Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shoto was a fine looking man. I mean, as fine as fine can get. He had these adorable purple eyes that almost begged to be gazed at, a lovely facial complex that let the world know how handsome he was, and the smile worth more than diamonds and rubies itself. He was stunning, and he knew it. He flaunted it with his outfits, always hugging his waist just right or fell on his arms perfectly. Even in college he was known to have a perfect fashion sense that complimented his looks just right.

That's how he ended up getting a job application to a well known modeling industry. It was a rather high rated place, and apparently very hard to get into. So when Shoto was talking with his good fox friend Mysta one day he might have let it slip when they were playing on his Switch, making Mysta gasp loudly.

"You actually got a job there?! Dude! Do you know who works there?!" Mysta asked with the most wide eyed look he could manage, leaving the poor boy confused as he slowly shook his head, an eyebrow raised. "No?" Shoto said, more of a question than a statement. "Bro, Vox Akuma! The one and only amazing tailor ever hired! He's made clothes for the big dogs like Ike and Uki! You know, the novelist and the astronomy guy!" Mysta explained, making Shoto thankfully less confused. Seems like this man was at a high rank if he made clothes for people as well liked as them. This just might be fun. "Huh. Doesn't seem too bad. Besides! How scary can he be, if at all? I got this, Mysta! Besides, this is a well-paying job, I can't just turn it down." Shoto said, making Mysta think. "You're right about that. Just..be careful man." Mysta said, Shoto giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll be as careful as I can." Shoto said with a reassuring grin before they went back to playing Smash.

That leads us to now, aka Shoto standing in front of a massive building that is pure white with more windows than he could count. And from gazing inside of the windows, he could tell a simple house plant in there cost more than his entire wardrobe of clothes. So, he took a deep breath, took a few steps, and pushed the doors open. He walked in with as much confidence as he could muster, walking up to the front desk as he adjusted the sort of formal sweater he was wearing. There sat Shu, the receptionist. "Hm? Ah, who might you be? Do you have an appointment?" The man asked, making Shoto gulp slightly. "Shoto. And I have a modeling interview here for five thirty?" Shoto asked, Shu thinking for a second then nodded soon after. "Ah, Mr. Shoto, right this way please. Mr.Kaneshiro has been expecting you." Shu said, the slightly shorter male nodding as he quickly followed him, his boots tapping lightly on the polished ground as Shu's high heeled boots made slight clicking noises.

They soon arrived to the elevator, Shu pressing a button then the two stepping in, standing in comfortable silence as they waited, Shoto messing with his belt every so often. Small habit of his that was hard to break. They then arrived on the floor, Shu calmly turning to Shoto and brushing off his shoulders, adjusting his outfit and pushing his hair away from his forehead. "Good luck. Know Mr. Kaneshiro does not bite, but he can get excited. Be sure to not show nervousness. He will not be rude, he will just worry. Now, off you go." Shu said with the most warm smile he's had so far, easing Shoto as he nodded and walked out, walking down the hall and stepping into Luca's office.

As soon as those doors opened, Shoto was greeted with a blonde haired male sitting at a desk, his fedora tilted slightly as to cover part of his face. When the blonde heard the door open he was quick to perk up, immediately gasping when he saw Shoto. "Shoto! You've made it! Oh please, come take a seat! I have things to discuss with you." Luca said, motioning to the chair in front of him. Shoto was quick to sit down, crossing his legs as Luca leaned forward.
"So! As you know, our modeling agency is the best in the city. I expect high things from you, if you choose to accept. If you choose so, you will be awarded a good salary, free drinks and snacks, outfits that you can keep, and not only that but your own apartment nearby! How exciting is this?" Luca said with a smile that would have blinded most. He almost reminded Shoto of a golden retriever. Such happy and dopey energy that made anyone love to be around him.

Shoto then cleared his throat. "I've thought about it long and hard, Mr. Kaneshiro. I wish to accept, and to be apart of this welcoming business." Shoto said, making Lucas smile brighten even more, if possible. "Pog! You will receive the grand tour in a second by my lovely assistant Shu, who will be here in a moment. And please, call me Luca!" Luca said, Shoto nodding. "Of course. It will be my honor to work with you." Shoto said with his own warm smile.
A little while later, and a long tour, Shoto finally was able to map out in his mind where everything is, including his own changing room. "Now, we have someone you'd like to meet." Shu said, making Shoto nod as he followed, being quick to catch up with the fast walking man. And oh, what he saw next was something you don't easily forget.

They then walked into a room labeled 'Akuma', and the sight before him was something else entirely. A man, maybe in his early to late twenties, was sitting on a comfortable looking seat and stitching what seemed to be the hemming of a shirt, his gaze so focused and locked behind those glasses he wore as he had a few pins in his mouth, his red button up shirt having a few undone buttons from the obvious warmth he was feeling from working so hard.

The black haired man finally stopped to look up at them, gently setting the pins down and raising an eyebrow. "Shu, mind telling me why you brought this puppy in while I'm working?" Vox said in a voice that could only be described as tempting from how smooth and low it was. Shoto however had to feign past that, only focusing on that nickname. 'Puppy?!' He thought, trying to hold back a glare. How dare he! Shu on the other hand was not affected, only playfully rolling his eyes. "Well, Mr. Akuma, I'll have you know this fine man is Shoto, our latest model. I was giving him a tour. Actually, do you think you can give him some measurements while we're at it? So we can save time?" Shu asked, glancing at Shoto. He gave him a smile and a nod, letting him know he was perfectly fine with that thought.

Vox was hesitate at first before letting out a small sigh, gently taking off the glasses and setting them down, his eyes running over Shoto, nearly causing a shiver to ripple from his spine but he held it back, holding his curious gaze with a stiff one, causing a smirk to quirk from the corners of Vox's lips before he raised his hand up and motioned the male over, Shu flashing him a smile. "Have fun!" Shu said, then left without another word, swiftly closing the door behind him.

Shoto glanced around as soon as he left, then looked back at the man before him, calmly fixing his sweater before marching ovsiz.er as Vox got out the measuring tape. "So, we'll have to do a few things. Waist, height, and chest size if that's alright with you, puppy." Vox said in a calm tone as he motioned for him to stand on the little stage like thing he had, Shoto stepping onto it, still slightly maulding as he did so. Vox on the other hand chuckled as he wheeled his chair over and slowly analyzed him, chuckling after. "I see why they picked you, darling." was all Vox said as he used the measuring tape to measure his height, letting the poor boy process that with a red face, his eyes slightly wide. Oh, he might not last long with this one.

After he was done measuring his height Vox smiled as he calmly looked up at him. "I'll be measuring your waist now, alright?" Vox asked, Shoto nodding as he held his arms slightly out as Vox got up and leaned in rather closer, wrapping the tape around his waist with a focused look, trying to hide his smirk. Shoto on the other hand was a bright red as he glanced away, gulping slightly. He felt like his heart was gonna beat out of his chest. He might not survive this. "My, such a small waist. Expected from a puppy like you." Vox teased with a merciless grin, Shoto's eyes going wide. "Excuse you?! What does that mean!?" Shoto said, making Vox finally let out a long needed laugh, shaking his head. "Just saying. Very fitting for you." Vox spoke as Shoto huffed, his face a cherry red, glancing away once again.

Finally, it was time for his chest size. Vox had just finished up and glanced up at him, giving him a small eyebrow raise. "It's time for the chest size. Is this alright with you?" Vox asked, Shoto sighing out of slight annoyance and nodding. "Just hurry, I'm getting tired already and it's only eight o'clock." Shoto teased with a grin as Vox playfully scoffed. "Alright, prince." Vox teased as he stretched out the measuring tape. He then took a second, Shoto confused at first as to what the hell he was even doing till be saw him suddenly lean in very close. Close enough to where Vox was just merely inches away, his crimson red eyes Sparkling as they gazed at Shoto's purple ones, making the man gulp as he felt the tape pressed underneath his pecs and around his back, not even breaking eye contact once. Vox didn't either, not even for a second. They were so close, to the naked eye you might even thing they were kissing. Unfortunately, no, since Vox was now gazing at the tape as Shoto tried to control his breathing.

Once Vox was finally done thankfully, he pulled back and smirked playfully. "All done. Unless you want some more, Shoto." The man said. And just the way he said his name could make even the toughest cookie crumble. He nearly did! Fortunately, he could keep his composure, only sighing in response. "Yeah yeah, you demon. Just make sure my outfits actually fit me." Shoto said, making Vox grin. He then sneakily wrapped the tape around his waist and pulled him in, making Shoto gasp as he stumbled, quickly catching himself right as Vox leaned into his ear. "Oh, don't worry, you'll outfits will fit this perfect little body of yours stunningly. I can assure you of that." Vox said with a low chuckle, nearly making the hair on the back of Shoto's neck stand as he gulped, his waist soon being let go.

That's when he had an idea, a rather sneaky one. He smirked as he then grabbed Vox by the collar and pulled him in, already loving that shocked little look on his face. "Don't worry, Akuma, I'll make sure to give you quite the show." Shoto said in a hushed tone, letting go of him soon after. Sure he could have just left it there and moved on, but he instead grinned as he kissed the man on the cheek for good measure, then turned on his heels. He glanced back at the stunned Vox, seeing his eyes wide and mouth slightly apart from that, making him snicker. "See you alright, you pesky demon." Shoto teased before giving him a two finger salute and walked out, not letting the man say a single word as he pushed open the doors and let them close behind him.

Oh what fun this job was going to be, for the both of them.

Chapter Text

God what an idiot Shoto is.

It had been a whole two months of clothes. Of walking down a runway with the tightest shoes on, squishing his feet from just how brand new they were. Not to mention the rather tight shirts he wore too. I mean, he wore an xL, surprise surprise, but they had made him wear a medium. It wasn't the worst, just rather harsh on his muscles. I mean, he didn't go to the gym twice a week for nothing.

However, today, was finally the day. After weeks upon weeks of just walking and testing out new clothing and makeup options, he was finally going down the runway for real. Tomorrow was the set date, at exactly 5 am he would arrive along with all the other models and finally give it a go.

Though, that also meant another meeting with the world famous, and biggest pain in his ass, Vox Akuma.

So, Shoto fixed his new jacket he had recently bought after being paid, and marched his ass right on up to Vox's office, the soft patter of his footsteps as he did so.

Once arriving, opening the doors with a bit of a dramatic entrance, Vox had looked up from the piles upon piles of paperwork he had been working on. Being a fashion designer was no easy task, after all, bunches of paperwork were usually involved. Mostly contracts, clothing sizes, fabrics needed, you get the deal. But oh, once he saw Shoto, his eyes lit up almost with that little sparkle he gets every time he sees him. He smiled as Shoto walked to his desk, hands in his pockets as he huffed.

"Oh hush milord, I am just here for some outfit testing. Stuff the team has finally decided on for me and wants me to try on." Shoto said, shooting him a non-hateful glare, making Vox let out one of his famous deep chuckles. "Of course of course my boy, right this way." Vox said, flashing him a good natured smile as he got up, the chair ever so slightly gliding against the hardwood floor as he got up, making his way over to the closet. As Vox sifted through the many clothes in there, all ranging in color, Shoto couldn't help but get a good look at him. I mean, have you seen the guy?

The long, almost silky hair of his tucked back into a half ponytail, his golden eyes always shining when the light hits them just at the right angle, and that beautiful smile of his. The pearly whites that would knock anyone off their feet. Shoto had to admit, he was kind of into him after their constant banters or playful shoving. Hell, in just about a week they had grown closer than most. Even Uki, one of the models, commented on it, playfully teasing Shoto about how jealous he was that Shoto got to have all of the mans attention. Not like he could complain much, he got to have all of Fulgur's attention, a super talented tattoo artist, ironic enough with his prosthetic limbs.

But as Shoto was checking Vox out as secretly as he could, Vox on the other hand was grinning the whole time. He even put on a show for him, making sure to properly arch his back when reaching lower items that had Shoto a near stuttering mess, or when he used his teeth to unzip something. That got Shoto's wheels going haywire, forcing him to look away. Damn those sharp teeth.

Just as he was cursing the gods above for giving him such a teasing but perfect man, Vox had stood up with the clothes, giving Shoto a smile as he walked over, gently handing them over. "Here, would you like me to turn away?" Vox offered, using a more gentle tone when saying that. The man knew to give privacy, after all. When Shoto, a bit stunned, nodded, Vox had calmly turned around and covered his eyes, letting Shoto know there was absolutely no funny business involved.

That seemed to have convinced him, even made him smile warmly as he calmly turned around himself and took off his coat, neatly putting it on the back of a chair, not wanting to clutter up Vox's already mess of a work office. No hate, of course. He was no better.

Shoto then unbuttoned his collared shirt, sliding it off his arms and setting it down as well, finally making his way down to his pants. After he had discarded of those and his shoes, he got to work. He put on every layer, every buckle, and every piece of jewelry.

Just as he was putting on the shirt, however, he found himself in a bit of a pickle.

He was stuck.

He had gotten his arms stuck over his head with the shirt covering his face. Well shit. Immediately, Shoto started to grumble and curse to himself, sort of stumbling around as he tried to fix himself, bumping into the desk, muttering a quiet but easily heard "shit", which made Vox let out a laugh.

"Need any help back there?" He offered, not taking his hand off his eyes for even a second. "I got this!" Shoto said quickly, whipping his whole body around to glare at Vox, even if he couldn't see it. "Whatever you say, darlin'." Vox said in his usual teasing tone, making Shoto let out a grumble as he continued to try and detangle his limbs, nearly tripping himself in the process.

Finally, Shoto had enough, letting out a small groan as he finally caved. "Okay okay, come help me." Shoto said, then sighed when he could practically feel the way Vox raised an eyebrow. "Please." He quickly added, making Vox shift from a curious gaze to a softened stare, walking over.

"How were you even able to manage this?" Vox inquired, making Shoto grumble. "I don't even know! These shirts are always two sizes too small." Shoto said. Vox laughed at that. "I'll bring it up with management, don't worry. Now, hold still." Vox said.

After a good tug, Vox was finally able to free the man, Shoto letting out a sigh of pure relief as soon as he did. "Thanks, that was surprisingly scary." Shoto admitted with a small chuckle. Vox smiled, giving him a nod. "It's my pleasure to assist you, my dear." Vox said, though for some reason, made Shoto sort of...flustered, in a sense. It was odd, but not unwelcomed.

"Here, allow me." Vox said, and Shoto gave him a nod, knowing what he meant. He wanted to help him get dressed. "Arms up." Vox stated, and Shoto happily complied, raising his arms up to let the other put the shirt on him. Though, he had to admit, he did feel a bit childish doing this.

Scratch that, he felt really childish.

However, something changed that. Maybe it was the way Vox was looking at him, or his smile, or even the lighting, but with Vox in front of him, he felt rather safe. Secure. Hell, even confident.

Vox then gently slid the shirt on his arms, going further and further down till the shirt was sitting snugly on his chest. "There, how is it?" Vox asked, gazing at Shoto with this just magical stare almost, making his heart want to escape, to run free, or even to run into Vox's arms. He didn't know anymore.

After a bit, he quickly snapped out of it, the realization hitting him that he hadn't answered Vox's question, clearing his throat immediately to respond. "It's perfect, thank you, Vox." No nickname, no jab, nothing. Only a gentle gaze at the dark haired man before him, which left Vox a little stunned to be honest. But it was not left ungratified, no, because Vox then just gently wrapped Shoto with his arms, almost hearing what his heart had been craving. He held him, firmly but gently. Letting him know he was there, yet he was not forcing his way into his heart. A gentle knock at the door, hoping to be let in, but backing off anytime the owner asked of him to leave.

Shoto was stunned, to say the least. I mean, a hold this gentle, it usually meant. . .

That's when it hit him. No wonder he was being so gentle. Vox was loving on him, showing him how much he cared. It was truly beautiful.

Shoto had never felt anything like it.

And he was no longer going to make Vox feel alone either, because as soon as he let what was happening register, he carefully wrapped his arms around him, holding him ever so tightly. Such strong emotions were pulsing between the two, it would have been intoxicating to anyone who would have walked right on in, but not them. No, it was the way their love mingled. A spicy tang from Shoto and a gentle gust of rain smelling air from Vox, that was them. No one would ever be able to comprehend the feeling of their love, not in a million years, yet they could.

Just as Shoto pulled away, Vox held him tighter, almost like a lost puppy would have. Shoto could feel it, the feeling of fear. Fear of abandonment, loss, everything. It made him reach up and gently tangle his fingers into Vox's hair as the other rested the side of his head on his chest, Shoto letting him know he was no longer forgotten. It seemed to have calmed down Vox, because he finally let him go, raising his head to give him one of the softest looks he could.

And just like that, things have changed between the two. The fond looks, the feelings dancing in the air, the smiles, it had all shifted in that exact moment. They were closer now, closer than ever before.

Shoto then let out a small laugh as he pulled completely away, giving Vox a smile. "Come on, we got a runway to own." "We?" Vox asked, giving him a playful eyebrow raise. "Yes we, I am showing off the sweetest guys work, aren't I? You deserve to be up there with me." Shoto said. Who was Vox to turn him down?

Vox shook his head with a fond grin, wondering why he had let this tease of a man wrap him around his finger. Vox walked over, giving him a smile. "Alright alright, I shall accompany you, my dearest boy. But know I'm a drifter when walking." Vox reminded, grabbing Shoto's jacket as they walked to the door together. Shoto let out a small laugh at that. "Stay in your lane then, and we'll be all good. Though, if you go off the stage, maybe one of your crazy fangirls will catch you." Shoto teased, making Vox let out a small hoot of a laugh. "I'll squash them, surely." He joked. Shoto let out a laugh at that, following him.

Once they got to the door, Vox looked over at Shoto with an admiring look, smiling softly. Shoto looked over at him, a curious look making it's way onto his face. "What?" He asked.

Vox then gently reached over and adjusted the tie around Shoto's next, then gave a nod. Perfect. "Alright, now you're ready to go, handsome."

Shoto smiled, then pushed the door open. "Well, we finally ready?" Shoto asked, looking over. "Oh, I don't know, sure you can survive in those shoes, like last time?" Vox joked, which then resulted in Shoto reaching over and playfully tapping him on the ass, which had ceased his laughter, replacing it with a gasp of shock (and a bit of flushness), looking over at him with a glare. "Shoto I swear to god!" Vox said as Shoto laughed and ran out, Vox quickly making his way after him.

Just off to the side, Uki and Fulgur were watching the whole thing, Uki sipping on a strawberry milkshake Fulgur had bought him. Uki then turned to Fulgur, who was honestly in shock as to how his brother acted around the purple-haired male. Uki then smirked. "You should see them during practice walks." Uki said, then took another sip, making Fulgur huff with a small eyeroll. "Honestly? I'm not surprised at all."

"Yeah, their hopelessly in love."