Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

George’s phone beeps as he emerges from the tube station up onto the street. He keeps a firm grip on his takeaway coffee tray as he works his phone up out of his pocket, a skill he learned early on in the job because late orders are pretty much a daily hazard. The messages he finds make him stop dead though, and then he can’t stop grinning.

One is from Alex, Lando and Carlos are coming to see you today. I told them you’ll definitely be able to help them  :) We’ll talk collaboration later ;)

That’s if Bono lets George lead on the sale. George will definitely tell him that Lando is the best friend of his best friend and that Alex recommended the shop for this wedding. George is really looking forward to finally meeting Lando and God, if he gets to lead on the sale, he can show Bono that he’s ready for this. It’s a big chance.

The second message is from Lewis, Good morning, baby. There’s too much space here.

It comes with a photo of Lewis and Roscoe lying down in bed in Lewis’s L.A home. George can almost smell the air there, he can absolutely visualise the view Lewis will have if he lifts his head. Lewis is shirtless and sleepy-eyed, he probably took the photo late at night, right before he went to sleep. He always finds a way to work around the time difference. George presses his thumb against the picture, right over the spot where he wishes he was. Someone bumps into him, jarring him out of his daydreams right when he’s starting to think about the warmth of Lewis’s skin against his.

George grins, thinking about the tiny flat that he shares with Esteban, and how it compares to Lewis’s gorgeous properties, and how much fun he and Lewis have no matter where they are. Lewis loves visiting George’s flat.

Good night. There’s not enough space here.

He puts his phone away as he gets bumped into again. He doesn’t want to spill any coffee. It doesn’t take him long to get to work from there, but he nips into Bridal Joy next door first. Excitement and adrenaline are starting to flow through him as he thinks about the job that he could lead on today. He’s certain he can do it. Sebastian is examining a sketchbook at the counter as George very carefully places two coffees just out of reach so they won’t get knocked over or ruin the book. Sebastian smiles at him.

“Thank you, George. How are you?”

“My best friend’s best friend is coming suit shopping for his wedding.”

Sebastian’s smile widens, “That sounds like a good day.”

George smiles back. Yeah, Sebastian knows how George works, “Yeah, I hope so.”

Sebastian smiles knowingly but says nothing. It’s one of the reasons George enjoyed the brief time he spent working in Bridal Joy as part of his early years at Suited; Sebastian knows everything but he’s never made George feel bad about his own young experience level. He heads out and next door into Suited, delivering the coffees to Bono and James. James thanks him while Bono is writing something on his phone. James looks relaxed, an arm draped around Bono’s shoulders. George sticks the coffee tray in the staff room recycling bin and checks his reflection, straightening his tie pin. Okay, he’s ready for this.

When he goes back to the front of the shop, no one else has arrived yet. It’s definitely the right time, “Bono?”

Bono stares at his phone for a couple of moments longer before putting it down, “George, thanks for the coffee.”

George nods, “A friend of Alex’s is coming in today to get kitted out for his wedding, he and his fiancé. Alex told them I’ll take care of everything.”

Bono smiles, “He’s not getting a discount for a recommendation.”

George laughs, shaking his head, “Yeah, I’ll tell him. Could I lead the sale though?”

Bono looks thoughtful for a second and checks the appointment book on the counter, “What’s the name?”

“Lando and Carlos.”

Bono nods, "Carlos Sainz Jr, he's a return customer."

George doesn’t actually know much about Carlos, only that, according to Alex, he makes Lando incredibly happy and that Alex approves of him. He does know that between Lando and Carlos, a pretty lavish wedding is being planned and that their families can definitely afford it. Alex keeps sending George the funniest snippets from Lando’s conversations with Carlos about it.

If they have peacocks or doves, I’m going to be laughing in all the photos.

Bono makes a note in the appointment book, “You take the lead on Lando, Esteban can help me with Carlos. The suits are going to get more compliments than the hair.”

George smiles, his adrenaline kicking up a notch. Alex’s hair salon always does amazing work but yeah, obviously, the clothes will stand out most, “Thanks, Bono.”

He’s seen a lot of photos of Lando via Alex’s Instagram but that doesn’t necessarily help with what style Lando might go for. George reviews the photos; Lando favours a mix of feminine and masculine. There’s a few of Carlos, he dresses very differently to Lando, expensive and sporty. He’s someone used to wearing the very best and what suits him too. Maybe he’s got a stylist he’ll be bringing in, it’s happened before. They could even have an overall wedding stylist. George takes notes on his phone, to get his thoughts in order. It looks like Lando isn’t that into structure, he likes flowing lines when he’s dressing more femme and there’s only a few photos of him in actual suits. George frowns, Lando doesn’t look that comfortable in them either. Maybe it’s the fit.

He doesn’t mention it to James when James comes to talk through George’s ideas. He nods at directing Lando towards the less formal styles and reminds George to let Lando lead the appointment. George is there to make sure that Lando takes in all the available options and to get the client to visualise what they want, even if they can’t articulate it.

“We’ll be here if you need anything,” James reminds him. “And asking for help isn’t a problem and it won’t mean you don’t get credit for closing the sale, okay?”

George nods, he’s assisted on sales before though the lead salesman has always gotten the credit for it, since it was primarily their sale. His help has been noticed though, by Bono and James. They’ve always told him that. James pats his back and heads into the back office with his coffee. George knows he’ll be buried in numbers from now on unless he’s needed in the front of the shop, which Bono primarily looks after.

Esteban walks in then, grinning and fist-bumping George with his free hand. He's drinking his coffee with the other.

“We’re taking a lead today,” George tells him.

It’s all he can say before Bono calls a wide-eyed and excited Esteban over for a chat. George sends a quick message to Alex: I’ve got the lead for Lando’s sale. Esteban’s helping Bono with Carlos. 

You’ve got to get him in a suit that’s too big and take photos.

George laughs to himself and sends a thumbs-up emoji, followed by, Massive collar, trousers too huge for a belt.

If he does, it’ll be when there’s no one else on the shop floor. Being taken seriously doesn’t mean taking photos of pranks when other customers might walk in. He sends a message to Lewis too.

Leading on a sale today. Alex’s Lando and his fiance!

George does his usual kind of assisting to start the day - helping Valtteri on a couple of sales, going to get the right sizes from the stockroom and pinning what needs to be pinned for the tailors, taking notes to add to the suit bags. He runs up purchases on the till, finishing a purchase and slipping a business card into a bag when the bell at the door rings and Lando and Carlos walk in.

George steps out from behind the counter as his customer leaves, a welcoming smile on his face, though he doesn’t approach them yet. He watches to get a sense of them, something that Bono does before every appointment and George finds it helps when assisting with a sale. Just taking a moment before everything starts is good but seeing where in the shop customers gravitate to or what mood they could be in, that all helps too. George assumes that Bono’s watching Carlos and Lando too, only Bono’s giving him the nod to lead the whole thing. George lifts his chin, his heart pounding, a quiet smile on his face. This is going to be a huge sale and he’s not going to screw this up or let Bono down.

Carlos and Lando are hand in hand, both dressed casually in jeans and t-shirts. Carlos looks around with excitement while Lando looks like he’s listening to his fiance, his expression trying to take everything in around him. It looks like he hasn’t spotted George yet, George knows the moment he does because Lando’s expression relaxes into a massive grin that makes his eyes go wide one minute and then very squinted with happiness the next. It looks so hilarious, it makes George grin too.

“George!” Lando tugs Carlos forward, his free hand outstretched. “This is finally happening, in person!”

“And Al isn’t here,” George laughs, shaking Lando’s hand firmly before shaking Carlos’s hand too. “It’s great to meet you both.”

“Yeah, this is Carlos,” Lando introduces belatedly.

“It’s very good to meet you,” Carlos says, his smile warm and his eyes excited. “You will help us look perfect for our wedding.”

“Absolutely,” George agrees and then turns to include Bono and Esteban. “I’ll look after Lando, if that’s all right, and Peter and Esteban will take care of Carlos. Do you guys want to see each other’s outfits before the wedding?”

“No, I think this should be a surprise,” Carlos says, Lando nodding in agreement. “We know everything else!”

He kisses Lando soundly, “Have fun, cabrón.”

Lando nods and watches as Carlos heads off to a corner of the shop with Bono and Esteban who shake his hand and listen as he begins to talk. He’s clearly got ideas, not surprisingly considering how many photos of him in suits George saw during his brief research into the couple.

“Congratulations on the engagement,” he tells Lando.

Lando beams, his gaze going immediately to Carlos, his expression glowing. George can’t help smiling, weird as it is for some people to believe when he tells them, not everyone talking about their wedding looks that happy. He admires Lando’s square-cut diamond engagement ring, somehow Carlos selected a statement piece that doesn’t look outsized on Lando’s finger. That’s a skill.

He guides Lando over to where they can sit on cushioned chairs near the changing rooms, giving them a little bit of privacy, and gets ready to properly start this process. And he’s leading it for the first time, “So my job is to execute your vision for the wedding.”

Lando’s gaze darts around the shop, “I don’t think I have a vision yet.”

“Then my job is to help you find it,” George tells him reassuringly, the notes app open on his phone.

He’s absorbed the very different ways that Bono and Valtteri guide customers through this journey, both are equally successful, and how Sebastian sees brides through their parallel process. It really does help that part of the wall the two shops share is made up of clear bricks, reminding customers in both how linked the processes are. George always finds the reminder helpful. He glances over there now, spotting Kimi doing a circuit of the shop, and Sebastian talking to a redheaded customer who's talking animatedly. Sebastian’s expression is both attentive and warm.  George smiles in response, that’s exactly how relaxed he wants his customer to feel too.

“Tell me a bit about the wedding.”

Lando’s face lights up. “We’re marrying at this awesome hotel. We’re actually marrying in their conservatory, it’s going to look like something out of a film. I thought Carlos would want to marry in Spain, ‘cause so many of his family still live out there, like his parents. But we’re gonna do a party over there later, for all the relatives who can’t come here. And we met over here, I’ll show you.”

He shows George a lot of photos on his phone. The hotel is huge and gorgeous and modern without being cold. George already has some ideas forming but he doesn’t suggest anything yet.

“Everyone’s going to stay there too,” Lando enthuses. “We’ve hired the whole place for almost a week.”

That’s a lot of money to spend, maybe Alex wasn’t exaggerating about there being doves or peacocks involved.

“Is there a theme for the wedding or a particular style?” George asks, taking notes to detail out later. He knows he’s going to want to think through this a lot.

Lando shakes his head, “Not really. I wanted Among Us or MotoGP, but I keep getting outvoted.”

George grins, “That’s so hard to believe.”

Lando grins back. Yeah, George can see him and Alex hanging out together, laughing and mocking, probably looking hilarious because of their very different heights. George definitely wants to see that in person now. He continues, “Okay, so is there a colour scheme?”

“There’s going to be a lot of red,” Lando confirms, not looking massively enthusiastic or upset about it, so it’s probably something Carlos really wanted. “The bridesmaid dresses, and the ushers ties.”

“So you could have a red tie too? Or cufflinks, something like that?” At Lando’s nod, George continues, “Have you got pictures? Of the dresses?”

Lando does, the dresses aren’t so bold in style or colour that they’ll distract from the happy couple. Whoever picked them out knew what they were doing.

George looks around the shop now, “Were you guys thinking of getting really dressed up, like a tuxedo or a tail coat?”

Lando’s face scrunches with distaste immediately, “I look so bad in those.”

“Both?”

“Yeah.”

“What are the ushers wearing? And the best man?”

“We’re going to choose our suits first,” Lando explains.

“So they don’t clash with you,” George guesses. “That’s a great idea.”

He takes a moment to gather his thoughts. Lando’s not a customer who's been dragged here against his will, he’s able to provide wedding details without rolling his eyes or looking uncomfortable or upset about any of it. He’s obviously in love with his fiancé. It’s time for George to help Lando work out what his vision is for his wedding outfit.

“Thank you by the way,” George says suddenly. “For booking your wedding a year apart from Alex and Lily’s.”

Lando grins, “Have you got anything here that fits him? Properly, I mean?”

George laughs and nods, “Yes, and we’ve got a tailor, obviously. He’s going to look amazing. Lily will love it.”

Lando looks fond and then grins again, “You’re gonna know what Al’s wearing, and what I’m wearing, for both our weddings.”

“And Lily,” George nods to where the bridal shop is.

Lando’s gaze strays to the view into Bridal Joy and lingers there, before he looks at George with a grin, “If I tell you about the time Alex nearly knocked someone out crossing a road, can you give me clues about his suit?”

George laughs in real delight, “You have to tell that story but I’m keeping every measurement quiet.”

Lando laughs loudly, “His measurements are a wedding secret? Is he wearing, like, lifts in his shoes or something? Because he definitely needs to be even taller.”

George hears all about Alex’s adventures in car dodging, and about the first time that Alex and Lando met, while he has Lando up on one of the plinths so that his measurements can be taken. He checks everything twice and takes a lot of notes. Carlos is being measured too and blows a kiss across the room to his fiance. Lando shoves the kiss into his back pocket, like he’s saving it for later, which makes Carlos grin, his eyes loving.

George finishes off his list of Lando’s measurements and gets to his feet, “Okay, I think that’s everything.”

Lando is still watching Carlos, who’s chatting to Bono and Esteban with some big hand gestures. Lando’s expression is so fond, it’s the sort of look George has seen on Lily’s face when she’s watching Alex with their cats. It’s the look that George sees reflected back at him when he’s on a video-call with Lewis.

He’s smiling as he says, “Let’s take a look around, okay? It’s not about choosing today, more about seeing what you like.”

Lando hops down off the plinth, following George’s directions as they start looking through the racks. George pulls a few jackets, showing off linings and various cuts. He doesn’t get Lando to try any on though, not with Carlos right there. Even if they go to the dressing rooms, Carlos might want to try something on too, and George has seen some disappointment when a couple who want a surprise get it spoiled.

Lando smiles and nods at the clothing he’s shown. He always comments on colourful linings or an interesting cut, joking about matadors and Ken dolls when George shows some more dramatic choices which Lando clearly pretends to want but isn’t serious about. George is definitely going to pull a few of those for photos to send to Alex though.

They talk about shirts, George is thinking more of a cream than a blinding white. The whites won’t look as good with Lando’s skin tone. Lando nods through George’s explanation. They don’t just talk suits though, George talks about Alex and Lily and how getting Alex to think seriously about suits involves a bit of bribery. Lando talks about meeting Carlos’s family for the first time, and how he’s going to tell Alex that his job as best man is to wrangle the hotel’s peacocks. They agree that a group chat has to be set up so that George gets to hear all about it. Time passes really quickly.

“Why don’t you send me photos of the kind of stuff you really like to wear?" George suggests. "It doesn't have to be anything you own, just suits and whatever that you like."

Lando nods, getting out his phone, "You're going to get a lot of MotoGP on your phone."

George laughs as they exchange numbers, "I've heard worse around here. Maybe you could wear one of the jackets?"

Lando's eyes lit up, "Carlos, George says I can wear a Rossi jacket."

Carlos laughs loudly and shakes his head at George, "It will clash with everyone else."

"The ushers haven't got their suits yet," Lando points out.

"And you would overheat in the conservatory."

Lando sighs at that, silently acknowledging the point as he turns back to George. “Is there any way you can find a more breathable leather?”

“No,” Carlos cuts in before George can respond. “George, no leather.”

George makes an obvious note on his phone, and Lando swipes at his arm. George keeps out of the way with a grin, “You guys can book appointments for different times so that you don't chance seeing anything."

Lando nods and goes with George to the counter so that they can look at the calendar and book another slot. There's one in a couple of weeks that works and George is getting it confirmed when Carlos appears, wrapping an arm around Lando, pulling him closer for kisses to the temple and mouth. Lando melts into him. His eyes stay fixed on Carlos as Carlos books his own second appointment.

"So, you found some things you like?" Carlos asks Lando encouragingly.

"George took a lot of notes. I've got a second appointment booked so he can take even more."

Carlos turns a smile onto George, “It went well?"

George nods, “And now we can tell each other all the best Alex stories so it's definitely a win."

Lando grins at that, as Carlos throws back his head in a laugh. George grins back, his gaze meeting Lando’s. He’s still grinning as the couple leave, saying their goodbyes. It really is going to be amazing to pool stories for his best man speech for Alex’s wedding. It’s only when he’s going over the appointment with Bono and Esteban that he realises that Lando pretty much liked everything George showed him and didn’t specify any of his own actual likes and dislikes when it came to suits.

Chapter Text

As he makes dinner that night, George thinks about some of the stories that he and Lando have already started exchanging. He’s draining the pasta when Lewis sends a message. George gets the colander into the sink and the pasta into the saucepan before reading it. He’s smiling already because no matter what Lewis writes, George can’t wait to hear from him.

Hey baby, how was work?

Good. Lando’s booked another appointment with me.

George mixes the pasta with the bolognese sauce and seasons it a bit more as Lewis writes a reply, What’s the direction?

George shakes his head as he serves himself and sticks a lid on the saucepan so that the rest will keep for Esteban. He sits at the kitchen table with his phone thoughtfully. Direction is definitely the question..

I know the direction of the wedding, Lando hasn’t told me his direction yet.

He’s got time to tell you though .

A photo pops across from Lewis. He’s buttoning a shirt that’s a blue so pale it’s almost white. It makes his tattoos really pop. There’s a glimpse of jeans too, but that’s it. George smiles affectionately, it’s probably the least artistic photo Lewis has sent out all day. Back when they first started dating, the photos that Lewis sent George were very carefully curated. Lewis had spent so much energy on his outfits and posing, all for George. Now, he still sends George gorgeous photos but a lot of them aren’t all careful works of art. George loves them all, they’re all Lewis.

How’re the meetings going? He asks.

We’re getting closer to finding a material that’ll work as well as leather. 

Are you feeling inspired?

Lewis often gets inspired by the cities he visits, George has seen designs grow out architecture or from the hat that someone’s wearing on the street, or the tiling under their feet, or a china pattern in a restaurant. Lewis’s brain works in such a different way to George’s, George is inspired by what people say, by what their vision might be. Yeah, it’s pretty much the opposite of Lewis’s work.

There’s a few ideas that I need to explore. I’m not sure yet. They could make sense when we’re together.

George smiles at his phone, feeling warm and loved in a way which can only feel greater when Lewis is there in person. Lewis has said before that the way he talks through things with George and how George runs his fingers over the designs helps Lewis’s thoughts flow to better places. George loves those times, playing a game curled up next to Lewis while Lewis sketches with a headphone over one ear and one hand resting on George’s knee, his fingertips sketching across George’s skin in tandem with his stylus.

What did Bono say about Lando? Lewis asks.

That if Lando likes everything, it could take some time to work out what he really wants and maybe I’ll need to guide him there. Bono’s leading on Carlos’s outfit. Carlos definitely knows what he wants. He’s going for a suit, not a tux. The tie’ll be red, it’s the colour theme of the whole wedding. He and Bono are deciding on whether the shirt should be white or not. Bono’s keener on something warmer, so it’s not all so stark

So you know what you need to not clash with, and it’s not like you’re working with someone totally unknown.

George grins, Yeah, We’re gonna have a lot of fun talking about Alex.

You’ll have so much good stuff for your best man speech.

Yeah, George and Lando are already making plans. Lando’s organising the stag party, he’s going to include peacocks somehow because Alex is convinced that Lando and Carlos’s wedding is going to feature them and that he’ll need to deal with them on the day.

George eats his way through his dinner, Lewis sending him the occasional message while swapping out his jewellery. He sends photos of his gold hoop earrings and the layer of matching necklaces. His watch is going to be the accessory focal point though, the diamonds catch the light brilliantly.

I’m here if you want to bounce ideas for Lando’s outfit Lewis signs off with. 

He doesn’t offer suggestions because George hasn’t asked for any. George’s gaze lingers on the latest photo, it’s of Lewis’s tattooed fingers. He loves how they look against the gold. He knows how it feels to trace every one of Lewis’s tattoos. If he closes his eyes now, he can conjure up the texture and can hear Lewis’s breath.

The phone vibrates insead, I’ll call you later, baby. 

The next photo he gets is of Lewis’s smile, the one that makes his eyes beam and crinkle at the edges. George can conjure that up too but a fresh reminder is even better.

///

Alex laughs when they meet for lunch later that week and George calls Lando a blank slate, “I don’t think anyone’s ever called him that before. Really? A blank slate?”

George orders sparkling water and the kind of sandwich that almost takes up his side of the table. He loves the sandwiches here. He orders extra bacon. Alex grins knowingly, “Enjoying being out of vegan jail?”

George shakes his head as he hands the menu back to the waiter, “Lewis doesn’t actually force me to eat vegan, he orders me meat-lovers pizza.”

Alex bursts out laughing, “There’s actually too many jokes for me to make now.”

George flicks Alex’s fork across the table, grinning back, because he’s not ashamed. Lewis wouldn’t be either. And he doesn’t expect people to change themselves to spend time with him. He’s explained why being vegan is so important to him and George respects that and he’s more than happy to try out vegan meals. Lewis is fine with George not eating vegan around him too, as long as he’s not cooking meat in Lewis’s kitchen, which is fair enough.

Their drinks arrive and George takes a sip of sparkling water before cutting off Alex’s next laugh by asking, “Sourced any peacocks yet?”

“Lando’s asked me that too,” Alex stills. “If you guys get peacocks delivered to my wedding, Lily might never cook for you again.”

“Oh, we’ve got her permission already.”

Alex looks disconcerted and like he isn’t sure if Lando and George are actually joking about the whole peacock thing, which is perfect. George will have to wait to let Lando know, texting him right now will be a dead giveaway. He’ll have to tell Lily too, she’s loving being in on it.

“What did you mean about Lando being a blank slate?” Alex asks, swiftly changing the subject like George won’t notice. “He’s never blank . His nails are all silver glitter right now.”

George makes a note on his phone, something like that could be great for a wedding and he can make sure that there’s glitter in the tie fabric too maybe. 

“It’s not like he’s got no ideas, more like he’s got loads. There was nothing he didn’t like.”

“Isn’t that better than hating everything?”

“Mmm, is he decisive?”

Alex tilts his head, “He definitely knows what he doesn’t like.”

Their sandwiches arrive and George thanks the waiter. The sandwich looks amazing and he can smell the extra bacon. He takes a photo of the sandwich and then scoops up half of it for a bite. It’s so good, he actually closes his eyes for a second. Yeah, it’s even better than he remembers. He takes another bite before sending the photo to Lewis - They have a vegan menu too .

Alex chucks a chip at George, laughing as it bounces off his cheek. George eats it instead of throwing it back. It’s the kind of skin-on chip he’s never been a massive fan of but these are seasoned and really good. Alex laughs at the look on his face, he’s seen George’s usual expression when he’s offered skin-on chips.

“When is he next over here?”

“Next month. Then I’m in L.A. a couple of months after that. He’ll definitely be here for your wedding.”

Alex looks extremely pleased and nods, “He’s definitely not a blank slate either.”

George smirks in agreement. Nothing about Lewis’s style can ever be called blank. George mentally runs through all the photos that Lewis has sent him recently, just for his own enjoyment. Lewis is wearing sandals today, showing off his tattooed feet. He always knows what he wants to wear, George doesn’t take long to decide either. He can’t imagine looking at a rail of clothes and just liking everything. It doesn’t sound like it’s Lando’s usual style either.

Alex throws another chip. George catches this one before it hits him, “Keep them coming.”

“Lewis leaves the country again and suddenly you’re eating skin-on chips. Does your mum know?”

“She’d never believe it.”

///

The second appointment with Lando goes pretty much the same way - they talk about Alex, about the wedding, and then Lando says good things about pretty much all of the suits that George shows him. Lando does try on stuff this time though, navy, black, charcoal. They’re all flattering on him or can be made flattering thanks to tailoring. There’s no light-up moment in Lando’s eyes though, no expression that says he knows that this is the suit he has to wear to marry the love of his life. George knows that that expression is a must. Sometimes it’s really quiet or matter-of-fact or massively loud but it always happens somehow and Lando hasn’t had it yet.

Lando smiles bemused when George mentions it, “Is that what Alex did?”

George grins, “Yeah, he did a little dance and everything.”

Lando cackles because it’s a hell of an image and also because they both know it definitely didn’t happen. They know Alex too well. Lando’s lit up now though, laughing at their absent friend. That’s the kind of happiness that George wants to see when Lando looks in the mirror.

“He was very happy though,” George comments. “Even if he wasn’t actually dancing. He loved his suit.”

Alex had looked amazing too. The suit had emphasised his height and the cut and colour had been perfect on him. Lando keeps trying to grab George’s phone so that he can see photos of Alex in his wedding suit. It’s not going to happen, seeing as he doesn’t know George’s passcode. George is pulling some more suits when Lando finally gets hold of the phone, sighing when he sees the lock.

“This is your boyfriend, right? Alex says you’re dating a designer?”

George’s lockscreen is Roscoe and a shirtless Lewis, playing on the beach together. It always makes him smile, it’d been a great day, “Yeah, that’s Lewis and Roscoe, the other man in our lives.”

“Is any of his stuff here?” Lando asks, looking around.

George nods, pulling a couple of examples, “Right here. He started his whole career here actually, as a Saturday boy in sales.”

“Really? And that’s how you met?”

George laughs, already hearing Alex in his head, “No, he was long gone by the time I started here. It’s given Alex so much material, that and the long-distance thing. So many terrible ballads have ended up on my playlists.”

Lando laughs too, “His banter’s got worse since I sent him a bird spotters book.”

George offers a fist-bump for the inspired idea, “I met Lewis when he was visiting the shop, seeing Bono and James.”

“And now he visits to see you.”

George tips his head in smiling acknowledgement, “If I’m lucky. He still makes the tea for Bono and James sometimes, and James still tells him he gets the milk wrong. By the way, if anyone out there asks if you’ve seen Lewis in here, you haven’t.”

Lando looks towards the front of the shop, “Out there?”

“We get some press and vloggers crowding when he’s in the country because he always comes here at some point.”

Lando nods, “No problem. Alex didn’t say Lewis was that famous.”

“He does know, but he wouldn’t usually know a famous designer if they went to his salon and asked for a haircut.”

Lando grins and George offers him a jacket to try, one of Lewis’s classics with a bright surprise lining of turquoise satin. Lando looks in the mirror, he looks pleased but there’s still no great light-up. 

“Don’t feel you’ve got to like it because it’s Lewis’s,” George tells him. “Seriously, I’ve had people tell me that they wouldn’t be caught dead in his stuff before. I’m not gonna chuck you out.”

“No, I like the lining, it’s fun, to have that underneath.”

“He does coloured suits as well, if you don’t want to go dark."

Lando looks thoughtful but there’s still no eureka moment. He’s got a blouse on today, the buttons are bright yellow. His nails are still glittery, though they’re starting to chip. He looks as comfortable as he did in jeans and a t-shirt. George casts a gaze around the shop again, looking for his next pick. He can see Sebastian through the clear blocks, Kimi is walking through Bridal Joy to the back, a hand squeezing his husband’s shoulder as he passes. Sebastian smiles, sketching something, his phone in his other hand. George and Sebastian are getting a sushi lunch together today. Lewis is definitely getting pictures.

“How long distance is long distance?” Lando asks suddenly, turning to George.

George smiles, “He’s in America a lot of the time. It’s where his whole company is based now, he loves it.”

George does too. It’s not just the gorgeous house and the great weather, it’s seeing how Lewis thrives out there and the great times that they have together.

“Are you gonna move there?”

“Not until after Alex and Lily’s wedding,” George grins.

Alex has threatened to make him sign a sworn statement to that effect. And anyway, George will need to sort out a job first. He knows that Toto has recently opened a branch of Suited out in L.A, with plans for more if the first is profitable. George hasn’t said anything to Bono or James yet about applying for a job over there, though he has thought about it. He’s going to prove how he handles leading on sales first. Lewis has already bet him that Bono and James will end up working in America. George is sure that if they do, it’ll be because of Lewis.

He catches sight of Sebastian shaking out a dress, just as Lando turns to look in the mirror, his blouse fluttering slightly. George looks at him, suddenly struck. He’s never heard this suggested before in Suited but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. He steps closer to Lando, to ask quietly, “Have you thought about looking next door?”

Lando looks into Bridal Joy, his eyes widening in surprise. There’s something brighter in his eyes immediately, George grins and helps Lando take off the jacket, slipping it back onto a hanger and onto the rack. He’s going to have to talk to Bono before they go over. He’s mentally preparing his argument when he notices Lando’s hesitation.

“We can look at Seb’s stock online, if that’s easier?”

Lando shakes his head, something that’s definitely not bright in his eyes now, “No...”

George silently tries to work out what’s behind the hesitation, “Carlos has already seen you in a dress before.”

Lando definitely lights up now, “Yeah, a lot.”

George nods, thinking it through. So Carlos approves, but Lando still looks hesitant. He looks confident in dresses and skirts in photos. Alex has never mentioned this kind of issue so maybe Lando hasn’t talked about it, maybe it’s not as big an issue as he thinks. George pulls his thoughts together. It’s a golden rule at Suited not to push the customer into anything. Bono and James give the same talk to every new hire; it doesn’t matter how other shops do it, the sale is obviously important but sending someone out with something that they don’t really want is never the aim. It’s terrible marketing anyway, leading customers to tell everyone that Suited has the pushiest obnoxious staff who don’t listen.

“Have you talked to Carlos about trying this?” George asks quietly, making sure that they’re both turned away from the shop’s main area, to give them the most privacy possible.

Lando shakes his head, “He’s so excited about us both being in awesome suits.”

Ah, it’s clear now and actually really sweet, Lando not wanting to disappoint his man. “Has he been excited about seeing you in a dress before though?”

Lando’s smile is so full of loving nostalgia, he’s obviously remembering a very good time, George nudges him teasingly and continues, “So maybe a suit’s right for him, and a dress is right for you. And you’ll look awesome together.”

Lando is quiet for a moment. He doesn’t seem upset, more deep in thought. George waits him out, this is Lando’s moment, not George’s. Lando drags his phone out of his pocket and sends a quick message. Shortly after, ‘Smooth Operator’ sings out from Lando’s phone and he answers before the first lyric properly rises. George indicates the changing room or going out the front door, if Lando wants some privacy. Lando half nods, obviously more focused on the warm reassuring sound of his fiance’s voice. That’s positive. He heads towards the changing rooms.

George makes sure to pick up Lando’s backpack. Esteban’s working with Valtteri, talking to a pair of brothers as they choose suits for a university ball. Bono’s watching George from the till, his gaze is steady and encouraging, the one that says George can tell him anything, and that he knows George has got something to say. George can’t help smiling, relieved because his advice seems to have led to a happy conversation for Lando, and because if Bono’s looking like that, then all’s right with the world. He heads over to the till and Bono.

“I think Lando might find what he actually wants next door,” George reports, tipping his head subtly towards Bridal Joy.

Bono glances over, then back at George. His expectant tone matches his expression now, “Okay.”

George calls up Instagram on his phone and shows Lando’s gallery, “He loves a mix of both. He didn’t think it could be a wedding option because he thinks Carlos really wants them both in suits.”

“Is Lando against suits?”

George shows him a few pics of Lando in suits, “No, I don’t think they excite him though. They definitely don’t make him as happy as they make Carlos.”

Bono smiles at that. George has heard from Esteban over breakfast how animated Carlos has been about his suit choices, he’s been a fun enthusiastic customer and a great sale for Esteban to assist on. Bono’s let him lead the most recent appointment too.

“You’re listening to what the customer isn’t saying,” Bono tells him. “That’s a really difficult skill to pick up, and from what I’ve seen today, you’re a natural.”

George’s smile feels like it’s too big for his face. It's a huge compliment, one that he doesn't think he's heard Bono give to anyone else.

"Thanks, Bono."

Bono smiles back, “Carlos is getting his honeymoon suit here too, for when they leave the reception. Make sure Lando has his honeymoon outfit sorted too."

George nods, that'll take more thinking about. Maybe Lando will buy two dresses. George sends Lewis a message,

Going to see if Lando prefers a wedding dress.

That's a great idea! He'd look amazing in some of the more form-fitting styles, or a mermaid.

Exactly. Lewis messages again, That's thinking around ❤ You're amazing.

George rubs his thumb across the screen and wishes Lewis was there at the counter, his arm around George, laughing with Bono and James. It's a familiar want, George flips to the phone calendar. It's not that long to go now.

James has emerged from the back, like he knows something interesting is happening, and is talking quietly to Bono. He gives George an approving nod as Lando emerges from the changing rooms, looking loved up.

"Carlos says thanks, a lot," he tells George. 

"So we're going to have a look at some dresses?"

Lando nods, his loved up expression maybe as much for what's about to happen as it is for Carlos. George can't help lighting up himself as Lando confirms happily, "We're going to look at some dresses."

Chapter Text

Sebastian looks up with such an expectant smile when George and Lando walk in that George wonders if James already messaged him about it. Mick is talking quietly to a customer in a corner, leading her to the changing area as her group settle excitedly on chairs and wait for her to return in a dress. George remembers those moments, the bride all excited as he stacked up dresses on the rack and suggested which one she could try on first.

“George, you’re early for lunch.”

“Hold that thought. Sebastian, this is Lando Norris, Alex’s best friend who’s looking for a wedding outfit. Lando, this is Sebastian Vettel, he owns the shop.”

“Very pleased to meet you, Lando,” Sebastian offers him a smile and a hand to shake. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

“Thanks.”

“Lando’s thinking he might like a dress for the wedding,” George explains. 

Sebastian looks Lando over with a pleased smile and comes out from behind the counter, “I applaud you for your very fine taste.”

Lando grins and nods, looking around the shop, at the many dresses on display. His eyes linger on the men’s section. Sebastian leads them over.

“Is there any style you prefer? Or a style of the day itself that we need to compliment?”

“He is the style of the day,” George replies with a grin.

Lando gives him a look but doesn’t disagree, “There’s no wedding theme really.”

“Expensive and hotel classic,” George supplies. “And the bridesmaids are wearing red.”

Sebastian nods thoughtfully and pushes through the hangers with a familiar ease and expertise. George wants to take a photo for Lewis, but he watches Lando’s face instead to see if any dresses catch his eye. There’s definitely a couple.

“There are some you’d like to try on?” Sebastian asks expectantly.

Lando nods slowly, his hand half-rising to touch. Sebastian gestures encouragingly and hands half of the dresses to George. It’s muscle-memory, displaying each dress properly so that Lando can see beaded bodices and lace details, Sebastian nods in approval and notes to Lando, “This is why he was one of my best interns.”

Lando looks surprised, “You interned here?”

“Mm, if you’re serious about progressing past being a Suited weekend worker, you do time here as well. A lot of couples use both shops so it’s good if you can talk about both.”

Lando grins slyly at George, “Let’s tell Alex you modelled a dress for me, so that I could see how it looks on someone else.”

“Someone who’s got completely different proportions?”

Sebastian smiles at their laughter, and gestures to the dresses, “What would either of you like to try on?”

George shakes his head, “No one but the bride wears white.”

“You’re invited, to the wedding, you and Lewis,” Lando tells him casually, glancing over the dresses. “Text me your address.”

George smiles, surprised and pleased, mentally scanning Lewis’s diary, “Yeah?”

“Yeah, the food’s going to be amazing.”

“Lewis is vegan.”

Lando shrugs, “I’ll add it to the list.” His sly grin comes back, “You can help Alex deal with the peacocks.”

George laughs, “I’ll get a peacock-blue tie especially.”

“That won’t look good with the red,” Sebastian reminds him mildly.

“I’m not part of the wedding party, so I’m not wearing red,” George reminds him. “I’ll take another tie to actually wear. The blue’s to mess with Alex.”

Sebastian doesn’t ask anything else about the prank, only smiling and turning his attention to Lando, “Which ones first then?”

Lando chooses a couple of dresses and Sebastian leads him into a changing room to have the usual discussion before leaving Lando to get into a dress. George quickly messages Lewis,

Lando’s trying on wedding dresses. And we’re invited to the wedding.

He adds the dates, and then messages Lando his address. He wonders if the wedding invites will be red or if they’ll feature peacocks. Lewis doesn’t reply immediately, he’s probably in his shoe meeting. He looks great in red. George hasn’t been to a wedding with Lewis yet, he wonders if Lewis will wear something quieter than his usual style, so he won’t outshine the bridal party. It’s definitely the sort of thing Lewis would do. He’ll draw attention anyway though, because he looks stunning in everything.

George can hear Sebastian talking quietly and warmly to Lando, the kind of easy small talk that Sebastian’s great at, putting people at ease on a day that’s usually pretty fraught. He exits the changing room to give Lando privacy and smiles at George, tapping the phone in his pocket.

“Bono has said you should continue to lead the appointment over here.”

George hasn’t even thought about that. It’s definitely unusual; whichever shop the customer is in, that shop’s staff take the lead. But Sebastian looks expectant, like George should be the one leading here. George sits up straighter, smiling. He’s honestly never seen anyone but Sebastian lead in Bridal Joy so this is a big honour. And it’s another chance to prove himself in leadership. He does want to see this one through too.

“Sebastian? Can you help me with the back?” Lando asks from behind closed doors.

Sebastian nods at George and immediately goes back into the changing room. George feels Kimi approach from the back room. A couple of years ago he would have jumped when Kimi spoke, not realising that Sebastian’s husband was there. It’s hilarious watching the new hires react to Kimi, George can only imagine the debriefs Bono ends up involved in.

“Red?” Kimi asks.

“For the bridesmaids and ties.”

“Hmm.”

Kimi disappears again, George can hear hangers sliding along rails and then the door into the backrooms opening and closing. Sebastian reappears then, like he knows it’s the perfect cue following Kimi, and holds the door open for Lando who walks out in a beautiful mermaid-style dress that skims his form. The neckline is modest and the creamy-white of the dress looks great against his skin. George grins widely, because Lando is definitely lit up.

“The dresses were definitely the right idea,” he tells Lando. “I love the fit, do you like it? And the shape?”

Lando stands up on the pedestal with Sebastian’s help and inspects himself in the mirror, “The colour’s great, and the neckline. The bottom’s quite heavy though, I don’t want to be sat down all night.”

George grins even more, “Because we’ll be chasing peacocks?”

“We’ll be watching Alex chase peacocks.”

“Do you want me to take a picture? So you can compare after you’ve tried another one on?”

Lando nods with a grin of his own, “Yes! Great idea.”

He’s still grinning as he poses. He still looks lit up when he sees the photo. 

“So, that’s a no to more mermaid dresses,” Sebastian checks.

Lando nods in agreement, “Yeah, I do like how it looks but it’s a bit confining too? Maybe that’s the fit though.”

“Maybe, you’ve not worn one before?”

“No. But all wedding dresses are heavy, aren’t they?”

“Not all,” Sebastian and George say together, smiling immediately afterwards, their gazes catching and full of memories.

Sebastian continues, his smile remaining, “So you want something you can move easily in. Does it need to be a long dress? A formal one?”

“I don’t want to look too casual next to Carlos,” Lando says, chewing his lip.

George sent a quick enquiry to Esteban, “Is he wearing a tuxedo? Or tails?”

Lando shrugs, “I’ve seen him in a tux before but he never wears tails.”

George’s phone beeps, Esteban confirms that Carlos isn’t going for either but he is wearing a very sharp charcoal suit and a white shirt, so that nothing clashes with the red. George relays the message to Lando who looks reassured.

“So, you don’t have to be completely formal if you don’t want to,” Sebastian sums up.

“But I want it to be obvious that it’s a wedding dress.”

Sebastian looks Lando over thoroughly, then looks over at the dress racks. George knows he’s thinking about what’s in the back too though.

“You could wear a shorter dress and still be formal. It could be knee-length, or ankle length and we make sure that it clears the ground easily. You’d like some beading?”

“I like it, I don’t want to look like I’m covered in it though.”

Yeah, too much bling won’t suit Lando anyway, it’ll weigh him down. He needs something simple and slight but still formal enough to draw all the attention. Sebastian nods and ushers Lando back into the changing room before turning to George.

“See what you can pull, I don’t think there’s anything in the room that he’ll want to try on.”

George nods, taking a look at the racks, aware of Mick chatting quietly to his customer. George assumes that Lando isn’t going to want sleeves, maybe not backless either. He doesn’t know Lando’s shoe choice or if he only wants to wear white. Kimi emerges again with a couple of dress choices and knocks on the changing room door, handing them to Sebastian who casually thanks him in Finnish. Kimi smiles briefly, his eyes pale and satisfied, before he nods at George's current choices.

"That would look good."

He glances over at Mick now before heading into the back again. George checks his own choices, not surprised at all that Kimi approves of the corsets, and taps on the changing room door to hand them in. A couple of minutes later, Sebastian comes back out, smiling at George.

“We’ve missed you over here.”

They get lunch together at least once a week but George knows that’s not what Sebastian is talking about. He’s never hidden his assessment of George’s skills, in both shops.

“I miss being over here, I don’t miss some of the entourages though.”

Sebastian smiles in acknowledgement, though George hasn’t ever seen him rattled, even when customers were really highly-strung. George used to have to take a minute to breathe in the back or send Lewis a message.

“If the stories are true, you’re going to be spending a lot of time surrounded by wedding wear though,” Sebastian replies.

George shouldn’t be surprised, Sebastian tends to know about everything in his industry. This is the closest that George has ever heard Sebastian come to gossip though. He usually uses his knowledge to further his business.

“It’s only an idea,” George replies. “Lewis hasn’t completed enough sketches yet to say that he’ll definitely be designing a wedding line.”

George has loved the sketches he’s seen though. As always with Lewis, it’s searingly modern but not bleak or cold. There’s elegance in the silhouettes and real joy, George hopes that Lewis’s take on an old-fashioned lace dress becomes a reality. And the suits, there’s a blend of masculine and feminine that isn’t going to be for everyone but that George knows, thanks to his job, that there’s a real market for. George would wear one in a heartbeat. He’s going to if Lewis gets as far as samples. Any photos taken will be for Lewis only.

“And you know you’ll get the first line of any dresses,” George adds.

Sebastian’s expression isn’t at all surprised. He flicks a glance at the changing room door but there’s only Lando muttering to himself. Sebastian looks back at George,

“What are you going to wear to this wedding?”

Because Sebastian already knows about the suit George has picked out for Alex’s wedding. Obviously, he can’t wear that to Lando’s. He shrugs a shoulder.

“Peacock feathers? I haven’t got that far yet.”

“That would take too much attention from the bride. But something blue could be good, especially if you really want to go with the peacock theme.”

George nods with a grin. He doesn’t want to look like a novelty but something that definitely speaks peacock while looking amazing would be perfect  especially as Alex has to be sensible all day. George hasn't given it any thought since Lando’s impromptu invitation less than an hour ago. Sebastian is expectant though, because he would have already had ideas.

Lando calls for help then and after Sebastian helps with the lacing, he emerges in something shorter and corseted. He doesn't look comfortable.

"I love the length but this feels really bad," is his verdict.

"You don't believe in suffering for beauty," Sebastian with a little amusement but no judgement.

Lando shakes his head emphatically and winces, "I believe in being able to move without pain and God, being able to eat! The menu is amazing.”

George laughs but nods, “We can go fitted without using a corset.”

As Sebastian and Lando talk together on their way back into the changing room, George’s phone buzzes with pictures of shoe samples. There’s no message attached, so Lewis is probably mid-meeting. George likes the toe shape on the second shoe, he’d definitely wear it. He sends a message to say so, just as Lando emerges in another dress. The beading on this one is definitely the right amount and the dress is blush, which fits with the red colour theme, and the dress itself is ankle-length. It definitely looks lighter from the way that Lando’s carrying himself.

George whistles approvingly, “That is a head-turner.”

Lando does a full spin in front of the mirror, looking pretty lit up. “Yeah, I wouldn’t usually pick this colour though.”

“It suits you, the colour and the form” Sebastian tells him.

Lando bit his lip, stroking the soft fabric of the skirt, “I really don’t know about the colour though.”

Sebastian let him examine himself for a bit longer before suggesting, “So let’s try something that isn’t in that colour, but we’ll keep this form.”

Lando nods, “I could wear this all day.”

“You can buy a reception dress or outfit too if you like,” George tells him. “Or something for when you leave for the honeymoon.”

Lando smirks, “Something with peacocks?”

He heads back into the changing room, Sebastian going with him and bringing out dresses that aren’t in the running anymore. George helps him resettle them on the racks, his hands lingering on a couple. The skirt lengths would look terrible on him, but George isn't looking at the skirts.

"I need to talk to Kimi," he tells Sebastian.

He can start to see an idea now, and Sebastian smiles in full support, "Of course."

George smiles back, his phone buzzing in his pocket. He needs a corset.

Chapter Text

Weeks later, George goes into the back office carrying his lunch, “Sorry, I was just-.”

“It’s fine, don’t worry,” Bono waves him away, gesturing to his own wrapped sandwich.

George feels a bit bad, he’s got the leftovers from the chicken curry Esteban made last night, as well as the naan bread that Mick ordered for them. It’s all incredible quality. He puts it all carefully on the corner of the desk as he sits opposite Bono. He can’t remember the last time he met back here with Bono, generally it’s James’s kingdom. But James is mysteriously absent, though Bono is wearing a reassuring smile.

“Your work on the Norris-Sainz wedding was excellent,” Bono tells him. “Sebastian sent a long detailed email praising your work there too. It wasn’t a straightforward appointment but nothing you did frustrated the client, even when you were finding it difficult. That can be one of the most challenging parts of the job.”

George nods and can’t help grinning. Bono isn’t a boss who’s stingy with compliments but it still means a lot, because he always means them.

“Thank you, yeah, it was definitely up there with my most challenging.”

“But the happy couple are happy with your work,” Bono leans down towards the floor on his side of the desk and then lifts, with some effort, a case of wine that George recognises as both expensive and Spanish. “Carlos had this delivered for you.”

Wow, George stares at the wine. He’s gonna give a bottle to Esteban for sure, and one to Seb, and then he and Lewis can enjoy the rest. There’s an envelope taped to the top of the case. Inside, there’s a note from Carlos, thanking George for making Lando so happy.

“He’s been worried about Lando finding an outfit that he’s really happy with for the big day,” Bono says.

George reads the note again and then tucks it away in his pocket. He’ll put it in his wallet later, it’s a keeper. The shop gets a lot of thank you cards and letters, but he’s never had one personally addressed to him before.

“Lando’s definitely happy with his wedding outfit,” he says with confidence. 

Bono nods, “Both outfits. Sebastian’s suggested you might want to work as a liaison between the two shops, specifically working with any clients who need Lando’s sort of guidance.”

George’s eyebrows drop in confusion, “Instead of my work here?”

“No, no, you’d still work in your sales role here, but you’d also help with any clients who’re looking for something in Bridal Joy or looking for a mix of both. We’d trial the idea for six months, if it doesn’t work your role here is still safe.”

George absorbs the idea. He’s honestly never thought about it before. He enjoyed working with Lando, helping him work out what he wanted and how it could be from either shop. He can imagine there’s other grooms and brides out there who need to know about the possibilities 

“How would it work?” he asks. 

“You won’t sit in on every appointment, you’ll be called on if the staff member leading thinks your help is needed. Then you can talk to the client and see.”

That doesn’t sound like he’ll be taking on so much responsibility that his current job disappears. George knows what sort of job he wants and this sounds like it’ll give him more of that. He nods slowly.

“A trial sounds good.”

“It’ll be valuable experience even if it ends with the trial, especially for someone who might want to go into shop management, here or anywhere else.”

George looks at him sharply, he’s not told anyone in Suited about that. It’s still just an idea that he’s working towards. And there’s enough shop talk about him already, about his relationship with Lewis, and how close Lewis is with Toto and Bono. He doesn't want anyone accusing him of looking to overrun the company or something, for Lewis or himself. He's not personally heard any gossip about himself but Esteban has and he always reports back.

Bono’s like Seb though, he knows everything regardless. He's not looking angry either, more amused and proud.

"Toto was going to suggest something like that whenever you decided to move over there," Bono reports. "He wants someone we've trained looking after things especially while the brand gets established."

He sounds serious, and Bono isn't going to lie about something this important, it's definitely not his idea of a prank. He looks steadily back at George, still wearing his reassuring smile, waiting for George's response. George has to grin back, delight and excitement starting to fizz up. His grin’s the only way he’s going to let it out at work though.

"The timeline isn't moving up on America?" he wants to know.

Bono shakes his head, "Nothing's changed."

"And Toto wants me to run a shop there?"

"Once you've got experience managing here. He thinks you'll be a great fit and face for us out there, if you still want it then and if you show us you can do it.”

Nothing’s been decided yet then, it’s still just an idea for them too. But they’ve got enough faith in him and his abilities to see if he can do it. George nods with a growing smile, “So I’ll get experience in shop management here too.”

Bono nods towards the computer, where James creates the shift rosters, “That’s the plan eventually, next year, maybe this year. You’ll get a couple of management shifts a week. One of us will be here to supervise to start with, and if it works, we’ll build from there.”

He sounds matter-of-fact, like they will be building from there. One of the reasons George has worked at Suited for so long is because of this kind of support. He doesn’t feel like he’ll be kept at a junior level, there’s always chances if he actually knows how to use them.

He calls Lewis on his way home, there’s a bit of static on Lewis’s end, like he’s on the move but George can hear his smile loud and clear when he answers.

“Hey! Did I miss a call?”

“Bono wants me to do liaison work with Seb, to help clients who maybe don’t want suits like Lando. And he wants me to get into management too, because if I go to America, I could manage a shop for them out there.”

There’s a short burst of silence that feels charged, and George is about to ask if Lewis heard him because his movement could be getting in the way but then he hears Lewis’s smile again, “I’m trying not to shout, because there’s a lot of people out here but I am so proud of you! That is amazing news. George.”

George’s grin is so wide it’s starting to hurt and he’d probably shout too, if he wasn’t on a crowded street where he’s likely to get shoved out into the road for yelling in someone’s ear. The excitement that’s been bubbling forcefully but silently since talking to Bono is starting to feel a lot bigger now that he’s out of work and hearing Lewis’s pleasure. Lewis’s absence feels a lot sharper than usual too, George rubs his knuckles over his heartbeat and wishes they were both closer to home.

“Have you got time for a video call later?” he asks, his voice dropping quieter and huskier, a really helpful and hot idea striking him for a celebration.

Lewis’s voice drops low too and George can still hear his smile as well as Lewis’s heat, both extremely welcome because, God, he needs to get home right now, “I’ll work something out.”

///

“You’re not as funny as you think you are.”

George laughs though, obviously, because Alex is currently trying to stuff packets of bird seed back into his jacket pocket. Because he brought bird seed with him. A week or so ago, he was talking to Carlos and Carlos’s cousin Caco and they asked him, with straight faces, how he thought the peacocks might behave in the wedding photos. It convinced him that there really would be birds for him to wrangle. It’s fantastic. George takes photos, Lando is definitely going to want to see this and George wants a record too.

“They don’t go with your suit,” he tells Alex between laughter.

Alex throws a seed packet at him and then remembers they’re in the middle of a wedding reception and packet throwing is gonna draw attention. George hands the packet back with a smirk, like he’s casually handing over a napkin. Alex shoves it past his jacket, he’s going to rattle as he walks now.

“Lily wants a dance,” Alex reminds him. “She’s definitely getting first dance with you tonight.”

George shakes his head, “After Lewis.”

Alex doesn’t argue the point, someone’s calling his name anyway and he heads off to fulfil whatever best man duties are still ahead of him. His expression promises retribution but George isn’t worried. Lily has giggled whenever she’s met George’s gaze. He’s safe from anything truly horrific, and honestly, the hilarity has been worth it. One of them has to get video of Alex rattling.

George snaps more pictures of the room. Bono and James are going to want to hear all about the day, not just how good Lando looks, and he looks really good. A hand touches George’s waist and a mouth brushes his cheek. Lewis settles against his side, a drink resting in his free hand.  George takes a photo of him too, his camera roll has filled up with a lot of Lewis today. He’s not the only one. There’s been a lot of admiring glances sent Lewis’s way. Lewis wears it all easily though, his attention is always focused on whoever he’s talking to, or on George. George presses against his boyfriend’s side.

“How many times have you been asked for a selfie?” he asks softly, smiling.

“Not that many,” Lewis replies, squeezing George’s waist. “And they’re not just interested in me.”

George laughs at that but Lewis kisses him gently and nods to where people are chatting and drinking. A few are also looking over at Lewis and George. Lewis smooths a hand over George’s corset and George sees gazes move in the same direction. He shakes his head, Lewis is the one looking especially incredible in a deep blue suit that’s got a great understated sheen to it that catches the light with every little movement and his shirt is unbuttoned enough to reveal his neck tattoos. He’s one of only a few men to opt out of wearing a tie and no one cares.

George can’t resist mentioning, “This isn’t the only corset I got from Kimi.”

Lewis’s next breath is heavier and George grins. He knows he looks as good as he feels, his sea-blue trousers and shirt are tailored perfectly and the corset, one of Kimi’s incredible creations, is a perfect fit and is coloured turquoise, green and royal-blue, almost like peacock feathers..

“He is a master,” Lewis murmurs reverently, his hand stroking the corset’s boning.

George nods in agreement, “I think Lando bought some stuff too.”

Lando didn’t go into details but George is pretty sure that Carlos is going to have a hell of a honeymoon. Kimi’s corsets and lingerie are always insanely gorgeous. George is honoured to wear them.

“Lando looks beautiful,” Lewis comments. “You did an incredible job, baby.”

Lando and Carlos are taking to the floor for their first dance, they’re both glowing with happiness. Lando’s dress is fitted with an illusion neckline and an A-line skirt that stops right before the floor. It’s a glittering ivory, matching the glitter dusting his extremely defined curls. Alex has done an amazing job too. Lando is truly a vision, clearly overjoyed, his smile so wide that his eyes are almost squinting.

“It’s an incredible group effort; me, Seb and Kimi, and Alex, and Antonio.”

George grins, thinking about the look on Lando’s face when he first met Antonio. Everyone gets a little stunned when they meet Antonio. He’s a confection of stunning Italian model looks and genuine sweet friendliness all clad in understated but perfectly tailored couture. Lando wasn’t able to speak for a good couple of moments. The Italian didn’t comment, chattering about the adjustments he’d be making so that the dress fit was perfect, his long flowing skirt brushing his heels, as he moved deftly around Lando with his tape measure. His work, as always, is immaculate.

“Bono told me what an amazing job you’ve all done, you’re gonna do incredible work with Seb,” Lewis smiles proudly, his eyes dancing. “Bono also asked if I’m gonna design your wedding dress.”

George’s heartbeat feels like it screeches to a halt for a second, and he’s torn between thinking Alex has managed to prank him really cruelly or that Lewis is choosing a really weird way to propose. He loses the latter idea immediately, Lewis is way too detail-oriented to make a casual sideways proposal at someone else’s wedding. Still, George looks at Lewis and sees a warm loving smile, infused with amusement, probably a little at George’s reaction. It’s not like George was expecting it. He nudges Lewis but smiles too, his heart beating fast now.

He replies at last, “No, I’ll want to surprise you.”

Lewis’s smile widens and gets even more loving. George presses closer for a kiss, unable to stop smiling. Lando and Carlos are basically swaying in each other’s arms, talking quietly together as people take endless photos and call to them in Spanish and English. Carlos’s parents join them on the dance floor as the song hits its last chorus, followed by more couples. Lewis puts his glass down on a nearby table and holds out his hand, his eyes still dancing and his smile still loving.

“Can I have your first dance, baby?”

He asks like there could be any other answer but it’s a genuine question, Lewis hates to assume. His expression is clear on what he wants though. George places his hand in Lewis’s and they walk to the dance floor. If anyone takes a photo, they’re discreet about it. George is focused on Lewis holding him and on the couples he can see, Lando and Carlos, Alex and Lily, the view he has through the open double-doors out into the conservatory that Lando and Carlos got married in, the solitary peacock he suddenly sees wander past outside. George’s mouth drops open in shock and when he looks around, he sees Carlos smirk and wink. 

That’s…that’s a fantastic wedding present for Lando, Alex’s face is going to be amazing. It takes a good verse and chorus before George can stop shaking with barely-suppressed laughter and pull Lewis quietly in on the joke. Their arms stay locked around each other, as their gazes seek out Alex, Lewis’s laughter a perfect compliment to George’s.