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fantastisk2017-01-30 07:30 pm
vagrancing) wrote in fantastisk2017-01-30 07:30 pm
( the brewing love one )
how do you take your coffee? with an extra shot through the heart?
( the lovers are dating; the waitress is waiting )
no subject
flashing forward to Tuesday, Victor had stayed up late for him, checking his phone. he gets several texts over the course of the day, most related to upcoming shoots and an appointment reminder for Makkachin at the vet's office.
nothing from Yuri.
he doesn't think much about it. or he does, but he reminds himself Yuri's busy; he has university concerns, he has work concerns, he has... other concerns Victor doesn't know about, though he'd like to. he'd love to listen to Yuri talk about all his concerns. he'd love to listen to Yuri talk.
but his phone doesn't light up with the message light with anything from Yuri. not through the day, not into the evening. he walks Makkachin, considers texting Yuri first, wonders if that'll make it seem like he's being too pressing. it's taken him this long to get Yuri's number he doesn't want to drive him away now.
he ends up passing out on his couch hugging Makkachin, face buried in the fur of her neck. she licks at his hair, giving him a small cowlick. he's dead asleep when his phone finally lights up with a notification.
and he does not get back to Yuri until it's well after midnight; even later, close to 4 am. Victor finds himself jolting to awareness, startled out of some unremarkable dream or another to find Makkachin has abandoned him for the comfort of Victor's bed proper. he sits up, rubbing his hands over his face. the blinking light catches his eye, and he leans out, heart in his throat. what if, he asks himself, it isn't Yuri?
what if it is?
he's holding his breath as he swipes his finger over the screen, bringing up the message interface and whispering out a: )
Yes!
( when he sees the Yuri (coffee emote) on his message app. followed by a: )
Oh shit, oh shit I slept through this —
( and he doesn't want Yuri thinking he was ignoring him, which probably explains the series of texts Victor sends at 4:03 AM Wednesday morning. )
I fell asleep! I'm sorry! I just got this! Thursday works great, my only shoot is a sunrise one, I can swing by wherever's easiest for you after you're out of class?
I'm so sorry this is being sent at this hour please respond when it's reasonable!
If it feels too last minute Monday afternoon works well too, the weather's meant to be nice and sunny both days.
( here he sends a screenshot of his weather app showing sunny skies for Thursday midday, a chance of light showers in the afternoon. )
I can bring something along for lunch then? Since I'm stealing you away with Makkachin when you'd otherwise have a chance to eat. I'll make it up to you, promise!
Do you have any food allergies?
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Yuri ignores the first ding. he mumbles annoyance at the second. by the fourth he's resigned to having to wake up, and by the fifth he's squinting painfully at his screen, too-bright in the darkness of his room.
he unlocks his phone and in the process sends a string of nonsense: )
asdffffkkkkkkkjshik
( before he fumbles his glasses on properly, squints again, whines in dismay at his own clumsiness, and sets about with the follow-up. )
Oops, sorry!!!
Say 10:30? Where do you want to meet?
( how are they even getting to wherever? does Victor have a car? is a bus? does Yuri really care, at 4:07 in the morning? all signs point to 'no'.
he hesitates a little longer over the food thing, not because he doesn't trust the man's cooking (or purchasing; Yuri won't judge) but...this might be a chance to show he's good for more than just making coffee and petting dogs. even though he's really good at both those things.
Victor's the kind of person you naturally want to impress, after all. )
Um, I can make lunch?
Unless you really want to! That's fine!
It sounds fun, though.
I don't get a lot of chance to make anything exciting lately!
( Yuri sends the string of messages off before the second-guessing kicks in, wondering if that's too pushy, oh, god, why is he so? bad at this? it's just a little hike, after all! nothing to get so worked up over at all!
(he's doomed. Phichit's not even awake to console his self-conscious warbling.) )
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Hey, Makkachin. I'm coming to bed too.
( she wuffs, tail wagging, and he's in the bathroom, flicking on the light. just as he's setting his phone down he sees the light blink for a message received; he fumbles his phone and nearly drops it into the toilet attempting to unlock the screen again and see who it's from. he smiles standing there in the too bright light of his bathroom when it's Yuri (coffee emote), stupid and really having to pee.
granted, to get a string of random letters first is amusing. he actually sets his phone down at that, figuring either it was on accident or Yuri was less awake than he was. it's good though; still smiling like an idiot, he takes care of the pressure of his bladder, flushing and washing his hands feeling too jovial for a man up at four in the morning unplanned. )
I have my car, so wherever's convenient for you? Bless GPS, it's difficult to get lost these days.
( turning off the light, he heads toward his bed, sitting down on it and reaching out with an absent hand to run over Makkachin's head. )
Makkachin, he's offering to make lunch. Is he perfect or something?
( not that Victor is a terrible cook, but it isn't something he spends as much time doing most days. no point cooking for just himself, and so most the dishes he makes are appropriate to share with Makkachin, and predictably... bland.
but what really makes him smile even more stupidly at his phone screen is the fact that offering makes it seem a lot more like Yuri's acknowledging this as a date, and not just being the dogsitter. Victor taps out a reply as he sits crosslegged on his bed, Makkachin sighing and hefting herself closer to shove her head under his arm and rest it on his leg. )
Are you kidding, that sounds amazing!
Please, if you want to make lunch, I'd have to be crazy to say no.
I was just going to hope you weren't allergic to PB&J or BLTs.
( he chuckles, somewhat embarrassed at himself. his basic, basic life... )
Surprise me!
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Pick me up at my place then? There's always a heap of parking so it should be nice and easy.
( and he's sent the address before it occurs to Yuri that maybe it's kind of forward of him, but. it's not like he's inviting Victor up for wink-nudge-coffee-wink-wink, after all. and there'll be the food to carry, so it's easiest to just load it into the car right away. which...really just means that Yuri can go All Out for this. )
I can eat pretty much everything, as far as I know...
( and often does, which definitely shows, but it's not like Yuri has to be some perfect athletic model. dieting is a pain and stress is a great enabler.
his mind races with ideas already despite Yuri's tiredness. how long has it been since he's really cut loose in the kitchen? every now and again he helps out for the cafe but it's mostly just basic stuff for the cabinet, or prep for the menu. he and Phichit tend to just make a big batch of whatever to split for convenience's sake, though every now and again they'll be fancy-ish to treat themselves.
ahh, he's looking forward to this more and more, even with the inevitable prospect of embarrassing himself looming large. two days to plan a picnic lunch; that's plenty of time. Yuri knows more or less what Victor favours in terms of food, too, thanks to months of serving him. )
OK, I'll do my best!
See you Thurs!
...which I guess is tomorrow now anyway
( oh god, he's babbling. via text. he's managing to babble via text, where he has to actively send his responses. Yuri tries to rally: )
So go to sleep, it's late!
Early!
Whatever!!
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... is this where he lives? Makkachin! ( he shows his dog the phone, laughing a little in his sheer surprise. ) Makkachin, that's his address! Not that it means anything, but it means something, he can't think I'm a total weirdo — right? You don't give total weirdos your home address, do you?
( Makkachin licks at his elbow, then pointedly flops her head back into his lap. pets, or go to bed. she has no time for his phone nonsense at this hour. )
Sounds like a plan! I'll pick you up from your place at 10:30am Thursday. Is it dog friendly, or should I leave Makkachin in the car?
( by default he brings her around anywhere he is when he's out of the car and not shopping just as naturally as he breathes; she's his life companion, and most his shoots even have her on location. sometimes leashes to a nice place in the shade, depending, but most people he works with aren't afraid of dogs, and rather enjoy her company.
she might have something to do with his decision making process in accepting wedding photography jobs. very scientific. )
I'll keep that in mind for the future.
( it shows, yes, but Victor loves that. Yuri has such a pleasant, endearing softness to his features, and the roundness is... very appealing. Victor wouldn't peg himself as someone with a particular type; but as it is, Yuri happens to strike a whole slew of his fancies that he'd not paid overmuch attention to before.
he finds the rambling texts adorable, shifting so he can half drag Makkachin into his lap and give her a proper hug. )
He's so cute, Makkachin. How is he so cute? Is he real? Don't pinch me if I'm dreaming, I'll be very grumpy to wake up and have dreamed this.
( that said, he frowns, then pinches himself. who knows if that really works, but as far as he can tell, he's awake and he did indeed just get all these text messages from Yuri (coffee emote) Katsuki. he grins, bringing his phone up in sudden inspiration.
snapping a selfie of himself and Makkachin, Victor's hair all a muss considering his couch sleeping stunt earlier, he shows them both waving, human hand around canine ankle. the lighting is soft and grainy, lit blue from the side of his room where his digital clock sits; a softer orange-yellow light coming through the curtains in the background, giving them an almost eerie halo. it's a terrible photo, from a professional standpoint. absolutely not work he'd show anyone to impress them with his skills.
he still sends it as a media attachment to Yuri. sometimes professional pride can take a backseat. )
We will. Goodnight, Yuri! Sleep well!
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( because this way he doesn't have to make sure the apartment's spotless. god, how long has it been since he's had visitors? what a terrifying prospect. best to put it off as long as possible, especially since the place ain't exactly the Ritz to begin with.
god, what is he going to make? at least Makkachin's easy enough to cater for; pupsicles are always a winner. Yuri opens Pinterest and just starts going through the Food & Drink search for random inspiration. virtually none of it is practical, but it's pretty and interesting and the scrolling always puts him to sleep.
though tonight sleep will be hard to find. the picture comes through, absolutely atrocious compared the rest of Victor's works, and Yuri throws his phone down the bed in an excess of puzzled happiness. there's no logical reason why someone as successful and amazing and beautiful as Victor should be sending 4 AM selfies to him, but boy is Yuri glad he did.
he takes a minute to scream his pleased confusion into his pillow before retrieving his phone. at least Victor didn't see that; he can still seem sort-of collected when he replies. )
Wah, Makkachin! So cute!
Sleep well, both of you.
( cool. cool. totally cool. nobody has to know he's grinning like an idiot at his ceiling, hands pressed futilely against his burning cheeks. that hair-- and his bed? the dog? it's a deadly combination. suddenly tomorrow seems like an awfully long way away. )
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Got it! We'll meet you downstairs.
( everything else he needs to have said at four-something in the morning has already been said. he plugs his phone in, setting it on the night stand. Makkachin stands and pads in a circle as he crawls under his comforter; she flops back down and hooks her chin over his hip. he's excited, but also, he's still tired.
he crashes again, Makkachin and Victor breathing in tandem as the night closes over them both again.
Thursday morning he's up well before dawn, loading all his equipment into the car. Makkachin yawns and follows him up and down the stairs to his second floor flat, pausing for a pee break on the lawn before he packs them both in and heads off to set up on location for their sunrise shoot. the models are actually an older couple and their three show dogs, wanting portraits of them all and on their own; he doesn't mind, Makkachin a good lead for the dogs once they've been properly introduced. he can call for her to lead a jaunt down the beach and back, taking advantage of the lighting as the sun spills over the mountains and across the waters of the lake to give dramatic profiles and shifting skies to each shot. the family ones come out better than he anticipated, even if half the time he was trying to use his reflector and the morning breeze attempted to send it flying.
he's in good spirits and back at his flat to clean up and load photos onto his laptop and back-up drive; he charges his phone and his camera batteries, hopping in the shower and scrubbing himself down. he picks out clothing that's easier to move around in, one of his favourite sweaters and older jeans, knowing he'll be on his knees often enough depending on the shots he sets up to take. layered up allows him the option of layering down. he also takes off Makkachin's casual collar, putting on her leathertool worked one, appreciating the scrolling vines. he takes a moment to brush her out, satisfied she looks fantastic; his own hair gets a second thought as he pauses to look in his bathroom mirror.
he smiles at himself, brushes his teeth again, and then heads out with his camera and phone. he has his tripod left in the car from this morning, along with most his ready to travel photography kit. he doesn't figure on using most of it this afternoon.
setting his GPS, he finds his way to Yuri's apartment, parking in a decent enough place. he checks the time, waiting in the car until it's about three to the half hour, finally letting himself and Makkachin hop out, Makkachin kept on lead for the sake of appearances. he checks his phone, sending off a message: )
Sorry we're a little early! We're downstairs.
( two minutes is barely early, but still. he looks to Makkachin, finding her happily wagging her tail as she takes in their new surroundings. the lack of a camera on Victor means no, she's not working yet; she's far more casual than when she thinks she's on duty as his canine assistant. )
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but he's a solid fifteen minutes or so away when Victor texts, and his hands are full of rice. cleaning them off takes time he doesn't have. it's still better than being totally rude; he fires away a quick, somewhat-harried reply: )
Sorry! I'll be down soon!!
( heck, he doesn't even have the time to let them in. with grim determination Yuri finishes off his prep, feeling sweat at his brow already and resigning himself to a day with an overheating face for one reason or another. when he finally makes it down it's with the backpack and a large cooler, the latter borrowed gratefully from work. he'd paid for it in the teasing received once they all found out why Yuri had needed it, but it's worth it.
panting, Yuri puts down the cooler in time to fend off an enthusiastic leap from Makkachin, laughing breathlessly as she licks his face. )
Oh, thanks for that. Clearly I needed a bath.
( apologetically he half-smiles at Victor and gives him a little wave, recollecting the goods once Makkachin's satisfied with her greeting. )
Sorry, ( Yuri apologises again, ) My rice cooker decided to die so I had to do things the old-fashioned way; took a little longer than I'd allowed for.
( but he's satisfied with his offerings: ginger and peach iced tea, fresh spring rolls and sauce, some muffin-sized baked frittatas, strawberry hand pies for dessert, and - of course - onigiri in four flavours. his roots are showing, Yuri knows, but making it all was so refreshing he's almost tempted to ask if they can make this a semi-regular outing.
maybe later he will, depending on how things go. )
How was your, um, shoot? This morning?
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it passes the time. he doesn't worry about it; Yuri said he'd be down. they just have the end time as being with reasonable travel time to get Yuri to work on schedule. beyond that, Victor doesn't stress. he enjoys the later morning, tipping his head back to bask in the sun, Makkachin sitting at his side and leaning her shoulder against his shoulder.
she drops the ball and leaps for Yuri when he emerges, Victor turning his head to follow her enthusiastic progress. he beams when he catches sight of Yuri; is that a whole cooler? way bigger than what Victor was expecting, but he has to admit, he hadn't put much thought into the food past being excited Yuri had offered to cook in the first place. he stands, dusting off his pants with his hands and calling for Makkachin to come back to his side. she obeys on her own time. )
No, you're fine. We were just enjoying the morning. Makkachin kept finding people to throw her ball.
( he holds up the tennis ball in question, laughing lightly, genuine pleasure in his expression. )
She's made all kinds of friends. Wow! What kind of feast have you made?
( he clips Makkachin's lead on again, making no effort not to stare at the cooler with wide, curious eyes. he nods his head down the way toward where he parked, answering Yuri's question: )
It went well! An older couple who've been in dog showing circles for years wanted family portraits out on the beach at the lake. Are you familiar with how Afghan hounds look?
( once at the car, he opens the back seats; his gear is in the boot, and this is easier to get things in and out of as a consequence. )
Sorry; I'm still loaded up in back.
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unaware of his own flirting prowess, at least in regards to smitten photographers, Yuri gives a secretive smile as he wags a finger at Victor. the obvious curiosity is pleasing, but also sort of scary: what if Victor doesn't like what he's made? but he's fairly confident. at the very least Yuri can always bring it back home to share with Phichit, who'd been an enthusiastic taste-tester. )
You'll find out at lunch time! No peeking!
( he follows along obligingly and hefts the cooler into the car with a small grunt, positioning it on the seat behind the driver's side on the assumption that Makkachin will want with the middle or the passenger side so she can see Victor. )
Afghans? A little, yes, though not in person. How many dogs?
( the backpack goes into the passenger footwell and Yuri settles in, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Makkachin has plenty of room, as if Victor's car would ever be set up otherwise. it's not until he's buckling himself in that he considers: )
--Oh, geez; I'm not in her seat, am I? I don't mind taking the back...
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he just knows it's going to be a delightful one. )
Okay, okay, I'll be patient. I can be good!
( Makkachin huffs out a bark at that, either to agree or patently disagree. either way Victor looks briefly startled, then mimes shock as he holds his hand to his heart. )
Makkachin! Really, where can a man get support for all his good traits these days if not from his best friend?
( she wags her tail and waits for him to open the other back door, hopping up on the well worn and washed blanket that's been hers for most her life. Victor shuts the door as Yuri settles himself in, coming around the back of the car before opening the driver's side door and sliding in. He's buckling up as Yuri asks his question; Victor clicks the buckle closed, shaking his head and flashing Yuri a smile. )
No, no, she's mostly in the back as it is. She can lie down back there, can't you, girl?
( having sat down with one paw on the door, nose pressed against the opening in the glass window, Victor goes ignored. Makkachin's tail wags incessantly as she waits for the window to be further rolled down. Victor looks up toward the roof. )
She won't pay attention to anything else until I let her get her head out that window. It's not supposed to be good for their ears, but she loves it so much I don't see the worst of the harm when we're in town.
( starting the ignition, classic music starts playing as the engine rumbles, Victor pressing down on the window control so that Makkachin's head can pass through the window, dog now fully standing in the back. )
You're free to change the music if you want — when Makkachin was younger, the only thing that kept her calm in the car was classical and operatics. She's fine with it now, but I kind of got used to it over the years. I think the radio still works?
( does he sound unsure? he does, but he's also looking back, arm at the back of Yuri's seat as he backs up the car, ignoring the low wag of Makkachin's tail for the duration. it's still about an eighteen minute drive to the park he has in mind; slightly more than the fifteen he'd estimated, but that leaves them with plenty of time. heading out on the roads toward the freeway, he clucks his tongue and calls to Makkachin as a warning as they hit the on ramp. )
Head in, СОБАЧКА.
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Quite right, Makkachin; don't let him get away with it.
( he's...relieved, honestly, that this is as easy-going and informal as any interaction they've had at the cafe. maybe even moreso, since Yuri's not working and doesn't have to put up the bare modicum of Customer Service Persona, though for Victor he's never really needed to in the first place. that's a rare thing for Yuri - to be so almost instantly comfortable with someone, especially in an ostensibly professional context.
so he's very glad it's carrying over to today as well.
he shifts a little in his seat at the reassurance, getting comfortable for the ride, not too sure how long it's supposed to take. nor is he worried that Victor's going to take him off somewhere, murder him, and wear his skin for a coat or something; at the very least, plenty of people know where Yuri's supposed to be today. it'll be fine. he watches out the window instead, looking in his side mirror to catch Makkachin's tongue lolling out into the wind and giggling softly at the sight. )
Aw, she looks like she's having fun; it'd be mean not to let her hang out once in a while.
( hang out......even Yuri wants to groan at the pun while simultaneously being pretty pleased with it so off-the-cuff. maybe Victor won't notice. he takes the change of topic as a chance to hide his shame, at any rate. )
Oh, no, no, this is fine! I listen to a lot. Of classical, I mean. Well, and most things, I guess.
( ah. it was only a matter of time before the babbling broke through again; Yuri goes lightly pink and fiddles with his phone to distract himself, confirming with Phichit that yes, he's on his way out, and no, he hasn't been stood up. if he's not home by midnight send the police, ha ha, no but seriously. it's unlikely, but just in case. )
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he laughs at the pun, appreciating the jest wholeheartedly. )
Now you know half of why I come by the cafe so often.
( another hang out joke, but for whom?! Makkachin, yes, but as much Victor; the other half of the reason is currently sitting shotgun. he turns on his blinker, waiting for the light to turn so he can pull onto the freeway. )
You enjoy music? I mean. You do, but.
( foot in mouth syndrome here, but he laughs, shaking his head and turning as the green gives them the right of way. )
That was a dumb question. Any favourite composers?
( traffic is light this time of the day, and his merge on the freeway goes smoothly. he stays in the slow lane, in no more of a rush to get there than he will be to get back. he'll stick to schedule, because timeliness is actually something he does hold in high regard: he'd been honestly displeased with himself to be running late the other night, and part of his obstinance in helping Yuri bring in the table and chair was having kept him late. willingly, it sure felt, but regardless, he knows better.
it's a lovely day, puffy white clouds floating by without threatening rain more than jestingly through a too blue sky. he signals for their exit: Mariposa Avenue, swinging them under the freeway and driving to where the graded road begins. he goes slow and rolls down the windows; without anyone ahead of them, they won't be kicking up dirt their own car will be taking in. Makkachin happily resumes her post at the window, head stuck right back out into the fresh air. pulling into the car park, Victor picks a nice place in the shade, one where it should still stay relatively shaded even as it hits noon. he doesn't want the car to get too hot, both for his equipment's sake, and for Makkachin and Yuri once they get back to the car this afternoon. )
We can either bring the cooler in with us or come back for it when we're ready to eat. Like I said, it's about a fifteen minute walk to the meadows. Between the both of us, it shouldn't be so bad?
( but he's giving Yuri the leeway to call it either way. Victor's much more physically active, in no small part because of what he does and his own inclinations toward physical activity; he's trying to gear this to be comfortable for Yuri. including the fact he's brought more than enough water for the both of them; he ducks into the back of his car to pull out Makkachin's doggy dayhike pack, letting her out to stretch her legs and explore a nearby tree for marking. )
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he's never been out here before and so Yuri looks around with specific interest. while he's not generally the hiking type it's not as if he hates being outside, either. the day is pleasant, he's got good company, and Yuri finds that he's actually, truly looking forward to just...wandering around. in a meadow. or whatever it is they're doing here.
stretching his legs a little when he hops out, Yuri considers the options presented. )
Mm, it's not that heavy, so it should be fine to carry?
( Yuri pulls it out of the car and hefts it demonstratively. sure, coolers aren't exactly designed for long carries, but Victor had said this was an easy walk. and if they're carrying it one side each it'll be like nothing. )
I didn't have a blanket or anything to bring, sorry, but the ground seems pretty dry...
( more importantly: Makkachin is seriously cute in her little pack. Yuri sets down the cooler and shrugs into his own backpack, making sure his water bottle's easily accessible at one side, then turns to give Victor a thumbs-up. )
Ready when you guys are, I think!
( just don't make this a speed thing and he'll be fine. sweaty, inevitably, but fine. probably. )
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he stands up, moving to the back and pulling out his camera case and his sturdier tripod, shoved into its carrying case. he's not sure if he really wants or needs it at this point, but regardless, it's better to have on hand. checking on his extra batteries and memory cards, he debates his flashes, leaving them behind in the end. the lighting's nice enough he's not worried. he won't even bring his reflector; he's looking for something more deliberately natural in lighting, and as long as he avoids the lack of shadows natural at about noon, when they should be eating anyway, it'll all be about as he wants.
wrong time of day for truly dramatic lighting, but that's fine. taking Yuri out on a sunrise or sunset hike is one of those goals he finds he does actually have; the part of him that's sold on the romance of a moment able to see the painted skies against a cloud-speckled sunset already.
... oh no, what if Yuri ends up hating hiking? Victor's going to have to re-evaluate his ideas of romantic. he bites down on his lip for a moment, weighing his camera bag and then pulling out even the small flash he keeps on hand to tuck it into the back of the car. )
The ground's more than good enough for me. Not afraid of getting dirty, are we?
( he means it literally, so he laughs, only belatedly realising his double entendre as he turns away and briefly brings his hand to his mouth. oh, er. he picks up Makkachin's extendable lead, adjusting his gear and rounding to where Yuri stands with the cooler. he holds out a hand for one of the cooler handles, Makkachin at his other side. )
Ready! I can let her off lead once we're out on the trail, it's just a leash law around this area due to the cars. We're heading that way, ( he adds, gesturing to the cattle gate under the shady cover of trees arching high overhead ) instead of the other way.
( meaning the smaller, steeper trail off to their left. )
Makkachin's carrying extra water for everyone, so don't worry about running out. There's no refill stations out here — though they do have restrooms down here, if you don't want to, you know.
( make do with peeing in a bush or in the trees, which. honestly, Victor. does? but he doesn't want to assume everyone as okay with these things and some hand sanitizer. )
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( the innuendo likewise passes Yuri by, sailing on benevolent seas. his wrinkling nose is for the state of his end-of-week laundry session. it's amazing, where coffee grinds will end up; even if it costs him more Yuri's learned to do all his work stuff totally separate.
he shakes his head at Victor's offered hand, however. )
I've got this! You're already carrying enough.
( he can pull his own weight! literally, actually. it's amazing what carrying multiple plates of food will do for your arms. before Victor can rally any silly objections Yuri strikes off towards the trail he'd indicated, grinning remorselessly over his shoulder, cooler held to the side furthest away. )
Thanks, Makkachin; what would we do without you?
( he lets the comment about restrooms slide, tactfully; nobody needs to really talk about bathroom habits in-depth, ever. )
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I should tell you about the time I was covering the Color Run the city held last year! I don't know that I ever got everything all the way clean again... still worth it.
( poor Makkachin hadn't been allowed to come along that time, for the better. the amount of paint powder Victor had been hit with even on the periphery was astonishing. he's still glad he managed not to end up with ruined equipment at the end of things.
he lags behind Yuri at first, meeting that remorseless grin with a hand over his heart and a pantomimed swoon. the effect is ruined by what he has over his shoulders, but he's laughing; he doesn't ignore the flutter of his heart as Yuri heads off wit hthe cooler. honestly, he doesn't mind Yuri taking the lead.
this will be one photograph for his heart alone.
Makkachin and Victor catch up as Yuri hits the cattle gate, Victor sliding in front to pull the gate open and usher Yuri through with a wink. he latches it closed behind Makkachin and himself, shoving the tripod onto his back when he crouched and unhooks Makkachin's lead. she's off, trotting past Yuri and up the tree-covered lane, the gravel fairly even throughout. it's a gentle enough grade, going up at a slight incline and curving off to the left. the birds in the region chitter and chirp their business, finches popping out of the branches overhead to flit toward bush and tree to either side. in the distance, a hawk cries; Victor tries to look up, but the foliage of the trees prevent him from seeing much of the sky beyond the shifting glimpses of blue. )
Maybe we'll get lucky and see the hawk once we hit the meadows... Makkachin! Leave it!
( she drops the stick she'd picked up with a low wag of her tail, trotting off at an angle and looking entirely unrepentant.
insects drone somewhere in the near distance as well, but it's a friendly sort of sound. they break out of the tree cover into the warmth of the sun as the path takes them around the base of a larger hill. it's covered in a riot of yellow flowers; yellow blazing stars all over the hillside between the longer grasses. every so often a cluster of foxglove or white yarrow break the pattern; as a light breeze rolls by, the flowers bob and sway in a dance all their own. a butterfly sails overhead on the same breeze; songbirds call out from the trees. Makkachin sniffs enthusiastically at the reaching flowers and grasses that drape over onto the path. Victor clucks his tongue, encouraging her onward. )
You could say this is a teaser for once we get out there. Lovely, isn't it? Strange to think near half these flowers only live once.
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( the walk really is nice, so far, though Yuri starts feeling the heat once they're out of the trees. that's the problem with lovely sunny days: the sun's there, too. it's not like Yuri has any particular issue with the sun, but it tends to be hot and burny and bright. he stops for a minute to switch out his glasses for shades. oh-- shit, he never got around to putting sunscreen on, did he? he'll have to remember that when they get...there. wherever 'there' is. Victor had said it wasn't a long hike, though. )
It smells like honey, ( he observes happily enough, twisting his head this way and that to see everything. Yuri's glad he thought to take some hayfever meds before dashing out of his apartment, though, and the pack's in the cooler with the food. ) Why can't Makkachin have a stick?
( it's not like Victor to deny his beloved dog anything, so surely there must be a reason; Yuri's just curious. okay, and maybe a little nosy, too. )
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( Or might have anyway, if people hadn't swarmed the laundromats. he waits while Yuri switches out glasses for shades, lifting a hand to block the sun from his eyes as he looks down the path. Makkachin appears to be on best behaviour. he's glad; he loves her, but there are adjustments he's had to make for her that she's simply not going to act on by herself. )
Hm? Oh, the splinters. She tends to eat half of them and tear up her gums in the process. She can't have rawhide or chew on those big bones you get from the petstore for too long these days, either.
( she's a little older, and slowing down. he was briefly worried she might have gum disease, but no; she turns out to be one hell of a healthy older pup, and the vet actually compliments her teeth when they go in.
he flashes Yuri another smile as they set off again, slowly rounding the curve of the hillside. another hill gently rises to the other side, their road winding neatly between the two. another seven minutes or so of walking and they'll be in the open landscape looking over the sand dunes leading out to the bay. Victor's eager, sneaking looks at Yuri the whole time. he appreciates how he's looking around; he might not be a hiker, but from what Victor can tell, he's not opposed to the outdoors. it's so enchanting seeing him in a different context than the familiar setting; also unsettling. Victor keeps having to remind himself this isn't a dream. )
Have you been to the old downtown farmer's market on Sundays? I think they actually sell honey there that comes from the farms near here.
( Makkachin bolts back toward them to do a lazy loop around before running off ahead again, stopping as the landscape opens up and looking back for them, tail wagging. it's as they reach her that the the true beauty of this time of year strikes; before it grows hot and the green grasses go gold, all the flowers withering as the seasons progress right on into summer. yet for now, oh, for now?
the meadows stretch before them up to the sand dunes, stretching out for acres to either side. flowers of all colours reach skyward in a riot of colours; toward the far left fields of mustard stretch up to the dunes rolling higher from the shoreline. glimpses of the bay beyond the dunes brings snippets of a different blue than the one overhead; a breeze through the area keeps everything from stagnating, though the drone of happy, fat, bumbling bees isn't difficult to make out against the call of birds from the forest behind and the distant sound of waves lapping against the sandy shore.
Victor spares a cursory glance for all of this, drinking in the majesty of the landscape. yet it's Yuri, standing with his cooler, that inevitably draws Victor's eyes. he wants to watch him more than the familiar, striking beauty of the landscape, and for a few moments, he does, smile soft, eyes sparkling.
he really does hope he likes this. really, really hopes he does. )
This is only like this for a few weeks out of the year. It's amazing! Isn't it?
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( he makes a small noise of sad disappointment on Makkachin's behalf, though the explanation is as sensible as Yuri had expected. still, it must be frustrating not to be able to frisk around as she wishes...
he makes a mental note to give her extra belly rubs to make up for it. and pupsicles.
Yuri can't keep his head still and he probably looks silly with it, but Victor's seen him in worse states so he decides he doesn't much care. it's not like he's here to be photogenic and cool, anyway. he's just here to...what, enjoy the sights? provide some company? help keep an eye on the dog? okay, that last one he's sort of failing at right now, but Victor's got it on lock, so it's probably fine. the other two he's almost definitely getting sort-of right. )
Ah, I'm usually busy on Sunday mornings, ( turning back to Victor with his lips twisting in resigned amusement, Yuri shrugs it off. ) If I'm not at work I'm trying to catch up on school stuff...and laundry.
( the joys of being a full-time student and part-time hospitality worker. )
I've heard good things, though. Hopefully when I'm done with my current project I'll be able to have an actual full day off. ( Yuri smiles properly, not paying much thought as he adds: ) Maybe you can show me the ropes! Or at least tell me what I should be really looking out for.
( at no point does it occur to him that he's smoothly asking for a second date. it doesn't really occur to him that this is a first date. some dreams are too grand to see when they're right in front of you.
at least he's a gratifying audience to this newly-explored wonder before him: Yuri gasps a little as he crests a little rise in the trail and sees what has the Nikiforovs so excited to show him. he even puts the cooler down so he can step forward a little more freely, taking in the flowers and the gentle sway of the grass and the sea in the background, the setting so picture-perfect he puts a hand out in front of him like he might be able to touch it and find that it's a painting. turning, grinning with delight, Yuri swipes his hand through his hair where it's trying blow into his eyes, nodding enthusiastic agreement. )
Victor, it's beautiful! I never even knew this was here!
( not that Yuri had ever thought to look, but in some ways he's glad to have been missing out this whole time. being shown by Victor feels-- special, foolishly, even if it's really only a casual-seeming work jaunt for him. Yuri's still allowed to be happy about it, isn't he?
he recollects the cooler and ventures a little further forward, pausing abruptly to lean down and watch a fat, cheerful bumblebee buzz along a flower. so cute! )
Thanks for bringing me. This is way better than drilling theory for a couple of hours.
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he wants to show Yuri the ropes. wants to stop by all the stands he knows and the ones he doesn't. wants to try samples, wants to pick up farm fresh produce, wants to eat the scrumptious things served by the enterprising — with Yuri. he's almost tripping over his words in eagerness to say yes. )
Please, I'd love to show you! When do you think your current project will be finishing?
( how long should he plan on waiting for this second date. weeks. months? years? years would be kind of ridiculous but he's in enough of a jubilant mood he can almost flirt with the idea of visiting Yuri whenever their schedules overlap at the coffee shop until one day, in a year or two, Yuri can go to the farmer's market with him on a Sunday.
at least he knows that's ridiculous. he settles into the pleasure of watching Yuri discover this place, finally belatedly unzipping his camera case and pulling out his camera. he has it on in short order, up and checking settings and working on manual tweaks to aperture and shutter speeds while Yuri reaches out to touch the expanse of the beauty before them both. Yuri leans down to examine a flower, no, a bumblebee, Victor finding his eyes betraying him by first appreciating the sweetness of the moment... and then the sweetness of following the lines of Yuri's frame as he leans down, leading to Victor coughing and laughing as Makkachin wags her tail and diverts off into the wildflowers, a rustling of brown haired dog amoung a riot of gently bobbing colours. )
Thank you for coming out with me. The last few years it's just been me and Makkachin coming out here on our own. It's nice getting to share the experience.
( he means that sincerely. just as he might also say the wildflowers this year are particularly intense (again), but feels no pressing need as he lifts his camera to his eye, looking through the viewfinder and adjusting the aperture once again before snapping off a series of test shots of Makkachin as she sniffs prances around near to where Yuri had paused. )
There's a knoll down off to our left that's got a decent eye on the area; we could set up to eat there?
( set up his gear, too, though he's suspecting he's not going to end up needing his tripod in the first place. )
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Oh - a month, maybe a month and a half? I'm almost halfway through but polishing it all up at the end always seems to take me longer than I think it will.
( this is a longer one than most, too; so close to the end of his degree Yuri wants all the pieces to be as perfect as he can get them. lately he can't quite shake the feeling that there's something important lacking and it's frustrating him to no end.
he should be working on it right now, actually. but maybe some literal fresh air will do him good, clear the cobwebs of frustration out of his brain and break him out of this rut. it's as good an excuse as any not to feel guilty about following along at Victor's side, reaching out to brush fingers through Makkachin's fur when she passes close enough in her own adventures. the thanks leaves an extra smear of red on his cheeks but Yuri's already heading that way to begin with, the healthy flush of a brisk but easy walk showing as easily as it ever does. )
Mm, that sounds good! What kind of shots are you trying to get today?
( should Yuri be helping with any of them somehow...? he can't imagine what he'd even do. maybe call Makkachin one way or another, since she seems to be Victor's favourite model (not that Yuri blames him). )
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About then... sounds good. We'll probably want to head to the market early once you get back to me with the date, but the closer we get to summer, the nicer it is to be up and around in the morning before the sun gets too high.
( chilly at first, but in the more pleasant way before the sun starts warming the world around them. it's already a nebulous timeframe, but a month, a month and a half? he tucks that into the back of his mind and continues on with enjoying this moment.
Yuri's question merits a quick smile and laugh as he shakes his head. )
Candids, mostly! I wanted to see what the flowers looked like out here before I made any plans. ( cocking his head to the side, he quirks up his eyebrows and looks to Yuri as they continue walking. ) Would you mind helping me with staging Makkachin frolicking through some of the bigger meadows? If we feel up to it and don't run short on time, we could try to get over to the mustard, too.
( he calls Makkachin back to them as they reach the top of the knoll in question, shifting his tripod bag off his shoulder. he shifts his camera bag around to rest on his back, one hand cradling his camera proper as he crouches down to work on her straps and buckles for the doggie dayhike pack she's wearing. once she's free of it, she whips herself around and barks, tail wagging madly. this means play time and exploration! thus decided, she beelines back to the flowers and disappears once more, this time with Victor kneeling and shooting her leaving. when her head pops up over the top of the wildflowers, Makkachin looking off to the left with her ears perks forward, he catches that on film as well. )
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Okay! We'll pick another nice sunny day for it.
( because if it's dreary Yuri knows too well how his mood will tank; he doesn't want to be gloomy for an outing like that. but they've got plenty of time; it's not like they've set a date for it. he sets that minor anxiety aside, too.
while Victor busies himself with dog and camera Yuri trundles down over the knoll, looking around for somewhere suitable to leave their things with a mind to eating lunch later. one side has a little bit of a shade thanks to the sun not quite angling over a rocky outcropping quite yet, so he sticks the cooler there with his backpack for the moment and rejoins Victor, waterbottle in hand. )
Yeah, of course; just tell me what you need to me to do.
( Yuri's glad his vague Googling about hiking basics around the place had suggested frozen lemon wedges in the water; it's kept it cool and given it a refreshing tang. if there's anything to take away from the internet let it be that. he guzzles a little more, realising belatedly that he hasn't had anything to drink, really, since breakfast before class earlier in the day, grateful that Victor's brought plenty along, and gives him a genuine, bashful smile. )
Can't say I've ever helped out with anything like this before, though, so sorry in advance if I'm not very helpful!
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turning back to his equipment, he sets up his tripod and hangs Makkachin's daypack from the center after testing the breeze; even near the sea like this, he's not expecting strong winds until the afternoon, when the day's temperature change brings them rolling down off the hills toward the water. it should be fine this way. likewise tucking his case by the foot of his tripod, Victor pockets the extra batteries and slips the small wallet of simcards into his front pocket. Makkachin rejoins them, a smear of pollen across her muzzle when she butts up against Yuri's leg, patting her feet on the ground with a small jump and wag of her whole body. Victor straightens up, laughing at the display. )
Honestly, if you're not against heading out into the flowers with her, that'd be a great start. She responds to commands in Russian more than English, but about all you really need is "Ko mne" for come.
( hearing the word, Makkachin turns toward Victor, wagging her tail and patting up to him. he rewards her with a vigorous scratching behind her ears, ducking down to rest his forehead against hers for a moment. )
You'll listen to Yuri when he calls, won't you? He's already trying to make off with you, I really shouldn't make that easier, huh, girl?
( patting her shoulder, he stands up again, a tiny smear of pollen now over one eye. )
You're already great, Yuri. All you need to do is be you! Makkachin seems to find that as irresistible as I do.
( he smiles, softer than before, because he doesn't want it to be an aggressive statement. he also doesn't linger in staring, though he wants to; he likes the flush of exertion whenever Yuri wears it, but the genuine, bashful smile is making his heart beat a little too quick. he's so cute. Victor just wants to — anyway. )
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