Stuart came out of the bathroom with the white towel around his waist and another small towel that he found in the bathroom that he could use to dry his hair. He could not explain the relief and joy that washed over him when he noticed that Berry was nowhere in the room.
That guy gave him the creeps.
He saw the clothes that were placed early on the bed and he assumed it was his. It was a black tuxedo and a white shirt inside along with a bow tie. Stuart picked up the clothes and began wearing them, but before he did that, he made sure to lock the door. He would not be able to handle it if Berry suddenly walks in and begins to ogle at him.
After a long while, Stuart finished wearing his clothes, he hates to admit it, but Berry was right. He got the perfect size for Stuart.
He walked to the door, to go out and maybe look for Berry because the whole house was silent and he was starting to feel weird. It didn't help that he was unfamiliar with the place.
He walked down the hall, all the while, checking things out. He noticed that Berry had a very unique taste in art, just like himself. And by unique, he didn't mean precious or beautiful artifacts, he means the positions where they were kept.
One of the beautiful paintings was hung at the far end of the corridor where no one would not be able to see it. It looked like the painting was bought to be hidden instead of displayed.
Something that Stuart would do. He didn't like to see those paintings at his house, especially when it was dark. One time, he was walking in the corridor of his house when the power just went off. As every other human would do, he brought out his phone and switched on the flashlight. To his dismay and horror, he was facing a painting of a dead artist without knowing. It was a dark, gloomy and depressing painting. So when he switched on the flashlight, that was the first thing he saw.
The horror and fear of that day still traumatized him till this moment and the only thing that made those paintings remain in his house was Kevin who insisted that the paintings be kept since they make the empty hallway look better. He agreed since Kevin asked, but under the condition that the paintings be kept away from his line of sight.
Another painting in Berry's house was hung up so close to the ceiling like whoever put it there wanted to hang it up on the ceiling but thought better of it. Other paintings were also kept in odd places, places where they would never be admired and would be kept hidden.
While he was still lost in his thoughts, Berry had somehow walked up to him and is now standing in front of him.
Stuart took a step back as he was uncomfortable with someone standing so close to him, barring Kevin of course.
"Were you looking for me?" Berry asked with a big and expectant smile which slowly fell as Stuart shook his head.
"I was only looking at the paintings". Stuart remarked, a little nervously which gave him away. As it seems, Berry noticed everything that was about Stuart.
"I will act like I believe you". Berry said with a slight chuckle. "I hope you don't mind my paintings though. I don't like the idea of people or things watching me as I walk through the corridors. I only keep them here because someone said that my house looks too boring." Berry was walking as he said this and Stuart was walking behind him so when he turned around, he met face to face with Stuart whose eyes were wide with shock and he looked like he was holding his breath.
"Easy man. I won't jump on you!" Berry said and laughed as Stuart slowly turned into a light shade of red. Stuart cleared his throat awkwardly before walking away from Berry who was still laughing.
"You will get lost if you walk without me". Berry said in between laughter and Stuart paused. Berry was right. He would just get lost in this house.
"Lead the way then!" He huffed and gestured for Berry to walk which only made Berry smile more. "As you wish".
Fortunately for Stuart, Berry did not say a word till they reached the dining table where there were servings for two. He concluded that the meal was for himself and Berry since there was no one else in the house. He was about to sit down to eat even without Berry asking him to because he was so hungry but he suddenly felt the hair on his neck rise.
He turned around to see Berry who was just staring at him like he was in a trance. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Stuart inquired warily but even after hearing his question, Berry did not shift his gaze from him. Instead, he eyed him up and down before a smile spread on his red lips.
"Isn't it obvious? I was checking you out". Berry said in a playful tone. His words almost made Stuart choke on his saliva because the man was shocked. Who on this earth boldly tells someone who was no less than a stranger to him that he was checking him out?!!
"Relax". Berry said soothingly as he somehow managed to stand right in front of Stuart and cupped his face. Stuart didn't even realize it since he was still surprised by Berry's boldness. "But I mean it. You look really good in this tux".
Stuart was sure that he would faint if Berry kept doing this. Berry just attacks his bruised heart without even giving him time to set up some kind of shield!
"Let's eat". Berry said and walked around Stuart to sit at the table. He sat down and waited for Stuart to snap out of whatever he was thinking about and it didn't take too long because Stuart turned around and sat down with his head down.
Berry smirked subtly when he saw how red Stuart was. He was satisfied so he decided to give Stuart some time to breathe before he attacked again.
Stuart could feel how hot his face was and he didn't need an expert to tell him that he was red in the face. He calmed down his loud heartbeats before picking up his fork and taking a bite. He was thankful though, because Berry had not said a word since he sat down and he hoped that things would continue like this till they were done with breakfast or lunch because he woke up pretty late.
Just as things were getting peaceful for Stuart, Berry decided to open his mouth again. "You know…"
'There goes my peace!' Stuart thought to himself before rolling his eyes. He thought of tuning Berry out and ignoring him till he was done with his meal but that didn't happen because when he heard what Berry said, his eyes widened.