Young and beautiful @ashxboyd - Tumblr Blog

A New Host //

It was too late to back out, and that’s what made Jason so pissed off. He sat beside her as she did her hair and make-up, but he didn’t dare say a word. The team seemed to get that he was in a foul mood, so instead of doing the usual flirty banter that they always did, they turned to Ashley and talked about how pretty she was, how perfect the camera was going to shine on her. His eyes were already green, but the jealousy that raged through him brought it to a whole new level. Jason didn’t want to share. He didn’t want to share his segment, his interviews, or his goddamn hairdressers and make-up artists.

He smirked as Ashley finally said something. Well, she wasn’t stupid, he could say that much. Jason looked at her and didn’t respond for a moment. “If you want to play a grown-up today, here’s a lesson for you: ‘sorry’ means nothing out here,” Jason said, “I worked to get this, and you say a few words about a puppy. I don’t care if you’re sorry. Just do your job and stay out of my way.”

Was he harsh? Maybe. But it wasn’t like it should surprise her. Jason had a reputation, and it wasn’t that he was a sweet fellow. He was selfish and he was going to say what was on his mind.

ashxboyd

Ash’s lips pressed together as he spoke. “This isn’t about playing grown-up.” She snapped. “Some of us actually want out of this town you know. Some of us aren’t just content to sit around and be a big fish in a small pond.” Ash sighed and closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose to calm herself down. She stood up, she wasn’t sure how long it was until they were supposed to be on set but she couldn’t be in this trailer with him for a minute longer, not if he was going to act like a spoiled child.

“You know,” she could feel the anger bubbling inside her. “If you were a whole lot nicer, maybe they wouldn’t be bringing a second person in.” Ash felt her face growing hot. She could hear her father scolding her for being so mean, but she couldn’t help herself. Once she started it was hard to stop. And besides, he started it, she had tried to take the high road. “I’m only doing this for a week for experience. That’s all it is, and if you paid attention you would have heard that.”

#p: a new host

happy-prince-jason

A New Host //

“No,” Jason shook his head vehemently, “Vera, no.”

This morning was not really a great one. It hadn’t started out this way. Actually, before Jason came in to work, it had actually been pretty good. He had his usual coffee made by his favorite barista, didn’t encounter any detours or other issues while driving, and managed to pull into the best parking space with ease. But then he’d walked in, the interns and crew all running around getting ready for the broadcast. Jason made a beeline towards hair and make-up as he sipped his coffee when Carey, the stylist, said, “Hey, you! We’re going to have to make this quick today. We’ve got your co-host coming in any minute, and-” He stopped paying attention right there.

“I don’t do co-hosts,” he argued stubbornly, “I do guests, interviewees, whatever! It’s my portion of the show, and then it goes to the goddamn weather!”

Vera stayed cool and collected throughout the anchorman’s tantrum. She sighed, leaning against her desk. As the owner of the station, she really didn’t have to do anything that Jason said, but he always tended to forget his place. “Jason, let’s not pretend you have any standards for who you ‘do,’” she began, “You’re going to go along with this, okay? Besides you don’t even know who it is yet.”

“Exactly-”

“I handpicked her myself. She’s in need of some work experience, and well, you two showed great chemistry.” A young blonde caught her eye outside the glass wall in her office. Vera smiled, pointing her finger for Jason to see. “Make it work.” He tried to argue again, but Vera only shooed him off. In her head, it was a perfect fit. They had rapport, and from what she had seen of Ashley, Jason could use a partner like that to teach him how to be less of a selfish shit. Plus, Vera mused, Ashley was pretty enough for the camera but too young for Jason to try anything. Hopefully.

Meanwhile, Jason brushed past Ashley and made his way to his chair, completely ignoring her as the crew continued to set up the shot. They still had about ten minutes before the broadcast would start, though Jason knew he wouldn’t need it. He could compose his face and fake any emotion he wanted to, even with just one minute.

ashxboyd

They called her up on Saturday.

Saturday had been a particularly hard day for her. It was the day before her period and she was feeling bloated and ugly. It was getting to the point that she couldn’t focus on the homework that she was supposed to be doing. So when they called her up, she was thankful to be given a distraction. Until she heard what the distraction entailed.

“Well, yes, I do need work experience...” She said. “I mean, who doesn’t want to be on TV?” (her).

“Excellent, we’ll be looking forward to seeing you on Monday after school.” The voice on the other end said.

She wanted to ask about Jason and what he thought about all of this, but they hung up before she could. She looked at the phone in her hands, wondering if she had just made a huge mistake agreeing to this. In the short amount of time that she had known Jason, she could tell that he enjoyed his solo screen time.

So when Monday rolled around, Ash was just a bundle of nerves wrapped up in a human body. She was sure that she had straightened her jacket a hundred times just from the moment that she walked into the door. She waited patiently outside of the office while Jason yelled at the owner. When he was finished, Ash stood up to say hello but she was just greeted with a cold shoulder and a stern look.

Was it too late to back out?

In makeup, he didn’t even acknowledge her. The makeup artist was complimenting her for her skin and hair and freckles, something which she hated more than anything else. She was given her own things to talk about, something which she had been practicing from the moment she received the email.

The makeup team left the trailer to go and get the wardrobe people and to mic them up. The silence in the air between them was deafening and she couldn’t stand it anymore.

“I’m sorry, okay?” She blurted out. “I’m sorry that I agreed to this. You’ve made it clear; you hate me and you hate the fact that they’re splitting your spotlight time with someone else. So I’m sorry.”

#p: a new host

happy-prince-jason

Puppy Love //

happy-prince-jason

Rent… Well, he thought she’d been in high school. Apparently not. But then also, she was working on college applications… Jason surveyed Ashley for a moment, trying to figure out how old she actually was. She seemed too young to look as stressed as she was. He decided not to ask, mostly because it was considered rude and then also, it might seem creepy to ask a young girl that. “And you could spare $200 from your paycheck?” Jason asked, “I wish they had those kinds of jobs when I was growing up.”

At her question, Jason remembered that he was supposed to be heading home, and he was also supposed to find someone to spend the night with at said home. “Uh, yeah, actually,” he answered, “I’m on my way home, so I should go.” Jason flashed her his winning smile, the one he put on for every segment, “Have a great night, Ashley.”

ashxboyd

Ash scrunched up her face at his question. She wished she could spare $200 from her paycheck. But she was sure that her father wouldn’t mind if she dipped into her trust to fix damage that she could have caused by her carelessness, but he didn’t need to know how she was getting the money. So she just shrugged. “Yeah, well, they did somewhat raise the minimum wage since you were a kid I bet.”

“Oh, right, yeah.” She smiled back. “You too, I guess.” She started walking away before she turned around. “Also, you’re a lot nicer when there’s no cameras involved, I’m not sure if I told you that.” She smiled again and walked off in the direction of the shop.

Puppy Love //

Ashley was a bit taken aback by his question. He sounded genuinely concerned, which threw her. The only people who ever showed concern for her was grandma and her dad while he was alive. Plus she would be lying if she said that she didn’t know his reputation, it was a small town of course, with a tight knit community, people talked.

“I’m fine,” she rubbed her eyes. “Just tired mostly. I think that’s the one that is mostly getting me down at the moment. So yeah, I’m sorry about earlier it was rude of me. My father would have died if he saw me being rude to anyone.” She shrugged.

“Also, I hope your phone is okay.” Ash tried to glance over at it to see if there was any damage. “If there’s damage I can pay to fix it.” She gave him a genuine smile this time. He was a lot nicer without the cameras around. Maybe he was just pretending for everyone else’s benefit, and since they were alone…. But Ash shook that thought out of her head. Everyone always spoke of how conceited he is among other things. He was probably not the sort of person she wanted to be associated with, especially if she wanted to get out of this town. Or maybe… She still did have to find someone to shadow for a week. And everyone else had already found theirs. But she didn’t want to ask a favor of someone she didn’t really know.

happy-prince-jason

Jason could see that she was a little surprised by his inquiry. He didn’t care about what the people said in this town. He was the news anchor, meaning that no gossip got past him. Jason just thought that he was better than them all, and he only ever focused on the compliments. But he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a little surprised at the question himself.

When Ashley opened up, Jason made a mental note to try being nice to her if he ever needed something from her again. Especially if she ended up back on the air. He supposed a little sugar could have gone a long way back when they were at the pound, but Jason hadn’t really been in the mood to put up with any antics, especially with the fact that he didn’t like dogs too much.

He shrugged, his phone now safe in his pocket. “It’s fine,” Jason said, “Besides, aren’t you a volunteer? That means ‘free labor’ if I remember correctly.”

ashxboyd

Ash arched her eyebrows but otherwise shrugged. "I do have an actual job," she smiled. "Otherwise I probably wouldn't be able to make my rent. The shelter is just something that I do for fun but it also looks good on college applications." Which is where it all came down to. She already knew that she had a pretty strong application, what with her being completely independent and self sufficient.

"Am I keeping you from something?" She asked, she knew she had a habit of talking a lot and generally making people late for whatever they were headed to. "Because I will understand if you have to leave. I should probably get to the store before it closes."

#p: puppy love

happy-prince-jason

Puppy Love //

ashxboyd

Ashley’s face turned red, but it was more from anger than embarrassment. “It’s Ashley,” she snapped back. “And I’m just going to the grocery store, trust me, I’m as disappointed as you are to bump into you again.”

She sighed, she wasn’t one to snap at people but that day had been particularly hard. Still, her father said that she should never take her troubles out on anyone else, no matter how much they deserved it. “I’m sorry,” she apologised. “That was rude and uncalled for. I’m not normally like this but my step sisters… Wait no, never mind. Forget I said anything.”

She tried to smile but it came out as more of a tight line on her lips. “It was a pleasure to see you again, Mr Arany. I hope your story is well received. Heaven knows some of those animals deserve a home.”

happy-prince-jason

Jason wasn’t surprised anymore by the bite that this girl had. But outside of work, he actually found it a little more funny and admirable. “That’s a first,” he replied, “People love bumping into local celebrities such as myself. I even get the occasional autograph.” Which really didn’t help with his ego, and Jason knew it.

The bite that he was seeing from the girl - Ashley - was vanishing, and in its place, Jason was seeing someone else entirely. It actually was the first time that he thought of her as a fellow human. Back at the pound, he’d been more focused on his work, and then her attitude had started up… Well, he found her as more of a kid. As Jason got older, he was finding it hard to view younger people as the same species as him. But Ashley looked that way now. She looked tired.

A smile graced his lips still, but it was a little more soft. “You okay there?” he asked. Call it the journalist in him, but he strangely found himself interested.

ashxboyd

Ashley was a bit taken aback by his question. He sounded genuinely concerned, which threw her. The only people who ever showed concern for her was grandma and her dad while he was alive. Plus she would be lying if she said that she didn't know his reputation, it was a small town of course, with a tight knit community, people talked.

"I'm fine," she rubbed her eyes. "Just tired mostly. I think that's the one that is mostly getting me down at the moment. So yeah, I'm sorry about earlier it was rude of me. My father would have died if he saw me being rude to anyone." She shrugged.

"Also, I hope your phone is okay." Ash tried to glance over at it to see if there was any damage. "If there's damage I can pay to fix it." She gave him a genuine smile this time. He was a lot nicer without the cameras around. Maybe he was just pretending for everyone else's benefit, and since they were alone.... But Ash shook that thought out of her head. Everyone always spoke of how conceited he is among other things. He was probably not the sort of person she wanted to be associated with, especially if she wanted to get out of this town. Or maybe... She still did have to find someone to shadow for a week. And everyone else had already found theirs. But she didn't want to ask a favor of someone she didn't really know.

Puppy Love //

“I guess sarcasm skipped your generation too,” Jason remarked, but the blonde girl was already walking away. He didn’t give her a second thought, really. Really, Jason just thought Ashley was a bratty, ungrateful teenager, and he left it at that. Instead, he spent the rest of the time at the pound just trying to keep the animal dander off of him, and as soon as the crew had enough footage of the place, he was out of here.

Immediately after work, Jason decided he was going to have a few beers that night, maybe invite a girl over. There were a few women in his contacts list that knew Jason was just using them for the occasional night of fun, and they didn’t care. They were using him too. He wasn’t the relationship kind of guy, definitely not. Then they would try to ask so much out of you, affection and money. And Jason wasn’t the giving type.

As he scrolled through his contacts, trying to decide which of the three he would pick tonight, someone bumped into him and knocked his phone out of his hand. “Hey, watch it!” He didn’t really care that he hadn’t been watching either. Jason just wanted to make sure that his phone wasn’t broken, seeing as they could break just from dropping it two inches from the floor. he picked it up, and besides a scratch on the top right corner, everything seemed fine. But then he heard her voice, the disdain in it. Jason grimaced. “Oh, great. The dog girl.” He sighed, “Messing up my segment and now trying to mess up my phone… Something tells me you’re out to get me.”

Puppy Love //

Well, the girl had her act cleaned up by the time that the cameras came out. It was easy for Jason to nod and smile with the girl. Later, his crew would joke about how painful the smiles looked. The secretary at the office would say she actually thought they looked cute together the first time she saw their first interview. Of course, she wouldn’t admit this until further down the road.

As soon as the cameras turned off, Miss Ashley seemed to be in the same mood as before. “No, we’re good, Ashley,” Jason replied, smiling and pretending to be pleasant the entire time. Now that smile was too cheesy and over-the-top to believe. “Thanks for taking twenty minutes out of your OMG-ful day.” May God have mercy on your generation. Seriously, she was complaining about having air time. Jason just didn’t get it.

ashxboyd

Ash rolled her eyes. “No one says that.” She countered. “But I’m glad I could be of some assistance.” She smiled and walked away. The interview had taken a lot of time that she could have been helping the animals. She wasn’t too fussed doing, when her manager asked her to weeks ago, she was completely on board. The more animals that got adopted into forever homes, the better. She just wished it was with someone that wasn’t the town’s biggest egomaniac.

When she finally finished her shift and helped lock up, it was getting dark out. She still had to get some groceries before she went home, but walking in the dark always made her feel uncomfortable. She said goodbye to her manager and pulled her jacket tighter around her small frame. Ash plugged in her headphones and turned on some music, hoping that the lyrics will distract her from the rapidly fading sunlight.

She wasn’t really paying attention to where she was going, except that she was going in the general direction of the supermarket. There was a breeze that picked up and played with her hair. She shivered and walked faster, keeping her head down and minding her own business. Until she walked into someone, causing her to drop her phone and her headphones to yank off of her head.

“Oh, wow, I’m so sorry.” She apologised as she picked up her phone and looked at the person she walked into. Immediately she felt her heart drop. “Oh, it’s you.”

#p: puppy love

happy-prince-jason

Puppy Love //

ashxboyd

happy-prince-jason:

“Everyone cares about whether someone thinks they’re attractive,” Jason chuckled, more amused by her comment than anything now, “Especially teenage girls.” Or teenagers, in general. Jason was a teenager once, though he hardly remembered it. They were all technically fake memories anyways, implanted by the spell put on Storybrook. His real childhood, Jason had been a rich prince with too big of a weak spot. He’d definitely cared about other people thinking he was a good prince.

He scoffed. “You think the news isn’t show biz? Try working in it and see for yourself,” Jason argued, “So, let’s quit talking about stuff you don’t have any idea about and get on with the show, hm?” It was perfect timing, the camera crew looking back and forth between the news anchor and his interviewee. But it was time to go live, and Jason put on his smile, making it seem as if they hadn’t just been arguing for the past ten minutes.

"Hello, Storybrooke, my name is Jason Arany, and I’m here at Storybrooke’s local pound to talk about the story of 101 dalmations being held here, a difficult task for the facility to take on given its current low funding," Jason told the camera, "I have Miss Ashley Boyd here, a volunteer at the pound, to tell us a little bit about the daily tasks around here, as well as how the dalmations are doing and how they’ve affected this place. And later, we’re going to see who her favorite puppy here is.”

Finally, Jason looked to Ashley. “So, Miss Boyd,” he said, “How has the family of dalmations affected the running of the pound?”

Ashley had a comeback ready on her lips. But she didn't have the time to use it before Jason was smiling and talking to an audience that would watch this report later tonight. She smiled, trying not to fidget too much. She did not sign up for this when she volunteered at the pound. "Well, Jason," she said in her sweetest voice. "Although we are excited to have such an iconic set of puppies, we are saddened by the fact that someone would want to give them up." She looked at him with a smile. "Dalmatians are gentle dogs with a good temperament, perfect to have around children, especially the older ones. But it hasn't affected things too much over here. We still give the puppies all of the love and care that they need."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She felt exhausted both mentally and physically. Ashley made a note to talk with her supervisor later about this. "Are you happy now?" She asked the news reporter. "Can I go home or will I have to do that again?" She looked at the clock on the wall, it was getting later than she wanted it to be. She still had to go grocery shopping and finish her three essays.

#p: puppy love

happy-prince-jason

Puppy Love //

ashxboyd

happy-prince-jason:

Jason was a little taken aback by her sass, but he adapted quickly. Storybrook was full of all kinds of characters, which Jason supposed was actually literal now that that truth was out. “Add in as many ‘aw’s as you want,” he retorted, “Just keep that sour, teen-angsty look off your face. It’s actually attractive when you’re not frowning.”

When she started to argue about the dogs, Jason just rolled his eyes and fixed his tie. He gave her a patronizing look. He really didn’t have time for this crap, especially when they were going to be on air in just minutes. “Look,” he replied, “I know about show business. I’ve been working for the news station for years. If you give us a broken dog, you’re going to make people cry. We don’t want them to cry. Not when the piece is about how great this smelly pound is.” Jason went on. “Besides, you should want them to want the cuter ones. Someone who sees a broken dog is going to think ‘Hm, maybe I can fix him. Maybe I can be the one that turns his life around.’ And guess what? Chances are they won’t. They’ll realize how difficult it is, and they’ll return the damn thing back here. So pick a cute, little puppy, put a smile on your face, and answer my questions like a nice do-gooder in the community, got it? Or we’ll go get that other co-worker of yours.”

Ash scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Like I care whether or not people find me attractive." Especially him. What he thought had no impact on her life at all. He was probably used to people telling him the exact opposite, judging by the way he held himself around her. Ash hated people like him. People who thought that they were entitled to the world.

"The news isn't show business, it's literally the news." She shot back. Part of her knew that he was right, that he actually had a point. Ash wouldn't let herself admit that though. She almost wanted to laugh at his threat, like she cared whether she was on TV or not. It would make her life a lot easier if she wasn't, to be completely honest. Her sisters wouldn't see her and then make fun about how TV adds 10 pounds to people. She almost said something when she was interrupted by the camera guy calling out ten seconds. Ash never feels nervous but she was suddenly overcome about how she looked, if she looked as perfect as they all expected her to be.

#p: puppy love

happy-prince-jason

Puppy Love //

ashxboyd

happy-prince-jason:

She didn’t look interested, but she definitely looked interesting. Jason could see that, his eyes scanning over her briefly. Blonde hair, thin, pretty, blue eyes. Even her abundance of freckles worked for her, just making the girl look less generic and blandly beautiful. In Jason’s eyes, screen time should only go to the attractive. People weren’t interested in ugly people or things. He’d learned that a long time ago, in another lifetime.

"Yeah, we’re going to need more enthusiasm than that," Jason replied, looking at her skeptically. Even with her looks going for her, the teen angst attitude probably wasn’t going to get them anywhere. "Why don’t you try and smile, hm? You’re in a room full of puppies. Aren’t young girls like you supposed to be whining about your heart bursting or something in a situation like this?"

He was getting a little distracted from the main interview, and Jason was well-aware of it. Being Storybrooke’s number one news anchor, he took it as very important responsibility of his. Jason cleared his throat. “So, I’m just going to go over how long you’ve been working here, what your routine is, some statistics on adoptions, euthanization rates just to bring in the tears… Stuff like that.” Jason looked up to her to make sure the teen was following along. “And then we’re going to showcase one dog, so I need you to pick one out. Try to pick the cutest. People don’t go for the pathetic three-legged, blind thing. And besides, this isn’t a PETA commercial.”

Ashley's eyes flashed for a second before she took a deep breath in and smiled. She tried very hard not to glance over at the clock. She had to take the dogs for a walk, bathe them, treat any cats for fleas and do her homework. She really didn't want or have time to be doing this. "Fine, you're right." She conceded. "Would you like me to talk in a really high and peppy voice with all the right amounts of "aw"s." She put on her best impersonation of a good majority of the girls in her year level. Part of her wondered how easy it would be to get under this guys nerves, which worried her because she wasn't one to push people's buttons. Ever.

"Sounds absolutely fine." She almost spat through her teeth. She hated when people told her what to do and who to be. It was bad enough that she had just found out her supposedly real identity but now this guy was dictating what sort of dog she was allowed to showcase. She wished that she had enough time to lecture him on why his way of thinking was stupid and why he was a butthead. Actually... She did. "People tend to go for whatever they see on their TV screens. In fact showing a beaten, broken puppy pulls at the heartstrings more than a cute one which will only attract people who will look after the dog for as long as it takes the excitement to wear off. And then those people will neglect the puppy, view it as a chore to look after and we'll end up where we first started, here. Most of these puppies do not get the love that they deserve and you know what we have to do with those puppies? Kill them. So I will showcase which ever dog I like."

Ash felt her cheeks growing warm and her chest rising and falling quickly with her rapid breathing. She had never liked confronting people about things, but today seemed to be the day for it. Plus who was he to walk in here and act like he was entitled to be the biggest jerk on the planet? Somewhere in the room she heard someone calling out two minutes to air. Ash fixed her hair and dress, making sure that she looked presentable. She smiled her brightest smile at Jason and then turned to face the camera.

#p: puppy love

happy-prince-jason

Puppy Love //

Jason hated pounds. They were loud, smelly, and, well, loud. “Ugh, I can’t even hear myself think!” the reporter complained to his camera men. One of them was actually playing with a puppy at that moment, sticking his finger in between the tiny bars of the kennel. Jason shook his head and frowned. “Really, Dave? Can you try to be a little professional here?”

His camera man shrugged, and one of the producers standing on the side made the sign that they were going to be on in ten minutes. Jason sighed, heading over to the girl he was interviewing. Apparently there was a boy volunteer, but he had called in sick that day. Meaning this girl was his only option. She was pretty enough, skinny, blonde, and a bit freckly. She also looked like she was in high school, and from the fact that he’d seen her stuff a backpack beneath the front desk, Jason knew he was probably right on that assumption.

High schoolers happened to be his least favorite to interview. Firstly, they mostly just had the dumb grins on their faces, happy just to make it on TV. Secondly, they tried to steal Jason’s spotlight as much as possible. And lastly, they always tried to do a shout out to their friends at the end, which was just annoying.

But Jason put on his bravest face, walking over to the blonde with his signature smile painted across his lips. “Hi, I’m Jason Arany, reporter for Good Morning, Storybrooke,” he told her, raising a hand up for her to shake. But of course she had to know who he already was. “I just want to go over the questions I’ll be asking you. Y’know, just so you’re ready.”

ashxboyd

Ashley did not want to be interviewed for whatever story the only news program in Storybrooke did this time. She didn't want to be on TV full stop. And then Tim had called in sick and she was left with no other choice. The moment the news crew entered the small reception area and Storybrooke's most eligible bachelor, apparently but Ash didn't see it, walked in, Ash knew that it was going to be the longest day in her life.

She watched uninterestedly as everyone set up for their individual roles in this stupid story. She was kind of interested as the camera went through a well-known checklist to get the perfect shot. Which was when Jason walked up to her and introduced himself. Ash looked at him, trying to look at least vaguely interested in what he was saying. "Sure, whatever." She waved her hand, hoping that if she just agreed and did what she was supposed to do then this would go somewhat faster.

#p: puppy love