The beach and other locations, very early Saturday morning

[vdistinctive]

Eliot was out for his morning run with Val, both of them enjoying the decided lack of blizzards and snow monsters as they went at an easy pace along the beach. This was Eliot's favorite time on the island, before just about anyone else was up. He liked company -- you didn't end up basically married to two other people if you didn't -- but there was always going to be a part of him that preferred to spend time alone.

Val skidded to a stop with a whine, her nose in the air, then pressed it into the sand. Eliot slowed beside her, frowning.

"Whatcha got, girl?" Val loved running. She wouldn't stop like that for just anything. "Show me."

Val started off again, nose pressed into the sand as she went, save for when she glanced back to make sure he was still behind her. The whole way, she kept up that low whine in the back of her throat.

So much for his nice, peaceful morning.

[ooc: for thems what know.]

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[imafuturist]

Tony shot a sideways glance over to Eliot, but smiled reassuringly. "Just Tony and don't worry about cost."

Seriously. Don't. He was loaded.

"Do you need anything for the pain?"

[axe2grind]

"I don't want to be unconscious." Very much not. It was only a flesh wound! He'll bite your knee-caps off! Jack closed his eyes and added, "Side hurts. Where the armor joins at the hip. And my head." Was nauseous. "You won't--" How to even ask. "I can work. Once my limbs are on." To pay him back.

[imafuturist]

"If you want a job, that's fine. But I don't believe in people owing me for helping them out," Tony replied, not at all shocked about the response to painkillers. He'd probably say the same thing. "It might hurt to reattach your limbs. I've never seen augmentation quite like this before so I can't tell you it'll be easy."

He glanced up at Eliot. "If you're willing to help out with that, it might go easier."

[vdistinctive]

"Not a problem. I've done my share of field triage. And, uh, mechanics."

Not usually at the same time, admittedly.

[axe2grind]

Jack's face heated with the embarrassment of being helpless in front of strangers. Again. But at least they were trying to help. Throat tightening, he said, "Thank you. I-I don't know what to say." He let out a shallow breath, then added, "Most of my chest is intact. But, there was damage to the insides, and the armor is there for support. The limbs just-- screw back on." Although they were dented limbs now, after they'd been stabbed and shot. That injury had whirled him around when his arm caught a bullet, yanking at the muscles in his neck and shoulder in a way he could still feel.

[imafuturist]

Tony gave him an encouraging nod, clapping his hands together before going to find a wheely chair to bring over so he could stay at Jack's height for this. "I have JARVIS finding materials to repair these," he said, lifting up a leg. "Eliot, if you want to help keep him steady?"

[vdistinctive]

"Yep." Eliot moved to put steadying hands onto Jack's shoulder. "We'll get you mobile again, kid," he said. "Then you might want to make your way up to the school. There's a welcome picnic up there today, so you can get some free food. And I'm gonna bet that's where the island wants you in the first place."

Teenager shows up on the beach on newbie day? Yeah, it was a fair bet they were headed for the school, whether they knew it or not.

[axe2grind]

Jack glanced at Eliot askance. "That makes absolutely no sense." Although the food would be much appreciated. Dinner had been a day and a world ago. "Will there be someone there who can help me get home?"

He braced himself, swearing that he was not going to yell when they re-attached things. Not. Going. To. Nope.

[imafuturist]

"The island tends to be like that," Tony said, focusing on making this as smooth as he could. "Count of three. One--"

He pushed it into place before even getting to two so the kid wasn't completely tensed up for it.

[axe2grind]

Jack managed not to yell, despite the burst of pain that radiated up his spine. And he didn't pass out either. A new personal best.

He did groan and look like he wanted to swallow his tongue, though.

[vdistinctive]

"That's it, kid," Eliot said. "You're doing fine. Just remember to breathe."

Breathing tended to go right out the window at moments like these. Eliot knew from experience.

[imafuturist]

Tony looked at the armor around the kid's chest and mentally sifted through the readings that JARVIS had taken while he'd been unconscious. "Painkillers are still available," he said, taking the other leg.

Why Tony had those in the lab was certainly something.

[axe2grind]

Jack's face was beaded with sweat, but he shook his head, wincing. "Maybe... after." Or definitely, after, if he wasn't already passed out. "Get it. Over with." The clock was steadily ticking still, which meant he was still mostly okay. Right? Right.

[imafuturist]

Sure! Let's go with that, Jack.

Tony nodded, shooting a concerned glance to Eliot before reattaching the other leg with the necessary clinical detachment to keep from hesitating. Which would just make it worse.

[axe2grind]

Another not-yelp, and Jack panting for breath. He took a second, and carefully worked one knee. "Thank everything," he muttered, because it bent the way it was supposed to, which meant he could get around by himself. After a little nap. And his arm being put back on. Ugh. "...drugs after?" Please?

[vdistinctive]

"Drugs and food," Eliot said. "And maybe a nap."

The kid looked wiped.

[imafuturist]

Tony gave the kid a pat on the arm that was still attached to him, getting up to find him a glass of water and a few painkillers. "Uh, food might be... well, Steve eats a lot."

Leftovers didn't exist in this house.

"I could make a green smoothie for him, but other than that."

He shamelessly gave Eliot a pleading look to provide them all with food. Being literally the only one who could cook.

[vdistinctive]

"This is why you're always making me cater your parties, isn't it." Eliot shook his head. "My diner's a block away, food can be arranged."

[axe2grind]

Jack nodded, then swallowed again. To distract himself before the next bit, he said, "Tell me about this school. How would they even know I was here?"

[vdistinctive]

"Dunno," Eliot said. "But it happens pretty regularly. It might be the reason why you're here at all."

[imafuturist]

"You get used to that sort of thing," Tony said, offering over the pills and placed the water next to him. One arm and all. "It's not the worst thing."

[axe2grind]

Jack appreciated that no one was treating him like a baby, and trying to hold the water for him. Or putting the pills into his hand. He picked up the water and took a long drink, then took the first pill. "You get used to the school," he said slowly, "knowing things." Right. Of course. "Are they wizards, or witches?" He took the second pill, then asked, "What's the worst thing?" Just tell him and get it over with, so he could brace himself. Again. Like he was trying to brace himself for having his arm shoved back into its socket.

[vdistinctive]

"Goin' back to whatever did this to you," Eliot said. "Would be pretty bad." He shrugged. "There's all sorts up at the school. Magic users, techs like Tony here. Soldiers. Like you."

[imafuturist]

"Exactly that," Tony added. "You might have classes already assigned to you. Probably a roommate too."

[axe2grind]

Some of Jack's muscles had relaxed during their banter, and he took another sip of water before putting the glass down. "You're all mad," he said conversationally. "Well. At least you're a very kind type of mad." Rather like Jane, in fact, and she was one of his favorite people. You just had to brace yourself for something terrifying quite often. "I'll go there. After." He swallowed. "Ready when you are."