93- In Trouble

"Let me think about it?"

Michael's words replayed themselves over and over and over again in Edwardo's head. It hadn't been an outright "no," but Edwardo knew the second his question left his mouth that morning that their relationship was nowhere near repaired enough to ask such a thing.

Let me think about it…

It had barely been a week since Edwardo came back from his family holiday in Mexico, but that night had been the only one they had together. They hadn't even had a chance to go on a proper date yet either. Back with the Christmas rush and shopping season Michael had worked nearly every day, and Edwardo always looked forward to seeing he got home safely. Now with that all over with, Michael didn't get anywhere close to as many hours as before, and with fewer excuses to see each other Edwardo had to admit he was kind of lonely…

Talking on the phone was nowhere near as satisfying as being with Michael in person. Not that he hadn't gotten to spend any time with Michael at all, since he kind of got to have dinner with him last night. Well, dinner with him and his friend. More precisely, dinner with his friend and his friend's family. It was the same friend Michael had told him had gotten so injured at work, and the party was to celebrate the guy's casts coming off.

It wasn't even a bad experience. He'd known Howard and his wife from when their bakery took care of his twin brother's wedding. Edwardo was pretty sure their son was still in medical school at the time, so it was his first time meeting Scott. He couldn't help feeling a little jealous though, when he saw how much Scott doted on his fiance Ryan, and how much Ryan reciprocated. If he hadn't been so stupid, he might be even halfway to a relationship like that with Michael by now…

But, he was stupid. And it was practically rubbed in his face yesterday.

Edwardo was getting a little worried that Michael hadn't brought up his question at all after that morning. He really was trying to be patient but it was killing him. He wondered if this was anything like what Michael went through at the start of their relationship. If it was, then he owed Michael a whole lot of patience.

Still, Michael looked absolutely adorable at that dinner. His hair had been freshly colored, and it was hard for Edwardo not to notice some of his accessories were ones he'd gotten him as souvenirs from his trip. The candy shaped hair clips suited Michael particularly well. Edwardo knew when he saw them that they'd be perfect for his Dolcito.

He couldn't dwell on any of that now. He was at the news studio and everyone was gearing up for the live broadcast. The five minute warning call was given, so he needed to get in the zone and go from "Edwardo the Lovelorn" to "Edwardo the Weatherman." The makeup crew came by for a few last-minute touchups, and then it was time for him to stand on his mark in front of the green screen.

It was a fun enough job. Fairly easy. Read aloud, point where you're supposed to, and look good doing it. He was even wearing the tie Michael made for him today. In fact, he'd worn it several times this week. He hoped Michael was watching the broadcast. Maybe he should send Michael more sunflowers? Michael liked sunflowers…

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Michael sat restlessly in Councilman Sanchez's office. He'd gotten a phone call this morning from Edwardo's father that an urgent matter had up and that it was vital that they talk. Councilman Sanchez's aid picked him up from home not long after that, and now he was stuck waiting. How urgent could it be? Whatever it was, it involved Edwardo too, and he wouldn't be available until the news broadcast finished for the morning.

Waiting like this was nerve-wracking. Were they in trouble? But Edwardo's family approved of their relationship though… Did something bad happen? Councilman Sanchez certainly seemed stressed out for what little he saw of him. It had to be something bad. There's no way it wasn't something bad…

The councilman's aide brought him a steaming mug of coffee and a little plate of those fancy assorted cookies you get in the tin. Michael accepted the snack gratefully. It was still cold outside, and giving his mouth something to do was bound to calm his nerves. Whatever was going on, at least he probably wasn't personally in trouble seeing as he was being treated as a guest.

What could it possibly be though? Was it about that business opportunity Councilman Sanchez mentioned a few days ago? But if it was, why did they need Edwardo here? Ugh! What was it?!

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Councilman Sanchez entered his office, with a file tucked securely under his arm. "My son has just informed me he should be here shortly."

"Are we in trouble?" Michael's question came out in a rush.

Councilman Sanchez ran his fingers through his greying hair wearily as he sat down at his desk. "You're certainly not in trouble with me, but this is going to affect the both of you. I'd rather wait for Eddie to get here before discussing things further.

Michael slumped back into his chair and nibbled a cookie. He mentally willed Edwardo to get here faster. The wait was killing him!

A short while later, there was a knock on the door. The councilman's aide stuck her head in and announced, "Sir, your son has arrived."

The councilman motioned to show him in, and it was clear that Edwardo was confused about what was going on. He looked even more confused to see Michael there, but at his questioning glance Michael could only shrug. Councilman Sanchez motioned for him to take a seat, and though the logical choice for whatever this conversation was going to be would have been to sit across from Michael, Edwardo sat right next to him instead.

Edwardo's father cleared his throat. "Now, I'm sure both of you are eager to get to the point of why I summoned you here so urgently. I want to make it a point to say that neither of you are in trouble, but Michael, you're about to get a taste of what it's like to be involved with a family that has some political power."

Mr. Sanchez opened his file from earlier and pulled out a magazine, reaching to hand it over to Michael. It was a tabloid, and on the front cover under the featured articles column was an absolutely crappy photo of Michael and Edwardo together with the completely flattering accompanying article being titled: "Homosexual Heirs to City Hall?! Councilman Approves of Son's Scandalous Same-Sex Relationship!"

Edwardo sighed wearily as he read over Michael's shoulder. "I guess this was only a matter of time. Did your PR team catch it, or was it already on the newsstands?"

"It appears to have been pushed through by a political rival," Edwardo's father replied. "My team didn't know about it until it hit the shelves. There isn't much substance to the article itself, but they got several pictures of the two of you."

Michael turned to the article in question and sure enough, there were a handful of low-res or weird-angle photographs of him and Eddie. He couldn't decide whether to be creeped out or flattered that paparazzi had practically stalked them. He wondered if this was what being a celebrity felt like, but it was easy to tell this whole article was undoubtedly bad press.

Edwardo's father continued, "Michael, you have to understand that with an article like this going out there's a possibility you may become a target, not only for slander but also for various other attacks. My team has managed to pull the copies, but they're still working on getting the online version taken down. I have no problem re-assigning you a security detail. I want you to know I will do everything in my power to guarantee your safety."

Edwardo wrapped his arm around him, and Michael and let himself be pulled in close. Michael re-read the tiny three paragraph article over again. It was all complete speculation, every single bit of it. It was practically laughable. But, Edwardo's father was right. You never knew what kind of people read trash magazines like this. He might end up causing big trouble for Edwardo's family after all.

Before Michael could even say anything, Edwardo spoke up.

"Do we really need to hide the fact that we're dating though? If we go around acting like we want to keep things quiet, won't it just breed more articles like this?"

Councilman Sanchez nodded. "The only problem is people buy dirty laundry whether it's real or not. Considering that Omegas are a hot-button issue right now, I doubt this will be the only smear campaign. I just don't like that Michael's being dragged into it."

"Sir?" Michael spoke up. "I know you've seen my social media pages. You've seen the pictures I take. I'm used to criticism. I'm used to the nasty comments. The stuff they put in this magazine is fairly tame compared to what people have said to me online. I'm not the kind of person to run from this stuff."

The councilman allowed himself a small smile, and even looked a little relieved. "Ed, I think you've found a good one. Michael, you've got a good head on your shoulders. But please, promise me you'll accept having a security detail again?"

Michael agreed reluctantly.

"Good, at least that matter is settled." Councilman Sanchez busied himself straightening paperwork on his desk.

Edwardo suddenly had an idea. "What if we put out our own article? We can reach out to this tabloid's competitor, offer them better pictures, and even suggest interviews? It won't stop all the rumors, but it'll at least guarantee some truth is out there too."

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea to me," Michael added. He was impressed, but a little surprised at Edwardo's proposed solution. Something like that would put their relationship completely into the open. Michael wouldn't mind, but was Eddie really going to be comfortable doing that?

"I'll trust your judgement on the matter." Councilman Sanchez said. "If you two are both okay with it, I've got nothing against the idea. Now, with that out of the way Michael, I believe this is a good time to tell you about that business opportunity I mentioned a few days ago. I'm not sure how much Ed has told you, but the city has approved funding for a new ad campaign to support the Justice for Omegas movement in an attempt to make our public spaces safer. The theme they've settled on is 'Human Too.' I don't have all the details, but I know they were looking for a photographer and for PR purposes were really keen on getting an omega or two in on the major workings of the project."

Michael perked up, sitting on the edge of his seat. "Wait, are you saying you're considering me for a major public works project like that?"

"I'd say you're more than qualified," Edwardo grinned and patted Michael's back supportively.

Councilman Sanchez nodded in agreement. "I wouldn't have suggested you at the meeting if I didn't feel you were capable. So, if you're interested, I've got just enough time in my schedule to introduce you to the project lead personally. What do you say?"

The importance of having an omega involved in something like this wasn't lost on Michael, even if it ended up only being a token spot. He knew he could handle it. Michael's reply was full of confidence.

"Sir, I'd be honored."