"I understand that this is your first time working for a large corporation." Alessandro leaned against his desk with his face propped against his hands. "If there's anything that you need—whether it be some pointers, or if you just have something you want to talk about—please feel free to reach out. My email and company phone number are in that packet I gave you. Do you have any other questions?"

"No, sir."

"All right, then I'll see you in two days for your first shoot. And welcome to Bale's Path to Fashion. I look forward to working with you."

The female model flashed an excited grin. Sandy blonde hair shifted in its high ponytail as she gave an eager nod. Deep brown eyes glistened with what seemed to be admiration. She offered one last handshake before exiting the office. A high pitched squeal followed after her when she walked through the main lobby.

Chuckling, Alessandro stood up. Multiple sections of his spine cracked thanks to a well executed stretching of the muscles. Silky fabric tickled the base of his neck near his Adam's apple. He scratched at the spot, and featherlight digits lingered near his throat. They inched downward to take hold of his tie. 

Albeit minute, it was an action that aided in keeping his mind occupied since there wasn't anything to do.

Quiet steps were taken over to a long window making up the back wall of his office. Glimmering lights from neighboring buildings tinted his skin a faint yellow. A half hidden moon brought in natural rays as well. Alessandro took a second to marvel at the starless sky before bringing his gaze to the streets below.

A sea of headlights illuminated the road in red and white. Multiple vehicles let out piercing honks when drivers became too agitated from sitting in motionless traffic or behind slow stoplights. An occasional shout or swear pushed its way through the symphony of horns. Drivers were hidden behind dark windows, no one daring to allow any frigid air into their cramped chambers of warmth.

Pedestrians walked on either side of the street. People shielded themselves with thick coats, tight hats, and flowing scarves. There was the occasional tough guy who adorned his thinnest garments as a means of appearing superior—as if the biting temperature didn't affect him. 

Mouths moved soundlessly. Cheeks and noses were tinged with red. Faces were covered when strong winds pushed through uncovered crosswalks.

From his position, Alessandro could make out a couple walking across the street. The woman had her hands in her coat pockets, and her face was half huddled beneath her scarf. A small smile peeked from behind the garment.

Her shoulders hopped when her partner's hand touched her back. She didn't seem to mind the sudden request for physical contact. If anything, the woman reveled in such a loving touch from her partner.

Alessandro still tensed at the sight.

His skin crawled in response to phantom fingers grazing against his own skin.

Lax hands pulled into tight fists. He grabbed his tie a bit too harshly, fabric fibers stretching against his grip. Uncomfortable pangs assaulted his stomach.

Within a matter of seconds, the picturesque scene of bustling nightlife became too much. Lights were too bright. Rushing wind and honking were too loud, even with noises being muffled by large windows.

Alessandro found temporary reprieve by closing his eyes. Bright yellow passed through his shut lids. He focused on the light crackling of fake fire that resonated from behind.

The sound was... cozy. Homey. It gave him a false sense of security by placing him in a different environment.

An obstructed view gave his mind the freedom to put him wherever he wanted. So even though he was still in his office, Alessandro found himself back at home.

He was standing near his swimming pool. Automatic lights beneath the water painted his skin an aquatic turquoise. Leaves danced in the wind and grazed his arms. The scent of chlorine was strong as he took a calming breath.

A familiar set of bluish gray eyes appeared in the surrounding darkness.

"Mr. Bale?"

He was brought back to reality at the call of his name.

Hard shoulders drooped. Clenched fists loosened. Stiff posture became more laid back.

It was all a ruse—this faux sense of calm. But a feigned, carefree attitude was deemed believable when he turned away from the window.

"Yes, Steph?"

"I have the schedule for tomorrow. Would you like me to go over it for you?"

"I'd appreciate it."

"Of course." Stephan offered a gentle smile while looking down at a touchscreen tablet. "At 10:00 you're set to meet with the head of the financial department to continue your meeting from earlier today. From 11:00 to 12:30 you have meetings with a few newer models, as well as some returning faces. You're needed at the photo shoot downstairs between 2:30 and 3:30. The rest of the day is open for you to do your regular work."

"Sounds good. Thanks for letting me know. If that's all though, you can head home. I'm going to start getting ready to do the same."

"All right. I'll leave you to it then." Stephan turned toward the set of glass doors. He was only able to take three steps when his tablet let out a high pitched ring. "Oh- I just received an email from a new model interested in working for the company. They're requesting for a meeting tomorrow afternoon. Should I fulfill it? Or should I schedule for later in the week?"

"You can schedule for right after lunch. Just be sure to remind them to bring any portfolio pictures, so I can get a gauge of what we're working with."

"Got it." Stephan began typing. "...Little late in the day to be sending important emails."

"People work odd hours sometimes. It's no big deal."

"I suppose." Brown eyes looked up to meet green ones. "A few of us are going out for drinks on Friday. Would you want to come?"

Alessandro gave a halfhearted shrug. "Can't say for certain. You know I'm usually busy Friday nights. I appreciate the offer though. Maybe next time."

"Maybe." Stephan chuckled. "And... send! The model will be meeting with you tomorrow at 1:30."

"Gotcha."

"...Are you all right, Mr. Bale? You seem a little out of it today."

Alessandro felt himself freeze. His smile almost faltered.

Keyword being almost.

"I'm fine- just haven't been sleeping well. Nothing to worry about."

"You know you can talk to me if you need to."

"I know, Steph. Thank you."

Stephan braced his tablet against his chest. He looked at his boss with an inquisitive stare before relaxing. He continued toward the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Bale. Goodnight."

"Night."

Alessandro walked over to his desk. He opened his briefcase and began placing miscellaneous items into it. His fingers hardly brushed against his desk while doing so.

A single nod was given toward Stephan's wave. Green eyes watched the man's fleeting figure. A loud 'ding' signaled the elevator's arrival down the hall. Metal doors opened. They closed barely a minute after.

As soon as Alessandro realized he was alone, he deflated. His smile fell. And he was finally able to take off his metaphorical mask.

He blinked, and the interior of his office became the interior of his car. Such a drastic change in environment startled him; but it was something that happened every now and again—him blanking out. So it wasn't too unexpected.

A single hand wove through his slicked back hair, the action effectively ruining a kempt appearance. Strands pooled around his eyebrows as he shook his head. A faint tickling sensation exacerbated his clear discomfort. Refuge was sought via quiet, slow tunes.

Aside from the radio, Alessandro's car ride home was silent. Being in a quiet little bubble helped him rein things back in. It helped him get a grip. Raging thoughts gave way to pleasant static. A tight grip on the steering wheel lessened with every passing minute. He could practically feel the day's stress melting off of his shoulders as soon as his house came into view.

A short honk signaled the vehicle properly locking. Sluggish, exhausted steps were taken up the stone pathway leading to the front of the house. Short bushes danced in tandem with strong wind. The plants were more thin branches than they were vibrant leaves. Dead ones blew along the pale stones on the ground.

A short distance away, the pool's automatic lights basked its surrounding area in a beautiful shade of blue. Ripples could be seen reflecting off of glass railings nearby. Alessandro spared a passing glance at them before making his way inside.

Rain greeted him with a raspy meow. She wasted no time in nudging her owner's shins with her head. Her long tail lifted from its base, and the end of it curled and flicked in multiple directions.

It was her way of saying she was happy to see him.

"There's my sweet girl," Alessandro greeted. "Papa just needs to put his stuff away. Then we'll sit down for a little while, yeah?"

The coat and scarf were placed onto the rack. Black Oxfords were abandoned at the front door, one of them being left on its side with its laces undone. Thin shirt buttons were unclasped with lazy fingers. The action revealed a black formfitting A-shirt. A winding dragon tattoo peeked from behind a cotton hem.

When he removed his tie, he was able to pull the dress shirt off completely. Delicate fingers traced over intricate scales that ran down his arm and stopped at his wrist.

Dirty articles of clothing were tossed into the hamper by the bedroom door. Thick dress pants were swapped out for comfortable gray sweats.

Alessandro walked into his master bathroom. He flicked on the light, dry eyes focusing on the sink a couple of feet away. Cool water came running out of the stainless steel faucet. It wasn't given an opportunity to warm before large hands cupped beneath a calm stream. He splashed his face four times. Water droplets slid down his forearms, but they were quickly dried with a soft white towel.

Green eyes stared into their reflection. Red, puffy skin rested beneath the lower lids. A tan face seemed a little paler than normal.

He frowned.

Alessandro turned off the faucet with one hand. The other was used to grab a pack of hydrating under-eye patches. The flimsy yellow eggplant shaped accessories were placed beneath heavy eyelids. Both middle fingers gently tapped against the patches to ensure correct placement. Crinkled packaging was tossed into the wastebasket to his right.

Another meow called after him.

"I know, baby. I'm coming."

Rain was scooped up from her spot by the door. She was hugged against a firm set of pecs. A furry cheek snuggled into the set of muscles.

The feline was cradled with one hand. A second appendage took hold of a pink mesh bag. It was brought over to the spotty coffee table in the living room.

Rain was set into her dark brown cat bed. She kneaded her desired spot and settled into it. Her tail continued swishing around her.

Alessandro kissed the Calico's tiny forehead while allowing a small, genuine smile to slip onto his face.

He brought his attention back to the mesh bag. Expert mannerisms were used to undo a tight knot keeping the sack closed. Once open, a plethora of yarn balls were revealed.

There were a few multicolored ones, but most consisted of single colored balls. Some were thick. Others were thin. Some felt fuzzy. Others felt a bit more scratchy. They were all pleasant against his fingers though.

A wooden rectangular shaped loom was pulled out. Half of a completed blanket was still attached to it. Tight stitching consisted of orange and yellow yarn. Their balls were pulled out and placed onto the sofa. A light blue crocheting needle was grabbed as well.

Alessandro continued the unfinished blanket in silence. Tired eyes stayed glued onto the task at hand. His fingers moved slowly. Calmly. He knew there was no rush.

Having the knowledge that the world finally slowed down helped to further dampen some rather intrusive thoughts.

With it being close to dinner time, earlier's medication seemed to be wearing off. The dull ache in his chest from this morning returned. 

Rain tilted her head when a quiet sigh was forced out.

"Sorry. Papa's- papa's a little tired today," Alessandro muttered. "I'm just a little tired."