35 Chap 35 - Audition (3)

Lucien P.O.V

As we made our way to the makeup booths, a familiar face caught my eye. Jared was here. He was listening to the makeup artists in front of him when they turned to see us walking. Jared's eyes flew open wide eyed in shock. I couldn't help but grin mischievously. As we stood in front of them, Jared composed himself and gave a smirk in my direction. We were quickly claimed by the makeup artists and ushered to our seats. I was with Jared and his mentor. The makeup artist was none other than Gwain Frend. He was the most wanted in the industry but in the fashion world, he was gold. Any face he touched became famous.

As he was checking over, Jared walked over to me. "You naughty boy, is this why we got the news that you would not be attending in person classes ?" he whispered in a conspiring tone. I nodded. "You can tell Eli and Oliver that I got an Apprenticeship with Dean Caracas permanently. He wants to teach me hands on.Why are you here and not in class ?" I whispered back. Jared smiled wide. "I will. Oh, Eli is gonna be upset that she missed this. You look really beautiful. It's practical week. I was assigned here." Jared complimented and answered the question. I grinned in happiness. The makeup artist turned back and saw us conversing with an eyebrow raised.

"Lucien is my classmate from high school. We know each other." Jared told him prefunctionarly. He nodded. He looked at my face. "Hmmm....you got good cheekbones. We will highlight it using a slight sheen formula. Navy blue....silver eyeliner with dark blue eyeshadow.....dark blue lipstick with a shiny topper and your hair...Jared, what do you think ?" Gwain turned to look at him. Jared looked at my hair and said "French bun with blue rose barrettes and bangs framing the face. Also a mole under his right eye. It will make him an exquisite beauty." Color me impressed. Jared is good. Gwain had a look of approval on his face. "All right, let's get to work. Little beauty, may I have your permission to make you into a masterpiece ?" he asked. I nodded.

They got to work instantly. Jared ran his hands through my hair with a comb while Gwain began to paint his look. I closed my eyes and relaxed. I knew that they would be able to do it. Plus, I also trusted them. What felt like an hour but in reality was a few minutes, they were done. "You can open your eyes, Luc. We are done." Jared told me. I opened my eyes and looked in the mirror directly. I couldn't breathe. Heck, I couldn't believe that it was me. I just stared. The mirror showed a young man in an exquisite dress with exquisite makeup and elaborate hairstyle. Jared squeezed my shoulder. I looked at him to see understanding in his eyes. I did feel overwhelmed and shy. I squeezed the hand on my shoulder. He had a look in his eyes that promised a talk. I nodded.

He helped me out of the chair and Gwain gave a cursory glance. Nodding in satisfaction, he turned to Jared. "Take him to his teammates and come back." Jared nodded. We walked together. I saw the rest. Enzo and Eros looked gorgeous. The makeup made them more androgynous with their hair slicked back. Roy looked like a doll with the gold and beach waves. Savòy looked like a proper Chinese maiden with the eyes and hair sticks. All of them swiveled to see men. Their eyes blew wide and I blushed. Jared snorted. "They look like they haven't seen this." Jared mumbled making me snort. I slightly smacked him as Roy moved to me and looked at me. Savòy looked at me gobsmacked while the twins were grinning like the cat caught the cream. "It looks like we got a Lolitha to play with." They suddenly spoke making me raise an eyebrow and made Jared frown.

Roy snorted and glared at the twins. "They are joking, little piccolo. These two won't do anything untoward. They haven't seen anyone else dress in womenswear like them. They are just excited." I let out a relieved breath at Roy's explanation while the twins looked sheepish and sent apologetic looks easing Jared's wariness. "Alright, I have to run back. We will make plans for a get together, Luc. See ya." I waved back and sat next to Savòy. We were whispering when we saw Callie and Esteban walk to us. They were dressed in tight fitting suits with a shawl lapel in deep red. Callie had a white turtleneck shirt and a thin black belt paired with hair was pulled into a bun and she had black lensless frames. Esteban had a black collared shirt with a black pocket square and classic 60's parted hair. Both had on black dress shoes. They looked good.

They looked at all of us gobsmacked. "Oh boy, Apollo is going to go into Papa Bear mode especially over Lucien." Callie moaned making the other burst in laughs while I pouted. That set off another few rounds. At that moment Theodore and Fernando walked over in suits that had a metallic sheen and classical french techniques. They were in purple and dark green which suited them. They were speechless. Finally, Apollo showed up in an Indian style bandhgala suit with a brooch and dress shoes. He took one look and we all saw a gleam of protectiveness rise. I knew right there and anyone who fucked with us were screwed.

As we were discussing, a volunteer came up to us. 'We are nearly ready. We are going to put 5 of you one side while the remaining on the other side. There will be someone who will be tapping you when it is your turn. Few tips to keep in mind - neutral face, awareness and a five second pose. Also have fun." With that I, Esteban,Eros, Fernando and Callie were ushered to the left while the rest were in the right. Esteban guided me while Fernando did the same for Eros and Callie took up the rear. As we made our way, we noticed the runway was a classic T runway. That was a bonus. We were placed in order. Fernando in the front followed by Eros, Callie, Esteban and finally me. A producer came and tapped me. "You are the last walk. Keep in mind. Good luck." Oh joy, I am the closing model.

Callie squeezed my hand in reassurance while the other sent smiles. I took a long deep breath. This is the moment that I prove to the world that I deserve to be a Model. Lights dimmed.

It's Show Time.