“I suppose that is true,” Dejay had laughed, his voice a warm soothing sound. "But filler or not, I promise the story’s worth sticking around for,” he teased back, his smile broad and inviting. “I hope,” A small, boyish expression crossed his face, one that Dejay had managed to keep despite the hardships he’d faced. It was that unmovable expression, that look of hope and resilience, that drew people to him. No matter what happened, Dejay would always be there with that same reassuring smile—one that held no hatred or judgment. “I promise I’ll do my best not to steer my audience toward another author’s tale. Though I might need a little help from someone who knows how to keep their audience’s eyes firmly fixed. If that person shall take my most humble request of” assistance he said, his gaze locking onto Marco’s with a look of fondness.
As Marco spoke about his fashion interests, Dejay nodded, not quite grasping the details but fully present in the conversation. He was accustomed to listening, to engaging deeply even when the subject eluded him " I’ll take your word for it," He chuckled, “Is that a dig at Liberance?” Dejay had playfully asked, arching a brow.
Dejay’s eyes sparkled with amusement, savoring Marco’s deepening blush with each playful exchange. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial whisper. “Intrigued, are we? Well, I’d hate to disappoint,” he said, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Scandalizing sounds like just the right kind of adventure for tonight. But just like yo said” Dejay took a sip of his drink, “No life ruining, and please no jumping off dangerous places. We are a little too old for that,” Dejay had never been the adventurer, at least not in the way Emilio was. He wasn’t the type to leap off a bridge just for the thrill of it, to test the edges of life like that. He preferred the steady path, avoiding drama and chaos. He had too many responsibilities—caring for his daughter, for Emilio, for Winsley who had been abandoned for years, for Cameron and Noa, ensuring Emilia and Catalina De La Cruz were safe and well. He had to maintain Emilio’s image, couldn’t let anything jeopardize that, despite Emilio’s long absence. He knew Emilio well enough to know he wouldn’t leave without a reason. Emilio did a lot of wild things, but he wasn’t one to abandon everything and everyone he loved without a cause. Fame was in his blood; he was Emiliano De La Cruz for a reason. He thrived in the spotlight, at least the Emiliano Dejay knew.
Emiliano always loved the effect his name had on people, and it seemed that the name ‘Emiliano’ still had an effect on people, directly or indirectly. Dejay had noticed the way Marco flinched at the mention of Emilio, the way his whole body tensed. Marco said it was because Emilio, a good client of his, had left him out in the open without informing him of his whereabouts, but Dejay could tell it was something more… “Out of the open to?” He asked arching a brow. “You don’t have to apologize for your tone ,” That had been Dejay’s response when Marco talked about celebrities forgetting those who make them look ‘presentable’, “I understand- It’s infuriating when clients don’t communicate and leave you in the dark. You have every right to feel upset.” His voice had been sweet, and his eyes understanding. “But, maybe this is me being bias, I don’t think Emiliano is the type of guy to abandon those he care about, at least usually.” Dejay sighed, “Emi is a lot of things, he really is, and even now, I don’t really know all the things he is.” Especially since he disappeared, “But he’s not like those type of celebrities, although again, this might just be me being bias giving me and Emiliano’s history with one another. Because, sure, he cares about his reputation a little too much, but that’s what he was raised to value. I’m sure perhaps it’s a misunderstanding, Still misunderstanding or not, I hope one day you might forgive his stupidity and” Dejay took a bite of coconut rum cake pop, “I’ll talk to him, we can’t let talent like yours go to waste after all.”
At Marco’s words, advising Dejay to invite a dancer, Dejay could not help but to laugh, his eyes twinkling in amusement. 'A picnic with a dancer, some extra sensitivity, and aftercare? Sounds like the perfect recipe for an unforgettable time," He grinned, “Then what after that, shall I invite Elton John or Beyonce? Or perhaps someone else, I’ll figure a way to get it arrange, you deserve the best of the best after all.” he teased back, leaning in with a warm smile. “And please do also tell your ancestors, to give me their wisdom, I don’t want to disrespect the dead after all, Maybe they can guide me to make the perfect Saltimbocca, it will be my first try after all.”
At Marco’s expression of disgust and fear at the idea of Dejay taking tips from Julius, the corners of Dejay’s lips tugged to a small smile. “And how does the stylist suggest I do that? My daughter herself, also says I need to change my wardrobe, so I am interested in this ‘tips’ from you.” Dejay crossed his arms, a playful glint in his eyes, “Ok, humor me,” His tone was light, "“How would you suggest I work around my situation in this event, what should I have worn.” Admittedly, Dejay didn’t have many outfits that weren’t professional. Tank tops, durags, light sweaters, T-shirts with puppies—these were too casual for his events. Maybe for clubs, but Dejay wasn’t a fan of clubs. The noise, the drinking—it led to bad decisions, and Dejay was known for avoiding bad decisions
“Can’t I like both?” Dejay had arced a brow at Marco’s question, his tone lighthearted, "Though, if i had to chose, your company. The invitation that goes after, it’s always welcomed, of course,’ He chuckled, “But even without it, I enjoy spending time with you. You’re fun to be around, I mean it, truly,” Dejay fidgeted with his drink. “I’m well acquitted with a lot of people, but sometimes I feel like if I had to spend time with them for more than a couple of minutes, my social battery would run out.” He laughed taking a sip of his drink, “You’re not like that,” He stated, “You’re easy to be around, and a very passionate person, which I enjoy.” At Marco’s next words, Dejay eyes widened before he then blinked rapidly, processing the words as he chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind,” He said, shaking his head with a smile.
Dejay listened intently to Marco’s words, noting the mix of excitement and apprehension in his tone. He could see the ambition in Marco’s eyes, the drive to do more and be more in the fashion world. With a thoughtful nod, Dejay leaned in slightly, his expression earnest. “What about Emiliano?” Dejay had questioned, “I’m not quite sure, if he has a red carpet event coming up, but he seems to be heavily promoting his newest movie,” After all, he had use his new movie to reveal himself back to the world, and in interviews, whenever his disappearance is mentioned, Emiliano always switches it up to the movie, just like he had done some minutes ago, before the boarded the yacht. "Thus, it would make sense for him to have a major event coming up, as he could really use a standout red carpet look to mark his return. " Dejay paused, trying to find the right words, 'Think about it, Emiliano disappeared without a word, and he’s back and has not yet been to any major events in the public’s eyes. His first red carpet look, will have all eyes on him, watching his next move and you, you can be the one to style his very first red carpet look since he’s reappearance, boosting your career and establishing your name in the industry. No? Or is that too far fetch?" At that Dejay slumped into his chair, tapping the table with his fingers, “Either ways, I’m sure sooner or later, the whole world would acknowledge how good of a fashion designer you are, and you will be able to open your own fashion house. I can feel it, if there’s one person, whose meant to make it in life, it’s you, Marco.” He placed a comforting hand on Marco’s shoulder, “Just don’t forget me when you make it big,” He teased.
At Marco’s critique of the boil, Dejay hummed thoughtfully, grabbing a fork and trying the boil himself. He chewed slowly, savoring the flavors before nodding in agreement. “I do have to agree with your critique, Marco, It’s good but can use a bit more… seasoning?” He set his fork down, giving Marco a boyish grin. “At least it’s better than the previous years, and even if it was not, it’s a good thing, that the quaint invitation is still open.” He expressed, “But be warned, my cooking might make you stuffed for weeks.”
@cordyx
mentioned:
@novella - noa/cameron
@Madilnel - winsley
