InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "2 (x)ist"

nature_girl (nature_girl) wrote in devils_tower,
@ 2009-02-18 11:21:00

Current mood:	determined
Entry tags:	gemini, junk

Week Thirteen: Tuesday
Who: Gemini and Junk?
Where: The Junkyard
When: Tuesday around noon
What: Gemini needs to find workable leather.
Rating: PG(some language)

Heart Salvage.

Gemini stopped when she saw the high gates and the sign outside what was, apparently, the junkyard. The place was huge, and, strangely, seemed to be better kept than most of the buildings around it. The gate was locked. But it didn't look like anyone was around so she took a few running steps and leapt over the fence, landing cat-like on the firm ground of the other side. She was glad she hadn't brought Callum with her today. What had started off as being a walk to clear her head, had turned into a mission- one that would not have been this easy to accomplish if the oaf of a dog had tagged along. There was no way, even as big as he was, that he could have scrambled over that fence... and he would have made a mighty ruckus if he'd been left outside.

Straightening, Gemini took a look around. She was looking for old cars, the seats of old diner booths, leather couches- anything she could salvage. She picked a row and started down it, simultaneously pulling her sharpest knife from her bag. Car seats would be her first priority... they were generally meant to last for quite a while and could be found in relatively savable condition, even after being out in the elements for considerable amounts of time. She sighed when she reached the end of the row. No vehicles in this one. Retracing her steps, Gemini made her way back to the gate and tried a different spoke in the half-wagon-wheel shape of the junkyard. As she walked, she took note of some of the other items that caught her eye- things that could be useful if she decides to open her leather-smith shop. There was a large, wooden table, a little swollen from the rain and with one leg snapped off towards the middle. It was a relatively easy fix and would serve as a nice work station. There was a couple of old saw-horses, perfect for the making of saddles after they had been sanded down and possible evened out. There was an old sewing machine-That ought to speed up a bunch of projects- beneath a pile of black plastic trash bags full of... romance novels? Huh... I wonder if Libby has ever looked around this place...

Gemini shrugged and retied the bags, intending to come back for them if Libby said she wanted them. There was nothing else in that row so she, once again, retraced her steps to try another spoke and, after wandering past and old but splendid carousel horse and a what looked like the remains of an old windmill, Gemini hit the jackpot. The end of this row was full of dilapitated and rusting vehicles. Most of the doors were open but many of the old cars and trucks had non-leather interiors. About six cars into her search, Gemini thought she had a winner, but the leather inside the oldsmobile was in such a bad state that she doubted it was even safe to sit on.

She searched three more, all with fabric seats, before she looked through the window of an old Ford Mustang. The car itself looked good, though se doubted it ran, and the seats inside were encased in shiny, sturdy-looking black leather.

"Bingo," Gemini whispered.

But when she tried the handle, the door didn't budge.

"Damn it..." Regretting every second of the process, Gemini smashed her elbow through the beautiful car's pristine window... and nearly jumped out of her skin when an alarm went off. Sighing at her foolishness, Gemini reached in through the shattered window to quiet it, then shimmied in over the broken glass to begin carefully cutting in to her treasure trove.

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aliceinjunkland
2009-02-19 01:11 pm UTC (link)

Junk had been about to fix the razor wire on the top of the gate when she heard the car alarm go off. There was but one car in the junkyard with the alarm set and that was because Tootles liked to play with mommies keys. The Mustang was in such good condition because it had been the car that Junk herself had owned when she had a real name. It even still had a car seat in the back. The thing only able to be there because the passenger side front bucket seat had been removed.

The distinctive sound of a car alarm remote being punched was sounded and the alarm went off. Junk really hated thieves. She had had to steal to make ends meet herself but she didn't like it and damn it there was a lock on the gate for good reason. "What the...damn those are my leather seats! I'm giving you till the count of three to get the hell out of my car and tell me why you can't read the note on the gate." When Gemini looked up she would be greated with a woman of around 21 or so holding a double barroled shotgun trained at her.

Right beside the note on the gate that read in large bold letters NO TRESSPASSING was a not that read When gate is locked please ring bell Junk will be with you shortly. There was even a rather large bell with a chord right beside it.

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nature_girl
2009-02-19 06:18 pm UTC (link)

Gemini stopped the point of her knife right before it was thrust into the first seam and look out the shattered window, straight into both barrels of a shotgun and one really pissed off woman.

"Fuck..."

Slowly, she sheathed her knife and shimmied, once more, through the remains of the shattered window. well done, Gem. You just had to pick the only car in the lot that actually BELONGED to someone. With her back pressed almost against the car and the shotgun trained at her chest, Gemini wondered why she wasn't panicking... She probably should be.

"Uh..." Somehow her voice was still its windchime-sounding self. It didn't even waiver. "I'm so sorry... if it's any consolation at all, I really didn't look for a sign... I didn't see it... I was kind of intent on finding raw material and I didn't see anyone around... So I just leapt the fence... I was going to leave my information... so you could contact me for some form of payment... and i didn't realize that the mustang belonged to someone..."

After providing her explanation, Gemini figured it would be best if she kept her mouth shut. She figured every word dug her grave a bit deeper. Quite honestly, this woman, who Gemini guessed to be twenty or twenty-one, was quite a bit intimidating... so why wasn't she shaking in her hand-made moccasin boots?

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aliceinjunkland
2009-02-19 07:52 pm UTC (link)

Junk hated being nice. Living in the world in which she lived it was counter productive to be soft hearted and it usually ended up getting you killed. How she had survived to long she just chalked up to the fence around her home. "Most that come by the junkyard are intent on raw materials. How do you think I eat?" She arched a brow before she lowered the shotgun though she wasn't going to put it down.

"Don't know why it matters not like I can drive the stupid thing anymore anyway. The note on the door says to ring the bell. I'm Junk...did you come out her alone? You should be more careful...shamblers aren't exactly friendly." She uncocked the shotgun and looked out the gate and then back to the girl standing in front of her.

Junk pinched the bridge of her nose then opened bright blue eyes back to look at the girl in front of her. "So some sort of leather I am guessing? How heavy a leather?"

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nature_girl
2009-02-20 08:44 am UTC (link)

Gemini's sage green eyes widened in surprise. She had not been expecting to get out of this easily. In her experience, when a person had any kind of gun aimed at your face, they were intent on shooting someone or something. Gemini hoped she never had to shoot a gun... She was quick and small and agile, stealthy enough to use her many knives and her braids to hurt or kill if the need ever arose... but if she never had to pull a trigger, it would be all to soon.

Shaking herself, Gemini stepped tentatively forward, instinctively half-crouching into her defensive position but making sure the change in posture would not be noticeable by the woman with the gun. She extended an somehow steady hand, offering her firm handshake as a peace offering of sorts.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Junk... although I wish I had seen the sign so that it would be under better circumstances... I'm Gemini. And really any kind of salvageable leather would be great. Sturdy enough to make anything from boots to bags... and I may even be called on for some saddles and such... so really... anything you can spare at the moment... and of course payment should be discussed beforehand. I understand the need for food... I was a drifter up until three days ago... although I fail to see what I'm considered as now..." She gazed off into space for a moment, pondering that thought. Then refocused on Junk. Now is not the time to deal with your issues about belonging... It's time for business.

"Anywho, my point is that I can take care of myself... Although I should probably be more careful about how I get my supplies..." She grinned rather sheepishly but straightened slowly out of her crouch.

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aliceinjunkland
2009-02-26 11:43 pm UTC (link)

"This side of town is filled with Shamblers, we call them Shamblers because they are crazy, cannibalistic savages that will gang up and surround you and have you for dinner. They are almost zombie like." She made a face and motioned for the girl to follow her as she sat the shotgun down and whistled. Three very large dogs came out of various spots around the junkyard and up to Junk. She wasn't going to tote her gun around but incase Gemini was feeling frisky she would have a spot of protection.

Mouse, Hatter, and Hare were all different breeds of dog but Junk had had them for years now. She had saved them after the virus ran rampant from the kennel just down the road when all three of them were puppies. Mouse was a honey colored Great Dane with a black muzzle and ears that stood three foot at his shoulder and was just as long in the body. He instantly nosed his way under Junks arm in a protective gesture between her and Gemini. Hatter was a Black Lab that prowled out from behind a car just watching them and would fall into pace right behind Junk once she walked past. Hare was the one that needed to be watched and one had to be careful around. Hare was a merle patterned Australian Shepherd with stark blue eyes and was fiercely protective…to the point she growled at snow that fell on Tootles head. Junk pointed at her and shooed her off and the dog turned and bounded back to her other master who was standing just around the corner.

Playing with a set of old blocks out in the dirt in a pair of overalls was one of the cutest little boys. He had dark brown hair cut around his ears and was in a pair of worn and dirty overalls and a striped shirt. Hare was sitting right beside him and as soon as Gemini rounded the corner the dog got up and put herself between Gemini and the boy. There was no barking and no growling but the look in the dog’s pale eyes spoke volumes. Junk smiled and as they walked past scratched the dog’s ear. “Good girl…so I have a good deal of raw leather I got from a leather working store not long after the virus…they are pretty much full skins of leather. You making things with them?”

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nature_girl
2009-02-27 11:08 am UTC (link)

Gemini followed Junk, a few steps behind the dogs that guarded her... and the small boy around the corner, so fiercely. She appreciated that they were protective, loyal to the point of visciousness. Callum was the saem way when he felt there was a threat. She understood their love for their obviously adored master, and for the messy little boy that sat in the corner of the junkyard, surrounded by his blocks. He was a masterpiece, a dark haired little angel, and Gemini told Junk so.

One dark brow shot up when Gemini heard that there had been a leather working store. Was it possible that the shell would still be useable? She wouldn't get her hopes up. It wasn't likely... But she would make sure to keep her eyse open for the perfect astablishment. It would be crucial to beginning her business. Turning back to the present, Gemini slowed a little, giving the wary dogs and their master a little more room.

"Yes, I'll be making anything that's needed... Mostly for the farms, I'm assuming... though I've yet to meet anyone from the outskirts of town."

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aliceinjunkland
2009-02-27 12:03 pm UTC (link)

Junk gave a proud smile that only a true mother could give. There were quite a few women out that had adopted the lost and forgotten children but there was a proud shine in her blue eyes that could only come from the woman that gave birth to the boy. "My pride and joy...my baby made life hard but he was damn well worth it." Junk walked to a shed and opened it up and inside was a tall stack of sides of leather all in various colors and cuts. She playfully pushed Mouse aside and he lapped his tongue at her hand and sat down not far from Junk but wasn't underfoot.

"The Wolf farm? The Caldwell boys are nice people...well they are Grey and Yates these days but that doesn't change they are good people. Good people are hard to find these days. Though I haven't really met a Wolf that wasn't some sort of good...then again I'm not sure I have met them all." Junk looked over the stack of leather then back at the girl. "Tell you what I need two pairs of gloves and a welding apron you make me those and we will call it even. One of my welding gloves has a hole and I am waiting for slag to role down in it."

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nature_girl
2009-02-27 12:49 pm UTC (link)

Gemini was thrilled. She gaped at the pile of hides and leathers. There was no way she could take all of them now... but she could cary as many scraps as she could fit in her bag, and one large piece to start Junk's request with. She had had no idea that this could have been so easy. She wished she had seen the sign on the gate... this could have been an entirely pleasant visit if she hadn't been so hasty. She also wished that she could go play with the boy... It had been so long since she had seen such a joyous child, a child with no fear in his eyes and no hate in his heart.

"Two pairs of gloves and an apron are no problem at all. In fact, the price is rather small when I think of everything I can do with this treasure trove. You're a life-saver. Unfortunately, There's no way I can take all of this with me now. Would you mind if I waited until I found the right place for my shop? I'll start on your order right away of course. I should have them to you in about three days or so. And, if you'll wait a day or two more, I'll even make boots for the little laddie." Her cheeks colored a little. She hoped Junk didn't take her offer as a suggestion that she couldn't take care of her child. Gemini just longed to have some reason to associate with the boy.

"I'll need to take a few measurements for your apron and gloves, as well. I want to make sure they're as comfortable and sturdy as possible."

Stepping forward, Gemini rifled through the stack of leathers, looking for a hide that suited the proud, beautiful Junkyard woman beside her. Something tough but pliable... a little rough around the edges but warm and strong. She took pride in the colors and textures that she read from people... and for Junk, she needed a rich golden brown... dark but with honeyed shine.

"Ah-ha!"She turned to make sure that she hadn't startled the dogs into aggression, then quickly turned back to dig the perfect leather from the heavy pile. Spinning, with a wide smile on her face, her eyes bright with joy, held the leather up for Junk to see.

"How's this? Sturdy, will hold well against anything you can throw at them. And I have a method that will keep the heat from your hands, a way of curing the back of the leather to create a temperature seal of sorts. And the apron will be light enough to move around in. I'll fit it so that it's all in one piece, folded instead of sewn, so that there are no seams to wear down..."

She faded into silence and spun to dig through the piles of leather again, rifling until she found a soft, sturdy black suede.

"And this will be perfect for boots. Dark enough to hide stains from the youngster's play and sturdy enough to shield his feet from the rough of the yard."

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aliceinjunkland
2009-03-05 11:03 am UTC (link)

"I don't use leather and there are few around her that do so if someone doesn't take it it might start to dry rott. Tootles could use a new pair of boots though." The more Junk watched the girl the more she began to like her, she seemed like a generally nice person. It was an oddity in a drifter though Junk had to wonder if she was truly a drifter.

When the exclimation came the dogs didn't even flinch, they did live in a junkyard after all and banging and loud noise was par for the course around their home. It did make Junk smile though giving a light chuckle at the girl's enthusiasm. "Sounds wonderful, so are you a drifter or have you set up camp with someone? I know you mentioned the farm." No matter the answer that came from Gemini she wouldnt' judge as it was Junk knew someone from at least every tribe though if she was counting friends she had more in the Mountain Lions than she did in her very own. It was something at times that gave her pause and made her think about things a bit too deeply like how she could better care for Tootles but then she pushed it from her mind.

"And as far as taking it with you you can leave it in here if you want and come back when you need more. You just have to ring the bell next time." Junk smiled and gave a light chuckle.

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nature_girl
2009-03-06 06:10 pm UTC (link)

Gemini could have done a jig in the middle of the dark storage shed, but somehow she refrained and resigned herself to simply smiling at the woman and offering her a heartfelt thank you. There was the tribe question again, though... not so obviously asked as by Shadow, but still there. What was she supposed to say? She wasn't aligned with anyone, so she figured the truth would be best. But even telling the wrong person who she was staying with could lead to big trouble. Supposedly this war was not far from beginning, and Gemini would no be the one to finally push it over the edge. Plus, did she really want to belong to something so... concrete? It was dangerous, pledging loyalty to such a large group of people. So much danger of displeasing someone or being hurt or bot fitting in... She frowned, fingering the leather in her hands.

"Still a drifter, for now. And planning to stay that way, really. I hope to be able to catch the farm as a customer. I'm sure I can provide them with a lot that they don't currently have, and I love to help people when I can in this day and age... but i'm not looking for the pressure of a tribe... I'd rather set up a tribe somewhere in the middle of all of the tribes and just kind of live for myself... But it's a complicated situation..." Gemini thought of Libby. If Gemini decided not to stay with the Wolves, would she consider her a traitor? Perhaps Libby wouldn't care... She didn't seem too keen on gaining that family bond that Gemini had dreamed of. Could they accept each other even within a tribe? Could Gemini have her dream of family without the tribal affiliation? She wasn't sure that was possible... but she had been all alone for so long. She didn't know if living among so many was possible for her either...

Gemini sighed.

"Thank you for everything, Junk. I promise, as soon as I find a place to set up shop, I'll clear all of this out. And I'll have the boots and your work things to you as soon as possible. I promise to ring the bell whenever I come back." She quirked the side of her lips up at the corner, smirking her signature smirk, laughter filling her eyes.

She held the leather to her stomach when she felt the rumble there.

"I should probably get going."

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