Posing Nicely

The room was buzzing with noise as everyone worked together in a close set up for the next line drop just released. One could assume they were given plenty of time to complete the shots but it was always impolite to keep your employer waiting as well. It didn’t help that it was getting closer to the busy season, everyone releasing new clothing lines and needed that perfect studio to show off their glorious (and not so glorious) clothes, making it look the best of the best or even better. Everyone wanted their perfect shot, and were going through many steps to get it.

Models of all shapes and sizes walked around in different styles of clothing or lack thereof, some just waiting to get prettied up and their turn to come. Photographers were double checking their setups, making sure all was up to par so the least amount of mishaps would happen while their shoots were occurring. After all, a failed shoot was just a waste of time and money on the company’s end, but the models were usually paid up front for their work.

The overly bright lights were pointed at all the different setups as groups stood around cameras and models who were waiting for their turn. Backdrops of walkway-like stages were mostly ready to go and in a way begged for models to strut across them or pose, all while the groups of photographers would find the best and worst angles of everyone who walked them. Some setups even had the camera men and women in green suits, standing near or walking along the models. All of them trying to get those amazing shots with whatever equipment they had or were given to work with. No model was ever the same, each their own personality and touch that shined through each picture, but no matter what they always had a smile on their face and looked great doing it. Even if internally all you wanted was to get out of there and away from the groups fawning over you.

Close by, but far enough away to be out of shot, makeup artists were busily painting faces. Some chatter could be heard easily, questions of what sort of look was desired and what they should avoid or try to add in to make the clothing pop or blend into whatever style they wore and would be modeling. Most had dramatic but ‘neutral’ looks that would fit many outfits, though higher paid models would go through many costume changes before their shift was done. Makeup was a requirement for everyone who stood there as a model, even the most perfect specimen of demon had flaws that needed to be brushed away in person and during editing. The least that could be said was there was peace of mind in knowing that the makeup artists were well known, well paid, and very capable of turning even the most average girl into something out of this world and stunning.

All of this to Shin was normal, if also annoying and tiring. He was getting the last finishing touches added to his face before he was left free from the delicate hands holding him. He was prettied up far more than normal, smoky eyes with thick eyeliner applied as he was going to be modeling clothes more suited for flatter females and curious males. He didn’t mind too much, paid much higher for the out of character look, but there was still that niggling in the back of his head that disliked how he was chosen for such effeminate styles. He thanked the artist all the same though, turning to look for the person in charge of him as he was here.

At least he had Junji, who was leaning against the wall close by and watching what all was occurring. His usually down ears were still attempting to listen to the noises, though seemed to have blocked out most as they didn’t twitch up a storm. Then again, Shin wasn’t sure if the ears would twitch like a curious cat trying to hear all the things that may be out to get it. He could only admire from afar for now though, dragged off to his own stage.

Which, it wasn’t long before they came into issues. Even with the heels and his own height of six feet, the cameras were stuck at this strange angle and everyone was unable to make it cooperate. Instead, they spoke of how to work around it instead. Talks of maybe a stool being used, extending the legs as needed, or even a temporary stage that would be a pain to set up but they had to do what they had to do. Talks that Shin was listening to, staring at the half blood who seemed so unhappy to be here and he couldn’t blame him. They had plans afterwards to go somewhere, and it was far too much of a pain to have to go pick Junji up when he was this far out. So he had agreed to come with, and then as soon as Shin was done it was out to their dinner date reservation.

Eventually though, Shin had an idea of his own after hearing the rather terrible ideas they were suggesting. Sure he was elegant and sturdy when needed, but prompt up on less than stable setups were not something he was fond of for work. Pleasure was different, and much nicer things would be happening to distract him from wherever was picked to be the location of fun. Sitting up, the editors and photographers were at least attentive to his motions as they tossed out more half attempts of possibilities.

“How much taller do I need to be?” Shin questioned, some whispering going back and forth before a more scrawny male told one of the directors.

“Around 6 feet more is needed for the angle if you are placed sitting.” Looking back to Junji, he thought it over some more but already knew the tall male was enough for that. He was, after all, taller than him by at least a head.

Heading over, it was entertaining in its own way to watch Shin look up at Junji who just squinted back down at him. Suspicious, and had every right to be so. No words were spoken, but Shin wasn’t one to keep Junji guessing on what he needed.

“You want to earn some quick cash?” Getting a hum noise, it was a noise Shin was familiar with as a maybe. “I need you to head over there with me and let me climb you, or maybe lifting me up would be best in these heels. Either way I need to be on your shoulder.” Getting more squints, as Junji uncrossed his arms it was enough of a signal he was willing to do it. Reaching out a hand to gently grab the larger hand, Shin led him back to the curious group. He was all to ready to get the shoot done and over with, now with the help of his nice pretty fish man.