"Why bother? They're not going to want me while I look like this and you know it." If it’d been Emmett’s own choice he would have just called in to cancel; Edan had insisted otherwise. Emmett iced his lip as much as he could throughout the evening and morning but it was still swollen and prone to splitting at any small movement. "They're not gonna want to retouch it. The fact that you're driving me over there means you don't think they're gonna keep me either."

"Showing up makes a good impression." Edan glanced over from the driver's seat, nudging Emmett to put the latest ice pack back on his face. "They'll remember you if you make an effort."

Emmett tilted the seat back, more to be out of Edan's sight and reach than anything. He wanted a cigarette, but it hurt to smoke right now, and the client probably wouldn't like it either. "I can’t stand looking at someone’s face when they’re upset with me."

“It won’t be that bad.”

“It’s always that bad.”

Edan made a sound like he meant to say more but he didn't press Emmett further and they rode the rest of the way in silence.

Emmett's heart was a thundering mess by the time they pulled into the studio’s parking lot. A little early. Edan was climbing out of the car anyway. "Where are you going?"

"Moral support."

Emmett turned to look out the window instead. "I don't want you to come in."

"It's my fault, isn't it?"

A wave of heat rushed over him. He hadn't been really angry in a long time and it was worse because he wasn’t really sure who he was angry with. "It's not." He tossed the ice pack on the floor and pulled himself up out of the seat, stalking his way to the studio door without looking at Edan.

The studio was abuzz with activity. Lights were being adjusted, wardrobe was still being wheeled in on racks and set pieces were still being artfully placed. From outside of the business it could seem like too much to get done in too little time, but they were professionals. When the models arrived at the proper time, everything would no doubt be ready.

He spotted the director not too far into the building, sitting behind a desk with the light of both a laptop and phone reflecting in her glasses. She glanced up when he came to the edge of the table and her eyes did not look friendly.

"Excuse me. I know it's very inconvenient for you… I'm Emmett, one of the models you called in for the shoot later. I received my message a little late and I know it would be hard to cover this up but..."

Emmett's words trailed off as the woman stood to her feet. "I don’t care for excuses.” Her hard gaze was already making him feel small despite his height. “You showing up to my set looking this way is simply disrespectful and a waste of my time. There was nothing late about the message. If you came in for the casting you knew there would be a chance you'd be picked." She shook her head. "I can't use you for this shoot. God, now I have to find someone else." She picked up her phone, already forgetting his presence.

Emmett felt Edan at his shoulder, leaning forward to grab the woman's attention.

“Sorry to bother you...”

Don’t.

“I just feel like it’s my fault…”

“Edan…” Emmett grabbed his arm, his grip pleading.

“If you’ve got something else for him…”

“Don’t, Edan.” His words were a little louder but Edan still wasn't listening.

“Next week or something-”

“Fucking, stop it!”

That drew a sudden hush to the entire building. As soon as Edan looked at him with a mix of hurt and confusion, Emmett had to turn away, rushing back to the front door.

His cigarettes were in his hands as soon as he was outside and maybe only half a second more before the smoke was in his lungs. Then he was walking, he didn't know where, long strides carrying him away.

"Emmett! Stop!"

A tight grip encircled his arm. He probably couldn't have broken free if he tried. "Fucking, let go of me." He said through gritted teeth.

“Why are you being an asshole? I was trying to help.”

“What, are you my mother or the guy I’m fucking?”

Edan let him loose at that and Emmett steadied himself with a drag from his cigarette before he continued. “We might have the same career, and you might know your way around the business but I can’t navigate it the same way you do. Maybe I’m moving slower than slow and steady but it works for me."

"...The way she looked at me and the way she talked; it just makes me want to climb in bed and cry for the rest of the day.” Emmett shook his head, feeling those tears just waiting to fall. “I would’ve been happier missing the opportunity entirely.”

Edan leaned back against the building, blowing out a sigh. “Sorry, I don’t really get it. Being turned down just makes me want to try harder.”

Emmett rolled his eyes, frustration bringing him even closer to tears. Edan grabbed for his hand and Emmett reluctantly returned his gaze as he spoke. “But hey, I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again, yeah?”

Make sure what doesn’t happen again? That you don’t try to push me when I don’t want it, or that I don’t get scolded out of another shoot?

There was no way he should accept that answer as good enough. If he doesn’t get it he’ll just make the same mistake again. He wanted to make him understand but he wasn’t sure how. It was too much. His heart still hurt, but it was easier for Emmett to just squeeze Edan’s hand in return.