Chapter Text
The elevator slowly crawled it’s way to the basement, all the while Ryan grinned at the closed doors, not fully recovered from being flirted with so smoothly.
The luminous numbers counted down until finally he made it to the basement.
The doors opened up and Ryan was met with a cacophony of sound as people bustled around the packed basement. It was well lit and divided not by walls but by heavy velvet curtains which seemed to act as barriers to different changing rooms. There was a centre of cleared space that had a desk with a bunch of different papers and accessories littering it. A rack sat outside one of the dressing rooms where a variety of different clothes hung and a large table with snacks lining it. Two chairs were placed outside each of the heavy velvet curtains with some people occupying them.
The curtain opened up and unveiled a vaguely familiar face wearing a rather spunky jacket. Ryan was sure that woman was a popstar of some sort. He had definitely seen her face on some billboards around the city.
This was feeling way too real now.
The main hub of attention seemed to be around a board in the bang smack centre of the room where a small entourage of people were looking at where ever a tall thin silver haired man was pointing.
He turned around to address someone and Ryan was surprised at how young the man was. He looked younger than himself and full of uncontained energy as he animatedly spoke to a smaller woman in front of him.
"Can I help you dear" A perfectly pristine brunette woman asked him. He dragged his eyes away from the mystifying sight around him to look at her.
"I was told to find a 'Steven'. I'm Ryan Bergara, I'm here about a modelling job" He hastily explained, tripping over his own words in a rush to get them out.
"Ah yes, Mr. Bergara, come with me" The woman said, knowing exactly who he was.
She led him to the centre of the room, towards the silver haired man. He seemed to almost vibrate out of his skin when he saw Ryan, bounding over to him with arms out stretched.
Ryan found himself enveloped in a hug with a complete stranger, unable to do anything but awkwardly pat the guys back.
"Mr. Bergara, I'm Steven Lim, your fashion guru for today, and well for the next few weeks I suppose. It may be even longer! This is undoubtably Mr. Madej's most ambitious collection yet. We're very excited to have you on the team" The man, Steven, said sounding so sincere it sort of shocked Ryan.
He expected to walk in here and be met with cold judgmental glances and to have something to prove. Instead 2/3 of his interactions today had gone swimmingly well. Maybe this wasn't going to be a train wreck.
"Come on we need to get you fitted in this suit right away. It's great! You're going to die when you see it because it’s so great but then come back to life so you can admire it again" Steven rambled, pulling Ryan off to a dressing room.
Ryan let himself be dragged along, excitement and something akin to anxiety running through him in a confusing mix.
--------------------
Shane had not stopped sketching since he sat down at his desk after his fateful meeting in the elevator.
He went over his other designs and added changes to account for just how broad Ryan’s shoulders were. He started fixing the colour pallets to match the warmth of Ryan’s skin. He briefly began a sketch of a tank top because nothing else was going to do those arms justice.
The colour pink had alluded him a few weeks ago, now it had a purpose, a place among his collection.
Shane had never been so grateful that he had decided to use his middle name when starting his brand. At first it was because Shane wasn’t exactly a glamourous name. Then it had awarded him a lot of privacy as the brand started to take off. Shane rarely went to any public events, not one to like the spotlight, so few people actually knew the face behind the designs.
It made sense that Ryan didn’t know who he was. And maybe Shane should’ve told him. But if he did would Ryan have acted differently? Treated him with fear maybe? Shane couldn’t risk that. This way Ryan might have a chance to get to know him first as Shane, just Shane. Not Alexander Madej, famous fashion designer.
“Sir, Mr. Lim has informed me that the model has been fitted in his suit and is ready for your approval” TJ announced, startling Shane. He had been so caught up in his own thoughts and sketches he’d barely noticed his assistant enter the room.
‘Ryan Bergara what are you doing to me?’ He thought
Speaking of Ryan, how the hell was Shane going to get any work done without Ryan finding out about him.
Then an idea struck him.
“Hey Teej, is Adam in today?”
-----------------
Ryan stood on the raised circular platform, staring at himself in the mirror.
He looked…
Dapper.
The suit wasn’t as horrible as he first thought it was going to be. It seemed to be a confusing mix of pink wool and tartan and if it weren’t for the air conditioning Ryan would have definitely sweat through the crisp white shirt they had given him.
But the stiff wool made his body look more compact and angular, it did wonders in squaring his shoulders. The pants were nice too, they made his legs look a little longer which was always a goal of Ryan’s.
It hung a little big on him at first but Steven had clamped it and written down what adjustments needed to be made.
“You look great, the pink works for you” Quinta, another one of the supposed ‘fashion gurus’ told him while they waited for Steven to return.
“Thanks, that’s not really a sentence I thought I’d hear today, or ever” Ryan replied, giving himself another cursory glance.
Steven came back, looking significantly less happy than before but at least tried to smack a smile on his face.
“So, change of plan, Madej isn’t going to be able to come see the outfit for himself, something about being ‘in the creative zone’” Steven said, a tone that clearly said he wasn’t impressed by Madej’s excuse.
“Instead we’re having Adam, our photographer, come in and take a couple of photos to send up to him. That okay with you Ryan?” He asked, something weird on his face when he mentioned Adam’s name. The journalist in Ryan sensed a story behind that but he didn’t push for any further facts. Instead he let it go for now but saved the info for later.
“I’m fine with that” Ryan shrugged, although truthfully he was hoping to meet the famous Alexander Madej as soon as possible, so that he may have an opportunity to casually bring it up to Ms. Rubin next month.
It had taken awhile but Ryan had managed to score himself two tickets to a charity ball she would be attending at the end of the month. His goal was to schmooze his way through the socialites to meet her and leave a lasting impression, so that when he sent his application in for Rubin&Pan she may remember him. Maybe see him as someone worthy of her time.
After all that’s why he was here.
“You’re an idiot” TJ told Shane, not even a hint of remorse in his voice.
Shane frowned but didn’t argue the point. TJ, unfortunately for Shane, was usually right.
“Look, insult my intelligence as much as you want but will you at least just do it?” Shane asked again, putting on his best pleading face. It was a lot to ask but Shane needed this to work, he only had a limited time to do this before the launch of the Pink Collection.
“No! I’m not going to pretend to be you so you can hit on a model Shane!” TJ growled, crossing his arms and glaring in disapproval. Shane sighed and sank back into his seat, not sure what his next move would be.
“Teej-“ Shane started but was swiftly cut off.
“No”
-------------
Adam arrived barely half an hour later. In that time Steven had continued with his adjustments and examination of Ryan. Ryan was starting to sweat under his collar now. Who knew standing around in a suit would be more strenuous than at first glance?
Ryan was expecting Steven to be hostile towards Adam, given how bad his attitude had been earlier. However, much to Ryan’s surprise Steven greeted the man with a warm hug, smile on his face that seemed genuine, if a little tight.
So maybe it wasn’t Adam that was causing Steven trouble, but something connected to him. Ryan would no doubt get to the bottom of this by the end of his time at Madej’s.
Adam and Ryan had a brief introduction before jumping right into taking the pictures. It happened in a blur, Adam giving Ryan (thankfully) clear directions on how to stand before taking pictures from all angles in front and behind Ryan.
“So does Madej get you to do this often?” Ryan asked at one point, in an attempt at small talk.
“Not really” Adam replied cryptically before going back to his picture taking.
Right, not weird at all.
By the time Adam had finished taking pictures they had barely spoken two words to each other.
Steven came bounding into the dressing room again, looking a little flustered as his silver hair protruded in different directions.
“You can send the photos onto Shane whenever you’re ready Adam, thank you” Steven said, giving the photographer a grateful smile. Ryan perked up at the mention of cute elevator guys name, maybe Ryan could weasel some info out of Steven in the next few days.
“No problem, see you and Andrew tonight?” Adam asked as he and Steven exchanged a quick hug. Ryan noted how Steven tensed up but stiffly nodded.
“Tonight, it’s a date” He agreed, knocking his fist against Adams arm while letting out a painfully awkward laugh. Adam raised an eyebrow but nodded and swiftly left. Ryan watched him go, taking in the information, watching as the puzzle pieces started to click together.
“So Ryan, good news for you, bad news for me. You’ve been contracted as the main masculine model for the Pink Collection, congratulations. You’ll model all the pieces for our website and any publications that want to show off the clothes. The night of our launch we’ll hold a fashion show and you’ll be the last to walk in whatever ends up being the crowning piece of the collection” Steven informed him.
Ryan was frozen, seriously? Was this actually happening? How the hell?
“Wait, wait, why is this bad news for you?” Ryan stuttered out, not sure how to process all of this. Wasn’t he sure he was going to get kicked out an hour ago?
“Because for every piece you try you’ll need to get photos taken and sent up to the big man, for some bizarre reason he can’t make the trip down here himself for the rest of the collection. That means I have to work at a slower pace than usual” Steven pouted, crossing his arms like a stubborn child.
Ryan gave him a sympathetic smile but internally he was screaming.
Well, he may never meet Alexander Madej, but being one of the main models for the collection wasn’t anything to be snuffed at either. Right?
Maybe Sara Rubin would see his picture on Madej’s website before the gala? Maybe she would be the one to approach him? Ryan only dared to dream.
He was getting a bit ahead of himself now, still he couldn’t help feeling ecstatic.
He’d need to buy Eugene a thank you lunch, for like, the rest of his life.
-----------
It was late before Shane finally finished his work. He’d reviewed Ryan’s photos – thoroughly. He’d also marked the adjustments Steven wished to make and added his own where needed. But overall there weren’t many, Ryan looked stunning in the suit.
Shane had brought his next designs to his sewing crew after he’d reviewed the pictures, giving them a hand with the others pieces they had already started for the feminine model. He’d chosen a trans girl named Cindy, a bottle blonde that looked like she was made to wear pink. He’d worked with her on one of his earlier collections and liked her spunk. She’d make this collection her own, plus her fair skin and blonde hair would be a perfect contrast for Ryan’s warm darker tones.
Ryan, Ryan, Ryan. Shane didn’t know what it was about the man that had captured him so quickly. The only person that had ever done that before was his ex, Sara. At one time Shane would’ve thought he’d never meet anyone that came close to making him feel the way Sara did.
He’d even bought a ring two weeks before she’d broken up with him.
They ended on amiable terms. He had been heartbroken but he understood that she just simply didn’t feel that for him anymore. The thought of dating anyone had been terrifying afterwards, knowing that one day they could wake up and no longer love him.
Then one day he woke up and stopped being painfully still in love with Sara.
His fashion line had taken off around the same time and from there he had no time to even consider dating anyone.
Until now that is.
Ryan, ryan, ryan.
When Shane stepped into the elevator to leave that was all that was on his mind.
-------------
Ryan spent a long time going through his contract with the Madej lawyers. Davin had been thorough before letting Ryan sign anything which the sensible side of him appreciated. At least he didn’t have to worry about accidentally uncovering a scandal, although it if he did it would probably make his journalistic career.
However the part of Ryan that had spent all day getting fitted and stared at just wanted to go home and never have anyone look at him again.
He had been admittedly gobsmacked at the amount he was getting paid though, and that didn’t even include whatever he could expect for publicity pieces. If Ryan was a more money driven guy he’d give up journalism in a heartbeat for a job like this. However, money was never a major factor for Ryan, seeking the truth and sharing it with the world had always been his goal, his driving force.
It was late when he finally stepped into the elevator and, to his surprise, he wasn’t alone.
“Hey Shane, long time, no see” Ryan joked as he entered. Shane let out a low chuckle and moved aside for Ryan could stand next to him, just like that morning.
“Hmm, a couple of hours, far too long without a doubt” He joked back, making Ryan cackle. God he probably looked so unattractive right now after sweating all day but hopefully this Shane guy didn’t mind.
What a successful day it would be if Ryan walked out of this building with a job and a cute guy’s number.
God, when did he start to get so optimistic?
“First day on the job right, how did you find it?” Shane asked, easily starting up small talk, making Ryan feel comfortable without trying too hard.
“A bit overwhelming if I’m honest. I mean, I’ve never worn clothes that cost more than my rent before. Or really anything that pink” Ryan admitted sheepishly. Shane gave him a sympathetic smile.
“Hey at least with us the price has a purpose, it’s all produced in America and the fabric is pretty high quality. Some brands just make you pay for the name yaknow” Shane shrugged, looking slightly more awkward now. Like he felt personally bad for the pricing.
“I know, man, don’t sweat it. I did my research before hand” Ryan reassured him, relieved when Shane visibly relaxed.
“I would expect so, since you used to be a journalist right?” Shane asked catching Ryan off guard. How did he know that?
Shane must have realized his blunder as his cheeks became tinted with pink. “I..um, I may have had a look at your resume after meeting you” The taller man explained, running a nervous hand through his already messy locks of brown hair.
Ryan bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing at the man's discomfort. He wasn’t used to this kind of attention at all.
“Well since you know so much about me I think it’s only fair I get to know a little more about you. Maybe over coffee?” Ryan dared to ask, feeling a little more confident now.
The guy looked at him like he was shocked that Ryan hadn’t run out screaming. They stared at each other, Ryan holding his breath as he waited for the answer.
--------------
“I’d love to” Shane said, breathlessly. He hadn’t realized he had been holding it. The smile that beamed across Ryan’s face was a thing of beauty. It was toothy and loud and kind of perfect in it’s own way.
Shane was in deep now, way too deep and yet he didn’t want back out. He wanted to see where this was going.
The elevator finally reached the ground floor and two stepped out into the reception area together.
“Give me your phone” Shane said, gathering his bravery. Ryan handed it over easily, fingers brushing against Shane's and sending an electric shock through his body. He felt giddy and elated, like he was some teenager with a crush. He was a world renowned fashion designer. He was a grown man, and yet Ryan had taken all that made sense and turned it upside down.
Shane quickly tapped in his number into the phone and saved the contact for Ryan.
“Text me a time and place, I’ll be there” Shane promised as he handed the phone back. Ryan nodded, grin fixed firmly on his face.
Out of the corner of Shane’s eye he caught a flash of blonde. He turned and was met with a shocked and slightly amused Andrew. Shane shot him a pleading look that hopefully conveyed ‘do not say anything about this to Steven’.
Judging from the look he got back that wasn’t happening.
Well, shit.