Who: Hansel hans & Portia perfectlyportia What: Research and development When: Wednesday, August 12, midday Where: Breadcrumbs Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Hansel has a hard time making sense to women on occasion. Status: Closed/Completed GDoc
~*~
Business was good at Breadcrumbs. They were selling mostly camping supplies, hiking gear, urban warrior type stuff, but they had the occasional hunter in as well as the ones who wanted to learn how to shoot on a range. Sport hunting was something common in California where too many people seemed to be vegans and too few to be prepared to do whatever it took to survive if it came down to it. Hansel was of the opinion a person could only be marginally trusted if they weren't willing to eat meat.
He liked being at the top of the food chain, thanks all the same.
The woman didn't strike him as odd until he'd been watching her for a while circling the same aisles without picking up anything. She didn't have a cart or a hand basket. It didn't look as if she was finding what she was looking for or maybe she didn't know what she was looking for which wouldn't be the first time Hansel had encountered a customer in that situation before. They catered to people who were everywhere from amateur to expert in terms of abilities. It was their position everyone should have a chance to try.
Walking over to her, he asked, "Sorry in advance if I'm disturbing you. It looks as as if you might need some help?"
Hansel really hoped she wasn't one of those extreme feminist types waiting on some hapless guy to walk over to them so they could unleash their frustration on the entire gender on them. He'd also had that happen to him before at Breadcrumbs. Some men thought women had no place being in the store while some women felt the same about the men. It wasn't one gender or the other who was worse for it. Hansel tried to stay out of the line of fire more often than not which was why he hesitated to approach her at all.
It wouldn't have been too obvious to anyone who didn't know him, but he stood slightly at an angle to her. His stronger left shoulder facing her with his body turned away enough to where if she did take a swing at him? Hansel could hope she'd miss anything important. Women were notorious for going for the money shot even when they weren't in fear of their lives. His sister had hit him where it hurt enough for Hansel to know how to guard for it in any situation which came his way though sparring with Gretel hadn't prevented him from ever getting a hit to the jewels.
~*~
Portia liked to do research for the movies she was given to work on, the period drama was still in production but since the costumes were complete her team was now only dealing with continuity and minor alterations. So Portia had been given the script and descriptions for the next project she was going to be dealing with, which meant she could start her quest. This time it was a thriller, a group of teenagers go camping and end up being hunted thanks to a case of mistaken identity. So here she was, looking at the equipment and clothing to get an idea.
When she was in this kind of mode time tended to lose all meaning and she could spend hours cataloguing things in her mind as thoughts took over. Looking up at the voice she smiled, “Oh I’m sorry” she said apologetically, “I tend to get a little lost in my head. I’m just browsing really. If I’m in the way I can go” she offered.
Portia hadn’t meant to be a bother, she realised it must look a little strange and she didn’t want him to think she was casing the joint or anything like that. Or put other customers off.
~*~
"It's no bother to me. I figured you might want some help to keep you from getting motion sick wandering around the same aisles."
Hansel wasn't the best with women---or people really. He tried, but conversation was often a thing he struggled with since he'd never been the talker of the family. His father had been a reserved man; he had few memories of his mother beyond she had a soothing voice, could sing like an angel, and never let him go to bed without a hug. Gretel talked gruff which meant she wasn't much help for him either. They weren't people persons. It was why they hired very friendly staff for their customers.
They could ask an associate for a smile if they wanted one. The siblings who owned the place were only available for useful questions or staff assistance. Hansel rarely volunteered anything else to a customer. He felt stupid as all Hell standing in front of the woman who was looking at him as if she really hadn't realized what she'd been doing. It could be she was some kind of writer or something. What did he know? California took all types and the OC was notorious for being made up of weird ones.
Putting his hands on his hips, he winced as he tugged at his insulin pump, lifting his shirt to make sure he hadn't pulled it free of his skin, "Sorry to you. I wasn't looking to cause you any grief. We keep the store open to the public for a reason. Everyone from amateur to expert, that's what my sister and I aim for with this place. Getting people off the couch and outdoors? That's our big goal."
~*~
Portia laughed softly with a smile, “Oh no, I’m used to it. I think better when I walk, the creative thoughts seem to come easier if I keep moving”
Portia was fairly easy to talk to, she was friendly and kind and pretty much saw the good in everybody. She wasn’t the most outgoing person in the world but she wasn’t shy. She’d been relatively popular in school and had become confident in her ability to do her job.
She certainly didn’t think the man in front of her was stupid for talking to her, he seemed intelligent and obviously owned the store so must be good at what he did too.
“Oh no, please don’t worry. I tend to get lost in my thoughts so it wouldn’t surprise me if I did get in the way” she assured him, “Oh, well that’s a marvellous goal. I have to admit I don’t spend as much time outside as I probably should. I have a habit of working a little too much. Which is why I’m here. I work for a film studio so I’m researching costume ideas and the like” she explained.
~*~
Costume ideas weren't too unusual for their neck of the woods. People did audition for parts often enough they came in to get gear to look like a hiker or a climber or even an emergency rescue team member. Hansel had helped outfit a few people with a lot of laughs shared between them and himself and his sister. Gretel liked the challenge of making a civilian look seasoned; Hansel liked how most of the people they outfitted were attractive women. He couldn't talk to women easily, but he could look at them just fine. "What kind of piece are you working on? I can likely help. I've put together a few costumes before. My sister and I get asked for all kinds of things since it seems as if everyone wants to work for the studios or be a star."
Hansel didn't want to be a star. He wanted to fade into the woodwork. The idea of living life under the public eye constantly made his stomach churn. He'd had blood sugar attacks from panic at being the center of attention during their outings. The only time he felt comfortable being in a lead role was when they were actually running something like a hike or a climb or a spelunking trip. Gretel helped as much as she could with his issues, but she was more outgoing than himself so they had different problems in public.
They were close, but they weren't identical.
"If you can give me an idea of what kind of activities you want them involved in, I can likely recommend some all-purpose equipment which anyone could have to hand or even some expert-class gear if you're looking for someone who is one of those all-prepared types. We get our fair share of Doomsday Preppers here. I'm taking from you being here it's set in modern times?"
~*~
Portia was happy to see that the idea of her being here for such research wasn’t something he had an issue with. She should have known, what with the location they were in, that they would be used to such things. Though she’d be amused at the thought of wannabe stars kitting themselves out for auditions. Most people didn’t realise that they could be dressed in a black sack but if they had the ability they’d be picked. Sure, for some roles it helped to look good but most directors were put off by the ‘try hards’.
“Ah yes, everybody wants to work in the movies. Most of them as the star. I have no end of apprentices’ come through the department thinking they’re going to be spotted one day” she smiled.
It was a shame he didn’t want to be in front of the screen, he certainly had the look for it. There was no denying he was very handsome, if a little nervous.
“Well it’s a thriller. A group of teenagers camping, some for the first time but a couple are experienced. Then they get hunted, I’m sure you know the kind of thing” she smiled wryly, not the most original story but they were popular with the kids who wanted to scare themselves. "It’s set now so modern style clothing and equipment is perfect”
~*~
Modern and a little bit edgy for a thriller look. Hansel could work with that. He'd suggest Under Armour for their gear for the 'experienced' group since they would know the material would hold up better in rough wear. They could also pick up some of the cheapest flashlights which were guaranteed to flicker on and off all on their own for effects. It was a common mistake among campers to buy a cheap light. No one who hadn't been out in the woods alone before could really say they knew how dark it got at night---it was one of those experiences a person had to live through in order to understand.
"C'mon," Hansel gestured, taking her over to a rack of Under Armour hiking clothes, "These are your popular brands for experienced hikers, trailblazers, climbers, that whole group. It's expensive for a reason. The name is a big deal, too. Kids love brand names. This one? It's a good one. I imagine if you got a contract to plug them? They'd invest, too. They like having their name out there as much as any other company. This is the stuff people can wear under regular clothes which is why the catchy name. I like it myself so I can't really talk down on it."
Hansel liked his gear to be functional. Looks weren't something he put a lot of thought into since who was he trying to impress? Gretel? The women he picked up on their outings were the kind who were clearly looking for his type. Someone who was physically fit and unattached. Hansel could serve both those roles without having a sense of style or the ability to offer up slick pick-up lines. He'd learned with some women? The less he said? The more they couldn't wait to get their hands on him. Apparently 'the strong, silent type' was back in style.
"We also have to get you some of the cheapest, worst flashlights we've got on hand. They flicker terrible and I guarantee you, an inexperienced group? They're going to buy two sets of these damn things rather than buy one good light. It's so common, even the newcomers here joke about it. We only stock them as gag gifts really."
~*~
Portia was going to find Hansel was the most perfect person she could have asked for during this task, she followed him and retrieved her notebook from her bag. She’d have to contact the company as he suggested, getting a contract with them would definitely be a good idea. “Wonderful” she said, “That’s perfect. And of course we’d identify this store in the credits, we could send you posters too so you could use it to your advantage” Portia made sure to support all those she used during her research phases. Especially when they were so nice.
“These clothes look incredible too. I have a friend who would love them herself, I’ll have to tell her to pay you a visit” she commented as they looked over the things.
“Oh my goodness really? I think I’d have a heart attack if I was camping and the light went out on me but you’re right that would be perfect for the kind of feeling we’re after for the film”
~*~
"That'd be nice. I think my sister would really appreciate the extra boost in business, too. We've been stressed since we're talking about expanding to a second location. Having some extra publicity? Wouldn't be a bad thing. We've got a new climbing wall looks real enough for nearly anyone, too. In case you wanted a free set to shoot in for a while. I don't mind letting your team shoot in here for a while if we're getting credited."
Hansel thought it could be fun to have a movie crew move through. He had no damn idea what they did, but it sounded interesting. How much space could some people with cameras and microphones take up, really? It wasn't like Gretel could be angry at him offering when they were making money from it. The potential ability to get their name more well-known? That was enough to make it a squaretrade to him. Hansel wasn't above doing whatever he could to help someone out in a pinch.
He was no do-gooder, but he was a good man.
"You want to see that wall? Our custom guy just put it in."
~*~
Publicity was never a bad thing, especially not when you were trying to expand your business. “A climbing wall? How marvellous. I am sure the studio would love to use it if they could. You’d be reimbursed for the time they take up as well of course” Portia told him, because it wouldn’t be fair to use it purely in exchange for publicity. “I’ll speak to the location manager and ask them to contact you”
He was a very sweet man, quiet and possibly a little shy but kind. She liked him.
“I’d love to take a look though if that’s okay”
~*~
Hansel nodded, pointing in the direction where they kept their active areas. They didn't sell a membership for their fitness stations. It had proven to be more financially beneficial to have people pay per visit or per lesson if they chose to take them with Maleficent, their climbing instructor. He liked having a monthly course available for people to learn how to free-climb or rappel since both were becoming more popular as time went on. Hansel enjoyed tackling the wall himself from time to time.
The new installation was set up like a pyramid form with a peak at the top. It didn't have three standard sides, but rather was outfitted with four faces, two with standard hand/foot grabs and two which were designed to be free-climbed. The surface looked very realistic. Mike had done a fantastic job with it as far as Hansel was concerned; Maleficent hadn't voiced any complaints over it which meant it had to be very functional, too. It was worth the expense for the added business they were getting, too.
"It's currently in use, but that's normal. We stay busy back here. I can clear out the swarm if your guys choose to use it. Two sides of the new install have standard hand/foot grabs. Two sides are all free-climb which means it looks like real rock. I think it'd pass on a movie set if we dimmed these lights. My climbing instructor is really good, too. She could show your guys some ways to use it for the highest level of effectivity."
He couldn't hold back a flush at the thought of asking Maleficent to show the Hollywood types anything. He almost hoped they'd say no on account it was likely they'd try to recruit her for film.
Maleficent was that kind of beautiful.
"Think it'd be okay for you guys?"
~*~
Pay per visit made sense, especially in the OC because trying to attend something with any regularity could be randomly stopped by strange weather, body swaps, evil monsters or any number of other things. It would definitely be hard to stick to appointments.
Portia had never been rock climbing herself but it looked very impressive to her. Professional and appealing, even to her and she was somebody who’d never considered it before. She was sure the studio would be able to make use of it, if not in her film then in another. They’d love to have it on their books as a location resource.
“It’s wonderful to see it in use, they make it look very appealing” Portia told him with a smile watching the climbers, “And I am sure the studio would be able to work out the lighting so that it looks as realistic as possible” Because it already looked amazing as it was in all honesty, “And any advice or help your instructor could offer would be gratefully received” she added.
“I think it would be perfect but I don’t get the final say so I’ll make sure to pass your contact details on as long as you’re sure that would be okay”
~*~
"Pass it along," Hansel agreed, "I wouldn't mind helping however I can. My sister either though she might take a swing at me at first."
He wasn't joking either. Gretel had a tendency to express her feelings physically rather than verbally. She had never learned how to 'use her words' the way their therapists had always tried to get them both to do. It was something Hansel really liked about his sister so he wouldn't complain even if he did wind up with a very hard to explain bruise. Once she'd got him in the nose, blacking both his eyes, that had resulted in some interesting conversations around the schoolyard since everyone wanted to say it was someone beating on him.
Hansel had never said it'd been Gretel.
She'd thrown a punch. He hadn't ducked. It was his own fault as he saw it.
Offering a business card with the information to Breadcrumbs on it along with his name and Gretel's under owners and operators, Hansel said, "I gotta get back up to the gun case myself. Feel free to keep browsing as much as you want. Give us a call whenever you feel like it. We'll be glad to help or at least I know I will since it'd be funny. Those lights I told you about? Two of 'em for $4.99. They're black with yellow rings. Plastic. You can find them up at the registers if you want to get a set to take to show your people to see how they like the effect. Cheapest special effect I can think of since they require zero assistance to be complete shit. Pardon my language."
~*~
“I hope you don’t get hit for making a kind offer” Portia told him, she didn’t have siblings so she didn’t know how it worked though she was sure usually it was the brother teasing the sister and not the other way around. Not that there was anything wrong with it being the sister of course, rather refreshing actually.
Taking the card she smiled, “Thank you so much for your help and I hope to see you again soon” she said, “Oh thank you for the tip” she added when he told her about the lights, she’d definitely pick up a couple of those. “I think the props people would get a kick out of them and it would definitely save money on their special effects budget” Which she knew would go down very well. “I’m Portia by the way” she added, “Thank you again” before she let him get back to work.