What was the appropriate amount of time to spend in a relationship before one asked his extremely hot librarian boyfriend to mosey down a runway as a last minute favor?
The question was in no way theoretical.
And the answer probably was: A lot more.

Javier hated asking favors. It was awkward to begin with, and it made him feel like he was being a burden on someone else. Doubly so on Booker, because he was a sweetheart, and there was no way he would say no. Javier even considered just canceling the whole event, and waiting for the next one... except as usual, his emotions were written on his face, and Booker noticed. There was really no way back from there.

At least the suit was nothing too outrageous. It was a little more high-end than what average people would wear on the street, even in New York City, but as far as fashion shows went, this one was more craftsmanship and design than outrageous, boundary-breaking style. Javier was not that kind of a designer. And Booker was just the right size. And the right look. Then again, he was the right look for everything.

"Have you done anything like this before?" Javier asked as he adjusted the jacked on Booker's shoulders. They were behind the scenes of the runway, along with dozens of other designers and bored-looking professional models. "You can still say no if you'd rather not go out there."

Booker was a nice guy. Everyone said so. However, he didn’t necessarily believe it to be true, and instead just considered what he did and how he lived his life was just a matter of basic decency. He helped people carry their bags, bent the rules for other seeking knowledge, and in the case of his relationship, he bent over backwards whenever they asked him for something. For Javier, when the tailor asked him if he could help with a “project”, Booker was more than happy to oblige; but he didn’t realize it that the project was actually a project runway was sorts.

It was just a good thing that Booker wasn’t a shy man. Briefly, in college, he had participated in some modeling but it was very simple stuff, nothing professional. This was more than just a simple calendar for a fraternity. This was an actual Men’s fashion show that Javier was participating in; there was certainly something a bit scarier about that.

But Javier, ugh, he was just so cute. He seemed so nervous when he asked and considering how Booker felt about him, there really wasn’t a chance in Hell that he would say no. And that was how he found himself, backstage, smiling down to Javier as the tailor fitted a jacket onto his muscular frame. He still seemed a little nervous but luckily the work was there to keep him focused.

>>"Have you done anything like this before?...You can still say no if you'd rather not go out there."

Booker snorted. ”Pft, with all the boyfriend points I’m earning right now? Forget it,” he chuckled. ”I’m kidding. I’m happy to help. Besides, it’s just walking. And I’m sure the people there will be more inclined to look at your amazing clothes than pay any attention to me.”

He had always said that Javier was talented and one look at the clothes he was wearing proved it. The suit was dark and almost tailor made for him (even though it wasn’t), black with accents of smokey gray. For as colorful and energetic and sunshiney as Booker tended to be, this look certainly worked for him too. And it was a look that he was more than happy to flaunt.

Returning to Javier’s question, he smirked and nodded, his eyes glancing around to the other, more practiced models who seemed far more used to these regime of fitting and make up. ”In college. But nothing major like ads or TV or anything like that. I was part of a fraternity and we did a fundraiser one year.” He winced, smirking a bit. ”I was...Mr. September.”

Hrm...he wondered if those calendars were still around somewhere. He should probably look into that.

Booker was in a good mood. Javier adjusted the suit and the tie on him, making sure they looked right, and fit him well. The whole point of a fashion show was making things look good while worn. It was no use making stuff that did not work on an actual person.

>>”Pft, with all the boyfriend points I’m earning right now? Forget it... I’m kidding. I’m happy to help. Besides, it’s just walking. And I’m sure the people there will be more inclined to look at your amazing clothes than pay any attention to me.”

Javier blushed at the 'boyfriend' comment. Sure, they were definitely dating, but it was still in the phase of hardly allowing himself to believe it. He busied himself with some last adjustments on the lapels of the suit.

"I doubt that" he chuckled softly. Booker had natural charm, and he was a far cry from the bored, blank faces of professional models on the runway.

>>”In college. But nothing major like ads or TV or anything like that. I was part of a fraternity and we did a fundraiser one year. I was...Mr. September.”

Javier arched an eyebrow at Booker.

"I can imagine how much tailor-made clothing that involved" he noted with a smirk. He was not surprised at all that Booker was in a calendar. He was mildly surprised it did not involve puppies.

"Mother always made it look so easy" he sighed, glancing towards the door that led to the runway. "But I'm sure you'll have fun out there..."

Nessa liked to tease him about his past. He had only done the calendar because it would benefit the fraternity and nothing more. He was never the vain type to try and flaunt what he had simply for the sake of doing it. Everything he did had a purpose. And that included this moment now. He wasn’t here at the show because he thought he was made for the spotlight -- far from it. He was here because the man he was dating needed help and so long as he had the power to offer it, he would.

Besides it wasn’t as if this was some kind of risque fashion show, it was men’s attire. Booker could take that bullet for Javier, of course.

He saw the blush in Javier’s cheeks as the man continued to work on his suit. They hadn’t yet broached the subject of where they were in their relationship yet. They had seen a lot of one another, hung out, he met his family, but nothing was said out loud. The realization of that made Booker blush a little too. Not out of any real kind of embarrassment, he just hoped that he didn’t overstep his bounds. But now wasn’t the time to talk about it. They could handle that later.

>>"I can imagine how much tailor-made clothing that involved"

He snickered. Javier was primed for a sassy and slightly risque comeback but the librarian didn’t want to make the other man more nervous considering that he was about to participate in a fashion show. So, Booker held his tongue and just remained still as the tailor continued to fuss over his collar.

>>"Mother always made it look so easy...But I'm sure you'll have fun out there..."

A bright smile plastered on Booker’s lips. ”I’ll try to make you proud!” He then chuckled. ”I’ll have you know I walk all the time balancing books on my head.” His footing shifted. ”...and most of time at least half the books remain on top of my head.”’ With a stupid grin he took a breath. ”You nervous?”

Fashion shows were nothing new for Javier. They were basically a staple part of his entire upbringing. It wasn't even the first time one featured his own creation - it was just definitely the first time he asked a boyfriend to model it for him. A boyfriend who was sweet and enthusiastic, but not exactly a professional. Javier was more worried of Booker having a bad experience with this than about how his outfit would be received.

>>”I’ll try to make you proud! I’ll have you know I walk all the time balancing books on my head...and most of time at least half the books remain on top of my head.”’

"Libraries have changed since I've visited one..." Javier chuckled, finally deciding to keep his hands to himself, and stop adjusting things on the suit. There was nothing more to adjust, to he went back to fidgeting with his own sleeves.

>>”You nervous?”

"I'll be fine" Javier assured him with a small smile "That's my secret... I'm always nervous." he added, hoping that the geeky reference would hit its mark. "Alright, I should... go take my seat? See you out there..."

>>"Libraries have changed since I've visited one..."

Booker snickered and stuck his tongue out at Javier. Childish but he knew it wasn’t done with any serious intent. They were just goofing backstage. Booker wanted to do whatever he could to make Javier more comfortable with the situation. It had to be a little weird, to ask someone you were still in the early stages of dating for a favor so massive. But Booker was more than happy to help because that was just the type of person that he was. Javier was a good guy and if the librarian could do anything to help, he would.

Waiting for Javier to finish, Booker had watched out of the corner of his eye as a few of the models already stepped out and made a line for the stage. He guessed it was time to get the show on the road. Already he could hear the sounds of the music starting up. But he wouldn’t leave the man’s side just yet. Looking down he watched as the tailor breathed out, brushing off some nerves and he inquired -- was he okay?

>>"I'll be fine...That's my secret... I'm always nervous."

That earned another snicker and a slight shake of his head as he leaned down to kiss Javier on the forehead. ”You’re such a nerd.” Of course he paid no attention to the irony of what he had just said.

>>"Alright, I should... go take my seat? See you out there..."

It was show time. The last of the models were lining up and already a couple of sets had stepped forward. Booker nodded as he gave Javier a gentle squeeze of reassurance on his arm. He needed to go take his seat and Booker had to get ready.

”I’ll see you. And don’t worry, I’ll shake my moneymaker!” He then paused and winced. ”Wait. That’s for strippers. Strut my stuff! That’s what I meant!!” He beamed and waved to Javier as he disappeared to take his seat.

With a smile and adjusted his coat, turned and made his way to the waiting line. There a rather bored looking male model greeted him with an upturned chin and a sassy wave of blonde hair that stretched down over his eye. Next to him was a rather angular, sharp-dressed man who nodded to Booker but his gaze was far more interested -- and less polite. Booker arched a brow, ignoring the pursed lips that were thrown his way. Javier so owed him for this.

The curtains pulled back, Booker turned to face the light and sighed. This was it.

Javier had to go take his seat. While at a solo show he would be backstage the whole time, in this case he was expected to sit in the front row with the other designers, so that they could all see (and judge) each other's stuff. He walked away, leaving Booker to his own devices.

>>”I’ll see you. And don’t worry, I’ll shake my moneymaker!... Wait. That’s for strippers. Strut my stuff! That’s what I meant!!”

"Do NOT strip!" Javier called back a warning over his shoulder, before the walked out of the room.

Booker knew better than that, right?

It was unlikely that he was going to be able to actually observe any of the outfits that came out before Booker. The anticipation was too nerve-wrecking for that. Would it go okay? Would Booker feel comfortable? Would people react the right way to the whole thing? Booker was handsome, sure, but he was obviously not a professional model. Which was refreshing, in a way, really. Models always looked like they despised everyone along the runway...

>>"Do NOT strip!"

Booker grinned. He wasn’t really going to strip. He had been propositioned plenty of times but it wasn’t something that he would engage in...at least not publicly. If whomever he was dating had fantasies of a little striptease, who was he to deny them? But those weren’t appropriate thoughts right now. He was here to do a favor for Javier. He didn’t necessarily like willingly walking into so much direct attention but for the man he’s dating, he certainly would be willing to look past his discomfort.

Once Javier was gone and Booker took his place in line with the models, he took a few calming breaths, rolled his neck, deftly dodged an inquisitively model’s attempt to pinch his butt, and set his eyes forward. It was showtime.

Booker waited his turn, watching as models took to the stage to show off their clothing. He memorized the way that they moved, the confidence in their stride, the difference between the men as they strutted. It really was all extremely interesting. Every detail was locked into the safe of his mind where he would pull snippets to mildly practice and perfect. By the time his turn was always here, he gulped a small gulp. Could he really do this?

The music came on and Booker closed his eyes. Standing in front of the open curtains Booker stepped out, trying to keep his face neutral as he moved down the runway. Lights flashed to his left and right but he didn’t look towards them. Instead he kept his expression fairly cold and straightforward as he marched, his arms swinging, his footsteps confident. When he reached the end of the runway, he paused, turned opening the coat a little before strolling back.

Success! He did it! His heart was fluttering in his chest. As he made his way back across the runway, his gaze shifted briefly to the side where he happened to spot Javier sitting. Unable to help himself, Booker smiled a bright, goofy smile (something seemingly unheard of amongst the modeling community) and lift his hand from his side to give him a quick, wispy wave.

And as soon as he waved, his expression and posture returned to the serious model face all the way back behind the curtain. He couldn’t help but interject his own little personality back there. Booker B. Bookman wasn’t a dower man, no matter how hard he tried.

Booker did his walk perfectly. There were cameras flashing along the runway, people looking, observing, judging. People who made a living from attending these events had eyes like hawks, taking in every detail with incredible speed and accuracy. Javier held his breath as Booker walked out, keenly aware of every ripple and murmur in the audience, trying to gauge how they liked the outfit. And Booker. Whether or not the clothes were the real show, people ins the business knew a thing or ten about the models as well. Javier could see some surprised faces as he walked out, but other than that, he did well. Great, even.

Until their eyes met, and Booker's face lit up in one of his genuine, bright smiles.

Javier gaped as the librarian walked off the runway. The smile was barely a flash, but it might as well have been from a camera. Someone behind Javier giggled. There was another murmur in the crowd. Not negative, really, but... they noticed. Javier's heart warmed at the same time his stomach sank.

He made a beeline for the backstage as soon as the show ended, to see how Booker was doing. However, at the door leading backstage he was ambushed by a young reporter who apparently had a keen sense of story.

"Mr. Moreno?"

"Yes?" Javier blinked. He did not like talking to reporters; he had nothing against them, except he was nervous about having to answer questions on the spot.

"Would you mind if I asked a few questions about the show today?"

Booker smiled as he stepped into the area behind the curtain and took a deep, calming breath. He did it! He actually did it! Okay so maybe he may have let his exuberance get to him when he was on stage and saw his boyfriend, but he couldn’t help himself. Javier was so talented and sweet, how could he not take a moment to wave at him. It wasn’t as if he didn’t like be waved at while he was working. Then again, being a librarian he was certainly surrounded by far less stuck up people. There were some, coworkers that even Booker in his infinite enthusiasm couldn’t stomach to be around, but that was a different matter.

Once back, he sighed as he returned to his station and glanced at himself in the mirror. He couldn’t believe that he had actually done that! It was pretty fun. Leaning back at his station, he turned, waiting for Javier to return. He didn’t know if there was another outfit he had to model or if it was just going to be a one-shot thing. It seemed that most of these people considered themselves to be hella busy so there was likely little chance that they would extend these kinds of shows beyond just a run or two. So he waited, watching as other models returned.

The rest of them started to make their return but there was still no sign of Javier. His lips pursed in thought as he watched models return to their stations, some of them were being worked on again but others seemed to be changing out of their clothes already. He really didn’t have an idea of what to do now. Javier didn’t mention another run through but he should probably find him so he can be sure.

Grabbing his phone from the nearby vanity, Booker quickly typed out a text to the tailor:

Hey handsome. Where u at? ;-)

As Booker typed and sent this, he made his way to the side door. He would just take a quick peek out to see where he was. He heard talking on the other side but figured it to be nothing than than a few people gabbing near a doorr. Opening it, he leaned out and jumped when he spotted Javier already there, apparently speaking with someone. Blinking, he smiled cheerily when they turned and noticed him before he could duck back in.

”Hiii...” he said innocently.

Javier froze like a deer in headlights when the reporter approached him. It was not that unusual for fashion writers and even bloggers and the sort to approach people at shows, although the real celebrities of the field didn't usually give interviews just like that. But Javier was small fish, just known enough to members of the fashion world to be recognized, partly because if his mother's international fame, and partly because of his own work. He definitely was not used to interviews, but he also did not know how to say no to one.

"Yes?"

"Who's your model for this outfit?"

Javier blinked.

"Um... you mean, my inspiration?"

"No, the man who wore it on the runway."

Javier's phone pinged in his pocket, but he didn't reach for it, with the microphone pointed at him. He was momentarily at a loss of what to say again. My hot librarian boyfriend? It was not very professional to ask your boyfriend to model for you. Not that Javier was ashamed of dating a man; he was more ashamed of not being able to secure an actual model, and admitting that on the record...

"I noticed that he waved to you from the runway. That was... refreshing" the reporter pressed on in a conspiratorial tone.

"Well he is... new to modeling" Javier noted carefully. Booker chose that moment to pop out the backstage door.

>>”Hiii...”

"Hello!" the reporter perked up, and introduced himself and his fashion website in a hurry "Do you mind if I ask you some questions?"

Booker didn’t hear anything on the other side of the door. When he had showed up, he had purely done it out of instinct and didn’t expect to see his date on the other side. He was going to just cast a glance out and see if Javier was around. Mainly because he wanted to ensure he knew what to do next. Was there another set? Would he be asked changed clothes? Or was he done for the day? Booker didn’t want to make a move without confirmation from the tailor and, when he didn’t answer his text, what else could he do but inquire?

Head poked out, Booker almost apologized. He thought he was interrupting complete strangers or getting in the way of someone’s film shoot. But rather he immediately noticed the tense backside of his favorite tailor and he turned around to face him -- along with a man brandishing a microphone like a rapier. Booker blinked, his eyes sweeping between their faces and said the only thing he could think of -- a cheerful greeting.

>>”Hello! Do you mind if I ask you some questions?”

Booker blinked. That was certainly forward. He glanced at Javier and immediately spotted the beads of nervous sweat that was dotting the man’s forehead. It wasn’t that hot in here so that could only mean that he was trying to keep his anxiety in check. Booker almost frowned at the appearance but when the question was turned to him, he straightened up his posture and appeared a bit more professional. He wasn’t shy when it came to interviews.

Though he didn’t spend as much time as Nessa in working on her YouTube channel, he was experienced and known enough in dedicated geek circles that interviews were a possibility. Of course it was such a niche demographic that few people really recognized him on the street that weren’t the die hard gaming fans. Still, the man knew when to put on a smile and act his best -- now was clearly the time.

But one glance at Javier and he knew that the man was probably dying a little on the inside. But what could he do? What was making him nervous? Simply talking about his work? Or were more pressing questions being asked? Sometimes he really wished that he had Nessa’s mind-reading abilities to make stuff like this easier.

”Um, of...course…” he said perking up a little and flashing a winning smile. He kept glancing to Javier, trying to get a clue as to what was going on. ”Booker B. Bookman, at your service,” he said with a wave. ”What would you like to know?”

Javier's stomach sank when he saw Booker pop out of the backstage. It was a self-generating cycle of worries. The reporter was clearly angling for a story, and the last thing Javier wanted was throw a "he's my boyfriend" at the press, without Booker's consent. So many things wrong with that. But then Booker showed up, and now they were going to ask him. Did he want all that on the record? Would he be more offended if Javier didn't say it? Would Booker think he was ashamed of him? Javier opened his mouth, but it was impossible to make a decision like that.

>>”Um, of...course… Booker B. Bookman, at your service. What would you like to know?”

The reporter pounced right in.

"Mr. Moreno told me you are new to modeling. Are you planning on building your career in a specific direction?"

What kind of a generic question was that? Javier's eyes narrowed. That was not what they were after, unless he read the whole thing completely wrong. He had no idea what Booker would answer. But now, even if the truth came out somehow, the whole thing would be a mess, because the reporter would write about how Javier did not want to mention the cute guy on the runway was his boyfriend. It was going to be juicy gossip either way. Javier glanced at Booker gain, feeling miserable.

Help...

Booker smiled warmly as he stepped out from the backdoor, looking down at the reporter and Javier. He didn’t really know what was going on but he wasn’t going to leave his boyfriend to suffer this alone. Jaiver looked very uncomfortable but the reason for it he still didn’t know. Was the reporter asking personal questions? Was he just nervous about speaking to a reporter? Booker really wished he knew what was going on but the only way that he could get into the thick of it was by agreeing. If he ran then he couldn’t be of help. So, no, he would have to just jump in.

With practiced precision, Booker stepped out and offered a bright grin and smile down to the man and his notepad. If he wanted to know some things, then Booker would be happy to oblige. He was a fairly open book (pardon the pun). Besides, if this would help take some of the spotlight off Javier and give him breathing room, then he would consider it an honor to do so.

>>"Mr. Moreno told me you are new to modeling. Are you planning on building your career in a specific direction?"

He blinked. Huh. He kind of wished that he knew more about modeling. Of course Booker recalled everything that Javier had told him when they would discuss his work but that was more on the designer side of things. Wearing the clothes was an entirely different story. Booker had never actually considered a career in modeling, though he had been approached in his college days after that frat calendar came out. Still that was less about fashion and more about being just pure eye candy.

Still, if there was one thing that Booker was good at besides remembering everything that happened to him, it was being able to bullshit on cue.

”Oh, I’m keeping my eye open to whatever opportunities come to me,” he said with a sweet and good nature. ”Today was a great step. Mr. Moreno’s designs, I think, are just wonderful. I mean…” He smiled brightly as he opened the coat, exposing the smooth, fine lining and the excellent stitch work. ”I feel honored to wear something so expertly made.”

Javier had no idea how Booker was going to react. He was a lot more socially well adjusted than the tailor, but even he could be caught off guard sometimes, and he tended to put his foot in his mouth occasionally, when he got distracted or excited. Javier felt Booker's gaze on him, as if he was searching for a sign of what he should or should not say. He wished his powers were telepathy-related. But even then, they would not work so close to Booker. Irony.

Of course, Booker handled the question just fine.

>>”Oh, I’m keeping my eye open to whatever opportunities come to me. Today was a great step. Mr. Moreno’s designs, I think, are just wonderful. I mean… I feel honored to wear something so expertly made.”

"Indeed. Exceptional craftsmanship." the reporter beamed. He must have taken photos during the show, because he had a camera hanging around his neck, but he was more interested in talking right now. He glanced between Booker and Javier, seemingly pleased that he got both of them on the microphone.

"You seem to have a... special connection" he pressed on. He could clearly see Booker was the more talkative of the two, so he addressed the question to him "I couldn't help but note what you did on the runway. How did you come to model for Mr. Moreno?"