Hauntingly Beautiful | Vox x Reader x Alastor

Chapter Sixteen

The dress fits like a glove, accentuating all the right curves and leaving just the right amount to the imagination. Velvette's eyes sparkle as I step out from behind the curtain in the changing room. "Stunning like always." She beams.

I feel a small surge of confidence as Velvette compliments me, knowing that I look good. "Thanks, Vel," I reply with a grateful smile. She then pulls me back out to the main part of her studio.

Velvette fills me in on the details of the fashion show, from when I'll be walking in to any last-minute instructions she has for me. I listen attentively, soaking in all the information she's giving me.

After confirming that I'm ready to join the run through she claps her hands getting everyone's attention. The bustling activity of models, designers, and various staff members comes to a temporary pause as they turn their focus towards Velvette.

"Alright everyone. Places. We're taking this from the top. No mistakes, got it?" She barks out. She then looks back at me. "I'll try to think of some accessories for you to wear as you practice."

As Velvette begins to direct the rehearsal, I take a moment to observe the organized chaos around me. Models are getting into position, adjusting their outfits and makeup, while designers and crew members hustle to ensure everything runs smoothly.

"Sabrina, get your ass over here." One of the models immediately tenses up before making her way over to Velvette and I. "Help Valerie today. Make sure she gets to all the places she needs to be for the run through."

She nods quickly, her composure regaining as she approaches Velvette and me. "Yes, Velvette. Whatever you need." She then glances at me with a polite smile, sizing me up for a moment.

I return Sabrina's smile with a warm one of my own, noticing the curious glances she's giving me. "Hello, Sabrina. Nice to meet you." Velvette waves both of us off. "Alright you two get in your positions."

Nodding, I follow Sabrina towards the backstage area where the other models are preparing for their entrance.

Sabrina glances at me as we walk, curiosity etched across her features. "So, first time in a fashion show?"

"Down here yeah. I've been in a lot when I was alive though." Sabrina tilts her head slightly, intrigued by my casual mention of being alive. "Oh, really? You were a model when you were alive?"

"Sort of. I started off with beauty pageants then moved to modeling when I became a teenager." I grimace slightly from the memories. After I switched to modeling I got sexualized so much more.

Sabrina nods understandingly, noticing the slight grimace that passes over my face at the mention of my past experiences. "Ah, I see. Beauty pageants and then into modeling. That must have been an interesting transition."

I give a small chuckle, appreciating Sabrina's understanding. "Yeah, interesting is one way to put it. It had its ups and downs, that's for sure."

She nods in agreement, a sympathetic expression crossing her face. "I can imagine. The modeling industry can be tough, especially for those who start young." She then points to a spot behind another girl. "That's your spot and I'm right behind you."

I follow Sabrina's gesture, nodding as she points out my designated spot behind another girl. "Ah, got it." I take a moment to observe the other models preparing nearby, subtly sizing up the competition.

As the music starts to play, the energy backstage intensifies. The models exchange final glances and hushed words of encouragement before the first model steps out onto the runway.

─── ☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ ───

"Holy shit Valerie you did amazing." Velvette says happily. "Have you modeled before?" I sigh as she asks me that question. I don't like talking about my past, especially not when it brings up memories I'd rather forget.

A slight flicker of discomfort passes through my expression, but I try to keep it subtle as I reply, "Yeah, I used to be a model." Velvette notices the fleeting expression on my face as I answer her question, and a hint of curiosity lingers in her gaze.

She seems to pick up on the subtle discomfort. "Ah, I see. So you've had experience in the modeling world," she remarks, studying my response. I start to make my way to the changing room.

"Mhm. I was a model when I was alive. Did it all the way up until I died." As we walk towards the changing room, Velvette falls into step beside me, intrigued by my previous career in modeling.

"That's impressive," she comments thoughtfully. "You must have been quite the model alive; it definitely shows in your poise and stage presence." A small smile forms on my face. "Thanks."

She returns my smile with one of her own. "I would have sworn you'd have a job in the music industry since that's what you leaned toward down here."

My smile widens as I think about music. "I did that in my free time. I actually helped produce a few songs for some local singers." My smile drops slightly. "I had to stop when my modeling career got more demanding though."

Intrigued, Velvette raises an eyebrow at my mention of producing songs. "Wow, that's amazing!" She notices my slight mood shift when I mention having to stop due to my modeling career. "It's a shame you had to put your music production on hold. Must have been a difficult decision."

I walk behind the curtain as I begin to change back into my regular clothes. I take a deep breath as I close my eyes before responding. "Yeah it was sad but I didn't have much of a choice."

"I can understand that," she says softly, sensing that there's more to the story. "Sometimes life pushes us in certain directions, and we have to make difficult choices."

"At least I can continue making music down here though." I say happily. After I finish getting dressed I exit from behind the curtain. "Speaking of, I should probably head to my office so I can start reworking your soundtrack."

"Of course. I won't hold you up any longer. Thanks for your help Valerie." Velvette says as she follows me out of her studio. As we get to the elevator I press the up button and wait for it to arrive. "Anything for you Vel."

Velvette gives a small, appreciative smile as I press the elevator button. "I appreciate that." She leans against the wall beside me, her gaze drifting up to the elevator indicator light. After a moment the elevator dings and opens up. "See you later." I say as I give her a small wave.

Velvette waves back at me as I step into the elevator. "See ya. Don't work too hard in your office." She chuckles lightly, a touch of affectionate teasing in her tone. I laugh with her. "No promises." I call out as the doors begin to close.

As soon as the doors completely close my smile completely drops from my face as I let out a long sigh. I rub my hands over my face before dropping them back to my sides.

I lean against the wall of the elevator, feeling the weight of my thoughts settling on my shoulders. The elevator ascends with a steady hum, the silence within it only magnifying the thoughts that weigh heavily on my mind.

The memories of my past come flooding back, intertwining with the present moment. A mix of emotions swirl within me as I recall the difficult experiences of my younger years.

I drum my fingers on my leg as I do my best to keep myself calm. It's surprising how the recent events have stirred up memories I thought I had left behind. The photo shoot seemed to slip by without triggering any unwanted flashbacks, yet the fashion show run-through has brought them back to the forefront.

The realization that I had inadvertently lied about my modeling experience during the photo shoot adds a tinge of guilt to the mix. I can't help but question why I downplayed my modeling experience then but not now.

The elevator dinging breaks me out of the thoughts as I exit and head straight to my office. As I shut the office door behind me, a momentary sigh escapes my lips. The familiar sight of my workspace greets me, and I make my way to my desk.

Taking a seat, I allow myself a moment to gather my thoughts and recompose. I then manifest my laptop and notes with a snap of my fingers, realizing I left them on Velvette's floor. The convenience of this ability never fails to impress me.

I let out one more sigh before opening my laptop and beginning to work, distracting myself from the ever looming emotions and memories. The soft hum of the laptop blends with the quiet ambiance of my office, creating a background noise that helps to drown out my racing mind.