A SUIT FOR ORION.

ORION.

Orion's face clouded over, memories of past disputes with his father swirling in his eyes like a stormy sea. He had stubbornly told his father that he would not attend his upcoming birthday party if Harro wasn't invited. In reality he should have asked Harro first if he would attend the party, so when Harro said he didn't want to go the tension between them was obvious, like a living, breathing thing that seemed to pulse with every beat of their hearts.

Orion was torn, so he kept pleading with Harro to accompany him to the party. At first, it seemed like Harro wouldn't budge but then, like a ray of sunshine bursting through the clouds, Harro's agreed with a dazzingly smile.

"Fine, I'll come with you, but only because I love you." he'd said, his voice low and husky, and Orion couldn't be happier.

And just like that, the atmosphere shifted, the tension disappeared like mist in the morning sun. Before long, they found themselves in the bustling heart of the city, surrounded by the vibrant hum of life. The storefront of 'Elysium & Co.' stood out like a beacon, its glass windows reflecting a dazzling varieties of tailored suits that seemed to shimmer and shine like jewels under the afternoon sun.

"Come on, Orion! This is going to be so much fun!" Harro exclaimed, nudging his boyfriend playfully, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He was buoyant, his energy infectious, striding into the store like a kid set free in a candy shop.

Orion couldn't help but laugh at Harro's antics, his own tension melting away in the face of his boyfriend's irrepressible enthusiasm. "We're not leaving until we find you the perfect suit," Harro declared, his voice filled with determination, and Orion couldn't help but laugh.

"Find me a suit, that I understand. But having fun? I'm not sure how I feel about you and that word in the same sentence," Orion replied, half-joking, but he allowed himself a small smile, warmed by Harro's enthusiasm. As they entered, the scent of polished wood and freshly pressed fabric enveloped them. Strains of soft music mingled with murmurs of other shoppers, creating a vibrant atmosphere alive with chatter and clinking hangers.

Over the phone, Athena's melodious voice chimed in, "Okay, I can't believe we're actually doing this! Harro, keep him away from anything too dull!" A laugh escaped Orion, almost lost beneath the bustle.

Azalea's voice—playful and encouraging—joined in, "Yes! We need at least one decent photo for the gram! Make mama proud, boys!"

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Harro launched into his mission mode, transforming into a whirlwind of fashion expertise. "First things first, we need something classic, but with a touch of you, babe!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with excitement.

He dove into the racks with the help of the store attendant, his fingers dancing over fabrics with the precision of a maestro conducting an orchestra. "Let's see... How about this charcoal gray number?" he asked, holding up a tailored suit that seemed to shimmer and flow like liquid shadow.

Orion raised an eyebrow, his arms crossing over his chest once more, his expression skeptical. "You think gray is my color?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt.

Harro's face lit up with enthusiasm, his eyes sparkling with conviction. "Trust me, it's going to look amazing on you!" he insisted, tossing the suit over his shoulder with a flourish. "You've got the build for it, and it will work well against your green eyes," he explained, his voice filled with the confidence of a fashion guru.

Orion shot back, his smirk a masterclass in sass. "By that logic, you should have picked something green." Harro's face flushed with embarrassment, a warmth igniting his cheeks, but he refused to back down.

"Don't think you're going to get out of this with sass," Harro teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's go, model time!" With an exaggerated clap, he pushed Orion toward the changing rooms, as if shooing a reluctant supermodel onto the catwalk.

Azalea's clapping echoed through the phone, her excitement infectious.

"Show us your best runway walk, Riri!" Athena chimed in, her voice a perfect harmony of encouragement and teasing.

Orion complied, slipping into the gray suit with a fluid motion, as if the fabric was molding itself to his body. The charcoal encased him, patterns blending with memories of countless times he'd bought clothes for himself, yet none of it felt this exhilarating.

Harro's voice called into the changing room, his tone vibrant with anticipation. "C'mon, don't make me wait! We need to show Athena and Azalea what a posh prince you've become!" he exclaimed, his voice barely containing his excitement.

Orion scoffed, his tone laced with amusement. "Posh prince? Really?" But he turned the handle and stepped out, Harro's face lit up with approval. The fabric clung perfectly to him, accentuating his muscular frame, and for a fleeting moment, Orion caught his reflection in the mirror.

Time seemed to freeze as he gazed at his reflection, the suit transforming him into a version of himself he barely recognized – a version that felt worthy, confident, and unapologetically himself.

Athena's cheer echoed through the phone, her voice bursting with enthusiasm. "Gorgeous! But I feel it needs just a touch of flair. What about an emerald tie? That will bring out the green in your eyes." Her words were like a spark, igniting a flurry of activity as Harro sprang into action.

"Yes! A tie!" His voice was jubilant, his eyes shining with excitement, as he rummaged through a nearby display with the zeal of a treasure hunter. He produced an emerald tie, its serpentine silk glimmering in the light, and Orion couldn't help but laugh at Harro's excited chatter.

The sound of his laughter felt lighter than it had in days, a weight lifting off his shoulders as he tied the tie around his neck. The bright green against the charcoal was striking, a pop of color that awakened a spark of excitement he hadn't anticipated.

As he adjusted the tie, Orion felt the weight of potential settle over his shoulders. He was transforming, evolving, and the mirror reflected a version of himself that was confident, charismatic, and ready to take on the world – or at least, his father's birthday party.

Stepping back into the mirror's embrace, Orion took stock of himself, a hesitant smile creeping back onto his face like a sunrise breaking over the horizon. Harro stood firm, his eyes shining with admiration, nodding as if he could scarcely believe his eyes.

"Now we're getting somewhere," Harro exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder. "You're practically glowing! My man is so perfect!" The words spilled out of him like a love letter, making Orion blush, his heart skipping a beat at Harro's words.

"This is not going to become a regular thing, so don't let it go to your head," Orion warned, his voice laced with mock seriousness, even as his heart beat a little faster at the thoughts of doing something like this with Harro in the future.

The pair fell into a rhythm, Harro occasionally picking out a suit jacket adorned with sophisticated patterns, while connecting with Athena and Azalea through the phone. The conversation flowed like a gentle stream, filled with laughter and teasing, as they worked together to find the perfect look.

"What about this one?" Harro asked, holding up a tailored navy suit with a delicate paisley lining. The fabric seemed to shimmer in the light, the patterns dancing across the surface like a whispered secret. Orion's eyes narrowed, his gaze scrutinizing the suit, as he weighed the possibilities.

"Perfect for side adventures," Azalea chimed in, her voice infused with a playful tone. "One thing is certain, you'll be the best-dressed at the party, guaranteed!" Orion couldn't help but groan playfully, a mock protest that only made Azalea's laughter louder.

"It's not a competition, you know?" Orion teased, his voice laced with amusement. But Athena's response was swift and sassy, her laughter weaving through the conversation.

"It's always a competition to be the best-dressed, darling," she declared, her tone dripping with wit and sophistication.

With every suit Orion tried on – the deep navy, a rich burgundy, even a cheeky plaid – his confidence continued to grow, layer upon layer, each outfit a new feeling taking him away from his usual black suit for work.

Each remark from Harro felt less like a judgment and more like an encouragement, chipping away at the walls Orion had built from years of listening to his father's criticisms. The armor he had worn for so long was slowly cracking, revealing a glimmer of the radiant, self-assured person beneath.

Finally, after what felt like hours of endless options and spirited banter, Harro's expression turned serious, his eyes burning with intensity. "Orion," he said, his voice low and husky, "Today is more than just buying a suit, you know? Today is about showing your family that you're ready to live for yourself. This is for us!"

Orion's voice was barely more than a whisper as he admitted, "Yes, you're right." He pulled himself away from the mirror, surveying his reflection one last time. The realization hit him like a tidal wave: it was time. No more standing on the sidelines as others lived life to the fullest.

With a deep breath, he lifted his chin, a smile breaking through his carefully constructed walls like sunlight bursting through the clouds. "Let's pick a suit, then. A suit to turn heads and command attention! This is my coming out suit."

Harro's face lit up with a triumphant grin, his eyes sparkling with pride. "Perfect!" he exclaimed, clapping Orion on the back. "I'll be beside you, always, for whatever you need!" The words were a promise, a vow of unwavering support and love.

As they exited the store a while later, the sun broke through the clouds, washing over them with a golden hue, illuminating not just the road ahead, but also the bond forged between them. The warmth on their skin seemed to seal their commitment, a promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

With each step forward, Orion felt the gravity of the decision he was about to make, and how important it was for his future with Harro. He was not just heading toward a birthday party; he was walking into a new chapter of his life, one where he would finally be true to himself, and live life on his own terms without apologies.