The Biz: Versatility: Model Me

DGM

Chapter 4

Subject: Class, Topic: Posing

Allen shifted uncomfortably in front of the mirror, cursing himself for allowing such a shameful career take place in his life. To think that people actually adored his photos, too. What's wrong with them? Don't they have anything better to do than waste money of this stuff? 'This is pure exploit and it's wrong. They say it's fun, I say it's rubbish.' Allen notioned with a dreary sigh, leaning against the wall. He had to focus on the money he would rake in with a golden platter delivering it to him. That's what this is about. Once he pays enough of Cross' debts and saves some money for college or whatnot, he can ditch this place... But he's never had this much affection ever since his... "Mana..." Allen whispered sorrowfully. "Would he be proud of this decision of mine?"

"Allen, dude, get your ass out here. We need a photo of it sweet thang!" Lavi roared, banging on the door.

Allen rolled his eyes as he pushed his hair back behind his ear. Maybe he should get a trim? Nah. Besides, if he does his new 'buddies' will go ballistic. "Blasted twits. If they don't get of their high horse soon I'm running back to Britain." Allen uttered, fixing his glove on his hand and tracing his scar on his face. "I'm coming! Shut you mouth before you find a foot poking in it!"

"Ooooh, scary."

Lavi was continuously taunting Allen, but nevertheless Allen paced around in the room. They welcomed him here. The question is if he'll stay long enough to actualy care or if he should stay another month and leave? He might have to take Jessica up on that busboy job at the diner. It's not classy, but what the bloody hell? It's better than modelling. Ever since Allen got in the sixth grade he thought modelling was absurd. Everybody here in the city loves the attention, adores the fawning boys and girls, yearns the flashing of the camera. Allen could have cared less. He was, after all, a freak. Between his arm and scar then his white hair. "Yo, bro, hurry it up before I kick the door down!" Lavi shouted again.

"Oh, and perhaps you'll tear your clothing and freak. Maybe break a nail? That ought to be amusing ding-bat!"

"At least my sexy badass will have some lovely people surrounding me for comfort unlike you who hates me out of pure jealously."

Allen snorted as he slammed the door open. Lavi grinned at him with his arms crossed behind his head as he inspected the mini model all while Allen's eyes darted to the ground with a sheepish feature plastered on his face. His fingers groomed his already properly groomed hair. His ragged glove on his left hand was now a velvety black and his right hand bare like earlier. His lips puckered into a small scowl although his eyes peered at Lavi expectantly, awaiting a comment Lavi guessed. Right now Allen's topic, Aiden informed Lavi graciously, was class. Boy did Allen fit it because honestly people, Allen seemed to be one of the few models capable of true class, even glistening with it in the dim lighting.

His shoes had been changed to a pair of charcoal gray tinted dress shoes you'd see at a masquerade ball. His pants were that of cotton and silk white that could possibly outrank the snow. He had one of his usual button up shirts, however, this one was Davy gray like his steel blue eyes. It was no different from his regular cotton white, but as Lavi touched the fabric you could feel the softness rub against your skin affectionately whereas Allen's previous shirt had been almost like a grater with how rough it was. If the light hit him just right certain spots shined. Lavi adjusted the collar since it had been ruffled up. Other than that there was nothing wrong with Allen's appearance. "True blue class." Lavi muttered softly, realizing just how slender the younger teen truly was. "You could be one classy badass dino, y'know?"

Allen thwarted his unwelcomed hand away and stomped down the hallway, his eyes examining the tan carpet as he moved to the photoshoot. Licking his lips moist, Allen rubbed his temples and zoned Lavi's words out. He makes no sense. Ever. A class badass dino? What the-what is wrong with his mind? Does he even have one? "Stupid barmy." Allen groaned.

"Shorty."

"I am not short! I am very much average! Average! A-V-E-R-A-G-E!" Allen shot back, spinning around on his heels.`"It's not my fault everybody else has two feet long ego to lengthen their height!"

Lavi snickered. "Touchy, touchy. Just be glad it's a short average as a boy and not a small leverage had you been a chick. C'mon, Aiden wants his dino in the shoot. Everybody is excited!" Lavi said as he jumped up and down. "You look fan-tabulous! I could just eat you up, doll!"

Allen's fingers twitched, but he stalked away. He wasn't sure if his patience could actually handle this energetic moron. His supposed compliments always came across as insults. Upon arriving at the end of the hall and into the photo shoot room-whatever Aiden wants to call it-Allen took smaller steps, hoping to never reach. As he walked in he noticed Alma and Lenalee waving at him, causing him to madly blush. Then not far off to the side he could see that cold hearted bully model who is ranked first in everything. Allen did not like him. Everybody loved him globally and apparently no one understood the basics of his blasted personality. It was driving him crazy. "Allen, finally! What took forever cutie-pie? I mean it's a regular outfit. Surely it's not too tight, dear?" Aiden asked flmaboyantly.

Allen shook his head, not makng any eye contact what-so-ever. "No, Aiden. Everything fits perfectly."

"What's wrong, Allen?" Aiden inquired.

"Nothing. Just, let's finish this."

"What's the rush? You got a date, Allen?" Alma asked from the sidleines, his smile never parting his face. So childish.

"No." Was Allen's flat answer as he walked over to the photo scene.

"Then why do you want to leave so quickly?" Komui asked with stars in his eyes and hands clasped.

"I'm afraid my I.Q will severely drop if I stick around."

Komui's stars flew out the window and he narrowed his eyes. Leisurely he walked over to his sister with crossed arms. They have done nothing mean to him so what was wrong? He didn't really like this job, but seriously, that statement there was kind of harsh. "He sounds like Kanda now." Komui seethed.

Aiden shrugged as he picked up his favorite camera. Allen just gazed around, trying to comprehend how to do this. A classy photoshoot? How was that supposed to happen? Just smile and nod? Pfft, aggravating. Truly aggrvating. Moreover confusing. He paced around the scene, taking a good look a everything that was there. A table, a wine glass filled with water, a background picture of a close and possible romantic scene at a formal party. It did look like he was at a ball in reality if you forgot about all the people in the room. "So exactly how am I supposed to pose in this one Aiden?" Allen asked dully.

"The subject is class. You should know how to pose. You're one of the classiest individuals I've ever met with your gentlemanly aura. Smile, act like you're in a ball, walk around, pretend you see somebody you have a crush on, and don't forget to look at the camera from time to time." Aiden informed.

'Yeah, because modelling is just soooo easy. Real helpful, friend.' Allen thought as he sat down in the chair. It would be better to interact with someone here beside him. It was like he was acting in a movie, and that wasn't so bad. It was much better than modelling. Geez, he really hates this. That or he still couldn't figure out why everyone loved him when at school and on the streets everybody called him a freak. They were contradicting everything!

Allen plastered a strained smile on his face as he used his gloved left hand to usher the glass off the table. He straightened his posture and brought the glass to his lips formally-yeah, formally, not like when you're trying to quench you're thirst or calm your noisy heartbeat and gulp everything down in one big swig-and sipped the water slowly. He was used to this kind of thing, but that was because of one certain person in his life. Well, one certian person who was in his used-to-be easy life. As his lips separated from the glass, his smile vanished and sadness flickered in his eyes. It stunned the room at first, but it was soon overthrown by whispering musings gathering around the room.

Lenalee watched him intently as he looked up at the camera Aiden had, darting his eyes at her and Alma and the jittery Lavi. Immediately his shyness fiddled with his facial expressions and his formal sadness had twisted into some sort of sheepishness and his other hand played with the glass. He swished the water around and gulped nervously. At first Aiden was about to stop, but then Allen inhaled a deep breath and stood up, a small smile on his face. It was then he took the time to notice that the background was actually not a paper or mache wall. It was a thin flat screen TV to make this very realistic. Allen examined it for a minute or so before he walked off the scene. This caused everything to freeze. "Allen, what are you doing?" Aiden asked.

"Nothing."

"You're supposed to be posing." Lavi stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can do this. It's humiliating." Allen said.

"Is it the audience? You were doing well when it was just you and I darling." Aiden questioned, tilting his head off to the side as he held the camera to his cheek. "Should I make everybody leave?"

"No... I-I'm just no-not good in front of others, but that's not the entire issue."

"Then what is?"

"... I just don't know what to do."

Allen sighed. He knew this was a ridiculous idea. It was foolish of him to think he could pull this off. Who cares if he hit the top 10? Who gives a toot if he is fifth or fourth in this agency? None of that matters. What matters is this does not belong with his persona. Modelling isn't him. Hasn't anybody gotten that through their skulls? By now everyone should comprehend the issue. Allen was far too shy. His appearance never made him feel confident. Everyone everywhere has only ever thought of him as a freak. While he stands or sits in front of everyone insecurity rises to the heavens in his mind, but what's worse is the thoughts that dwindle in his mind.

Allen Walker to modellling is like gunpower to fire. A catastrophic and deadly explosion. Not a good mix. "I can't do this. Thanks for the offer, but this isn't going to fit me." Allen mumbled.

"Wait, Allen, you're beginner. It's natural for it to feel awkward. Come on, don't give up." Lenalee tried coaxing.

"I don't know... This really isn't me." Allen said, smoothing out his shirt as he watched the screen play by.

Lenalee tapped her lips thoughtfully before an idea popped into her head and she stepped forward. Allen kept to himself even as she approached. He couldn't get his mind off the fact that he felt stupid when he was up there. How could anybody do this? Modelling is easy? Certainly not. He wasn't the type for this. But these people thought otherwise. That's what was gnawing at his brain. Lenalee grabbed his arm and gently tugged his head down, breathing in his ear canal as she whispered to him. "It helps to think about somebody you care about. Someone you love with all your heart. It helps you act more natural up there and it makes your emotions real. Just try it, Allen." Lenalee murmured.

Allen mentally groaned, but nodded no less. His tongue itched its way out of his mouth as he thought about someone. Through every decent memory he could remember, only one person was a contender for this. For her suggestion. The advice does seem to be apparent, but he couldn't think of anything up there. It was irking to have all those eyes on him. Though he knew it wasn't becuase he was a freak of nature. They were only observing. "Ready hon?" Aiden asked.

"When am I ever ready?" Allen mumbled, but walked back to the scene.

He picked the glass back up and shifted his weight onto one side of his body before turning sideways. There may not be many good poses this way, but the strict poses can be decided later. Aiden instructed Allen to do what's comfortable. So he tipped his head back slightly and took another sip. 'Mana... You used to take me to all sorts of parties like this... All the time... Mana.' Allen recollected his memories of the only keen person in his life. He drew the glass away from him and his gaze softened ever so gently. He wrapped one appendage around his lower chest and laid his other arm on it, his pinky finger tapping the glass lightly, seemingly in thought. A sincere smile adorned his already angelic face, his eyes trailing over to the camera. His body perked up as a faint visualization of his foster father appeared in Aiden's place. Allen's smile soon became more real and his expression much more tranquil and happy.

The hallucination of Mana Walker slowly traced his steps over to Allen. It was more of a hallucinational memory replaying in his head. Walking over to the table he set the glass down and pretended-or mentally believed-to pull a chair out from the table without making a fuss for Mana. His eyes moved back over to the camera as if waiting for something or someone. Once closer, Allen turned the seat so 'Mana' could properly sit there. As he did so Allen leaned on the chair, barely kneeling on one leg and folding his arms over the back of the chair.

Lenalee admired the way Allen was posing with each movement. There was class, but a noticable fondness searing on the scene. 'He must be imagining an event rather than just a person there with him. He could be an excellent actor, too, seeing how this is going.' Lenalee brushed her hair back behind her ear and tilted her head. Allen was a pro. Even as Aiden started to tell him what to do.

In one pose Allen sat in the chair and leaned against the table, but you could see how carefully he had done so as if the slightest pressure could shatter the wooden table. He folded his hands in his lap as one leg rubbed over the other and he leaned back in the chair. A warm smile ever present. She could hear Alma stifle his squeals of excitement as he just about jumped up and down. "So cu-yuuuutttee!" Alma whispered fondly.

"Alma, shhh." Lenalee hushed, but her eyes never left Allen as he shifted his position. "We want to keep him focused. He's enjoying his time up there."

Allen shoved his head in his palm. The iron orbs tracing somebody around the room and sometimes watching the screen behind him. There was one time he laughed and unfolded his legs. Aiden seemed to love the way he posed with the glass in his hand, becuase he usually told Allen to swish the water around while moving his mouth to hint talking sentimentally and formally. The sentiment in his silvery orbs, the formality in his composure.

As soon as the photoshoot finished, Allen gulped down the rest of the water in the glass, litlte did the current clueless and mind-itched Allen know that Aiden snapped a shot of that pose, too. There was formal class, pure class, and just a regular guy at a party, but his trademark glove and scar were the only things remaining in each photo. Lenalee giggled as the excitement showed through as soon as Allen left the room to change because goosebumps issued themselves all over her body. "He's amazing! Exotic! Beautiful! Spectacular! Handsome, but surely not as handsome as moi." Lavi proclaimed joyously.

"I think the photoshoot went rather well." Komui noted.

"He's ah-maze-zing! Please tell me you're not planning on ditching this one, Komui? I wanna get to know him! Allen is so... so... I don't know, but I just want to hug him. Y'know? I think he belongs here." Alma said sweetly, twirling once as he pushed his arms past his back and leaned forward gleamingly. "You don't think he would mind a hug?"

Lenalee laughed melodically at Alma. He was always like this. She doesn't think she has ever seen Alma frown sadly. Like truly sadly. He was energetic and happy. Sometimes he seemed even happier than Lavi, but not as full of himself. Alma was also unique and the only person truly close to their top model Yuu Kanda. "You might want to wait for him to warm up a bit, Alma." Lenalee told him.

"Awwww."

Allen gazed at the mirror with wide eyes. He can't believe nor understand what he had just done. He was actually loving this job. Lenalee's piece of recommendation was intricate and useful. The thought of Mana broadened his day and he had completely forgot about the other hindrances in the room-ahem, *cough, cough*, Lavi, *cough, cough*-and everything went by smoothly. While he unbuttoned the gray shirt and took the blouse off, he felt chills slither along his skin and a faint grin be inked on his pink lips. He took the glove off and studied his hideous arm. The small smile morphed into a frown of distaste right before he covered it up with his unruly white shirt and the lousy excuse for a white, clean glove. He changed out of his dress pants made of soothing cotton and back into his slightly baggy black jeans and jabbed his belt through the belt hassles along the britches. He pulled the belt all the way around before he put the needle-like holder fastener to the fourth hole on the leather black belt. Or was it the fifth? 'Okay, either I'm very slim or my belt is too big for me...' Allen sighed, crumbling his feet in his shoes. "Maybe modelling won't be so bad."

All I can say is please review and thanks for reading my story.