7 - Stockholm

Theseus hesitated, but let out a small smile and shook his head. "Asterius, sometimes you manage to almost make me doubt that I'm worthy of your love and kindness." He gently caressed his boyfriend's shoulder, pressed a chaste kiss on his neck and stood up to exit the tub and go for a quick, cold shower.
And if he left a trail of soapy water on his way there, well, it was the least of his worries honestly.
He wrapped himself up in his bathrobe on the way out, and went to either wait for or join with Asterius back in the bedroom, sitting on the couch there. He didn't trust himself to sit on the bed with his boyfriend without feeling the need to become touchy.

"You are more than worthy of all that I could give you and more", Asterius protested lowly, still sighing when he felt a soft kiss left on his neck before Theseus would rise to get in the shower.
He took more time than his boyfriend to get out of the bathroom - mostly because he needed to made sure all his hair had been washed, and because he took some time to properly take care of his horns. When he walked out in his bathrobe he was mostly dry. He kept his eyes on Theseus as he carefully sat on the bed, understanding that he didn't wish to sit too close for now.

Let's be honest, given the time it would take to Asterius to take care of his horns, Theseus would have dressed up - wearing just regular, casual clothes since he was supposed to change later on - but would still be sitting on that couch. He raised his gaze from his phone briefly, and a knot formed in his throat when he saw that his boyfriend's horns were shining - so that's why he felt like he had been waiting for him for long.
Damn it.
Theseus sighed and stood up. "Asterius, I wish to apologize for my behaviour earlier. I should know better than to act like a starved man, even in your vicinity. And in the end, I've even failed to help you with your care routine, while I very much intended to do so!" He eventually sat slowly on the bed, while studying Asterius' reaction to it, so as not to cross any other imaginary boundary that he had set up in his mind.

Asterius listened to Theseus, following his movements closely as he raised from the couch.
He had started shaking his head soon into his boyfriend's apologize, though, and frowned when he noticed he was still keeping his distance even while sitting at his side on the bed. "Theseus", he started, even though he softened his tone soon after. He paused, to studyhis words more carefully - and looked away from his boyfriend for a slight moment, looking suddenly flustered. "I... don't mind you acting starved", he confessed in a murmur. "I've had partners that would shy away from touching me. You make me feel wanted, desired, and I enjoy it. Very much." He dared a glance to Theseus. "As for my horns, it's fine. It gave me some time to collect myself."

Theseus blinked stupidly at Asterius for a few seconds, and then frowned. "Who could possibly shy away from y-" He abruptly paused, and inhaled sharply, as if epiphany had just hit him. "You share that sentiment?" He shifted closer to his boyfriend, now beaming, to catch one of his hands in his. "Oh, Asterius, Asterius! And here I thought I might be rushing things between us!" He brought his knuckle to his lips, and grinned at him. "Should you want to, I shall be yours tonight, my love!"

Asterius' fluster only worsened at those words, and his bravery immediately left him, bringing his eyes away from Theseus' beaming expression. "I- I really don't know why you had the impression that I didn't share that sentiment. I thought I had made my interest very clear", he protested lowly. His ears flicked though, betraying his interest at his boyfriend's words. He turned to look at him again. "You'd... really wish to do that tonight?", he asked, sounding almost incredulous.

"I do," Theseus replied solemnly. Oh, how could he not, after seeing Asterius positively flustered at the mere idea that they could indeed become intimate at last -
Theseus cleared his throat. "Not- I mean, I still need some time before you may make love to me, Asterius, but- Not that it won't be an act of love in itself, of course! But I might need some more time before we consider penetration-"
He sure knew how to keep the mood romantic, didn't he.

Asterius felt so flustered by now that he could just start laughing. He couldn't help it, the conversation had gotten so embarrassing so fast! "Theseus - you don't need to worry", he finally told him as he held his hands back in his own, lifting them to his mouth to kiss their back. "I'm not in a rush. I'm very happy you feel like getting more intimate with me - but as I said already once before. The rhythm is entirely up to you."

Theseus had felt his heart melt when Asterius hand brought his own hands to his lips, and he was grinning again by the time his boyfriend was done reassuring him. "Nonsense, Asterius! This relationship requires two partners! And, as such, your feelings and desire should be as important as mine! I want you to voice them to me from now on, without fear!" He freed his hands so that he could cup Asterius' cheeks, and kiss him softly.
Which, thankfully, was enough for him to calm down just a little.
"Don't hide things from me, love. Especially when they concern you- and us," he almost whispered against Asterius' lips, before he silently asked for one more, and another.

Asterius relaxed completely under his boyfriend's tender kisses, humming into them and wrapping his arms around him so that he could hold him closer. "I will voice them - and I will hide nothing from you. I promise", he murmured against his lips, allowing any and each kiss Theseus would want to bestow on him. "I love you."

Theseus hummed in return and smiled fondly at his boyfriend. "I love you too, Asterius." And, just as he was about to lean down for another kiss, his watch started beeping, and he looked at it before he let out a laugh. "Well! It seems like we're late for dinner, and because of me you're still not dressed!" He pecked Asterius' lips one last time before he got off the bed and pulled his phone out again. "I'll tell Carleen that we'll join them in a few for our dinner."

Asterius raised from the bed. "I didn't think it was this late already." He guessed he had taken much too time to polish his horns. "I'll be ready in five minutes", he assured Theseus, leaning in for a last, gentle peck before he walked to his bag - where he uncerimoniously dropped the bathrobe before fishing for clean underwear and casual, comfortable clothes (which let's be honest it still meant they hugged his body a little bit. Minotaur sizes aren't always readily available).

Theseus had sat back down on the couch, and he didn't really stop himself from looking at Asterius getting dressed this time. He bit on his lower lip as he watched him putting his boxer shorts on, and smiled to himself when he put on the top. He got up by then and walked towards Asterius to wrap his arms around him, and request one last kiss before it was time to go.

Tomorrow I'll write a short (HA! WHO AM I KIDDING) summary of the show!

The Stockholm fashion show was a big event. Fashion desginers from all over the world came to release their collection for the new year. Some of them were traditional in their approach of fashion: with over-the-top colors and shapes slapped onto thin, bland models. Let's be honest; all of the models here were walkers, for their met with the bland standard of the designer they worked for.

Sakrish was part of a small group of designers that didn't give a shit about fashion standards, however. As Carleen would explain to both Horknath and Asterius, designing clothes that would fit the standard walker size was one job, and designing a whole outfit with a specific body shape in mind and nothing else was another. Sakrish was part of those rogue designers that decided that an outfit they made up for one body type would fit that body type and no other.

She pointed out the presentations of some of her father's friends - one of them specializing in plus-size models, the other in people who were usually too tall or too small to be hired in that field.
And then there was Sakrish and his army of muscled models.

There were a few thinner models, of course, but they were usually paired with a counterpart. A smaller man would walk on stage at the arm of a woman two heads taller than him, with strong shoulders and and outfit that nonetheless matched her shapes and made her look feminine, or there would be men in fancy outfits that made them look buff yet refined.

Now let's be honest- Sakrish's style was a little tacky. Most of his designs looked like they were coming out of some fantasy, classy noir movie. His collections were mostly in black and white, with very few drops of color here and there.
What he used in profusion however, was gold. And his son was covered in it.

Theseus looked like a mob boss when he came out the first time. His expression was cold and serious, until he reached the end of the catwalk and turned to wink at his boyfriend - much to Carleen's amusement.
He came back a few more times with different hairstyles and combos, and the last time he was wearing a golden eyeshadow, a long black cloak covered in gold chains and buttons. His hair was combed back, safe for a few strands falling on his forehead, and he wore an open shirt, proudly showing off just how fit he was.

He was definitely wearing that same outfit when the show ended and everyone gathered for a drink.
Which is why Sakrish ran after him and pleaded him to not jump, Theseus please when he spotted Asterius.

Instead, he opened his arms and had to walk quietly towards his boyfriend. Oh, but he did so with a wide grin.
"How do I look?"

Now, if on one side Horknath had simply happily listened to Carleen and watched the show - asking at times questions about this or that, but mostly appreciating the less standard-looking works of Sakrish and the other 'rogue' stylists - Asterius had found it very difficult to focus on anything else other than Theseus.

He had felt himself flush when his boyfriend had made his forst apparition, striding confidently along the catwalk with that serious expression - and had averted his gaze, even more flustered, when he broke character to wink at him. After that, he had been unable to look at anyone else. There was only Theseus, Theseus and his flashy but oh so fitting outfits, and Asterius' eyes didn't leave him for a single second.
He was handsome, and strong, and confident, and he had the priviledge to call him his. The thought was well enough to leave him warm for the whole duration of the show.

He couldn't hold back a smile when he saw Theseus coming towards him and displaying a little bit of restraint for once. He took his time admiring him before answering. "Impossibly gorgeous", he finally said, with so much fondness in his voice. "The others have nothing on you."

Theseus let out a soft chuckle. "Oh, you." He waved at his father who gave him a thumbs up and went to talk to Carleen for a bit and discuss what his colleagues had produced that year.

Leaving Theseus the opportunity to shamelessly take Asterius' hand in his and pull him down for a long, soft kiss. "I was told I could keep that outfit, if you like it." He grinned at his boyfriend. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

Asterius hummed into their kiss, pleased by Theseus' show of affection. "I did", he nodded when his boyfriend broke their kiss to ask him that question. "It was interesting. But I can't say I paid too much attention to everyone on the catwalk", he added with a little frown. "Some models and clothes were too similar to each other, it confused me to no end."

Theseus burst out laughing. "Oh, if my father could hear you! See, this is exactly why he's trying so hard to recruit both you and Horknath. It's surprisingly hard to come across such splendid men as us!" He smiled at Asterius, and laid his hands on his hips. "Oh, but you don't need any fancy clothes to look positively dashing, love."

And indeed, in the meantime Sakrish was trying yet again to recruit Horknath, let's be real.
"I mean, that's what this show is missing, right? It's just a walker festival. Oh, but if I could design a full range of clothing for both minotaurs and orcs...!"
"He hasn't said yes yet," Carleen kindly teased her father with a smile.

Asterius seemed to grow a little flustered - and as per his usual when he was embarrassed, he turned his head to look away from Theseus for a couple of seconds. "You as well", he commented in the end, when he felt confident enough to look back at his boyfriend. He carefully laid his hands on his shoulders, mindful of the expensive-looking attire he was wearing. "I think I would be a very stiff model, though. I don't think I'd have half the confidence you have on the catwalk."

And Horknath was telling the very same thing to Sakrish, looking very flustered in the process. "I don't know if I would manage to participate to a show like Theseus does", he answered, feeling his face grow warmer.

"You could! I could teach you, Asterius," Theseus told him with a smile. "I'm sure that if I were at your side, you wouldn't lack any confidence to just stride down that catwalk! But don't feel forced now, love. This was merely a suggestion. Let's go grab a drink now, shall we?" Oh, he sure intended on drinking a few glasses to loosen up before they'd go back to their room.

"Oh, don't worry I won't ask you to do the same as Theseus does," Sakrish said with a kind smile. "I know it's hard to be as confident as him. No, I'd ask you to be an actual model for me - allow me to design outfits that would fit you, and for us to arrange photo shoots !"

Asterius smiled a little smile back at him. "I'll think about it", he promised, before looking at the crowd of models that had formed around the place where they were serving alcohol. "Of course. Let's go", he added, offering his hand for Theseus to hold. "Don't forget we have champagne back in our room, too."

Horknath seemed a little more relaxed when it seemed like he wasn't being asked to walk and pose. Still, the thought of being looked over by photographers did make him a little nervous. He threw a shy glance at Carleen though, and thought that maybe, if she'd come along, he'd be confident enough to model for some pictures.
Maybe one day he could be modeling for her too!
"That seems more like something I could do", he admitted then.

Theseus beamed. "You're right! Well, in that case- is there any reason for us to drink here, then?" His tone was playful. "Don't get me wrong, but- there's only one person I'd rather spend my time with tonight-" He raised his hands to slightly rearrange Asterius' top. "And it's you." He grinned at his boyfriend, and winked at him.

Sakrish smiled to himself. "Well, then! I'll ask Asterius if he'd like to try as well! Then I could work on something for both of you, and Theseus- if I'm having the three of you model at the same time, surely that should put both you and your brother at ease!"
Carleen chuckled, and shook her head. Her father was impossible, but- at least he had not put too much pressure on her boyfriend's shoulders.

Asterius lowered his head to hide a little smile. "Well. If you're sure you don't want anyone else's company tonight anymore", he answered in a low voice. "Then we may go." He raised a hand to gently stroke Theseus' cheek. "Gold really suits you", he murmured before leaning in to steal a quick, gentle peck from his lips.

Horknath felt himself grow even more relieved. "That sounds like a good idea", he answered in the end. Even though it would be more embarrassing for him if he ended up third-wheeling his brother and Theseus.

Theseus smiled to himself, and he readily kissed Asterius back. "Thank you. And I'll have you know that no company could compare to yours tonight, love. Come, now." He took Asterius' hand in his and guided him out of the reception room, his long coat floating elegantly behind him.
Only for him to find out in front of their room that he had not thought about taking the room's key, which meant once more that they were lucky Asterius had been entrusted with it.

Carleen threw an apologetic glance at Horknath, and sighed. "I know you dad, and three guys like them are going to be a lot to fit in one picture at a time. But-" She sighed. "If Horknath wants to indulge you, and if that gets him some free outfits from you, I suppose I could-"
"Be his partner for the shoot?" Sakrish completed with a hopeful smile.
That drew an incredulous chuckle from his daughter.
"This was your plan all along!" Carleen protested, still half laughing.
"You two look positively stunning together, and how could I say no to a couple that looks beautiful in a red palette to bring me out of my comfort zone!" He blew a kiss in the air, from his fingers. "Besides, I'm sure Horknath would feel even more comfortable with you at his side! Isn't that right?"

Asterius saw Theseus hesitate in front of the door, and let the realization that he didn't have the key properly sink in before huffing out a little chuckle and fishing it out from his own pocket to open the door. He threw an eloquent glance to his boyfriend, raising a brow at him before gesturing for him to get in first. He followed shortly, closing the door behind him, and briefly took his phone to message Horknath, telling him they had gone in their room - they had completely forgotten to warn them.

Horknath let out a laugh as well, caught by surprise. Yeah, he hadn't seen it coming either. Sakrish was a very nice person, but he sure knew how to spin things to get what he wanted! "I most definitely would", he answered then, gently wrapping an arm around Carleen's waist.