Chapter 2: Everybody Posin' | Sammy/Reader

(ft. B̮e̫᷿͔̽n͈d̶y̺᷈ͤ and Susie)

⦁ The head manager of an animation studio - Joey Drew, stood proudly in the main lobby with a chipper happy face. In front of him was a wall with a gigantic Logo written "Joey Drew Studio"; but what was the man actually focusing on were the newly framed pictures.

The most exclusive Black'n'white pictures in hue, with clear faces of the employees. Anyone would drool over such clear and sharp photos in the early 1950's. In those pictures were a bunch of people, each dressed elegantly and fashionably, just like respectable employees should : (L/n), Lawrence, Connor, Campbell, Polk even Henry.

Drew sighed with nostalgia before shouting towards his crew who were in the lobby working - "These photos turned out amazing, Don't you folks agree with me?"

"Hell no, man.''

"No."

"They turned out horrible, Drew!"

"These are the embodiment of our shame"

Joey's glee and pride washed away upon hearing his workers whine like little babies "w-wha?! I waste my time and money to get the best photographer in town and this is what y'all repay me with? These are the best pictures you'll get in this century! People from the future will look at these photos with awe, praising it as a piece of history!"

"Yeah, and whatever keeps you asleep at night." - added Norman Polk, causing (Y/n) and Wally to quietly snicker in the back.

(Flashback to several weeks ago)

⦁ It was Monday, but not just any boring Monday. It was a special day for the employees. Joey booked a photographer who was supposed to take a group photo of the whole workshop with the employees - like a family picture, or some sort. So obviously, the loud manager lectured everyone about showing up presentable and elegant rather than in some enfeebled rags. Of course, everyone stared at him with a raised eyebrow, since Joey forgot that his crew is a bunch of adult people - not some bobbysoxers teenagers who needed a mother to tell them how to properly dress.

Nonetheless, everyone was excited!

When the crew arrived on Monday, all fancy and decorous, (Y/n) couldn't recognize those people: the auditorium was full, crowded even. Young champs and gals were dressed in elegant and classic attires. Dignifying shirts, soft cloth and neatly polished black blucher shoes that clicked whenever taking a step. (Y/n) was staring in amazement, she hoped that her own outfit wasn't too simple and boring compared to everyone else.

⦁ Before the young (L/n) could awkward step into the crowd, a tall woman strode towards her, with snakeskin heels click-clacking on the wooden floor as she approached. "There you are dear, come on everyone's already here!"

Susie Campbell swiftly snatched (L/n) to her side, her arms gently linked with the (Skin-color) arms, while strolling towards their male co-workers. (Y/n) noticed Campbell's face - She had a strong makeup that made her jaw look sharper and definite cheekbones that gave her a strong appearance. It definitely suited with her black pencil dress.

"Ladies." Sammy Lawrence appeared before the two females, in all his grandeur. A tailored black suit with a charming red tie. His chiseled jaw lifted with a proud, pleasant smile. Henry casually stood next to him, equally dressed well. "May I tell you that you two look outstanding today."

"Thank you, Lawrence-" The 26-year-old (Y/n) tried to show her gratitude to such a heartwarming compliment, only to be interrupted by Campbell's comment "Of course we do, that's how a lady should look on such day!"

Campbell would drag on with conversation whenever she had the chance to, never letting (L/n) out of her arms. They'd giggle, they'd laugh, but as the day went on, waiting for the photographer to arrive - Susie excused herself and (Y/n) to go to the lavatory. "(Y/n), is my hair mess? oh no..."

"What a bash of a party." - commented Henry, as he and Samuel watched the two gentlewomen disappear within the crowd of other well-dressed employees. Sammy agreed, "Yes... What a dame."

Henry snorted slightly, "Are you swooning over Susie, buddy?"

"Susie? What, no... Miss (L/n)."

Henry's smile fell down.

"Okay, where's that man Drew? He told us the photographer would be here soon, we've been waiting for hours!" - Thomas Connor bursted in towards his colleague, followed by Wally Franks' high-pitched voice: "Ya think he forgot about it? Because if so, I'm outta here!"

"Well, Wally, to be quite Franks with you - I think he did!"

"Did you just-"

"Alright, Ladies and Gentlemen! I have bad news for you." - The man himself, Joey Drew, stepped in - his voice loud and clear, ready to announce today's plan. Everyone's attention was directed towards the manager, even Susie and (Y/n) who just got out of the lavatory, stared in confusion. "There won't be any photo shooting, the photographer couldn't make it today."

"WHAT!"

Breaking from his dreamy gaze, Samuel Lawrence tried to remove (Y/n)'s image from his eyes. It was all he could do to not stutter and blush when she addressed him. Instead, Sammy's cold behavior came back "Wait, So we all came in here dressed up and ready - only for it to be canceled?!"

"EXACTLY!" - Campbell joined in, her once sweet maneuver turned into a hotheaded act "Do you have any idea how long it took me to curl up my hair and do the makeup?!"

"Now, kids, don't Snap your cap! The photographer said he'll be here tomorrow at this exact hour, so our plans are canceled for today." Joey announced, receiving disappointed looks from the crew - "Now back to work!"

⦁ And thus, The plan got canceled, and so everyone's mood;

The next day, everyone appeared in the same fashionable looks, except less excited.

Low and behold, a young fella stomps in the auditorium, with a hat and an open shirt collar spreading over the lapel of his jacket. He was lit up with that boyish grin - in his hand a suitcase and a camera hanging around his neck. The Crew immediately noticed the new face walking, realizing that it's the photographer. He introduced himself as Ansel Adams*

The Man was ongoing and social, thus working with him made the photo session more "interesting"

"Alright everyone, I would like you to get together and stand" - The photographer announced positioning his equipment and camera on a tripod. (Y/n), alongside the rest of the co-workers, hurried to stand in a suitable position so everyone will feel comfortable and presented "Everybody posin' !"

Except it went quite disastrous

While everyone was shuffling between each other, Susie Campbell tried to pose next to (L/n) and Lawrence, only to accidentally trip on her high-heels and stumble onto (Y/n)'s back. Of course, startling the lady, (Y/n) was unintentionally shoved onto Sammy's chest, causing more havoc. Henry was alarmed as to what happened to his colleague who all looked embarrassed, so he started moving towards them.

"Come on, folks, more smiles!" - Thereafter, when people regained their balances, they started to crack some clumsy smiles. The photographer took several photos, as a way to determine proper exposure and adjust the contrast of the final print. In some shots, Wally Franks was smiling like a silly goose, in others, Norman was moving way too much, In the third (Y/n) looked stoned - with wide eyes and a poker face as she thought of only one thing: 'who touched my butt?'

Hence several silly pictures were made that day, and although many were decent, Joey Drew noticed a particular figure shifting alongside the (hair-colored) Female, causing him to jump in horror and tell the photographer to retake another shot. But other than that, it went pretty humorous for the Crew.

⦁ Subsequently, that evening, The crowd of employees had been so jubilant, chatting like the inebriated and joyful. And as much as (Y/n) wanted to enjoy the company and some relaxing time to socialize, Joey had an important matter to discuss with her in private. The dark and shadowy corridor illuminated in light for a split second, muffled echoes of people conversing from the floor below could be heard. Despite the contrary, Joey and (Y/n) still spoke in hushed voices, away from prying ears.

"-First these gears, then the Ink Pipes, now this... Hideous loud Ink Machine blueprints? I'm tired of your excuses, Joey."

"But this is what we need to achieve success! Just imagine what more creation we can bring with this."

"Enough!" - What people think is mutual respect between (L/n) and Drew - had been distorted into a close mimic of hatred. During daytime, the two would pretend everything is peaceful and clear, wearing happy masks that hide their inner concern - these two knew something that no one should know about. "You must understand, your plans will only bring troubles! What about the rest?

"The Rest don't need to know. I've had enough with their foolish acts, they can't do anything responsible without whining." - What was supposedly a chipper happy face of a manager was now nothing but a lie to keep his business going; now his sweet lies were replaced with heartless insults and taunts.

"But these are your people, what do you expect me to do? Hold this secret till I die?!"

"If I'll even discover that you told someone I'll-"

Drew stepped closer towards (L/n) who held her face stoic and cold-blooded. His teeth clenched, ready to threaten the female animator but a faint growling noise made the two stop dead in their tracks before things could go worse. They knew well who it was. Joey winced with his face turning away to the wall, it was another evening of him bickering.

"You won't dare to tell anyone, (L/n). Otherwise, how will you describe your devil darling appearing in the corners of today's pictures?"

"Huh?"

"My plans are settled with this studio... And remember, it's too late to go back." - Drew became paranoid throughout the years, every night his head would be filled with several thoughts and "what ifs" constantly flooding into his brain. He still had more work to do. So grabbing his coat, the man left the room without looking back at (Y/n).

(Y/n)(L/n) stood alone.

The argument was cold. Every word over pronounced, slicing rather than tumbling through the dry air. Her tiredness makes her hang limp like wet laundry on a cold still day. She feels like every muscle is giving into gravity, but facing Joey would always turn her mood sour. Luckily, he left.

"Misṡ̫ (L/n̩͔).̃͑..?"

Low purrs emitted from behind the lady when a pulsating blob of ink started to slowly shift on the floor. With a bow and skinny limbs, a solid figure was crouching on the wooden floor, oozing black liquid dripping from 'His' face. A crooked Face. "Am I a trouble for you?"

(Y/n) immediately turned around, facing a tall shadow figure that would stay hidden during the backroom when everyone is working. 'He' spoke with distorted tone, his flesh of living ink sensing each movement and sound within the room - but what 'his' round eyes were settled on is the figure of his female creator that would ensure his safety and wellbeing. (Y/n) cupped his face gently, the ink slowly slipping from his face to reveal his shorter body with a round cartoonish face. "I-I just saw you having fun... a-and, I really wanted to join you."

"No, Bendy. You're never a trouble for me."

_________________

Notes: Ansel Adams* (1902-84) was a famous American photographer and environmentalist. Again, I just needed a real person from the 1950's to add in here, because REFERENCES!

And the photo scenario was an actual thing that happened to me a week ago. Except the next day, it was raining and the photographer wanted to take a pic of us outside. (I don't know how the photos turned out, they didn't show us yet) (•‿•)

Also - guess who'll ạppe̜ar in th̘is st̐͘ori͎̙y ̂from now on?