Chapter 323: Chapter 323 - Model Fox In A Minefield Of Her Making
Claire’s fingers tapped idly on a bag that I assume contains a laptop, after the mother left us. Not before she whispered in the teens ear to call her the moment she feels unwelcome, in danger, of just weird at all.
> I did offer for her to stay... or at least have dinner out in the main area while we did in here, but I wonder why she did not take that bait? <
"So, that was some heavy-duty oversale of our personalities, Miss Lomdi."
"I did not lie or embellish in the slightest. Did I?"
The glasses wearing assistant - who had dressed down a little but still looked very office-time stiff - sat next to me with Zoé on the other side of her. In nice clothes and fidgeting with a menu.
Across the table the dynamic was surprisingly similar. The human seamstress was surrounded by a pair of werewolves that had also dressed for a night out.
> And I am supposed to be the model here, isn’t that right, friend? <
While I had changed out of the hiking clothes after dealing with Dave, and before going out of the warehouse, part of me grumbled at the selection I had in the container. I really needed to get more *nice* clothes out of the apartment.
"What you said about my work does sound more impressive than it probably is."
Mira admitted quietly while straightening her napkin with nervous movements. Beside her, Anise leaned back more comfortably while eyeing the drink menu with pale blues wistfully... knowing that I’ve ’checkmated’ *that* behavior tonight.
"I think all job titles make everyone sound more important than they feel. Being introduced as the proprietor of Crystalline Spa’s clothing boutique is nothing new, but when eyes light up you do sometimes feel like an imposter waiting to let the other party down."
"Oh, I get that. I mean, I’m *full* of youthful confidence in my ideas of course - but I’ve seen those ’you are not what I was expecting’ looks. But can we stop being down on our girlboss power and talk about how amazing that modeling opportunity sounds?"
As expected, the Stonewater woman was the first to loosen up entirely. She’d engaged my ’agent’ in conversation about my last and next job in the minutes before the mother and daughter took over the stage.
"Three days in nature settings? That’s like something out of a magazine."
"Well, it *will* be in a magazine. So will the last ones."
I pointed out despite the twinge that ran through me. While the digital version of the Frost & Ember lineup will be available before the Apocalypse sets in, I’m not sure that anything else I do in this field will ever be seen.
> Which is just a little disappointing and makes me feel like I perhaps should not have engaged with the commitment in the first place. <
"The shots from the studio session came out beautifully. The photographer sent me processed image previews of a few of them this morning."
The blonde swiped through several photos on her screen after placing it in front of her on the table. Zoé hopped up and moved around to better see me in the different outfits and poses, all looking quite polished in such a short time.
> I guess people in ’crunch’ work fast because they have to. Certainly, a sense of danger usually makes me think and act more quickly than usual. Though I’m not sure it is *quite* the same thing. <
"You photograph really well."
Leaning to the side a bit to let the teen get closer, Ms. Thornfield complimented me. I raised my chin and smirked at the simple ease she said this and eased into the sort of teasing I found so simple myself - making others compliment me more and more.
"That sounds like something people just say to be polite."
"No, really. Some people are just naturally photogenic and I think you have it. Others have to work at it because they somehow come across in the worst way even when the photo is not a candid..."
The way she glanced away made it clear that she was speaking about herself. So, without even asking, I let my curiosity win and tried to take a photo of her with my phone. Then I deleted it with an immediate scowl as I’d never taken such a hideous picture in all my time in this world!
> Is she haunted by some sort of ghost or fae that does not want her likeness captured? <
"The location they’ve chosen is supposed to be stunning. About five hours drive away from the city, near some preserved forest land."
"That far out?"
I did glance at the information I was sent and looked at where it was on the system map, but my judgement of travel times by vehicle when going straight to a location is still a bit... immature.
"They want to try and capture a contrast between styles, with sophisticated urban wear in the wilderness backdrop."
"Sounds like they picked the right model for that theme. Miss Citra can do both."
The teenager mumbled with a soft smile to the room and I immediately found something to complain about. With a faux shocked face.
"Why are you being so formal - have I done something to get on your bad side?"
"...What?"
"Citra. No ’Miss’, from you."
I point at Zoé and then move the finger toward Claire’s side, jabbing it softly into her rib and making her bounce on her seat from the short amount of passing pain.
"And you, quit it with that last name toward me."
"Yes, Ms. Voss."
Seeing her cut her eyes and smirk at me, I realize that the brunette woman now had *me* checkmated. I could feel the back of my neck grow hot before I turned my face to the others.
The copper haired werewolf across from us coughed and sat her head on the table while covering her ears, while the black haired one’s eyes glowed turquoise before staring off a thousand miles.
"Voss... you mean... oh."
Small yellow flickers were even in the teenager’s eyes as she must have connected the dots. Being able to call the woman and have her handle a situation... and my prior admission of being attracted to women.
"W-well anyway, you seem like you are equally comfortable at a, uhm, fancy party or just like... surviving in the wilderness. That was all I meant."
She tries to save the moment for me, but covering her mouth and looking away with wide eyes is *not* helping me deal mentally with the gekkering black wolf in my soul. One who seems to have no problem at all with all the two werewolves, now that this has been ’let out’ by the CEO’s assistant.
"I hope the weather stays fair."
Anise just mumbles while fingering the drink list. Not good, I’ve shown her a weakness that she’d either forgotten or was too upstanding to swing at when in a group... and I think she may use it for leverage...
"November shoots outside can be tricky if the cold, rain, or fog doesn’t want to cooperate. I think they want you in lighter clothing for the aesthetic."
"It... it’s fine. I don’t get cold easily."
Especially anymore thanks to the system. Though I can only think of holding onto the silver sick, white haired woman that I left behind to come here like everything is normal.
"Lucky you. I don’t like the heat either, but cold? I’d be miserable and wanting to curl up in covers."
> Noted. Do not rely on Ellie Rushwater during the apocalypse. Remember that for me, will you? <
My wolf sends an impression that lets me know it never had any hopes to rely on anyone but a certain white wolf. But at least none of them are bringing up Kyrie Voss’s name, position, title, or anything else again.
Not yet, anyway.