Paris fashion week (flashback & private)

Cleopatra sat down with next to her father, holding two programs. "Here you go, Papá," she said, handing him one.

Elegantly crossing her legs like she had seen so many other women do, the twelve years old folded her hands over one knee and relaxed against the back of her seat. Excitement gleamed in her eyes, her mouth half-open in a smile: she loved fashion shows. They simply were her element.
Dressed in a fashionable orange dress and shiny sandals, her nails freshly manicured, her entire attitude said little miss tween diva queen. She didn't even have the faintest hue of make-up on, which had annoyed her to no end -- her father said she wasn't allowed to put on make-up at events until she was thirteen and a half. "Early make-up is not stylish," he told her. "You want to look like a princess, not a reality TV candidate."

But now, it didn't matter anymore. She was confident. She knew how pretty she looked with her glossy curls falling over her shoulder and her soft little lips. People always told her that her large green eyes looked stunning with her dark skin, and she knew it was true.
Some boys her age were glancing at her, but she pretended not to see, looking straight ahead or directing her gaze at her father. "When is Yves Saint Laurent on?" she asked him sweetly.

Backstage for fashion shows was always the worst place to be, especially one that was this important let alone that it was Yves Saint Laurent. As the event went under way Cyrus ran a hand through his black and white hair breathing a sigh and fixing his outfit. There was no doubt that the teen was thankful for winning the chance to participate in the show but even still, he really didn't like the outfit. For the most part it was rather comfortable and fit him like a glove the shoes weren't really all too comfortable though but that was probably because they were brand new. The beanie was also an annoyance but still, he knew he was going to grow fond of it the more he wore it, like with most anything else from the fashion show. As the music began and the show was underway the thirteen year old peaked from a small space and watched as everyone walked and then returned for a refitting or adjusting where it needed to be.

With the end of the show arriving Cyrus took his place as the last one to walk before the designer would. With it being his turn he moved as gracefully and practiced as if he had been doing this for ages. As he got to the end he turned around and walked back before joining the designer and walking with them to take a bow as the contest winner. That's when he saw her. He didn't know why or for what reason but he was drawn to the feel that radiated from her, one that reminded him of himself. She knew she was attractive and clearly had money, both things Cyrus could relate to for his entire life. Turning to return to the back with the designer and one of the other models the teen left and began to mingle with the guests for the after party and hoped, ever so slightly, that the girl would find him.

Cleopatra had been mesmerized by the show, especially by the last bit with the kids. They were all between twelve and fourteen and she heard women behind her cooing over how cute they looked. She herself had found some of them very handsome, especially since they were around her age. The blonde one in the blue suit had looked particularly good. As had the one with the black and white hair.

After having applauded with the rest of the crowd, Cleopatra went to the buffet with her father. Being a famous mode designer himself, he knew everyone here, and introduced her to a string of people from all over the fashion landscape. He got flirted at as well, which made Cleopatra roll her eyes -- she was very picky about her father's girlfriends. He was a tall, handsome man with very dark skin and a chiseled figure, perfectly draped in a stylish white tux. His deep sensual voice made a lot of people perk up and pay attention to what he was saying.

"Absolutely loved it, yes," he was saying to one of the designers who had presented a collection at the show. "The colours were beautiful picked. Oh, there he is! Cyrus Rhyme, our next David Gandy. How are you, young man?"

Cleopatra looked over her shoulder. It was him, the boy with the black and white hair. By Aphrodite, he looks even better close up. Tossing her curls over her shoulder, she turned away.

With the entire modeling floor now a swarm of designers and those lucky enough to have been able to watch Cyrus soon found himself swarmed with offers  to model with them. As he was in the middle of having the Dolche and Gabana as well as the Calvin Klein modeling agent try to out do one another to impress the teen he snuck away and found himself at an empty table. It didn’t last long before Rafael Belmonte himself walked over with a few of him colleagues and said that Cyrus was the new David Gandy, something that the young model took to heart and adored.

I’m actually doing very well, thank you sir. He smiled with his perfect teeth before running a hand through his black and white hair. That’s when he noticed the girl from before was standing just off to the side of Mr.Belmonte. Of course! She was his daughter Esmeralda, the one that was always appearing in articles with him whenever he went to shows and even hosted his own. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well Ms.Belmonte. The teen said formally, to which some of the other people around took note of and commented that he was a very well mannered boy.

Cleopatra turned around, and gave a small nod. "I've seen a few of your photoshoots, Cyrus," she replied in a friendly tone. "I'm glad to make your acquaintance."

People cooed and smiled at the pair and her father resumed his conversation with one of the production managers. Everyone was congratulating the designers, and a bunch of company representatives were talking business to the models. Cyrus wasn't the only one. The 18-25 models were the most prized ones, surrounded by a swarm of agents.  

Being with her father, a lot of important and wealthy people talked to her politely, she herself even got some modeling offers even if she hadn't participated in today's fashion show. She was very much enjoying the attention but eventually got thirsty and went to the buffet, where she ordered a grenadine from the pitcher - her father had said she was only allowed champagne when she was fourteen. Two years to go!

Heading out with her glass, she fluttered among the other tween models, dropping a few compliments here and there with her head held high, an indulgent smile on her lips. Then, she saw him again. Cyrus. Cleopatra had made a list already of all the tween models she found hot, and Cyrus was definitely number one. Even Victor, from Gucci, looked alright next to him. Yes, I want him, she decided. Turning away from the group, she took her time walking over to where he was standing. "I need some fresh air from them," she declared so that only he could hear her.

Smiling as a few of the other agents were trying to get him to sign for one the young teen was slightly upset when Esmeralda walked away. Talking amongst the designers he modeled for and even talking with a few of the other models, regardless of age, he was pleased to catch slight glimpses of the girl out of the corner of his eyes. As she walked over to hims though, from a group of other models no less, she said in almost a whisper that she wanted some air.

Offering a hand to her, Would you be so kind as to join me then? He chuckled. There were times to be formal and times to joke as formally as possible, this was one of the times for the later of the two.

Cleopatra smiled. "I don't think you're the person to hang out with for fresh air. You're always surrounded by agents." Taking a sip of her grenadine, she looked away as if to find a good spot to rest at.

Giving a shrug to his shoulders and fixing his beanie the teen made his way to the roof.Sometimes I wish they would all just leave me alone so I can at least pretend to be normal. He admitted as he pushed open the door and walked out to the rooftop of the building. It was later in the evening and the sun was going to start setting soon, as if the stars aligned and the situation was meant to happen this way. Well would you look at that. The view was stunning. The Eiffel Tower could be seen clearly and the sun would be setting behind it, if he had a professional camera Cyrus would totally begin taking photos.

The twelve years old smirked to herself. Good boy. Together, they snuck away from the crowd and climbed the stairs up to the third floor, where a beautiful flowery balcony overlooked the city. The streets twinkled gently as the sky glowed with sunset colours. This wasn't something her current boyfriend and her had ever done. Speaking of, he hadn't stopped texting her and she had had to switch her phone off during all the show, only turning it back on earlier to exchange numbers with the tween models.

"How beautiful," she sighed, leaning forward to put her elbows on the balcony.

Cyrus nodded. Paris has always been a beautiful city. From the language to the culture, it's beauty is as endless as the sea. The young model said getting a little philosophical in his words as he too leaned against the rail with his arms crossed on the stone. The city of love always lived up to it's name. A small bit of excitement could be heard from below and the teen simply rolled his eyes and continued to look out into the city as the sin began setting behind the tour.

Cleopatra picked two marigolds from the balcony and placed it over her ear, arranging her curls on her shoulder. "I prefer Milan," she said, "it's less rainy. Oh, darnit." Her phone was ringing again and she slipped it out of her bag.

Cyrus chuckled a little when her phone rang and he seemed annoyed with it.Bothersome people calling? He asked both in a joking tone and curious one.

She checked the screen. "Just my boyfriend. Well, when I say boyfriend." She made eye contact with him and chuckled, switching her phone off without answering. Leaning her back against the railing, she put her glass to her lips and took a delicate sip of her grenadine.

Cyrus chuckled, he knew all too well what she was talking about. At least he thought he did. Most of the time models used the term loosely and more referred it to someone they regularly hooked up with or showed off when at an event. cTruth be told the teen had never really dated or "dated" anyone, mostly because of how busy he was and all the people he met were from other countries and he lived in California.

I hope you don't mind my asking but do you know if your father is looking for models? After today I don't really have a job with anyone and would like to apply if he is looking. In all honesty Cyrus just wanted to see Esmeralda more often and working for her father held both that and a chance to work for an amazing designer.

Cleopatra cocked one of her slanted eyebrows. "What, you who've been practically drowning in agents since you stepped off the runway, you don't have a job after this?" She could sense that he liked her for some reason (duh, why wouldn't he, everyone thinks I'm pretty), so she enjoyed teasing him a little.

OOC: I said "for some reason": the reason is that she's a daughter of Aphrodite and it's one of her abilities, but she hasn't been claimed yet so she doesn't know

He gave one of those slight chuckles before looking out over the city. I would rather work for someone who will be as kind as your father than someone who just wants me for a face. He admitted, still keeping hidden the other factor for his asking.

The tween gave a casual little shrug, then nodded. "I'll talk about it with him." Turning around, she finished her drink and put the empty glass on the balcony, the orange wedge gleaming a little. "You'll have to stay in Barcelona for a bit though."

I've always wanted to go to Barcelona. What better reason than for a job. He smiled, looking over in her general direction and running a hand through his black and white hair.

"Oh there they are!"

Cleopatra turned around, a pair of photographers had made their way to their balcony, holding cameras and leaflets from the fashion show. "Can we get a shot of you together?"

"Of course." Smiling graciously, she stepped close to Cyrus and put her hand on his chest, like so many grown-up models did, tjhough looking straight at the camera.

Cyrus turned around and nodded. As Esmeralda placed her hand on his chest he wrapped one arm around her waist and placed the other hand in his jean pocket. He looked a little out of place with her nice outfit and his from the show but it was going to happen no matter the senareo. As the photographers snapped photos and he smiled he got a devious idea. Seeing as he was prone to taking risks and loved a little danger the teen climbed up onto the stone balcony and stood there with hands in either pocket looking off into the setting sun, sort of like a hipster or super hero would. The people went gaga for it and took hundreds of photos, some of them asking Esmeralda to post on the ledge as well or in front of him on the ground.

After fifteen minutes of this impro photoshoot, the cameramen thanked them and left the balcony. Cleopatra chuckled, obviously very satisfied, and turned to smile at Cyrus. "Well, guess who's gonna be in the newspapers tomorrow." Of course the press would talk about the older models more than the tween ones, but there was always a column for the kids somewhere, and she was sure they'd make it there. She loved seeing pictures of herself in the glossy pages of a fashion brochure.

Cyrus shrugged. It only really matters when you get a full column in the paper. THATS when you know you're going places. He smiled sitting on the ledge with his legs hanging off the edge of the building and kicking them to a random tempo.