Murk - Mid Morning - Clear
Eryk Nero
Ryk stifled a yawn, glancing in Nova's direction as the umbreon had taken residence on his shoulder. He'd figured it was best to bring Nova along to tour the facility. Murk wanted a certain kind of look, after all, and he was going to give it to them for as long as it was beneficial. He wondered, briefly, if they had a souvenir shop of sorts. He knew Aidan and Ana both shopped their merchandise, however; this was the actual facility. Maybe he could bring something back for Ana that she would like?
“Who are we supposed to be meeting, again?" he asked, glancing in Aidan's direction.
"Nero, do you even read the briefings? They were printed this time and everything." Aidan sighed. "The answer is 'a couple execs and a photographer and stylist from the company.' Because they want to meet you, and probably do some test shots for promos or something. You're almost a big deal, after all." He shrugged, ignoring the ashtray on top of the trash can as they entered the facility, the sliding glass doors parting to admit them.
The lobby was done in sleek, stylish grey mostly, with some black and white and the occasional dark purple, green, blue, or red. Everything looked quite modern, but not quite the same corporate sort of modern as the Field Office or anything. Maybe it was the large sculpture in the middle of the lobby, which seemed to be a skeletal tree, welded from gunmetal-grey beams and what seemed to be obsidian crystals standing in for early-spring flowers and buds.
Nova snorted next to his ear. I can't decide if that's interesting or just ugly as sin, he remarked.
Aidan moved up to the desk, exchanging words with a receptionist in a slate-grey pencil skirt with a dark blue blouse and a cream colored ribbon where a tie would usually go. After a moment, he nodded, then returned to Ryk.
"They know we're here. Shouldn't be more than a couple of minutes."
I think it's the latter, Eryk replied to Nova's statement. He wasn't wrong; the sculpture wasn't art and it was more of an eyesore than anything. Then again, Eryk didn't really know two shits about art. He'd never really been interested in it.
“If you say so," he stated in Aidan's direction. “Do you think they have a shop or some shit?" he asked, turning his attention towards Aidan. “I want to get Ana something."
"It's a corporate HQ, Nero, there's no gift shop." Aidan rolled his eyes a little but there was a small uptick to the corner of his mouth. "But if you wanted to get her something nice, just cooperate with the designer they throw at you. Keep an eye out for any pieces she might like, then ask to have one. I doubt they'll say no if you made their job easier during this first part. You can practice those social skills Rheinallt is supposedly teaching you."
Or I could steal something. They'd never know.
“Fuck," Eryk murmured as he shook his head. Guess you'll just have to steal something, he spoke to Nova. “I'm not entirely sure Rheinallt's teachings qualify," he added, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. He'd forgotten he'd worn this coat today, the long one. It was the same one he'd worn during the Saffron tournament.
“I can try to use those social skills, though," he sighed heavily, glancing in the direction of a group of people. One of them was dressed sharply. The black suit the woman wore was free of any kind of wrinkle, and the black slacks were about as straight and crisp as anything he'd ever seen before. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in a tight bun, though. Eryk wondered if it hurt being pulled that tightly.
“Eryk Nero, I presume," she was the first to speak, and Eryk nodded her head. “Devin Harlow, a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she continued, holding her hand out as if she were expecting a hand shake. Eryk stared at it for a moment too long, sighed heavily, and pulled one of his hands out of his coat pockets and briefly linked it with hers.
“And it's good to see you again, Mr. Klein," she continued, giving Aidan a brief smile.
"Ms. Harlow," Aidan returned with a nod.
Next to the woman were two rather eccentric-looking individuals. They were matched in height and coloration, both with bright violet hair. The young man wore glasses and a crisp white suit, his sister—they almost couldn't be anything else, given how similar their features were—was matched to his wardrobe, except her suit was black, down to the silk tie. She wore a large camera around her neck.
Both of them were sizing Eryk up as Harlow spoke, though it seemed to be a professional matter, as the man nodded a moment later, adjusting his glasses. “I'm glad the dimensions we had on file were correct," he said. “It means we should be able to get the first round of shots done today, assuming the paperwork's taken care of." He adjusted his cuffs.
“Mhm," his sister replied, offering Eryk a nod but not trying to shake his hand. “You have a good face for this; I think it should be pretty simple with the lighting we have on hand."
Harlow nodded. “Good. The paperwork's already been checked over, so why don't we handle that first? These are mostly going to be basic promotional shots, Mr. Nero. You need professional headshots for tournaments anyway, and most television stations these days are using long full-body ones as well. This way we'll have something to give them, so you're not stopped by every news reporter in your next destination."
“Only every third, probably," the young woman agreed dryly.
“Ah, and these are my head designer and photographer, William and Maria Conway."
Twenty pokédollars says one of them finishes at least one of the other's sentences by the time the photos are all taken, Nova said dryly.
It was taking a lot of effort not to outright smile at Nova's statement. What the hell would you do with twenty pokédollars anyway? he stated, nodding his head in the direction of the Conways. It's not like you could spend it on anything, he added drly before turning his attention back to Harlow.
Wouldn't you like to know?
Smartass.
“I feel like I'll be stopped regardless if they have my picture or not," he stated with a light sigh. Harlow smiled slightly at him and shook her head.
“Some of your information will be distributed to the stations for those kinds of purposes, Mr. Nero. Mostly it's just basic line-up information, and eventually, your own personal information like history and things like that," she explained causing Eryk to frown heavily. He wasn't so sure he wanted people to know that about him. His history wasn't exactly something to write about, and chances were his family wouldn't like it.
“These shots we're doing, is there a reason you needed my dimensions? Am I going to have to change into something else?" he asked. He wasn't upset about it, but he did want to know at least that much.
I'll spare you and leave you with Aidan if that's the case.
“Not initially, no, but eventually. We have a few things lined up. Don't worry, I kept it all in line with your aesthetic. But these are for Murk's promo materials. Our part of the deal, as it were." William smiled pleasantly. “Oh, and you'll want to bring your pokémon, too. Your umbreon there will look great with most of this, but if you have anyone else that might, we can do that, too, right?" He looked expectantly at Maria, who had seemingly zoned out of the conversation and was absently biting a thumbnail, but she nodded immediately.
“Yep. As long as they're not too big."
Oh look. I get to make you look better in photos, and not just at tournaments. Nova was clearly amused by this, rearranging himself slightly on Eryk's shoulder.
Ryk snorted softly mostly at Nova's comment, however; it could have also been taken for Maria's. Either way, he didn't look like a complete idiot doing that. You're lucky you're the only one small enough. Red wouldn't sit still long enough for them to get any sort of decent shot, and Icarus isn't exactly the 'type' for this, though he really could use Icarus if he wanted to.
Runt was too large, Imp would likely wander off, and Orion wasn't fond of cameras if he could see them. That might be a problem if they wanted to take a picture of his entire team, eventually, but he was fairly confident he could keep Orion from destroying the cameras, and Imp from wandering off. Icarus, though, would be a different story.
“Nova will do," Eryk replied simply, and lightly shrugged his shoulders, enough so that he didn't disturb the umbreon on his shoulder.
“Mr. Klein, we'd be more than happy to take a picture of you as well," Harlow stated, inclining her head slightly in Aidan's direction. “We could get a shot or two of the both of you, as well."
Aidan scoffed. "You don't need any of some old man."
“On the contrary," William said, speaking a little too fast. “It'd be an honor!"
“Will's always wanted you to wear something of his. You're his favorite," Maria supplied in a sort of distant tone, though she smiled a little.
“Maria!"
“What? It's true."
“I'm so sorry about her. She doesn't think before she makes jokes."
Aidan glanced back and forth between them, then sighed. "One, and only for the official stuff. I guess I'm technically his coach, after all."
William's eyes went wide. “Really?"
"Really."
Just think, Eryk. Someday you'll be someone's 'favorite,' too. Nova sounded smug. He hadn't seemed to mind the idea of having his own picture taken.
I don't want to be someone's 'favorite', Eryk replied before rolling his eyes a bit. “He's not exactly coach of the year," Eryk muttered. “But as you can see, his trainings do pay off," he added, causing Harlow to nod her head.
Aidan gave him a little side-eye. "Watch it, punk. I got your ass to competitive levels, didn't I?" A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“In any case, having your coach in some of your photo shoots will do wonders," Harlow stated as she ushered them towards a door. It looked like a room where they did cover photos; there were tall light stands, a chair in the middle with some objects on the floor. He couldn't see from the distance. There was another one to the left that looked like a green screen, probably in order to give the picture a certain background if they didn't have one already set up.
“Not only for you, but for Mr. Klein if he ever decided to do this on a more daily basis," she added, putting an emphasis on the word. Eryk snorted softly. As if Aidan would consider being a professional coach.
He only shook his head, gesturing for the other to lead them the right way.
No? Nova added as they entered an elevator. Well I suppose I'll tell Ana there's no point to that then. Why bother if you don't even want to be her favorite? It was hard to tell, but it looked a bit like the umbreon was smirking.
Eryk felt his lip twitch somewhat, and he inwardly sighed. You're more of an ass than the other ass, he replied, referring to Kas. Not that he meant it in a bad way, moreso just... well, he wasn't even sure. I'd pretend you got left behind, something about getting caught stealing something for her, but then she'd be upset, and an upset Ana wasn't something he wanted. He shrugged his shoulders a bit, though, enough to jostle Nova in his spot before turning his attention towards Harlow.
“Once we're done with the photo shoots, we can start drawing up a small dossier for you, Mr. Nero. Just to give the public a bit of information about you so that they have some idea of who you are. The more the public knows about you, the more likely you are to be received by them. Not only will you being known boost your own television ratings if you are ever on air, but it will give the company a good amount of PR," Harlow stated, giving Eryk a small smile.
He inwardly groaned. He really didn't want to have to do that. “What kind of information will I need to give?" he asked.
“At the moment, nothing too personal. Give some details about why you wanted to be a probattler, and maybe some details relating to your team. When it comes to it, a trainer isn't the only one who is being marketed. Probattling influences a lot of things, and one of those is the type of pokemon people like to catch if they are ever in the market themselves."
Eryk supposed that made some sense.
For a moment, it had felt like Nova was about to make some kind of remark, but the mention of the types of pokémon people caught seemed to sober him; through the psychic connection, Eryk could feel him grow pensive, though he didn't offer a comment.
"Yeah, well, let's not put too much out there too soon, all right? Let the mystery build," Aidan said.
Harlow nodded a little like she understood.
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask more about the options you're offering for training support. You guys running bootcamps or something?"
“Less boot, more camp," Maria replied before Harlow could. “It's not as rough and tumble an industry anymore, Mr. Klein. They set people up at fancy retreats with clinics in technique and spa treatments and all that these days."
“Maria, stop being disrespectful."
“I'm not?"
“You just implied Mr. Klein was old!"
“No I didn't, but you just did."
William made a strangled noise. “I did not—I'm so sorry, sir."
Aidan huffed. "Kid, relax. Your stressing out is exhausting. I don't care if either of you calls me old. Compared to you, I am."
“You're only thirty-six!"
“And now he knows you know how old he is. Smooth, Will."
Aidan was trying to fight down a smile, Eryk could tell. Mercifully, the elevator door opened at that moment, allowing them all to file out. Aidan broke off with Harlow, leaving Eryk to deal with the siblings.
William, still a little red, cleared his throat. “All right, Mr. Nero. We have several options for you, depending on the kind of aesthetic you'd prefer, but all of them are Murk originals. You can keep anything you like, of course."
“Hm," was Eryk's reply. He'd heard them mention the camps, as they were. Maybe they were the same things as those retreats, Kas had told them about? If that was the case, he supposed if these two knew about them, they'd have been to some themselves. Probably for photos among other things.
“You mentioned something about these camps," he began. He supposed it wouldn't hurt to at least ask about them. “How does one usually go about getting into these retreats? They sound... interesting." Eryk would admit that they did have some strange appeal to them even though it meant he would likely be in the proximity of more people than he'd like.
William shook his head. “It's not too hard. We don't run them ourselves, of course—we're not really equipped for all that. A lot of companies that do sponsorships like this really aren't. We know clothes and marketing, not pokémon," he admitted ruefully. “That said, there are some companies whose whole purpose is providing us with supplemental resources for sponsees to do well, and they host the retreat things. We mostly provide stuff for the gift baskets." He shrugged a little.
“I'm sure you'll get invited," Maria said absently, already messing with her camera. “I've done shoots for the events before. They really like famous people and pretty people. Makes the brochures look nice." She shrugged apathetically. “Plus there are always a few slots set aside for us, and we don't have all that many sponsees. You're the only one right now, actually. Hope you're okay with being the poster guy for our latest line of battle apparel, because that's what we're getting out of this deal."
Her brother smiled. “The nice part is, while they stick to Murk's general design principles—dark colors, certain kinds of accents, and all that—they're also pretty practical. I'm working on two lines right now: this one and a completely different project. Elegant women's clothes. It gives me whiplash sometimes."
“He's such a huge dork over your coach because his battle aesthetic was part of the inspiration for the line," Maria said bluntly.
“Arceus, Maria, just tell him all my secrets why don't you?"
“He's also a huge probattling nerd and has had the biggest—"
“Sarcasm, Maria! That was sarcasm."
You know, I kind of like them. They're idiots.
You would like the idiots. Explains a lot.
Eryk nodded his head, though. “I know someone who is like you," he said in Williams' direction. “She's a big probattling nerd as well, and currently Aidan's..." he paused, blinking a little. How could he word this without making it seem odd?
“She's his roommate?" he wasn't entirely sure why that came out as a question, and shrugged his shoulders. “And I don't mind being the poster boy, as you put it. I'm the only sponsee at the moment," he added. “When do they typically happen? During a certain season?"
“Spring and summer, usually," Maria said. “You'll get notified, don't worry. For now, let's get started. If you can stand under the lights over there, we'll get your headshots done first."
Eryk nodded, before glancing towards Nova. “Do I need to move him or does he stay?" he asked. They were taking headshots, and they did say there were going to take some with Nova, but he wasn't entirely sure if this was going to be one of them. At least he knew that there was a possibility that he'd get invited to one of these retreats. And it looked like he had a very high chance considering he was the only sponsee of Murk.
“Just you first, for the headshots, but then we'll definitely be asking him to be in them as well," Maria said. “I'm pretty sure he was one of the things that drew Harlow to you—we have a certain image here, obviously, and it tends to go best with dark or ghost types, though believe it or not we sometimes use fairy types in our adverts as well."
That made sense, to Eryk. There was a dual type pokemon from the Galar region that was fairy and dark, the impidimp line if he remembered correctly. He wondered if they used that one, too? Instead, he glanced towards Nova and sighed softly.
You heard them, off you go, he spoke to Nova before turning his attention towards Maria. “Where do you want me?" he asked. They just wanted headshots for now. He could do that.
“Who are we supposed to be meeting, again?" he asked, glancing in Aidan's direction.
"Nero, do you even read the briefings? They were printed this time and everything." Aidan sighed. "The answer is 'a couple execs and a photographer and stylist from the company.' Because they want to meet you, and probably do some test shots for promos or something. You're almost a big deal, after all." He shrugged, ignoring the ashtray on top of the trash can as they entered the facility, the sliding glass doors parting to admit them.
The lobby was done in sleek, stylish grey mostly, with some black and white and the occasional dark purple, green, blue, or red. Everything looked quite modern, but not quite the same corporate sort of modern as the Field Office or anything. Maybe it was the large sculpture in the middle of the lobby, which seemed to be a skeletal tree, welded from gunmetal-grey beams and what seemed to be obsidian crystals standing in for early-spring flowers and buds.
Nova snorted next to his ear. I can't decide if that's interesting or just ugly as sin, he remarked.
Aidan moved up to the desk, exchanging words with a receptionist in a slate-grey pencil skirt with a dark blue blouse and a cream colored ribbon where a tie would usually go. After a moment, he nodded, then returned to Ryk.
"They know we're here. Shouldn't be more than a couple of minutes."
I think it's the latter, Eryk replied to Nova's statement. He wasn't wrong; the sculpture wasn't art and it was more of an eyesore than anything. Then again, Eryk didn't really know two shits about art. He'd never really been interested in it.
“If you say so," he stated in Aidan's direction. “Do you think they have a shop or some shit?" he asked, turning his attention towards Aidan. “I want to get Ana something."
"It's a corporate HQ, Nero, there's no gift shop." Aidan rolled his eyes a little but there was a small uptick to the corner of his mouth. "But if you wanted to get her something nice, just cooperate with the designer they throw at you. Keep an eye out for any pieces she might like, then ask to have one. I doubt they'll say no if you made their job easier during this first part. You can practice those social skills Rheinallt is supposedly teaching you."
Or I could steal something. They'd never know.
“Fuck," Eryk murmured as he shook his head. Guess you'll just have to steal something, he spoke to Nova. “I'm not entirely sure Rheinallt's teachings qualify," he added, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. He'd forgotten he'd worn this coat today, the long one. It was the same one he'd worn during the Saffron tournament.
“I can try to use those social skills, though," he sighed heavily, glancing in the direction of a group of people. One of them was dressed sharply. The black suit the woman wore was free of any kind of wrinkle, and the black slacks were about as straight and crisp as anything he'd ever seen before. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in a tight bun, though. Eryk wondered if it hurt being pulled that tightly.
“Eryk Nero, I presume," she was the first to speak, and Eryk nodded her head. “Devin Harlow, a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she continued, holding her hand out as if she were expecting a hand shake. Eryk stared at it for a moment too long, sighed heavily, and pulled one of his hands out of his coat pockets and briefly linked it with hers.
“And it's good to see you again, Mr. Klein," she continued, giving Aidan a brief smile.
"Ms. Harlow," Aidan returned with a nod.
Next to the woman were two rather eccentric-looking individuals. They were matched in height and coloration, both with bright violet hair. The young man wore glasses and a crisp white suit, his sister—they almost couldn't be anything else, given how similar their features were—was matched to his wardrobe, except her suit was black, down to the silk tie. She wore a large camera around her neck.
Both of them were sizing Eryk up as Harlow spoke, though it seemed to be a professional matter, as the man nodded a moment later, adjusting his glasses. “I'm glad the dimensions we had on file were correct," he said. “It means we should be able to get the first round of shots done today, assuming the paperwork's taken care of." He adjusted his cuffs.
“Mhm," his sister replied, offering Eryk a nod but not trying to shake his hand. “You have a good face for this; I think it should be pretty simple with the lighting we have on hand."
Harlow nodded. “Good. The paperwork's already been checked over, so why don't we handle that first? These are mostly going to be basic promotional shots, Mr. Nero. You need professional headshots for tournaments anyway, and most television stations these days are using long full-body ones as well. This way we'll have something to give them, so you're not stopped by every news reporter in your next destination."
“Only every third, probably," the young woman agreed dryly.
“Ah, and these are my head designer and photographer, William and Maria Conway."
Twenty pokédollars says one of them finishes at least one of the other's sentences by the time the photos are all taken, Nova said dryly.
It was taking a lot of effort not to outright smile at Nova's statement. What the hell would you do with twenty pokédollars anyway? he stated, nodding his head in the direction of the Conways. It's not like you could spend it on anything, he added drly before turning his attention back to Harlow.
Wouldn't you like to know?
Smartass.
“I feel like I'll be stopped regardless if they have my picture or not," he stated with a light sigh. Harlow smiled slightly at him and shook her head.
“Some of your information will be distributed to the stations for those kinds of purposes, Mr. Nero. Mostly it's just basic line-up information, and eventually, your own personal information like history and things like that," she explained causing Eryk to frown heavily. He wasn't so sure he wanted people to know that about him. His history wasn't exactly something to write about, and chances were his family wouldn't like it.
“These shots we're doing, is there a reason you needed my dimensions? Am I going to have to change into something else?" he asked. He wasn't upset about it, but he did want to know at least that much.
I'll spare you and leave you with Aidan if that's the case.
“Not initially, no, but eventually. We have a few things lined up. Don't worry, I kept it all in line with your aesthetic. But these are for Murk's promo materials. Our part of the deal, as it were." William smiled pleasantly. “Oh, and you'll want to bring your pokémon, too. Your umbreon there will look great with most of this, but if you have anyone else that might, we can do that, too, right?" He looked expectantly at Maria, who had seemingly zoned out of the conversation and was absently biting a thumbnail, but she nodded immediately.
“Yep. As long as they're not too big."
Oh look. I get to make you look better in photos, and not just at tournaments. Nova was clearly amused by this, rearranging himself slightly on Eryk's shoulder.
Ryk snorted softly mostly at Nova's comment, however; it could have also been taken for Maria's. Either way, he didn't look like a complete idiot doing that. You're lucky you're the only one small enough. Red wouldn't sit still long enough for them to get any sort of decent shot, and Icarus isn't exactly the 'type' for this, though he really could use Icarus if he wanted to.
Runt was too large, Imp would likely wander off, and Orion wasn't fond of cameras if he could see them. That might be a problem if they wanted to take a picture of his entire team, eventually, but he was fairly confident he could keep Orion from destroying the cameras, and Imp from wandering off. Icarus, though, would be a different story.
“Nova will do," Eryk replied simply, and lightly shrugged his shoulders, enough so that he didn't disturb the umbreon on his shoulder.
“Mr. Klein, we'd be more than happy to take a picture of you as well," Harlow stated, inclining her head slightly in Aidan's direction. “We could get a shot or two of the both of you, as well."
Aidan scoffed. "You don't need any of some old man."
“On the contrary," William said, speaking a little too fast. “It'd be an honor!"
“Will's always wanted you to wear something of his. You're his favorite," Maria supplied in a sort of distant tone, though she smiled a little.
“Maria!"
“What? It's true."
“I'm so sorry about her. She doesn't think before she makes jokes."
Aidan glanced back and forth between them, then sighed. "One, and only for the official stuff. I guess I'm technically his coach, after all."
William's eyes went wide. “Really?"
"Really."
Just think, Eryk. Someday you'll be someone's 'favorite,' too. Nova sounded smug. He hadn't seemed to mind the idea of having his own picture taken.
I don't want to be someone's 'favorite', Eryk replied before rolling his eyes a bit. “He's not exactly coach of the year," Eryk muttered. “But as you can see, his trainings do pay off," he added, causing Harlow to nod her head.
Aidan gave him a little side-eye. "Watch it, punk. I got your ass to competitive levels, didn't I?" A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“In any case, having your coach in some of your photo shoots will do wonders," Harlow stated as she ushered them towards a door. It looked like a room where they did cover photos; there were tall light stands, a chair in the middle with some objects on the floor. He couldn't see from the distance. There was another one to the left that looked like a green screen, probably in order to give the picture a certain background if they didn't have one already set up.
“Not only for you, but for Mr. Klein if he ever decided to do this on a more daily basis," she added, putting an emphasis on the word. Eryk snorted softly. As if Aidan would consider being a professional coach.
He only shook his head, gesturing for the other to lead them the right way.
No? Nova added as they entered an elevator. Well I suppose I'll tell Ana there's no point to that then. Why bother if you don't even want to be her favorite? It was hard to tell, but it looked a bit like the umbreon was smirking.
Eryk felt his lip twitch somewhat, and he inwardly sighed. You're more of an ass than the other ass, he replied, referring to Kas. Not that he meant it in a bad way, moreso just... well, he wasn't even sure. I'd pretend you got left behind, something about getting caught stealing something for her, but then she'd be upset, and an upset Ana wasn't something he wanted. He shrugged his shoulders a bit, though, enough to jostle Nova in his spot before turning his attention towards Harlow.
“Once we're done with the photo shoots, we can start drawing up a small dossier for you, Mr. Nero. Just to give the public a bit of information about you so that they have some idea of who you are. The more the public knows about you, the more likely you are to be received by them. Not only will you being known boost your own television ratings if you are ever on air, but it will give the company a good amount of PR," Harlow stated, giving Eryk a small smile.
He inwardly groaned. He really didn't want to have to do that. “What kind of information will I need to give?" he asked.
“At the moment, nothing too personal. Give some details about why you wanted to be a probattler, and maybe some details relating to your team. When it comes to it, a trainer isn't the only one who is being marketed. Probattling influences a lot of things, and one of those is the type of pokemon people like to catch if they are ever in the market themselves."
Eryk supposed that made some sense.
For a moment, it had felt like Nova was about to make some kind of remark, but the mention of the types of pokémon people caught seemed to sober him; through the psychic connection, Eryk could feel him grow pensive, though he didn't offer a comment.
"Yeah, well, let's not put too much out there too soon, all right? Let the mystery build," Aidan said.
Harlow nodded a little like she understood.
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask more about the options you're offering for training support. You guys running bootcamps or something?"
“Less boot, more camp," Maria replied before Harlow could. “It's not as rough and tumble an industry anymore, Mr. Klein. They set people up at fancy retreats with clinics in technique and spa treatments and all that these days."
“Maria, stop being disrespectful."
“I'm not?"
“You just implied Mr. Klein was old!"
“No I didn't, but you just did."
William made a strangled noise. “I did not—I'm so sorry, sir."
Aidan huffed. "Kid, relax. Your stressing out is exhausting. I don't care if either of you calls me old. Compared to you, I am."
“You're only thirty-six!"
“And now he knows you know how old he is. Smooth, Will."
Aidan was trying to fight down a smile, Eryk could tell. Mercifully, the elevator door opened at that moment, allowing them all to file out. Aidan broke off with Harlow, leaving Eryk to deal with the siblings.
William, still a little red, cleared his throat. “All right, Mr. Nero. We have several options for you, depending on the kind of aesthetic you'd prefer, but all of them are Murk originals. You can keep anything you like, of course."
“Hm," was Eryk's reply. He'd heard them mention the camps, as they were. Maybe they were the same things as those retreats, Kas had told them about? If that was the case, he supposed if these two knew about them, they'd have been to some themselves. Probably for photos among other things.
“You mentioned something about these camps," he began. He supposed it wouldn't hurt to at least ask about them. “How does one usually go about getting into these retreats? They sound... interesting." Eryk would admit that they did have some strange appeal to them even though it meant he would likely be in the proximity of more people than he'd like.
William shook his head. “It's not too hard. We don't run them ourselves, of course—we're not really equipped for all that. A lot of companies that do sponsorships like this really aren't. We know clothes and marketing, not pokémon," he admitted ruefully. “That said, there are some companies whose whole purpose is providing us with supplemental resources for sponsees to do well, and they host the retreat things. We mostly provide stuff for the gift baskets." He shrugged a little.
“I'm sure you'll get invited," Maria said absently, already messing with her camera. “I've done shoots for the events before. They really like famous people and pretty people. Makes the brochures look nice." She shrugged apathetically. “Plus there are always a few slots set aside for us, and we don't have all that many sponsees. You're the only one right now, actually. Hope you're okay with being the poster guy for our latest line of battle apparel, because that's what we're getting out of this deal."
Her brother smiled. “The nice part is, while they stick to Murk's general design principles—dark colors, certain kinds of accents, and all that—they're also pretty practical. I'm working on two lines right now: this one and a completely different project. Elegant women's clothes. It gives me whiplash sometimes."
“He's such a huge dork over your coach because his battle aesthetic was part of the inspiration for the line," Maria said bluntly.
“Arceus, Maria, just tell him all my secrets why don't you?"
“He's also a huge probattling nerd and has had the biggest—"
“Sarcasm, Maria! That was sarcasm."
You know, I kind of like them. They're idiots.
You would like the idiots. Explains a lot.
Eryk nodded his head, though. “I know someone who is like you," he said in Williams' direction. “She's a big probattling nerd as well, and currently Aidan's..." he paused, blinking a little. How could he word this without making it seem odd?
“She's his roommate?" he wasn't entirely sure why that came out as a question, and shrugged his shoulders. “And I don't mind being the poster boy, as you put it. I'm the only sponsee at the moment," he added. “When do they typically happen? During a certain season?"
“Spring and summer, usually," Maria said. “You'll get notified, don't worry. For now, let's get started. If you can stand under the lights over there, we'll get your headshots done first."
Eryk nodded, before glancing towards Nova. “Do I need to move him or does he stay?" he asked. They were taking headshots, and they did say there were going to take some with Nova, but he wasn't entirely sure if this was going to be one of them. At least he knew that there was a possibility that he'd get invited to one of these retreats. And it looked like he had a very high chance considering he was the only sponsee of Murk.
“Just you first, for the headshots, but then we'll definitely be asking him to be in them as well," Maria said. “I'm pretty sure he was one of the things that drew Harlow to you—we have a certain image here, obviously, and it tends to go best with dark or ghost types, though believe it or not we sometimes use fairy types in our adverts as well."
That made sense, to Eryk. There was a dual type pokemon from the Galar region that was fairy and dark, the impidimp line if he remembered correctly. He wondered if they used that one, too? Instead, he glanced towards Nova and sighed softly.
You heard them, off you go, he spoke to Nova before turning his attention towards Maria. “Where do you want me?" he asked. They just wanted headshots for now. He could do that.