Like Taking a Photo

Chapter 5: Like Taking A Photo

Reid was dressed in his red polo shirt and tan khaki pants. This was his first day as the intern for the studio. He looked at himself in the mirror. Antlers freshly polished, not a hair out of place. Today was good timing, because CJ was bringing a new shipment of produce for the studio. So He would get to ride to the studio with him. After he was finished, he whipped around and saw Kitsy standing behind him. He was being blocked by Reid's reflection. Reid jumped.

"JESUS! Kitsy, we need to put a bell around your neck or something." He covered his chest with his paw.

"Alright, pointy-boy." Kitsy laughed, "You look nice. Be sure to tell your boyfriend I said hi." 

Reid rolled his eyes. "He's not my boyfriend."

"You've been on three dates since the first one." Kitsy pat Reid on the shoulder. "You are basically a thing at this point."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Kitsy walked over and opened it up and CJ stood there, dressed in flannel and overalls, like the first day they met. CJ smiled as he looked at Reid.

"You look good, Reid." he said.

Reid blushed and Kitsy spoke up. "Ok, I can't stand this anymore. When are you two going to be official?"

CJ looked confused. "I thought we already were."

Reid's eyes widened. "W-what? You mean, you consider me-" he paused.

"My boyfriend, yes." CJ nodded. "I mean, if you're ok with that. I don't want to push you into-URP!" he was cut off my a hug from Reid. He quickly accepted it and hugged back.

Later, the two were driving into the city toward the studio. Reid didn't really speak much during the ride. CJ looked over to him and noticed his leg was shaking. Without saying anything he stuck out his hand and placed it on Reid's. His leg stopped immediately. Reid looked over.

CJ spoke "It'll be fine. Amy's gonna love you. Don't worry."

This calmed Reid a little bit. He slowed his breath trying to get everything under control again. They arrived at the studio shortly after. The two got out and CJ grabbed his produce. They made their way over to a door. CJ nodded with his head to signal to Reid that it was ok to open it. They went inside.

Reid was amazed. They had professional lighting equipment, different backdrops and a full kitchen. There weren't too many workers around. One photographer setting up a camera, someone else working on lights, and two in the kitchen just having a conversation. Reid was in his own little world and he heard a soft laugh. He snapped out of it.

"Like what you see?"

Stood in front of him was a well-dressed, light blue fox-like furry with yellow eyes, pinkish-purple hair, and wings.

"You must be Reid, I've trusted CJ here on his word about you, so I expect good things. I'm Amy, I'm the head director here, welcome aboard." she stuck out her paw, which Reid shook.

"CJ, you can set the produce down in the kitchen, I will give Reid here Amy's famous tour." She motioned for Reid to follow.

They walked around the studio looking at all the spaces, and equipment. Reid's job will be a little of everything. Helping set up and adjust the lights, bringing food from the kitchen to the shooting area, and helping in the kitchen if needed. Once the tour was finished CJ came back up to them.

"Ok, there anything else you need from me?" He asked.

Amy replied, "No, I think we're good, thank you CJ for your help like always. You can go talk to Archie, he should have your payment."

CJ walked over and placed a quick kiss on Reid. "See you when you get off." he walked over to Archie who stood by the door.

"Aww, how sweet." came Amy's response. Which caused Reid to blush.

LATER: Reid was working on lighting during a shoot for one of the more popular fast food chains in the city. The photographer's name was Ori, he was a black bird with large wings, and green eyes that almost seemed to glow.

"I love this." He said, getting Reid's attention.

"Doing this, photography I mean, I like to view it as an analogy of life." he continued.

Reid looked confused. "What do you mean?"

Ori chuckled. "I mean, you have all these things to help you make a perfect image. Like in life, you have all these small pieces to create a perfect life for yourself, it's just up to you to bring it all together." He snapped a few more images. "So basically, what I'm saying is, Life is like taking a photo. As long as you have your mind set on something, you can bring everything together to create perfection."

Reid thought for a moment. This was a brilliant way to look at things. "Wow, that's very prophetic, you know?"

Ori laughed. "Thank you." he looked back through the view-finder. "Oh, could you adjust that bun? It looks a little droopy."

Reid's shift was coming to an end and he was approached by Amy. She placed a paw on his shoulder.

"You did good today, Reid. CJ was right about you after all. I am very impressed. Let's go over here and sit, I have a couple questions. Business stuff."

They sat down at a small table, out of the way from everyone else. Amy began to speak.

"So first of all, CJ told me you worked in that restaurant that burned down a while back. What was your position?"

"Line-cook. I cooked dishes and plated them so they are as presentable as possible." Reid said with confidence.

Amy seemed very interested at this point. "So you would be able to work in the kitchen, then. Do you know any food-styling tricks?" she asked.

Reid thought for a moment. "I've heard things, but never used them in practice, but I think I'd be able to make dishes in a way that you probably wouldn't need many misleading trickery."

Amy tapped her pen on the table. "Hmm, maybe we could take a day and give you a test run in the kitchen, so we can see those abilities, first-hand."

After the questions were finished, Reid and Amy stood up, just in time to see CJ walk through the door. He walked over to them and put an arm around Reid.

"Hey Amy, how'd he do today?" he asked.

"Well I probably shouldn't say this where he can hear me, because I don't want that head to grow. But I'm glad you recommended him. He seems perfect for this job. I may give him a full-time position before too long." the three smiled.

Reid's shift was over, and he and CJ left the studio. They drove back to the house and Reid noticed Kitsy's car was gone.

"Oh, I guess he left to visit his mate. You want to come inside for a while?" Reid asked.

CJ was hesitant. "I don't know. You sure it would be ok? I mean my work day is over, so I guess I have some time."

"Of course. Come inside, I'll make you a drink or something." Reid insisted.

The two went inside, and Reid made CJ a glass of lemonade, which was thoroughly enjoyed. After that, they sat on the couch watching the television. Reid felt CJ grab onto his paw, he accepted it without hesitation. Reid was the one to break the silence.

"Um, CJ?" he asked.

"Mhm?" CJ responded.

"I don't know if I've told you. But this is my first relationship in quite a long time. So I may move slower than you'd like, it's still pretty new to me." Reid blushed.

"That's ok." CJ said, "I'm a patient guy."

He smiled, which caused Reid to melt a little. He loved CJ's smile. He had an idea, and apparently CJ noticed a change in expression.

"What? What are you think-UMPH?!" CJ asked before being cut off.

The kiss came unexpectedly, but it sure was it magical.