August felt his knees go weak coming so close to Mason. "Smile, relax, enjoy the moment while under control, August," he had to help himself with that muttering.
The photographer called out, "Perfect! Now, let's get that perfect shot!"
The crowd gasped as August stepped beside the bride. His magnetic presence was undeniable, his features highlighted by the strategic lighting, making him appear almost otherworldly.
"Whoa, he's stunning!" someone whispered.
"Absolutely divine," another guest agreed.
The flashbulbs of cameras exploded like fireworks, capturing the moment from every conceivable angle.
The bride's radiant smile and August's chiseled profile were a perfect juxtaposition, drawing admiration and whispers of awe from the guests.
Camera shutters clicked, and flashes illuminated the room.
"Beautiful! Now, Mr. Mason, join the picture," the photographer instructed.
Mason obliged, standing in between the two. August's senses picked the fragrance of Mason, lime, it was still the same. 'He didn't change?'
"Say cheese!" someone chimed in, amidst laughter.
As the photographer adjusted the lighting and posed them for the shot, a young woman in the crowd, evidently overwhelmed by the scene, couldn't contain her excitement.
In a burst of reckless enthusiasm, She threw her underwear onto the stage, the lacy garment fluttering through the air. It then fell near August's feet.
The room fell silent for a split second.
"Oh my god, this is insane!"
"Did she just...?" someone started, before the room erupted into a collective gasp.
August's eyes widened, a hint of surprise flashing across his face.
Lillian's eyes flashed with anger but he immediately hid it perfectly well under a laughter that echoed through the hall. "Oh. My. God," she giggled.
The crowd seeing her carefree reaction burst into a mix of shock, laughter, and applause.
"Only at Mason glory's party!" someone joked.
"Security, please escort the enthusiastic fan out," Mason announced, not joining in the laughter.
As the young woman was led away, she called out, "August Farley, I love you!"
Security swiftly escorted the enthusiastic fan out, amidst flashing cameras and curious whispers.
"Whoa, that was crazy!" someone exclaimed.
August, momentarily stunned, glanced down at the garment before looking up, his cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and disbelief.
"Well, that's a first," he muttered, shaking his head.
The bride, slightly disconcerted, gave a nervous laugh and stepped away from August, allowing him to regain his composure. "Guess that's one way to get attention."
The evening went on while Mason approached August with a warm, genuine smile.
"Thank you for coming, August," Mason said sincerely, his eyes meeting August's with a depth that seemed to acknowledge more than just the pleasantries of the evening. "It means a lot to me."
August nodded, his throat tightening. "It's my pleasure, Mason. I wouldn't have missed it for the world."
The handshake lingered longer than necessary, each second stretching into an eternity as August tried to maintain his composure.
The warmth of Mason's hand and the sincerity in his eyes stirred something deep within August—a longing that he had buried beneath layers of professionalism and restraint.
As they finally released each other's hands, August forced a smile, his heart still racing from the unexpected emotional jolt.
Mason, seemingly oblivious to the impact his gesture had on August, turned to attend to other guests, leaving August standing alone with his thoughts. 'He doesn't even recognize me.'
'Tsk! Wake up, August. How could he recognize you who totally changed when he didn't?! But he's getting married soon, isn't he?'
August felt his emotions giving way to something he didn't want to happen right now. He blinked, and blinked, and blinked again, and blinked, trying to block those tears that was gathering in his eyes.
"Shit!" He cursed then got down from the stage. He bit on his lower lip, suppressing the urge to cry but this was beyond his own control.
"Mr. August.."
"August… "
Everyone just kept calling him but, he wasn't going to let them see him, would he? He dropped his face down, walking so swiftly to God knows where!
While walking, trying to escape the emotions overwhelming him, he had gotten to a less crowded place with his head still faced down. In his haste, he collided with someone.
"Whoa, easy there!" a familiar cold voice said.
August looked up, his eyes blurry with tears, and saw….. Mason? Mason!
"Sorry...I...I just need a minute," August stammered.
"Hey, what's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost."
August shook his head, trying to compose himself. He was right in front of Mason and was crying in front of him, because of him! That's overwhelming! He tried to hide his face.
But, the person in front grasped his arm. "Come on, let's get out of here for a bit."
He led August to a quiet room, away from the party. The first door closer to the party hall but, it was not noisy in there.
"Sit down, August Farley. What happened?" The person asked, his cold voice turning warm and soft.
It was then August realized something. 'This voice is not Mason's.' He wiped his eyes, looking clearly at the man who was now pushing him gently on a couch. Sean. Sean Glory!
Sean then sat beside him, patiently waiting. "What's a big, touch man like you doing, crying in public? What's so heart breaking? You're a man!"
August stared at Sean, surprised at how nice this man sounded.
This was not the Sean Glory he used to know before. This one was not mischievous, not wicked, just… calm and… and soft. 'Yeah, no need be cautious of him. He probably thinks I'm someone else, a straight man!'
"Tell me," Sean said, sounding a bit softer than normal.. sounding coquettish. He moved closer to August, wiping the fallen tear away. "Does a big man like you need protection?"
No. Don't get it wrong.. it wasn't a question. It didn't even sound like one to August. It sounded like a skillful.. flirting.
"Tell me," Sean whispered moving his face closer and then nibbled on August's ears.
August: "...." 'Sean is really gay? My baby's daddy is gay! Or does he know who I am? That I'm…'
August's thought process was cut short when…..