So I used super awesome poses Anne Hathaway had from her previous photo shoots as inspiration for Andrea's pictures, so you can find them online if you would like! Had so much fun writing this chapter, so I hope you enjoy! Thanks again everyone!
"Look down to the right."
Andrea obeyed the command given by the blonde and tried hard to suppress a flinch when Serena worked the black mascara through her already long lashes. She was sitting on a makeup stool as the beautiful Brazilian was applying her makeup. Miranda was standing a few feet away, overseeing the production of the photo shoot as she discreetly stole glances at the brunette.
"Okay. You're done!"
Serena stepped back and admired her handiwork, occasionally brushing Andrea's face with her fingertips. Andrea looked in the mirror. She looked…well the same. Serena hadn't done anything except for enhance her natural features. She must have looked disappointed because Serena let out a light laugh.
"Don't worry Andy, this is just the natural look. Miranda wanted to do a Les Mis shot, so she had me do as little as possible. When you're done with that though, I'll make you look hotter than Eva Green."
Andrea snorted before giggling. "Thanks Serena. I really appreciate it."
"No problem," Serena leaned in, and they gave the customary air-pecks.
After Serena had swept away, Andrea subtly reached up and gently touched the bump on the back of her neck. Thankfully it was well-hidden and almost unnoticeable, but she couldn't help but feel scared somebody would question her about it. She hastily dropped her hand from her neck when she saw Miranda approaching and beamed at the Editor.
"You look lovely Andrea," Miranda's eyes raked across her face.
Andrea had to suppress a shiver. "Thank you."
"Serena has already informed you of the first shoot I want to do. Since our interview is mostly about Les Mis, I want to have a dominant photo to match the text," Miranda said.
"Sounds good," Andrea stood up from the stool.
"Your outfit is with Nigel," Miranda felt a shoot of jealousy when she saw Andrea's face light up at the mention of her old friend's name. Stop it. Nigel is gay. Stop being jealous when you have no reason to be.
"Okay, I'll meet you back here then?"
"Yes."
Andrea grinned at her and then made her way over to where the bald man stood. Miranda desperately wanted to go over and spy on their conversation, but refrained. She was acting petty. Andrea wasn't even hers, and already, she wanted to kill anybody who even looked at the brunette. A growl rose up in her throat, and she turned away from the two friends reconciling. She needed coffee. Now.
"Emily…"
"Hey Nigel!"
"Six! I haven't seen you in a while!"
The two embraced.
"So tell me Six, how on earth did you manage to land such a huge role?"
They started walking.
"Nothing to tell really," Andrea shrugged her shoulders. "The director saw me, asked me to read a couple of lines, and then boom! I got the part."
Nigel let out a low whistle. "That sounds too easy."
"Well thanks," Andrea pretended to be offended.
"You know what I mean."
Nigel paused outside of the Closet and threw the doors open.
"Ah, déjà-vu!" he sighed dramatically.
"Except now I'm about 2 sizes smaller, and have more fashion sense," Andrea chuckled.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about that," Nigel disappeared behind a rack. "What are you now? Size 0? Doesn't matter, you're looking fab darling."
"Thanks," Andrea sighed.
She would never understand nor agree with the fashion industry's perspectives on women's bodies. Apparently looking like a skeleton was attractive in their world. But she didn't blame Nigel-women's outrageously skinny bodies surrounded him everyday, so his image of a woman's figure was badly warped.
"Ta-da!" Nigel showed Andrea the tattered dress she wore in the film.
"Nice! Where did you get it?" Andrea fingered the dirty-colored dress.
"Miranda had the original shipped over."
"Oh, well mind if I get dressed here?"
"Go ahead, I won't look," Nigel made a big show of turning his head to the side and squeezing his eyes shut.
"I don't care if you do." Andrea rolled her eyes.
She unzipped her sweatshirt, silently congratulating herself with her thoughtfulness, and shimmied out of her jeans. She took the dress off the hanger and slipped it on, noting with a heavy heart that it was loose. She didn't mention it of course.
"I'm done, can you help me lace it up?"
"Finally!" Nigel snapped his head back and looked at her.
Very childishly, Andrea stuck out her tongue at him. Nigel gave a toothy grin and hung the empty hanger back on to the rack. He turned his finger in a circle, and Andrea rotated on the spot.
"Darling, you need to take your bra off. The dress hangs off your shoulders, and it's a little low cut."
Andrea flushed, but obeyed.
"Ok, don't look."
She unhooked her black bra and flung it to the side where it miraculously landed on top of the rest of her clothes. She held the dress to her chest, and blew out a breath of air.
"Alright. Ready?"
Nigel started lacing her up. Andrea braced herself, but almost fell over when she heard Nigel's next words.
"So what's going on with you and our favorite Editor?" Nigel almost purred into her ear.
"What?" Andrea spluttered.
"Don't play innocent with me," Nigel suddenly pulled hard on the strings, making Andrea squeak with surprise. "There's obviously some chemistry there. Didn't you notice that Miranda couldn't keep her eyes off of you when Serena was doing your makeup?"
"Uh, no," Andrea didn't know what to say.
"Or what about lunch yesterday? Did she pay?" Andrea could feel Nigel's smirk. She felt her anger rising at Nigel's teasing.
"First off," she started hotly, "we had a lovely lunch where all we did was catch up with each other. And no, she did not pay. I did."
"What a chivalrous thing to do for your first date," Nigel continued lacing her up, but with gentler hands.
"Oh shut up. It wasn't our first date," Andrea shook her head.
"But do you wish it was?"
Andrea sighed. "Yes. I do."
"Hmm then you should know that Miranda likes you back."
Andrea snorted. "Oh really? And how would you know that?"
"Andy, the only photoshoot Miranda showed up to was Madonna's. And that was probably because she wanted to make sure Madonna didn't pose naked, get drunk, or have sex with the crew. Either the photographer or I conduct all the other photoshoots. She picks the photos to use, but she doesn't care about the process," Nigel paused. "What I'm getting at here is that Miranda seems to genuinely care about you."
"Eh..." Andrea was doubtful.
"Trust me."
"Doesn't matter anyways," Andrea grumbled. "I can't start anything with her."
"Why not?" he asked as he finished tying her up.
"That," Andrea spun around and tapped his nose lightly, "is for me to know and you to find out. Thanks for lacing me up." Before he could say or do anything else, she practically skipped out of the Closet, leaving a bewildered Nigel behind.
"I'm ready!"
Miranda turned and her mouth dried when she saw the beautiful woman. Andrea's décolletage was on prominent display, and Miranda had to exercise all of the self-restraint she had not to pounce on the younger woman right then and there. Andrea walked over to her and Miranda let her eyes roam up and down her figure.
"Acceptable," Miranda licked her lips.
Andrea beamed. "So where do you want me?"
"We'll have you sit there," Miranda pointed to a backdrop that resembled rocks.
Andrea turned, almost making Miranda gasp audibly when she saw that Andrea wasn't wearing a bra. She padded barefoot over to something that resembled a log, and sat down on it, crossing her right leg over her left.
"Andrea, fold your hands in your lap, and don't cross your legs. Someone get me dark makeup." Miranda snapped a bit harsh, taking out her sexual frustration on both Andrea and her crew.
Andrea followed Miranda's orders quietly. Emily rushed to Miranda's side with multiple makeup brushes in one hand and several different dark shades of brown and black in the other. Miranda plucked the equipment out of the redhead's hands and strode over to Andrea without so much as a 'thank-you.'
"Miranda?" Andrea questioned, looking up with her expressive chocolate eyes.
"We need your body," Miranda fought off a blush, "to look as grimy as your dress."
"Oh, right," Andrea flushed a bit too.
Miranda opened a palette and loaded the dirty brown powder onto a fluffy brush. Tapping the edge of the brush on the side, she gently pressed it to Andrea's shoulder, making the brunette shudder slightly. Miranda worked silently, noticing small goosebumps appear wherever she moved the brush. She applied the color firmly in big sweeping motions and Andrea relaxed with each stroke of the brush. Every so often, Miranda would load up her brush again, either with the same color she was using, or a different one to shade with.
Once she reached Andrea's décolletage though, she pressed ever so gently down with her fingers as she smeared the color around the beautiful pale skin. She refused to blush or show the telltale signs that her hands were trembling slightly. Thankfully, Andrea's reaction wasn't too far from her own. The brunette could hardly form a coherent thought, other than 'Miranda is touching me.'
Although the actions each woman displayed were plain and ordinary, there existed an undeniable link between them. Their bond intensified when their eyes locked. Miranda pushed her left finger up under Andrea's face, and gently held her chin in place as she started smudging the brown over the clear skin with two of her right fingers. Andrea's eyes fluttered shut in contentment before she forced them open again and looked into a sea of endless blue. Both of their eyes were open. Unguarded.
Miranda finished her task, never tearing her eyes away from the hypnotizing doe eyes. The whole room had gone silent, each person watching the incredible connection the two women had in that moment. It was simple, yet it was filled with unbelievable tenderness.
Andrea cleared her throat, suddenly aware of the awkward silence. "Thank you Miranda," she silently cursed herself for how breathy she sounded.
"My pleasure," Miranda said in a low voice.
She stepped back, and Emily materialized by her side to take the makeup brushes and palettes.
"I believe I hired the best," Miranda's laser eyes bore into the members of her staff once she realized that she and Andrea were the center of attention, "so why, are none of you working?"
Scattered mumbles of 'sorry Miranda' and 'won't happen again Miranda' were heard throughout the room as people rushed to please the Devil. Even though Miranda's tone was cutting, Andrea couldn't help a small smile stretching over her face when she saw her favorite Editor exhibiting such powerful control. It was a major turn on, and Andrea shifted uncomfortably, trying to quench all thoughts of Miranda being dominant in the bedroom. It was unsuccessful.
"Ready?" Miranda asked softly.
"Yes," Andrea smiled at her, "what pose would you like me to do first?"
How about naked, stretched across my bed Andrea? That is the pose I desire the most.
Clearing her throat, she answered, "I want this photo to be dramatic, and really capture the sorrowful aspect of the film. You have free reign to do whatever you want. Either Nigel or I will tell you to change if we have to." Miranda looked around. "Speaking of, where is Nigel?"
"I don't know," Andrea shrugged. "I left him in the Closet."
"I'm here," Nigel said breathlessly, rushing up to Miranda's side. "There was a minor mishap with some of Andrea's outfits. But we fixed it."
Miranda didn't acknowledge Nigel; she merely turned away on her heel and went to stand behind the photographer, Leah.
"Don't think I caught your romantic interaction earlier," Nigel whispered under his breath as he waggled his eyebrows. "You sly vixen."
Before Andrea could respond, he practically danced away and took his position by Miranda's side again. The lighting was adjusted, and all was quiet. Andrea felt nerves flutter in her belly, but once she caught Miranda's gaze, she relaxed and started slipping back into the character she connected with.
Choosing to look away from the camera, she looked to the right and clasped her hands firmly in her lap. To make her face the perfect image of devastation, she thought of what the story meant to her, and what Fantine had to go through. She could hear the camera clicking, and she subtly moved her head, tilting it at different angles. Andrea then looked right at the camera and pierced it with a heartbroken face, allowing a few tears to slip out. Miranda wanted to run over and hug the seemingly anguished woman, but held herself back. Andrea tried different poses and different angles for a while longer before the photographer leaned back from the camera.
"Perfect," the photographer murmured as she clicked back through the photos she'd taken.
"Did you get what you wanted?" Andrea asked.
"Yes," Leah said absentmindedly, still looking through the photos. "You are a very good model."
"Thanks," Andrea giggled and then wiped away at the few errant tears still flowing down her face. "So we're done with the Les Mis scene?"
"Miranda?" the photographer asked for Miranda's approval.
"I think those pictures will do quite nicely," Miranda peered at the photos, her breaking all over again when she saw Andrea's face.
"Awesome!" Andrea chirped. She stood and winced when she felt pins and needles in her legs.
"I have an idea," Nigel said, sneaking a quick glance at Miranda, "can we have you pose topless?"
Andrea spluttered. "W-what? Absolutely not!"
Miranda was shocked as well. "Just what do you think you're doing?" she hissed at him.
"It will be in the most sophisticated manner," Nigel continued, ignoring both women's protests. "You won't show anything. I promise."
"Uh," Andrea trailed off. She thought about it for a moment. "Fine," she relented.
Miranda almost dropped her jaw. "Really?"
"Yeah," Andrea said. "As long as you don't show any part of my chest."
"Promise!" Nigel grinned.
"Oh dear lord," Miranda whispered.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Thirty minutes later, Andrea's 'dirt' was cleaned off, her makeup reapplied light by Serena, and her hair brushed in such a manner that it looked like it was pinned up on the back of her head.
"Okay, so here?" Andrea fidgeted, playing with the color of her sweatshirt that she had put back on after she had changed out of her dress. At Leah's nod of approval, she sat down on the stool and quickly unzipped her jacket, letting it drop to the floor. Modestly, she covered her bare breasts with her arms and somewhat awkwardly looked at the camera.
"That's it," Leah said soothingly. "Just relax."
Miranda, meanwhile, had said nothing, for fear her voice would crack. Andrea was fast at covering up, but Miranda caught a quick glimpse of her pale skin. And it was enough to reduce her to an aroused mess.
Leah clicked some photos, and Andrea looked straight at the camera. She tried smiling.
"No, no smiling," Leah walked away from the camera. "You are pretty, so we want to showcase your natural face without any distractions."
She placed her hands on Andrea's forearms, sending shoots of jealousy and anger through Miranda. Leah guided Andrea's hand so that it would rest on top of her right shoulder, and look more sensual without being slutty. Leah rushed back to her place behind the camera and looked into the window.
"Perfection," Leah beamed. "Now part your lips slightly, and just gaze into the lens."
Andrea obeyed, and after a few more shots, she was done. She hastily put on the jacket, and sat more relaxed on the stool. While Miranda and Leah discussed the photos, Emily came over to where Andrea was sitting.
"Hey Em," Andrea greeted cheerfully. "It's been a long time."
"Yes, it has," Emily responded. "I just came over to see how you're doing."
"I'm doing fine," Andrea smiled. "And you?"
"Fine," Emily said.
With that, she turned to walk away. "By the way," she threw over her shoulder, "you're looking enviously thin. Are you on a cheese diet?"
"Nope, but it looks like it's working for you," Andrea gave her a dorky thumbs up. Emily rolled her eyes, but a slight tug at the corner of her mouth showed Andrea that her comment had the desired effect.
"Andrea."
"Yes Miranda?" she turned her body so she was facing her.
"We are ready to continue," Miranda slowly rubbed the bracelets on her arm.
"Alright, what outfit should I change into?" Andrea asked.
"Jocelyn or Nigel have those options in the Closet for you," Miranda waved her hand.
"Mmkay," Andrea slipped off the stool.
The rest of the photoshoot passed quickly. After Serena had adequately made Andrea look 'hotter than Eva Green', Andrea posed leaning against a window, sitting on a couch, and her personal favorite, posing with bubbles in an adorable pink dress. Her arms looked like she was parting a curtain, and she had a look of wonder on her face as she looked up. It was her favorite face because she could actually smile for that one!
Andrea headed back into the Closet and reluctantly changed out of the coral frilly dress. She dressed hurriedly, sliding her bra on and then her sweatshirt and jeans. After she hung the dress back up carefully, she emerged from the Closet and almost immediately, Miranda was right next to her.
"Andrea," Miranda's soft voice resonated through Andrea's ears, "your photos are wonderful."
"Whoa," Andrea breathed. Her mega-watt smile stretched across her face.
"What?" Miranda was awestruck. That gorgeous smile would be her undoing-she would do anything to see it.
"You never say 'wonderful'. You always say 'acceptable'!" Andrea laughed. "Thank you so much Miranda! You just made my whole entire week!"
"Mmm," Miranda hummed with pleasure. "You still have an interview to do. We can wait and do it later if you're tired though."
"No, it's fine," Andrea said. "Thank you though."
"Very well," Miranda ran a hand through her hair.
"Will you be interviewing me?" Andrea asked, somewhat hopefully.
"No," Miranda said, masking her disappointment. "Nigel will."
"Alright," Andrea shrugged. She paused for a moment before tossing out, "I do wish it were you though."
And with that, she sauntered away.
As always, please review! Thank you!