Relationship Status: It's Complicated

Show Stopper

(Art by SerinityAInfernoArt, Characters: Valas and Sylas)

"Baobei, keep your cardigan on," Bai Yusheng sighed as they stepped out of Sega's town car, reaching out to adjust his shirt. "There, you look handsome." 

"I don't think I'll ever understand what outfit to wear to what event. Last time you said fashionable and I wore something like this you said I wasn't formal enough," Naki pouted, clinging to Saalah after he stepped out. 

"That's why I let Yusheng dress me. Less amount of times I have to change," Saalah played teasingly with the little cuff that clasped to Naki's ear, making him shudder. 

"Yeah, leave the guesswork to the professionals," Aiden agreed. Sega tossed his keys to the bellboy before joining them. 

"Rabbit, really? It isn't that hard to pick a trendy outfit. Don't you do that Tiktok stuff anyway? Surely there are some fashion channels you follow."

"Boring," Naki scrunched his nose as Saalah pat his bum, propelling him forward. 

"Let's get inside and greet Valges before the show. Valas should already be here saving us seats," Saalah dropped back to walk by Aiden, watching their little fireball slip between Bai Yusheng and Sega. 

"If he managed to peel himself from Sylas long enough that is," Aiden threw his arm around Saalah's back, giving the man a playful bump. 

"Cerise was going to handle seats. He was very excited to see the show. It will be good inspiration for his spring line-up that he showed me," Bai Yusheng smiled as they guided their group towards backstage with their VIP passes. Sega greeted familiar faces as they passed, winding through the crowds of DSU students who were running and attending the event. 

"If it is anything like that midriff showing romper he wore to the club last weekend, Cactus, you better set him straight. A brother can only handle so much. I was practically peeling men off him," Sega gave a sour look at Bai Yusheng's giggle. 

"Cerise was doing just fine handling them on his own. Your brother has your wit and bite after all."

"But only half my height and none of my fight," Sega huffed. 

"I've seen Cerise make demons twice your height cry, Sega, chill," Naki rolled his eyes before they widened. "Valges!" Naki released Sega and Bai Yusheng, running through the chaotic backstage crowd to get to Valges' side. He was standing on a small platform, a seamstress at his side making last minute adjustments to the fit of his outfit. "Hey, hey Freckles, can I come you your place tonight?" Naki winked. 

Valges's brows shot up as he tried not to laugh while the seamstress was stitching. "Feeling bold today, Sweetie? Where are the others?" 

"Right here, my dear," Bai Yusheng announced as they caught up. 

Sega came and snatched Naki by the collar, giving the seamstress room. "Freckles is my nickname. Pick your own." 

"Sega, let me go!" Naki scrunched his nose as he wiggled away and squeezed between Saalah and Aiden. 

Bai Yusheng shook their head before taking a moment to admire Valges in all his finery. "Valges, you look stunning today. I can't wait to see you on the stage." 

"Sylas got the spot of honor this year, but I'm not complaining," Valges raised his arm to let the sleeve be adjusted. "The outfit suits him better anyway. Make sure Valas stays seated when he comes out."

"People! People! My curtain is about to go up and anyone who is not in my fabulous clothes needs to go out," a flurry of a man came storming in, loud and dressed in all black with an ear piece in. He was small but his voice bellowed. "As much as you extras are easy on the eyes, shoo, shoo please. My models need all of this space. Some of these wobbling giselles need to practice until it's their turn." The bald man tilted down his extravagant glasses, "Freckles, freckles, freckles!" Each time the word was said with more disdain, "We discussed! The concealer Valges-"