"Name's Edan."

"Emmett."

They had only a moment to shake hands before the photographer was calling them into the shot.

"Let's try this again folks." The photographer called over the crash of the waves. She had them standing out in the water now, the waves hitting them just high enough that Emmett was unsteady on his feet. "Show me how cute of a couple you can be."

Oh, of course.

Emmett felt his heart give one solid thud against his chest. Edan had been too friendly already and now they would have to act as lovers… Easy, but also difficult. It wouldn't really be pretend anymore, not the same kind. Until he knew where Edan stood he'd have to hold back.

Edan moved first, sloshing over to throw an arm around Emmett's waist and pull him close. How forward. Emmett found himself smiling, for the act, for the attention and also for the couple of inches he still had over the guy. Was he imagining the thin edge of irritation in Edan's bright eyes?

"Keep moving gentlemen."

The photographer's voice sounded distant. Emmett laced a hand across Edan's back, as much to brace himself for the next wave as to put his hands on the guy. Wait, the shoot… Was he still showing off the clothes? He definitely hadn't looked remotely toward the camera since they'd started. At least the photographer hadn't called him out on it yet.

He tried a little more focus, pretending Edan's hands and presence were a normal thing to him. Emmett played around as best as he could. Shy smiles. Hearty laughter… bold flirting. Edan was looking away when Emmett came closer, a hand on his chest, a breath in his ear. A classic especially if the camera caught him beckoning the viewer, teasing them for not being in Edan’s position.

"Just a few more frames, guys."

Emmett had a moment's hesitation. What next?

Edan decided for him, scooping Emmett easily up into his arms. Emmett pushed the panic out of his expression as quickly as he could. That was actually the easier part. Edan was looking directly at him now, and Emmett didn't want to look away either. His face is an act, don't forget. But Emmett was falling for it. If all the camera caught on Emmett's face was lovestruck, he wouldn't be surprised.

"That's it fellas. I'll keep you for the next one Edan."

"Does that mean you're done with him?" Edan called back to shore. Emmett tried to slip out of his grip but Edan was still holding him tightly.

"Yeah, he can go back to the tent."

"Good." Edan gave a wicked smile before flinging Emmett bodily into the next wave. There was only a moment to gasp before the wave went over him.

The water still wasn't deep and he found his footing quickly but it wasn't pretty when he rose from the water coughing and sputtering. Emmett heard laughter as he wiped hair from his eyes, and he blinked painfully through the salt water, trying to clear his vision.

A hand grabbed his wrist, steadying. "Sorry, I should have warned you." Edan was still laughing through the comment.

From the shore the photographer was yelling. "I meant for now! I still need solo shots of him! Damnit Edan! You’d better explain yourself to hair & make-up!"

Edan ignored her, giving Emmett a long inquisitive look. Emmett blushed, though not as much as when Edan reached down to pull Emmett's swim trunks up more squarely onto his hips. He hadn't noticed them trying to slip away after the wave.

Another wave hit and Emmett stumbled against Edan. Intentionally, unintentionally? Edan let Emmett grab his shoulders for support; let Emmett lean solidly against his chest. Beneath the waves Emmett felt something that made him gasp. Is Edan getting hard for me? A glance at Edan's face didn't answer the question.

"I'll walk you back to the tent." Was all he said.