Chapter 59 - Modeling

Heading his way toward their meeting place, Caelum glanced at the window having worn a white button up shirt having its sleeves rolled up above his elbow and black pants that was essentially his school uniform without the neck tie. He decided to change his haircut and tied it like Eren from Attack on titan. It was simple enough yet there people were in daze as he waited at the spot where Penelope wanted them to meet. 

"Hello there good looking~"

As he was lost in thought came Penelope having worn an outfit that showed more skin considering the day was rather unpleasant to wear thick clothes with her hairstyle curled at one side and denim shorts. Caelum could say that her beauty is only matched by her mother. 

"I could say the same thing. I like the hair."

"Fufufu thank you, I can we both decided to change style. Your hair fits you for some reason." 

"That aside, care to share about where we are heading? You've never gone to detail about what we are going to do."

"I'll tell you on the way."

Caelum nodded as they headed toward their destination while Penelope began to explain everything regarding the photoshoot. He was curious how things will go down once they begin.

"You see, my friend, Philippe, who I met last year and the one that had been helping me do the photoshoot had told me that it would be great to find a male model where I can practice being with, especially getting intimate." 

"I'm glad that you've chosen me. I can't imagine some lecherous guy trying to get their hands on you."

Caelum frowned from the thought that his cousins were becoming a model that could always lead to scandals and other disturbing things behind the scenes. Penelope saw his expression and couldn't help but feel her heart pounding delighted hearing his words. 

"Still hope you tell me if you are uncomfortable once we start. Like if I'm doing something wrong tell me and I'll quickly stop."

"That's so sweet, I'll keep that in mind. Hey I was pondering about it and thought of starting to play Eternum with you guys."

"Oh, glad to hear that! We can show you the ropes on how to play it but overall it's just acting like real life. You won't notice the difference and don't worry it's impossible to die anyway."

It was impossible to die when killed by mob or players, however it was possible to die if killed by the in-game authority. This was what Caelum had gathered after investigating the death of Benjamin, Axel's personal bitch and the young master. 

"Not this week but maybe next week. My college task has been stressful, and my modelling career is the cherry on top."

"Don't beat yourself too hard, try to take a breather at times. I've always told myself "It's a bad day but not a bad life." Never judge the present as the cover in which your life is written."

[ A/N : I wrote this out of spite and damn i was affected too ]

"Wow, never see you as someone into philosophy. But I guess you're right."

Penelope looked in daze at Caelum pondering the taboo that had been plaguing her mind. She was in a similar situation as her mother yet she was much weaker than nancy. 

'He seems to be the perfect boyfriend…if he wasn't my cousin then I would have already taken him.'

She thought slightly disappointed that the person that made her heart flutter was her cousins. Penelope put it aside and took a few minutes to arrive at their destination. 

"This is the place. He only manages to book a half hour time slot since this studio is always fully booked. Philippe had to pull some strings for us to get this."

"Then we shouldn't waste his hard work then."

Caelum remarked then the door opened what came out was middle age man that was clearly a gay man with how he dressed. He wasn't being judgemental but it was clear he was. This person was Penelope's friend Philippe who started to chat with her.

"Oh goodness! I didn't expect him to be this good looking!! His body seems perfect, can you take that shirt of yours for me?"

"Uh…"

"I'm just kidding. Though, he has the looks to be quite a lady killer. You two seem a perfect pair. Anyway, chop chop! I'll let you two have your moment!"

"Thank you Philippe."

He finds the guy to be quite friendly before entering the studio where a chair with circular design and expensive lighting could be seen. The camera was already set up and ready to be used.

"How do you feel?"

"A bit anxious, but I can do this. How about you?"

"Not much, I don't see anything wrong since we're just going to take photos right?"

"Right, just try not to break anything."

"Hehehe sure. Anyway let's get started! Maybe we should adjust the lighting a bit."

"While I work on that, would you mind grabbing me something from the refreshment table?"

"On it! What should I get?"

"Surprise. The table should be near the entrance. Feel free to take whatever you want."

"Okay, I'll be back."

Caelum went over to the table with donuts and a coffee machine on it. He didn't partially enjoy eating donuts since it just tasted too sweet for him. His preference would be something more bitter which is why he only grabbed two coffees, one for himself and the other for Penelope considering she might be on a diet. He added 3 teaspoons of sugar as it was her ideal coffee.  

"Mr. Valentino! I apologize but you cannot go inside as it is not your scheduled time. The studio is currently occupied.

"What!?" 

"You have come early, Sir, you have the place booked for 12 to 6."

"This is ridiculous! But, whatever, I'll just wait. If you need me, I'll be in the booth getting measurements for my model…"

Caelum heard people at the door and saw some arrogant guys trying to abuse his privilege. He found Philippe giving a deep sigh while the guy left with his model. 

"If I remember correctly, he's that famous photographer right?"

"He is, but he's an asshole more than anything. Though, if he likes you then he'll be able to make you famous really quick."

"The price seems not worth it. Well, I'm going back inside."

"Make sure to get some good shots, pretty boy~. My sweetie deserves the best!"

"Can't say I could make her look bad.*

Caelum chuckled and went back inside where he handed the coffee to Penelope who happily smiled from the sight of the coffee.

"This is just what I need, how much sugar did you put in it?"

"Just three spoons. I recall you mentioning preferring that way." 

"Someone's a good listener…thanks for remembering." 

"You're welcome. Alright, how did we do this? What kind of pose are we doing?"

"Ah right, hope you don't mind getting shirtless?"

Caelum turns to his side taken aback when Penelope removes her time showing quite a high quality bra. She mentioned having a sponsor from the lingerie company and needed to showcase them through her photoshoot. 

"Not really, it's not like this will be the first time you'll see me half naked right?"

"R-Right…."

She stuttered recalling the numerous times he had seen him either in a towel or half naked showing her drench his body. He removes his shirt stretching a bit of his muscle to better showcase his body. Penelope took the moment to appreciate his body, never having seen such a perfect physique before even the male magazine that she had couldn't compare to his. 

Caelum noticed her glance turn to see Penelope tried to play it off and started to adjust the camera. Penelope was the first one to take photos of herself giving a few poses until Caelum suggested for her to remove her shorts wearing only a stocking and panty. 

"Now it's your turn before we take photos together."

He nodded taking a seat where Penelope posed, giving her a sight to see feeling the arousal building up especially how he intently stared at the camera. She swallowed when he took back his shorts where it was open to show his abs and chest. It was extremely proactive that Penelope couldn't help but imagine in his arms. 

After a while, Penelope showed him the photo and had to admit it was quite an interesting experience. 

"Your photos are going to be quite a hit once you share them."

"Actually, I won't be sharing them. I'll just save them for myself. I don't want to be seen as some sort of slut."

"That's actually a good idea, I don't want some bastard to start calling you slut anytime soon. If someone said that then you bet your ass they'll have the beating of their life."

"Fufufu what are you? My knight in shining armor?"

"I like the sound of that. Though, that aside it would be a waste to throw or just store it and eventually start collecting dust."

"Well, it's not a complete mess, maybe in 20 years I can show it to my children and prove how beautiful their mom is."  

"Seeing Nancy, I doubt you'd change much in that time. And whoever the guy you end up with might be the luckiest man."

"OK, EVERYONE OUT! Nico Valentino needs his studio. Stop whatever you're doing and clear out! You're on my time now."

Caelum glance saw the annoying peak came bursting in rather impatience when it was not his time yet. His eyes glint in golden shin when he notices the two of them.

"Huh? There's two people here?"

"O-Oh my god, Mr.Valentino!"

"Well, well, well, who do we have here…what is your name, Pretty Thing?"

He wanted to pummel the guy but there was no reason for it yet and remained calm letting Penelope have her moment since she seemed happy to see him. It was clear that she wanted to get his favor to become a famous model. 

Though these meager jobs would be meaningless in the future, Caleum didn't want them to feel obligated to let go of their career for his sake. He can always wait for a few years until they retire. His ageless immortal anyway. 

"P-Penolope, I'm a huge fan. I loved what you showed off at the Barcelona Fashion show last year! The blouse I brought with me is actually from your fashion collection!"

"Are you a model, honey?"

"I'm trying, yes!"

"Not bad, not bad….I see a lot of potential in you. You do have a really nice body, Darling. Who's your surgeon?"

"Thank you! I…W-Wait, what? What surgeon? I'm all natural."

"What? No way those are real."

"Um, they definitely are."

"Oh boy, that's even better. Alright, let me see them. Take that thing off and spin a couple of times for me."

"What do you mean? Take what off?"

"Your bra. Come on, we're not 15 anymore."

"I'm not going to get naked for you…"

"Look, I need to inspect the merchandise before I decide to work with it. Hurry up now, I don't have all day." 

Caelum removes his shirt placing it over Penelope who is feeling anxious under the bastard gaze. He glared at the guy who flinched when the pressure weigh down on him.

"Hey she alright tried to refuse you yet you kept trying to persuade her?"

"Who are you? Her manager?"

"No, I'm her cousins and could you kindly fuck off?"

"Who do you think I am? I'm Nico Valentino capable of making that slut-Gaaah!"

In an instant, his face was struck by Caelum surprising Penelope recalling his words from earlier and couldn't help but skip a bit.