“You cannot just go back to plain old brown.” Frankie huffed out as he led Emerson to the hair salon. 

“Why can’t I?” Emerson responded, taking in the colourful clothing shops that lined the canal. 

Frankie turned, walking backwards, giving Emerson a shocked expression. “I think you would look super cute with like a dark undercut and lighter brown on top. That would make you sexy.” He smirked, turning back around. He missed Emerson’s wide eyes and blushing cheeks. 

“I, um, I don’t know. Would that really look good?” Emerson stuttered a bit as he held strands of his pale mint green hair, unaware that he was more comfortable talking with Frankie.

“Yes, Emmy, you would look amazing.” Frankie’s words were soft as he gave Emerson a warm smile. “Trust me. I would never make you look bad.” 

“Okay. I trust you.” Emerson smiled fully, closing his eyes. 

Frankie’s cheeks colored lightly as he slightly smiled back, in awe of how cute Emerson was being. “That’s good.” 

A moment later Frankie pulled Emerson into a beautiful open hair salon. The large front windows allowed a lot of the daylight inside an open layout of mirrors, salon chairs and seats for the waiting area. The mirrors had small round sphere light bulbs along the outline and the hair stylist’s table was a simple glass covered with all kinds of hair products and hair care. The stylist’s chairs were a simple black leather with a footrest. One employee was happily talking to a stylist while sweeping up the fallen hair from the surrounding chairs. The ceiling was painted black and showed an industrial style with the piping painted black but still exposed. The walls were also black and the floor was a gorgeous marbled white tiles with thin gold lines inlaid in the creases of the tiles. A gorgeous white oak counter sits near the glass door entrance. The marbled top matches the flooring. 

An employee with dyed red hair and kind blue eyes stood at the counter. Their hair was long and style back in a simple bun with a few strands framing their face. They were wearing a simple black shirt and pants. 

“Hello, Welcome to Gustov’s Salon. How can I help you?” The employee asked. 

Frankie pulled Emerson with him to the counter. Emerson noticed a small name tag that said the employee was named Lex. “Hello, we are both wanting our hair dyed and cut.”

“Appointment?” Lex asked, before continuing when Frankie shook his head no. “Well, it’ll be maybe ten or twenty minutes of waiting and then I can fit you,” he points to Frankie, “in with Amber. And Mellow should be free to help you then as well.” He says to Emerson. 

“Sounds good! We can definitely wait.” Frankie smiled, excited for his new hair.

The two say down, flipping through hair magazines to pass the time. Soon, the two stylists were finished with their customers and ready for Emerson and Frankie. Frankie explained to Amber how he wants his pink hair to be colored silver and to be re-layered. Mellow took Emerson to a chair and asked what he wanted done today. 

“My friend says I should dye my hair a light brown on top, but dark on the bottom. Um, with an undercut style?” Emerson looked at Mellow, feeling a bit embarrassed that he might’ve explained that in an odd way. It didn’t cross his mind that he was speaking normally to a stranger.

Mellow nodded, understanding what he meant as she looked at his hair, feeling Emerson’s soft strands and imagining the cut that was described. Emerson watched her in the mirror. He could tell she was very beautiful. Mellow had dyed lavender colored hair, bright blue eyes and slightly tanned skin. He wondered if she had been on a vacation recently as that could explain the tan line around her collarbones. 

“Yeah, sounds easy. Let’s get your hair dyed first and then we will wash it and give it a fresh cut.” Mellow smiled as Emerson nodded slightly. She left for a moment to fix up two different colored hair dye and came back. 

After some time, Emerson was staring at the mirror as Mellow began drying and styling his new hair. He had to admit, he looked really good. His hair that was shaved and kind of faded off was a dark brown, while the long strands on top of his head was a dark brown to light brown ombré almost. He did miss the mint green color, but it was good for his hair to be a normal color to let it get healthier again. It was also relaxing to note that his hair reminded him of coffee, the drink he loves so much. 

While Emmy was getting his hair done, Frankie was taken by Amber. She was really kind and had nerdy tattoos all along her arms. Only moments after Emmy’s hair was dried and style, Frankie was getting his hair dried and styled. It was the color of silver silk and had a slight undercut under his long strands. He was happy that the dye didn’t damage his hair, since Frankie was constantly changing his hair color. 

“Well, all done, just pay up front.” Amber smiled as she adjusted the silver strands. “Thank you!” Frankie smiled fully, loving his hair. Emerson was waiting at the front desk, turning around when he heard Frankie’s loud thanks to the stylist. His eyes widened at how the silver hair changed how he saw Frankie. The pastel pink had made Frankie seem bubbly and soft. Now, this dark shiny silver made Emerson think of the other man as sexy and attractive. The silver complimented the deep brown eyes, though Emerson knew that it would also make Frankie’s blue contacts pop as well. 

The thought that Frankie was attractive in Emerson’s eyes shocked him. He had never really found anyone attractive and the new thought was strange. The thought made him aware that he also found Cameron attractive. Could that explain why he sought comfort and warmth from the two men? Don’t normal people like only one person at a time? Wait… Like? His thoughts were confusing him and Emmy had spaced out, lost in the new thoughts and emotions. 

Frankie, seeing Emmy blushing and unfocused, decided to pay for both of them. “Thank you.” He smiled at the cashier, making sure to leave cash tips for both hairstylists. “Emmy?” His hand caressed the unfocused man, bringing Emerson back to the present. 

The warm hand felt soft yet strong, offering comfort and warmth. Emerson no longer thought of it as pudgy, or however he used to think of Frankie’s hands. They were still adorably small but they helped ground his thoughts. 

“Sorry. I …” He glanced around, realising Frankie had shifted him so they were out of the way. “I have to-“

“I already paid for us. It’s been a little less than two hours, so I texted Cameron. He is close by if you want to go to him.” Frankie smiled softly, loving how adorable the blushing Emmy looked with his new hair. It definitely made him look sexy, but Frankie had already thought of Emmy as attractive in his eyes.

“Oh. Okay.” Emerson nodded. The thought of Cameron seeing his new hair brought a wave of shyness over him. It was a quiet walk as Frankie led Emerson to a streetwear store that Cameron had said he was at. The day was warm, yet cloudy. Emerson could tell it would storm soon and he hoped it would be tonight when he would be in the comfort of Cameron and Frankie. 

The shop was as busy as the river walk was. It had tall glass windows that showcased the different streetwear style clothes that were available in the shop. Emerson easily spotted Cameron, recognising his tan skin and wavy hair. He was talking with another person that Emerson figured was a sales associate at the store.

“Cam!” Frankie shouted as soon as they entered the busy shop. Thankfully, Cameron was close to the entrance. He turned and caught sight of the two men. His eyes widened as his breathing seemed to grow faint. Frankie’s silk silver hair was almost slicked back and Emerson’s dark undercut and long golden brown strands on top framed his pale skin beautifully. They both looked so good. 

“Hey.” The breathy greeting left both men blushing, though Emerson’s cheeks were much more red than Frankie’s. The sales associate left to help out another customer as the three friends got closer.

“What were you looking to buy?” Frankie decided to change the subject, aware that he easily was flustered under Cameron’s dominating gaze. 

Emerson stayed quiet, feeling a hurricane of emotions as he listened to the two talk. He could barely look up at Cameron, feeling heat rush through his body at the dark gaze. It was the usual dark gaze he was used to. The gaze didn’t make him feel terrified or in fear, it did the opposite. Emerson felt turned on by the simple gaze and that made him feel disgusted. He has only known Cameron for a few days, yet was already having such a reaction. 

Cameron and Frankie started talking about the jacket that was hanging on a rack. It was a simple bomber jacket with intricate artwork on the back. Though he was listening, Emerson was more focused on his thoughts. Why did he feel such feelings after only knowing Cameron for only a few days? The question made him feel off, incomplete. His eyes lifted to look up at Frankie who was holding up a low neck tank top to his chest, saying something to Cameron. He likes both of them. That’s not normal. It only hurt to know that even his desire for a love life was abnormal. 

“Emmy?” Cameron’s low voice pulled him from his thoughts. Emerson focused on Frankie and Cameron, both of whom were at his eye level with worried gazes. “You got lost again?” Cameron smiled faintly, hoping Emmy was okay.

Emmy nodded, feeling his face heat up in embarrassment. “I’m okay. Kind of hungry.” He mumbled the statement making him realise how hungry he was. 

Cameron chuckled softly as Frankie looked relieved. “I’ll call Sebby and see if the guys are ready to meet up. I could eat too.” Frankie said as he called Sebastian. He walked outside to have some quiet. 

“You look really good.” Cameron whispered faintly as Emerson turned to eye the clothes on the racks next to him. His cheeks heated up as he looked back up at the taller man. “The hair… It really looks good on you.” Cameron’s low voice stirred something in Emerson.

Holding the other’s gaze seemed too much as Emerson looked away. The dark gaze was stirring too much heat throughout his body and it was such a new feeling that it almost terrified him. 

“Let’s go eat!” Frankie called out from outside and the two men walked out. “Seb said to meet him at the diner.” 

The three of them headed out towards the diner. It was only a minute of walking when Emerson grabbed both of their hands. The crowded riverwalk had heightened Emerson’s anxiety. It seemed to make him feel claustrophobic almost. Cameron smiled faintly and let go of Emmy’s hand. Emerson’s pang of hurt was halted as Cameron wrapped an arm around his waist and Frankie squeezed his hand in reassurance. The feeling of love filled him once more as they walked in comfortable silence to the diner. 

~~

Nighttime had fallen, dark clouds heavy in the sky, covering all the beautiful stars. The group had just returned to Sebastian’s home, dropping a variety of shopping bags on the mound of blankets in the game room. Emerson was exhausted, but in a good way. There had been no memory slips, no spikes in anxiety or panic, nothing bad. It was all thanks to holding hands with Cameron or Frankie. Sometimes even Kit or Ash would hold his hand when Cameron and Frankie were trying on clothes. They had bought so much, even Emerson spent a heavy amount on clothes. He was grateful that he had saved his allowances throughout his teenage years in a separate bank account and was still receiving an allowance since his mother didn’t hate him that much. Though he figured it was to maintain her reputation. 

The weekend passed with no issues and Emerson was cuddled up with Frankie on the couch. Cameron had woken up already to get ready for school. Emerson felt a heaviness in his chest at the thought of returning to school, but it was lifted slightly as he recalled that he had a friend in each class.

“See you all at lunch.” Sebastian stated before following his mother to the office. Felix rubbed his tired eyes before sobering himself up. He had to look awake and aware for class. 

“Ready, Emmy?” Felix glanced at the smaller male, thinking Emmy looked adorable with his hair free from any product as it faintly kissed his eyebrows. 

Emerson was holding hands with Cameron tightly, Frankie having left quickly as he had to grab stuff from his locker which was far from his first class. His grip on Cameron’s hand tightened at the idea of being apart from him.

It was hard for Emerson to understand how he was feeling. In just a week he had bonded and connected with the six men to a point that he was absolutely terrified of losing any of them, though he knew it would be worse if he lost Cameron or Frankie. His heart was beating erratically in his chest as the fear of being away from them heightened. His mind couldn’t grasp the concept that he would have Felix in his first class, Kit after that and then Ash before seeing the others at lunch. There was also the feeling of eyes on him. The students around were glancing at the three men. To Emerson they looked judgemental, disgusted and annoyed. But, in honesty, they were just passing by, not a care of the three men in their gaze. Most were looking at Felix anyway. 

“Emmy.” Cameron’s low voice broke Emerson’s thoughts, his hot breath fanning over Emmy’s ear. A blush spread across his cheeks and Emerson felt the comforting touch as Cameron’s thumb ran over his knuckles. “Class will start soon. You can hold Felix’s hand, if you want.” 

Emerson turned to look up at Cameron, unaware that his cheeks were a beautiful rosy red as he was focused on how close the man was to his face. He gulped silently and nodded, holding his free hand out to Felix. Felix smiled fully, glad to see Emmy was back and held his hand gently. Emerson noticed immediately that the feeling was different though still comforting. It was strange and Emmy felt off that he couldn’t pinpoint why. It was only when Cameron let his hand go that Emmy felt empty. His gaze snapped up at Cameron. 

“I have to go to class. I’ll see you at lunch ok?” Cameron spoke softly, feeling guilty and worried about Emmy. The fact that he knew he had feelings for the younger so quickly was shocking, though he didn’t mind it. He would wait for Emmy to meet him if he chooses. 

Emerson, feeling his breathing quicken, was slowly comforted as Felix started caressing his knuckles. It wasn’t the same feeling as when Cameron did it, but it did help calm him down as he felt a brotherly love for the man. “Okay.” Emmy whispered quietly, barely audible, but Cameron heard and smiled before disappearing into the hallways.