I Chose Right - Ben & james

Subject:	Ben & james_franco
Time:	10:39 am

Ben and

james_franco meet in person for the first time to see if James' art will work for Ben's galleries.
{Current. Cross posted. Players only.}

Follows this.

It is a few minutes before eleven when James steps out of his car and walks toward the entrance of the gallery. He flicks his cigarette in the ashtray by the door and then takes several deep breaths to calm his nerves. Finally feeling more composed, he pushes the heavy door and walks inside.

Knowing his appointment was getting close, Ben has been working in what will be the lobby area of the gallery. When he hears the door opening, he looks up with a smile. "James?" he asks as he pushes himself to his feet and holds out his hand.

"Yes, I'm James and you must be Ben." James takes the offered hand, smiling brightly as he looks up at the man. Ben looks younger than he expected, but then he really didn't know what to expect. "Thanks again for inviting me here. Your gallery's looking great --from what I can tell." His grin widens.

"I am indeed Ben." Ben says before glancing around at the gallery. "Thank you. It is starting to shape up nicely. I love these old warehouses though. They've got great character which adds to the gallery I think." he shrugs and smiles, doing his own quick once-over of James. "Sorry. I'm afraid I'm getting caught up in the excitement of opening a new gallery. Would you like the quick tour or would it be better for me to look at your work so you don't have to worry about it?"

"I understand the passion. I get like that myself about-- several things come to think of it." James smiles at the handsome man and he nods his head at Ben's statement. "I'd rather you look at my work first, thank you. Take the edge off..." James flushes a bit and then laughs it off. "...and I would love to take a look around your gallery as well." Looking at Ben from the corner of his eye, he grins wider.

"Passion can definitely be a good thing. There's also something to be said about taking the edge off so you can enjoy what is to come." Ben smiles and motions for James to follow him further into the gallery. "The managers office has already been furnished so that's probably the best area for me to look over your work. Whether you want to stand around while I check it out or if you'd rather wander around is completely up to you." he says stepping into the office.

"I'd rather stay, thanks. I'd like to hear your opinion, quite frankly. Painting is my passion although I have been a bit -distracted- lately." James flushes a bit then continues. "I'd like to get back to it even with little time I have and your thoughts on my work would greatly benefit me so that I can focus on it some more." There's a genuine smile on his face as he looks at Ben.

"For a lot of artists it's good to get distracted sometimes. It seems to give more life to the art once you get back to it." Ben smiles. "Let me warn you, I usually look over all the work to get a general feel of it, putting aside pieces I want to explore more in depth. I will definitely give you my opinion after I've seen all you have to offer, but I will probably won't say anything until then."

"Fair enough." James smiles at him. "It's just that... not a lot of people are privy to my art. A lot don't even know I paint and a critique would be appreciated. So, anytime you feel you can talk to me about it, feel free to call or we can meet. I respect your opinion, and as I said, I'd love to hear it." Face earnest he looks at Ben, still smiling.

"I feel honored then to see your work." Ben says sincerely. He takes the pieces James has brought and starts going through them slowly, setting aside pieces he wants to study further. Once he's went through everything once, he spreads out the pieces that are left. "You have a very interesting style. I'd say it was almost childlike except the pieces also contain amazing depth which only grows the more they are studied." He looks up and smiles at James in an attempt to reassure him slightly. "I really do like what I'm seeing, especially those with the space theme."

James waits patiently, wishing for a cigarette suddenly but knowing he can't. He chews on his bottom lip and wrings his hands in wait. Looking up at Ben as soon as the man starts to speak and James smiles brightly. "Thank you. I appreciate everything you just said." At a loss for words, James just grins wider upon receiving his first critique and from Ben Affleck, no less. "I like hiding some details, painting over them until they're barely there and one would have to look closely to figure it out. It's a teaser." James laughs.

"Well I like the teasers and I like your work. You're very talented." Ben says with a small smile. James' laughter reassures him that the other man is relaxing so Ben continues. "Although I don't think your art would work in my European galleries, I would like to take several of these for this gallery and maybe a couple for New York and San Francisco if you're agreeable?" he looks up to judge James' reaction.

Smile a mile wide, James nods his head, a chuckle escaping. "Agreed, of course." He's speechless and dumbstruck, disbelief at the thought of someone actually wanting his art. "Wow." Unaware he said that out loud.

Ben laughs just a bit at James' reaction. "Well I'm glad we could so easily agree upon your work being shown. I think it will be beneficial to both of us." He places the pieces he's set aside on a table to the side to be framed and made ready to display. "Do you have a preference on framing or display or would you rather leave that up to me? I realize some artists have specific ideas on displaying their work. We'll also, of course, need to work out a price range that you're comfortable with."

Still a little astonished, it takes some time before the man's words registers in James' head and he laughs it off. "I really have no preference but I trust your judgment so you can do what you want with them." He smiles brightly, still amazed that someone would think his art is good enough. "Maybe --if you don't mind-- we can discuss that over drinks? I suddenly feel like celebrating." James quirks a brow and smirks.

"Thank you for trusting me with your art." Ben says as he quickly checks the time. "Yeah, I've definitely got plenty of time for drinks and a celebration is definitely in order. It's not everyday I get an interesting new artist to display." he smiles. "Where would you like to go?"

How could he not trust the man? He's one of the more well-known gallery owners around and for that James would trust him anything that has to do with his art, he thinks with a grin. "Good. There's a bar not too far from here. We could hang out there. I'll drive and just take you back here. Sound good to you?" He smiles wider as he waits for Ben's answer.

"That sounds great." Ben says with a grin of his own. Now the business part is fairly well finished, he's looking forward to the chance to get to know his newest artist. "I just need to make sure I'm back here by six. If I'm late getting home I'll hear about it."

James gestures for Ben to walk ahead and he nods at the man's statement. "Tell me about it. I should make a phone call before we head out. I need to let the boyfriend know what happened and what time to expect me back." James winks and fishes for his cell phone, patting around his pockets until he finds it. "Ahh. Found it. If you'll excuse me a moment." He smiles at Ben and walks a few paces away, making his call to Dominic, keeping it brief so as not to let the man wait for long. He walks back, huge grin on his face. "Okay, ready?"

While James makes his phone call Ben takes the opportunity to lock up the gallery. He's waiting with a smile when James returns. "Definitely ready." he nods. "How did your boyfriend react to your news?"

"Thrilled, as well he should." He beams at Ben as they walk out. "He actually gave me a studio at his place-- besides the one at my house-- so I can still work on thing while I'm at his." James shrugs and shakes his head, still a bit in disbelief. It's refreshing to talk about Dominic and his art with someone without them looking at him like both ideas would ruin his acting career. He opens the car door for Ben and smiles.

Ben gets into the car with a smile and nod of thanks. "Sounds like a wonderful and supportive boyfriend. It always makes life easier when the person you're with supports your dreams." he says, thinking about John for a moment before turning his attention back to James.

James closes his door and starts the car, pulling out onto the street before glancing over at Ben. "Yeah, he is mostly," he chuckles. "I think he'd rather I do this than my regular job which takes me all over the place and odd hours too." Smiling to himself, thinking of Dominic and their melancholy ways when they have to be apart. "I'm inclined to agree with him but I love being an actor and wouldn't change that, it's just part of the job." Shrugging, James pulls in to the bar parking lot and smiles over at Ben. "Here we are."

"You're an actor?" Ben asks then blushes slightly. "Sorry, I probably should have known that already. I'm afraid I don't keep up with anything outside the art world as well as I should. Although I am starting to branch out a bit lately." Opening the car door, he looks at the bar and smiles. "This place looks nice."

James laughs as he gets out of the car and walks toward the door. "Don't worry about it. It's not like Dominic knew who I was either. He's the boyfriend, by the way." He shakes his head, laughing some more as he opens the door and walks inside. "I think he had to look up what movies I was in after the fact. Then again he's Australian so..." He shrugs as he follows a server to a booth and he sits down.

Following James, Ben sits in the booth across from him. "I don't have the excuse of being Australian although I haven't been in the US a lot in the past several years. I do apologize though for not realizing. If it helps, when I met my boyfriend I didn't realize he was an actor either. I'm thinking I need to just go through all the well-known actors and memorize their faces or something."

"That takes me off that list then." James chuckles. "Not well known, I'm afraid." Throwing Ben an impish smile, he continues. "So, you're boyfriend's an actor? Then you know what I'm talking about with schedules and time and flying all over the place." He shakes his head. "It gets tough but we manage. So, tell me about you?" James gestures for a server and then turns his full attention back to Ben, smiling.

"Our relationship is fairly new and he's been sidelined with exhaustion so I have yet to experience the schedules and flying all around for him. It's coming anytime though. I'm not sure if you would have heard of him or not since he's mainly done stage work. John Barrowman." Ben says with a voice that is obviously proud of his lover. "There's not a lot to tell about me besides the galleries and John. I'm afraid until I met him I was fairly well obsessed with work and did little else. I'm slowly trying to change that though. What about you? When you're not acting or being an up-and-coming artist, what do you do?"

James nods, smiling. "Yes, I've heard of him. Sings and dances. Theater, correct? God. That must be exhausting. I hope he feels better now." Noting the tone of voice, familiar with it, he gives him a gentle smile as James listens to Ben. "I hang out and just crash." He laughs. "Seriously. I've been doing projects one right after the other so when I'm not busy, I just -- hang." Grinning wide he shrugs his shoulders. "I guess we're both too into our work huh? I did the same thing, if I'm not on the set, I'm in my studio. Now, If I'm not with Dominic, that means I have to go in to work. I'd rather just hang, if you ask me."

"Yes, John's mainly done theater and from what he's said and the condition he was in when we first met, I'd say it's very exhausting. He is feeling better now though, thank you." Ben says. "Hanging out is something I'm finding is very enjoyable. I'm afraid us workaholics sometimes have to be taught how to do it, although I'm now finding it very addictive." he smiles. "So what does Dominic do? Or is he an actor as well? It's okay, you can tell me he is and I'll probably not know him either." Ben jokes.

James shakes his head, laughing. "No, he's not an actor. He runs a bike shop with someone so his time is his own, mainly, which is great for me. The little time I have free, I get to spend with him." Chuckling softly, he continues. "He's your typical biker dude. Drives a Harley, likes leather, big and buff, tattooed and pierced... Hot." James winks at Ben, a teasing smile lifting his lips.

"Is his bike shop around here? I've been thinking about picking up a bike lately to get around town with." Ben says interested. "He does sound hot though and I'm sure the two of you make quite the pair." he grins.

"Yeah his shop is, actually. Need me to hook you up?" James waggles his brows, grinning. “But honestly, I don't think I picture you the Harley type. Then again I'm surrounded by the stereotypical Harley type... The epitome actually." Making a face, he laughs harder, nose wrinkling as he looks at Ben. "Yeah we do make quite the pair. I sneaked him on set several times saying he's my bodyguard-- not that I need one but there you go." Looking at Ben, quirking a brow, he smiles and nods

"I've never had a Harley, I admit, but I've always wanted one. So yeah, maybe I'll ask you to hook me up." Ben smirks. "You couldn't just bring him onset because he was your boyfriend? Or was it the thrill of fooling everyone around you?" he asks.

"Cool. Maybe if I take you to try one out, he'll finally let me ride one of them. The man doesn't trust me on a bike and I spent months on one while filming." James rolls his eyes, shaking his head. "I'll let him know you're interested, though." Thanking the server as their drinks are placed before them, James tips the bottle back and takes a swig.

Looking thoughtful, James bites his lips and turns his attention back to Ben. Well, I'm not exactly out-- so, to keep up appearances, you know." He gestures, hand waving about. "It's fun though, having him be my bodyguard and uhm, getting into trouble on purpose just to see what he'd do." James laughs, flushing slightly. "I'll leave it at that...” He throws him an amused smile.

"Will he allow me to ride one of them since I don't look the part of a Harley rider as you said?" Ben asks amused. "Or is it that he worries about you and that's why he won't let you ride one?" He takes a sip of his drink and looks thoughtful. "I'm sorry. I suppose I forget there's a world around me that isn't always open to people being out. It's obviously not a huge deal in the art world, it's almost expected really. With John being out as well it just never occurs to me that not everyone is able to come out. It does sound like it could be enjoyable though with him playing your bodyguard." He laughs softly. "It's very nice of you to try to make me feel less idiotic for not knowing a lot of actors. I do realize it's a shortcoming, especially while I'm working in LA. It doesn't seem to be as big of a problem while I'm in Europe though."

"Oh he'll let you, probably loan you a white muscle shirt and a leather jacket if you want to look the part." James smirks. "I think he won't let me just 'cause he enjoys being dominating." His eyes widen and James berates himself for letting that slip out. "Erm, he has to live up to the image-- ah, and his name. Dominic... you know..." He trails off, taking a pull of his drink to hide the flush on his cheeks.

"I don't really care much if I'm out or not but my agent suggest against it so I don't get pegged or worse, discriminated against. Part of the job, unfortunately. Why is it different in Europe? Do you know a lot of European actors? And don't worry about knowing actors, there's so many and more new people are popping in and out everyday that it’s going to be hard to keep up."

Ben just has to smirk at how James tries to cover us the dominating comment. "I actually adore it when John acts all dominating so I can understand the appeal." he reassures him. "I actually considered doing thing purposefully just to bring out the dominate reaction in him." He takes another sip of his drink before continuing. "Europe is different because actors, while definitely popular, aren't the celebrities they are here. If you don't know an actor there, it's not a big deal so I rarely find it a problem not knowing who's who. Although I suppose I should try to learn the European actors as well as the American in an attempt to stop embarrassing myself so much."

"Don't I know it. Part of the fun is eliciting a reaction." James wrinkles his nose, flushing a bit. "So, yeah... I have a Dom the dom, the biker dude. Can't get more stereotypical than that." He laughs. "And will you stop it with the not knowing actors. Trust me, I'm in the same boat and I'm one of them. Talk about getting embarrassed!" His eyes twinkle in mirth as he tips his drink back. "So we have a several things in common then. Great minds..." Letting the statement hover in the air, he smiles at Ben as James raises his bottle in salute.

Ben smirks at the 'Dom the dom' comment and after raising his bottle in a mimic salute, he just has to ask. "Do you call him Dom the dom to his face?" As someone who really does like to elicit a reaction, it seems the perfect way to do it. Although he doesn't think 'John the dom' works nearly as well so he won't be able to use it.

James shakes his head as he laughs. "Oh hell no! I don't even call him Dom. Always his full name. Dominic." He gestures with his hands for emphasis. "His friends don't even call him that. I think I'm the only one who calls him by his given name." Smirking at that thought, suddenly realizing it's true, a certain amount of pride blooms inside him. "Yeah. There you go." He smiles.

"May not be a bad idea though..." Contemplating it, James grins wider. "Could cause quite a stir." Shrugging he shakes his head, thinking up various ways to let that name 'slip' while he's with Dominic. "You just gave me an idea." Winking at Ben, he sips his drink again and then laughs. "So, me and my big mouth already blabbing, might as well ask... You're John's kinda that way too huh? How about you? Have you always been uhm... on the other end of the uhm, spectrum?" Genuinely curious, James had to ask, being so new to all this he wants to know. "Feel free to tell me to mind my own business though. I blame the alcohol." Lifting the bottle of his 'light' beer he wrinkles his nose and laughs.

"Always glad to help someone find a way to stir things up. Although now you have to promise to tell me what the results are or I'll be forever curious." Ben grins, taking another long sip from his bottle. "Yeah, for the most part John is the dominant in our relationship although we do switch at times. I'm fairly new to that whole side of things so he's kind of teaching me as we go along." he says, lost in his own head for a moment as he thinks about John. He shakes it off quickly though, not wanting to be rude since he knows how easily he can zone out when it comes to this subject. "But yes, I've always been on the other end of the spectrum. I'm one of those that never even felt the need to experiment to figure things out, I just knew."

"Okay now that amazes me." James says as he points the bottle toward Ben. "I had no idea... Not until I met Dominic and it was like... an automatic reaction with him. I've been with others who tried to dominate and I would lash out." He flushes slightly, thinking how in the hell can he talk about these things with someone he just met. But then again, it's not entirely uncomfortable --the direction their conversation is taking; quite the opposite actually and freeing talking about it with someone who knows and James smiles.

"Now that's a wonderful thing, finding someone to teach you and show you the ropes. We're in the same boat. He's teaching me too... Being the 'older and wiser' of the both of us." Laughing he goes on. "But I don't think I could ever switch, not with him. It just... doesn't feel right." Shuddering at the thought, he shakes his head.

"Okay, I promise to tell you what happens if I gathers enough courage to call him 'Dom the dom' to his face." James laughs. "And then we need to go get us a ride on a Harley too. I guess this means we'll meet up again." James says, smiling warmly.

"I certainly hope we'll meet up again since you're going to be showing your art in my gallery." Ben says with a smile before looking down at his watch. "Speaking of which, I probably should be getting back. I need to get you the contract. I suggest you have someone look it over before you sign it since it discusses wonderful things like commissions and options for your future work. I'll just need it back within the week if you can manage it."

"Let's set up another meeting then, for when I give you back the contract. I'll call you and let you know. I have people who look at all my contracts and do the negotiating for me." He smiles sheepishly. "We can come back here next time, if you like." James moves to stand. "I got this, okay?" He tosses a few bills on the table. "This was fun. We definitely should do this again sometime." James looks up, smiling warmly at Ben.

"This was indeed very nice and meeting back here next time is perfectly fine with me." Ben agrees. "Although next time will definitely be one me since we'll be celebrating your actual signing with my galleries as well as hopefully a new friendship that is just beginning." He pulls a card out of his wallet and hands it to James. "I know you already have my cell phone number, but that has all my contact information in case you have any problems."

James takes the offered card with a smile and tucks it into his wallet. "You'll be hearing from me soon. I'll try to get the contract back to you as soon as I can and we have a date with a Harley too." Smiling, James leads them out the door. "I'm looking forward to meeting up with you again and maybe by then you have more ideas for me to torment Dominic with." James' laughter echoes around them as they walk out of the door.

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June 14th, 2006