Who: closed @aminarocks​

Where: Cobblestone Café

When: 15 August, 10 am

For some people, his relationship with Amina seemed strange. They had met, married, moved, and separated - yet, for some reason, they ran away from the topic of divorce. However, for the both of them, everything was alright. Willem cared for and respected Amina, and they did the same for him. Why did things need to be different if they were fine? So, the last time he had spoken to them, Will had suggested they share a cup of coffee, a way for both of them to share any news and enjoy each other's company. "Mina!" He greeted as soon as he saw the other enter the café, a genuine smile on his face - it was always nice to see them again.

MICHIEL HUISMAN BY CAITLIN CRONENBERG

rosa-cabrera​:

That was fair. She didn’t know him. She just knew people, she could make assumptions about how they were feeling, take guesses as to their situation. However, the intricacies, their history, their relationships, who they were really. That wasn’t something anyone could guess. That came with time. “You’re right, I’m just being presumptuous.” The brunette admitted with a shrug, “I mean, I don’t even know your name.”

When the questioning was turned back on her she settled back in her seat at the bar, a sense of unease washing over her. She wasn’t used to being on the receiving end of questioning but it was only fair. “Well, I was out with some friends and they decided to head home.” The words began easily enough, her gaze fixed on the glass she was absently tapping her fingers against. “For some reason, I couldn’t leave. I’m not entirely sure why. I think I just wanted a change of scenery, I feel like I only see the inside of my place and the walls of my work.”

"Your words, not mine." He replied, this time with a playful tone. "Well... I believe you have not yet asked me for it." Those words came along with a discreet smile. Willem did not usually make conversation with strangers. However, something made him think that this was not just any conversation - and, as much as he didn't believe in such feelings, those made sense for the first time.

He used the time she took to think to observe her features more carefully, being interrupted by the bartender, who handed him the drink he had ordered. "And what's your feedback, hm?" He questioned, bringing the glass to his lips, immediately feeling the familiar strong taste. "Is the scenery actually doing it for you or...?"

stellylee​:

“Cool,” they nodded their head, swinging their bag over their shoulder and heading for the door once more, confident that Willem would be following as they made their way back out o the building and onto the sidewalk, taking a left further from the center of downtown. “My mom and I lived in a really small apartment near here when I first moved to town, so admittedly this might be kind of nerdy, but it’s a favorite place I liked to go when I was younger.”

It didn't take long before they were both outside the Times' building; Willem was closely following Stelly, paying attention to what they were saying. Knowing why they had chosen that location was interesting - actually, learning the meaning behind other people's inspiration was always something interesting to him. "Oh, you moved here too? I thought you were born a Merrokite, for some reason." He confessed, walking beside them. "Let me guess... That such place was your sanctuary, a place of refuge or something like that."

julianxfields​:

“Oh, I agree,” Julian added with a firm nod. “It’s not a matter of intelligence,” he went on to explain with a shrug. “Even the smartest people alive can fall victim to the spells others cast, and you know why?” He offered just a brief pause before finishing his thought. “Because of all the centuries I’ve spent observing humans, I’ve come to realize they all have one very specific fault in common: They see what they want to see.”

Willem listened to that with the same discreet smile found on his serene face. " Perhaps you're right, angel." He murmured softly, still wondering who he was talking to. "Maybe someday we can talk about humans and their flaws and share a drink. If you have the luxury of a day off, of course."

stellylee​:

“Thank you,” they replied sincerely. Having picked up the camera at a young age, Stelly had always had a lot of time to work on honing her skills, learning new tricks and tips. And, of course, had decided to pursue photography in an educational way, too, which had been exciting. Not that they were ever one to brag, but they pulled high marks in class, was often getting compliments from instructors and fellow students and finally felt like they were hitting their stride in life. Reaching to take the folder back, they listened intently as he talked about their potential, their request being accepted – if they pulled off the next part. “Of course,” tucking the folder into their bag, they picked themselves up from the chair with an eager smile, suddenly excited to show Willem what they had in mind. “Are you alright with walking? It’s not very far from here. Couple of blocks.”

He could notice Stelly's enthusiasm and he liked that. After working at the Times for a few years, rookie-level enthusiasm was something that had been easily forgotten by him. "Sure. Let's do it." He said, clearly curious about what location they had chosen for that moment.

stellylee​:

Sitting up a little straighter in their chair, Stelly nodded as they were asked to tell Willem about themselves. “I started taking an interest in photography when I moved here, actually. I liked taking pictures as a kid, but I sort of hated Merrock as a moody pre-teen and was looking for some way to pass the time. But the sights sort of won me over and I fell in love with the town and trying to find new, exciting ways to capture it,” they opened up the bag they had been carrying, removing a folder full of photos to place it on Willem’s desk. “I want to take pictures. I know that sounds broad, but eventually I’d love to go freelance, travel all over the world, get into photo journalism.”

Willem listened to every word the other said with a discreet smile on his usually serious face. When the folder was set on his desk, the dutchman didn't hesitate to look at the photos, observing every detail captured by Stelly. "You clearly have talent," he murmured, looking at them sincerely. "And it would be an honor to help you with those goals." He said, shifting his gaze to the folder he had in hand. "You know Merrock better than I do. You've been in love with this town for longer. In other words, that's a huge advantage." He explained calmly, soon closing the folder. "As far as I'm concerned, your request has a huge chance of being accepted. At the Times, we want people just like you, who have that ideal profile for the job. You would be a fantastic addition to this team, Stelly." He confessed, getting up from his chair and handing them the folder. "But first I want to see what you look like in the field, behind the camera. Only then will I get to know you as an artist - for now, at least. I would love to see what place you got in mind."

stellylee​:

At least all of the years tending bar and taking classes had taught them how to be polite, how to use their customer service voice, although something told them that it wasn’t necessary with Willem. He seemed a lot more laidback than that. “Well, thank you,” they couldn’t help the edge of excitement that crept in at the thought of someone noticing their potential before dropping into one of the chairs, setting the camera bag in their lap. “Nice office.”

Willem's smile was soft, maybe even too light for that moment. For some reason, he was very curious about Stelly. He knew they had potential and that could be as exciting as it could be challenging for him. "Yeah, it's okay, I guess." He murmured, looking at the newly acquaintance for a few moments. "Well... Why don't you do the honors and tell me about yourself? What you're like, what you've done, what you want to do, how you want to do it.... I'm all ears."

julianxfields​:

“Yeah, god can you imagine if I was assigned to someone who puts their hair in their food in a restaurant and insists it came from someone in the kitchen, just so they can get a free meal?” He made a tsk sound as he shook his head. “Don’t think I’d have it in me to help them. In fact, I’d probably just do subtle things to make their life more miserable,” he admitted through a slight laugh. “Lucky… or they simply have crafted a masterful facade. I’ve come to learn people can be quite deceptive. So much so, they’re fooling themselves half the time. But I suppose if it makes you less miserable, as you say, to fall for the image they want you to see, who am I to shit on that?”

"Geez. Those people are so ridiculous." He muttered, calmly agreeing with the stranger. "And you'd be doing humanity a big favor. After all, they kind of deserve just that." He said that with a light smile. "And you believe I can't tell the difference between who is faking it and who isn't?" He questioned that with a quizzical tone. "I'm smarter than that, angel. Don't you think so?"

madhlbk​:

“I don’t know if I should feel sorry for you or if I should feel better about myself”, she replied spontaneously as she wondered how many people were used to leaving stuff behind them when they drank too much. “Oh don’t worry, if it is open, I will go get them as soon as possible. I don’t want to bother you.”

"Even I don't know how to answer that." The man let out a low chuckle; he had to worry at least once a week about looking for other people's prized possessions, and that could be a tremendous headache sometimes. "Well then, let me know if you eventually found your keys!"

stellylee​:

Taking in one more cleansing breath, Stelly held it for only a moment before pushing open the door and stepping inside, plastering on the usual ‘I tend bar and I know how to get the best tips’ smile that they were known for as they took in Willem’s office and the man sitting behind the desk. “Hi,” immediately, their hand went out in greeting for a shake, stepping closer to the edge of the desk. “Thank you again for seeing me, especially so quickly after I called.”

As soon as the door swung open, Willem was able to observe who had talked to him the previous day. Somehow, Stelly was exactly as he imagined - not too slouchy, not too dressed up. "Hey!" he greeted, shaking their hand for a few moments. "When I feel like I've found potential, I'm quick." He murmured, offering them a gentle smile. "Come on, have a seat, make yourself comfortable."

stellylee​:

WHO: Stelly & Willem – @willemalferink​

WHERE: Merrock Times building, downtown.

WHEN: July, 2022, afternoon.

A combination of excitement and nerves fluttered in Stelly’s belly as they pulled open the front door to the building, grateful for the small burst of cold air against the heat of the summer behind them. Shouldering the camera bag they had been told to bring with them, they stopped at the front desk, quietly stating that they were there for a meeting with Mr. Alferink before being gestured towards his office – hopefully, anyway – and stepping up to the door. Taking a breath, Stelly smoothed down their shirt and righted their posture before knocking. How bad could it be?

It was a weirdly good day in Willem's office. The morning had been calm, and the afternoon promised that same feeling. After organizing photos from previous events, there was only one thing left on his schedule: the meeting with the possible new intern. Fortunately, they were in luck since Will was in a good mood - not that he didn't plan to test them a little. "Come in." He murmured, looking away from the phone in his hands when he heard the light knocks on the door. His little break was over.

rosa-cabrera​:

While he spoke she took the opportunity to watch him, her green-eyed gaze taking note of each expression, each hesitation, each pause. That was, until she found his stare meeting her own. The subtle effect of the few drinks she’d already indulged in left a comfortable warmth across her skin, leading her to be more candid with her words. “So, I was close then?” She questioned quietly, resting her chin on her hand as her eyes continued to assess the stranger before her. “I’m not a psychic, I just know people, I guess.”

For a moment, she considered his words further. “I can’t say anyone has ever said I scare them though…not this quickly, anyway.” Rosa teased with a breath of laughter, telling herself to keep the prying to a minimum. There was no point being intrusive. “If it feels like unequal footing you can ask me something personal, you know, to balance it out.”

Willem found her glance odd. Why the hell was she examining him so blatantly? However, even if that thought crossed his mind, he couldn't deny that he liked that attitude. "Clearly yes." He admitted, slightly tilting his head to the side. "I like to think I escape the norm," he said, a serious expression stamped on his face. "So, yes, maybe you do know people. But I'm pretty sure you don't really know me." He teased, knowing that, in his sober state, he would never have said something like that. Maybe the alcohol was finally kicking in.

"Well, they say there's always a first time for everything." Contrary to the expression he had been holding, a smile formed on his lips. Listening to the other's words, that same smile widened. "Well... Why are you here?"

stellylee​:

“Got it,” they scrolled down the location next to the note about date and time, and then paused when he mentioned taking him anywhere that they wanted, bringing their camera along. Doable, definitely. Nerve-wracking? Maybe a little bit. But Stelly had never been one to back down from a challenge that was for sure. “Times building, somewhere of my choice, and bring camera, got it,” closing the date book, they felt a small smile touch their lips. “Good to meet you, too. I’ll see you soon, Willem – thank you!”

"Great! I hope you choose the place wisely." He teased, still using a serious tone - perhaps he liked to spook possible interns once in a while. "See you tomorrow, then!" He muttered, hanging up the phone as soon as the other had said goodbye. For some reason, he felt curious about them.

julianxfields​:

“I’d sure hope so, you’re kinda stuck with me,” he answered, still trying to contain his own laugh. “No, I mean… your hope is admirable. A bit foolish and naive, but admirable nonetheless. I’m just expressing my gratitude for having you to look out for rather than someone else. Although I’m curious now- what makes you have so much faith in humanity? Y’know, what’s one trait that the majority, from what you’ve seen, still hold on to no matter what?”

The other person's words were ingenious, and for some reason, Willem was entertained by them. "You dodged a bullet when you were assigned to me, didn't you?" He joked, eventually getting up and looking out the window - that phone call clearly had nothing to do with his work so he could relax a bit. "I wouldn't say it's that much hope. Just enough to not be miserable all the time." He murmured, enjoying the view as he smiled faintly. "And I still believe there are not so bad people in the world. I know a few. Maybe I'm just lucky for that."