He checked his phone while he was eating, it seemed like they had catering for just the handful of them, and the food was delicious. He was surprised to see there was only one message from his stalker. Surprised and disappointed. He opened the message and stared at it.
I can’t tell you that, but I promise it’s a well known brand, not the biggest, but we do exclusive as well as corporate, my work has been on the front pages of magazines. I want to design something just for you, would you wear it if I did? Something made just for you that nobody else could have?
Robin felt a blush climbing up the inside of his collar and spreading across his face. He shook his head, what was he thinking, he was quite capable of designing his own clothing, he didn't need this ass to make something for him! It’d probably look awful anyway, since they had no idea what he was actually like, or what he liked. He pursed his lips, thinking how to word the reply.
Don’t you think that would be a waste of your time? I’m not going to like anything you make, you don’t even know what I like!
He stared at it for a minute or two before actually sending it, the reply was slower this time, and Robin was savouring the last of his coffee, wondering how long he was supposed to have for lunch when it came.
Then you’ll just have to tell me what you like, tell me everything about you, so I can make the most perfect outfit designed just for you.
The blush returned full force and he sucked his bottom lip. Rather than answering, he slid his phone away, cleared his cups and plates into the dishwasher and went back to work. He needed to think about his reply, or if he was even going to reply. Telling a stranger personal information was never a good idea, but at the same time, he was very curious about what the ass would design for him. He was still deep in his thoughts as he pushed open the door to the office he shared with Devon, only to be dragged out of them by Devon’s voice.
“You get an hours lunch, you've only been gone twenty minutes.”
He pouted a little at being seemingly scolded and shrugged, “I didn't know how long I was supposed to take, and I really wanted to finish altering the last designs.”
Devon was sitting at Robins desk, the folders with Robins changes spread all around him.
“Come here.” It was blunt, but not angry, so Robin walked over and stood next to him obediently.
Devon huffed at him, “get a chair, I don’t need you standing over me!”
Robin grabbed a spare chair and sat next to Devon, still the picture of obedience, but inside he was starting to seethe at how blunt and rude Devon was being. Devon pushed one of the folders towards Robin.
“Explain. Why these changes.” His face was neutral, but Robin still felt like a lead weight had settled in his stomach.
Pulling the folder closer he looked at the original design and then his changes, remembering why he’d wanted to make them, he’d even written down his thought processes under his notes, but it was clear Devon either wanted to hear it from him, or he hadn't read his notes.
Robin pointed to the original design, “it’s too heavy, it needs my changes to balance it, or it will look wrong with all the rest of the designs.” He chewed his lip, and dug through the folders, pulling out another one, “see, here, I took the idea from this one, to create a harmony.”
Devon grunted and pushed another folder at him, “and this one?”
“The colours were wrong, they didn't fit with the rest of the feel, I mean, they were close, but not right, and look, I took the emblems from,” he dug through the folders again and showed a design, “here.”
Devon frowned and pushed yet another one in front of him, “why didn't you alter this one?”
Robin looked at him wide eyed, “because it’s perfect just the way it is.”
“So some of my work is good enough for you.” Devon’s eye were boring into him and Robin had to look away, fingers nervously fiddling with the edge of his jacket.
“I love your designs,” he mumbled, “but some of these felt, rushed, not your best work.”
Devon let out a breath slowly, “I agree, they were rushed, and I like most of your suggestions.”
Robin’s head snapped up, not believing what he was hearing, his face heating up, “..r..really?”
Devon’s face hadn't shifted from it’s flat scowl, but he nodded, “really.” Devon pushed his chair back, standing up, “finish the last folder, then bring them all down to the conference room.”
Half an hour later Robin gathered the finished folders into a pile, and walked them down to the conference room, not terribly surprised to find everyone else there waiting for him. Devon didn't look up, his attention on his phone again, typing away at a rapid pace.
“Put them in the middle and sit down.”
He still sounded angry every time he spoke and Robin was beginning to think that was just his natural state, angry and scowling. The only chair left was beside Devon, so Robin sank into it and waited, casting nervous glances at the rest of the group, who were all either chatting quietly or also buried in their phones. At least it seemed like he could maybe pull out his and try answering his stalker. Glancing at Devon and seeing he seemed to have no intention of starting the meeting yet, he did pull his phone out and started typing a short reply.
I’m not giving personal information to a stranger, I’m not that stupid.
He found himself nervously chewing on his thumb and quickly pushed his hand into his lap, he didn't need to start up that bad habit again. The answers came as fast as they usually did and he sucked in his bottom lip, wondering, as reply after reply popped up.
I’m not asking for your date of birth and your mothers maiden name XD
Just tell me a few things.
Who is your favourite designer?
(I’m prepared to be disappointed when it isn't me, I want to change your mind about that though.)
Your favourite colours.
Favourite time of day
Favourite place
Favourite food
Those will do to start with.
Devon clearing his throat precluded Robin actually answering any of them as he slid his phone away feeling a weird sense of guilt about talking to another designer while working for Devon. The rest of the day was spent with Devon confirming that they had secured the Tokyo contract, and passing the folders, including Robins alterations, around the table. Robin discovered to his surprise that he and Devon were the only two there who were actually designers, the rest worked in logistics, pattern making, and various other support roles to get bulk corporate designs like these manufactured and shipped. They did the same support roles for their high fashion lines, basically Devon created the designs, and they made them come to life. Robin felt slightly overwhelmed that not only had his suggestions been accepted, but he was fielding questions about fabrics and colour swatches for his changes. By the time Devon told everyone to pack up and go home for the day, Robin felt exhausted, but instead of leaving, he helped Devon gather up the folders and followed him back to the office. Devon indicated for him to drop the folders on the big table.
“You can go home now.” It sounded like an order, and Robin was tempted to just do as he was told. Instead he straightened himself to his full height and looked up at Devon.
“I said I’d keep the same hours as you, I’m sure there is more work you need done.”
Devon gave him a flat stare, “not today, and I don’t want to see you here before 8am tomorrow.”
Robin pouted, annoyed, “why?”
Devon turned his back on Robin, “because I said so, that should be a good enough reason. You aren't expected to keep the same hours I do.”
“But I want to! How am I supposed to learn from you if you’re working while I’m not here?” He knew it sounded whiny and petulant, but he was annoyed, Devon had been short and cold to him all day.
Devon turned back to regard him with an odd expression and seemed lost for words for a moment.
“If I promise to not do anything important when you’re not here would that satisfy you?” It was said in a softer tone than his usual grumpy growl, and Robin felt his stomach flip, nodding in agreement.
“Good, now, go home Robin, we have a lot of work to do tomorrow.”
Robin nodded again, grabbing his satchel and heading for the door, pausing to say, “good night Devon,” before he let the door swing closed.
He walked home in a distracted haze, thinking about his new boss, the designs, the massive amount of work they would need to do tomorrow, and, the questions he still needed to reply to. He’d already decided he would reply, the questions seemed harmless enough, and he really was curious to see what the ass would design for him. He wondered if the ass worked for a rival company, and what would happen if he did a photo shoot for them while working for Callaways. He sucked his lips and decided as long as he didn't expose any of Callaways secrets he should be fine from a legal standpoint. He was still formulating his answers as he arrived home, and heated up a microwave meal for dinner. Sinking down on the couch he flicked on some music and pulled out his phone, typing one handed while he held a fork in his other, pausing between bites to think.
Favourite designer, that’s hard, I don’t have a single designer who I think always hits the mark, but, my top three would be, Devon Callaway, Geus Harold, and Maryanne Dane.
Favourite colours are pastels, especially apricot and mint.
Favourite time of day, dusk, I love sunsets, and the way everything is half concealed by the darkness creeping in.
Favourite place, the rose gardens
Favourite food, definitely lemon cheesecake.
Robin sat and looked at his replies for a long minute. Until today he wouldn't have added Devon to the list, but seeing his work the way he had, he couldn't help but be impressed, even if Devon himself left a lot to be desired personality wise. He giggled when he saw the reply.
I can accept Harold and Dane, but why Callaway?
Did he really want to defend his scowling grumpy boss?
He’s good at what he does, doesn't hurt that he’s hot as hell, jealous much?
He wasn't sure that was appropriate, but it was the truth, and maybe it’d put the ass in his place.
You have no idea. You think he’s hot???
Robin giggled some more, squirming in his seat.
Yeah I do, does that bother you?
A text message distracted him from the conversation, it was from Briar, his friend who followed the ass on social media.
What the hell did you do to Decal? He’s subchirping weird stuff.
Robin screwed his nose up and replied.
What makes you think I did anything?
He got three messages one after the other and snorted.
Because he removed the photo of you he put up, then posted a public apology to you, and now he’s subchirping
I think you broke him
What did you /do/ to him???
Instead of replying, Robin went to look for himself, Decal’s feed was usually glam pics and ratings, but today it was just what Briar said, a pinned apology, and a bunch of subchirps which made Robin blush. Especially the most recent one.
I am /so/ bothered right now
Another one popped up while he was reading them.
I think I’m being ignored again :( :(
Robin snorted, someone was being a needy baby. He switched back to the DM’s and typed out a reply.
I’ll ignore you all I want, don’t be such a baby.
There was a definite pause before the next reply.
You looked at my feed?
Robin rolled his eyes.
Duh, that’s how I knew you’d posted my pic in the first place, one of my friends follows you, god knows why.
Another long pause.
I guess I should stop venting if you’re going to make fun of me for it.
Robin smirked.
Oh no, feel free to vent, I haven’t had this much fun laughing at someone in a long time.
He didn't get a reply to this one, so he switched back to Decal’s feed, trying to find a picture of him that didn't hide his face. There wasn't one. All the photos were cleverly constructed so you could see that Decal was smiling, or laughing, but you could never get a clear look at his face. Robin frowned and chewed his lip. Decal seemed like he was reasonably tall, and had dark hair, but beyond that, there was nothing to identify him, so Robins idea of looking through designers photos to figure out who he was wasn't going to work. Giving up he scrolled back to the top of the feed to see another subchirp.
Why did he have to be so adorable?
Robin noticed the chirps were getting a lot of comments, mostly worried fans asking what was going on, but some angry that there had been no ratings since the night Decal had taken Robin’s picture. He switched back to the DM’s.
I’m adorable?
The reply had him rolling his eyes and shaking his head.
No comment, you’ll just tell me I’m being creepy if I say yes.
You literally just subchirped it on your feed!
You said you were having fun laughing at me, I wanted to be sure I was making it worth your while.
You are such an ass
So you keep saying, yet here you are, still talking to me.
Maybe I’m just curious to see what you’d design me.
Another long pause
If you like it, would you consider getting to know me better?
Wow, that was lame, even for you. Try. Harder. Fuckboy.
You want me harder baby?
Robin sat snorting with laughter, his hand covering his face, cheeks bright red.
That was awful, you’re awful, give me one good reason not to block your awful ass.
:( :( :( please don’t
The reply made Robin roll his eyes, he really didn't know what to make of the ass, one minute he’s being cocky and fuckboy-esk, the next he’s pulling the sad face rubbish. It made him curious what the guy was actually like in person.
That’s not a reason :P
I don’t have a good reason, I am awful, I just don’t want you to, please?
Another text message from Briar distracted him again.
Answer me Robin! What did you /do/ to him, why is he saying some guy is adorable? Is he talking about you!!???
Robin smirked and typed a quick reply, not willing to tell Briar anything, because he knew Briar would tell him off.
I haven’t done anything to him, why would I?
The reply came back fast.
ROBIN! Tell me! I know you’re hiding something! Don’t tell me you’re talking with Decal? You know what he is!
Robin bit his lip and sighed.
I’m a big boy Briar, I can handle myself. Besides, what’s wrong with messing with a fuckboy and giving him a taste of his own medicine?
You /broke/ an internet celebrity!!! Do you know who you’re messing with? I know you Robin, you’ll start out trying to mess with him, and end up doing something dumb and getting hurt. As your best friend I can’t just sit back and let you do this!
What are you going to do, steal my phone?
I’ll do whatever I have to do
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