Rhys had always seen himself as … creative. Not like, over-the-top, he knew he was no Da Vinci. But, he knew he had a pretty good hand for painting and drawing, and he wanted to start getting some real use out of it rather than just the occasional commission sale on the internet. So, he'd decided on art class. No, not some stupid high school grade art class where they taught you about the color wheel and the difference between hues and shades. But an art class where he'd be able to fully learn his technique, his style. The description on the class's site had even said it was focused on animated characters and background design, so it was perfect for him.
The site had said to bring a portfolio, so he gathered up his best pencil sketches and watercolors and acrylic paintings, along with his tablet, where most of his work was made. He liked to do fan comics for various little fandoms, along with whatever else he wanted to sketch, but the most money he ever got was when he took commissions and it's not like those got him a fortune. It's not like he was struggling or anything, his roomie and best friend Vaughn was totally loaded and helped out whenever Rhys needed. He felt bad for loitering on the guys shoulder though and didn't want to have to take advantage of him anymore. Rhys had a job that helped out too, but that was only a barista job at the nearest café in their town of Helios.
So, to the art studio it was. After putting on some black sweats and his old black and yellow college hoodie, he was out the door and into Vaughn's (borrowed, with permission) car. He was going to be sitting in a room filled with a bunch of teenage girls and creepy geeks, he knew he wouldn't have anyone to impress, and he wanted to be comfy dammit. It'd taken him a little longer than he thought to get there – Helios was so damn big it was hard to find anything in this city. But he'd finally pulled into the parking lot, and Rhys nodded at the sign hanging on the building. 'Heroes of the Arts'. Weird name, but not bad, and if it was centered on characters than the word heroes was probably fitting.
He stopped wasting time, climbing out of the car and making his way to the other side. It's not like he'd be late, actually he was pretty early but that's just cause he liked to be. To be honest he wanted to make sure he got a seat in the back of the room. There were only five other cars in the parking lot, one of them which Rhys had parked next to, and he couldn't help but admire it a little. He'd always had a thing for sports cars, but he knew he'd never be able to afford one in his damned life. So, he took the liberty of driving Vaughn's when he was able. This neighboring car was baby blue, the curves of the metal sleek and sultry and Rhys sort of wanted to run his fingers along it, but didn't want to be too weird. Hell, the windows were tinted to all hell, which kind of made him think whoever owned this might be a douche, but also reminded him they could probably be right inside it or something and Rhys wouldn't even know, so he quickly turned his attention back to Vaughn's passenger door. He opened it up, grabbing up his things after shoving his lanyard in his sweats pocket, and closed the door again.
"One hell of a car, isn't it kiddo?"
What the shit. Rhys had jumped, turning back to the other car, half expecting to see the window rolled down like someone had been in there all along after all. He furrowed his brows to see nothing though, and when he heard a quick whistle he glanced towards the building to see …
Oh.
The most beautiful man he'd probably ever laid his eyes upon.
The man looked about Rhys' height, it was hard to tell from his distance, but his perfectly messy styled dark hair gave him a few extra inches. He had a silver streak of hair, but to Rhys it just looked like more of a statement than anything, and black glasses that rimmed his (were they green? Or blue?) eyes. He wore a cream colored sweater that hugged his torso deliciously, and some brown pants that did the same for his legs, and Rhys had to stop himself from licking his lips. He was standing proud, head up high with a hand on his hip, other hand holding something that must be a portfolio. A loaded one, at that. So was this guy another student? A guy like that? Suddenly, he was regretting his choice of wardrobe.
"Yours is pretty damn fine too." Rhys wished this man wasn't talking about that car. "Christ, I might get myself one of those. Where'd you find it at? The Hub?"
"Uh ..." How should he answer that? He didn't want to come off as a lame ass who borrowed his friend's flawless car, but he also didn't want to lie … "I'm not really sure," he shrugged then. At least with that it could go both ways.
The man tsked, but made his way over, and it looked like he was headed straight for Rhys before he got to the driver's side of the other vehicle, and the auburn haired male quickly scooted to the nose of the cars to give the other room. "Shame. Eh, I'll find it somehow," the man commented, going silent for a second while he seemed to shuffle things around in the car a little before standing straight again. So maybe Rhys had been checking out his butt, but now his eyes were meeting the other's again after noting he'd switched out portfolios. Must have grabbed the wrong one. Which was impressive because they had both been stacked and the fact that he had multiple said something.
"Can I … Can I see some?" Rhys asked then, sheepishly, pointing a finger towards the large envelope-like thing in his hands.
The man glanced towards the studio, seeming to think for a moment before nodding and walking a little closer to Rhys, laying the portfolio down on the hood of his blue car. Now that they were closer the younger looking man could see they must really be the same height, and getting a glimpse at his features he noticed his eyes were in fact blue and green. That was … hmm. Calm down Rhys. It didn't help that his cologne smelled like the best mix of maple and cinnamon, and not that overbearing husk kind of scent that other guys usually went for. But, he was opening up the portfolio now, and it only took Rhys seeing the first piece for him to be in awe, staring for a good few seconds before the man turned to the next work.
"Wow, that's … these are … incredible," Rhys praised, and when he saw the slight breeze threaten to rip the papers away from the car he was moving a hand over to help hold them down, their hands close enough to have the kid's heart racing. This was embarrassing. What was he, in high school? Just looking and somebody and being next to them should not turn him on this much. Grow up, Rhys.
"Thanks, pumpkin." Pumpkin? Oh lord he wouldn't survive this. "I mean, this is the old stuff, so I figured I'd bring this in for now so that I stoop down a little closer to everyone else's level," the guy snorted, and oh. That sounded douchey, which confirmed his thought about the window tint, but it didn't turn him on any less.
Rhys just nodded, as the tanned man allowed him to flip through a few more of the pieces before the portfolio was folded back up again and tucked under his arm. "Anyways, let's get inside, huh? Looks like it wants to rain. The weather in this city, I swear," the other scoffed, and Rhys couldn't help but laugh. Yeah, the weather was pretty bad in Helios. The guy turned and headed inside, and Rhys followed along like some puppy begging to be taken in.
That's when Rhys realized he was missing one minor detail. He knew why he thought of it then. The rain made him think of cozy inside days, and cuddles, and then cuddles that would lead to other things that he wanted to do with this man – which took him to this. "I'm uh, I'm Rhys, by the way."
"Rhys," the man repeated, as if trying the name out for himself, before giving a quick nod. "I like it. I'm Jack." And this man, Jack, looked back and smirked, a smirk that had blood flowing to two places on Rhys' body. He offered a quick smile in return, before the brunette was looking away again and Rhys scowled at himself. Idiot.
He played with the corner of his own portfolio, mentally scolding himself until they'd reached the door of the building. Jack walked in and held it open, and the thought that he must not be totally douchey crossed his mind as he murmured a small, "Thanks."
"Ya' know, your butt would look a lot better if you weren't wearing those sweatpants, cupcake," Jack remarked from behind, and Rhys couldn't help but sputter. He whipped around, eyes wide, gawking at the older man who seemed to hesitate before bursting into a fit of laughter. "It's a compliment! Just wear a nice pair of jeans next time. Not black – they'll wear your shape out," he smirked.
How – How was he supposed to respond to that? 'Oh, yeah, thanks for the advice, never knew.' 'Do you want to come over to my place and see it without the clothes next time?' Yeah, no, neither of those. So he just flushed, staring at the man for a second before turning again and heading further inside. He wasn't exactly sure where he was even supposed to go, but he was guessing the big sign that said 'enter if you dare' next to an illuminated door was his answer.
When he turned the corner, he saw seven people were in the room so far. Two blonde girls, must be twins. They glanced over and grinned, though it seemed to be more so aimed at Jack who walked in behind him. There were three teenage boys, all grouped in the same area, so they must have carpooled or just became buds that fast. Pfft. The only friends Rhys ever knew how to make that fast were ones that complimented his butt apparently. Then there was the creepy geek looking guy the auburn haired male would predicted, but he looked really kind, and since he was seated in the front of the room he could get a good glance at this currently displayed portfolio, and it looked really well done. Lastly was some emo kid in one of the two back corners, but that's okay, because the last back corner seat left was near a window, perfect for Rhys. He could use the thoughts of the outside world instead of … Well. The dirty thoughts of the guy he just met. Anyways, he didn't see the teacher yet, but that was fine, just meant he had time to get his things set out and look all impressive before he got in here.
He headed for the back and set his portfolio on the easel, plopping down on the padded stool, and glanced over when Jack sat down right next to him. Oh, great, so he was going to sit there? Well wasn't this just magnificent, he'd never be able to focus on his art now. He didn't seem to put his portfolio up though, keeping it in his (big, firm, daydreamable-) hands.
"Have you met the teacher yet?" Rhys inquired after a second, turning his attention elsewhere as he grabbed up his tablet and turned it on. Okay, well, his attention was still far too much on Jack, but at least his eyes were somewhere else.
The café barista noted the few long seconds of silence, which seemed uncharacteristic from what he'd gotten out of this guy so far. Rhys was pretty sure the brunette loved the sound of his own voice, which shouldn't be hot, but it still was. The younger man glanced over curiously, just in time for Jack to nod and spit out a laugh.
"Yeah. You'll like him. He's like the McDreamy of the art world," the older mused. Grey's Anatomy reference? Nice.
"And what does that make you? McNaughty?" Rhys replied sarcastically. He hoped the teenagers in the room weren't paying any attention.
He earned an appreciative seeming laugh from Jack, before he was sent a wink that had the kid's cheek tinting a red that was probably more than just a little visible. Dammit. "You know it, Rhysie."
Rhysie.
He was going to faint.
He licked his lips and turned his attention back to his tablet again, trying to clear his mind of any inappropriate thoughts as he pulled up the folder he'd hade specifically for this class. He stared at the screen, hesitating a moment, before he was reaching an arm out and offering it over to Jack.
"I know you're like … a god at art," he heard a chuckle then, "so it might not be great compared to your stuff but … is it okay at least?" Rhys questioned almost sheepishly, raising a brow lightly. The older man didn't hesitate to take the device from Rhys' hand, and the kid had to tell himself to chill when their fingers brushed briefly.
It took a while for Rhys to get an answer, maybe five minutes. He wasn't sure if that made him happy that Jack must be looking that thoroughly or scared shitless that he must be criticizing him that much. He'd distracted himself in the meantime, one, so he stopped working himself up over the answer, and two, so that he wasn't sitting there staring at Jack. He'd noticed six more people had come in, mainly filling the front, and that there were about five more minutes until the class started. And still no teacher? What the hell had his name been … John? Damn you John for cursing Rhys to spend more time with this gorgeous piece of art next to him. And he wasn't talking about anything in a portfolio.
"It's good." Good? Good didn't sound good, but okay. Jack seemed to pause on a certain picture for a few seconds before swiping to another one. "Your style is really nice, but a little inconsistent. I have a feeling you know that though, otherwise why would you be here," the man commented. "And hey, the storyline is good too."
Wait. Storyline? What was Jack … Oh. Oh. Oh fuck.
"Y-You – you weren't supposed to look in the other folders!" Rhys quickly protested, face flushing all sorts of red. He snatched the tablet from Jack's hands, who gave a little snicker. "Shut up! It's not funny," he huffed. It was one thing showing this ten out of ten hottie his appropriate folders. He was like perfect at that he did and Rhys felt stupid thinking he could be any sort of artist when guys like Jack existed. But there was stuff in there that he didn't want the daddy material guy that was flirting with him to see – not really the story he was talking about, no. But, if he'd went through that folder than the younger male was sure he'd went through others. Fuck.
"Aww, now don't be mean, kitten," Jack said, though his voice was practically a purr that almost had Rhys falling out of his seat. Not to mention the pet name. Literally. It seemed he'd opened his mouth to speak again, nut was interrupted when an alarm went off in the front of the room. Jack tsked, glancing forward before looking to Rhys again. "Looks like we'll have to chit-chat later," he murmured, sending the auburn haired another wink.
That statement totally confused Rhys. He did not see Jack as the type to actually just up and listen during any type of class, but whatever. He felt himself grow a little disappointed, but quickly pushed that away after telling himself he'd be able to focus better this way.
But wait.
Rhys was even more confused when the brunette stood from the neighboring stool and made his way to the front of the room. What? He wasn't even going to sit back here?
Oh my god.
"Alright, my little minions," Jack's voice bellowed as he walked up to the front of the room, and Rhys had to stop himself from jumping. "I'm John, but don't call me that, just call me Jack. No 'Mr.'s or 'sir's or anything like that are allowed to be heard in this building. Capisce? Okay."
Rhys' jaw was held open. His teacher had totally been flirting with him. His teacher that he was scheduled to spend the whole spring around. Three months. For three months he was supposed to see this guy twice a week. He might as well dig his own grave now.
Nobody really spoke for the next minute or so, just putting their music away or putting their best work out on display as Jack went to his desk to turn on a radio and grab up a mug that Rhys was pretty sure said 'these lattes suck'. Alright. The kid watched as Jack – John? – Jack leaned against the edge of his desk, mismatched orbs going straight for Rhys.
Oh. Oh no. Don't do that.
He quickly ducked his head behind his portfolio, taking a breath and scowling at himself. Maybe he should back out now. He was never going to get anywhere with his art if he had to stare at Jack each class. Well … maybe the guy would serve as some nice inspiration? No, shut up, he definitely would not, dammit Rhys.
"Now that everybody's got all their shit out, I'll explain what we've got going on. I'm not gonna' teach you anything today. I'm going to go through your portfolios and see if you're worth it, and if you're not, buh bye to you. Don't give me any attitude either. While I'm doing that, you guys are gonna' be working on something – doesn't matter what, sketch, painting, yada yada, but I need to see how you guys work under a limited amount of time. You guys have two minutes to decide what you're doing and then I better see all of your asses working."
With that, Jack tapped on the edge of his desk twice, and everybody started pulling out whatever they'd need to work. Some people pulled their easels down and tilted them until they formed a desk, and Rhys knew that's probably what he should do, but instead he kept hiding. This felt exactly like he was back in high school, and he hated it. At least he'd never had a crush on the teacher before.
Wait. N-Not that he did now – totally didn't. Okay, maybe. But he'd read somewhere that crushes only last like three months, so as long as Jack didn't flirt too much more, it'd be perfectly fine. It'd wear off in no time.
"Ya' know pumpkin, when I said everybody needed to be working, I meant you too," came a sudden voice, and Rhys could smell the maple and cinnamon again. As if Jack wasn't yummy enough already.
Shut up.
"I have at least another minute," the younger managed to comment, and the brunette snorted.
"Right right. Well, at least stop gripping your portfolio like you will be with my shirt in no time, and let me see it."
What – Rhys gawked at Jack for probably the third time, and was met with a smirk that kind of made him think this guy could eat him alive any second. He was quickly looking around then, making sure no one overheard – and thanks to the music in the background no one had seemed to.
But that's when he realized the song on right now was 'Cake by the Ocean' and he couldn't help but imagine him and Jack performing that little innuendo before he was quickly clearing his throat, loosening his grip on the portfolio and handing it over.
"You had to start with me?" Rhys scoffed, remembering the old school days and how he'd dreaded when the teachers would do this to him back then. Well, at least he wasn't getting graded anymore.
"Well, I'd already went through your tablet, and most of the people are up front, so I figured this'd be easiest," Jack commented, and Rhys huffed. "Now get that bratty teenage look off your face before I smack it."
It took the man a few minutes to look through everything thoroughly, and he'd ask Rhys a question every now and then, before he was finally handing everything back again. "Good, same things I already said, plus we need to work on your crisp edges on paintings. Now, get those hands working."
Rhys wouldn't comment on that last part, so he just nodded, watching as Jack went to the next person. What should he even draw? He wouldn't try painting at this point, too much work in this amount of time, and with his current lack of concentration. So, he decided to just draw the two main characters from his comic, since it's the easiest and fastest thing he knew how to do, turning his tablet back on and pulling the stencil out of the top.
First he drew little stick figures for positioning, slowly adding the joints and then the outlines of the bodies and hair. Then he got to the faces, working on placement, and then the rough outline of the clothes. He couldn't help but look to Jack every now and then, watching how he'd point to someone's work and then flash a quick smile before moving to the next. It didn't seem he'd given anyone else that smirk from earlier, and Rhys almost felt a little … relieved. He wasn't going to think about why.
It took him a little bit to notice, but Jack would glance back at him a lot too. It's not like the guy was hiding it, hell no, he'd smirk to his ears whenever him and Rhys would connect gazes. And of course, Rhys would get embarrassed and quickly look back to his tablet every time, and he was sure he'd always hear a faint chuckle from across the room.
Somehow, the time went by faster than Rhys anticipated. He'd gotten his work done though, even rolling on some quick color before the older man was calling attention to the whole class. "Alright, kiddos. Anything dry, hang it up on the wall, anything wet, put it in the racks. Anything digital, my email's on the front board and you can just send it there."
Jack's email? Rhys wondered if it was personal or work. Not that it mattered … He was just sending his picture in. But so was everyone else… Ugh, it didn't matter. After getting his work into a draft and getting the email on the board into the send bar, Rhys wondered if he should say anything with it. Would that be weird? Probably, but still, after three minutes of sitting there and typing out a bunch of different stuff before he'd delete it all again, he realized some people had already left, and others were packing up. Shit.
He just put his name in the subject before he'd hit send. Oh, yeah, and maybe a winky face. Before he let himself regret it, he was packing his few things away and setting the easel back up before standing. He'd thought he was going to be able to slip out, easy-peasy, but Jack's phone buzzed as Rhys neared the doorway and he soon heard a loud laugh erupt from behind him.
"Oh, cupcake! And here I thought you'd play hard to get."
Rhys stopped before he got to the doorway. He'd told himself not to, but his body didn't want to listen to his head, and he'd turned and side stepped so that the last person could leave the room. Now it was just Rhys and Jack. Alone. In the whole building in just about a second. Oh fuck.
The younger male gulped. He didn't know what to say, and the brunette was just sitting there, arms crossed, looking like he was totally eye-fucking Rhys right now. Which he was totally okay with, by the way, but he'd much rather it be literal. He was done trying to deny it to himself. He totally wanted to be underneath this hunk.
"I don't play hard to get…" Rhys murmured after a few seconds, eyes scanning the empty room before looking to Jack again. "When I want someone, I let them know."
The teacher looked surprised. He'd blinked once, and cocked a brow, before that all too familiar smirk was playing out over his lip. "You trying to tell me you've let me know?" The man purred, one hand going to tap at his phone in reference.
Before he could overthink, he nodded. He shifted the portfolio around to the other arm, tablet shoved into his hoodie pocket, before shrugging. "But I don't want long. So don't make me." He was so glad his adrenaline gave him random confidence. And his dick.
"Ohohoh, I would never, princess," Jack hummed, grabbing up a pen. He approached Rhys, and the kid tensed a little, watching the guy grab his wrist and pull his sleeve up before scribbling what he knew was a phone number down on his arm. "I'd just love to strip you right here right now baby, really, but I've got another class in ten. So why don't you give me a buzz before our next session, huh?" The older murmured, leaning in close, and Rhys could almost taste the maple this time.
"Yeah," the kid sighed out, searching Jack's eyes for a good few seconds before lowering his head. Jack chuckled, before Rhys felt a hand grope his ass and he gave a totally manly yelp before he was turned around and pushed towards the doorway.
"Now go home, I've got things to do that I actually need my concentration for," Jack mused, and Rhys didn't say anything else before he was heading out of the building and practically falling into the seat of Vaughn's car.
This wasn't something he usually did. Maybe only twice as far as he could remember, and hell, he'd never even dated anyone as hot as Jack before. He … hoped this went well, but weren't these things bound to fail. Right? God, he hoped not.
He didn't know how he'd managed to get home without crashing, and he was thankful that rain that was supposed to come didn't yet otherwise he probably would have. When he got home, he parked the car like an asshole so that no one else could park too close, just like Vaughn wanted, before making it up to the third floor of the building and getting into their apartment. He'd just sort of slinked in, still process most of what had went on before spotting his roommate in the living room.
"Hey… Vaughn?" Rhys started, as he placed his things on the coffee table for now and flopped on the couch next to his bed. He was met with a bright smile, before realization crept over the shorter man's features.
"No. Let me guess. You want to have someone over," Vaughn commented, and Rhys gave a nervous little smile. It was embarrassing, but it was pretty amusing that his friend could always tell these things so easily.
"I'm not sure exactly which day yet but … yeah. And I think we're going to …"
"Okay, okay, I'll pass it by Yvette," Vaughn laughed. "Art class?"
"Yeah, he's … the teacher," Rhys coughed, earning a playful punch on the arm. "To be fair he started it."
"Well, you have fun with that. Just not on the couch, please, keep it in your own room," Vaughn mused.
Right. Okay. He got the permission he needed. Which sort of made it official, he had to call Jack before the weekend …
Fuck.