Fic: Couture - Part 3
Title: Couture
Rating: R this part (NC-17)
Pairing: Chris/Zach
Word count: 4957 (this part)
Warning: Language, sexual situations, angst.
Summary: Zach is a fashion designer and Chris is a male model that he takes an interest in.
Previous parts: Part 1 | Part 2
Part 3
Zach sits up in bed, his heart beating fast as he realises he’s been woken up by a scream. He notes that Chris is gone from the other side of the bed and quickly gets up, putting on some boxers before padding out into the living room and seeing his brother standing next to a very shocked looking Chris who’s bent over, his hand over his heart like he’s seen a ghost.
“Morning,” Joe says with a smile, watching Chris with amusement. “I’m Joe.”
“Chris.” Chris gives a weak smile and straightens up, adjusting his boxer shorts, looking a little rattled at finding a stranger in the apartment.
“Why are you here so early?” Zach asks, walking up to them.
“Just dropping off some of the proofs I promised you last week,” Joe says, his eyes sliding over to take in Chris who is watching him with narrowed eyes.
“Joe’s my brother,” Zach quickly says, a sliver of defensiveness in his tone.
Chris smiles and nods, looking relieved. “Nice to meet you.”
“And you.”
Chris looks over at Zach. “I’m going to go and feed Noah.”
“That’d be great,” Zach says as Chris gives Joe a little wave and disappears through the kitchen door, Zach watching him go appreciatively.
Joe turns to him with a very amused and interested expression. “Feeding Noah, huh? You’re letting a guy feed your dog, like it’s normal. Did you get married without telling me?”
“Shut up. He’s just a guy I’m seeing. No one special.”
“Really?” Joe says with a smirk, his arms folding over his chest, his eyes laughing at Zach.
Chris pops his head out. “Zach, I don’t have a go-see till 11am and so I thought I could go for a jog, want me to take Noah?”
“Yeah, thanks.” Chris disappears again and Zach tries to ignore the way Joe is looking at him.
“Don’t,” Zach says, putting his hand up to stop whatever Joe is bursting to say.
“I won’t tease you, I promise. How long have you and he been seeing each other?”
Zach sighs, doing the math in his head and not knowing when to count from. “About a month, give or take a couple weeks.”
Joe looks shocked. “We had dinner last week and you didn’t mention it? That’s the longest relationship you’ve had since entering your twenties.” Zach feels uneasy and Joe seems to pick up on it. “Hey, look, I get that you don’t want to jinx it or whatever, but it would have been nice to know there’s someone important in your life.”
“I’m just not over thinking it right now. Just leave it.”
He knows he sounds uptight over it, but if he acknowledges that Chris has been spending most nights at his place and even has some of his stuff spread around the apartment, he’ll freak out over what it means and then probably fight with Chris. It’s easier to claim ignorance and not think about how Chris is normally there when he gets home from work, and how Chris will meet up with him in his lunch break and stink out his office by bringing Chinese that Zach will always refuse.
Joe nods. “I better go, but Michelle and I are always around for a double date,” Joe teases.
“Get out,” Zach says quickly, pushing Joe playfully on the shoulder.
“See ya later. Give my love to Chris.” Joe leaves his apartment and Zach stands there for a few minutes before Chris comes out with some toast in his mouth.
Zach raises an eyebrow. “I have a strict no carb rule in my house. Where did you get the bread?”
Chris laughs, crumbs falling from his mouth as he holds the slice in his hand. “I have a secret stash in your kitchen.”
Zach purses his lips. “What is that on it?”
“Butter and jelly, which is filled with enough additives to make a dinosaur hyper.”
“You’re killing me here,” Zach says, watching with disgust as Chris takes a large bite. “Your metabolism won’t work forever.”
“Exactly, I’m making the most of it. Also, I know you hate junk food but I have stashed some Oreo’s in your apartment somewhere for emergencies. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally come across them and have to conduct an exorcism.”
Zach smirks. “I threw those out three days ago.”
Chris’s mouth falls open, looking sad. “What? I hate you.”
“They’re not good for you.”
“Sorry, Dad.”
“Save that for the bedroom,” Zach says with a smirk. “Also, what is that two-in-one shampoo and conditioner crap in my shower? I have rules, Chris, and I never want to see that awful bottle ever again.”
Chris smirks. “It saves time if it’s two-in-one.”
Zach shakes his head with disbelief. “Are you sure you’re gay?”
“Well, considering I spend most of my nights with a hard dick up my ass, I’d say I’m at the very least 40% gay.”
“Har har,” Zach deadpanned before kissing Chris’ cheek and heading into the kitchen.
…
“See this? This looks like something you would find in JC Penny in the sale rack,” Zach snaps irritably at one of the interns. “This is high fashion, every single stitch has to be perfect, yet this looks like it was made in some factory in India by blind five year olds.”
Zach sighs as he notices the girl’s eyes well up with tears as she mumbles about promising to do better in future and take longer.
Zach throws up his hands and turns, coming face to face with Chris, who is busy bouncing on the balls of his feet with a smile. “I’m in a bad mood, whatever it is, tell me quickly,” Zach bites out.
“I have a call back for GQ. I’m not even kidding, and what’s kind of awesome about it is the article and spread I’d be modelling for would include some of your clothes. Isn’t that cool?”
“Great,” Zach mutters distractedly, his eyes fixed on where someone’s draping fabric.
Chris frowns in annoyance. “Yeah, it is great. You even listening?”
Zach watches his assistants work critically, his eyes sweeping to everyone’s work station.
“Look, Chris, this is kind of a busy time. Congratulations on getting the GQ shoot,” Zach says, his eyes looking past Chris.
“I have a call-back, not a contract yet,” Chris snaps coldly. “I have no idea why I put up with you.”
Chris turns and walks away fast. Zach feels his temper rise, frustration and annoyance sweeping through his body, and he’s off after Chris, his fists balled up with anger that isn’t really directed at Chris but he knows he’s about to take it all out on him anyway.
He catches Chris in one of the hallways, waiting for the elevator.
He knows he should walk away, that he should think before snapping out just because he’s overly stressed and he’s had a bad day. Chris notices him and turns, looking defiant.
Zach’s eyes are hard and his jaw is set as he stares at him. “Put up with me? You spend all your time bitching at me about not opening up, about how I never have decent food in the fridge, how I smoke too much, and then you pretty much set up camp in my apartment and start leaving your crap on every single bit of furniture I own. If anything, I’m putting up with you.”
Chris’ arms fold across his chest. “Let’s not start this fight, because I’ll win. You think I don’t know you’re using me for inspiration?” Zach’s eyes flutter with a small amount of shock. “Yeah, I do know. I’m fine with that, in fact, I’m really honoured and flattered, but don’t act like I’m some accessory that you can pick up and play with when you need it. It’s annoying and hurtful and I know I deserve better.”
Zach runs a hand through his hair, his anger dissipating immediately and simple exhaustion replacing it as he stares at Chris. “OK, fine, I’m sorry. I’m in a shitty mood because of the pressure I’m under right now. I’ll make it up to you, I promise, OK?”
“Sure,” Chris says with a shrug, still looking a little hurt. “Only because I can’t be bothered to find someone else who has a penthouse apartment and an adorable dog.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Zach says, smiling quickly and pressing his lips to Chris’. “I’ll see you later.” He turns, heads back to his office and picks up the phone and calls his friend at GQ.
…
Zach’s never seen Chris this happy as he giggles loudly in the busy restaurant, his cheek pressed against Zach’s shoulder and their hands clasped under the table as Karl sits opposite. He’s surprised to find Chris’ mood is affecting him and feels a small smile tug at his own lips.
“This is the best thing ever. I know models that’ve been in the industry for years and years and never got the opportunity to do a shoot for GQ. This is it; I’m finally successful at something.”
Karl raises an eyebrow at Zach. “Yeah, can’t imagine how you managed to land that,” he says dryly, rolling his eyes.
The light that had been in Chris’ eyes is immediately extinguished and he sits up straight, looking offended. “What? Why do you say it like that?”
Zach shakes his head quickly. “Karl didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Yes, he did, there was a tone. What did he mean?” Chris asks, his eyes narrowing as he looks at Zach suspiciously.
“Doesn’t matter,” Zach mumbles quietly, his eyes not meeting Chris’, looking guilty.
“John, dude, over here,” Karl suddenly says loudly, waving his hand in the direction of the restaurant entrance.
“No, what did he mean?” Chris asks, his tone tight and frustrated.
Zach swallows. “Just ride the wave of success, OK?”
John gives them a smile as he slides into the spare seat next to Karl. Chris doesn’t even acknowledge him as he carries on staring at Zach expectantly.
Chris suddenly turns and looks across the table. “Karl, what did you mean by that?”
“I don’t want to get into the middle of anything,” Karl says, his fingertips playing along the knife on the table.
Chris sighs with irritation. “I swear to god, if someone doesn’t tell me-”
“He made a call,” Karl says bluntly, rolling his eyes like Chris is some immature little kid that needs to calm down.
Chris turns to Zach, his mouth open in shock as he rips his hand out of Zach’s. “You made a call to get me the shoot?” Zach slumps back in his chair at the look of anger spreading across Chris’ face.
“No offence, but did you really think you could get it on the back of a resume with only one professional shoot on it?” Zach asks, avoiding the look Karl and John are sending him. “You should feel lucky that you have the connections to get you into these shoots. You think all the top models got there because of hard work? Who you know is worth a lot more than anything else.”
Chris looks at him like someone’s just taken his dog away. “I wanted to be successful in something having got there on my own.”
“I’m sure you will one day when you have a few more contracts with designers and magazines. For now, just be thankful you know someone who can make a call. Most of your friends probably don’t.”
“Yeah? And how about the idea that all my friends know I’m only getting booked because I’m sucking some designer’s dick?”
“Some designer?” John says, sounding amused. “Zach’s going to show you his awards later, mark my words.”
It seems to break the tension slightly and Chris sits back in his chair, looking upset. Zach tries to grab his hand under the table to give it a squeeze but Chris pulls it away before he gets the chance.
Chris is pretty much silent for the rest of the evening until they both walk into Zach’s apartment, Noah greeting them eagerly as he gives Chris’ hand an affectionate lick.
“I have no idea why you’re being such a little bitch over this,” Zach says, finding his patience growing wafer thin. “I was always used by models, all of them hoping I’d wake up the next morning and book them into the next runway show. I didn’t care. You shouldn’t care that you’re using me to get these shoots.”
“I’m not using you. I’ve never asked for anything off of you. Well, not since that first time anyway.” Chris goes and sits on the couch, looking defeated.
“That’s why I’m doing this. You deserve it, you’re a really hot guy who’s sincere and genuine and looks like sex on a stick when he’s in front of the camera. And you got that GQ call back without my help; I just made sure you got the booking.”
Noah trots over to Chris and rests his head on his thigh as Zach rounds the couch himself and sits down.
“Thank you.” Chris says it like it’s a real struggle to form the words and Zach slings an arm around his shoulders.
“You’re welcome.” Zach leans forward for his pack of cigarettes but hears a sharp inhale of disapproval from Chris and sighs, putting them back down and sitting back.
“You’re like Mr Healthy when it comes to food, why do you still smoke?”
“It’s my one vice and it calms me down. I need it.”
“One vice? You drink a lot and I bet you’ve done drugs at some point,” Chris says, his head pressed against Zach’s shoulder.
“Shut up,” Zach jokes.
They lull into easy silence until Chris chimes in with, “so, you want to watch Miss Congeniality?”
“You know, Chris, there are films out there that don’t star Sandra Bullock.”
“Why would anyone want to watch one of those?” Chris says, shaking his head before pushing himself up and heading over to ever increasing pile of DVDs by his TV.
…
Zach picks up his phone on the second ring and hears loud murmuring coming through from the other end. “Hello?”
“Zach, they’ve put me in leather pants and it’s kind of fantastic,” Chris says, sounding joyous and upbeat. Zach grins, remembering it’s the GQ shoot that day.
“Are they making your package look good?”
“Oh yeah, not a lot is left to the imagination in these. Also, my ass looks like god’s gift to gay men right now.”
Zach feels his dick give a very interested twitch. “Send me a picture right the fuck now.”
“I can’t, no camera and they wouldn’t let me take a picture anyway. You’ll have to wait until the photo shoot is out.”
Zach inhales sharply. “The director of the shoot around?”
There’s a beat of silence. “Why?”
“I want him to e-mail me a picture of your ass now, oh, and then pass me over to the head stylist so I can persuade them to give you the pants.”
Chris lets out a chuckle. “It took me like an hour to get into these things. Once I’m out of them, I’m never getting in to them again.”
“Sure you will, now pass me over. I wasn’t kidding around.”
“OK, but before I do, remember we’re going out tonight and you’re meeting my friends. You haven’t forgotten, right?”
Zach feels a bite of anxiousness work its way up his spine. “No, I haven’t forgotten, now pass me over.”
Fifteen minutes later and Zach leans forward and inspects the picture on the screen, his heart thumping a little faster and his pants becoming tighter as he stares at a picture of the back of Chris’ body, the leather tight around his ass and making it look extremely pert.
“Becky,” Zach barks at his assistant as he walks to the door of his office.
“Yeah?” she says, looking up.
“Don’t let anyone disturb me for the next twenty minutes.”
Becky frowns in confusion before nodding.
Zach slams the door shut, goes back to his desk, and opens the front of his pants. He can’t remember the last time he jerked off in his office, in the middle of a work day, to a picture. But as he sits there, his bottom lip between his teeth and his hand stroking himself roughly as he stares at Chris’ ass, he finds himself oddly eat ease with it, and also pleased that the picture isn’t of some guy he’ll never meet, but someone who he can be naked and on all fours on his bed in the evening.
…
The music is loud and thumping as he sits back in a corner booth and overhears another model talking loudly about where’s he’s going to get his coke fix for the rest of the night.
He used to enjoy it, the party scene, when he was constantly looking for the next model to take home, but for some reason, he doesn’t find himself enjoying it as much anymore. He feels like he’s aged a decade in the last few weeks and that he’d rather be at home and not in a place where there’s people dealing drugs in the corner and drunken models in every direction. He can barely think.
He leans his head back and lets out a sigh when suddenly a warm body presses up against him and he smiles, turning his head to make eye contact with Chris.
“Some guys just offered me some drugs in the bathroom, what the fuck is this place?”
“It affecting your delicate sensibilities?”
Chris shrugs, like he is actually affected by it. Zach wraps an arm around him protectively and leans in to take in Chris’ familiar scent as he presses a kiss to his neck.
“You look tired,” Chris comments. Zach’s head lolls onto Chris’ shoulder and he feels Chris’ fingers run through his hair.
Zach lets out a barely audible hum over the music and lets his eyes shut. “Spending all my days working on the next collection. Although, I had fun jerking off to the picture the photographer sent me.”
Chris grins at him. “Seriously?”
“You got those leather pants at the end of the day, right?”
“Yeah, but I’ll only wear them for really special occasions.”
Zach raises an eyebrow. “How about we go home and celebrate your second major shoot? That’s a special occasion.”
Chris chuckles. “If I put them on, it’ll be hot for the first few minutes, before you inevitably try to get them off and then they’ll be a lot of struggling and weird squelching sounds coming from the leather as I get sweaty. It won’t be hot.”
Zach stares at him. “Stop ruining my fun.”
“I’m being a realist,” Chris says, leaning in to kiss his cheek softly. Zach huffs out a laugh and leans forward for his pack of cigarettes that’s sitting on the table. Chris puts a hand over his and makes him drop them. “I hate it when you smoke around me and anyway, my friends are about to arrive so be nice.”
“You know they’re all going to expect me to give them modelling bookings, right?” Zach says.
“They will not.”
Zach snorts. “We’ll see. Do they use two-in-one shampoo and conditioner too?” Zach teases.
“Shh, they’re coming over,” Chris says, kissing him quickly before standing up and embracing three friends. Zach assesses the trio, two of them tall, very thin and female and one being a large, thick guy with muscles who embraces Chris like he’s a brother.
“Zach, this is Sam, whose couch I crash on when I’m not with you, and this is Mel and Emily, both models.”
The two girls stare at him like they’ve just been introduced to a movie star where as Sam leans forward over the table to shake his hand with an easy smile.
“Heard a lot about you from Chris here, and you know, magazines and the internet.”
Zach smiles back at him and leans back in the chair as Chris slides back into the booth as his friends sit down opposite.
“Wow, I’ve never been in the VIP section of this place before,” Emily says in awe as she looks around.
Mel is staring at him like he’s Brad Pitt and he raises a questioning eyebrow. “You are like, amazing. Your menswear last year was just the right amount of all American boy and preppy. It was so gorgeous,” Mel says, her eyes wide as she grins at him. “I cannot wait to see your womenswear collection at fashion week. Have you cast your models for it?”
Zach smirks, exchanging a pointed glance with Chris. “Won’t cast for another few weeks yet I wouldn’t think, but if you give me your name and agency I can pass it on to my casting director.”
Mel looks like she’s won the million dollar jackpot as she rummages around in her purse for a bit of paper and a pen.
“I’ll give you mine too. I’m really versatile,” Emily says, handing Mel a pen as they both put their details down. Zach takes the paper with a forced smile and puts it into the inside pocket of his jacket.
“You’re being nice,” Chris murmurs quietly in Zach’s ear.
Zach turns to Chris. “I’m expecting a mind blowing blowjob later for this.”
“You got it,” Chris says, his hand squeezing his crotch once before moving away.
The evening goes slowly for Zach, his fake smile constantly on his face as Mel and Emily fuss over him, their constant barrage of compliments actually making him bored. He likes Sam though, if only for the fact the guy doesn’t mind having a model he barely knows crash on his couch. Not that Chris spends much time there now.
By the time the evening comes to a close, he’s more than grateful. Chris’ friends leave ahead of them and Zach feels a small relieved sigh escape him.
Zach is pulled up and out of his seat and dragged across the bar by Chris. When they exit the loud club into the cool air, Zach pulls Chris close and whispers all the things he’s going to do to him when they get home in his ear causing Chris’ cheeks to flush bright red and Zach feels his stomach flip over.
They climb into a taxi and Zach can barely keep his hands off of Chris for a second as he runs a hand up and down his thigh. He’s never been with anyone who makes him feel like this, like if isn’t touching him he may just die. Zach leans over and presses a kiss to his jaw and rubs his nose against Chris’ cheek as the taxi drives through the city, the bright lights reflecting off the windows.
Zach rubs his thumb across the back of Chris’ neck and gazes at him, Chris’ blue eyes staring back at him openly with trust and affection, like Zach is everything. Zach swallows, his eyes averting to look down as Chris reaches over and fiddles with his shirt button. Zach shifts his eyes up and moves forward to kiss him slowly, softly, like he may break.
They both seem to forget where they are and ignore the busy city flying past outside the taxi as they kiss gently and slowly, like they have all the time in the world. Zach smiles against Chris’ lips, and he takes a moment to appreciate that in that second, he’s completely happy and content.
By the time they get to the apartment Zach is filled with an unusual sort of lust. It’s not impatient or overwhelming, but slow burning and simmering as he takes Chris’ hand and pulls him into the bedroom. He other hand curls around Chris’ neck and pulls him close so they kiss lazily.
Zach pulls away, feelings and emotions sticking uncomfortably in his throat. He wants to say something, something that’s more than just casual words thrown together that equate to him saying something borderline affectionate to Chris.
“Chris…” Zach trails off, his hand squeezing Chris’.
“Yeah?” Chris asks softly, his eyes searching Zach’s.
“Nothing,” Zach says quickly and pushes Chris down onto the bed.
…
Zach never takes notice of gossip blogs or magazines ever since he realised he was sometimes mentioned. It didn’t help his confidence when he read articles deconstructing any outfits he’d chosen to wear for some events.
He’s just gotten off the phone when Becky walks in, a hesitant smile on her face and an open magazine rolled up in her hands.
“Do you need something?” Zach asks expectantly, his hand going to his nearly empty coffee cup.
“I was just, err, reading up on the latest gossip and stuff on my break, and I wondered if you were aware you’re sort of mentioned.”
“Why?” Zach asks nervously, sitting forward slightly. “If it’s something saying I’m gay, then they’re over a decade late.”
She walks forward and smiles at him as she places the unrolled magazine in front of him.
Zach leans forward slowly, his eyes flicking to a picture of him and Chris, kissing, outside a bar. In the top right of the picture is a big yellow star with ‘New Couple Alert’ in it. Zach feels his jaw tighten as he glances to the tiny blurb underneath about how the normally promiscuous Zachary Quinto is settling down into a committed relationship with his model boyfriend.
“Is it only in this magazine?” Zach asks quickly.
“No idea,” she says with a shrug before turning and leaving him. Zach pinches the bridge of his nose in annoyance, vaguely wondering if Chris has seen it.
…
Zach is sitting at his desk in his office, stabbing his salad with his fork as he looks across to Chris, who is sitting in the chair in front of his desk, devouring a burger with speed.
“I’ve got a late meeting tonight so there’s no point you coming round,” Zach says casually, picking at a tomato.
Chris looks up; a flash of something Zach can’t identify crossing his eyes. “That’s fine. It’s been a while since I didn’t sleep at yours anyway.”
“Good,” Zach says, his mind calculating how long it has been since Chris didn’t spend the night with him. He barely noticed, it’s like Chris has just slipped in under the radar and integrated himself into his life.
“I saw that picture in that magazine by the way.”
“Oh,” Zach replies, not really knowing what to say.
“I mean, it’s funny they call me you’re boyfriend considering we haven’t even really called each other that yet,” Chris says with a nervous laugh. Zach feels warning bells go off in his head. “But, you are my boyfriend, right?” Chris asks, eyes expectant.
Zach stops breathing for a few seconds as he flounders.
“We don’t need to define it,” Zach quickly says, his heart picking up pace.
Chris sits back in his chair, an annoyed look on his face. “If you had to define it though, what would you say? Are you sleeping with other people?”
Zach shakes his head defensively before realising he has no reason to be defensive considering he’s never made any promises to Chris. “Would it matter if I were?”
Chris inhales sharply. “Yeah, it would.”
“We never said we were exclusive or even in a relationship.” Zach flinches at his own words.
It’s the wrong thing to say and Chris is on his feet, throwing the rest of his lunch in the trash as he grabs his bag. “Sorry for assuming. You can understand why I did assume though, right? We go to parties together and spend all our time together and have been seeing each other for just short of two months at this point, but clearly I’ve read this whole thing wrong,” Chris pauses, shaking his head disbelievingly. “Would you be OK if I told you I’ve been sleeping around behind your back? Would you care if whilst you were at work I was letting other men fuck me?”
Zach nods immediately, without even thinking, because the idea of anyone touching Chris sends a feeling of nausea through his system. “No, you’re right; I wouldn’t be alright with that. But you need to stop throwing useless hissy fits every time you don’t hear what you want.”
Chris shakes his head, eyes wide and incredulous. “You serious? All I want to hear is you calling me your boyfriend. I’m not asking for a marriage proposal or for you be the father of our adopted baby.”
“You really want me to say something just because you force me to say it? Please, just stop being such a fucking drama queen and realise I’m not the type of guy who’s going to constantly be writing you love poems and being affectionate, and there’s no reason we have to label what we’re doing.”
“Whatever,” Chris says tightly, his eyes furious as he turns and storms out without a look back.
Zach spends the rest of his work day getting absolutely nothing done as he sits at his desk and spins a pen around with his finger, his gaze unseeing as he thinks about his argument with Chris over and over again. He knows he has to apologise, that he’s been an asshole, but the stubborn side of him that got him into this mess in the first place, demands that he waits to see if Chris calls him first.
When Zach crawls into bed that night he can’t get over the overwhelming feeling of something missing. Even Noah gives a confused whine at not seeing Chris in the apartment. He sighs shakily and tells himself to stop being such a girl.
Part 4
Rating: R this part (NC-17)
Pairing: Chris/Zach
Word count: 4957 (this part)
Warning: Language, sexual situations, angst.
Summary: Zach is a fashion designer and Chris is a male model that he takes an interest in.
Previous parts: Part 1 | Part 2
Part 3
Zach sits up in bed, his heart beating fast as he realises he’s been woken up by a scream. He notes that Chris is gone from the other side of the bed and quickly gets up, putting on some boxers before padding out into the living room and seeing his brother standing next to a very shocked looking Chris who’s bent over, his hand over his heart like he’s seen a ghost.
“Morning,” Joe says with a smile, watching Chris with amusement. “I’m Joe.”
“Chris.” Chris gives a weak smile and straightens up, adjusting his boxer shorts, looking a little rattled at finding a stranger in the apartment.
“Why are you here so early?” Zach asks, walking up to them.
“Just dropping off some of the proofs I promised you last week,” Joe says, his eyes sliding over to take in Chris who is watching him with narrowed eyes.
“Joe’s my brother,” Zach quickly says, a sliver of defensiveness in his tone.
Chris smiles and nods, looking relieved. “Nice to meet you.”
“And you.”
Chris looks over at Zach. “I’m going to go and feed Noah.”
“That’d be great,” Zach says as Chris gives Joe a little wave and disappears through the kitchen door, Zach watching him go appreciatively.
Joe turns to him with a very amused and interested expression. “Feeding Noah, huh? You’re letting a guy feed your dog, like it’s normal. Did you get married without telling me?”
“Shut up. He’s just a guy I’m seeing. No one special.”
“Really?” Joe says with a smirk, his arms folding over his chest, his eyes laughing at Zach.
Chris pops his head out. “Zach, I don’t have a go-see till 11am and so I thought I could go for a jog, want me to take Noah?”
“Yeah, thanks.” Chris disappears again and Zach tries to ignore the way Joe is looking at him.
“Don’t,” Zach says, putting his hand up to stop whatever Joe is bursting to say.
“I won’t tease you, I promise. How long have you and he been seeing each other?”
Zach sighs, doing the math in his head and not knowing when to count from. “About a month, give or take a couple weeks.”
Joe looks shocked. “We had dinner last week and you didn’t mention it? That’s the longest relationship you’ve had since entering your twenties.” Zach feels uneasy and Joe seems to pick up on it. “Hey, look, I get that you don’t want to jinx it or whatever, but it would have been nice to know there’s someone important in your life.”
“I’m just not over thinking it right now. Just leave it.”
He knows he sounds uptight over it, but if he acknowledges that Chris has been spending most nights at his place and even has some of his stuff spread around the apartment, he’ll freak out over what it means and then probably fight with Chris. It’s easier to claim ignorance and not think about how Chris is normally there when he gets home from work, and how Chris will meet up with him in his lunch break and stink out his office by bringing Chinese that Zach will always refuse.
Joe nods. “I better go, but Michelle and I are always around for a double date,” Joe teases.
“Get out,” Zach says quickly, pushing Joe playfully on the shoulder.
“See ya later. Give my love to Chris.” Joe leaves his apartment and Zach stands there for a few minutes before Chris comes out with some toast in his mouth.
Zach raises an eyebrow. “I have a strict no carb rule in my house. Where did you get the bread?”
Chris laughs, crumbs falling from his mouth as he holds the slice in his hand. “I have a secret stash in your kitchen.”
Zach purses his lips. “What is that on it?”
“Butter and jelly, which is filled with enough additives to make a dinosaur hyper.”
“You’re killing me here,” Zach says, watching with disgust as Chris takes a large bite. “Your metabolism won’t work forever.”
“Exactly, I’m making the most of it. Also, I know you hate junk food but I have stashed some Oreo’s in your apartment somewhere for emergencies. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally come across them and have to conduct an exorcism.”
Zach smirks. “I threw those out three days ago.”
Chris’s mouth falls open, looking sad. “What? I hate you.”
“They’re not good for you.”
“Sorry, Dad.”
“Save that for the bedroom,” Zach says with a smirk. “Also, what is that two-in-one shampoo and conditioner crap in my shower? I have rules, Chris, and I never want to see that awful bottle ever again.”
Chris smirks. “It saves time if it’s two-in-one.”
Zach shakes his head with disbelief. “Are you sure you’re gay?”
“Well, considering I spend most of my nights with a hard dick up my ass, I’d say I’m at the very least 40% gay.”
“Har har,” Zach deadpanned before kissing Chris’ cheek and heading into the kitchen.
…
“See this? This looks like something you would find in JC Penny in the sale rack,” Zach snaps irritably at one of the interns. “This is high fashion, every single stitch has to be perfect, yet this looks like it was made in some factory in India by blind five year olds.”
Zach sighs as he notices the girl’s eyes well up with tears as she mumbles about promising to do better in future and take longer.
Zach throws up his hands and turns, coming face to face with Chris, who is busy bouncing on the balls of his feet with a smile. “I’m in a bad mood, whatever it is, tell me quickly,” Zach bites out.
“I have a call back for GQ. I’m not even kidding, and what’s kind of awesome about it is the article and spread I’d be modelling for would include some of your clothes. Isn’t that cool?”
“Great,” Zach mutters distractedly, his eyes fixed on where someone’s draping fabric.
Chris frowns in annoyance. “Yeah, it is great. You even listening?”
Zach watches his assistants work critically, his eyes sweeping to everyone’s work station.
“Look, Chris, this is kind of a busy time. Congratulations on getting the GQ shoot,” Zach says, his eyes looking past Chris.
“I have a call-back, not a contract yet,” Chris snaps coldly. “I have no idea why I put up with you.”
Chris turns and walks away fast. Zach feels his temper rise, frustration and annoyance sweeping through his body, and he’s off after Chris, his fists balled up with anger that isn’t really directed at Chris but he knows he’s about to take it all out on him anyway.
He catches Chris in one of the hallways, waiting for the elevator.
He knows he should walk away, that he should think before snapping out just because he’s overly stressed and he’s had a bad day. Chris notices him and turns, looking defiant.
Zach’s eyes are hard and his jaw is set as he stares at him. “Put up with me? You spend all your time bitching at me about not opening up, about how I never have decent food in the fridge, how I smoke too much, and then you pretty much set up camp in my apartment and start leaving your crap on every single bit of furniture I own. If anything, I’m putting up with you.”
Chris’ arms fold across his chest. “Let’s not start this fight, because I’ll win. You think I don’t know you’re using me for inspiration?” Zach’s eyes flutter with a small amount of shock. “Yeah, I do know. I’m fine with that, in fact, I’m really honoured and flattered, but don’t act like I’m some accessory that you can pick up and play with when you need it. It’s annoying and hurtful and I know I deserve better.”
Zach runs a hand through his hair, his anger dissipating immediately and simple exhaustion replacing it as he stares at Chris. “OK, fine, I’m sorry. I’m in a shitty mood because of the pressure I’m under right now. I’ll make it up to you, I promise, OK?”
“Sure,” Chris says with a shrug, still looking a little hurt. “Only because I can’t be bothered to find someone else who has a penthouse apartment and an adorable dog.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Zach says, smiling quickly and pressing his lips to Chris’. “I’ll see you later.” He turns, heads back to his office and picks up the phone and calls his friend at GQ.
…
Zach’s never seen Chris this happy as he giggles loudly in the busy restaurant, his cheek pressed against Zach’s shoulder and their hands clasped under the table as Karl sits opposite. He’s surprised to find Chris’ mood is affecting him and feels a small smile tug at his own lips.
“This is the best thing ever. I know models that’ve been in the industry for years and years and never got the opportunity to do a shoot for GQ. This is it; I’m finally successful at something.”
Karl raises an eyebrow at Zach. “Yeah, can’t imagine how you managed to land that,” he says dryly, rolling his eyes.
The light that had been in Chris’ eyes is immediately extinguished and he sits up straight, looking offended. “What? Why do you say it like that?”
Zach shakes his head quickly. “Karl didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Yes, he did, there was a tone. What did he mean?” Chris asks, his eyes narrowing as he looks at Zach suspiciously.
“Doesn’t matter,” Zach mumbles quietly, his eyes not meeting Chris’, looking guilty.
“John, dude, over here,” Karl suddenly says loudly, waving his hand in the direction of the restaurant entrance.
“No, what did he mean?” Chris asks, his tone tight and frustrated.
Zach swallows. “Just ride the wave of success, OK?”
John gives them a smile as he slides into the spare seat next to Karl. Chris doesn’t even acknowledge him as he carries on staring at Zach expectantly.
Chris suddenly turns and looks across the table. “Karl, what did you mean by that?”
“I don’t want to get into the middle of anything,” Karl says, his fingertips playing along the knife on the table.
Chris sighs with irritation. “I swear to god, if someone doesn’t tell me-”
“He made a call,” Karl says bluntly, rolling his eyes like Chris is some immature little kid that needs to calm down.
Chris turns to Zach, his mouth open in shock as he rips his hand out of Zach’s. “You made a call to get me the shoot?” Zach slumps back in his chair at the look of anger spreading across Chris’ face.
“No offence, but did you really think you could get it on the back of a resume with only one professional shoot on it?” Zach asks, avoiding the look Karl and John are sending him. “You should feel lucky that you have the connections to get you into these shoots. You think all the top models got there because of hard work? Who you know is worth a lot more than anything else.”
Chris looks at him like someone’s just taken his dog away. “I wanted to be successful in something having got there on my own.”
“I’m sure you will one day when you have a few more contracts with designers and magazines. For now, just be thankful you know someone who can make a call. Most of your friends probably don’t.”
“Yeah? And how about the idea that all my friends know I’m only getting booked because I’m sucking some designer’s dick?”
“Some designer?” John says, sounding amused. “Zach’s going to show you his awards later, mark my words.”
It seems to break the tension slightly and Chris sits back in his chair, looking upset. Zach tries to grab his hand under the table to give it a squeeze but Chris pulls it away before he gets the chance.
Chris is pretty much silent for the rest of the evening until they both walk into Zach’s apartment, Noah greeting them eagerly as he gives Chris’ hand an affectionate lick.
“I have no idea why you’re being such a little bitch over this,” Zach says, finding his patience growing wafer thin. “I was always used by models, all of them hoping I’d wake up the next morning and book them into the next runway show. I didn’t care. You shouldn’t care that you’re using me to get these shoots.”
“I’m not using you. I’ve never asked for anything off of you. Well, not since that first time anyway.” Chris goes and sits on the couch, looking defeated.
“That’s why I’m doing this. You deserve it, you’re a really hot guy who’s sincere and genuine and looks like sex on a stick when he’s in front of the camera. And you got that GQ call back without my help; I just made sure you got the booking.”
Noah trots over to Chris and rests his head on his thigh as Zach rounds the couch himself and sits down.
“Thank you.” Chris says it like it’s a real struggle to form the words and Zach slings an arm around his shoulders.
“You’re welcome.” Zach leans forward for his pack of cigarettes but hears a sharp inhale of disapproval from Chris and sighs, putting them back down and sitting back.
“You’re like Mr Healthy when it comes to food, why do you still smoke?”
“It’s my one vice and it calms me down. I need it.”
“One vice? You drink a lot and I bet you’ve done drugs at some point,” Chris says, his head pressed against Zach’s shoulder.
“Shut up,” Zach jokes.
They lull into easy silence until Chris chimes in with, “so, you want to watch Miss Congeniality?”
“You know, Chris, there are films out there that don’t star Sandra Bullock.”
“Why would anyone want to watch one of those?” Chris says, shaking his head before pushing himself up and heading over to ever increasing pile of DVDs by his TV.
…
Zach picks up his phone on the second ring and hears loud murmuring coming through from the other end. “Hello?”
“Zach, they’ve put me in leather pants and it’s kind of fantastic,” Chris says, sounding joyous and upbeat. Zach grins, remembering it’s the GQ shoot that day.
“Are they making your package look good?”
“Oh yeah, not a lot is left to the imagination in these. Also, my ass looks like god’s gift to gay men right now.”
Zach feels his dick give a very interested twitch. “Send me a picture right the fuck now.”
“I can’t, no camera and they wouldn’t let me take a picture anyway. You’ll have to wait until the photo shoot is out.”
Zach inhales sharply. “The director of the shoot around?”
There’s a beat of silence. “Why?”
“I want him to e-mail me a picture of your ass now, oh, and then pass me over to the head stylist so I can persuade them to give you the pants.”
Chris lets out a chuckle. “It took me like an hour to get into these things. Once I’m out of them, I’m never getting in to them again.”
“Sure you will, now pass me over. I wasn’t kidding around.”
“OK, but before I do, remember we’re going out tonight and you’re meeting my friends. You haven’t forgotten, right?”
Zach feels a bite of anxiousness work its way up his spine. “No, I haven’t forgotten, now pass me over.”
Fifteen minutes later and Zach leans forward and inspects the picture on the screen, his heart thumping a little faster and his pants becoming tighter as he stares at a picture of the back of Chris’ body, the leather tight around his ass and making it look extremely pert.
“Becky,” Zach barks at his assistant as he walks to the door of his office.
“Yeah?” she says, looking up.
“Don’t let anyone disturb me for the next twenty minutes.”
Becky frowns in confusion before nodding.
Zach slams the door shut, goes back to his desk, and opens the front of his pants. He can’t remember the last time he jerked off in his office, in the middle of a work day, to a picture. But as he sits there, his bottom lip between his teeth and his hand stroking himself roughly as he stares at Chris’ ass, he finds himself oddly eat ease with it, and also pleased that the picture isn’t of some guy he’ll never meet, but someone who he can be naked and on all fours on his bed in the evening.
…
The music is loud and thumping as he sits back in a corner booth and overhears another model talking loudly about where’s he’s going to get his coke fix for the rest of the night.
He used to enjoy it, the party scene, when he was constantly looking for the next model to take home, but for some reason, he doesn’t find himself enjoying it as much anymore. He feels like he’s aged a decade in the last few weeks and that he’d rather be at home and not in a place where there’s people dealing drugs in the corner and drunken models in every direction. He can barely think.
He leans his head back and lets out a sigh when suddenly a warm body presses up against him and he smiles, turning his head to make eye contact with Chris.
“Some guys just offered me some drugs in the bathroom, what the fuck is this place?”
“It affecting your delicate sensibilities?”
Chris shrugs, like he is actually affected by it. Zach wraps an arm around him protectively and leans in to take in Chris’ familiar scent as he presses a kiss to his neck.
“You look tired,” Chris comments. Zach’s head lolls onto Chris’ shoulder and he feels Chris’ fingers run through his hair.
Zach lets out a barely audible hum over the music and lets his eyes shut. “Spending all my days working on the next collection. Although, I had fun jerking off to the picture the photographer sent me.”
Chris grins at him. “Seriously?”
“You got those leather pants at the end of the day, right?”
“Yeah, but I’ll only wear them for really special occasions.”
Zach raises an eyebrow. “How about we go home and celebrate your second major shoot? That’s a special occasion.”
Chris chuckles. “If I put them on, it’ll be hot for the first few minutes, before you inevitably try to get them off and then they’ll be a lot of struggling and weird squelching sounds coming from the leather as I get sweaty. It won’t be hot.”
Zach stares at him. “Stop ruining my fun.”
“I’m being a realist,” Chris says, leaning in to kiss his cheek softly. Zach huffs out a laugh and leans forward for his pack of cigarettes that’s sitting on the table. Chris puts a hand over his and makes him drop them. “I hate it when you smoke around me and anyway, my friends are about to arrive so be nice.”
“You know they’re all going to expect me to give them modelling bookings, right?” Zach says.
“They will not.”
Zach snorts. “We’ll see. Do they use two-in-one shampoo and conditioner too?” Zach teases.
“Shh, they’re coming over,” Chris says, kissing him quickly before standing up and embracing three friends. Zach assesses the trio, two of them tall, very thin and female and one being a large, thick guy with muscles who embraces Chris like he’s a brother.
“Zach, this is Sam, whose couch I crash on when I’m not with you, and this is Mel and Emily, both models.”
The two girls stare at him like they’ve just been introduced to a movie star where as Sam leans forward over the table to shake his hand with an easy smile.
“Heard a lot about you from Chris here, and you know, magazines and the internet.”
Zach smiles back at him and leans back in the chair as Chris slides back into the booth as his friends sit down opposite.
“Wow, I’ve never been in the VIP section of this place before,” Emily says in awe as she looks around.
Mel is staring at him like he’s Brad Pitt and he raises a questioning eyebrow. “You are like, amazing. Your menswear last year was just the right amount of all American boy and preppy. It was so gorgeous,” Mel says, her eyes wide as she grins at him. “I cannot wait to see your womenswear collection at fashion week. Have you cast your models for it?”
Zach smirks, exchanging a pointed glance with Chris. “Won’t cast for another few weeks yet I wouldn’t think, but if you give me your name and agency I can pass it on to my casting director.”
Mel looks like she’s won the million dollar jackpot as she rummages around in her purse for a bit of paper and a pen.
“I’ll give you mine too. I’m really versatile,” Emily says, handing Mel a pen as they both put their details down. Zach takes the paper with a forced smile and puts it into the inside pocket of his jacket.
“You’re being nice,” Chris murmurs quietly in Zach’s ear.
Zach turns to Chris. “I’m expecting a mind blowing blowjob later for this.”
“You got it,” Chris says, his hand squeezing his crotch once before moving away.
The evening goes slowly for Zach, his fake smile constantly on his face as Mel and Emily fuss over him, their constant barrage of compliments actually making him bored. He likes Sam though, if only for the fact the guy doesn’t mind having a model he barely knows crash on his couch. Not that Chris spends much time there now.
By the time the evening comes to a close, he’s more than grateful. Chris’ friends leave ahead of them and Zach feels a small relieved sigh escape him.
Zach is pulled up and out of his seat and dragged across the bar by Chris. When they exit the loud club into the cool air, Zach pulls Chris close and whispers all the things he’s going to do to him when they get home in his ear causing Chris’ cheeks to flush bright red and Zach feels his stomach flip over.
They climb into a taxi and Zach can barely keep his hands off of Chris for a second as he runs a hand up and down his thigh. He’s never been with anyone who makes him feel like this, like if isn’t touching him he may just die. Zach leans over and presses a kiss to his jaw and rubs his nose against Chris’ cheek as the taxi drives through the city, the bright lights reflecting off the windows.
Zach rubs his thumb across the back of Chris’ neck and gazes at him, Chris’ blue eyes staring back at him openly with trust and affection, like Zach is everything. Zach swallows, his eyes averting to look down as Chris reaches over and fiddles with his shirt button. Zach shifts his eyes up and moves forward to kiss him slowly, softly, like he may break.
They both seem to forget where they are and ignore the busy city flying past outside the taxi as they kiss gently and slowly, like they have all the time in the world. Zach smiles against Chris’ lips, and he takes a moment to appreciate that in that second, he’s completely happy and content.
By the time they get to the apartment Zach is filled with an unusual sort of lust. It’s not impatient or overwhelming, but slow burning and simmering as he takes Chris’ hand and pulls him into the bedroom. He other hand curls around Chris’ neck and pulls him close so they kiss lazily.
Zach pulls away, feelings and emotions sticking uncomfortably in his throat. He wants to say something, something that’s more than just casual words thrown together that equate to him saying something borderline affectionate to Chris.
“Chris…” Zach trails off, his hand squeezing Chris’.
“Yeah?” Chris asks softly, his eyes searching Zach’s.
“Nothing,” Zach says quickly and pushes Chris down onto the bed.
…
Zach never takes notice of gossip blogs or magazines ever since he realised he was sometimes mentioned. It didn’t help his confidence when he read articles deconstructing any outfits he’d chosen to wear for some events.
He’s just gotten off the phone when Becky walks in, a hesitant smile on her face and an open magazine rolled up in her hands.
“Do you need something?” Zach asks expectantly, his hand going to his nearly empty coffee cup.
“I was just, err, reading up on the latest gossip and stuff on my break, and I wondered if you were aware you’re sort of mentioned.”
“Why?” Zach asks nervously, sitting forward slightly. “If it’s something saying I’m gay, then they’re over a decade late.”
She walks forward and smiles at him as she places the unrolled magazine in front of him.
Zach leans forward slowly, his eyes flicking to a picture of him and Chris, kissing, outside a bar. In the top right of the picture is a big yellow star with ‘New Couple Alert’ in it. Zach feels his jaw tighten as he glances to the tiny blurb underneath about how the normally promiscuous Zachary Quinto is settling down into a committed relationship with his model boyfriend.
“Is it only in this magazine?” Zach asks quickly.
“No idea,” she says with a shrug before turning and leaving him. Zach pinches the bridge of his nose in annoyance, vaguely wondering if Chris has seen it.
…
Zach is sitting at his desk in his office, stabbing his salad with his fork as he looks across to Chris, who is sitting in the chair in front of his desk, devouring a burger with speed.
“I’ve got a late meeting tonight so there’s no point you coming round,” Zach says casually, picking at a tomato.
Chris looks up; a flash of something Zach can’t identify crossing his eyes. “That’s fine. It’s been a while since I didn’t sleep at yours anyway.”
“Good,” Zach says, his mind calculating how long it has been since Chris didn’t spend the night with him. He barely noticed, it’s like Chris has just slipped in under the radar and integrated himself into his life.
“I saw that picture in that magazine by the way.”
“Oh,” Zach replies, not really knowing what to say.
“I mean, it’s funny they call me you’re boyfriend considering we haven’t even really called each other that yet,” Chris says with a nervous laugh. Zach feels warning bells go off in his head. “But, you are my boyfriend, right?” Chris asks, eyes expectant.
Zach stops breathing for a few seconds as he flounders.
“We don’t need to define it,” Zach quickly says, his heart picking up pace.
Chris sits back in his chair, an annoyed look on his face. “If you had to define it though, what would you say? Are you sleeping with other people?”
Zach shakes his head defensively before realising he has no reason to be defensive considering he’s never made any promises to Chris. “Would it matter if I were?”
Chris inhales sharply. “Yeah, it would.”
“We never said we were exclusive or even in a relationship.” Zach flinches at his own words.
It’s the wrong thing to say and Chris is on his feet, throwing the rest of his lunch in the trash as he grabs his bag. “Sorry for assuming. You can understand why I did assume though, right? We go to parties together and spend all our time together and have been seeing each other for just short of two months at this point, but clearly I’ve read this whole thing wrong,” Chris pauses, shaking his head disbelievingly. “Would you be OK if I told you I’ve been sleeping around behind your back? Would you care if whilst you were at work I was letting other men fuck me?”
Zach nods immediately, without even thinking, because the idea of anyone touching Chris sends a feeling of nausea through his system. “No, you’re right; I wouldn’t be alright with that. But you need to stop throwing useless hissy fits every time you don’t hear what you want.”
Chris shakes his head, eyes wide and incredulous. “You serious? All I want to hear is you calling me your boyfriend. I’m not asking for a marriage proposal or for you be the father of our adopted baby.”
“You really want me to say something just because you force me to say it? Please, just stop being such a fucking drama queen and realise I’m not the type of guy who’s going to constantly be writing you love poems and being affectionate, and there’s no reason we have to label what we’re doing.”
“Whatever,” Chris says tightly, his eyes furious as he turns and storms out without a look back.
Zach spends the rest of his work day getting absolutely nothing done as he sits at his desk and spins a pen around with his finger, his gaze unseeing as he thinks about his argument with Chris over and over again. He knows he has to apologise, that he’s been an asshole, but the stubborn side of him that got him into this mess in the first place, demands that he waits to see if Chris calls him first.
When Zach crawls into bed that night he can’t get over the overwhelming feeling of something missing. Even Noah gives a confused whine at not seeing Chris in the apartment. He sighs shakily and tells himself to stop being such a girl.
Part 4