was time for Kevin to take a break.  He'd suggested they go somewhere for lunch only for Kevin to laugh at him.  „I don't leave the office to eat.  I usually just go down and get a sandwich and eat it up here."  Within ten minues, Kevin found himself sitting outside at Nathan Phillip's Square, the old City Hall, with a hotdog, basket of fries and a Pepsi.  

 

Little did he know that it was to be the beginning of a daily ritual for Kevin, to walk down the street to the Square, grab a hotdog and just spend an hour outside, enjoying the beautiful weather.  He would watch the tourists, excited to be visiting Toronto and taking pictures, the students on a lunch break from classes, people of all ages, races and cultures simply out to enjoy the wonderful weather.  At first, he'd been hesitant to actually leave the office, in case something happened while he was away, but gradually, he realized that the time away from his desk and in the fresh air, gave him a rejuvenated spirit and more energy to continue on with his day. It was a reprieve that his mind, body and soul desperately needed, especially in the highly stressful atmosphere that he spent the majority of his days.

 

He remembers it to be a particularly busy Thursday that he noticed him.  The blonde sitting across the fountain.  Kevin had been just leaning back on the bench, face pointing  up to the sky for some of the warmth that the sun was providing.  Figures were bouncing around in his head, Kevin's mind on the documents that had come across his desk five minutes before he was to leave.  He had almost decided to forgo the lunch, just sit inside and work, but something was pulling him.  The only times that he missed his ritual was when he had a lunch meeting to attend.  He didn't, so he figured that the documents could wait until he returned at two.  Birds were fighting over remnants of someone's hot dog bun, squaking loudly breaking Kevin from his deep thoughts.  It was when he opened his eyes that he noticed him.  Beautiful.  Angelic.  


The man was slouched on the bench he was occupying, earphones on his head and a drawing pad on his lap.  Kevin saw his shoulders shaking, indicating that he was sketching something.  Someone.  The blonde was wearing a pair of sunglasses but Kevin could tell how deep in concentration he was.  The minutes passed, Kevin unable to tear his eyes away from him.  Finally, his watch sounded indicating that he had to return to the office.  On his walk back Kevin's mind was on the blonde.  Had he been there before and he'd just not noticed?  Was it just a coincidence that he'd been there?  Just someone passing through?  Kevin couldn't get him out of his mind, all thoughts of work flying out the window.

 

The next day, Kevin headed down for lunch, anticipation twisting in his stomach.  He was anxious to see if the blonde would be there.  Once Kevin had bought his lunch and headed towards his usual spot, he nervously searched around the Square.  Sitting directly across from him was the blonde, wearing the same headphones with the same sunglasses, drawing on the same pad of paper.  The only thing that had changed was today he was wearing a bandana covering his blonde hair and different clothes.  Kevin once again felt his stomach do flip flops, a giddy smile covering his face.  

 

Clearly the blonde was there quite often, and Kevin couldn't help but wonder how long he'd been missing him.  Where his mind had been to not have seen this gorgeous creature, sitting directly in front of him.  While eating, Kevin discreetly watched the blonde draw, oblivious to everything and everyone around him.  In his mind, Kevin made up scenarios about him, answering questions that he had of who he was and what he was doing.  

 

Kevin suddenly couldn't make lunch meetings between one and two any longer.  Exceptions were made if it couldn't be avoided, but for the most part, his meetings would last until one or start after two.  This one hour of his day was his sanctuary, the thing that he lived and breathed for.  The thought to go and actually speak to the blonde occurred to Kevin, but was dismissed just as quickly as it came.  He wouldn't have known what to say even if he did approach him.  It wasn't his practice to approach gorgeous young men, and Kevin figured that the blonde was younger, much younger than his own 31 years, in public places just to strike up random conversations.  So he simply resorted to making up his own conversations in his head with him, keeping a safe distance.  The last thing he wanted was to creep him out and run the risk of scaring him away, because if that happened, Kevin wouldn't have anything to look forward to.

 

There were a few days when the blonde didn't show up, giving Kevin even more cause for speculation.  He would always worry that something had happened to change the blonde's schedule and that he might not be back, but then the next day, Kevin would arrive to thankfully see the blonde in his usual bench, for he never moved from that spot, drawing away.  Oblivious to his watching eyes.

 

Some days Kevin would bring work with him.  It was on those days that he couldn't afford the time to not be working, so instead of keeping himself locked in his office, he'd bring the documents with him.  Or even important calls.  He would take them on his cell phone, not compromising his guilty pleasure for work.  He worked so hard, he figured that he was allowed to indulge one hour a day.  

 

~~

 

„Kevin, here is your mail for the day."  His secretary handed over his mail, smiling as she headed back out to her desk..  Thanking her, he began to sift through personal mail and client related mail, a decorated white envelope catching his attention.  Looking for the return adress, he found none.  Curiosity getting the better of him, Kevin put down the rest of his mail and opened it immediately, finding an invitation inside.  It was for the opening of a new wing to the Art Gallery of Ontario, solely featuring art from the Ontario College of Art and Design.  

 

„Beverly?  Who is this from?"  Kevin asked his assistant, holding up the invitation.

 

„I'm not sure.  It came with the mail today."  She checked her contacts, shrugging her shoulders.  „You don't deal with anyone on the board at the Gallery, so I'm not sure why you would be invited."

 

„Strange."

 

„Are you going to go?  Should I call one of your dates?"

 

Kevin chuckled as he shook his head.  Beverly had been working for him for long enough to know the ropes.  He had a short list of women that he took to social functions just like this one.  They were women who understood his sexual situation, yet still agreed to accompany him just for the benefits it reaped. „No.  That will be fine.  I'm not even sure I'm going to go."  

 

Kevin went back into his office, looking over the invitation once more.  It was for the following Friday evening at 8pm, several of the Academy's best students being showcased there.  Although still not sure as to why he was invited, Kevin put the invitation in his top drawer, continuing on with his day.

 

~~

 

He hadn't been there in a week.  Every day Kevin had shown up, gotten his lunch and headed towards his usual bench only to find that the blonde was nowhere to be seen.  Monday and Tuesday he hadn't worried too much about it, as the weather had been pretty crappy and even Kevin had considered skipping his ritual lunch.  By Thursday he had been getting pretty worried.  The blonde had never missed this many days in a row, and Kevin was wondering where he'd gone or if he'd be back.  

 

Friday came with light rain and dark skies, keeping Kevin in his office.  He figured that if the blonde hadn't been there all week when it wasn't raining, he wouldn't be showing up on a Friday to be soaked.  It wasn't too bad that he'd stayed in his office as there were two deadlines he had to meet for 5pm that day, both of which needed just a bit more tweaking before he could send in the proposals.  The day passed without him realizing it, Kevin's stomach growling an indication of the late hour.  Chekcing the clock on his desk, Kevin saw that it was after 8 o'clock.  He was exhausted, having already put in 12 hours that day.  When he opened up his top drawer to grab a granola bar, the invitation to the gallery opening caught his eye.  He'd forgotten all about it.

 

Kevin held the thick paper in his hand, reading it over once more.  He still had no idea as to who had sent him the invitation.  Looking out his window onto Bay Street, he saw that the rain had stopped.  The Gallery was about a five minute cab ride over, and had only started about an hour ago.  Odds were that it was just now getting started.  He decided to throw caution to the wind and grabbed his suit coat from the back of his chair.  It took a few minutes to shut everything down and Kevin was on his way.  He caught a taxi right outside of his office.  „AGO please."  Ten minutes later Kevin was handing the man at the door his invitation, allowed in with a smile.

 

„Enjoy the party Sir."  Kevin nodded his thanks before entering.  

 

The room was full of men and women, enjoying cocktails and finger foods, talking animatedly while looking at the displays of artwork on the walls.  He saw a few people he recognized, heading directly over to say hello.

 

„Kevin.  How have you been?"

 

„Josh," Kevin took the man's hand in a hearty handshake.  „Busy as usual."  Josh Chasez was someone Kevin had met through clients of his.  He was a world renouned art dealer.  „How are things with you?"

 

„Good.  It's a wonderful time for art right now.  So much new talent."  Josh waved his arm, indicating the work being currently showcased.  „I didn't expect to see you here.  I had no idea you were into art.  In fact, I didn't realize you left your office."

 

Both men shared a laugh as Kevin clapped him on the shoulder, „I'm just as surprised as you Josh.  I received an invitation in the mail last week and thought that I would come check it out."

 

„Well, it's great to see you here.  Broadening your horizons.  I always thought you'd have an eye for beautiful things if you would just pry yourself away from that office of yours."  Kevin felt Josh step in closer, his smile turning from being polite to inviting.  Kevin felt his body react, his own smile warming up considerably.  

 

„I am always on the market for beauty Josh.  I'm focused, not dead."

 

„Touche."  Just as Josh was about to say more, another man joined them, wrapping his arm protectively around his waist.  He turned to greet the man.  „Lance.  I was wondering where you'd run off to."

 

„I was talking to one of the artists, looking into purchasing some of his work."  Lance looked at Kevin, his eyes and his smile widening.  „Well hello."

 

The hair on Kevin's arm stood up at the way Lance was looking at him, like he knew him.  But Kevin knew they'd never met.  It was just odd.  „Hello.  Kevin Richardson."

 

„So you do have a name."  Both Josh and Kevin gave him an odd look.

 

„Of course he does baby, what do you  mean by that?"  Josh smiled at Kevin, shrugging.  

 

„You'll see when you stop talking long enough to look at the displays."  Lance turned to Kevin and shook his hand.  „Well, it's nice to meet you Kevin.  Now if you don't mind, I'm going to steal my man away from you for a few minutes."  

 

„Certainly,"  Kevin bid them both a goodbye, slightly confused by Lance's reaction to him.  As he continued through the crowd of people, he saw others watching him closely, whispering as he passed by looking at the art.  He couldn't get the strange sensation of people talking about him out of his head.  

 

„I didn't think you would come."  A voice spoke to him from behind.  Kevin turned around, almost gasping at the sight before him.  „I figured you would have thrown it away, not knowing who it was from and all."

 

It was him.  The blonde from City Hall.  Standing before him, in the flesh.  Kevin was so shocked to see him standing there that he didn't speak, his face flushed and his jaw gaping open.  Kevin took a moment to let his eyes wander down his broad frame, raising again to meet his eyes.  Blue.  His eyes were a brilliant, clear shade of blue.  And his skin was flawless.  It was the first time Kevin had seen him this close up and he felt his pulse racing.  „I --I wasn't sure."

 

The blonde ran a hand through his blonde spikes, looking shyly down at his feet. „Yeah, well.  I'm glad that you did."


They stood together awkwardly, neither sure of what to say.  Kevin was still shocked that this was all happening, the blonde the last person he'd expected to see there, let alone have been the one to invite him.  Thankfully, someone approached, breaking up the awkward silence.

 

„Mr. Carter.  Wonderful work.  Quite possibly the best I've seen in years.  There is so much talent coming out of OCAD this term."  Kevin watched the blonde blush and shake the woman's hand.

 

„Thank you.  It's been a wonderful year all around for the school."  They spoke for a few more minutes before the woman turned her attention to Kevin, her eyes lighting up in a way that was becoming all too familiar this evening.

 

„And you.  Mr--"  The woman presented her hand for Kevin to take, which he did, shaking it firmly.

 

„Richardson.  Kevin Richardson."

 

„Well, it's great to meet you as well.  You should be very proud of Mr. Carter."


They spoke for a few more minutes before she had to continue on, leaving them alone once again.  „People have been giving me that look all night."  Kevin mentioned.  He saw the blonde, who's last name he'd gathered to be Carter, blush.

 

„Well.  There's something I guess I should tell you."

 

Kevin couldn't help but interrupt, „Please.  First start with your name.  You clearly already know mine, but all I know to this point is that you are Mr. Carter.  Which, by the way, how DID you find out my name?"

 

„Nick.  Nick Carter."  They shook hands, Kevin feeling the electricity throughout his entire body.  „And --well your company logo is stitched on  your bag.  I figured that's where you worked, and called the main desk.  Mentioned that I'd been in a meeting a few weeks earlier and you were there but hadn't caught your name.  Described what you looked like and she told me who you were.  I mentioned that you had impressed me and I was looking to set up a meeting to further discuss business prospects with you.  She was very helpful."

 

Kevin was touched at how much effort Nick had gone through to find out his name.  For someone that he'd thought had never noticed him before, the blonde really had done his homework.  „Okay, so now.  Can you shed some light on why people seem to be giving me this look."  Kevin pointed to a couple that were watching them curiously.  „That look."

 

Nick blushed again, biting his lip nervously. „I'm --I'm an art student obviously, or I wouldn't be here.  My work is being showcased tonight as one of the featured artists.  And --well--"  Nick was having trouble expressing what he wanted to say, and Kevin couldn't help but get caught up by the way he'd nervously chew his lower lip.  The way his eyes would dart up to meet his, only to look away quickly.  „Maybe I'll just show you."

 

Nick led him futher down the narrow walkway towards another section of displayed work.  Before they went any further, Nick turned around suddenly.  „Please, just don't be too upset.  They think I have permission."

 

„Permission for what?"  Kevin asked, the question dying on his lips when he saw the drawings under Nick's section of wall space.  There had to be two dozen portraits of himself, all from different angles, in different positions.  They had been done during his lunches, as in some Kevin was eating his hot dog or French fries, or taking a drink from his bottle of water.  Some were of him on the phone, his facial expressions ranging from angry to relaxed.  There were also a few of him reading his documents or just relaxing, face pointed upwards.  The one that Kevin focused on the most was one where it was as if he was looking directly at Nick.  Watching him intensely.  A look that Kevin had thought the blonde had been oblvious to.  „Wow."

 

„Yeah."  Nick said softly, shifting from foot to foot.  „I know I should have asked permission before displaying them, but --I couldn't risk you saying no.  And I wanted it to be a surprise."  

 

Kevin was barely listening as he inspected each one.  Some were basic sketches, some painted, some in pastels.  All were absolutely breathtaking.  There was other work on the wall by Nick, ones that weren't him, but Kevin was drawn to how intricate Nick's portraits of him were.  There was one that caused for Kevin to stop, his hand tracing the frame gently.



„That was the first day you came down.  You and that man.  I always remember that day because I was  going to start going somewhere else that morning.  Find somewhere else to go and draw, but something pulled me to the Square.  I had been there two hours before you showed up, but then I saw you and knew I found it."

 

„Found what?"  Kevin asked, his voice barely a whisper.

 

„My inspiration."  They both turned to look at one another.  „Our project was to capture life.  Beauty.  We were to look within and find something inspiring, and then get it down on paper.  We could sketch, paint, charcoal, whatever we wanted.  But it had to be something that spoke to us.  I had been finding it difficult, unable to find something that really moved me enough.  But then that day I saw you and there was no question."

 

Kevin found himself blushing at Nick's praise.  „I never even thought--"


"So I hope it's okay."

 

„I didn't think you'd even seen me.  You were always so focused on what you were doing, that I figured you had no idea I was even there.  Watching you."  Their eyes met and Kevin felt something between them.

 

„I couldn't see anything else, there was only you."

 

„Wow."  Kevin focused his attention back on the art, once again looking at each one.  It was clear through the series of patintings the differences in him.  How stressed and focused he looked when he'd first began going down, to how relaxed and calm he looked as recently as the week before.  He was looking at the picture of him with is brother and grinned.  

 

„Is that--"

 

„My brother.  He had come to visit me that day and demanded that I leave the office for lunch.  Said I needed a break, I was working too hard.  I fought him the whole way."  Nick nodded, giving a soft smile.  He turned to face Nick, his hand resting beside the painting.  „How much would you like for this?"  Kevin loved the expression of shock that covered Nick's face.

 

„Pardon?"

 

„This piece.  How much would you like for it?"

 

„It's--"  Nick looked back from the picture of Kevin and his brother back to Kevin and then around them at the people walking around.  He wasn't sure if it was a joke or not.  „Are you serious?"  Kevin nodded, completely serious.  „I --I don't know.  No one has ever wanted to buy one of my drawings before."

 

Kevin chuckled, his attention caught by Joshua who was passing by.  „Josh.  Come here please."

 

With a smile, Josh and Lance headed towards them, Josh's eyes lighting up when he saw Nick's work.  „Oh Lancey.  This was what you were talking about.  Fabulous.  Absolutely fabulous."  He looked at Kevin, grinning.  „And you, Mr. Modest.  Not telling us why you were really here."

 

„Josh.  Look at Nick's work, tell me how much you think one of his paintings would sell for.  Ball park figure."

 

„This is your stuff?"  Josh asked.  Nick nodded in reply.  He looked at the work, making soft noises of appreciation in reply.  Finally he stopped and looked back at Nick and Kevin, who were watching him intently.  „Which one in particular?"

 

„Does it matter?"  Kevin asked.  Josh rolled his eyes, exhaling deeply.

 

„Yes it matters.  There are some here that Nickolas could charge more for.  It's all in the different styles that he used.  The ways he expressed his subject.  Which one were you looking at, specifically."  

 

„This one."  Kevin pointed to the one of him and his brother.  Josh nodded, giving him a smile.  

 

„Excellent choice.  It's by far one of his best.  But then again they are all beautiful so you're picking the best of the best.  You know."  Josh took another look at it and wrote down a number for Kevin to see.  Kevin raised an eyebrow.

 

„Are you sure?  This is what you would say it's worth?"

 

„If I were to display it in my shop or my gallery.  I would suggest that price."  Josh saw the look on Kevin's face.  „He's a first time artist Kevin.  This is his first show.  For him to charge more than that right now wouldn't be wise.   No matter how much it is actually worth, this is what I would suggest.   And still, it's a hell of a lot more than other first time sellers.  By a thousand at least."

 

„It's more by a thousand?  Dollars?"  Nick squeaked out, disbelief on his face.  Josh and Lance both let out gentle laughs.

 

„Yes my dear.  You're in the big leagues now gorgeous."  Josh gave Nick a wink.

 

Lance handed Nick a business card.  „Give us a call.  We're art dealers.  Josh also does some representation if the artist is what we are looking for.  And looking at your work, we are definitely looking for you right now."  Nick blushed causing Josh to take his hands in his own.

 

„You're a rare talent Mr. Carter.  Please, even if you decide not to go with us, give us a call.  I'd love to display some of your work at my place."  He turned to face Kevin, „And yes Kevin.  That is what I would charge you if it was up to me.  The number is considerably less than what he will be charging in years to come.  So embrace it.  You can say you knew him when."

 

With that said, Lance and Josh nodded as they continued, leaving Kevin and Nick alone.  Kevin reached into his case and extracted his planner.  Both men were silent as Kevin wrote a cheque, tearing it and handing it to Nick.  „I'd like to buy this piece."  Nick took the cheque and gasped at the amount written.  His eyes bulged open and his jaw dropped.

 

„This --this is too much."

 

„It is slightly higher than what Joshua advised me, but not by all that much Nick.  This is the ballpark of which he thinks you'll be selling your work at."  Nick tried to hand Kevin back the cheque, stopped by Kevin's hand.  „I will not accept your refusal."

 

„I'd have given it to you for free.  For not asking permission and all."

 

„And I would have said no.  Your work, putting the subject aside for discussion, is phenomenal Nick.  You can't even imagine what it means to me to see it.  To know that you've captured me in such a --beautiful way.  My mother will love this portrait of my brother and I.  And to know that it is a one of a kind original, it is worth every zero written on that piece of paper.

 

„I still can't accept it."

 

„You can and you will."  Kevin's tone was serious, his face set in stone.  Nick nodded and folded the cheque, slipping it into his wallet for safe keeping.  

 

„Thank you."

 

Other admirers approached, wanting to talk to the artist.  Kevin stood back, watching Nick in awe.  Finally, they found themselves alone.  He had decided that the time to act was now.  „Nick?  What time do you think you'll be finished here?"  Kevin checked his watch, it was nearly 10pm.

 

„Not sure.  I think that the showing is over around midnight."

 

„Do you want to get a drink after this?"  Kevin couldn't remember the last time he'd been so nervous asking someone out.  He hoped that he wasn't wrong in assuming that Nick would be interested.  The smile that broke out on Nick's face eased his fears.  

 

„I'd -- I'd love to."  Kevin took Nick's hand in his own to shake it, stroking Nick's palm with his thumb.

 

„Good."  Recognition flashed in Nick's eyes and Kevin watched as they turned a darker shade of blue, Nick's grip getting tighter, almost pulling Kevin in.  An unspoken connection had passed between them and Kevin was glad that they were on the same page.  „Well.  I'm sure that there are tons of people who would like to talk to you, people you've got to schmooze, and there are a few friends of mine over at that display.  So I'll let you get to work.."  Kevin didn't let Nick's hand go just yet, not wanting to break the contact.  „So let me know when you're ready to get out of here."

 

„I'm ready now,"  Nick admitted, his voice sending chills up Kevin's spine.

 

„I was ready weeks go.  But in due time."  They shared a smile and both let go of the other's hand at the same time.  As soon as Kevin stepped away, Nick was surrounded by perspective buyers and gallery owners, all trying to get his attention.  Kevin didn't go far before he turned back around, wanting to take another look at his blonde angel.  He was still unable to believe everything that had progressed to this point.  That he was standing in the Art Gallery, with the one man he'd been daydreaming about for the past few weeks.  Months.  Just as he had been about to turn around and approach a group of people that he knew, Kevin's eyes caught to the name of Nick's collection.  Each artist had given their section a theme name, Nick's displayed prominently to the right of his work, right above where he was currently standing.  

 

Portrait of Beauty.

 

„How fitting."  Kevin whispered to himself.  At that moment, Nick looked up from the man he was speaking with to meet Kevin's eye, both men smiling.  He reached into his pocket and extracted his cell phone, dialing his brother's phone number.  When he heard a familiar voice on the other end, Kevin smiled.  „Big brother.  Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

 

Finis


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