#para:hunt

[jaybakernyc]

Firsts

Jay stopped to catch his breath after he had hung up with Hunter. His jog took less of a toll on him than his anxiety over his new beau. After several seconds he moved up the steps of Hunter’s workplace, New York’s museum of natural history. 

He couldn’t help but feel disappointed. The honeymoon period had been so short - Jay had already made his first big mistake and their happy bubble had burst already. Tears came to his eyes as he walked into the museum - it wasn’t even that his ego was so bruised by yet another of his mistakes at serious relationships (it already felt serious, in a really good way). What was much more awful was that he’d hurt Hunter. It was the last thing he’d ever want to do and his own heart ached at the idea of causing any more harm to this wonderful man, who had already been through so much.

The atrium crowds were thick for the holidays and it was overwhelming, especially while he was blurring his vision with tears. So Jay stepped to the side, finding a column to lean on, where he could compose himself more. He texted Hunter his location, then leaned on the cool marble and closed his eyes

@thehuntison​

[jaybakernyc]

No-no-no-no 12/22

A sharp, bright white light stabbed its way below Jay’s eyelids a few mornings after they’d gone caroling. He closed his eyes more tightly, willing himself to fall back asleep. He sensed it was before 10AM. It was way too early to be awake while he was on vacation. 

But his thoughts betrayed him, beginning to form and wake him up further, starting with the wish for his sleep mask. But he  refused to reach for it in his bedside table, worried that the movement would wake him up more. 

He burrowed under the covers more instead, blocking out light, but making breathing more difficult. As his breathing grew more challenged he realized something else...something bad. His blue eyes opened and his expression grew disappointed and a bit worried. 

He had a sore throat.

@thehuntison​

[jaybakernyc]

St. Luke’s

It was 11:30PM Thanksgiving night and Sebastian was snoring next to Hunter, his iPad and Jett in his lap. It had all been a recipe for sound sleeping: the sumptuous meal that included at least 3-4 dishes made especially for Sebastian; the many glasses of wine; and most of all the doting Dean family, from smiling Grandfather Dean to Rob’s sister’s family’s tiny new puppy, who had romped with Jett. 

Then the iPad lit up with a text:

Hi Sebastian, It’s Karie, Jay’s mom. You’re probably asleep but if you aren’t could you send me Jay’s health insurance info with your Dad? He’s been in a car accident. He’s ok, just a bit scraped up, and a mild concussion but the doctors aren’t worried at all. But they are keeping him overnight since it’s so late and just as a precaution. The nurses here at St. Luke’s say it’s okay to send the info in the morning, but if you have time to send it tonight they can get a jump on their paperwork. I’m sure Jay will text you in the morning. Hope you and the Deans are having a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

@thehuntison​

[jaybakernyc]

Huntjay Meet-Cute

Jay stood at the railing of the rooftop bar, a pilsner of beer in hand. He admired the glass’s curves with his artistic eye, but chuckled inwardly at how fancy it was for a beer. How very Manhattan it was. He surveyed the city, still in a state of minor disbelief that this was his new home. He was already homesick for San Francisco, but he was also excited about his new adventure. It was a bit scary, starting all over in terms of patrons, buyers, galleries and the like, but at least he had a good paying part time job and the support of the circle of friends Sebastian was introducing him to. It was nice to be meeting new people, or in tonight’s case, getting to know people like Hunter Clarington, who was on his way to meet him. 

Hunter had come to visit Stanford a handful of times, but Jay had never had a chance to spend much time with him. It was usually when a whole bunch of Warblers descended for Sebastian’s birthday or David’s or something to that effect, Hunter was usually catching up with other Warblers. Jay hadn’t minded - he liked to hang back on those occasions and watch Sebastian be happier than usual.

When Jay heard Sebastian had moved in with Hunter, Jay was glad to hear it. Sebastian deeply trusted all the Warblers, so that was a good basis for a relationship. Jay knew Sebastian would find love again, despite his ex-boyfriend’s claims to want bachelorhood until the end of his days. Hunter seemed like a good candidate - apparently the two of them had dated (or something in that vein) in prep school so there must be some kind of connection that had them trying again. Well Jay didn’t know if Sebastian was trying, but he might be. Sebastian was always closelipped about it all, even to Jay. Jay couldn’t help but feel a bit proud that Sebastian confided in him more than most, but even to him he knew his very private friend held some things back.  

His thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of a handsome man to his left. The man’s seductive smile was accompanied by a soft voice: “Can I enjoy this view with you?”

Jay felt flattered, but he shook his head. “Sorry, but I’m meeting someone. He’ll be here any minute.”

The other man nodded, looking a little disappointed, and departed with a smile. “Lucky ‘someone.’”