As they say in fashion

chapter 2

That evening Jasper pulled on his specially designed tux and looked at himself in the mirror. Noah knew how clothes should fit his body, even though this piece was a bit tight. That wasn't Noah's fault. He exited the bedroom and saw how excited Noah was. Jasper loved the sweet innocence Noah possessed.

"Are you ready?" Noah asked impatiently, reminiscent of a small child. The model in Jasper required extensive preparation.

"Yeah," he said. "Are you?"

"Yes, of course," Noah exclaimed. Noah loved parties. He never got invited to any back home. Every year he was never asked to anyone's birthday parties. He didn't attend any graduation get-togethers or any spur of the moment flings. People hated Noah, only because they couldn't break him. They called him a fag and a homo, but he never felt down. At least not outwardly.

He was picked on for designing clothes and loving fashion. He loved the escape it allowed him and he dreamed of designing his own clothes. Noah used to laugh about what a cliché he was but had come to embrace it. His mom and dad supported him all the way. They loved Noah's ambition and encouraged his talents. "It's just a party Noah," Jasper said, trying to be the macho cool guy. Suddenly Noah felt embarrassed. It was just a party. Jasper had been incredibly famous. This was a regular occurrence for him. Noah felt silly for getting so excited.

"Uh, yeah, it is just a silly party." Once again Jasper felt like a huge jerk. He always did that. He accidentally brought Noah down, and he was the only one who ever did.

"But it's for you, so it's not silly," Jasper said with a smile, trying to do damage control. "Let's have fun." He locked arms with Noah and they made their way to the party. Noah's face lit by his wide, cheery smile.

"Noah, love your work."

"I'd love to sell your line in my boutiques."

"God, I'd die to model for you."

All of those things made Noah feel special. He thanked each person and went to dance with Jasper. Everything was perfect and at two the party was coming to a close. Jasper had had a bit too much to drink and was stumbling every few steps. Preston Jacobs was in attendance and took it upon himself to harass Jasper. "I see how hard it must be being a washed up has been."

"Why are you here?" Noah asked as harshly as he could. "I don't recall your name being on the guest list."

"Jasper should be able to speak for himself, Mr. Meadows. Or is it the fact that he's a fat, drunken idiot that you feel you must speak for him?"

"You bitch." Noah did notice a slight pudginess to him, but he actually liked it and didn't care.

"Oh, hit a nerve? Sorry your beau is so washed up." Preston grinned widely, flawlessly. "Why don't you give me a call when you want someone better? Star Models did. I'm sure you could do the same." Noah felt his ears burn bright red and walked past Preston as they entered their previously called taxi. Noah gave the address and they made it home in less than thirty minutes.

"God dammit." It was past noon when Jasper awoke the next day, and with a rather large hangover. He looked to his side but saw Noah wasn't in bed. "Noah?" he called. He got out of bed and saw he was in his underwear. Noah had undressed him. He wandered into Noah's studio. He was on the floor, under a long sheet of fabric. He picked him up and walked him to the bed. Jasper was starving, and after tucking Noah in, he went out to get something to eat.

Jasper stopped at a nice buffet and enjoyed a rather large lunch. He had planned on stopping at the gym as well but was too full. He made his way back home and saw Noah still in bed. He jumped back in with him and fell asleep again.

Noah awoke and sat up. He had the most wonderful dream. Jasper had made him a lavish dinner, but Jasper wasn't the same, he was much larger. Noah found it strange how attractive he found that Jasper and realized how absurd a dream it had been. Jasper woke up too and gave a long yawn. "Morning," he said.

"Nope, it's almost seven."

"Wow, I had a killer headache this morning."

"Well, I would think so. You were so drunk you couldn't even snap back at Preston Jacobs." Noah sighed. "I tried, but you know I don't have the sassy gene. It must've skipped right over this gay boy."

"He was there?"

"Yep," Noah said miserably.

"What did he say?"

"You were a fat drunk who was washed up." Noah momentarily pondered if he should mention the next line, but found he had to make sure Jasper understood how bad it was last night. "He told me I needed to upgrade like Star Models."

"I need to hit the gym."

"It's fine if you don't. You're enjoying retirement."

"Yeah, but look at me. I'm getting fat." He removed the cover and showed his slight, round belly.

"So what?" Noah asked.

"I don't want you to upgrade."

"I would never do that," Noah said seriously. "That's almost as stupid as Preston Jacobs. Maybe I do have the sassy gene."

"You would if I get fat and irrelevant."

"Would not," Noah said with a laugh. Those two words gave Jasper what he needed. He wasn't even aware of it, but those words were his key to getting fat.

"We'll see," Jasper said, smiling at Noah. "I'm getting huge."

"Then lose it."

"No."

"Then shut up and be happy." Noah smiled. "I know I am." They had sex before going back to bed.