Part 2... Working with artists, you know that portraits are a risky business. Even photographs aren't always truthful, certain. The cry of presence. But this - the curve of Jennifer’s arm and the way she sits, as if she was pushed happily into position - just certainty. And what more - once the experiment is over, once people stop fucking in the dark with their eyes closed, once honesty tumbles out - what more is love than that?
To me this says something about really seeing people for who they are. Artists have the flexibility to make a subject appear more (or less) attractive and even a photograph can achieve that same effect. But Justin's art has a way of going beyond the physical outer shell and capturing the essence, the "certainty" of the subject - and he makes that beautiful in its honesty.
Do you think Justin has his own sort of faith in Brian that's just as strong as Brian's faith in him?
Absolutely. And it's what's at the heart of who they are to each other, whether in this fic or in their canonical relationship. I also like your usage of the word "faith," because it takes me back to the religious references you mentioned above. Ultimately, their faith in each other provides for each of them what so many people seek in religious faith; the inner peace to know that you are loved and the freedom to experience life and be the best person that you can be.
I also just want to quote one of my favorite passages from the fic:
You tighten your grip on him and touch his ear, so that you are somehow closed, the two of you, barely there, lost in the hubbub of people who cannot know how much beauty has been missing for months.
Such a beautiful image and so very much like the S3 Cha Cha dance. Alone together in a crowd of people. I love the fact that the author captured this same feeling in this new reunion scene.
And finally, thank you so much for hosting this discussion! I'm now off to read what others have to say, and I'm looking forward to learning a few things. :)