His Invitation

Chapter Two: Brush Stroke

Charlie sat on his bed, going over his notes intently. The room that Dean brought him to had a beautiful royal blue and silver theme to it. The curtains were plush and had silver dangles accenting the edges. The bed was a cloud-soft queen-sized mattress. Fitted with fluffy feather pillows and a thick soft royal blue comforter. The blue and silver were of course paired with a rich artistic birch wood flooring, giving the room a light and breathable environment. Charlie loved it. He never slept in a room that was so well-decorated and comfortable. He prided himself on how well he decorated his studio apartment but Percival certainly had the eye for design.. and the money. 

Charlie hummed softly to himself as he mulled over his step-by-step process of Percival's portrait. He knew he wanted to capture the colors first. He pictured Percival lounging in a chair in front of the massive fireplace he owned. He wanted the portrait to brag about Percival while showing how humble he is. However, in reality, no one intends to get a portrait done of themselves if they generally lead humble lives. Maybe Percival has an admirer he wishes to impress. Now that thought alone had Charlie feeling a little disappointed. Why? Well, Charlie could not deny he found Percival.. enchanting. Maybe it was his estate? Or maybe it was his calm demeanor? 

Charlie recently had to break up with his boyfriend. After many calls to the police department and public disturbance reports, Charlie knew the relationship was unhealthy and toxic. He would usually play off the physical and mental abuse as Jason just having 'a bad day'. But he knew enough was enough. Charlie felt stuck at that point. His physique and personality seemed to attract the mean ones. The ones who called him stupid for wishing to wait till marriage. The types of men who would rather yell and hit than talk it out. Charlie felt broken because of it. 

He made a mental note that he did not need anyone to be happy. All he needed was his work. All he needed was to make something of himself. 

Charlie glanced up from his notebook, seeing the time was about 9:34 pm. He was surprised that he was taking notes for as long as he did. After all, this was very important to him. No room for error. Charlie closed his notebook and stood from the bed. He loomed over to his duffle bag and pulled out a pair of sleep shorts. Charlie heard a soft thud from outside his bedroom door. His eyes darted over to the door. The lights in the hallway revealed a shadow walking by his door without a sound. 

Charlie watched it disappear before his attention returned to his duffle bag. He was moments away from removing his shirt when a soft knock came on his door. Charlie set his sleep shorts down on the bed before walking to the door. He opened it, and Percival stood there with a soft smile. 

"I am just dropping by to check on you. Did you enjoy dinner?" Percival glanced at the room behind Charlie. Almost as if he was making a mental note. 

Charlie just gave him a nod. "Yes. Thank you." Charlie glanced over the larger male for a moment before he looked around Percival, he thought there would be someone else standing nearby. "Is it just us here tonight?"

Percival raised a brow curiously. "Us and my assistants. Denise and Dean, who you already have met. Is everything okay?" 

Charlie nodded and rubbed his eyes for a moment. "Yes, I am sorry. I think I'm just tired is all. I swear I saw someone else." It was odd to see the shadow walk by his door right before Percival knocked. Either Percival was just fast and light on his feet or maybe one of Percival's assisstant's were. It did not make much sense to Charlie but he ultimately shrugged it off. 

Percival tilted his head curiously. Then his features straightened. "Shall I have Denise bring anything for you to help you rest?" He asked, his eyes studied Charlie closely. He was concerned about what Charlie could potentially question. About his home, his people, himself.