𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

The Most Breathtaking| Artist AU

The luxurious Racoon City art gallery is buzzing with excitement, its large halls are filled with the kind of electricity and anticipation that you'd expect at a concert or a theatre show, everyone's waiting for that moment when the main guest appears. I'm not here for the people though, not when my main focus is on the paintings and various sculptures each talented individual has created and offered to display.

My breath catches when I look at the pure emotion and skill behind each piece, the spacious halls do nothing but extravagate the excellence of each particular artwork, giving each one its rightful space in this place of fame and enrichment. Though all the other artists are amazing, I have to admit that the main star of this show, Leon Scott Kennedy, has once again outdone himself. When I enter the exhibit expecting it to be stuffed full of admirers, I'm shocked to find it empty, with only two people leaving as I enter. I guess everyone's still waiting for his arrival to the event back in the main hall. 

I spend the time I have alone to admire each sculpture and painting, I can see the hidden meanings and intricate details Leon's known for, as well as the Easter egg he adds in each of his paintings; an iconic tiny outline of a knife. I remember from one of the interviews he did, Leon was asked why he always added a knife to every one of his works, his reply was "because art carves us into individual pieces, bringing out different emotions we don't usually think of. Awe. Nostalgia. Longing. They're all under the surface of each and every one of us, and sometimes we need something like art to pry them up." I'm still obsessed with his ideology, hence why I'm here, at yet another one of his events, to obsess and fawn over his work. I sigh, leaning closer to one particular sculpture that's caught my eye. I hold my breath, getting as close as I can as my eyes soak in the beauty, I find myself getting lost in the carefully moulded lines and details, I could almost reach out and touch it-

 "You like that one?" A deep voice asks from beside me. I jump away from the sculpture and press a hand to my racing heart as I turn to see the infamous Leon Kennedy standing there in a simple ruffled suit, his hands in his pockets as though he's as calm as a cucumber. My eyes widen as shock consumes me, my hero and idol is right there, smiling at me as if I'm the celebrity here. His piercing blue eyes study me as his head tilts a little, his handsome features shining in the light like well crafted model. 

"It's amazing," I reply feeling star struck, "you're amazing. Sorry, I'm just fangirling here." I laugh off, internally freaking out as he steps closer to me, the scent of his expensive cologne filling my senses. I inhale, soaking in the moment as Leon reaches out and brushes a finger down the sculpture. 

"It's my favourite one on display, but the audience seems to disagree. I'm glad you're a fan though." Leon murmurs, a hint of something playful in his tone. Voices from the other room echo towards us, Leon's soft smile falls as if being reminded of the pressures of being famous. I swallow, unsure whether to comfort him or leave. I shuffle my feet, having a million things to say but nothing actually comes out. All too soon our moment is ruined when another man in a suit comes rushing into the room, a tablet in hand as he taps his watch towards Leon. 

"Mr Kennedy, the auction is to begin any minute now, but we're missing-" The man begins, but Leon shakes his head, lips turning down as he gives me another glance. 

"An auction can go on without me, art can still be sold without me there to watch." Leon dismisses with a hand, suddenly grabbing my arm and leading me out of the room. My jaw goes slack as I debate on letting him guide me or peeling away, but inevitably my admiration for this man gives and I find myself walking alongside him, both of us rushing past groups of muttering people and the distant sounds of an auction going ahead. I close my mouth once we reach a private section of the gallery, one where the prized arts are being held until taken to the bidding room when it's their turn. I look around, stunned as I take in the golden gilded edges of framed paintings and the marbled whites of statues. "I'm sorry I practically manhandled you," Leon begins as he releases his hold on me, "I just didn't want to leave you yet."