Chapter Text
Dennis Whitaker, aged 29, works as a photographer. He mostly works on film, documentary and wildlife, influenced by his background in Broken Bow, Nebraska, his hometown where he worked mostly on the farm and the beauty of nature. This was something that he is very proud of even without a formal education of photography. He built his career from the ground, being an apprentice to notable names in the industry and recently becoming one of those names even at the age of 29.
His works are seen in film and documentary citations, wildlife preservations and the never ending exhibits that he always looks forward to in seasons. He uses his name especially for charity organizations and philanthropy welfare, money that is collected will always be money that is donated, for the good of the environment. His childhood as a farm boy does help in these tasks as it makes him feel more connected to his work and able to communicate that to the people that needed to be told.
However, it was truly a shock when his best friend of 4 years, Trinity Santos, an attending in the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center Emergency Department, has asked him to be their wedding photographer together with her fiancée, Samira Mohan.
“Trin, you do know that I’m not a wedding photographer.” He said as he poured another cup of coffee into his mug.
“I know but we’ve seen your work and we want someone who has a skill in film photography for our wedding. Come on! It’s an outdoor wedding, might as well, right?” Trinity said as she stood up and paced around his living room.
He used to live with Trinity 4 years ago. He settled down here in Pittsburgh as he relished in the fact that the majority of the buildings still held the beautiful brick from years or even decades ago. He also had a deal with one of the galleries that can cater to his wants and needs and will place him in their priority list for any exhibits. As he was finding a place to live which was cheap, he ran into Trinity at one of the bars and she offered him a place to stay after she (drunkenly) ranted to him about her shift while he (soberly) told her about his predicament.
Dennis was actually not expecting her to remember it but she called the next day and said she would be happy to welcome him if he knew how to make fudge and gooey brownies. Thankfully he did.
He eventually moved out when Trinity and Samira got together and were getting serious. He didn’t mind at all since he got good money from his career, thus making him get an apartment that was a bit more expensive than he would indulge in but hey, he was working full time, being good at it and made enough money to still have spare for more expenses. This was an investment.
“We completely understand if you don’t want to.” Samira, the ever loving sunshine of the couple said with a genuine smile. God, this is what Trinity wanted, huh? To trick him into giving in with her sweet fiancée that she met in the same place she worked at.
Dennis sighs and sits down in front of them. He takes a sip of the coffee and settles it onto the coffee table. “It’s not that I don’t want to. I would even be happy to do it for free but you have to understand that my style is very different compared to what you see online.”
That was true. As a photographer, he indulged himself in ensuring that not only the people were the focus of the lens, but also the beautiful rays of sun, the glow of the moon, the nature that surrounds it all. There was a reason why he was good at what he did.
Samira and Trinity looked at each other and smiled. “We would be happy to have you as our photographer. Are you sure you want to do it for free?” Samira said and Trinity looked at him, worried.
“Huckleberry, I’m your best friend and I am so much willing to pay you for this. It’s work during my wedding. Please think about it.” Trinity is a good friend, he knows that and he thinks this will be able to at least give back what he owed her when they were still roommates. But also since he did truly love the couple that was seated in front of him.
“I’m sure, don’t you worry.” Dennis smiled at them and raised his glass. “To new beginnings for you both.”
Samira and Trinity smiled, squeezed each other’s hands and raised their mugs. “To new beginnings.”
📸
”So, how’s the wedding planning, you two?” Dana asked during a lull in the morning shift. Trinity and Samira were updating their charts in the nurse’s station and Dana, instead of taking a cigarette, wanted to ask the upcoming married couple for progress.
“It’s going well. We booked a photographer already and everything is in place.” Samira said and smiled at her fiancée. “Absolutely cannot wait!” She continued with a smile on her face.
“I’m glad it's going well for you two.” Robby said as he overhears the conversation. He gives both of them a smile. “Anything you ladies want for a wedding present?”
“We recently finalized the wedding registry. We’ll send it when it's good to go.” Trinity said, placing a kiss on Samira’s cheek. “Gotta run, I have South 15’s lab results back.”
They all watch as Trinity leaves to her patient and Robby looks at Samira with a fond look on his eyes. “I’m glad it's going well. Let us know what we can do to help, okay?”
Samira then looks visibly nervous as she walks near to Robby’s work station. She licks her lips and starts, “Actually, Robby. We actually changed your seat during the ceremony. Is that okay with you?”
Robby looked at Samira confused. “Seat? I thought it was free seating during the ceremony.” He asked as he removed his glasses and stared at Samira who tried her best to hide her smile.
“Yeah well, I want you at the front, directly in front of me. You know?” Samira said with a smile on her face and Robby tilted his head in confusion.
In front, directly in front, …. Wait. Robby thinks to himself and he stands up and looks at Samira with still a confused look on his face but his eyes are hopeful.
“Are you—“ He gets cut off and Dana smiles when she realizes what Samira has been asking Robby to do.
“Yeah.” Samira breathes out and smiles. “Can you walk me down the aisle?”
Robby lets out the biggest smile and proceeds to hug Samira who happily reciprocates. Dana claps their backs and she has some tears building up her eyes to which she wipes away. “I’m so happy for you both! I hope Robby’s knees can make him walk you down.” Dana jokes and laughs at the glare directed to her.
“Don’t listen to her, Mohan. She’s just jealous.” Robby said as he pulled away.
“Yeah, I’m so jealous.” Dana mocked the attending which earned a laugh from Samira.
“Well since that is all done, I still have to finalize some of the details but all is good for the wedding in 3 weeks!” Samira said with a smile on her face. After months of hard work, she’ll finally be married to the love of her life.
“We’re so happy for you, Mohan. You have no idea.” Robby said and pulled her in for another hug. “Now go and work.” He pulls away and turns away.
“He wants you to go before he starts crying.” Dana jokes and Samira laughed as she patted his back and left. “Good for you, huh? This wedding will be a blast.” Dana says as she side-hugs him.
“Yeah, I think so too.”
📸
“Okay, so these are what we want as the vibe of the pictures for the wedding. We have a separate videographer so you’ll do pictures only.” Trinity said as she sat down in Dennis’ couch with her laptop open in her hands.
“We have a whole Pinterest board as inspiration but regardless, what you feel would be good for us is a go as well.” Samira said as she sat beside her fiancée.
Dennis placed the box of pizza onto his coffee table as well as cans of drinks. He hums as he was shown the Pinterest board and keeps nodding as he scrolls through them.
“This is good actually. I can work with it.” Dennis says as he looks through the pictures of the venue of both the ceremony and the reception. “We can do some of the pictures you want on the morning of the day but it can be a little earlier if you want pictures where the sun is at its peak.” Dennis said and looks at the couple.
“That’s fine with us. We also want some pictures with the team if that’s fine.” Samira said, taking a bite of pizza.
“Yeah sure. Just tell me any specifics that you want then I’ll work with it. Also save pictures you want to recreate so I can add that to my own checklist.” Dennis pulls out his phone and starts taking down notes.
“We also want to buy some disposable cameras so the guests can also take pictures themselves. Do you know someone who can have it developed?” Samira asked.
“I can buy it from someone I know actually. But I can have it developed in my own studio so there’s no need to worry about it.” Dennis winked at them and they let out huge smiles at him.
“Thanks Denny.” Trinity genuinely says. After years of knowing her, Dennis knows that even with 2 words, he knows how much Trinity is actually glad for his help and his gift.
“No problem, Trin. I got your back.” He nonchalantly says as he sits on the arm rest and gives her a hug which his best friend reciprocated. “Now, how many are you expecting in this wedding?”
“Just the PTMC gang actually.” Dennis knows it was a small wedding but he didn’t expect that it was this small. Hell, in the 4 years he’s known her, he hasn’t met the people Trinity worked with, aside from Samira.
“We can work with that. I’m able to get more intimate photos since its just a small wedding.” Dennis commented and sat on the floor looking through the details that the couple have for the wedding. “I also have some ideas in mind. I can send you guys a draft for my ideas then you can tell me if it's a done deal.”
Trinity and Samira tell him additional criteria that they want on their photos and more ideas that Dennis can photograph. Nothing too much for Dennis to be honest, he was just glad to do this for Trinity and Samira, and also glad since it's a small wedding. He takes down some notes and eventually the couple leave for the night.
He sighs to himself as he cleans up. After doing so, he goes inside his office and pulls out a folder which compromises all of the ideas that he has planned for this wedding. His other works are put on hold for the moment to make way for this very special project and he hopes he can deliver to the expectations of the married couple to be.
📸
It was the day of the wedding.
Dennis arrived at the venue early. It was a beautiful landscape which was at the side of the hill which overlooks the city of Pittsburgh. The venue of the ceremony was technically indoors but it was surrounded by glass walls to give the illusion that it was an outdoor wedding. It was perfect, especially when the weather was unpredictable so this specific concern is not needed for this day.
He walks around and finds the wedding team already placing the decorations for the ceremony and the reception. He takes note of places that can be good spots for pictures. He has an entire list of must-have pictures such as Trinity's family and the PTMC gang.
He was so busy looking around that he didn’t realize that he bumped into someone.
“Oh! Oh my god, I am so sorry.” Dennis says in apology and he hears a crisp chuckle.
“It’s not a problem.” He looks at the man and God, was this the hottest man that Dennis has ever laid his eyes on.
The man, first of all, sported an amazing clean cut beard on his face and his eyes crinkled, like crow’s feet as he smiled at Dennis. He also wore only a casual fit, jeans and a half-zip. He must be changing later judging by the hanger that he was holding on one hand over his shoulder. Must be one of the guests, Dennis thinks.
“Are you the photographer?” The man asks him, looking down at the camera that was currently hanging on Dennis’ side.
“Oh! Yes, yes I am.” Dennis says as he smiles shyly. But his phone rings and he finds that it's Trinity. She must be done with her make up and dress as well as Samira so that they can take wedding photos already. “Sorry, the bride is calling me. I have to go. I am so sorry again and hope you enjoy the wedding!”
He immediately runs to the Bridal suit, not even bothering to look back at the very attractive man who was currently sporting an endeared grin on his face as he looks at Dennis running.
📸
“Trinity, are you guys done?” Dennis says, not even bothering to knock and he finds his best friend still on her make up chair.
“Not yet, just some final touches before I put on the dress. Can you get some pictures too while we do this?” Trinity asks and Dennis pulls out his camera.
He does his job and tells Trinity where to angle her head and what expressions to make. Honestly, he doesn’t do much since Trinity is naturally photogenic but he has a vision which is why Trinity lets him. After doing so, he goes to Samira and does the exact same routine. He shows her the pictures and Samira requests for more pictures with some ideas she had. He indulges her of course, why not? Not only is this her wedding but she is also stunning so he’s having some fun too.
He goes back to Trinity and gets additional shots. He indulges in her stories and some rants about planning the wedding and laughs at her while she tries to take a sip of her coffee even if it meant ruining the lipstick the make up artist had placed.
“Oh, I bumped into someone already. Uhh, beard, 6 feet tall and significantly older than me.” Dennis says as he browses some pictures that he took, simply to appear nonchalant about the conversation.
“Oh, Dr. Robby. That’s our boss, the chief attending.” Trinity said with her eyes closed as her make up artist touches up on her eyeshadow. “He’s changing here. He was the one that suggested this venue.” Trinity said.
“Oh, he got married here too?” Dennis probes, he didn’t get to see if there was a ring earlier.
“Nah. He attended an event here before.” Trinity said and opened her eyes to look at him. “What made you so interested, Huck?” She raises an eyebrow.
“Not interested. Just curious, I never met them anyway so sue me.” He said, a little too fast and she just stared at him.
“Whatever. Can you get me a drink? White wine.” Trinity said and Dennis rolled his eyes.
“I’m not your maid of honor?” Dennis said and Trinity rolled her eyes.
“Mel’s still on her way. Running a bit late so you’re the proxy.” She then flips her hand as if to shoo him. “Now, shoo!”
Dennis then finds the bartender already preparing by the open bar. He walks over and smiles at the bartender.
“Hi, I need a glass of wine.” Dennis said and the bartender raised an eyebrow at him.
“I’m not allowed to serve alcohol yet, buddy. Service starts at the reception.” The bartender snaps at him and Dennis raises an eyebrow.
“Wow, you just cost yourself a big tip buddy.” He sarcastically says. Normally, he isn’t like this but being best friends with Trinity just made you a bit snappier on occasion, aka occasions when things didn’t go the way you planned it to be or to rude people.
“I’m not allowed to receive tips, buddy.” The bartender snaps back and Dennis laughs.
“It’s for the bride, buddy.” He said, challenging him.
“White or red?” He’s taken aback at the sudden change in the bartender’s demeanor. He cautiously looks at the bartender and replies.
“White.” He says slowly and the bartender immediately opens up a bottle.
He looks at how hasty the bartender is, almost a bit nervous—like he’s afraid of messing up or being reprimanded. He smirks a little when he realizes something.
“She also wants some almonds to go with the drink.”
“But I don’t have almonds.” The bartender looks up, alarmed and scratches his head. “But I can go down to the corner store to grab some.”
Dennis puts up an act, almost as if horrified himself to mirror the expression of the bartender. “Well you should. It’s only the most important day of her life?”
The bartender leaves and Dennis smiles to himself. God, I’m acting like Trinity. Dennis thinks to himself as he goes behind the counter and pour himself a shot of tequila. He downs the shot and exhales as it goes through his system.
He knows he’s not allowed to drink during the ceremony but Trinity can give it to him for this time right?
He takes the glass of white wine and walks to the bridal suite. He places it on her table as soon as he gets inside.
“Tha—“
“Can’t talk, I have to figure out something.”
Dennis closes the door behind him and he knows he’s allowed for some little science experiment while the brides are preparing, right? Trinity and Samira are still getting themselves ready so he’s going to use this opportunity to use his new superpower.
What can go wrong, right?
📸
Nothing goes wrong. Absolutely nothing.
First he went to the reception area under the impression that he’s taking pictures of the venue prior to anyone using it. He tried to move some flowers in one table for a picture and when he got intercepted by one of the workers, he simply said. “It’s for the bride.” And he got what he wanted and more. Apparently the workers had more flowers and asked if he needed anything else for his pictures and he relished in the attention and attentiveness.
Second, he went to the caterer and asked if they had any chocolate to spare and munch. Before they can refuse and get mad at him for disturbing their prep-time, he said, “It’s for the bride.” They immediately got some chocolates and even fruits. When asked if he needed anything else, he said that he wanted more chocolate on the strawberries. And he did.
Third, he went to the wedding planner to ask if she had any stools that he could use. Before she could excuse him as she was currently busy, he said, “It’s for the bride, they’ll use it for the pictures later.” She handed him two foldable stools to which he just put aside anyway. He didn’t see any use for it but he did take pleasure in them being at his beck and call.
Finally, he went to the bartender who gave him the almonds. He asked for a gin and tonic and he gave it to him when he said. “The bride wants another drink.” She didn’t, he just wanted a drink to loosen himself before the big work.
He went back to the room after finishing his gin and tonic and smiled at his best friend who was now wearing her wedding dress. God, she did look very beautiful in it. Dennis can feel his eyes tear up but tries to keep it down and smile at the blushing bride.
“You look….” Dennis said but Trinity put up her hand and Dennis noticed the tears building up in her eyes.
“Don’t be sappy, my make up is going to smudge.” Trinity said.
“Hideous. Absolutely horrendous.” He said and Trinity laughed at it.
“Really?” Trinity looks at him and Dennis smiles with teary eyes. He knows that Trinity knows that he means something else differently, some telepathic best friends nonsense. Trinity knows that he means that she looks absolutely beautiful and breathtaking but with her request to not be sappy, this was Dennis’ way of indulging her yet also telling her something different with how he looks so teary eyed.
“Really. I mean, I don’t even know why Samira is going to marry you.” Dennis said and Trinity smiled.
“Thanks, Huck.” Trinity said and went to hug her. So much for not trying to be a sap, huh? Dennis thinks to himself and hugs her back. “I’ll have my pictures taken first. Mira is still taking her breakfast.” She said and Dennis nodded.
📸
The sun was at the perfect peak and perfect for Trinity to indulge into her photos. Some of her co-workers came and congratulated her. He was introduced to them by Trinity and they seem like a kind bunch. A bit of a found family for Trinity and Samira.
Trinity had a lot of inspiration photos that she wanted. Dennis gave it his all and even had her Maid of Honor, Dr. Mel King to be on standby and be at her beck and call. She’s very nice and is a bit jumpy but he knows she’s very happy for her friend. Mel, as she insisted, couldn’t stop the smile on her face and is now a permanent fixture to it. She had a handheld fan for Trinity, an alcohol flask with white wine (also given by the bartender and Dennis used his superpowers), her vape and some water and snacks.
He encouraged Trinity with some poses and spouted noises of agreement when she did a pose. Honestly, little to no edits had to be done for Trinity and her pictures. And he knows this will be reflected in her soon to be wife as well.
After Trinity was done and decided on a touch up on her make up, he left her with Mel’s care. He thanked the blond doctor for her help and she did the same to him. He offered to her that if she wants some pictures taken, she could just reach him and she enthusiastically agreed for some pictures later.
Then it was Samira’s turn for the pictures. He called Trinity to say that after Samira gets her pictures taken, she has to come down for some photos that they want to accomplish. It was not that much since Dennis suggested a spare day before the wedding where they would do the wedding photos, so not much time is taken away for just photos.
Samira is absolutely stunning. Her skin is perfect underneath the rays of the sun and her smile is absolutely breathtaking. Her smile is so wide that he can’t help but mirror it on his own. Dr. Victoria Javadi, or Vic as she insisted, also had the same pack as Mel earlier. The fan, water, snacks, just without the alcohol and the vape. He doesn’t bring it up either.
Trinity and Samira then get their pictures taken. It makes him feel happy for the married couple but also a bit lonely. He’s only 1 year younger than Trinity and here she was, getting married while also excelling in her career. Unlike him where the only thing going on was his career. Such, it gives him a sense of satisfaction and this is what he always wanted to do, for people to appreciate the little things around them through his pictures, such things he also took for granted when he was young.
“Alright! Both of you go back to your suites and I will also be resting for a moment since I am also finished with the rest of the photos you and I planned to take. The wedding will start in an hour and I am so happy for the both of you.” Dennis said and hugged both girls.
“Thanks, Dennis. Help yourself to some drinks! I’ll tell the wedding coordinator to open the bar just for you.” Samira said and Dennis shook his head.
“The bartender knows me already since I got Trin some wine earlier. Just a glass, don’t worry.” Dennis said and Samira laughed.
“Don’t worry, I know she’s going to have a glass or two in her system before the wedding.” Samira winks and the two brides, as their maid of honor, walk together with them going back to the suite.
Dennis walks back to the venue and he finds the attractive man making his way to the bar and getting himself a drink. He takes a deep breath and an idea comes to his head. He goes to Trinity’s bridal suite and opens the door. He finds her on her seat scrolling through her phone while Mel is getting ready.
“Hey, quick question. Would you mind if I asked someone out at your wedding?” Dennis said and Trinity looked at her.
“You’re supposed to be my photographer, the fuck are you doing?” Trinity said and raised an eyebrow.
“I am your photographer. Just a little side quest per se.” Trinity groans.
“Is this about Dr. Robby? Do you even have the guts to ask him out?” Trinity knows that he tends to like someone a bit older than him. He can ask someone out but judging by Trinity’s tone, Dr. Robby might be a tough nut to crack.
“I have a superpower, Trin. Don’t underestimate me.” He winks at her and she rolls her eyes.
“His name is Dr. Robinavitch by the way before you try to embarrass me by calling him Robby before you even had a proper conversation with him.” Trinity said and she handed him her flask. “Have a shot then go down there, I guess even if it will be a bit disturbing for me.”
He takes a shot of then white wine and now tequila which takes him aback. He simply takes a deep breath and leaves the room while Mel yells out a ‘Goodluck!’ Good fucking luck indeed for him.
📸
Dennis can see Dr. Robby, or Robinavitch by the outdoor garden. He’s seated in one of the marble benches. He’s wearing a light blue shirt which is unbuttoned which shows a gold necklace and a bit of chest hair that makes Dennis want to faint. He’s wearing a gray suit which looks really good on him and he has his sunglasses on, as the shine of the sun is at its peak currently. He is also nursing a glass of whiskey in his hand as he looks around the venue.
Dennis takes a look at himself in one of the floor length mirrors of the venue. His blond-burnt curls sitting over his head which has no professional help whatsoever but he thinks that's the charm of it all. He’s wearing black slacks with a black undershirt, and a green button up to go along with it. It was meant to be formal yet not too constricting when he moves around to take pictures. His black dress shoes are new, shiny and polished. He thinks he looks good so he goes.
He takes another deep breath and goes to walk to Dr. Robinavitch. He doesn’t seem to notice the photographer as he continues to nurse his whiskey and now, scrolling through his phone.
Dennis taps the chief attending’s shoulder and speaks up, “Dr. Robinavitch? Am I right?” Dennis nonchalantly says and the chief attending turns to look at him and smiles when he recognizes that it was the photographer he bumped into earlier.
“Hi, yes. That’s me. Do you need anything?” Robby says as he looks at the blond man in front of him. How cute, Robby thinks to himself.
“I do.” Dennis smiles at him which makes Robby return as well. “I’m supposed to get your number so that we can go out on a date? Bride’s orders.” Dennis said almost shyly, just so Robby won’t see through his act. He is a shy farm boy and it works perfectly in his favor.
“Oh is that so?” Robby says and removes his glasses. Dennis feels himself take a deep breath when he makes eye contact with the older man. Deep brown eyes that turn a lighter shade of brown the moment the sun hits them, he’s suddenly reminded of home and the milk chocolate chip cookies that his mother makes on special occasions and she’d make more for him because he was her favorite.
“Yes. Trinity’s orders.” He says, as if the final nail to the coffin. Robby’s smile widens at the statement and nods to himself.
“Well then, I’m Dr. Michael Robinavitch. But, feel free to call me Robby, everyone does.” Robby says and pulls out his hand for Dennis to shake.
Dennis shakes his hand and smiles at him, internally rejoicing when he hears the sharp intake of breath that the doctor did. “I’m Dennis Whitaker. Trinity’s best friend but also the photographer for today’s wedding.” He then pulls away from the handshake. Robby’s hands are both rough and gentle at the same time.
“Oh? Wow, that’s amazing that you’re doing this for her.” Robby said with a smile. “Ah sorry, where are my manners? Please, take a seat.” Robby gestures to the bench and Dennis does take a seat, minding his camera to his lap.
“I’m doing it for free as their wedding gift. I’m not giving her the satisfaction of getting her a Le Creuset set for her wedding.” Dennis says and Robby laughs lightly.
“Well, good thing I got them that, huh?” Robby said and Dennis laughed.
“No shit, really?”
“Yeah,” Robby shakes his head as he laughs. “I figured that I can ignore the price tag on those for my attendings as a morale boost.” He said.
Dennis then smiles, “Well, that’s very kind of the chief attending, huh?” He teases the man who looks at him with a glint in his eyes.
“Trinity must have told you all about me. Shame, we never heard anything about you.” He says as he takes another sip of his whiskey.
“She only told me significant details about you.” Dennis said and Robby’s eyebrows rose in interest in the subject.
“What are those then?” Robby probes.
“That you might be single.”
Robby then grins and tips his head forward as he tries to hide it. Dennis also tries to stop the grin from forming on his face, utterly failing.
“I am.” Robby simply said and turns his body so he’s facing Dennis. “Care to give me some important details as well? I am at a disadvantage.” Robby’s expression morphs into something pitiful which makes Dennis laugh.
“Well, I am also single. That’s a start, huh?” Dennis said and his eyes dropped to the glass of whiskey on the older man’s hand. He nudged the whiskey on Robby’s hand. ”How did you get a drink? They weren’t supposed to serve drinks before the reception.” He asked.
Robby simply smiles, looks at him and winks, “I have a superpower.”
📸
Dennis is absolutely fucked.
Apparently, Robby walked Samira down the aisle when the wedding started. Beautiful ceremony of course, Trinity cried (she owes him $150) and Samira cried (of course, she’s getting married). Dennis tries as much as possible to take pictures of the entire thing, getting every angle and every shot.
Even if it meant Robby staring down his lens with a smirk on his face.
Robby did give him his number. It required Dennis opening up his phone and Robby manually putting his number there then he used Dennis’ phone to call his own. It was so smooth that Dennis couldn't help but be a little lightheaded especially when there was a big chance Robby knew of his little shtick.
After the ceremony, they then started on the reception. Since there was only a few people for this wedding, it meant that everyone (including the married couple) would be seated at a long farmhouse table. Trinity told him that he can sit beside her but he told her that he’ll take a seat once he’s satisfied with his pictures.
Plus, it didn’t help when for some reason, he was seated beside Robby when he knew he should be seated next to Mel.
Dennis also had to announce that within the table were disposable cameras provided by him and that all photos will be developed within 2 weeks by him as well. Trinity kept bragging about Dennis and his work which made him blush a little by how well it was accepted by her coworkers. Especially Robby who gave him a teasing smile.
Everyone was already eating while Dennis was still cataloguing the pictures that he took. He tried to tell Samira, who told him in a very stern voice to sit down and eat, that he’ll take a seat the moment he’s satisfied with the pictures. Samira and Trinity obviously look bothered at the prospect that he won’t be eating and just standing around for a photo opportunity, until.
“Bride’s orders, Dennis. Wouldn’t want to disappoint them, right?”
Fucking Robby and his stupid grin.
“Yeah, huckleberry! Get in here!”
Eventually he relented. He put down his camera and his bags, took a plate of food from the buffet and sat down on his seat. He smiled at everyone, already knowing their names and what they did in the ED.
“Can’t believe Santos got lucky by snagging a free photographer.” Jesse, a nurse said with a smirk on his face.
“You do weddings often, Dennis?” Frank Langdon asked him and he shook his head.
“Oh, no. This is actually my first wedding gig. I’m more in film, documentary and wildlife photography.” Dennis said and he actually felt shy at the amount of people (everyone) that looked at him with fascination.
“That’s awesome! Have you been to anything we have seen?” Kim, a nurse, asked him.
“Maybe not that much. For film, I usually work with short films or films that have a geographical taking on its plot. I’m also listed as one of the photographers for National Geographic Channel. If I’m not working there then I do my own photographs and have them displayed in a gallery.” He said as he slices a steak and puts it in his mouth.
“Santos failed to tell us that she has a hotshot of a best friend.” Jack Abbot, also a senior attending like Robby said. This made everyone laugh. “Can I ask why you got into that specific field of photography?”
Dennis looks at the married couple, unsure if he should continue talking about himself when it was supposed to be their big day but he’s only met by kind smiles and encouraging eyes as they gesture at him to answer.
“Well, I’m a farm boy actually. Grew up in Broken Bow, Nebraska which is just farms for miles. There was just vastly different in the comfort of nature and everyday life when I took it all for granted. Eventually when I did move into the city, I missed it all so I placed myself in that field to show people how much they’re missing out on if they don’t appreciate the wonders of the world per se. I take these shots in a nostalgic lens, hence me also going into films and documentaries, for people to feel that ‘Wow, there is a whole other life out there and I want to see it and I feel nostalgic even if I haven’t even seen it’ mentality.” He opens up and he finds everyone staring at him in amazement. “It’s really not that much compared to what you guys are doing.” He rushes to continue.
“Oh please.” McKay said with a smile. “You are amazing, just from what we have heard and I myself would love to go to your galleries soon with my son.” It was met with agreements with the rest of the guests.
Dennis smiled shyly, “Well then, I’ll make sure to notify you guys for a free showing when I get the chance.” This made the rest of them cheer.
The meal was going well, and eventually everyone decided to have a little dance party. Dennis was on his way to get his camera until Trinity told him to take a break and the disposable cameras were there for a reason so he can have fun. He smiled at her and told her that he’ll just have a drink before going into dancing.
As much as Trinity and Samira’s co-workers were kind and fun, he didn’t feel comfortable enough to engage into something like dancing since this wedding is a bit intimate with the size and people. Literally only their co-workers which was their found family. Nothing against the married couple but Dennis felt like he could benefit from some fresh air while sober rather than sober and trying as much as possible to party with all of them.
Dennis was away from the reception, near a patio which beautifully captured the night sky. Since they were on a hill, the stars were out and about, instead of being shy in the urban air pollution. The patio was beautiful. Little lights all around, a comfortable seating, not far enough that he was separated from the group but not near enough that the music from the reception made it a bother.
“You doing okay?” He hears someone and he knew it was Robby but he still turned back to see the man nursing another glass of whiskey and a cigarette pack on the other.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Dennis said as he browsed through the pictures in his camera. Some of the guests actually offered to take some pictures of him and the married couple to which he agreed. He smiled at the specific picture of Trinity and Samira kissing his cheeks at the same time, him in the middle. Might be a good photo to frame, Dennis thinks to himself.
“Want a hit?” Robby asks him, already beside him. “I mean, if you smoke that is.”
“A doctor telling me I should smoke?” Dennis jokes as he takes a stick and pats his pockets for his lighter until he realizes something which made his eyes shut. Damn, I forgot I only bought my vape for today. ”Can I borrow a light?”
Robby was already lighting his cigarette and smiled at the photographer. “Sure.”
Dennis fully expected for Robby to simply hand him the silver metal lighter in his hand. Instead, Robby leans down and connects the two ends of the cigarette in order to light Dennis’. This makes Dennis appreciate how the orange light glares softly against Robby’s brown eyes. Brown eyes that seem to dig into his soul with no way out, even if Dennis had a choice.
Robby then pulls away and takes in a puff and lets it all out. “Santos smokes or vapes in the ambulance bay. Hell, the majority of my staff smoke something so,” Robby shrugged as his words failed to end his sentence.
“Trin got me into vaping. She did it because the smoke stuck to her clothes. I usually just smoked.” Dennis shared and he stayed in silence with Robby. “Can you guess my pack years then?”
Robby’s lips twitched, tempted to smile but he looked at the photographer with serious eyes. “You smoke long enough?”
Dennis laughs softly. “Too long but not enough.” Dennis indulges himself into riddling the older man who simply smiled.
“Farm boy, underage smoking yet not enough money to buy a pack a day. I’d say you smoked when you were 14. Start of adolescent years yet not immediate enough for you to rebel. Lack of funds yet farm boy indicated that there was a stash somewhere in the house, father or brother mayhaps. Stole from them which is why you got your own. You knew it smelled yet it never stuck to clothes, hence maybe you smoked maybe 5 sticks a day? Rebellious phase but not enough to be a conduct disorder.” Robby said and Dennis looked at him amazed which made him laugh. “What? Am I right?”
Dennis laughed out loud. “You are, slick. Amazing! Is that what doctors do on a daily basis?” Dennis was truly amazed.
Robby shrugged, as if it wasn’t a big deal. “You have to figure out the addicts from those who are in pain, figure out who’s wrong, what did they do and all that just so you can treat them properly so yes, it kinda is what we do daily.”
Dennis smiled and laughed, Robby is absolutely smitten. This younger man whose smile was just out of this world, literally. Like the smile was the sun, similar to the sun that carried him throughout his childhood at Nebraska and his eyes, God, his eyes. The perfect shade of blue, he remembers his own childhood when he picked the perfect shade of blue when coloring in the sky—literally similar.
“Amazing, Oh my God. I did not expect that, at all.” Dennis continues to be amazed, unaware of the brown eyes— that replicated his love for milk chocolate when he was a child, or the way it was the same shade of the cross of Jesus Christ sitting above his head in his childhood bedroom—staring at him with fondness in his eyes.
“Yeah, well. It’s not that much compared to what you do.” Robby nonchalantly says and Dennis shakes his head.
“We are not having that conversation again. You are doctors, you save lives so that they can continue living and that is extraordinary!” Dennis fights and Robby laughs.
“And here you are, a photographer, pictures upon pictures to make sure lives are worthy of living.” Robby says as he laughs at how Dennis now wants to pick a fight with him.
Dennis simply looks at him and laughs again. “You know, photographers are not that amazing. And here me out—“ Dennis puts his hand up when Robby starts to open his mouth to argue. “We, see something, we feel it, then we take a picture. Hoping that what we feel goes into the picture you know? But the majority of the time, you lose faith in that because does that one single shot actually make people feel different emotions all at once? Hence why I started doing galleries, for that specific thought.” Dennis says.
“Did you find your answer?” Robby asks, putting out the cigarette in his hand then lighting another one.
Dennis shrugs. “Maybe, not entirely. I don’t know.” He simply said as he put down his cigarette but didn't ask for another one. He looks at Robby and has an idea in mind.
“Hey, can you stand over there? With your back against the railing.”
Robby looks at him in confusion and Dennis scoffs. “Come on, for a wee little photographer such as myself?” Dennis tried to look pitiful which did its job.
Robby did as he was told and Dennis positioned the camera, already taking picture after picture. Robby knew that Dennis was going to take a picture of him but he didn’t expect multiple shots over and over again from his professional camera.
“Hey! That’s enough!” Robby said as he laughed and tried to cover up the lenses but failed when Dennis moved out of the way and continued to take pictures. “Dennis!” Robby tried to sound stern but he kept laughing anyway. He didn’t know the last time he laughed this hard, much less to a stranger.
Dennis puts down the camera and immediately scrolls through the pictures.
To say Dennis Whitaker’s camera had found a muse was an understatement, considering that he wasn’t even aware of it.
Robby, under the moonlight, with a cigarette in his hand and laughing. Picture after picture showed a candid photo of the man either inhaling from the cigarette, pointing at Dennis to stop taking a picture or rubbing his free hand over his face and his hair. One thing was for sure, all pictures had that wide grin of Robby and that flush red over his skin, his crow’s feet evident as day, seemingly deeper than what he had been witnessing the hours prior. All that under the moon and the stars as the witness and the gentle lighting of the patio served as a spotlight, just for Dennis and his camera.
“It looks good! Tell me that doesn’t look good!” Dennis said with an arrogant tone and Robby rolled his eyes.
“I look terrible. God, do I even have that many wrinkles in my face? Holy shit.” Robby said as he touched several parts of his face. “Delete, all of it, delete it now.” Robby demands in a stern tone but Dennis scoffs.
“Hell no. It looks good! I can’t believe you don’t see it.” Dennis says and Robby rolls his eyes.
“Now, you’re just mocking me.” Robby says as he continues to scroll through the pictures. “God, damn. I cannot believe I actually look like that in a professional camera.”
“Are you saying that my camera is to blame?” Dennis tries to challenge.
“Yes, I am saying that.” Robby said jokingly with a small smile on his face.
Dennis looked at Robby who continued to look through the pictures, as if analyzing each photo that he took. Robby’s face was near his, which made it easier for Dennis to look through every single freckle, wrinkle and spot that made its way through Robby’s face. It was endearing actually, how Dennis seemed to only think about how Robby’s eyes wrinkled and formed crow’s feet every time he smiled or let out a laugh. How many times have you smiled carelessly before that you feel now ashamed at how it left a mark on your skin? Dennis thought to himself.
“What?” Robby’s eyes were now on him, this snaps Dennis out of his thought.
“What?” Robby’s eyes narrowed at him.
“You said about how I smiled at it and left a mark on my skin?” Robby hesitantly brings up, the bright red flush of his skin was so endearing to Dennis as he remembered how his own skin would flush under the sweat and work of the sun in his childhood.
“How many times have you smiled carelessly before that you now feel ashamed at how it left a mark on your skin?” Dennis repeated his thought and Robby only stared at him. His eyes now bare an unknown emotion, similar to him wondering what God was thinking as he stared at the cross above his bed.
Robby goes silent. Seemingly he didn’t have an answer, a cocky or smart answer like he had been giving Dennis throughout the day.
“How many times have you stared at the lens of your camera, wishing that you were close enough to touch?” Robby asked, the breath as he spoke, Dennis could feel every single hair on his skin standing up.
To Robby, it seemed like Dennis was always wondering of answers behind the camera lens, never actually thinking of reaching and breaking that boundary to make himself feel what it would be like in that specific situation.
“Always.” Dennis breathes out. His blue eyes, ones that make Robby remember the ocean that he and his Bubbe would always drive by whenever it was summer. It felt freeing, like only one stretch of an arm he can actually feel it but he can’t as only seconds later, it's all filled with concrete gray and intimidating green. It casts a hole in his soul, worming inside like it belonged there even though it was its first time, yet filling his heart with a thrum that he could not explain even with the knowledge of medicine.
“Would you want to touch?” Robby asks. Would you want to touch me? Robby thinks at the back of his head.
Dennis gulps at the distance. He can’t feel his legs, like they have given up on him but he can feel Robby’s presence beside him, like they have purposely punctured Dennis’ legs unable to function but anchoring him enough to the strong earth to the point he can’t fall.
And yet Dennis has already fallen, evident by how his lips has met Robby’s—just like how there is always an oasis in the middle of a dessert.