[ACTION]

[intothelens]

 I. - Morning, Flash Bandits - (Closed to Twelfth Doctor)

[Some days, there was more to her shift tasks than merely sorting equipment and order forms.  Like the days when she got to experiment with a few other tools of the trade.]

[That particular day, it was foam boards and reflectors.  The latter, in particular, had captured her interest all the more when she realized it was a collapsible 5-in-1 model, with fabric covers allowing for everything from reducing contrast and softening the quality of light, to varying degrees of highlights, to warming effects.]

[Her current test model was her little Natu, who sat on a stool and occasionally chirped with glee at the attention he was receiving.  Abra, meanwhile, was sleeping at the base, determined to follow Hikari as often as possible while still managing to get his daily 18 hours of rest.  Even if it meant sleeping on the job.  Natu seemed to chirp all the brighter each time a new type of light was shone on it, complete with the flashing lights and soft clicks of Hikari's camera.]

[Pulling away, she took a glimpse of her latest shot and smiled sheepishly.]

I guess it's a good thing I have the fast-action compatible model.  You're just not going to sit still, are you?

Natu!  Na Na!  Tu!

II. - Afternoon, Moonbucks - (Closed to Takeru)

[As she approached the coffee shop, Hikari wondered if she should have felt more nervous.  This was her first major booking, after all.  A request for some promotional shots for the cafe, featuring one of their currently more popular employees.]

[...then again, as a smile threatened the corners of her lips...that was probably why she wasn't nervous.  Because the subject she would be shooting was one very familiar to the viewfinder of her camera.]

[Shifting the weight of the numerous bags she'd been carrying, Hikari paused just long enough on the street corner to note the several teenaged girls who were gathering around the shop window.  Something inside clearly had them excited, because they were whispering among one another, occasionally shielding their eyes from the outdoor glare as they continued braving the cool weather in favor of something just beyond the slightly reflective glass' surface.]

[Of course, once Hikari realized how many of those faces she recognized, she understood why they were there.]

[Still, that wasn't about to stop her from her assignment.  In fact, it was with an increased amusement that she approached the main entrance, currently locked and with a "closed" sign on it--no doubt in order to prepare for that afternoon--and knocked loudly.]

[There were more whispers coming from the teen girls, including a few words here and there she even picked up.  All of them curious as to who she was and what she was doing there....]

III. - Out & About, Genessia - (OPEN)

[For once, the fourteen-year-old was walking around the city without her usual camera bag.  If only because she had a handful of others...as did her ever-faithful companion, Abra, who looked a little wobbly as it walked along beside her, carrying a bag of its own.]

...are you sure you're alright with that?

Abra!

[Hikari smiled warmly at Abra before pausing, moving to one side of the sidewalk so she could kneel down and peer in both their bags.  Understanding what she meant to do, Abra held his out so she could get a better look at what was inside.]

Let's see...we should have enough Gaffer's Tape to last a while...I bought four different sizes of clothing pins...we didn't need any Cinefoil...and I got a few extra clamps just in case.

Do you think that's everything?

Comments

I

[guitar_hero]

[it feels like a good day for photography. He hopes she doesn't mind him just dropping in and if he had his TARDiS he'd take her elsewhere to get pictures she'd never dreamed of getting. Things being as they were however]

Knock knock! I bought coffee and donuts.

[intothelens]

[Glancing up mid-shot frame, Hikari needed only a moment to place the voice and face. When she did, she stood up with a bright, if slightly surprised, smile.]

Professor!

[Although it was only the moment's timing that had caught her off-guard. And the bringing of treats. Not his presence in general; he had mentioned wanting to stop by Flash Bandits at some point.]

You didn't have to do that. But thank you.

[guitar_hero]

Well you should always eat a little before starting a project. Gives you energy. Now where should I put this?

Also, fair warning... [he lifts up the cardboard drink holder holding the coffees] One of these is a half calf and the other will shock the hair off of three generations both ways. I forgot which one was which. Would you prefer I test both out or would you like to take the risk?

[intothelens]

[She paused just long enough to take the camera strap off her neck, placing it down on the ground by the nearest light stand before crossing the room and cleaning a bit of space on one of the tables.]

Right here is fine. [And then, thinking he was joking about the varying levels of caffeine and subsequently forgetting which was which...] I can drink either. I don't mind.

[guitar_hero]

[he sets his things down.]

First the stars of the show. [he opens the bag of donuts so the bag itself is a little plate.] I didn't know what kind you liked so I bought a few varieties. The strawberry jam ones seem to be good. [at least they sound good to him.]

And now the test... A little coffee roulette if you will. [he grins, one hand on both cups] Choose your fate-- and remember to take a small sip. Too much caffeine is bad for the heart.

[intothelens]

[...oh! The bag was actually kind of cute. Though her eyes lit up all the more when the Professor mentioned strawberry jam donughts, and she glanced back towards Abra--who stirred once before settling back down again.]

I'll have to save one of those for Abra, then. He loves strawberries, so he might like strawberry jam too.

[As for Hikari...she picked up one of the glazed options, taking a delicate bite and enjoying the sugary sweetness. When it came to coffee options, she pondered for a moment before opting to take the one on the left. A small sip was more in consideration for the temperature than the caffeine intake, though she did nod at his warning.]

Are these from Moonbucks?

[She asked after a swallow.]

[guitar_hero]

[he squints at her. Can't tell if that's her coffee or she's got amazing tolerance. Perhaps only time will tell]

I think so. [he takes a powdered donut for himself] I don't usually pay attention.

[and then completely innocently] How's the coffee?

[intothelens]

It tastes fine to me.

[Which could mean one of two things. Either she was drinking "her" coffee after all...or else her teenage metabolism was at work.]

How...can you not pay attention to where you're buying things from?

[She was too confused by the thought to sound judgmental, though.]

[guitar_hero]

Hm. Well you know how it is. I'm in a rush I just go in, slap money on the counter and get coffee. Getting used to money, you know. Don't really like it but I might as well put it to good use.

[takes a bite out of the donut and watches her carefully]

[intothelens]

[A second sip. Still delicate, but a little slower than before. Adjusting to the flavor when mixed with her donut. She licked her lips absently, not fully paying attention to the increase in caffeine because her mind was currently elsewhere.]

Do they not...have money in the world you're from?

[Maybe a strange concept to some, but Hikari was trying to remain open minded. Yes, even the digital world required currency...well, some places...but she also knew she and the other Chosen had been able to get by fairly well without any money on a number of their trips in the past.]

II

[hopeschild]

[It was not something he was used to, having to actually be fussed over to make sure one was camera ready. He didn't quite understand why they were using him for it instead of models and such like most businesses do. He was just barista and delivery boy.

But when he had asked, he had been told it was simply because of how popular he was that people were just drawn here. They were sure he would bring in more customers. As the make up artist had finished with the final touches, he leaned back in the seat.

He hadn't been told who the photographer was and it didn't matter, for the most part, he just was aware of the fact they would be here soon. Though that thought was long gone the moment there was a knock and one of the staff had gone to open it. Eyes looked over towards the figure at the door and it wasn't long before Takeru brightened up a bit before getting up and going over to the figure.]

Hikari! Are you the photographer?

[intothelens]

[She couldn't help a small giggle that escaped when he opened the door.]

Surprise?

[Apparently, no one had thought to give him the name of his assigned photographer for that day. Oh, well. The request had been relatively short-notice, after all, and though she could have told him earlier...the look on his face made the brief period of secrecy all the more worth it.]

Are you ready? Depending upon how long it takes to set everything up, I can't see this taking more than an hour or two.

[hopeschild]

Of course, I am surprised. Though really should have guessed it might have been you.

[Okay the chances were slim consider there were probably many other people who could have done it, but admittedly he was glad it was her. In part because she knew him best to know what would be a good idea and also the fact it was better to have someone he knew than a stranger. Before closing the door he waved to the girls that were outside, causing a good few of them to giggle before closing the door.]

I am ready, I have spent a short time in the make up chair because I had to so pretty confident in that.

[intothelens]

[Watching him wave to the girls out of the corner of her eye, she turned to one of the nearby tables and began putting her things down.]

I see.

That would explain why your cheeks are slightly pink. I thought it was because of the crowd of girls gathered outside for you.

[hopeschild]

That is because of the beautiful sight in front of me.

[It was also because of the makeup, which was still a little weird to him, but he figured to at least give a compliment that wasn't teasing for a change, even if she might have been.]

But also because for some reason the makeup artist thought it was a good idea.

[intothelens]

[It probably spoke volumes about their prior relationship that Hikari's first instinct was to open her mouth to gently chastise him for trying to tease again.]

[The words never made it out. His tone fully registered, and she realized...he was being serious.]

Takeru..

[She flushed even deeper, and promptly tried to cover it up by turning back to him and averting her gaze. Upward, this time, focusing on his hair.]

...you wore a hat to work this morning, didn't you?

[hopeschild]

[He chuckles slightly. Well he hadn't been teasing but he had still got some kind of reaction, but it made him smile before he moved to put his hands through his hair for a moment.]

I always wear a hat to work, so yes.

[He ruffled his hair for a moment, making it even messier for the moment before removing his hand.]

Is it that bad or something?

[intothelens]

[The irony. He had to stop teasing in order to get the reaction he normally sought by teasing.]

It's not bad. [To be honest, she usually liked his hair like that. It was cute. Very Takeru-like. However...] But messy hair can be a little trickier to photograph. Here, let me...

[She moved without thinking, really. Closing the space between them until there was almost none left. Reaching up, her fingers delicately brushed at some of the more wild strands sticking up. Doing her best to tame them, even though she knew it would be a mostly futile effort. Still, when she was done...her face felt hot, but at least she'd managed to accomplished what she needed to. For now.]

...that's better.

[hopeschild]

Can it?

[Not like he really knew anything about that kind of stuff, but like a good boyfriend he let her sort out his hair a bit, or at least sort it out as best as she could anyway. Once she was done, he couldn't help but reply.]

Thank you, dear. [While it had been going on, the girls who could see in from the window seemed rather surprised at how close the two seemed to be but were unsure of what exactly was being said.]

[bigbadrose]

Houndour, wait come back!!

[Run away pokemon!! Who promptly all but tackles Hikari.] Oi hey! Quit it! Get off her! [Tries to tug him back!] Sorry about that!! I don't suppose you have bananas in your bag? He's bloody obsessed with them, I swear...

[intothelens]

[It was one of those moments that happened in the blink of an eye. Too fast for Hikari to fully process exactly how she was suddenly forcefully knocked to the ground, little legs kicking in the air around her shopping bags, and Abra looking about two seconds away from committing poke-murder...]

...huh?

[Then a young woman was running up to her looking apologetic and frantic to restrain her overenthusiastic friend. The situation became a lot clearer, and she sat up just enough to reach for Abra, giving the little guy a gentle pat on the head to reassure him she was alright before looking up.]

No, I don't think so? I have some berries, though, if your friend is hungry.

[bigbadrose]

He shouldn't be. [Laughs, and pulls him off, before helping her collect anything that scattered.] He just got fed!! [Annoyed huff.] Sorry about this, I'm Rose Tyler, by the way. [Offers a handshake through the juggling of items!]

[intothelens]

[Rising to her feet, Hikari paused just long enough to brush at the hem of her skirt before meeting Rose's handshake. Adding a polite bow of her head as well out of sheer habit.]

It's a pleasure to meet you both, Miss Tyler.

I'm Hikari Yagami. And this little guy here--[She motioned downward, where Abra had since realized there was no immediate danger and had calmed down. Though that didn't stop him from continuing to eye both newcomers with a silent wary.]--is Abra. I promise he's a lot friendlier than he looks.

[bigbadrose]

Most Pokemon are! [Giggles.] I normally hate bugs, but my best friend has one that is just so sweet, I can't hate it.

He's probably rubbing off on my houndour though, it'd explain the bad habits. The Doctor, I mean, not the bug pokemon. [Has finally gotten said bad doggy to heel however.] Where're you headed? I'll help you carry all this, yeah? Least I can do.

[intothelens]

Oh, no, you don't have to do that. I'm fine, really.

[She waved a sheepish hand before moving to gather the rest of her things.]

We were just heading back to the apartment. Abra usually prefers to come with me instead of staying home with the other Pokemon. If he's awake when I leave, that is.