[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Enigma Lux and Orion Endorsement Work[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color] [color=gold][center][h2] Tuesday April 4, 2094[/h2][/center][/color] [b]Soundtrack: [url=https://youtu.be/uSD4vsh1zDA?si=CV8i8RemQ6BKMTuq] I Gotta Feeling - Linkin Park[/url] [/b] [hr] Alexander, Dorian, and Paul were up before sunrise. They were scheduled to shoot photos all over Tokyo today for the Enigma Lux Fashion House and Orion, a luxury watch maker. Katherine came with them to ensure the Valkyrie AGR branding was on point and not misrepresented in any way. She will be using materials from the photoshoot as well to support marketing at Valkyrie AGR. Alexander was grateful that Mabel stayed with Arianna at headquarters. He couldn’t believe he had been dragged back into this world of fake smiles and the politics of racing. He knew though that he needed to raise a lot more money if he wanted to get those ship designs built. It would take resources, personnel, and money. So if he had to smile for a camera and pretend he was worth looking at, well he had done it before. He still had a hard time believing that anyone would still be interested in seeing his aging mug. Alexander once had been confident and secure that he was a handsome man, attractive to women. His ex-wife had left that part of him in ashes. It was as if when he lost his arms, he somehow became less of man. He had never really felt whole again. He dreaded therapy. He didn’t want to examine his feelings or talk about them. Talking about them dredged up shit he had buried long ago. He was tired because he hadn’t been sleeping worth shit lately. Alexander was feeling the pressure and stress. He was glad he had spoken to Dorian yesterday. He hoped they would move forward with a better understanding and relationship. The time difference hadn't helped as he tried to get his work done while in Tokyo. Alexander had a quick breakfast with coffee in his room before he was supposed to meet the others in the lobby. Alexander had dressed in his favorite comfortable work boots, jeans, and a t-shirt. He had pulled a worn brown leather jacket over it all. He had no idea where they were taking them to do the endorsement filming. He had been told that a wardrobe would be provided onsite. The suits and tuxedo that he had already been given to him by the fashion house were for him to wear out to work events. He had been careful with his grooming since he was being photographed today. He rubbed his tired eyes wondering why they had them up before the buttcrack of dawn. He yawned and sipped at his second cup of coffee. He looked around the lobby for the others. Alexander spotted Katherine looking chic and feminine in a soft gray pantsuit with a soft yellow blouse and nude flats. He walked over to where she was sitting and took the chair opposite her. He tried to stifle another yawn and failed miserably. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Morning Katherine. Do you have any idea why they wanted us up at this ungodly hour?” [/color] Katherine looked over Alexander and she pitied his makeup artist for the day. He looked tired and had dark circles and bags under his eyes. She gave him an amused smile as she put away her phone. [color=bc8dbf]Katherine: “Didn’t you read the itinerary that I sent you?”[/color] Alexander groaned and just knew he was going to hear about it. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “No well I glanced at it but to be honest there has been a lot on my plate. Can you give me the rundown… please.”[/color] He tried giving her sad puppy dog eyes and then gave it up. He probably looked like some older demented creep trying that. Katherine giggled as she watched Alexander give her pleading look that developed into something she didn’t know how to categorize. [color=bc8dbf]Katherine: “Please never try whatever that was again. I can tell you it failed.” She raised an eyebrow at him meaningfully. “You know Alexander, if you had read my email, you would already have this information.”[/color] [color=00aeef]Alexander: “I know. I know. I am duly chastised. Please Katherine?” [/color] [color=bc8dbf]Katherine smiled: “Okay. They wanted you up before dawn because they wanted to capture the natural light at sunrise. Which is why we are sitting in the lobby at 4:00am. The first place we are shooting is Rikugien Gardens. It is one of the more historical gardens in Tokyo. After that we will be moving to Tokyo Harbor. They want pictures on a boat. Then we will be moving to a smaller film studio to film the commercial on a green screen. We will be wrapping up the day by shooting at the Imperial Hotel. They want some shots from inside the hotel and then finally some evening shots from the rooftop restaurant and bar. At least they chose to get it all done in one day. It is going to be a long one though.”[/color] Alexander sighed and shook his head again wondering why Enigma Lux couldn’t just focus on the pilots. [color=00aeef]“Thank you Katherine. I appreciate it.” [/color] Dorian and Paul stepped out of the elevator together. They walked towards them talking softly. They both looked surprisingly refreshed and disgustingly energetic to Alexander’s tired eyes. Dorian was dressed in chinos and a white button down shirt, a brown tweed jacket, and soft brown leather loafers. Paul was dressed in black slacks, a blue button down shirt, with a black leather jacket, and black dress boots. Alexander looked down at what he was wearing and then back up at the two younger men. Alexander gave Katherine a confused look. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Katherine. Were we supposed to dress up for this? Should I change?”[/color] Katherine threw back her head and laughed at how nervous Alexander sounded. She smirked as she answered him. [color=bc8dbf]Katherine: “No. That is typically how Paul and Dorian dress when working with sponsors. You will have to change for the shoots anyway Alexander. Besides… you don’t have time. Our ride is here. It’s time to go.” [/color] Alexander groaned as he stood up. [i]How had he missed that? He was the team principal and was dressed like a country bumpkin, not an executive. He hoped it didn’t turn them off or insult them.[/i] Katherine rose to her feet and greeted Dorian and Paul as they joined them. Katherine’s eyes held a little devilment in them as she looked over Paul and Dorian. She didn’t bother hiding her smirk. [color=bc8dbf]Katherine: “Morning gentlemen. You look good this morning.”[/color] Dorian smiled and retorted easily: [color=00a651]“I always look good.”[/color] Paul just laughed and shrugged. [color=fff200]“I got my beauty sleep.”[/color] Alexander rolled his eyes and finished his cup of coffee. He tossed the empty cup into the right recycling can. Katherine turned to Alexander and patted him on the back as she gave him a smile. [color=bc8dbf]Katherine: “Don’t worry Alexander. When we get back to headquarters I will arrange for one of my team to go over wardrobe and grooming with you. And what is appropriate to wear to what events.”[/color] Alexander groaned because he knew he deserved that barb. He gave her a grumpy look and led the way to the entrance of the hotel where an antigravity bus was waiting for them. It was packed with people. Alexander tried to smile and not look grumpy. He managed a neutral pleasant face. Katherine shook hands with an Italian foppish man wearing chinos, a white button up shirt, and the most abstract and colorful scarf that Alexander had ever seen on a man. It strangely worked for him and somehow made his overly large blue sunglasses not look out of place. The foppish man used the handshake to pull Katherine closer to give her air kisses on each side of her face. Alexander found the man’s high pitched voice a little grating on his nerves. [color=8882be]Artie: “Katherine, It is so good to see you in person.”[/color] [color=bc8dbf]Katherine: “Good morning Artie. I didn’t expect to see you here in person.” [/color] [color=8882be]Artie: “Katherine you know I am very hands on. I want this campaign to be a success. I needed to be here to supervise personally. I have a vision!” [/color] Katherine chuckled in delight and wondered how Knight was going to handle working with Artie. Katherine smiled and continued. She pointed to each man as she introduced them. : [color=bc8dbf]“Let me introduce you to the team. This is Dorian Hornfleur, Paul Mulder, and Alexander Knight.” [/color] Artie clapped delightfully with excitement. He moved forward and grabbed Alexander by the shoulders and was air kissing him on the cheeks and almost bouncing up and down in excitement. [color=8882be]Artie: “Alexander! It is such a pleasure to meet you in the flesh. I can call you Alexander can’t I? Yes…. you are going to be perfect! I can see it now.”[/color] Alexander was startled to have Artie pulling him into a hug like embrace as the man started air kissing his cheeks. Alexander didn’t like having his personal space broached and froze in place. Then he felt like a bug being inspected as Artie held him at arm’s length and looked him up and down before clapping in excitement. Alexander turned pleading eyes to Katherine and mouthed “Help Me” at her. To Alexander’s frustration and disappointment Katherine just giggled and winked at him. Alexander thought to himself, [i]this is my private version of hell[/i] as he listened to Artie ramble on. [color=8882be]Artie: “You are going to love what I have designed for you. My whole new line is based around you Alexander. I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to be my muse for this campaign.”[/color] Alexander finally managed to pull himself together. He caught Dorian and Paul with smug amused smiles watching him. Alexander narrowed his eyes. [i]He would get even later.[/i] He managed to smile and push Artie back to arm length as he shook his hand. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “I look forward to working with you Artie.” [/color] Alexander had never been more grateful for a bus driver as he announced that everyone needed to take their seats so he could get them underway. Artie gave Dorian and Paul a quick greeting before taking a seat next to where he was standing. Alexander quickly dove across the bus to take the seat next to Katherine. He groaned [i]this was going to be one long ass day.[/i] The bus lifted into the air and they were quickly on their way. [hr] It was still dark out when they arrived at the gardens. They couldn’t see much and followed the lantern lit pathways. Alexander enjoyed the quiet and peaceful nature setting and it began to settle his nerves. They were led to a prep area that was lit up with bright lights and had multiple tents set up. Evidently the worker bees had come ahead to get everything ready for the shoot. Alexander was hustled into a tent where he was greeted by a young man with blue hair that's shaved on the sides with floppy curls on top. He had on heavy eye makeup with glitter that caught the lights. He was wearing a turquoise colored silk tunic and tight white trousers with sandals. He looked like he had South Asian ancestry. The man greeted him with an accent that Alexander couldn't place. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “Hello my name is Ishaan but you can call me Ishie. Come come. Sit in the chair. We must get started on your makeup and hair.”[/color] Alexander was tugged over to a high canvas director’s chair. Where he was pushed gently into the seat. Ishie was talking a mile a minute as he began gathering supplies. Alexander sounded tentative as he greeted him.: [color=00aeef]“It is nice to meet you, Ishie. Uhh Makeup?” [/color] Alexander was worried that he would be getting the same glitteratzi treatment that Ishie was wearing. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “Why yes darling. Otherwise the bright lights would wash you out and the photos would look bad. We can’t have that. It will just even out your skin tone and provide some color. Don’t you worry. Ishie will take good care of you.”[/color] Alexander thought to himself [i]that is exactly what he was worried about[/i]. He knew makeup was coming but had assumed it would be like what he had to endure in the past. Just some foundation to keep him from looking flat under the bright lights and powder to keep him from looking shiny like he was sweating and to prevent glare. Alexander didn’t want to be embarrassed by the photos in the ads. He was also confident in his sexuality and comfortable with his masculinity. [i]Glitter didn’t belong on his face.[/i] He was worried what the end result would be. Alexander was relieved when Ishie turned him over to a black man. His black hair had been bleached resulting in a golden color. It was cut short and a designs cut into the sides that contrasted with his dark chocolate colored skin. The man had the slightest touch of a metallic gold eyeshadow on that made his eyes stand out. He introduced the black man as Derek. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “First is hair. For that I turn you over to Derek here. He is the best! Not to worry.” [/color] Ishie hurried away without waiting. [color=fdc68a]Derek: “Hello Mr. Knight. I will be your hairstylist today. Do you mind if I trim your hair? I just want to clean up the shape a little and take out the dead ends. It looks like it has been awhile since it was cut.”[/color] Alexander frowned as that had not been told to him prior. It was just hair though it would grow back. So he consented with a nod. As with Ishie, Alexander didn’t want a high and tight with a design in it. He would look ridiculous with his blonde hair that short against his white scalp. [i]He would just look bald.[/i] The style Derek was rocking worked for a younger man and was certainly not Alexander’s taste at all. Alexander didn’t want the Lux Fashion House to make him the laughing stock of the racing circuit. He had been out of the limelight for a long time. After the media had crucified him in the past, putting himself out there in an ad campaign was difficult. He knew it was inviting the culture vultures to comment on his look. He knew from experience that they would be merciless and were often cruel. He was not exactly on good terms with the media. He was also very concerned about how it would look to his daughter. She was an adult and had just come through a traumatic experience. He didn’t want her to be embarrassed of him. It was another reason he was surprised that Artie Lux had been so adamant about him being the face of this campaign. He sighed reluctantly. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Sure I don’t mind a trim but I am not planning to change my entire look for this campaign. Not too short please.”[/color] Derek gave him a warm smile and nodded. [color=fdc68a]“I just want to clean it up some. Add some layers to make it look thicker for the camera. And I want to trim your beard and mustache a little and give it a more modern edge. Nothing too flashy I promise.” [/color] Alexander did his best to quell his nerves as he gave Derek another nod. [color=00aeef]“Alright. I am trusting you Derek.”[/color] Alexander was still worried about how he was going to look in the end. Alexander didn’t want to look bald or like a clown. [i]Maybe he still had some vanity left after all.[/i] He still had a full head of hair and was proud of that fact at his age. Even if his dark blonde hair had some gray in it these days. He didn’t want to change who he was to conform to rules others set for him. He had fought long and hard to accept himself the way he was. He felt as if some of that control over his future was being stripped away a little and it made him very uncomfortable. He was trying not to take it out on the staff. Alexander was grateful when Derek put on some music and just got to work without a lot of chit chat. Alexander sat still while Derek whipped one of those hair cutter capes around his neck. He secured it and began to spray his head with a spray bottle full of water. He sat patiently while Derek ran a comb through his hair and began snipping away at his hair. Alexander watched as his hair landed in piles on the floor. Derek put some product in his hair and began to use a brush and blow dryer on it. Styling it after the cut seemed to take forever. Then Derek began trimming his beard. Finally Derek seemed happy with the result. He finally allowed Alexander to see what it looked like. He handed him a hand mirror. His longer shaggy looking hair had been cut into a thick layered style that would look good no matter what you did to it. His beard had been cleaned up and Derek had added some artistic angles into his sideburns that made him look younger. The shorter beard emphasized the shape of his jaw. At least he didn’t look ridiculous. Derek cleaned up the hair and put away his supplies as Alexander used the mirror to look at his hair. Derek smiled at him and took the mirror away from him and sat it down somewhere in the supplies behind him. [color=fdc68a]Derek: “I hope you like it.”[/color] Alexander gave Derek a smile. [color=00aeef]“Thank you Derek. My trust was not misplaced.”[/color] He shook Derek’s hand while Derek beamed with pleasure at the compliment. [color=fdc68a]Derek: “Now it's time for makeup. I will go get Ishie. It was a pleasure working with you Alexander.” [/color] Derek walked to the tent door and called Ishie’s name. Alexander had been hoping someone other than Ishie would return to do his makeup. He kept telling himself that this was for his team. He tried to be gracious as Ishie came back into the tent. Ishie clapped his hands, his eyes wide with a delighted look on his face. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “Derek always does such amazing work. Your hair looks fantastic. Now let’s see if we can make your face match the hair.”[/color] Ishie began by placing a hot wet towel on his face. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “This is to cleanse the face and open your pores. We want to remove all that dirt and toxins on your face before we begin. The heat will help you relax. You look a little nervous.”[/color] Alexander was smothered under a hot wet towel as Ishie talked to him. The truth was he was nervous. He didn’t want to look like a glittering clown for all the world to laugh at. Alexander managed to mumble under the towel. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “I am a little. I am…”[/color] [i]How did he ask this without being offensive?[/i] [color=00aeef]“What kind of makeup are you supposed to use on me?”[/color] [i]That was professional and safe enough right?[/i] Ishie just laughed and patted Alexander on the shoulder playfully as he removed the towel. He looked amused as he turned back to Alexander after putting the towel in a hamper. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “Relax. We are going to clean and moisturize your face. Most men have horrible skin care regimes. You can’t neglect that these days you know! Then I will work my magic to remove those bags and dark circles under your eyes so they don’t show up on camera.”[/color] Alexander tried to relax but it was really hard. He kept seeing his face made up like Ishie’s and winced at the mental image. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “oh okay I guess.” [/color] Ishie used some astringent smelling compound on little wipes to clean his face. Then he put some kind of lotion on his face and began to massage it in. Alexander relaxed a little as that felt nice. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. Then Ishie dotted some kind of serum under his eyes and patted it in with his fingertips. The serum tingled and he could feel his skin tightening. Suddenly Ishie was in front of him with a cream makeup stick of some kind and was marking lines under his eyes. He then began to attack his face with a pallet of makeup in his hand. Ishie kept talking to Alexander as he worked. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “You have the most amazing green eyes. Just beautiful. It is too bad you bat for the other team. You are like a big beautiful blonde sexy bear. Rrrrar!”[/color] Ishie made a clawing motion with his hand as he gave what Alexander assumed was supposed to be a roar. He squirmed uncomfortably in the chair. He had no clue how to handle this situation. Alexander was not unnerved because Ishie seemed to be blatantly gay. It was more that Alexander was uncomfortable being the center of attention and was stuck in this chair while Ishie did his job. That meant letting Ishie into his personal bubble and allowing him to touch him. Ishie’s proximity was triggering Alexander’s anxiety. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Uhh..Thank you for the compliment?”[/color] Ishie kept working and talking. He was blending makeup and applying makeup all over his face. He even put some kind of moisturizing lip stuff on him. Ishie paused for a moment and looked serious for a moment as he told Alexander. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “I saw the press conference and the follow up message you sent out to the media about your daughter Arianna. She is a lovely girl. I hope she heals. It is obvious you love your daughter very much.”[/color] Alexander tried to talk around the lump in his throat. He wasn’t ready to talk about Arianna. Alexander’s voice was gruff as he replied. [color=00aeef]“I hope she heals too. She has a long road ahead of her but she is on her way.” [/color] Ishie seemed to sense Alexander’s mood and stopped talking. He soon finished his makeup and handed him the mirror. Alexander was relieved to see that he looked natural and better without the now hidden dark circles under his eyes. Whatever was in that serum he used under his eyes had taken care of the puffy bags that had been there. Alexander gave Ishie a bright smile. [color=00aeef]"Thank you for your help Ishie. I will be sure to tell Arianna that you are rooting for her.” [/color] Ishie gave Alexander a bright smile as he put his makeup pallet down. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “That is all I can ask for. Now it is on to wardrobe, which is over here.” [/color] Ishie led the way to a section of the tent that had been partitioned off. There was a portable clothing rack with 5 bags hanging on it. The large garment bags were full and had smaller drawstring bags hanging off them. He pointed to the garment bag on the end that had a clear vinyl pocket with a piece of paper in it. The paper had his name and a number one printed on it. [color=c4df9b]Ishie: “Everything you should need for the first look should be in the bag. When you are dressed, just come on out and someone will show you to the set.”[/color] Alexander gave a nod and waited for Ishie to leave before he unzipped the garment. The drawstring bag on the front of the bag had a pair of dress boots, socks, and underwear. Alexander groaned as he saw the equivalent of a male thong in the bag. He sighed and just decided to accept what he couldn’t change and changed out of his clothes. He folded the clothes he had come in and set them on the small bench that had been in the changing room. Alexander put on the first suit. It was in a lightweight fabric of some kind and very soft to the touch. It was a chocolate brown color with bronze metallic threads running through it. The shirt was a golden yellow color and soft but held its shape like linen or cotton. It had a sheen to it as well like polished cotton. There was some embroidery on the cuffs that mimicked tribal Nordic runes. The collar tabs of the shirt had stylized wings on them. Alexander didn’t like this suit much. It was a little flashy for him. But what did he know? He was just the model. He did like the brown and gold colored leather dress boots that mimicked an older style patent leather loafer. They were comfortable and stylish. Inside the drawstring bag had been a square black colored leather looking box with the Orion logo on it. Alexander assumed that was part of his outfit. So he pulled the bronze and gold colored watch out and slipped it on to his left wrist. He didn’t mind the watch but it was a little flashy for him. [hr] Meanwhile in another tent Paul and Dorian were getting to stay together as they sat under bright lights in high canvas director chairs. [color=00a651]Dorian: “Did you see the panicked look on his face when Artie hugged him?”[/color] Paul snorted with laughter at that. [color=fff200]Paul: “He looked like he had swallowed a bug. I am going to enjoy today. Alexander seems completely uncomfortable. I wonder why he agreed to do this if he hates it so much.”[/color] [color=00a651]Dorian: “Didn’t you read the contract? It was contingent on Knight being a model. For some reason Artie wanted Knight for this. At least we are getting paid too.”[/color] [color=fff200]Paul: “That is very true. It is still nice to see the boss uncomfortable. It is the first time I have seen him so out of his element. It is out of character for him.” [/color] [color=00a651]Dorian: “He should be used to this. He used to be a racer and endorsements are part of the job.”[/color] Dorian smiled as he continued. [color=00a651]“It is nice to see him nervous for a change though.”[/color] Their conversation was interrupted as they were approached by a tall muscular olive skinned man with dark brown hair. He was wearing tight form fitting slacks and a colorful print shirt. He was accompanied by a woman of average height with brown curly hair with lavender colored eyes. She either had contacts or cybernetic eyes. The woman looked like she was a mixed race with some Asian persuasion in there by the shape of her eyes. The woman was dressed in the latest outrageous Tokyo street fashion in neon colors. The man spoke first, [color=fdc68a]“Good morning gentlemen. My name is Jeffrey and this is Akiya. We will be taking care of your hair this morning. I will be taking care of you Mr. Hornfleur and Akiya will be taking care of Mr. Mulder.”[/color] Jeffrey offered a hand to Dorian to shake. [color=fdc68a]“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am a huge fan! May I call you Dorian?”[/color] Dorian smiled comfortably at Jeffrey as he shook his hand. [color=00a651]“Of course. May I call you Jeffrey?”[/color] Dorian flirted back not missing the fanboying that Jeffrey was hiding or the interest in his eyes. [color=fdc68a]Jeffrey: “Please do.”[/color] Jeffrey gave Dorian a big smile. Paul smiled and offered his hand to Akiya. [color=fff200]“It is nice to meet you, Akiya. Please call me Paul. May I call you Akiya?” [/color] Akiya gave Paul a polite nod and a tight smile. [color=a2d39c]“Hai.”[/color] Paul nodded and relaxed into his chair as Akiya began to work on his hair. She didn’t say much, just started adding product to his hair. She began working with various tools to get the look she wanted. Paul was content to sit and let her do her thing. He listened in amusement as Dorian flirted with his hairstylist. Dorian gave Jeffrey a sultry smile as he asked him in a suggestive tone. [color=00a651]Dorian: “What do you have planned for me Jeffrey?”[/color] Jeffrey blushed a little before managing to get an answer out. [color=c4df9b]Jeffrey: “Well we are going to start with a nice relaxing head massage and then we are going to blow out your hair and style it with some setting product.”[/color] Dorian grinned as he flashed another smile at Jeffrey. [color=00a651]Dorian: “Is that all? Well I am sure I am in excellent hands.”[/color] Jeffrey blushed again as he began massaging Dorian’s scalp. Their hair had not taken long to style since they had followed directions and had washed it and left any product out of it that morning. Paul had gotten a perfunctory smile as he complimented Akiya on her work. Paul sighed as he thought not everyone could be a fan. Jeffrey gave Dorian a bright smile as he finished. [color=c4df9b]“Next up is make up. I will see you later in case you need any touch ups.”[/color] He slipped a piece of paper into Dorian’s hand and whispered in his ear that he was free that evening if Dorian was. Dorian had thanked him and told him he looked forward to seeing him later. Paul looked over at Dorian and shook his head a little as he laughed as they waited on the makeup people. [color=fff200]Paul: “That is so not fair. You get a potential date and I get the ice queen.”[/color] Dorian just grinned and winked at Paul. [color=00a651]“Being Bi means I have more chances that others will accept my advances. It is a bigger dating pool.” [/color] Dorian was having a great time with the pampering so far. He loved working with Enigma Lux so far. The two makeup people came in together. They almost looked like twins. They were both young Japanese women. They, like Akiya, were dressed in Tokyo street fashion but these two were wearing the latest in Lolita fashion. They looked like dolls in pastel ruffles and platform heels. Their names were Yuko and Kaori. They introduced themselves with giggles and gave them a bow before they began work. Dorian was just as pleasant to Yuko but Yuko just giggled at him. Yuko pampered Dorian just as much as Jeffrey had. She had started by cleansing his face with an astringent smelling cleaner. She had then massaged moisturizing lotion into his face. She had taken her time and massaged the tension out of his forehead and temples. He felt like puddy when she was done. His makeup went on pretty fast after that. Kaori smiled as she began working on Paul. He tried to talk to her but she shushed him so she could work. Paul again sat placidly while she quickly cleaned his face, applied moisturizer, and then his makeup. Paul was surprised when Kaori did more than just the base coats he was expecting to even out his skin tone. She had used a special digital printer gadget to apply colorful wings around his eyes. It was not something Paul would have chosen for himself but it looked kind of cool like a tribal tattoo. Paul looked at Kaori a little nervously. [color=fff200]“This comes off right?”[/color] Kaori just giggled at him and nodded. [color=c4df9b]“Of course. Makeup remover will take it off.”[/color] Paul looked over at Dorian who just had the base layers. He frowned, [i]why did he rate the extra color?[/i] Dorian had a classic formal look going on while Paul’s look was young and edgy. His hair had been set in golden waves along the sides of his head. He was starting to worry about how this would look in the end. Well the suits they had sent for him to wear to events had been great. [i]How bad could it be?[/i] The girls showed them to the opposite ends of the tent which had been set up as dressing rooms. Dorian got dressed quickly in the chocolate brown suit in a soft material. The suit was paired with a golden colored silk shirt with maroon stitching on the cuffs. The design was some kind of Nordic tribal. There was a maroon colored silk tie with stylized wings embroidered on it. There was a classic looking gold men’s watch with a maroon face that he slipped onto his left wrist. Dorian loved the gold and dark brown leather patent leather shoes that went with the suit. He stepped out of the dressing room and was smoothing the lines of the suit. [i]He looked good![/i] Dorian looked up and caught sight of Paul and doubled over laughing. Paul had been dressed in tight navy trousers, a white silk shirt with the same Nordic tribal design on the cuffs. He was in a peacock blue vest with a wing pattern across the chest. There was a steel watch on his left wrist with a peacock blue face on it. He was in black dress boots. He was pulling at the crotch of his pants which left nothing to the imagination. Paul winced as he tried to find more room in the crotch of his pants. He felt like his manly parts were being suffocated. He had blushed as he remembered the underwear that had come with the suit. He found the pants a little too tight to be comfortable. The material was stiff and didn’t have a lot of give. Paul looked at what Dorian was wearing and crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. [i]Dorian looked coiffed and polished and ready for any formal event while he looked like he was about to go clubbing with a girl named Candy.[/i] Paul frowned at Dorian. [color=fff200]Paul: “Why do I get peacock blue and you get a nice respectable fall colors?”[/color] Dorian snickered as he tried to contain his amusement. Paul was dolled up like a peacock too! [color=00a651]Dorian: “Hey I didn’t choose the outfits. Talk to Artie.”[/color] Paul just grumbled as he walked out of the tent. He would be walking funny if he had to stay in this suit for very long. Dorian followed him shaking with laughter. [hr] Alexander was already on set and listening to the photographer when he spotted Paul and Dorian. He frowned as he noticed Dorian was wearing a more traditional suit than he had expected he would be put into. He was grateful he was not Paul though. He couldn’t help the smile that crept across his face at how uncomfortable Paul looked. [i]He looked like a peacock dandy.[/i] Alexander gave up and started laughing. Katherine looked over and put a hand over her face thinking [i]dear lord give her strength.[/i] It had just taken her 10 minutes to talk Alexander down off the ledge because he didn’t like the suit he had been given. Paul looked a little green and his blue eyes were stormy. He didn’t look happy. He was usually the easy going one with this kind of thing. At least Dorian looked content and happy. Paul walked up to Katherine. [color=fff200]“I will try the photo shoot but if I look as ridiculous as I feel in this outfit they will not use them. Am I clear?” [/color] Katherine was relieved that Paul was at least going to try to go with the program. Katherine gave him a grateful smile. [color=bc8dbf]Katherine: “Understood. Look on the bright side. The color does bring out your eyes.” [/color] Paul gave Katherine a scowl before he looked over at Alexander and noted that even though he was laughing at him. He was dressed in a suit that was almost midway between Dorian’s conservative but classy look and Paul’s young and trendy look. Paul grinned his normal confidence returning as he saw a group of 4 women who were with the shoot’s crew eying him with the look of fangirls. [color=fff200]Paul: “I might look like a peacock.”[/color] He puffed his chest out and put his hands on his hips in a superman pose. [color=fff200]“But I am a sexy peacock!”[/color] Katherine burst into laughter at that. [i]Good lord would she survive this photoshoot?[/i] Alexander was laughing so hard he had almost fallen on the ground and Dorian was laughing and shaking his head. They were interrupted by the creative director. He informed them they would be working with multiple photographers. They would be posing for individual and team shots. The director informed them they would be starting with individual shots. They really wanted to take advantage of the light at sunrise. Alexander would be shooting on a bridge over a koi pond. Dorian would be shooting next to the koi pond with traditional stone lanterns and a pagoda on a small stone island. The pond was surrounded by lush greenery. Paul would be photographed in front of a large blooming cherry tree. The three of them fell into a more serious professional mode as they listened to instructions and what was expected of them. They understood the directions. The sun started to rise. It was go time. Alexander was not overly fond of the suit he was wearing but his natural confidence and competitive nature wouldn’t allow himself to give no less than his best. At least he had a glitter free face even as the metallic threads in his suit caught the sunlight and glinted occasionally. Paul was damn uncomfortable as he did his best not complain about the tight pants even as they asked him for some more dynamic poses as the youngest. Dorian was having the time of his life as he was pampered and deferred to. His inner diva was in heaven. Katherine watched it all with a discerning eye and a diplomatic deposition. They were done with Paul and Dorian at the park. Paul and Dorian had headed back towards the tents. They wanted to capture Alexander in a second outfit so he had gone off to change. They would be relocating to Tokyo Harbor next. While the men had been shooting, the female models had been going through hair and makeup for the next site. Katherine had the opportunity to review the photos while the men were changing. She had been worried when she saw how uncomfortable Alexander and Paul had been when they first came out of the tents. The photographers were excellent though. There were certainly some bad shots in there as well. Alexander looked powerful and broody in his shots. Dorian looked classy and cultured. Paul looked edgy, sexy, and fun. She had to agree with Alexander though. She didn’t like that color suit on him. It did contrast nicely with his hair which was the intention she was sure. Alexander’s second look was a more casual look. He had on navy blue cuffed trousers, a classic white button up shirt with a modern mandarin style collar, and a navy blue vest with a tribal Valkyrie in flight embroidered in silver on the front. The vest was double breasted and didn’t detract from the power or beauty of the design embroidered on it. Alexander had on plain black leather dress shoes this time and the shirt’s sleeves were rolled up. He had on a brushed steel watch this time with a dark blue face. Alexander liked this look much better. It was more his style. Katherine could tell from Alexander’s body language that he was more comfortable this time. Her favorite photo from this set was one of Alexander leaning on the bridge’s railing with his hands casually draped over the side with the watch prominently featured on his wrist, his other hand behind it. Alexander was looking into the distance with a serious look on his face that could be interpreted to mean just about anything. It was a powerful and artistic shot. Before they knew it, they were all being hustled back on to the bus to head to the next site. Tokyo was busier and had woken up as they had been shooting in the gardens. They had hit the height of rush hour in Tokyo. They arrived at the docks and it was chaotic. Water taxis and ferries hurried residents from one side of the harbor to the other as they made their way to work or ran errands. Alexander was grateful that they were not using public transit at the moment as it was crowded and busy. There was a frantic scramble as everyone got off the bus. Alexander had to use the restroom after all the coffee had drunk to keep him awake and functioning. He told the others he would catch up to them. He ran to use the public restroom at the docks. There was a line of course. Alexander was not happy that it had taken him almost 20 minutes. He ran back to the dock and the boat was pulling away from the dock and was already about 100 yards away. He crossed his arms and glared at the boat. He picked up his phone and texted Katherine. He was not happy to wait another 10 minutes before the boat turned back around to pick him up. He couldn’t believe they had left him behind. Alexander was blamed for setting their schedule back almost a half hour. He had to endure having his hair and makeup touched up again. This time Alexander was dressed in business casual attire. He was put in pants that had a weave to them. If he had to guess it was a linen and bamboo mix. It was soft but not as stiff as linen could be. The pants were dyed a dark green that was almost black. They were paired with another button up shirt in a dark golden color with dark green stitching. The shirt had a loose fit and they once again had him roll the cuffs up. The rolled cuff had that same nordic tribal pattern design showing in that contrasting dark green thread. They had him wearing a watch with a dark brushed bronze color band and a dark emerald green face. They had him wearing brown leather boat shoes with dark green stitching. He didn’t mind the outfit but he did mind what they wanted him to do. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “She looks young enough to be my daughter! And you want me to allow her to hang all over me in a bikini! Not just no but hell no!”[/color] Alexander looked furious as he turned to Artie and looked ready to pummel something. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “You can use the models in the background but I will not be party to anything suggesting I am sleeping with a much younger woman. You can forget it. I won’t do it.”[/color] Artie looked over Alexander’s face and looked frustrated. [color=8882be]Artie: “Look Alexander, I get it. You have a code of honor but sex appeal sells. We want the public to see you as sexy and attractive. The models help with that.”[/color] Alexander narrowed his eyes at Artie. [color=00aeef]“I said NO! If you want me to pose with a woman like that then use a model closer to my age. You can get shots of me on the boat but I am not allowing those girls to hang all over me in that way. Forget it.” [/color] Artie tilted his head to the side and gave a huge sigh as he frowned. [color=8882be]“Fine, we will change it up.”[/color] Artie went to talk to the shoot director. His hands were flying every which way as he talked, obviously passionate about what he wanted. Alexander stood watching him with his arms crossed. Alexander glared at Artie and the creative director with a brooding angry look that just dared them to ask him that again. Katherine did her best to calm Alexander down and then worked with Arite and the creative director for ways to get something usable from the harbor shoot. They got some group shots of Alexander at the wheel of the boat with the other two with girls in the background. They decided on some close up shots of Alexander with some of the older style restaurant ships in the background that gave Tokyo harbor so much character. They were shooting on a private yacht though. Artie wanted that clash of modern and history which is so characteristic of Tokyo. Paul was more comfortable this time around but he had some issues with models pinching his ass and groping him when they could get away with it. Normally he wouldn’t mind but he was feeling decidedly like a piece of choice meat. It made Paul uncomfortable. Dorian was still having a fabulous day. Dorian didn’t mind the playful flirtatious models and loved being the center of attention. Katherine had been worried that Alexander was going to deck Artie and throw their creative director overboard. She was grateful that Artie had been flexible enough to change “His Vision”. Word had gotten out that Paul and Dorian had been spotted at the harbor. By the time they got back to the docks, fans had flooded into the area. They had to use an alternative dock while their security worked with Tokyo police on crowd control. They were still spotted coming off the yacht and had to make a run for the private vehicle that security had brought around to get Alexander, Paul, Dorian, and Katherine to their next destination. They barely made it out of there before fans blocked the way. Their next destination had been the small studio where they were shooting the commercial. That had tried Alexander’s already fraying patience. First there had been trouble with the teleprompter, then the sound equipment had a mysterious buzz and they had to record everything over again. They were shooting in front of a green screen on a soundstage. They had put all three men in tuxedos. Alexander’s was all black with gold embroidered nordic runes down the lapels and a gold bow tie. Dorian was in a matching tuxedo but in a dark charcoal gray color and a classic black tuxedo shirt in silk. Paul’s tuxedo was a slimmer cut with thin lapels. His tuxedo was dark charcoal gray with a gold vest with a valkyrie helmet embroidered on the vest in black. The shirt was a black silk like Dorian’s but had a mandarin collar. Paul didn’t have a bowtie. Alexander was not happy to see the bevy of young female models again. They were behind schedule by almost four hours by the time they made it to their next destination, the Imperial Hotel. Alexander was starving; they had missed lunch thanks to all the technical issues that had run into at the studio. They had to push on to the hotel for the next series of photos. After another round of hair and makeup, the three men were photographed in a variety of places around the historic hotel. The female models followed them. Paul once more had some fans working with him with grabby hands. He had been excited about working with a group of fans at the park but they had quickly gotten out of control. He couldn’t exactly get away from them. The creative director had them all posing and hanging off of Paul in various ways. The shots made it look like he had his pick of women.He didn’t want to complain and come across as difficult to work with. Most men would have loved this level of attention from women. Paul normally would enjoy the attention, except he was working and wanted to come across as a professional. Paul was finding that being seen as sex object instead of a person bothered him. It bothered him that they acted like they had the right to grab him and grope and pinch him. It bothered him that he had not invited their attention but was forced to deal with it. Dorian on the other hand was having the time of his life and loving all the attention. Alexander found himself in a dark charcoal gray suit with a black dress shirt and black dress shoes. The tie was a black silk with golden wings embroidered on it. They had paired this suit with a watch with a black titanium band with a gold face. Alexander had been told this was the last outfit for this photoshoot. He was grateful he was irritable and tired. He had just wrapped up photos in the hotel’s grand staircase. He was being hustled into the bar at Kouichi Imbayashi. Alexander could appreciate the old world elegance of the hotel. He was left to cool his heels for a few minutes and got a quick scotch from the bartender. He had finished his drink by the time the creative director was ready for him. Alexander heard his name being called by the man and turned around and froze. The creative director was approaching with an elegant brown haired beauty that was older than the other models. She was drop dead gorgeous and was closer to his age but she looked younger than him. She was wearing an elegant black suit. The pants had a wide leg in a silky material that flowed with her body as she moved. It had a thigh high slit up her right leg. The jacket was low cut and form fitted through the bust area before it flared out and away from her skin. The jacket had long sleeves that stopped at the wrist and was designed to be worn without a shirt underneath it. The lapels of the jacket had gold wings embroidered on them. She was wearing a long golden chain that fell down inside her jacket. Four inch gold stiletto heels peeked out as she walked. Her hair was pulled up in an elegant updo. Her makeup was understated and classy with a bold red lip. He really thought he had managed to get out of showing up on camera with a female model. That victory was short-lived, he acknowledged privately to himself. He sighed and accepted the inevitable. Evidently they had found someone at the last minute. He gave the lovely woman a smile. It was not her fault that he was uncomfortable with being seen as a sex symbol. Alexander knew his adult daughter would be looking for these photos. It made him squirm a little as he had no idea what Arianna would think. [color=ed1c24]The creative director: “Alexander, for this series of photos we are going to have you posing with Lena here. I assume this is acceptable?” [/color] The man’s tone was challenging and Alexander knew he had not been the easiest person to work with on set. He nodded and held out his hand to greet Lena. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Hello Lena, nice to meet you.”[/color] Lena shook his hand and gave him a sultry smile. [color=f49ac2]Lena: “I must thank you for asking for an older model. It is harder to get work as you get older in this business. I hope you find working with me to be acceptable.”[/color] Alexander couldn’t help but smile. Lena was beautiful and confident which Alexander found attractive. Maybe it was the scotch but he was relaxing and admitted he might just enjoy this. Alexander shook her hand gently. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Thank you for being available.”[/color] They were being ushered into position by the bar. Alexander blushed as the director told him to pull Lena closer as if he was telling her something naughty in her ear. He wanted a picture full of sexual tension with Alexander’s hand on her waist showing the watch. He wanted a profile picture and Alexander was supposed to look at Lena suggestively. Alexander was stiff at first and Lena laughed at the tension in his posture and arm. She leaned closer to him and her voice was laced with humor as she whispered to him. [color=f49ac2]Lena: “Relax Alexander, I won’t bite you unless you ask me too.” [/color] Alexander startled a little at her words. He had not flirted with a woman in a long time. He blushed a little as he whispered back to her. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “I am not a fan of objectifying women. I have an adult daughter. I worry what she will think of this ad campaign. I don’t want you to think I have anything against you. You are very beautiful and I believe you know that.”[/color] Lena’s chuckle sent ripples down Alexander’s spine. [color=f49ac2]Lena: “Thank you Alexander. Maybe I just want to be a woman who is appreciated by a very handsome man. You don’t need to protect your daughter Alexander unless you are married. All she will see is that her father has a sex life.”[/color] Alexander looked at Lena startled. He had forgotten that they were being photographed and that there was a whole crowd of people watching them. He couldn’t deny that he had chemistry with the lovely Lena. She was running her hands up his lapels as she tilted her head up to look him in the eyes. [color=f49ac2]Lena: “So Alexander, are you married or dating someone?”[/color] Alexander was feeling a little tongue tied. He was momentarily speechless as he tried to figure out a graceful way to exit this situation. He blushed and shook his head no since he couldn't seem to get his mouth to work. Lena’s smile grew as her eyes grew darker. She moved closer to Alexander and whispered in his ear suggestively. [color=f49ac2]Lena: “Then Alexander, I humbly suggest you make me feel appreciated.”[/color] Her hands slid under his jacket and around his waist running her nails over his abs. Alexander’s focus was on the beautiful woman in front of him when he heard the creative director yelling at him to keep going. Alexander cupped Lena’s face as he stared down at her. He gave her a warm smile. Alexander kept his tone low so no one would hear him but her. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “I should thank you Lena. It has been a long time since I held such a beautiful woman in my arms. Even if it is just for work.”[/color] It seemed like no time at all had passed as he and Lena flirted back and forth suggestively. Then the creative director was hustling them up to the rooftop bar to get those evening shots he wanted. He wanted Alexander leaning against the railing to the rooftop with the neon lights of Tokyo lit up behind him. He placed Lena in front of Alexander. He had Alexander’s left arm with the watch wrapping around Lena from behind with his hand over hers. They did a few more poses as he ordered them into new positions. The creative director was not happy with the shots though. [color=ed1c24]The creative director: “No, it's no good. It’s missing something.”[/color] Alexander didn’t like that wicked smile the man got. He asked Alexander to take off his jacket. The man artfully draped the jacket over a chair to the side like Alexander had just pulled them off. He then told Alexander to untie his tie and unbutton his shirt. Alexander turned to him with an exasperated expression. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Excuse me! I never agreed to be photographed without clothes.”[/color] The creative director was obviously frustrated with Alexander. He sighed and tried to reason with him. [color=ed1c24]“Alexander, are you ashamed of your body? Because I can tell that you stay fit. You do not have a “dad body” as you Americans would say. You have great chemistry with the lovely Lena. I want a picture that captures that. You will leave your shirt on. I just want to show a hint of skin. I want it unbuttoned and loose. I want the tie around your neck with Lena holding onto it pulling you closer. I want to shoot you from an angle. You keep your pants and shirt on. This is acceptable, yes?” [/color] Alexander was uncomfortable with it but he felt he had pushed the creative director as far as he could today. Alexander turned to Lena. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Are you okay with this?”[/color] Lena just purred at him as she gave him a wink. [color=f49ac2]“Yes I am very okay with this.”[/color] Alexander sighed and began to untuck his shirt. To his amusement Lena decided to help him out. She loosened his tie and met his eyes as her hands began to unbutton his shirt. Alexander just rested his hands on her shoulders and let her. Lena tugged his shirt open and ran her hands over his chest and abs with a wink. [color=f49ac2]Lena: “It is nice to know that the contents measure up to the packaging.”[/color] Alexander laughed as they got into position for the shot the director wanted. Alexander was surprised when Lena pulled on the tie and wrapped her hands around his head and planted a kiss on him. He stumbled a little as he lost his balance, pressing them together. He shamelessly kissed her back. The creative director hollered that’s a wrap. Alexander released Lena a little reluctantly. Lena was smiling to see traces of her lipstick on Alexander’s lips. [color=f49ac2]Lena: “It was a pleasure working with you Alexander.”[/color] Alexander laughed as he caught her hand and lifted it to his lips. He brushed a kiss across the back of her hand. Alexander held her hand as he invited her to dinner. [color=00aeef]“I am in Tokyo for a few days. I am starving. Would you like to have dinner with me?” [/color] Lena smiled and nodded. [color=f49ac2]“I thought you would never ask.”[/color] Alexander just laughed. [color=00aeef]“Well let me get changed then and it's a date.”[/color] Lena winked at him as she walked off towards some of the shoot staff. Alexander smiled as he watched her walk away. [i]Maybe today hadn’t been that bad after all.[/i] [hr] [color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Media[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color] The news stories hit the airwaves at: TMZ 6:00pm, Gossip 8:00pm, Fox News 10:00PM. [hr] TMZ: “This is Lilly Stryker with TMZ. This is a story you will only see on TMZ. TMZ has images of the anti gravity racing team of Valkyrie AGR Sport partying on a boat in Tokyo Harbor the day after a disappointing showing in the Tokyo Grand Prix. Is Alexander Knight just helping his pilots blow off steam after a rough race? Is he buying their cooperation by treating them to a party? There appeared to be alcohol at this party. Were there drugs? We may never know. It certainly looked like a good time was had by all. These images are exclusive to TMZ and you will only see them here. What do you think?” [Image of Paul with two women in bikinis hanging one on each side of him. He is dressed in navy blue trousers and a loose billowing cream colored shirt and has what looks like a champagne glass in his hand. He is on the deck of a midsize yacht in Tokyo Harbor.] [Image of Dorian in dark gray slacks and an icy blue shirt. Dorian had a glass of what appeared to be champagne in his hand and he was talking to a handsome black man. Dorian was obviously standing on the deck of the same yacht as Paul. There was another image of the same yacht with Alexander looking out to sea and you could see Paul and Dorian and four women in bikinis behind him with Paul. The images showed other people on the boat but they were not clear enough to give any details of the others.] Lilly Stryker: “Remember you saw it here first folks. This is Lilly Stryker with a TMZ Exclusive.” [hr] Gossip: “This is Hans Keller with a Gossip exclusive! Paul Mulder was out partying on a yacht in Tokyo Harbor with his teammate Dorian Hornfleur and Team Principal Alexander Knight. Does Paul Mulder now have a leading lady in his life? He recently disclosed in an interview that he didn’t have time to date. The woman in the photo has been identified as fashion model Megan Macdonald. The photos certainly suggest that something is going on between the two of them. Be sure to tell Gossip what you think about these latest rumors. This has been Hans Keller with a Gossip Exclusive!” [There is a series of photos side by side of Paul with a lovely redhead on his arm in a dark blue bikini. Another picture from the side shows her hand grabbing Paul’s ass. Another image shows Paul smiling down at the woman. The images were carefully shot to not to show any of the background photoshoot people like the photographer. They captured Dorian and Alexander in the background talking to people. Nothing to indicate that it wasn’t a party. The angles of the images indicate they were probably taken by a drone using a zoom lens.] [hr] Fox News: “This is Jessica Smith from Fox News. We are sharing a story that we picked up from our local affiliate station in Tokyo Japan today. Tokyo Metro Police were called to the iconic Tokyo Harbor Transit Center when a crowd of dedicated fans mobbed the busy transit center during the lunch hour rush hoping to spot Paul Mulder and Dorian Hornfleur as they disembarked from a yacht they had been on. The security for the antigravity racing team Valkyrie AGR Sport had been onsite and were quickly overwhelmed by the large number of fans. The heavy crowd impeded traffic in and out of the transit center during the incident. It took Tokyo Police an hour to restore order. Team Valkyrie security whisked Paul Mulder, Dorian Hornfleur, and Alexander Knight away moments before Tokyo Police arrived on the scene. Fox News has investigated the incident and it appears the news leaked on social media that the pilots were out on a yacht in the harbor. According to our sources, the manager on duty at the transit center is the one who requested police after zealous fans began to impede traffic. There are images of Paul Mulder, Dorian Hornfleur, and Team Principal Alexander Knight on the deck of a yacht in the harbor. [Images popped up full screen replacing Jessica’s talking head. The images were clearly taken from other boats and a few were from drones in the area. The images showed all three men Paul, Dorian, and Alexander with a group of four women in bikinis and a crowd of other people. Paul and Dorian looked like they were holding champagne glasses.] [Still images pulled from social media and obviously shared from private cell phone cameras showed crowds of mostly young women crowding the docks in Tokyo Harbor’s transit center which handled ferries that carried people from one side of the harbor to the other. There were images of Paul, Dorian, and Alexander being rushed down the wharf at the harbor and then a sidewalk with a crowd of people chasing them. Then there was a set of images of them ducking into the private vehicle and driving off.] “There has been no official statement or comments from either the Tokyo Police Department or Team Valkyrie AGR Sport. This has been Jessica Smith with Fox News. Stay Tuned! We will be back right after this commercial.” [hr] [hider= Team Valkyrie Characters] https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zrLx5XUgYiVm6KjTpFTWZtJvXc0MX77enkLzINHujKw/edit?gid=0#gid=0 [/hider]