Begin Again

Chapter 1

It had been another one of those days where the tension had become too much between Jacob and his boyfriend. It was always something different, but always an argument that could be avoided by overcoming the situation and talking through things.

The emotions of what happened were too overwhelming for Jacob to handle, he decided it would be best to go out and be away from his partner for a bit. So, he made his way to one of his favorite places.

The city's art museum was one of those places that had the kind of vibe where you can escape reality for a moment. Each painting and art piece told a different story and took you to another time.

Jacob felt his emotions alleviate and become serene as soon as he stepped through the entrance. Warmth immediately engulfed him as he left behind the cold, autumn air from outside.

After showing his membership id to the front desk attendant, he set off to his favorite areas of the museum.

The colors and shapes of the art pieces all gave different emotions and Jacob loved trying to solve the mystery and figure out the reason behind all of them. There was a story behind it, whether it was something made just because or it was made to portray a strong emotion. There was always a reason for each creation.

Eventually, his feet had taken him to the part of the museum he was always drawn to: art pieces of the renaissance era. There was a specific painting that had always intrigued him.

On the open wall, as soon as he sauntered into the next area, was a gold, detailed frame that wrapped a large oil painting filled with calm, pastel colors. The subject was a male looking over his shoulder towards the viewer of the painting with a field of flowers surrounding him. He was laughing and his face wasn't the clearest as he was a bit away from the foreground.

Ever since the first time he came across this painting, he was drawn to it, as if it hypnotized him. The way the flowers wrapped around his legs made him feel at ease, the crinkles in the boy's eyes as he laughed, made Jacob feel like laughing with him. Every little detail made him feel a different, positive emotion.

It was, however, a bit odd with how much the boy looked like Jacob. There was no information on the plaque next to the painting that stated who this person was, except that it was the lover of the artist.

Even still, it remained as his favorite work of art. Every little detail that had been put into this painting, every color chosen, made Jacob satisfied when he stood in front of it. The art called to him. It pulled him in and captured him for a moment any time he passed by it. He always tried to create a story for it in his head, who this person was and the reason for his laughter.

It made him think, especially about how unhappy he's been lately. It also made him hopeful for a love like that, filled with laughter and happiness. One not like his current, filled with chaos and sadness.

He was stuck in his thoughts, staring at the work of art, that he didn't notice a presence beside him.

"So, what do you think of this one?"

Jacob jolts from fright, not expecting anyone to approach him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that I see you come here a lot, specifically always looking at this painting. I wanted to know what your thoughts were on this piece. What draws you to it?"

Jacob keeps looking at the unknown male beside him. Taking in his features. His warm brown hair was styled in a neat, but messy wave and a soft smile made its way onto the new boy's face. His eyes had a sparkle of curiosity and eagerness in them. He seemed familiar, like an eerily sense of deja vu.

"Oh, uh, well, I'm not sure exactly," Jacob looks back at the painting before continuing. He lets his thoughts out for a moment. "It's kind of silly, but I always think that the male in the picture looks like me. We have similar characteristics it seems. There's also a lot of emotion coming from the scene. The boy seems so happy and full of life, as if what exists is only that moment."

He starts smiling up at the painting before looking back at the unknown person next to him. "I feel at home when I see it."

Feeling a little shy after revealing his thoughts, Jacob looks down with a blush growing on his face. Maybe he shouldn't have revealed too much.

"Hey, that's really nice. I've never heard that before. I enjoy this painting a lot because you can feel the love and passion that the two had for each other. The artist was always motivated by his partner. Also, since you mentioned it, he does look a lot like you!"

Jacob looks up at the male and the two share a warm smile with each other. He could feel his heart fluttering and the blush return to his cheeks. What was this guy doing to his emotions? Jacob won't lie, he was enjoying it.

"I'm Kevin, by the way. Kevin Moon," the boy says, holding an outstretched hand.

Jacob gladly took it, replying with his own name. The moment his hand touched the other's, he felt a welcoming and familiar warmth, causing his heart to beat quicker. They let go of each other too soon for Jacob's liking, but he hid his disappointment anyways.

"So, what other pieces of art are your favorite?"