Emmett made some excuse when Edan invited him back up to his apartment. Despite Edan's apologies and an offer to comfort Emmett in his favorite way, he still wanted to leave.

He was angry about the whole situation and that was best dispelled alone.

He picked up more cigarettes and a cheap six-pack on the way, drew up the hottest tub of water he could and just sat. Well, sat and drank and smoked and cried and cursed a bit too. It wasn't pretty, but it worked.

Emmett went to bed early and slept through most of the next day. And the day after that one he went back to work. Tiffany seemed aware of his flub at the last shoot but she didn't press him over it. She gave him a few designers to visit and his updated portfolio.

"I also had a photographer request you. He didn't give a project or time frame, just his business card."

Emmett recognized it as soon as she handed it over. That older man from the runway show. Oliver Beck. Emmett hadn't even read the name last time. "Do you know anything about this guy?" It was still really weird but at least it reached him through proper channels this time.

"I'm sorry. None of my clients have personally worked with him before but I'm sure I've heard the name around. I'll look into him for you."

"Thanks."

Emmett went to his go-sees and he behaved as best as he could. His lip was well enough now that a bit of concealer hid the worst of it. If the designers knew it could be covered that should be enough for them.

It seemed to work. When Emmett returned to the agency Tiffany had a couple of shoots lined up for him. Looks like I can still get it done on my own.

He finally looked at his phone again while lying in bed that night. Edan had sent only one message yesterday. A picture of his scratched up back and two words. "They're fading." Emmett still didn't want to answer it but it didn't stop him from touching himself and pretending it was someone else’s hands.

It was a boring designer the next day. One of those who barely attempted to update the men's fashion line despite the originality displayed on the women's side. They put him in bulky denim and layered flannels and he died under the studio lights thinking hunting things would never be part of his family business.

He cooled off in front of a fan while he could. They still wanted some group shots and there was still one more pair that had to get through their single shots before they could get those done.

A few of the other models were sitting around chatting.

One of the girls leaned towards him. Emmett thought he'd seen her face before but didn't care to remember from where. "We're pulling together a group for dinner and drinks tonight, want to come?" Emmett must have made a face; she kept talking. "I'm asking for someone else."

She pointed at the stage and Emmett almost choked on his bottle of water. He hadn't noticed Edan the entire time they'd been at the shoot. Probably because they'd stuffed his hair under a short blonde wig and for once he wasn't shirtless. Emmett could be at least a little proud that he hadn't let himself get distracted by any male presence today and relieved that Edan had let him do his work on his own.

"I'll think about it."

There was no ignoring Edan once he knew he was there. It was amazing he hadn't realized sooner as Edan's eyes seemed to flit to him at every given opportunity. Had he been doing that all day?

It made the group shots a bit more difficult, especially when they were placed next to each other. Emmett was trying to keep up his pretend interest with his female partner but Edan kept inching closer and the heat off of him felt intense.

At long last, they let them all go. Emmett stayed where he sat as the stage cleared. He could still feel Edan close by but he wanted at least the smallest semblance of privacy before they talked.

When they were near enough to alone Emmett leaned over to place his chin on Edan's shoulder. He gave Edan a chance to speak first, perhaps to add to his first apology, but nothing was forthcoming. Oh well. He pressed his mouth against Edan’s ear, whispering. "If I go to this stupid dinner will you buy me drinks?"

Edan bared his teeth in a grin. "As many as you want, Doll"

Good enough.