first roll, first exposure

[strangeandunusual]

[the morning of the 18th, before Aziraphale's little "miracle", the mirror turns on to show Lydia, sitting outside on the balcony of the apartment she shares with Mal. those who met her at the arrival ceremonies saw her with her hair down, but today she's pulled it up into a wild, riotous ponytail like a gothic palm tree]

Um, good morning. I'm Lydia, and I've never used anything like this before. Mal says it's like a "smart phone", but I'd never heard of that, so bear with me.

[there's an awkward pause. the morning breeze ruffles her hair and the black poncho she's wearing. which she may or may not have made out of one of her spare bedsheets because she didn't want to wear the same thing two days in a row.]

Anyway. The Dreamfinder, he said we have to get jobs in order to buy stuff. I know there's a decent amount of food in my kitchen, but we're gonna eat through what I know how to cook, pretty fast. So I'm going job hunting. If anyone wants to join me, I'll be downstairs in like, half an hour? I just need to finish my cereal and brush my teeth. Or you can meet me here at room 3A. Just knock first.

Comments

[beancounter]

[He smiled as she took the money, tucking his wallet back into his jacket pocket.] Sounds fair enough. And I'm not too sure. I thought we'd just wander up and down the street, and see where everything is. Maybe we'll even find some job advertisements, or something!

[And what do you know... they find just that, on a board outside of City Hall! Fenton stops in front of it, and starts scanning the listings.] Hoo hoo! I'm in luck! Looks like they mayor's looking for an accountant! See anything that calls out to you, Lydia?

[strangeandunusual]

That's great, Fenton! I hope he hires you. I don't see any reason why he wouldn't, you seem really smart when it comes to money.

[she squints at the board, more out of concentration than necessity, until her eyes widen and she gasps with delight]

There's a camera shop by the train station! And they're hiring, too! It's just a cashier, but... Maybe they might need help in the darkroom if it gets busy.

[beancounter]

[Fenton had been about to puff up a little with pride, to boost his own confidence... when Lydia's honest confidence in him both startled him, and humbled him... and just just ducked his shoulders and blushed instead.] Aww... thank you, Lydia. I'm just really good with numbers, that's all. Mr. McDuck's the one that's really smart when it comes to all things money.

And hey! That's great! It'll get your foot in the door, at least. And then I'm sure they'll let you help out in the darkroom! You're into photography, then?

[strangeandunusual]

Hey, good with numbers is what accounting is, right? You'll be great.

I've been taking pictures since I was in 4th grade. We were visiting my Aunt Zelda's farm, and she let me play with a Polaroid she won at the fair ... by the time we left I'd fallen in love so much that she let me keep it. I had two cameras at home - that one, and one my parents got me for Christmas later that year. ... I'd love to have one here, so I can take pictures of everything we find. Even ... maybe a field guide to all the Corroded monsters so people know what to expect.

[beancounter]

[Fenton ducked his shoulders and rubbed the back of his head, letting out a small chuckle.] Hey, thanks.

And from the sound of it, you'll be fantastic in that camera job. You already have so much experience with it. And hey! That guide sounds like a really good idea, too! You're really smart, Lydia.

[strangeandunusual]

That's sweet of you, Fenton. Thanks.

[she blushes a little, embarrassed. she had been set to write him off as some odd creature until the Doctor had chastized her, and she was doubly ashamed of it now that he'd proven to be such a good person.]

You are, too, you know.

[beancounter]

[Okay. That got him blushing again.] Awww, gee. Thanks. Well. Do you want to try applying for that job right now? Or see if we can't find the bank?

[strangeandunusual]

Let's find the bank, first. Then you have your money changed over, and you'll know what their money looks like when you go to see the mayor.