Surda's Next Top Model
Summary: Eragon's friends are tired of him complaining that he doesn't have a job and send in his application to Surda's next top male model and he gets accepted. He thinks its fun until other contestant Murtagh starts harassing him. It's only annoying until he realises he likes the attention.
A/N- Anyone who has read all the Eragon books as I have and despaired over the movie know that Eragon has brown hair and brown eyes but still in my head I've combined a bit of the movie and a bit of the book. A brown haired, blue-eyed Eragon. You'll have your own pictures of him in your head, so what I say shouldn't matter anyway. Eye colour has not been specified, I think.
Also OOC warning, but come on its still pretty good.
A thank you goes out to Darling Lizzie.
0
Eragon knew Saphira was waiting to take his order but at this moment he just wanted to sulk. The café was buzzing with activity, thanks to it being a Saturday and an afternoon and he really had no right to be holding everyone else up, but it had happened again.
"Era'? I'm waiting," Saphira said, flicking her blonde and blue striped hair over her shoulder. Eragon made a non-committal noise and buried his head deeper in his arms. Saphira sighed and sat down across from her depressed friend. She carded her hands through his soft, brown hair and then gripped it tight and pulled his head out of his arms.
"OW! Saphira!"
Saphira glared at him, her sapphire eyes sparking dangerously. "Now you listen hear, Eragon Rider, I'm sick and tired of you showing up here day after day with that 'it happened again' look on your face. Now, what is wrong?"
Eragon slumped back in his chair. "It happened again."
Saphira's face softened. "It's okay, Nasuada and I have a solution. With your looks it'll be a breeze."
She pushed an application across the table and Eragon snatched it up, his eyes skimmed over the sheet before he dropped it like it burned him.
"No! No! No! Really? You thought that…No! I will never!"
Saphira sighed again and got up. "I'm going back to work. Please, consider applying."
Eragon whined and grabbed his bag; there was no way he was applying for Surda's Next Top Model.
0
Murtagh didn't like the look on his best friend's face. Thorn's wine coloured eyes glinted mercilessly in the bright light of his apartment. Thorn leant on the kitchen bench across from Murtagh and grinned widely.
"Murtagh?"
Murtagh glanced up from the book he was flipping through. "Yeah?"
"You need to put this behind you. Do something," Thorn said, but Murtagh continued flipping through the pages as though he was talking about the weather not his lack of activity.
"Hey, does this go by first or last names?"
Thorn reached over and plucked the book from Murtagh's hands. He tossed it somewhere over his shoulder.
"You. Pay attention. Now. This is for you. Mail it!"
An application fluttered into Murtagh's hands and he blinked when he saw what Thorn had filled in for him.
"Surda's Next Top Model? Really? And I'm twenty-two, not twenty-three."
"Yeah, I know. But I thought it would distract you long enough to explain my plan, which it has, so now I shall."
"What is you plan, almighty Thorn?" Murtagh asked sarcastically.
"You apply."
Murtagh clapped and scowled at Thorn. "Bravo, Thorn. You are a classic genius my friend, but for fuck's sake tell me why I should actually apply for this stupid show?"
Thorn smirked and leant towards his friend. "Well, you're very pretty, Murtagh."
Murtagh stepped back with an exaggerated gasp. "Men are not called pretty, Thorn."
Thorn laughed. "The man you're into is," he said, with a waggle of his eyebrows.
Murtagh's mood immediately changed. "Why did you bring him up?"
"Ah, this is the good part. I was talking to Saphira earlier –"
"Really what did she say? Has he got a new boyfriend?"
"– No, and you're really desperate. But she's got much the same plan for him and that, my friend, is why you are applying. Also Arya's doing some of the photography since her mum's on the show."
"Oh, I take it back. You are actually a genius," Murtagh said.
"Yeah, I already know that. Now, go get 'em tiger."
"Never call me tiger."
0
Eragon was cuddled up in his extremely warm bed, trying to further sink into the warm and dark abyss of sleep. Only having a best friend like Saphira meant that would never happen.
"Eragon, it's time to greet the day. You need to pack."
Eragon grunted and rolled over.
"Get Up!" Saphira heaved him off the bed and Eragon hit his bedroom floor with a 'thump'.
"Wha– You said pack? Why did you say pack?" Eragon asked, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
Saphira grinned. "Because you're going to be a model," she sang.
"I'm going to be a WHAT!"
Saphira tugged Eragon into the bathroom and threw some clothes at him.
"Nasuada sent in an application for SNTM for you, since she has some connections in the industry and you were accepted for an audition. Now, you have to put on those clothes and knock 'em dead…after you have a shower."
Eragon opened the bathroom door five minutes later. He'd put on the clothes she'd given him.
"I know I say this every time I dress you but damn–boy, you look hot."
Saphira had brought him a pair of purple skinny jeans, black converse, a black singlet and an open purple button-up.
"I hate you," Eragon said, scowling at his friend.
"I know, but you'll get paid if you make it. After all you'll be a model –Oh! You and Nasuada could be in photo shoots together!"
"I swear I'll die before then," Eragon said, and Saphira laughed and her eyes twinkled merrily.
"No, you won't."
0
"Welcome Contestants to Surda's Next Top Model. I'm Nasuada Queen and I'm here to guide you young models as you take your journey on this show. I will also be judging your progress with my fellow experts Brom Teller, Islanzadí, Vanir and Orrin Surda. Now, you'll be taken to the house you will be staying in for the duration of your time on this show."
0
Eragon was unpacking when he first encountered his roommate. He was vaguely familiar but Eragon couldn't remember where he'd seen him before. He was taller than Eragon, much to his dismay, with dark brown hair that hung over his clear grey eyes.
"Eragon, right?" he asked, smirking a little.
Eragon smiled at his roommate. "Yeah, that's me," he said and held out his hand to shake.
His roommate stepped forward. "Murtagh," he offered, grasping Eragon's hand.
"So, why are you here?" Murtagh asked, dumping his bag on his bed and unpacking also.
"My friend's volunteered me without my permission," Eragon responded with a scowl.
"Ah, same here. My best friend coerced me, somehow."
Eragon laughed. "Yeah, best friends must be granted special power to completely fuck with us."
Eragon and Murtagh chatted amiably as they finished unpacking. Eragon made to leave and check out the rest of the house but was stopped by Murtagh's wolfish grin. He got comfy on his bed and crossed his booted feet.
"I've been looking for someone to help me christen this bed, you willing?"
Eragon stopped dumbstruck. "You know all that nice talking we just did?" he gestured to both of them and continued, "Ruined."
Murtagh had no choice but to watch as the love of his life left.
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
You're an idiot!
"How do you always know these things?"
0
"Today you're challenge is to show us what you've learnt about being a photographer and you will be paired up with another contestant to photograph and the best photographer and the best model shot will both win immunity. Good Luck."
0
"I can't believe I'm paired with you. It's bad enough I have to sleep in the same room as you," Eragon said from his position, which was lying on the large dining room table in the SNTM house.
"Just smile for the camera, honey," Murtagh said, from the landing overlooking the dining room, "Actually don't. Look all lost and broken, the same look you had when I kicked you out of my bed last night."
"I will bang your head into a wall," Eragon retorted, glaring at his partner.
Murtagh smirked and took a picture. "Is that the only part of me you want to bang?" He took a look at the picture and grinned. "Nice one, babe. I think I'll keep this one for myself, you are adorable when you glare."
"Is it my turn yet?" Eragon asked and Murtagh appeared at the bottom of the stairs and tossed the camera at him.
"Go ahead, do you want some help getting off the table?"
"Appreciated."
Murtagh grasped Eragon's wrist and pulled him up, into a sitting position and then helped him off the table. Eragon patted Murtagh's shoulder once his feet reached the ground again.
"See, you can be decent."
"I can be and do many th–"
Eragon glared at Murtagh. "Don't finish that sentence!"
Murtagh just grinned.
0
"Hey Saph'," Eragon spoke as his scary best friend picked up the phone.
"Eragon? How's the show? Well, you know the stuff I don't get to watch and Nasuada and Arya don't fill me in on. So how's Murtagh? Don't lie to me; I could see the chemistry between you even through a TV. Ooh, is he in the room?"
"The show is painful and I hate you. Murtagh is a horny bastard. Yes."
"Can I talk to him?"
"You want to talk him? Really? As in really?"
"Yes, put him on."
Eragon handed the phone to Murtagh.
"Who is this?"
"Hi there, tiger."
"Tell you're boyfriend I hate him," Murtagh said and Saphira giggled.
"So, how's my little darling going?" Saphira asked.
"Oh, it's great with him being all snippy and everything," Murtagh answered, looking meaningfully at Eragon, who busied himself sorting out his outfit for that night.
"You brought it on yourself, if only you kept those comments in your pants."
"But if I don't let them out then there's no room for you in there."
"Don't!" Eragon shouted, throwing a pair of pants at Murtagh's face.
He picked them up and studied them. "Hey Saphira, did you know that Eragon actually owns jeans that are not skinny-leg and happen to be two sizes too big. Tell me, lady hips are you planning on getting pregnant anytime soon because otherwise these pants are just sad."
"There my cousin's. I'm pretty sure they're a hidden camera in there somewhere," Eragon answered for Saphira, getting a small eye-twitch.
"Right," Murtagh said, "Saphira, who is Eragon's cousin? And why does A) Eragon have his jeans and B) why's there a hidden camera in his pants?"
Saphira laughed. "You've never met Roran at Varden High? Oh, right! You were to busy stalking Eragon. Yeah, Roran Garrowson is Eragon's extremely over-protective cousin."
Murtagh grimaced, once again checking-out Eragon's ass, weighing the options in his mind. "How over protective are we talking? Hurt him and I'll cut out your spleen or you'll wash up on beach after being thrown off a boat–over protective?"
Eragon looked up from folding the jeans and stuffing them back in his drawers. "The second one, definitely. Oh and his fiancée owns a boat too. Actually can I have my phone back, I think I'll call him and arrange a meeting for you two."
Murtagh made sure to pull the phone far away from Eragon. "Ah-Ah-Ah-Ah, No! You see I'm very handsome, Eragon, and I know you've noticed. I can't have your cousin ruining that. Now, let me finish my conversation with Saphira."
Eragon grumbled and started changing into his clothes for that night.
Murtagh felt his eyes wandering over his younger roommate. "Saphira, he's getting changed," he whispered into the phone.
Saphira laughed, "Oh, this is great. Does he still have that flower shaped birthmark on his hip and the scar on his side? I think that scar will be there forever and damn, is it not sexy?"
"You are not helping," Murtagh growled into the phone.
"What colour boxers is he wearing?"
"You are the devil."
0
"The winners of this challenge are Eragon for his excellent photography and Murtagh for his excellent model shot. They have both been granted immunity and are both safe. Will Trianna and Elva, please step forward."
Eragon was sad to see Elva called up to face Nasuada; she was a very beautiful girl. The problem was her attitude did tend to discourage people, but she had warmed up to Eragon and his bed.
"Trianna, you have proved agreeable to work with but you let yourself down in today's challenge and showed us your creativity is limited and that you cannot always do as asked by your employer. Elva, you are very creative and have proved that you have learnt a lot during your time here so far, however, your attitude will need to be reined in if you are to continue here. My fellow judges and I will now meet to discuss which of you will stay and which of you is leaving us tonight. Thank you."
0
Nasuada sat in the middle of the desk at the end of the catwalk in their studio. To her right was Islanzadí and Vanir. To her left were Brom and Orrin.
"Who are you thinking of sending home, Orrin?" Islanzadí asked, keen to start the discussion.
Nasuada cut in before he could respond. "I'm sad and also relieved to say that neither of these girls will be going home tonight."
"We cannot keep them both, not again. Someone must go home," Vanir protested.
Nasuada calmly continued, "Someone is going home. I was approached today and have been informed that one of our male models is ready to leave the competition and forfeits his immunity to Elva. Eragon Rider is spending his last hour here as we speak."
0
"Welcome back Contestants. The model leaving us tonight is…Eragon Rider. Elva step forward and receive his immunity. Eragon, let's review you're time with us."
"Just smile for the camera, honey."
"I will bang your head into a wall."
"He's just lovely to work with. When he leaves companies will be clawing at each other to have him."
"I've never met a model who so willing to know everything about the work he's doing and who's so good at it."
"By the way, my boxer's are blue. Not red!"
"Murtagh, hand off my ass."
"Eragon's easy to work with, I just met him a few minutes before we started shooting and he's still made it seem fun when he was lying all over me covered in oil."
"Great body and great attitude. A pleasure to work with and can wear anything and nothing."
"Now let's have our judges say their last goodbye. Islanzadí would you like to start?" Nasuada offered.
Islanzadí smiled at Eragon. "I've worked with many models during my career and Eragon you are by far on of the most hard-working and dedicated I've seen. I put you through a whole-day photo shoot and told you to pretend Fredrick was you lover and you did not complain and did your job to the fullest. You're welcome in my office, anytime."
Eragon nodded his thanks. Orrin spoke up next.
"I'll admit that I wasn't sure you could make it when you first came on the show. But you soon showed me that you had not only the looks to make it in the business, but the sharp-tongue that made sure no one gave you shit and, that everyone had fun and the dedication and talent to make your jobs successful. If Islanzadí doesn't get you first, I'd also like to work with you again."
Brom spoke next. "You have talent, kid, and looks too. Don't let that go to waste because of the annoying fly that hangs around you."
Eragon smiled and thanked him.
Vanir smirked at Eragon and said, "When you got here I thought you weren't going to last a day and it wasn't until I got to work with you that I changed my mind. You have a lot of potential and I'm sure that despite what I first thought of you, you'll make it far in this business if you choose."
Nasuada finally spoke up. "Eragon, I've been your personal friend for many years and when Saphira suggested I send in your application for the show, I knew you'd learn and achieve much while here and you have. I wish you luck in whatever you choose to do next and I wish Murtagh Morzansson that same luck in winning you heart. Until I see you next, Eragon Rider."
'Would you believe that that's the reason I'm leaving. I'm not supposed to enjoy his company.'
0
Eragon had left SNTM and started to work at Arya's part-time work since she was still busy with the show. Saphira had never been more annoyed with him, not just because he'd started working with her everyday at Unusual Angela's Café, but also because he'd ditched the show and therefore Murtagh.
"Eragon, Murtagh has been in love with you since High School."
Eragon looked up from the table he was cleaning. "He has?" he asked, a blush working it way across his face.
"I can't believe you didn't notice, in class he practically drooled all over his desk and he moped in all the classes that you didn't advance in because you weren't there."
"Oh."
Saphira stopped wiping down her own table and smiled at him. Eragon was more than a little scared.
"Oh my god, Eragon Rider! You liked Murtagh. You liked him and you still left. I cannot believe this."
She crossed her arms and grinned. "So, tell me all about it? When did it start? Have you been having any dreams about him? Talk to me."
Eragon knew there was no way he was getting out this.
"Around the time we did the perfume add, with the bed and the chocolate."
Saphira eyes went glassy as she remembered and her grin went a little perverted. "The one with the red sheets and Murtagh dragging chocolate down your chest. Yeah, I remember."
Eragon's blush deepened. "And it didn't help that Elva had fallen asleep in my bed, so I had to share with him."
"Oh, little one. I feel for you and can only advise you to tell him how you feel."
"How? He's still on the show. I'm not going near that place again for a long time."
Saphira laughed and patted him on the shoulder, "You mean until you need more money than this place can provide."
"You are correct."
0
Thorn was surprised to say the least when Murtagh showed up on his doorstep not a week after Eragon had left the show and that he was in a rush and wanted to talk to Saphira.
"So I'm your best friend and I get nothing and yet my girlfriend gets a whole conversation, why?"
Murtagh shrugged and said, "It more like she gets five words and then another three and then maybe, depending on her answer to the second, another two."
"Really, what are they?"
Murtagh used his fingers to demonstrate the number of words as he spoke.
"I'm here to see Eragon. Where is he?"
"He's working the late shift at the café and then packing up and by the way it is adorable that you look through the high school yearbook for Eragon, it's last names by the way," Saphira answered.
Murtagh continued to count of words on his fingers. "Thank you."
He left in the same rush he'd arrived in.
'That sir, is a man who is really desperate.'
0
Eragon was biding the last of his customers goodbye when it started raining. He prayed that it would stop before he left because Saphira, his usual ride home, had the night off which meant he was walking home.
He was stacking chairs when a man rushed in, hair sprinkled with rain and looking more than a little distracted.
"Sorry Sir, we're closed."
The man stalked towards him, tilted his head up and…kissed him.
Eragon stood frozen while his brain spluttered, let out a hiss of steam and died. His body, however, received the message his brain had died in the middle of reading and was thoroughly enjoying itself in pushing himself closer to the man and kissing him back.
"Oh my god…" Eragon breathed, a blush heating his face in embarrassment.
"Please, just call me Murtagh."
Eragon glared at his grey-eyed compatriot. "You are asking me to slap you."
Murtagh leaned in closely and whispered, "Actually I'm asking you to kiss me."
Eragon smiled and melded their lips together once again. Murtagh smiled too, he'd just never admit it. He wasn't worried though, Eragon would keep his secret.
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You are correct, sir, in thinking that this one shot has ended. Your coats and hats are being collected as we speak and will be handed back to you as you leave the manor, good night.
Reviews would be lovely.
This is posted on my birthday, which makes this all the more special.
Hope you liked it.