Chapter Text
Life was boring on the animation team. That was until a certain voice actor made his way into working with the animation department.
"Yo, so pompadour is gonna be coming round today." My co-worker says leaning on my desk slightly.
Pompadour was what we called Wally. our leading and rising star of the show.
I turn my head up slightly to look at my co-worker giving a fake exaggerated smile."How great, I wonder what it's for this time.." I groan as I stretch my limbs, my back cracking from my horrific posture.
"Bet it's about either his hair or clothes for the special not being right" my co-worker chuckled loudly while sipping on their coffee and an amused look in their eyes.
See I am in charge of wally darling and Julie Joyful's designs for the show. It was fun, a job was a job and they pay me well here but ever since Wally Darling started working with the department it's made things so much more tedious.
He is very picky about what his character wears and doesn't wear. It was making my life a lot more work filled as Pompadour will reject my work at least 3 times before even thinking about it.
I groan out loud in frustration, my head leaning back tired from looking at the monitor for so long. Jullie is never this picky god I wish I could trade with someone.
"I don't understand how he was even given permission to work with us. He's the voice actor not producer." I fold my arms and glare at the little drawing character on my screen. The little devil horns fit the character well.
"Pompadour is picky, yes, but he seems nice enough. At least he gives you reasonable times to get the next design to him" my coworker says while sipping their coffee. They put their hand on my shoulder and give me a reassuring smile. "Don't think about it too much. Yea?"
I smile lightly back as they walk back to their desk getting ready for the next batch of storyboards.
The door to the big office opens and in steps Wally. His signature pompadour is the most noticeable thing. Today he was wearing a Button up shirt with a soft multi-color sweater with black slacks. Wally seemed to always have to wear something blinding…
Very on-brand, I guess.
I take a glance at Wally before slowly sinking in my chair praying that he isn't here for me.
While trying to get the world to swallow me up, pompadour made his way over. That stupid cat-like smile on his face. "Hello dear." I slowly look up from my slumped state silently preparing myself for his judgment.
"Hi Wally, what is it now?" My tone sounded bored and tired. Wally gives a closed-eye smile and places some paperwork on my desk. "I saw your most recent design for the Halloween special. It's good.." I stare at him waiting for the however in his sentence. My eyes sharpen at him.
"However. Try and give him a more fashionable costume?" He says as if it's a question but in reality, I had no other choice. I’ll be damned if he thinks he's my boss.
"Mr Darling it's a kids show and a Halloween special his costume should resemble that. I'm not going to put him in some extravagant devil costume. That's wasting mine and everyone else's valuable time." I say staring up, keeping my voice as professional as I can. "I understand you want him to stand out but keep in mind how taxing it could be to draw frame by frame." I look away in frustration, an exasperated sigh leaving my lips.
Wally sometimes forgets that the more he adds to his character the more time it takes for our animators to animate him meaning we could end up behind in production causing our jobs to be on the line.
I look back up to Wally wondering if he will say anything. Wally had that thinking look, his hand on his chin his other hand on his hip in a very cartoony way. For a short second, he looks back at me and gives me that signature grin. “Well, how about you add a small red cape? Then it makes it more interesting and more childlike. I'm sure that won't affect anyone.” smiling at me while leaning slightly on my desk.
My eyebrows twitch in annoyance at his persistence. Also that he's leaning on my desk. He has to earn the right to do that I think to myself.
Taking a quick glance at the clock I realize I have a meeting in a few minutes with my boss to see how marketing designs are going. “I loved this little chat Wally but I, fortunately, have to leave for a meeting. I’ll try to get some more designs ready for you tomorrow” Grabbing my paperwork and sketchbook I turn to walk away before hearing Wally call my name.
“Don't forget about the work dinner tonight dear.” with that, he walks away giving me a small wave and smile, confidence radiating off him.
I stand there annoyance clear as day on my face. “Man I would not want your job,” my coworker says behind me amusement written all over them.
“Don’t even get me started- and what work dinner?” I quickly turn to face my fellow artist.
I tried to dig through my memories of any mention of a party but I came up blank. This last month has been way too busy with all the preparations for the new merchandise so a work dinner is the least of my problem.
“It’s welcome homes 3 year anniversary so they are taking the actors for a dinner as a celebration, I heard that some of the actors chose to take someone with them”
I blankly stare at their response, looking everywhere I can in my brain to find any glimpse of being asked by anyone.
“Check your emails?” they suggest sipping loudly on their coffee.
Grabbing my phone I open my emails and search for work dinner.
I scroll.
And I scroll.
And I keep scrolling till finally, I find it…
an unnamed email from Wally Darling from 3 weeks ago…