Strange Names & Guessing Games | 1x1 | RP

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The kiss, one done out of impulse, as most truly fantastic ones are, had a strange taste to it, something Calcifer fancied to be nearly more delicious than the strawberries to which he is addicted. It lasts surprisingly long before she pushes him away, stumbling back and mantaining a distance away from him as some sort of empty protection. Although he probably should have gotten the message to keep a bit away, Calcifer isn't really the sort to notice little things like that, perhaps on account of his arrogance. He smiles, a bemused sort of smile which is more lovely than his normal smile because it seems a wraith, rarely shown and absolutely genuine in the confused pleasure. Umbra has a strawberry blush, and her lips have become more red from the kiss, as though slightly swollen from the originally unintentional force of it. The look of them, and the memory of their taste, fills him with a sudden desire to steal another kiss; he is not so stupid, however, to think that wise, given her bewildered and slightly frustrated expression. He watches her snow-white hands run through raven hair before she speaks, finally able to form the words which have presumably been on her lips, by the fish-like gaping motions.

Understandably, her first words were ones of scolding, as were the following ones- Calcifer can't help but feel slightly hurt, had she not liked it even the tiniest bit? Most girls do, after all, because he has been known to have some talent in kissing- he can even tie a cherry's stem into a knot, though that probably has no actual meaning. Instantly he starts talking, the bemused smile stretching into a sort of guilty one, which suits him just fine as well, the expression of a child who has been caught with their hand in the metaphorical cookie jar. "I suppose that was a bit sudden, huh? I'm sorry, but you were crying, and you are rather beautiful and I suppose I have very little self-restraint." he explains, not nearly as apologetic as he ought to be. For the moment, the violet-eyed young man does not regret it, and seeing her briefly touch her lips, he is restored with the confidence that, although she will not say, the young woman was affected by it to some extent. It is his turn to run fingers through his golden hair.

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Although he understands her reaction, to some extent, Calcifer is confused as to why she is getting quite so worked up about it- it wasn't as if it was her first, nor would it be her last, you know? Casual kissing isn't that uncommon in this day and age, either, at least not in this area of the world, but then she did say she hadn't been here very long, and didn't intend to say. Perhaps her place of birth was one which held very conservative ideals and standards, and so his stealing of her kiss would be considered something outlandish, at best. Her skin has flushed even more crimson, abandoning the strawberry coloring for that of the most vivid roses one coul imagine- the ones that only exist in one's imagination. The photographer did take this as a compliment, and took a photo of her flustered expression with his camera to preserve the interesting expression she was making. He figures she must be older than she looks or something, for she had said 'in my time' before trailing off and allowing her blush to return with a furious vengeance that compliments her features quite nicely. Ah. Like going from Snow White to Rose Red, Calcifer observes with a childish sort of outlook that links things to stories and fables. Of course, ever since childhood, he has liked to imagine that all of those stories were based upon something real, and then changed ever so slightly as they were passed down through oral, and then written, tellings.

When Umbra brings up the other girl, the model with whom Calcifer had been flirting earlier, he blinks in genuine surprise and innocence- this is his personality, one must realize; he has trouble taking things seriously, and so has no clue that it is considered wrong of him to kiss two different girls in one day, as it isn't as if he promised them anything, no? Her way of speaking has gone strange, making Calcifer curious of her origins once more, though he responds nonetheless. "Who? Angela? Oh, she's just a coworker, not my lover," he explains brightly, as though that clears everything up. However, at the mention of Angela, he remembers that he is probably already late back to the studio now. On a whim, he grabs Umbra's wrist and instructs her to follow him with a devilish grin, before dragging her back to the studio.

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Calcifer spins around and grins proudly at her, wondering if she'll be impressed that he works in such a fashionable, high-paced place as the main studio in the area for commercials, editorials, and any other needed photography. Instead, she looks scared and confused, as well as still indignant towards him for his previously actions. His smile wavers when she calls him cruel, looking slightly crestfallen with violet eyes that could rival a puppy's in their pleading adorableness for her to not be angry at him. "Whadaya mean? What did I say that is cruel? I-" An intern runs up to him, older than he is and yet working under him as an assistant with the sets, and tells him, looking irritated, that the editor is looking for him and he is ten minutes late and who is this random girl he brought with him, again? Calcifer apologizes a few times, compliments the woman, and then waves her off with a promise to be their momentarily. "This is a studio- I am a fashion photographer. This is where I take the pictures; I thought it would be cool for you to see. . .Well, come on. We have to go- Joseph is being impatient again," he speaks in a blur of words, but the twinkle in his eye is restored by the rush of the business. Calcifer has always liked speed, doing things that require bouncing every which way- it is his element, the studio.

He turns around and walks over to the area where the photoshoot is taking place, confident that Umbra will be following him. He meets a fashionably dressed man with messy black hair and a cigarette dangling from his pale lips; Joseph, the designer. "Where the hell have you been, Cal? God. A girl again? Whatever, just get to work," the man orders impatiently, before eyeing Umbra with an artist's critical eye, giving a semi-approving nod and saying, "Well, she's better than the usual. Fresher- hm. That may work for. . .Danica! Get this girl into makeup and dress and put her in Rachel's outfit. I can't deal with that b*tch anymore." With that, the man whirls off to go deal with models and check over the clothing. Calcifer smiles at Umbra, "He's impatient and moody, but has a good eye, eh?"Before the young man can say anymore, an olive-skinned woman wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a wiggle dress reminiscent of the 50s and 40s comes and rushes Umbra away.

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Calcifer beams at the young woman as she is dragged away, promising, "Don't worry! It'll be fun, and they don't bite or anything!" With a bright chuckle, he turns back around and walks over to his station and begins to direct the current model, wearing an outfit that seems more suited for a the backdrop of a fairy tale than a photoshoot. The theme of the line is 'Living a fairy tale', and the designer has dubbed it Tales, the name which is stitched in golden, loopy letters into the tags of any of the pieces that are made to wear. They range from lovely red capelets paired with brown and white vintage sundresses to more gothic and intricate garbs meant for someone who prefers the darker look. This designer is known for creating lines that have great variety, and yet are both wearable and considered to be very beautiful, each a masterpiece for the common person. "Lucy, can you just turn to face the wall? Good, now turn around and give me that beautiful stare. Good girl," he encourages her, snapping a photo. This model is known for her striking eyes and intense expressions, thanks in part to her heterochromia: one eye an icey blue, the other a chocolate brown.

Meanwhile, Danica is finishing up with Umbra, who has been put in a dress meant to create a wearable modernization of Snow White- she will be shooting with a model named Cassandra, who is fitted in a stunning red evening gown, to contrast with the more casually cute snow white dress. Cassandra is the signature model of the line, wearing many of the outfits, and a favorite of Joseph. With her tall, willowy figure, straight, long black hair, and striking green eyes, one can see why. She will mesh nicely with Umbra and, although she comes across as cold due to a naturally smug expression, she is actually extremely shy. The woman can only take editorial photos, because her nervous expression is stunning, but catching her genuine smile is difficult. "Come on then, you look gorgeous," Danica encourages Umbra.

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"Nice job, Lucy. Those eyes are stunning as usual. Head back for your costume change now, kay?" he says with the charming smile, watching her go, as where she leaves to should be where a certain young woman should be emerging any moment. Right on cue, in a short dress of colors that shouldn't look good together but somehow manage to, steps out the raven-haired young woman who perfectly fits the part of snow white, with the coal-black hair and snowy skin. A dash of red lipstick stands out against the frosty skin, giving them the impression of having been recently swollen from powerful kissing- a thought that makes even the infamous ladies man's cheeks turn warm from the pleasant memory of her lips. Running his hands through golden hair, he beams at her, although it comes out slightly lopsided, and bounds over towards Danica and Umbra with actions as awkwardly graceful as a deer. "You look beautiful!" he assures her, noticing the tentative look and the way she shyly tugs at the hem of her somewhat short skirt. However, a voice in his mind muses that she looks better without the makeup and the princess-like curls which adorn her head.

A willowy young woman saunters over, but there are hints in her walk that reveal a secret shyness, such as the way her eyes cast down now and again, and the slight inward bend of her slender shoulders. "Are you Rachel's replacement?" she says in a slightly distant voice that is easily mistaken, and frequently misunderstood, as being aloof. The woman wears a silky red evening gown and no shoes at all, her black hair pulled back on one side, but hanging free on the other as bangs cut directly across her forehead frame emerald eyes. "Umbra, this is Cassandra- the main model for the shoot," Calcifer introduces them, and Cassandra bobs her head in greeting, but says nothing.

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Calcifer's beam, for once, fades completely at her anxiety and clear reluctance to be here, wearing these clothes and, perhaps, even reluctance about being around the violet-eyed boy. Cassandra side-glances at Calcifer quizzically, but without a word turns around and walks away to wait somewhere for everything to be worked out. Danica reads the atmosphere and makes an excuse about helping the sleeping beauty model before darting away nervously, sending concerned glances ofer her shoulder at the pair. Once again the boy runs his fingers through his hair, and gives a small, significantly weaker smile to the dark-haired young woman before him as she tugs at her clothing and covers her chest as though trying desperately to extend the dress, as though it could protect her from some sort of danger. "Oh. I didn't think that- Usually-" before the somewhat apologetic young man can finish his broken thoughts, however, Joseph makes his way over and surveys Umbra quickly before giving a curt nod.

"As I expected- suits you perfectly, dear," he says with a bit of arrogance before glancing impatiently at Calcifer, "Hurry up, then. Cassandra is off waiting in the corner again, and you know how awkward she gets. Lovely dear, but has the social skills of a stump," the man says, words which only he is allowed to say of the girl, whom he is really quite fond of- she is currently the object of his younger brother's affections, actually, but that is another story for another day. "Jo, I think maybe this was a bad idea?" Calcifer suggests with a charming smile, "She doesn't really have experience, after all, and will be completely-" "Nonsense!" Joseph interrupts him, "She'll be fine. Now get on with it. Today is the last day of the shoot, and we only have the studio for another hour." He leaves and soon assistants are over, ushering Umbra to the photo shoot area, where Cassandra is waiting, sitting down on, coincidentally, a fake tree stump.

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Calcifer had turned away and returned to the camera, still looking dubious as he preps for the photoshoot and everyone fusses over getting Umbra ready, as Cassandra is already prepared and waiting silently for the shoot to begin, her eyes cast off into a distance which no one else is capable of seeing, in her own little world once more. The photographer lovingly wipes the lense of his camera clean of any smudges, and angles it carefully before snapping a few test shots of the hustle of passing workers as they prepare models, move props, and hunt down coffee for the higher ups, etc. By the time he has glanced back around, Umbra has been fully ready, and is positioned near Cassandra in a way that is somewhat awkward, making her seem the nervous younger sister of a dreamy beauty. There is a sort of beauty in that, as well, but he knows that the director isn't looking for awkward in his photos- that doesn't exactly sell clothing, you see.

"Umbra! Look at me!" he calls out, falling back into the duties of a photographer and thinking of the best expressions he can weedle out of the models before him. An idea hits him, and he smiles, before shouting at her, "Try and look a bit more like you've just been kissed!" with a saucy wink. The intent is for her to blush and gently touch her lips, while Cassandra looks over with a beautifully piercing expression, as if defensive of her innocent younger sister, though that is simply her default facial features. Ideas bubble in his mind- them both looking frightened, laughing -if he can manage to make both of them laugh- careful smiles and far-off stares of a different place. It is his job to pull these emotions out of the models.

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Calcifer beams triumphantly and snaps the photo at the perfect time, that ephemeral moment at which Umbra's fingertips brush past her lips and her skin is glowing with a blush. He doesn't even notice the anger before that certain scene, only looking for those perfect photos and nothing else- this set will be the primary of the shoot, after all, Rose Red and Snow White. The shots have to be beautiful, stylish, cute, and works of art all rolled into one, and that isn't an easy feat with a very reluctant model in front of the camera. "Hey, Cassandra! Know any good jokes?" he asks cheerily with a twinkle in his eyes, although they only peek above the camera slightly, so that he can catch even the shortest expressions. The beauty pauses for a moment before, in a rather deadpan voice with a completely serious expression responds: "Why did the Chicken cross the Mobius strip?" Confused as to what she is talking about, the young man blinks and responds, "Why?" "To get to the same side," she finishes with the punchline, a joke told to her by Joseph's younger foster-brother, who is a science major with a gift for makeup and bad jokes. He stares at her for a moment and then, not because he understood the joke but because it is so strange and her expression so solemn, bursts into laughter. Cassandra blinks in surprise and gives him a slightly bemused smile, as if glad she has made someone laugh, but confused as to how she did it.

"Do you have any, Umbra?" he asks after taking a photo of Cassandra's expression, his aim to make them both simultaneously genuinely laugh.

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Calcifer glanced over at the others, a few of which spare glances curiously towards the shoot to see how it is going, but most continue on their way, business as usual. He waits expectantly for Umbra, who seems so very clever, to come up with some sort of joke as well, maybe as strange as Cassandra's, or much more understandable. The former is more likely, however, given her odd way of speaking and old-fashioned personality. Cassandra, too, glances towards Umbra momentarily, but soon is sucked once more into an imaginary world, having been the type of child who had imaginary friends much too far into childhood and had been considered somewhat eccentric for that reason. When Umbra only stares at him uneasily, confusion and disappointment in her eyes, Calcifer understands that she can't come up with one, although not why, and quickly moves on. "Knock knock," he begins with the classic but often times very irritating joke set up, and a passerby chimes in with the customary response of 'who's there?' "Boo!" he answers back, and the punchline is already very clear to those who have heard the delightfully cheesy and reminiscent joke before.

"Boo Who?" Cassandra responds dreamily, her distant eyes focusing momentarily on Calcifer before he locks his eyes onto Umbra and, with a very wide grin, cries out, "Aw, don't cry! Get it?" his question comes immediately after the punchline, like a child making sure eagerly that a parent is amused about something rather trivial that they have recited for them.

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Calcifer glanced over at the others, a few of which spare glances curiously towards the shoot to see how it is going, but most continue on their way, business as usual. He waits expectantly for Umbra, who seems so very clever, to come up with some sort of joke as well, maybe as strange as Cassandra's, or much more understandable. The former is more likely, however, given her odd way of speaking and old-fashioned personality. Cassandra, too, glances towards Umbra momentarily, but soon is sucked once more into an imaginary world, having been the type of child who had imaginary friends much too far into childhood and had been considered somewhat eccentric for that reason. When Umbra only stares at him uneasily, confusion and disappointment in her eyes, Calcifer understands that she can't come up with one, although not why, and quickly moves on. "Knock knock," he begins with the classic but often times very irritating joke set up, and a passerby chimes in with the customary response of 'who's there?' "Boo!" he answers back, and the punchline is already very clear to those who have heard the delightfully cheesy and reminiscent joke before.

"Boo Who?" Cassandra responds dreamily, her distant eyes focusing momentarily on Calcifer before he locks his eyes onto Umbra and, with a very wide grin, cries out, "Aw, don't cry! Get it?" his question comes immediately after the punchline, like a child making sure eagerly that a parent is amused about something rather trivial that they have recited for them.

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Calcifer doesn't allow his smile to fade, not wanting Umbra to feel uncomfortable, or as though he is pitying her, a feeling he knows is much worse than being completely ignored, from experience. She has a thoughtful look on her face, so he takes a picture of that expression, one that has some old sort of sorrow which he can only catch a glimpse of through the lense, which enhances his abilities of perception. Cassandra, in this picture, has a dazed smile on her face, once more lost in some happy little world of her own creation, and this gives the photo a look of both escape and melancholy. An interesting piece indeed, yet incredibly fascinating, at least to the young man taking the photo itself. "Can you both stand up now, please?" he requests cheerfully, fiddling absentmindedly with a button on his vest that is becoming rather loose with age, it being his favorite vest to date. Cassandra obeys and runs her fingers through her hair whilst Umbra is still standing, another moment which Calcifer captures. Some of the best photos the young man takes are candid, because they capture so much more story and emotion than any posed one could. That is why he is so coveted in this field of work- his reaction time allows him to capture moments no one else can manage to notice in their fleeting beauty. Such moments are the violet-eyed photographer's joy.

"Now, I want you two to simply talk with each other, walk around, whatever you like. I'll find the moments, you both just continue to look dazzling," he instructs with a grin and a slightly flirtatious wink at the end, before raising the camera up to his eye again, waiting like a hunter searching for prey, only his game is moments, not any tangible thing.

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As they walk, even though it lacks in the amount of conversation he had asked for, Calcifer takes the occasionally photo, zooming in and out in various ways to best suit the expressions and positions. Meanwhile, Cassandra looks down at Umbra when she addresses her, her expression somewhat surprised and puzzled at the mysterious girl's compliment. She has been called beautiful many times before, but when it comes from the lips of another young woman, it is rarely with sincerity or lacking in any form of envy. The blue-eyed girl's genuine nature, therefore, is rather refreshing to the beautiful model, who smiles very vaguely, the most common of her smiles, down at her. For a moment that is her own reaction, as they walk serenely around the shooting area, ignoring the sound of Calcifer snapping photos, before Cassandra speaks once more to her. "Thank you. But you know, up until a while ago, such words would have frustrated me," she admits softly, somehow deciding that she can speak of such things with Umbra, who is so solemn and honest.

"You, yourself, are rather lovely, though. However, there is some depth in your eyes, it reminds me of someone I know- older than you look, and wiser than you should be. Where are you from?" Cassandra asks calmly, her expression curious but not in such a manner that would be frightening. The model sweeps a bit of her hair away from her face with a surprisingly graceful movement, her expression rather stoic despite the curiosity in them. Meanwhile, Calcifer is watching Umbra intently, hidden by the camera, and must remind himself to zoom back and include Cassandra, in her elegant red evening dress, in the photos, in order to maintain the plan of her being the center piece of these pictures, for the simplicity of that dress is one of the main pieces of the line. Somehow, the two seem very suiting for the roles of Snow White and Rose Red, in appearance at the very least, but it is Umbra who holds something that seems singularly fitting for the character. Calcifer glances back at one of the assistants, who is twirling her finger around to let him know that he only has twenty more minutes before they take the final pictures for the Rumplestiltskin shoot, which had been pushed back to last because the model had an appointment to attend to for it. When that shoot is over, the project itself, at least for Calcifer, will be done, because then it will go to PR and such.