“I don’t know if I can do this.”

              Hector felt Gilby’s hand slip into his. It brought him some comfort as he felt their fingers lace together. He could already hear the paparazzi calling, and the sound of a million camera flashes as people admired the beautiful attendees. Oh gods, why had he agreed to this? He'd conquered his fear of public appearances, but the red carpet was a whole new level of terrifying.

              “Hector, sweetie, look at me.” At first Hector couldn’t bring himself to look, but as his love took his face, he looked at them. Gilby’s face was gentle as always, bright eyes behind frame as they looked at him with love and understanding. They looked stunning that evening, in their tuxedo. Gods, he still couldn’t imagine why someone like them was with him of all people sometimes. “I know that this is scary, but it will be okay. Just breathe in and out.”

              Hector nodded and again felt a bit of comfort. Gilby’s hold was firm, but still Hector couldn’t help but feel the worry that threatened to overwhelm him. There was a part of him that wanted to run, not do this and just go back to his shop where he could hide and make masks for like-minded people. He could just slip out the back.

              “Janoom? Azizam? Is everything all right?”

              Hector sighed. Too late.

              “Hector is just having some pre-carpet jitters,” Gilby explained, giving his hand a squeeze.

Hector felt Amir’s eyes upon him. When talking about another person, he sometimes had a hard time believing loved him. Hector knew the movie star wore the most radiant outfit without looking at him, even though the tall man would have looked fantastic in a paper bag. Hector wasn’t sure what to say, though he didn’t have to say anything as Amir stood before him, the man’s gentle eyes filled with warmth for Hector.

              “My Azizam, you are beautiful,” he said, without a hint of doubt as he touched Hector’s face with one gloved hand. “I am so pleased to have you here by my side on such a wonderful night. Please remember that.” He placed a kiss on Hector’s head before taking Hector’s other hand. “And now let us show the world that beauty.”

              Before Hector could protest further, he was being pulled forward, and the world erupted in light. Hector winced against the brightness of the flashing lights as he had to take a moment to get his bearings. He felt Gilby squeeze as he stiffened, feeling the millions of eyes and cameras upon him. He could not run. They came to a pause in the middle of the carpet where Amir paused a moment, releasing Hector’s hand to step forward and do a few poses. Hector watched as Amir gracefully made all eyes fall upon him, the star of the show. Beside him Hector felt Gilby press in close, holding tight to his hand.

              “Are you doing okay?” they asked, having to get close to his ear in order to be heard.

              Hector nodded. “Yeah,” he said, unsure.

              Gilby squeezed his hand. “It will be over soon. You’re doing great.”

              Hector looked over at them and found them smiling in that oh so comforting way. He felt his heartbeat slowed just enough that it didn’t feel it would beat out of his chest as he smiled a little as well. Honestly, with them by his side, he could do anything, even face this swarm. Then he felt Amir’s hand return, and he looked up to find the movie star smiling at him as well.

              “Ready?”

              Hector nodded, though he wasn’t sure for what. He allowed himself to be ushered forward, putting him and Gilby front and center on the carpet with Amir’s arms wrapped around both of them from behind. The camera flashes were bright, but Hector tried not to focus on them as he felt Gilby’s hold tighten and Amir’s arm hold in a warm but protective way. They were there with him, so he did the only thing he could do. He closed his eyes and smiled.