in_extremis: (Default)
Tony Stark ([personal profile] in_extremis) wrote in [community profile] revivalproject2021-02-12 12:14 am

treasure

WHO: Tony and...I don't know, there's some predetermined stuff, and some ambiguously open stuff in here. Check in at the Shenanigans plotting post if you're feeling unsure and need a formal invitation.
WHERE: The forge, the not-library
WHAT: Tony has a gift for Jon, and is trying to make a much more misguided gift for Poe. Some early speeder bike development catch all, if you like.
WHEN: Early February, Agrii Valentines Celebration
WARNINGS: Glitter?


a. The forge [OTA! If you just want to bring your own project, this is a good place]
The first shimmering fleck that caught Tony's eye fell onto his cheek, making him wink with his face twisted in surprise before carefully retrieving it with a finger pressed to the...plastic? It stuck easily to his skin, but Tony could only frown at it, baffled, and glance back toward the forge curiously, expecting the chimney to be pouring out some foreign element among the plume of dark smoke. He was on his back under the body of the vehicle that Cayde had called a sparrow, Poe had called a speeder, and was probably neither of them, really, as Tony slowly brought it together, the Iron Man kneeling in the grass next to him to Jack up the whole assembly for Tony to rework the fuel array again. Eventually, he would get this thing working.

As more of the strange precipitation began to flurry through the sky, clumping together against the seams of the Iron Man and through the bricks of the forge, Tony had to sit up and consider very seriously that this was...glitter. As he stared at the armor, he could see some of the more fanciful details--the heart shapes, the stars, making him raise a lip in confusion, then glance around again, seeking a source. It just seemed to be, warm and shimmery and catching the early light in a dancing array over the skyline.

By the time the sun had properly risen, he had disturbed Catra trying to sleep by the fire by clattering around in the forge, searching for empty vessels to collect as much of the strange glitter as possible. Impulsively, he had snatched at the bouquet of flowers he found by her head, only to have them burst in his hand and make him yelp, dancing away from the glitter bomb with his hand coated now in pink and red. He was much slower to pick up the card that had been with the bouquet, pinched carefully between two fingers until it didn't seem to be a bomb as well, the Agrii's pictures making him snort. Of course. It went up with the notes from Cayde and Jon that were clipped over his workbench, slouching against Cayde's map and funnelling more of the glitter throughout the day to gather in the folds of Jon's still designs.

By the time he was back to working on the bike, there were bowls and jars arranged against the walls and among the grass, incrementally measuring the shimmering downpour. This was going to be wreaking havoc on any meal production, Tony realized, so Tommy wasn't as likely to show up today, leaving him to grumble at the pile of tools and components that had been left around the weedy patch where he worked without the kid to find anything for him in this mess.

b. The library? [For Jon, but feel free to crash this party]
If Tony was going to try to understand the Agrii, and he would rather not, he hazarded a guess that whatever this glitter storm and gifting was about, it was something of an apology for the storm that they had come crashing into, or the giant pest problem that the Agrii had neglected to warn them about. Maybe that was just where Tony's head was, though, because he had plenty of his own apologies to make, and a misguided gift was historically how he dealt with that. Did he have something in common with the Agrii? Jesus.

Trying not to think too hard about that possibility, he came gliding slowly into the library on the Iron Man's skates, leaving rivulets in the dusting of glitter on the floor behind him. He carried what would have been a familiar shape to Jon, despite being wrapped as it was in what looked like a scrap of leather, against his armored chest; an acquisition from the replicator that he had impulsively requested just after replacing his sunglasses, then finding himself very overwhelmed with the amount of stuff he could really use at the forge. Taking the stairs down into the basement wasn't quite as smooth, producing a strange, very heavy thunk-thunk-thunk as he rolled carelessly down each step, the momentum depositing him against the desk that rattled with the lurch. He didn't really intend to stay, but had a quick look around for the Countess, hoping maybe she would display a tiny bit less annoyance upon seeing him so he could pretend Jon wasn't as annoyed with him as well. Yeah, that would totally work, Tony would feel great about that and all of his problems would be solved. He sighed into the mask when he didn't spot the animal, leaving the book on the desk and pushing himself back toward the stairs. It would be pretty obvious who it could have been from, Tony thought, even if Jon had no context for the author 'Reed Richards'--only a few pages into the forward of this physics text- cum-autobiography and it was already colourful with the caped heroes of Tony's world, and how they shaped the natural laws around them. And the library had just expanded exponentially, even if Jon wasn't particularly keen on the gesture and couldn't be convinced that Billy was clearly being very thoughtful.
beholding_archivist: (Watching the Watcher)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-24 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"Mako." Jon answers automatically, his eyes tracing another set of crystals as they pass. "The lifestream of their planet. The souls and memories of all living beings turned into energy... Might as well turn human bodies into fuel and call it renewable energy." There is a scowl in his voice. Not an accusatory, but a pensive one. "Reeve, Cloud and their friends made the right call to put a stop to it. Didn't appear to have been easy, but- Worth it. And I heard things are improving for their planet and their people." Cloud has told him quite a few things. About what happened and his disease. A disease Reeve has by now confirmed he has been cured from in the end. Which Jon remains glad about.

"The Agrii didn't seem very spiritual. Neither does anything in Temba hint at any sort of spiritual tendencies. These crystals are natural resources, yes, but... That appears to be about it." And at last he turns his attention back to Tony to declare comparably cheerful: "I don't believe your suit is powered by the soul of an ancient alien, and neither is Temba." As for figuring out how to refine these raw crystals... Now that may be a mystery left to those more adept in the matter.

Jon's attention is still with Tony when he casts out another random question. "...do you think the weapons they gave us use these as well?" He manages to finish his question before stopping short and freezing in place, eyes moving ahead and into the large cavern they have just set foot in. It's spacious and suspiciously empty.
beholding_archivist: (The Archive - Destroys you)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-25 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"...calibrations." Jon answers absentmindedly as he steps forward and further into the cavern, his eyes trailing along the crystal-encrusted ceiling and from there down to where the big cave splits up into further smaller ones. Yes, he has learned a few things while getting to see Reeve's spacious office. Very much a direct counterpart to his own little basement-dwelling. He keeps talking while slowly stepping through the cavern, hesitating here and there as if taking something in. "...also helped him do those measurements... When you let me use--" The gauntlet, yes. They had made good progress with that one. "But Cloud... He told me a lot. Wanted me to understand his disease." And Jon has his ways to make people talk. That the Archivist's presence alone can be quite helpful to add coherence and and eloquence to someone having a hard time expressing themselves is not exactly a secret to him at this point.

He stops in his traipsing and shudders involuntarily at an all too familiar sensation crawling up his back and his eyes fixate onto one of the smaller caves, a deep scowl settling on his features. "Oh, shit, this is--" Jon chokes and his eyes travel back up to stare at the crystals above. before his world explodes into everything and he doesn't even notice that he's falling backwards, eyes wide and expression mortified.
beholding_archivist: (The Archive - Destroys you)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-25 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Jon's drive to gather knowledge hasn't left him while they were all locked in the tunnels.And those dreams made it very easy and convenient to learn and experience new things.

That he isn't plain hitting the floor is a little blessing Jon is very willing to accept, even as he keeps staring up, his expression twitching with growing distress while literally everything there is to know tries to force its way into his head at once. It's not merely knowledge, though. It's also everything terrible that has transpired in this cave the Agrii had hoped to find shelter in. All the old suffering, the pain and terror they had hoped to find tries to wedge itself among it all resulting in a pulsing, twisting knot Jon can't even point a finger at since all it appears to do is try to burst through his skull.

Tony still receives a reaction. It's little more than a strained gargle and a tentatively raised hand with no clear goal aside from providing a sign of life. Too much. It's just too much at once.
beholding_archivist: (Done.)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-25 08:17 pm (UTC)(link)
While the armor doesn't offer the same warmth and comfort and covers a lot of that familiar scent of the man wearing it, Jon still leans instinctively against the cool support and after half a dozen steps even manages to squeeze his eyes shut with a wince. The next and more notable sign of life is Jon's hand reaching up to Tony's opposite shoulder and try to cling to the smooth material while turning the rest of his body to press his face against the cold surface with a half swallowed whimper.

They have exited the large cavern at that point and the pressure on Jon's mind has eased enough to allow him to actually breathe again. Which he at least tries to honor by attempting to form actual words, as requested. "....kkkgnngh...-it... t-Tony... it-a-hnn... hurts--"

And it does. Not only the sudden onslaught of it all, but almost more so to lose it all again so abruptly, leaving Jon dizzy and nauseous.
beholding_archivist: (Retreat)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-26 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
And Jon does, in fact, take a deep breath. Deep, heavy and slow. Inhale the same as the exhale that produces an accompanying, unhappy noise. "...Tony, I-- I saw it all--" He manages and tries to peek back over Tony's shoulder. Back to where they are coming from. Back towards the cave. The cave holding all this misery right along with all the answers.

At least the distance from it allows Jon's mind to slowly settle again, leaving him to softly mutter little curses and frustrations while Tony walks them both back outside. What little squirming he does is easy enough to keep under control though, given he is hardly putting any effort into it at all. "-there are answer here, Tony. I just-- I can't- shit."
beholding_archivist: (Leaaaave me be.....)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-26 05:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Being put down onto the sand has Jon look up slightly and cast a pensive glance in Tony's direction, hesitating briefly before nodding once, then twice and then taking that additional breath.

"...I... I'm sorry..." He starts babbling again, attention drifting back towards the cave entrance. Part of him wants to head right back in there, struggling against the part that is afraid of doing just that. Another thought pushes itself into the forefront of Jon's mind, causing him to drop his head. "Cal... he was in there-- all by himself..."
beholding_archivist: Do not take. Thanks. (Much Doubt)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-26 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Jon remains sitting where he is in a moment of silence, pulling his own hands into his lap and twisting them together somewhat. Tony is right. As he often is. Cal is okay and so is he - Thanks to Tony's presence. "Thanks to you, I am..." He relays his thoughts before actually glancing up to meet Tony's eyes, offering the weakest smile along with the eye contact.

Though there is that still lingering frown as well. "Tony... In there-I- For a moment I- I knew everything. I understood it all, had all the answers! And then--" Jon pauses, wincing a little at his own following words. "...it's all gone again. Taken. I... Don't like this. It still... I will be fine." Losing knowledge remains the worst. And Jon can only guess how being in this cave may have looked for Cal, who in all likelihood suffered an even worse effect.
beholding_archivist: (Trying hard to ignore this mess)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-27 01:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Billy may be a friend, but Jon would argue that his presence is what he currently needs. He does, however, accept the invitation to lean against Tony's shoulder once more, frowning at recollecting what has happened - And what to make of it all, inwardly agreeing with Tony's observation. He should just head back inside and try to handle whatever is happening.

At the question about fear, Jon's brows pull together and he nods. "Pretty much the same. I... Saw it. Felt it. All of it at once and not only from the cave, but- It felt like all the terror felt by all living beings on the planet and it just-- It came crushing down on me. It was... A lot. Too much for me to handle. Like all that knowledge, I... just couldn't hold it in my mind."
beholding_archivist: Do not take. Thanks. (Well if you say so...)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-27 06:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Hearing that he needs a bigger battery has Jon pause for a moment, then actually chuckle softly, leaning his head ever so slightly towards the fingers brushing through his hair. "Right. I just learn how to make multiple recordings simultaneously and ban it all on tape before the harddrive gets full." His voice fades off, along with the lingering amusement within it, a weary pensiveness taking its place. "Kind of wish that was possible. Would be useful, at least. Just redirect the stuff threatening to drawn your mind and--"

Jon shrugs, then sighs and at last glances out over the oddly sparkling ocean himself. "...is it odd that I've never been here? The beach, I mean. I grew up at the ocean and- How long has it been since I got here? A year now? And this... It's always been here. Never thought about it much..." Another pause, then: "Thanks for going with me. I- Actually had planned to find the cave on my own." Ant that wouldn't have gone well at all.
beholding_archivist: (It's only a few holes in my face)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-28 10:11 am (UTC)(link)
None of those things were known to Jon, but he appreciates the kiss to the top of his head, unaware of what thoughts are going through Tony's head. They do have a uniquely beautiful sunset to watch and- Tony is right. Again.

Jon gives a slow nod of agreement, one of his hands finding the closest of Tony's gloved ones. At least looking at the sunset is quite helpful to hide his flushed face upon hearing Tony telling him he is better with Jon around. It's not something he expects to be told, but it's nice to hear and brings a warmth to his chest that makes him wish his thumb wouldn't be brushing over cold metal as he nods a second time. "I know. You're right. I will admit that I hadn't anticipated something like... This to happen here. I believed it to be more tied to Cal's Force sensitivity and that it wouldn't affect me. Foolish, as I know now. Though I couldn't have known, could I? Just as I couldn't have known there's a horde of angry spiders lurking under the old shopping center." He gives a small shudder at the memory, lips pressed into a tight line and the so far light hold he has had on Tony's hand tightens. "...guess what we can learn of this is what we should have already known: That even the most unassuming places here can be dangerous. And that heading in alone is unwise."

Tilting his head back again to glance back up at Tony, Jon offers a smile. "Being with you makes me better as well, I- I may not have realized that myself."
beholding_archivist: Do not take. Thanks. (This is all the smile you get.)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-28 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
And still Jon has no intention to blame Tony for his hubris. No one could have known about the spiders. So he just snorts slightly at the reminder of the Agrii food. "Christ, the peanut butter and jelly thing was horrendous. Never tried it back on Earth and never felt tempted to. They could have just picked chocolate flavor and I assure you at least some of us were fine with that choice."

There is something rewarding about Tony's reaction, which Jon observes with a smile that morphs into a content little smirk and Jon chuckles fondly in response to Tony's conclusion before responding with a small shrug himself. "I mostly feel sore. Mentally, that is. I think I will lie down once we get back."
beholding_archivist: (It's only a few holes in my face)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-02-28 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course he would have eaten chocolate for weeks. Combined with a nice tea...

He raises a brow at Tony's question, then returns: "How often have you had baked beans on toast for breakfast, Tony?" An idle question, not one to compel.

On the question whether he can make the entire way back, he just shrugs again. "It will be fine. We can rest along the way." And that's an already decided we.
beholding_archivist: (Just let me work)

[personal profile] beholding_archivist 2021-03-01 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
Jon doesn't reply to that, but simply chuckles and lets Tony return to the cave to retrieve his helmet. And he remains sitting for a little longer, letting his attention be pulled back to the sunset fora few more moments before eventually slowly getting onto his feet to wait for Tony's return.

Though he doesn't exactly plan on continuing this little debate over their respective home country's most common breakfast or how uncommon peanut butter happens to be in British households and super markets. No. He'd be more interested in hearing where else Tony has been. And what parts of England he has visited. Which they will have ample time to talk about on their way back to the library building.