Who: Annie and Fitz What: Lending A Hand and New Endevours When: 16 July, early afternoon Where: Around Zion Rating: Low Status: Complete
Annie was wandering around the grounds of Zion, learning the lay of the land so to speak and getting a feeling of where everything and everyone was. While it wasn’t the biggest carnival she had ever seen or attended it wasn’t the smallest either and just getting to know her way around could sometimes get confusing, especially in daylight versus nighttime. Thankfully she had only stubbed her toes a few times forgetting that ropes and pegs came out of the corners of each and every tent.
Her work in the cookhouse had finished for now, she’d have to go back for the evening meal (dinner, supper, tea - each person seemed to call it something different) but for now she was free to explore her new home and hopefully meet some of the others who lived and worked here. Dressed in denim overalls with a simple button up shirt underneath and her hands in her pockets she looked around, at different tents and the small stalls set up here and there, most of which were currently deserted, except for one where a man was standing up on a ladder in the middle of making some repairs to something she could not see yet. A small smile spread across her lips as she walked closer, wondering if he needed help with anything.
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“Bloody hell.” Fitz cursed as he bumped the hammer off the top of the ladder, causing it to fall. “Watch yer head.” He said, through half his mouth as the other half had been used to hold a few nails. Freeing the nails, he was about to lower the half of the sign that had to be re-attached when he saw the short haired girl below. “Do us a favor, love.” He nodded to the hammer and reached his hand down. While his dress definitely showed he was an ‘original’ at Zion, he was wearing a pair of tan work slacks with a zipper- almost everyone agreed that it was the most handy thing to bring back without causing too much attention.
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She wasn't so close as to be in the path of the falling hammer but took a step back by instinct anyway when she saw it falling, it was something anyone would probably do when someone called out those words, that or duck. And hammers really did hurt at the best of times.
Bending down she picked up the hammer, taking a few steps closer she stood beside the ladder and offered it up for the man to take. "Looks like you need a tool belt, or bucket for this thing." Annie said, tapping the side of the ladder once the hammer was out of her hand.
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Fitz chuckled, taking the hammer. “Not normally a handyman.” He remarked, brushing his forearm over his forehead. That floppy lock of hair fell back into place. “But when help’s needed, we have ta do our part.” He pressed the hammer to the sign, holding it there while he slipped the nails back between his lips. Pulling one out, he used his palm to steady the sign and nail before hammering it in. It was definitely not his trade, but he managed to accomplish the job of securing the sign.
As he came down the ladder, he shot the woman a wide smile. “Seen you ‘round- well sure everyone has who eats…” Fitz chuckled. “But, not actually met yet. Thanks for yer help. Name’s Fitz.” He said, setting the hammer on the counter- only to have another carny seek in and take it a few moments later.
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The sign was stable and secure again, handyman or not that was all that anyone could do with it. Annie knew she was too small to offer any kind of help so had taken a few steps back just in case the sign fell or something. "That's what families do." And she could sense that most of Zion was like one big family.
She offered a wide smile in return. "Yeah, new face in the cookhouse is pretty easily noticed." Especially since with all her tattoos and more modern clothing she stood out even if she was at the back of the mess tent and not serving. "Annie. Though I'll answer to 'Hey you!' as well."
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“Annie, it’s a pleasure.” He said, giving her a small bow. “And how are you finding our humble little community of freaks and outsiders?” Fitz asked, gesturing for her to follow as he hopped over the counter and into the stall. Shortly after, the ladder was taken elsewhere. “And I suppose the real question is… why did you leave your own time to stay with us?” He asked, holding two baseballs in either hand as he leaned on the counter with interest.
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She followed him, although really it was only a couple of steps from where they were standing to the counter of the stall, out of the corner of her eye she noticed the ladder disappear for another job, it seemed like everyone shared equipment with no qualms and if you still needed something you held onto it. "Getting the odd look, but all in all everyone's pretty nice." She knew she was an outsider but really didn't feel it unless people stared at her too much. "Why? I've been here before, lived through it all so I know where the bumps are on the road ahead and can help steer everyone in the right direction and tell them when to look out for hazards."
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“Ah,” One of those long lived people. Fitz shook his head as he moved the baseballs from one bucket to another, checking the seams on each- setting those that were damaged aside. It was rare one actually broke, but the modern era had a lot more people with disposable income, so they’d been used more than normal in just the short time and a few of the threads had started to fray. He preferred to fix them before they actually broke when someone was making a throw. “I would think re-doing a hundred years would be quite boring.” He commented with a shrug. “But at least y’know what yer goin’ back to.”
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She was indeed one of those long lived people who never really looked older, unless you looked in their eyes which showed wisdom beyond their years and occasionally the sadness and heartache that went along with seeing those you cared about grow old and die. "I know what to look out for, and when this time. Hopefully won't make some of the same mistakes again." She took one of the balls, looking over it as Fitz was going. "And honestly, with the way humanity was heading the 'good old days' was much more appealing!"
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“So, I gather we’re gonna be seeing you as the world’s great savior then?” Fitz asked, teasing slightly. “Or, just lookin’ t’fix yer own mistakes?” He offered an alternative as he tossed another ball into the bucket. “Oh! What if you meet yerself. Can’t imagine that’ll go over well.”
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Annie chuckled, she definitely didn't see herself as anyone's savior. "A bit of both to be honest, there were times where I probably should've been somewhere but wasn't and knew I really could have helped them but by the time I got there it was too late." Even now she thought about those times, chalking it up to a rookie mistake. "Oh I'm sure the world would implode if I met my past self, but I'll know where I should be keeping away from so hoping it won't happen."
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“Wouldn’t it be lucky if we could all make up for our past mistakes.” Like getting Ben outed, targeted by the Paris police for ‘indecency’. His husband could still have his status, though he would just be the manservant again. But Fitz knew that his hot lover didn’t care, he was happy. They were happy. But a small part of him still wondered if Ben thought of the ‘what if’. “Though, thinking of what that would change… sometimes I’d wonder if it was worth it.”
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It wasn’t really past mistakes she was looking at rectifying, more failing in her guardian duties and feeling really bad about it for years, hopefully helping Zion through the difficult times ahead would make up for those failings in the eyes of whatever higher power there was out there looking over them all. “We all make mistakes, it’s part of life. The big thing is do we learn by those mistakes and correct our actions so that it doesn’t happen again, or do we just keep making them over and over again and blame everyone else when we knew it was coming.” Sometimes Annie could get quite philosophical and this seemed to be one of those times, hopefully Fitz wouldn’t think she was strange.
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“Quite astute.” He said, holding a ball up as if it were something important. Fitz shook his head with a small chuckle. He wasn’t one to judge other people’s quirks, it wasn’t as if he had a dozen or more boxes of random shiny things under his bed or anything that he could be judged on. “If only we could show the world what there was to learn before they learned it.” Fitz mused, running his finger over a seam before setting it aside to be fixed. “The modern world was a lot more accepting of those not like others. Least more than where we’re going back to.” Hopefully, why they’d not made it all the way home was still something that people were questioning. Fitz examined the last of the balls and tossed it in the bucket, putting the ones that needed repairing in the newly empty one. “Yer’re going to get quite an eye or two… though probably could join the ten in one and make a pretty penny.”
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“In some ways it was more accepting and other ways it wasn’t, all depending on where you were. I guess you were all lucky to be in New Orleans which is pretty laid back compared to other places in America, pop up in the wrong town or city in the Bible Belt or deep south and it would definitely not be pretty.” She didn’t want to say that the locals would be there at Zion’s gate with pitchforks and burning torches but honestly it might have happened if they had landed there instead. “You’ll always have those with differing views and sadly they’re not really confined to just one era, idiots are universal.” To her eyes the ball was fine so she tossed it into the bucket of good balls with the others. She laughed at the idea of joining the ten in one, no doubt as some kind of ‘tattooed lady’. “The thought had crossed my mind, make up some crazy story and wear a skimpy outfit…” she put a hand to her chest and gasped. “Can you imagine the scandal!?”
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“Oh, here, everythings okay. So long as you’re in the carnival, all the freaks are welcome and people pay money to them. Outside though…” He shook his head. “That’s where the ‘bad stares’ happen.” Even those who didn’t look all that strange like their big muscle man, Jericho, got looks sometimes when he was out. His mixed skin color was one reason, but the fact that he was much larger than the average man was another. He stood out. It wasn’t really good to stand out in small-town 1920. “But, I can see an outfit that would show off your ink, A nice white fabric to make the black lines stand out. Maybe a wrap of sorts. Depending on where all the ink is of course.” He gestured curiously.
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“Oh I know all about the ‘bad stares’, as well as the scoffs and everything else.” It came with the territory of tattoos, even in the twenty first century she got glared at and so many people telling her ‘you’d look prettier without the tattoos’, it all became water off a duck’s back to her. But Zion was a safe zone for everyone and no wonder she was so openly welcomed. “I think I know now why they sent me here, be a guide and guardian against the rest of the world.” And she would take her job seriously, she was a guardian after all and these people needed her help even if they didn’t realize it as yet. She leaned forward against the counter of the stall listening to the idea of an outfit to show off her ink. “Mainly my arms and shoulders, there’s a few scattered in other areas as well. Why, want to see them?” She teased.
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Fitz hopped back over the counter and grabbed the bucket of balls that needed to be fixed. “I’d be lyin’ if I didn’ say yes.” He slipped an arm in hers as he started to lead her to the costume wagon. “But, only for research purposes, mind y’.” He insisted. “I don’ think my husband would approve of anythin’ else.” Fitz winked.
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“Normally someone has to buy me a drink first, but I’ll make an exemption this time.” Looping her arm with his she let Fitz lead her through the aisles of Zion, he obviously knew where he was going even if Annie was clueless as to where he was taking her. She laughed when Fitz stated that his husband might not approve. “Oh he’s got nothing to worry about, you’re definitely not my type.”
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Fitz just laughed at that. “We’re going to be great friends, I can tell.”
He lead her to the costume wagon and let her in. It wasn’t anything fancy, bolts of cloth, a pile of clothes that needed mending, three tables with needles, thread and ancient sewing machines (from Annie’s perspective at least) and a handful of costumes hung up and waiting to be picked up. He placed the bucket under one of the tables and turned to face her. “Okay, so, let’s see what we’re working with.” He waved his hand in her direction.
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Once in the wagon she looked around, admiring the fabrics, costumes and even the sewing machines, similar to the one that she had used when she was reborn at that small farm in rural Canada. When they all got back to 1920 she thought about sending Ava a letter, those were some great times and she had learned a lot in those few years building up skills that she used for many years afterwards.
Shrugging off her jacket she then unbuttoned her shirt at the cuffs and a few buttons down the front before lifting it over her head, standing there in just her bra and jeans, not feeling uncomfortable in the slightest.
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He’d be lying if he didn’t admit she was attractive. But, they weren’t there for anything like that. He was also a married man and she wasn’t into ‘his type’. Fitz approached her to get a look at the ink. “They’re very nice, unique.” He commented. “These all?” He asked, running a finger along the back of her bra to see if there were any hiding beneath the fabric. Beth would definitely need to be consulted for a more female perspective, but he was sure they could come up with something comfortable and not too lewd. “I bet most have interesting stories too.”
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He had too much testosterone and not enough curves for her liking, and it wasn’t like she was completely topless, a twenty first century bikini top covered less skin than her bra did. “Yeah it’s pretty much all of them.” She glanced over her shoulder at Fitz with a smile, it was nice to have someone actually interested in them and the stories behind them rather than someone sneering or ogling her because of them. “Each one’s got a story, for people I’ve helped and a few in memoriam of those that I couldn’t. I don’t want to guess how much I’ve spent on all of them.” A soft chuckle.
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“Well, those stories would definitely be something people would want to hear- and y’d prolly sell a fair share of pitch cards as well. People love taking home a reminder of their visit- and tend to buy those with a story over just a picture.” Fitz said as he moved to a shelf with various bolts of cloth and mused over it until he found a brilliant blue that would bring out the green in her eyes. He pulled the fabric out and walked over to her, holding it up to make sure. “This would look lovely.” He commented as he placed the bolt aside. “So, thinking a strapless top, so we don’t cover any of these.” He gestured to her as he was speaking. “Then a skirt that cuts low, so we can see this one.” He touched the tat on her hip that was partially covered by her jeans. “Mind if I get a few measurements?”
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Annie listened as Fitz talked about pitch cards and stories, she’d probably have to make some up or change details a bit compared to what really happened as they would all be in the future and she didn’t want to give it away to anyone who had not seen it for themselves. “I’d have to… gloss over some things, don’t want people outside knowing about the future.” She then watched as Fitz walked over and looked at the rolls of material, he did have a good eye for color and she wondered if he had ever done this before. “Loving that blue!” Which she really did, she was more into the bright colors than the pastels and as her fingers touched the material she found it wasn’t too harsh to be worn against bare skin either. Annie shrugged when asked about taking measurements. “Knock yourself out.”
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“Of course, and everyone embellishes or hides things. You really think ‘Monsieur De Feu’ is from a small village outside Paris, grew up picking apples in an orchard and who’s rumored to have dragon ancestry in his family? None of that is true. ‘Iron Wells’ also wasn’t a three foot newborn who chewed on nails in the crib.” He laughed. Fitz grabbed up the measuring tape and started to get measurements from Annie, telling her arms out or down as he went. Notes were made in a small notebook, along with measurements for all other performers. “The people love to believe the fantasy.”
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“I’m just glad that even in 1920 it has gone past the days of Barnum and his exploiting those with different conditions for his ‘Freak Shows’.” At least everyone in Zion was a willing volunteer and from what she could figure out from her short time there, people were treated well and not exploited in any way. Annie moved as she was told, perfectly comfortable getting measured for a costume, she enjoyed the attention and getting fussed over. “So… how did you and the Monsieur meet?”
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“Not too sure about places like this other than this. Never had much time for that sorta stuff growin’ up.” Fitz shrugged. “But Kristoph an’ the others who run this lot have made it a home for folks like us. It’s like most of us came here in a same way. Zion found us when we needed it.” He was certain of that. Happening to pick the right pocket but only end up with a business card and not money- when he was still positive he’d taken money. How else could one explain it?
Fitz couldn’t help but laugh at her question. “Oh, well, now that’s a story.” He wasn’t really shy of it, having told it multiple times. Of course, for those who weren’t privy to the secrets of Zion, he had to change some details, but while Annie might not know what he was, he was sure she’d not have an issue. “I sort of… broke into his house. And he caught me.”
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Annie would agree with that, despite her few brief meetings with Kristoph she could see that the man was more as a father or grandfather figure to many and he was also proud of Zion and wanted it to be a safe shelter and home for all. “I only know what I read and it wasn’t very nice. We are lucky to have a place like Zion in the world.”
From the tone of the laugh and the look on Fitz’s face she had a feeling it was a bit of an interesting tale and one Annie wanted to hear. “And? Don’t be afraid to include all the juicy bits.” She teased.
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“Well, he was a rich bloke, always at parties an’ I figured he wouldn’t be missin’ a few shiny baubles.” He said. “Turns out, he wasn’t gone that night… an’ didn’t take too kindly to being robbed. So, he tried to set me on fire.” Fitz shares, reaching around her to get a bust measurement. “Granted, I did try to intimidate him into runnin’ away so I could flee.” He added, knowing most wouldn’t find him intimidating.
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Knowing that he was trying to get a bust measurement Annie moved the tape up a bit to the fullest part to make sure it was accurate, nothing worse than an ill-fitting top! She thought it was interesting to hear tales about how people met and how couples got together, especially the happy tales and she could tell that Fitz was definitely happy. “He doesn’t seem the type to be easily intimidated... and I don’t think anyone would take kindly to being robbed.” She glanced back at Fitz.
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“I was a bit desperate back then, love. Living on the streets in a city that wasn’t my own.” He lowered his hands and made a note of the measure. “I think he saw that. Instead of calling th’ police, he gave me some warm food an’ a job.” Fitz pursed his lips, remember that version of Ben. “I had a place t’stay, an’ plenty a’time for us t’get t’know each other.” He said, finishing the rest of her torso. “Then, one night… things just heated up.”
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She could understand the living on the streets of a strange city, sadly she had been there more than once but often found kind hearts or some other way of getting by until things improved. There were a lot of good and kind people out in the world willing to offer a young lady somewhere safe to stay. “And you started bangin’ your boss.”
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“More like… he started ‘bangin’ the help.” Fitz said, not entirely fond of the modern colloquialism. “Of course, the closer we got… the more we had to hide. But he still wanted t’let me experience his world. So at first, he’d hide me in his pocket an’ I’d be somethin’ of a welcomed curiosity. It was a fun game we played.”
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She was completely clueless as to Fitz's abilities and an eyebrow quirked. "Hiding in his pocket? Either you've got the ability to shrink, or you're some kind of shifter… I'm guessing the latter?" It was nice to see that they were still in love and obviously very happy.
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“The latter.” Fitz chuckled. “Always felt comfortable in the smaller critters growin up. Found ferrets and the like t’be very familiar. Tend t’favor the stoat most of all- so if y’see one roamin’ round at night, please don’t try n’trap it.” He’d run into that issue when they’d first arrived. Someone thought he was just vermin, and would make a nice snack for one of the beasts. But the situation was cleared up quite quickly.
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Annie had met more people here with these strange abilities than she had in her century on Earth, she knew they existed and had met a few but not this many, and all in one place. It made her job easier too. "I'll just pick you up and give you a cuddle, though if it goes to bite me, I know it's not you." She laughed, winking at Fitz. She paused for a moment. "Do you really think people would pay to see me? Guess I better learn to dance or something."
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“Who says I dun bite?” He matched her wink as he made the last note and let her put her shirt back on.
Her question just brought out a laugh. “You’d be amazed what people pay to see.” Fitz said, dropping into a chair, he gestured for her to join him in Beth’s. “We crossed with this one show that had a half-an’-half. Completely, made up. Jus’ a costume- an’ not a good one either. But they brought in the crowd. Least your tattoos aren’t just painted on- seen that before too.”
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Putting her shirt back on and buttoning it up she took the offered seat and sat down, relaxing a bit against the back of the chair. She wondered what interesting costume would come from Fitz's drawings and the seamstress's skills.
"A fake half and half?" Annie chuckled at the idea, and that some carnival allowed it. "Oh I've seen plenty of fake tattoos as well, most of them either wash or wipe off, I assure you none of these are ever going to budge." She gestured at her own arms, she often scrubbed them if she had gotten extra dirty and the removal of the dead skin often brought out the brightness of the colors again, that and a good lotion. "Well… if you're sure, I guess we better go ask the boss what he thinks, letting a cook off for a few hours on show days."
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“Here’s a secret.” Fitz said, as he reached under his desk and pulled out a bottle of amber liquid and two glasses. May have been a bit early to heavily drink, but one between new friends wasn’t a bad thing. “All half-an’-half’s ‘er fake.” He laughed. “But, they bring in money. People love seeing those that are different. Difference is, people here’re actually different.”
He poured a bit into each glass before handing her one. “An’ I’m sure th’boss’ll be on board. Recently lost one of the blokes from the tenner an’ a Bally hopped inta replace it. But y’ask them, they’d be much happier on th’ stage up front. And I can vouch for most a’those blokes myself as good men. They’d welcome a dame among their ranks, so no worries there.”
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Annie watched as Fitz got a bottle of alcohol and two glasses out from under the desk, he obviously spent some time in here to know where it was hidden, knowing that they’d be heading back to prohibition Annie thought that maybe she should hide a few bottles of something when they go back, not that she was a big drinker. Still, she took the glass when offered.
It was interesting for Annie to hear about life in the carnival and really felt like she’d get along great with Fitz. “Just as long as they’re not expecting some kind of girly girl, get me annoyed and I curse like a sailor.” She chuckled, sniffing the alcohol in her glass. “To new endeavours and new friends.”