Hauntingly Beautiful | Vox x Reader x Alastor

Chapter Six

I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms, as I send the soundtrack to Killjoy. "She better like this cause there's no way in hell I'm making a new one." I then snap my fingers and send all of her papers back to her station, hinting that's the only soundtrack she's getting out of me for her segment.

I love my job and don't mind tweaking and redoing soundtracks but people like Katie make me question how much work I really want to put into their requests.

I lean back in my chair, sighing as I think about Katie more. She's one of the more... difficult individuals in Hell. I take a moment to stretch, rolling my neck and shoulders to loosen up.

My thoughts get interrupted as an incoming FaceTime call appears on my computer. I click answer to see Velvette's face fill up my screen. "Velvette, what a pleasant surprise," I say, my tone a touch sarcastic. "What brings you to my virtual doorstep today?"

"Alright you mini version of Vox." She says, rolling her eyes. "I need you up here asap. It's an emergency." I raised an eyebrow at her request.

She just stares at my expression. "I'll explain more when you get here. I'm kind of in a time crunch." I can tell she's stressing out especially with the fact she's pacing. "Alright, alright. I'll be down there in a few minutes."

She lets out relieved breath as she hears my response like she was worried I was going to be stubborn about going to see her. "Alright. See you in a few." She hangs up not giving me a chance to respond.

I sigh as I turn off my computer and stand up to walk out of my office. My mind is already running through possible reasons why Velvette would need me urgently. Knowing her it could be anything from a simple tech issue to a full-blown social media crisis.

I quickly make my way to the elevator and press the button for her floor. I've been going to her floor a lot recently I think as I go to push up my glasses.

Fuck. I forgot to take them off. I let out a small whine as I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Oh well." I mainly only wear my glasses when I'm working in my office. They're a big help for my eyesight with how often I sit staring at screens all day.

The elevator dings as the doors open on Velvette's floor. I step out, my eyes instantly drawn to Velvette pacing back and forth in the hallway, her expression a mixture of frustration and disbelief.

"Took you long enough." She snaps as she sees me emerge from the elevator. "I can turn around if you want to have an attitude." I smile sweetly at her.

She lets out a huff, her expression softening a bit at my response. "Okay, maybe I was overreacting a tiny bit," she admits with a hint of annoyance. "But seriously, it felt like forever until you showed up." She motions for me to follow her as she starts walking back towards her office.

As we walk I notice many photographers and models running around like their heads are cut off. "Why is there so much commotion going on today?" I ask confused.

She grimaces slightly. "That's the thing," she mutters, a hint of irritation in her voice. "We were supposed to have a magazine shoot today, but the model just had to cancel on us at the last minute. I need a replacement, like, immediately, because there's no way we can reschedule at this point."

"Oh. I didn't realize you were doing a magazine shoot for your fashion show." I then tilt my head as my eyes narrow. "You didn't call me up here to be the replacement, did you Vel?"

She stops in front of the door to her office, turning to face me. Her expression is a mix of sheepishness and determination.

"I was kind of hoping you'd be on board with the idea," she admits. "You're gorgeous and have a perfect body that'll look good in any outfit, and I really need someone to fill in as the model for the shoot. Please? I'll make it worth your while."

I sigh, adjusting my glasses again as I feel my phone begin to buzz with many incoming text messages. I take a quick look to see Killjoy raging over the fact I gave her all the papers back before she approved of the soundtrack.

My eyes narrow as I turn on do not disturb. "You know what. Sure why not." I say as I shrug. A wide grin spreads across her face as she hears my agreement. She bounces on the balls of her feet, excitement and relief flooding her expression.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She practically squeals, grabbing both of my hands in hers and giving them a thankful squeeze. "You have no idea how much of a lifesaver you are right now."

"You'll be on the cover of the magazine so we'll be taking a lot of different shots in multiple outfits so it's easier to choose the perfect picture." She says after composing herself.

I hum in acknowledgment. "Alright, that's fine with me." She pulls me through the door into her office, where a team of photographers and stylists are already hurriedly preparing for the abrupt change in plans.

"Great," Velvette says, leading me over to a chair situated in front of a mirror. "Just have a seat and let them work their magic, okay? You're gonna look stunning by the time we're done."

I nod, taking a seat in the chair in front of the mirror. The hair and makeup stylists descend upon me like a well-orchestrated swarm, each with their tools ready to work on transforming my appearance.

As soon as they finish a whole rack of clothes gets brought in for me to try on. Most of them are stylish bathing suits. I change into the various outfits, my hair and makeup being subtly adjusted and redone to complement each new bikini.

I start to feel more like a living mannequin than a person by the fifth bathing suit. Velvette claps her hands making everyone in the room freeze as she circles around me inspecting the sixth bathing suit.

"This one's perfect. Come on, let's go." She says as she grabs my arm and pulls me into the studio where the photographer is adjusting his camera.

As I'm brought into the studio, I'm hit with the blinding lights of professional photography equipment. I blink a few times before I adjust to the sudden brightness. The photographer motions for me to stand in front of a white screen while Velvette directs me where to pose.

I quickly snap my fingers as music fills the air. It was way too quiet in here for my taste. After I'm satisfied with the song choice I follow Velvette's instructions as the photographer takes many photos.

The cameras flash continuously as I pose according to Velvette's directions. I try to keep a confident smile on my face despite feeling a bit awkward in front of all the cameras.

After each set of photos, Velvette and the photographer review the images, offering me small adjustments or notes on my pose. As they're discussing the photos that were captured so far I sit on the floor and ruffle up my hair a bit. I jolt slightly as I hear the click of the camera.

The photographer looks up, a grin on his face. "That was perfect," he says before he crouches down and continues taking pictures. Velvette looks over at me with a satisfied smirk. "We might just be able to use that picture for the cover." I gawk at them. "I wasn't even posing."

Velvette laughs, the sound of her amusement filling the room. "Exactly. It's natural and effortless. That's what people love." The photographer nods in agreement, his camera continuing to flash. "You've got a natural knack for modelling."

I chuckle sheepishly, feeling a bit flustered at the unexpected praise. "Well, I'm glad I can pull it off despite the lack of experience," I reply, smoothing out my hair back into place.

The rest of the shoot goes by smoothly and before I know it I'm changing back into my regular clothes and Velvette thanks me one more time.

She gives me a tight hug, her excitement evident. "You killed it out there. I knew you'd be perfect for the job." I return the hug, a small smile on my face. "I'm just glad I could help out. But you better not pull this on me again." I say playfully.

She chuckles, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, come on, you know you loved every moment of it," she teased. "Besides, we make a good team, admit it."

I roll my eyes with a playful demeanor still. "I guess we do." I then give her a small wave as I walk to the elevator. "I have to get back to work but I better get a copy of this magazine now."

She waves back, her smile widening. "Of course, of course. I'll send you a copy as soon as it's printed." I step into the elevator, the doors closing behind me. I lean back against the cool metal wall, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips.