Watching Justin walk down the corridors with his art pieces on either side of him made Brian’s heart tighten and soar all at once. He wishes so much that he could join his husband in looking over every piece. He wishes he could see his lover’s face, how proud he must be and thrilled at the same time. His art was being showcased here: at the Hirsshorn museum. This was quite a step from his days in Pittsburgh. It was to be expected. Brian always knew Justin’s art would be big. He just wishes he could share in the experience instead of at the sidelines. “That’s him,” Daniel gestures over to Justin as he comes up behind Brian. “No shit.” “Oh, right… I guess you recognized him from police photos of stuff…” Daniel stumbles, clearing his throat before regaining ground. “Where are they?” Brian asks, keeping his eyes glued on his husband while trying his best not to choke the man beside him. “I don’t know. They’ll come soon though. I doubt they’d want to come during the evening festivities. This is the best time… it’s easier.” Brian snorts, “Like you’d know?” “Well, uh…” he stumbles on his words, “Eddie’s men said they’d be here in the morning. So…” “So why pretend you know what their plan is?” Brian all but sneers. Instead of replying, Daniel changes the subject. Turning his attention back to Justin, he comments, “His stuff looks good. I think it’ll be a success, don’t you?” Brian shrugs, pretending not to care, “He’s blond and has a great ass. I’m sure that alone has gotten him pretty damn far.” Walking off, he swallows the bile that is threatening to come up. Daniel watches Brian leave for a few moments before deciding that now is his chance. Quickly walking over to Justin, he pauses, taking in the sight of the blond standing in front of one of the large canvases with a slight smile on his face. “Congratulations.” Startled, Justin nearly jumps, but catches himself with a laugh before turning to see the professor behind him. Grinning, he greets, “Professor West!” Daniel smiles, “Congratulations, Justin. Er, should I say JT?” Justin chuckles again, “Yeah, it’s a long story.” “It’s nice. But I’ve been rather used to calling you Mr. Taylor.” He replies with a smile before turning his attention to the painting, “This is an interesting piece.” Justin glances back at his work, “It was one of the first pieces I did when I moved.” Justin didn’t add that he started the piece immediately after one of his earlier sessions with Daan. It was a darker piece mixed with wild streaks of colors. “Not bad.” Daniel nods in appreciation. Justin smiles, knowing that coming from Daniel, this painting must actually be really nice in his opinion. “Thank you.” “Call me Daniel.” The older man announces suddenly. Surprised, Justin opens his mouth, and then closes it again, “Really?” He laughs, “Of course! You aren’t my student anymore.” Justin forces a smile, “Okay… Daniel.” “How about you show me your other pieces?” Daniel asks, placing his hand on Justin’s upper arm. Justin quickly averts his eyes, trying to find Brian. “Is there a problem?” Daniel asks, turning around to see what Justin is looking for. “No,” Justin answers quickly, hoping that Brian was close by, “I just thought I saw Olga.” “Oh, she’s around. I think I saw her downstairs by the information desk when I came in,” Daniel comments as he guides Justin away from the painting and down the hall. “Oh,” Justin states absently. Brian! Where are you?! “These are all quite nice. Very different from what you were doing in my class, but still not too bad,” Daniel remarks as he quickens his steps through the tunneling corridors. Justin nods, trying to keep up, “Are we going someplace, Pro—I mean, Daniel?” Daniel stops walking for a moment and looks over at Justin. It’s obvious he wants to say something, but isn’t sure how to approach the subject. Instead, he takes Justin’s arm again and continues to walk, “Let’s go.” “Where?” “I want to show you something.” Daniel states in a dismissive manner, stopping at the unmarked stairwell. “Upstairs or down?” Justin asks, hoping his voice carries loud enough so that someone could hear him ask the question. “Down,” Daniel answers; pushing the door open and beginning to pull Justin inside. “Wait!” Justin digs his heels down onto the floor, “Why not use the elevator?” “It’s slow,” Daniel dismisses as he attempts to pull Justin into the stairwell again. “But, wait!” Justin tries again, only this time stumbling forward and therefore giving Daniel leverage to pull him into the stairwell as the door closes behind them.