WHO: Ben and Domino WHEN: Wednesday, 7/15/2020 WHERE: Zion outside the ten-in-one WHAT: Meeting WARNINGS: Innuendo, nothing more STATUS: Complete
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While the 1950’s still wasn’t ‘home’, Ben would have to agree that it wasn’t as much of a culture shock as 2020 had been. In a way he was glad for the break, it gave everyone the opportunity to ease back into their own time the slow way instead of what he guessed could be called a ‘reverse culture shock’ - a term he had picked up and liked. But talk about their time in 2020 was only really whispered amongst the carnival when it was closed and customers couldn’t and wouldn’t hear them talking.
With a day show wrapped up and the last few people still leaving the grounds of Zion Ben let out a sigh and stretched his arms above his head, fingers wiggling as the fire retreated inside of his body again. It always remained simmering just below the surface ready to be summoned at a moment’s notice, but he also didn’t want to burn anyone or anything by accident.
He was humming a tune to himself as he packed up his show gear, putting them into the old trunk that sat just behind the curtain at the back of his stage. In the dark corner he changed back into his regular clothes, checking the time on his fob watch as he gave it a few twists to keep it ticking along. After a wave and farewell to the others in the tent he headed towards the exit, it was summer and although humid it was plenty warm enough for him.
--
Lucky was working, probably moving something heavy. Dominic, on the other hand, had managed to score a gig that only worked two days a week. That left him plenty of time to explore and get to know things around Zion. Also, settle into their small tent and make as many trips into town as he’d like. Oh, it also gave him time to get to know his new passenger. She was a wealth of information on people, which made it nice because it meant he never had to worry about forgetting a name. And because Edi could communicate with him at the speed of- well electricity, they could have whole conversations in seconds.
This is the ten-in-one, you should really watch one of the shows one day. It’s quite exciting to see everyone showing off their talents. Edi informed him as they passed near the tent. Catching a peek inside Domino noticed a rather large shirtless gentleman- not noticing the other dark haired man crossing his path. “I might like that.” He replied, not yet completely comfortable with ‘thinking’ at her at least not when she’s not pulled him into that strange mental space (something she’d only done once so far thank goodness), so he’d gotten a few strange looks through the day. Which made sense, considering to everyone else he just looked like he was talking to himself.
--
Ben knew that Fitz could be a while yet, his husband had to wait until everyone left, the gates were closed and locked before he could pack up whichever stall he was manning that day and take the earnings to be counted and placed in the safe. Again it was just all in their routine, even though the location (and recently the year) might change the pre and post show preparations were still the same.
His thumb brushed against the gold band around his ring finger as he exited the tent, almost running into someone who was standing just outside. “Pardon.” He exclaimed his apology, taking a step back.
--
Dom’s eyes transferred to the tall, dark and gorgeous man who he’d almost collided with. Unfortunate. Dominic! Edi scolded his thoughts. A smile pulled at the corner of his lips as he nodded to the man with the hot scruff. “Why hello there.” He was dressed more casual that day, cream jacket with a white shirt, collar open, a pair of slacks and, of course, his dark brown fedora. Definitely not from either of the 20s. “You must be Ben.” He said, using the information Edi provided him- even though it did annoy her a little when Dom didn’t let someone introduce themselves. “I’m Domino.” A hand was held out in greeting.
--
It took a moment but once that brief second of shock had worn off Ben took notice of the man in front of him. The face was not one that he recognised, or thought that he had seen around Zion before and the outfit seemed more like those worn in this era than any other. A brow quirked a bit as the man said his name, he definitely wasn’t some lost patron still shut in because only others inside of Zion called him Ben. Not wanting to seem rude he extended his own hand, feeling a slight zap which made it even more strange, there was an air of familiarity but he couldn’t place it. “Have we met before, Domino?” He asked.
--
“Oh no.” Dom laughed. “Just getting to know people. And I find some people are worth getting to know more than others… anyone ever tell you, you’re really warm to the touch?” He asked with an arched brow. “It’s nice.” He’s married Dominic! So? Domino didn’t care, just because someone was married, didn’t mean you couldn’t pay them a compliment. Just make sure it’s only a compliment. “I’ve heard your show-” He gesture to the tent to signify the whole show, but let Ben interpret how he would. “Is quite a thing to see. I’ll definitely have to make some time to see it.” Why is it that everything you say sounds like an innuendo? Dom just smiled.
--
In fact a lot of people told him he was warm to the touch, though he wondered if his hands were a bit warmer than usual after his show and had not as yet returned to his ‘normal’ body temperature, he rarely shook hands so soon after performing but it was something that he’d ask Fitz later that evening. “All the time, I tend to ‘run hot’ as mon mari puts it.” Ben raised his other hand, clicking a small flame into existence from his fingertip before extinguishing it a few seconds later. The slightly flirty tone didn’t go unnoticed either, in a way it reminded him of Fitz’s tendency to flirt, especially when it came to getting patrons to Zion to part with some coin. He glanced back at the tent behind him at mention of his show. “We’re all quite something to see, well worth your time.”
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My husband. Edi translated for him. “I bet you make a lovely couple.” Dom replied.
A short laugh came out at the fiery demonstration. “Boy, do I wish I could do that as easy as you. Just-” He snapped. “Like nothing, no prep, no foci, no nothing just… bam- fire.” Dominic nodded. “Bet your husband just loves you on those long winter nights.” Dominic! Behave! “Because he never has to worry about the heater going out.” He added, just to make Edi happy. Thank you.
--
The fact that Dom seemed to understand French impressed Ben, not knowing of course that someone was translating for him. “It took me many years to learn how to harness and control what lay inside, I know that I could do more but I do not want to set the whole place on fire either.” Although he never mentioned it to anyone, not even Fitz, creating something too big or too powerful that burnt everything that was one of his biggest fears. Ben did smirk at the comment about Fitz loving him on the winter nights, knowing exactly what he had meant before the part about the heater going out was added. “Or trying to find a candle when it’s dark.”
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“Sure, very handy.” Though there were a lot of other things he’d rather find in the dark. Domino couldn’t help but be amused at how Edi was aghast at his thoughts, when he really knew she didn’t always disagree with them. He made a mental note to remind himself to talk to her about if being completely electric- if she still had impulses like humans. Did she feel attraction? Desire? You have a very naughty mind Mr. Maddox. Okay, he’d started to learn that when she used ‘Mr’ he’d pushed things too far.
“I have to say, everyone around this joint is pretty impressive. I would almost say that I’m concerned I can’t live up to everyone else on Friday.” No you wouldn’t. Edi had learned quickly that Domino never believed he couldn’t do something.
--
It was handy, especially when trying to find where a furry little Fitz had disappeared to at some unknown hour of the morning, his eyesight at night was definitely not as good as a stoat or an ermine and Fitz had a habit of hiding in the most peculiar places.
‘I guess you’ll just have to wait and see if you do.” He smiled, at least the crowds in this time period seemed to enjoy their shows more than those in the twenty first century, where people were sure everything was some kind of illusion and looking for wires, tubes or ‘some trick’. “What is it that you do?”
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“Going to be performing in a Bally.” He said, making sure to get the terminology right. “Just a bit of guitar, some singing. Draw people in.” Well, act as a distraction for the women and children- according to the talker he’d spoken with. While Domino distracted the fine women over there, Edward could talk to the men aside and draw them into a show full of half naked women. Their wives would enjoy some good music (and maybe an ogle or two at the handsome performer) and with luck, be in the mood for something special when they got home. For Dom, it just gave him a chance to perform, to be the center of attention. “Going to be quite a change from playing piano at a restaurant, let me tell you. But I can’t wait.”
--
Ben was never musically inclined, his parents and grandparents had tried to teach him piano as a child but it just wasn’t something that he was interested in, or any good at. He enjoyed music and was a bit jealous of those who obviously had the gift, maybe (if he could sneak away) he’d go and see Domino perform. “And earn yourself a bit of coin.” He leaned in a bit. “Look for the one wearing a lot of fancy jewelry or expensive clothing, focus most of your attention on them and they usually reward you kindly.” That was something he knew well, the rich always liked being the center of attention.
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“Thanks for the tip.” Domino wasn’t in it for the money though. He’d always managed to make due somehow. Even when he didn’t have a dime to his name, he still managed to get by. Though the tip did align with how he typically worked a room. The one who looked well off and alone tended to be lonely and looking for company. Which in turn would often lend itself to free meals and clothes if he were lucky. It was something he’d managed to keep away from Lucas.
Dom like Ben, he had a good way of thinking. “I know some people who would love to meet you.” He chuckled. “Shame you’re taken. But, you… and your husband, must join me for a party while everyone is still in town. There are some of those ‘fancy jewelry, expensive clothing’ people who would just love a sneak peek at your show. I’d guarantee this place would be filled to capacity the next weekend.”
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While most things - food and shelter at least - were provided at Zion in exchange for work, it was always nice to get that extra coin that could be saved and spent on ‘luxuries’. Though half the time Ben spent the money on a little something for Fitz, he couldn’t help but shower the love of his life with trinkets.
The mention of a party with wealthy people definitely got Ben’s attention. “The… elite of Los Angeles has no doubt changed a lot over the years, it would be interesting to see.” Not to mention for ‘Pierre’ to pick the pockets of, even though they didn’t have to steal to survive anymore there was that part of Ben that still got a bit of a thrill from it. “I haven’t gone to a gala for months.”
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“If I’m not mistaken George Steven’s is throwing a party next Tuesday. He’s a director. I can probably reach out to Scotty and get us an invite.” Scotty Bowers was a guy who knew people, and their secrets. And Domino had done a job or two for him when he’d first gotten to Hollywood and if he was really hard up for rent, he knew he could easily get a nice payday. Just, never let Lucky know about it. Oh, Dom… you haven’t… If Edi really knew all the things Dom had done, she’d probably second guess choosing to live in his head. You think too little of me. I am not unstained from scandal as you might think. Domino found that news very interesting. “I’ll let you know if I can finagle it.”
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Ben already knew that the parties and galas were nothing like those that he was used to, that there was now a different class of people that has arisen over the past 30 years, especially here in Hollywood, but it would be interesting to see just how much things had changed. "If you are unable to, do not worry. I'm sure there's plenty of other things to do in this city." More than enough to keep them entertained until they were able to head back to their own time.
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“Well, now that you say that… you know I have to.” He laughed. “But, I’m probably keeping you.” Domino took a step back to let Ben pass. “It was a pleasure to meet you.” And will be more of a pleasure to see you walk away. All he heard in response to his thoughts was a sigh.