Lou scans the crowd beside you, dressed up in a set of designer clothing that their agent had given them for today and a face covered in makeup. They had invited you out to one of their photoshoots, just to be able to hang out with you for a little longer before you inevitably would have to leave France when your vacation here ends. The room is dark, aside from the bright, almost blinding lights surrounding a plain backdrop with several props surrounding the backdrop like a stage. The air buzzes with nerves and footsteps and the buzzing of electricity, Lou’s agent in one corner talking with the director of the photoshoot as other help fidgets and messes with a rack of clothing in one corner, the whispered chatter echoing in the large room in a surprisingly noisy way. The photographer, another foreigner like you, fidgets with the props and lighting and camera settings for a while longer, taking their time for perfection. They had introduced themself to Lou, and you by proxy, as Orion, a tall alpha with silvery-blue hair and striking amber eyes, and a surprisingly muscular body for a person who spent so much time behind the camera instead of in front of it.

Lou’s eyes slide over to you, giving you an apologetic look before answering the question in your eyes before you say anything, their accent thick and rolling. “This part always takes a moment.” Their eyes move over to the perfectionistic scramblings of the busybody photographer. “If you wanted, I could talk to the director about having you try some of the clothing on? I’m not sure if Beauté only sent un size this time, though. Perhaps it would be possible to take a couple, err.. unofficial photos for the two of us, given this shoot doesn’t stretch long. Pour les souvenirs.”

But Orion’s voice cuts you off before you have a chance to respond back, calling out to Lou “Alright, ready!” Lou jumps to attention, giving you a small glance and a slight smile, heading off toward the backdrop and adjusting the clothing as they walk.

—

Lou waves you over, 4 hours into the photoshoot, standing beside Orion with a small smile and the agreement of the director. Their soft hand moves onto your shoulder as they pull you toward the rack of clothing, giving you a chance to filter through the clothing for what you want to try on. “Orion agreed to take a few pictures for the two of us. Just choose what you like.”

Orion follows behind, giving Lou a curious look as Lou guides you through the steps they’d normally go through alone. “Who is this person to you, anyway, Lou? I don’t recognize them from anywhere here, or in the states.”

“Oh. A friend.” Lou shrugs slightly, not quite ready to explain in detail your predicament that led to Lou meeting you.

“A friend.” Orion echoes back, humming slightly, giving you a curious look.