age of the geek, baby

Xavier Johnstone #Resistance

[j-amiemcarthur]

If someone had asked Jamie how she had gotten herself from Scott's office to Xavier's, she couldn't be sure that she would give them an accurate breakdown of her movements. Ever since seeing that inventory list while chatting to Scott, she had been on autopilot, not even realising she had decided to snoop until that's exactly what she was doing. But where the hell were they? All she had found in here was textbooks, Funko Pops, and a suspicious number of dirt jars. Where was he hiding them?

Jamie was so lost in her rummaging that she didn't hear the door open until it was too late. "Uh... I can explain this..."

@notprofessorx-avier

[notprofessorx-avier]

"And I would be de-lighted to hear whatever it is you might cook up," Xavier grinned, making his way into his office and dumping a pile of scrap onto his desk. The fact Jamie McArthur had been rummaging around didn't phase him one bit. Actually, he kinda respected the initiative. What the heck she could be looking for, though... "You know, most people would ask for what they wanted first, get rejected and then go ahead and steal it anyways. You're skipping a few steps, here. Crucial ones, even."

[itshendersxn]

"guysguysguys...i think i can rebuild some of the buildings around here. it's like some bricks, cement and wishful thinking, right? i'm telling you, i could really rock this"

@havensdalestarters

[notprofessorx-avier]

"easy there, picasso. let's just focus on clearing this area first and then you can get creative."

[lulu-matthews]

Lulu wasn't sure if she should laugh at the prospect of her being Carmen's favorite or call Xavier a liar for even implying it. "If I'm her favorite, I'd hate to think of what being her least favorite would be like. Not that your her least favorite. I'm sure she likes you." Lulu decided to take advantage of the subject change that his tablet offered, eagerly leaning over it. If what was on it was true, it was certainly...Well it was a combination, one that she had never seen before, one she wouldn't have thought of. Lulu was impressed, no denying it. "And it's stable? Because grinding down protection stones usually causes all sorts of...Oh, but the herbs would cancel it out, wouldn't it? That certainly is clever, isn't it?" Yes, she was going to nerd out over it.

[notprofessorx-avier]

"No way, I'm top 10 at least. Above Henderson maybe... Definitely above Russo, c'mon. Not above Callie, though. Everybody loves Callie, even Carmen Caffrey. Oh, then there's Scott, her new favourite. Well, new-ish. Anyway...," Xavier shook his head, trying to stay focused on the task at hand. Nerding out with Lulu was always one of his all time favourite things to do and a sure fire way to distract him from gossiping. "Yup, rock solid. The herbs-- Yes, you get it. Right? I was like... Woah-," he mimed his brain exploding with his hands- "When it worked, right? I mean, it's volatile in theory but then you can ground it with just the right combination. It's pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. Plus, it'll work in a pinch to keep us safe."

[sophiachambers]

For a second, Sophia was tempted to squeeze Xavier's hand, not in a painful way, just enough for him to know that she meant business. But no, she let the instinct pass. "Well, that was spectacularly unsubtle. I'm almost impressed. But no, I do not have any real plans. Luckily for you. Maybe."

[notprofessorx-avier]

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he grinned. Oh, man... he really was in trouble. "Well, I wasn't planning for my luck to run out today. What are you into? Lunch? Margaritas? Hypothetically speaking, y'know."

[alison-halliday]

It took Alison a moment to respond to him. The strength of the magic from the vial had caught her attention. It had been ages since she had felt magic that strong, since she had allowed herself to feel magic like that, and she was surprised by how much it had unsettled her. Alison was suddenly glad she hadn't fully opened the vial, and she gently put it down on the table. "As long as it's not bad news, I think it's okay." That's what she told herself everyday. That's what she wished everyday.

"Exactly. More than great minds. Genius minds maybe. Do you mean that literally or metaphorically?"

[notprofessorx-avier]

Xavier watched her carefully, trying to gauge her reaction to the vial. He didn't know what it was like to be a witch but he just felt in his gut this was something. There were strings being pulled here and not by the usual puppeteers. Given it was all theory, though, Xavier opted to keep it to himself. For now. "You took the words right out of my mouth. Oh, genius minds? I like that. Agreed."

He gave her a soft smile, canting his head slightly. "Either one. Both. Whatever you need, I'll do anything and everything I can do to get you it. Promise."

[scott-smith-hih]

"I wouldn't ever dream of forgiving them," Scott said as a matter of fact before simply glaring at the stupidly outrageous card taking up prime real-estate on a desk he'd only had back for a mere 20 minutes. Was nothing sacred anymore? The tea could stay, he supposed, but he wasn't going to let Xavier know that he didn't mind the gift itself.

Suspicion became him as Xavier claimed to have work related motives - this wouldn't be the first time Scott had been lured by the false pretence of actual meaningful work turning out to be an attempt to foster a fruitless acquaintanceship. "Fine," he relented, reluctantly navigating to his emails and waiting for further instructions before daring to open the attachments.

[notprofessorx-avier]

"Ouch," Xavier grinned. There was no doubt that Scott was one tough cookie but Xavier wasn't a quitter. He'd warm up to him eventually, right? Besides, anyone Carmen backed was cool with him. He gave him a quick once over, refraining from asking to see his wound (for research purposes, of course). "Are you glad to be out of the slammer?"

Xavier smiled to himself as Scott agreed. Who could resist a good email, right? "Thank you very much, I appreciate it. First file has few of our old agents in it, if you can run recognition on the outskirts of the dome, that would be awesome. Second... A few injuries caused by magic - dark magic. Can you get run them against the med database and see if anything matches?" @scott-smith-hih

[faith-hunter-hih]

It had been years since Faith had seen Havensdale in daylight. She was somewhat surprised to find that much of it looked the same, just run down by time and emptiness. The evil powers that be had left their marks, sure, but her house was still there, begging for her mother to tend to the planting beds. That wouldn't be happening any time soon. It might never happen.

Faith felt pathetic in the knowledge that she was pulling all these resources from the Institute for what was effectively a memorial walk in her own neighbourhood, but Carmen had made it abundantly clear that this wasn't negotiable, and the file she'd read on Piper made it clear that it was necessary. For them. For her. She had to remind herself of this while walking away as one of these asshole agents was making an attempt at her last surviving nerve. "Henderson, if you don't keep your fucking distance you will not be making it back."

@havensdalestarters

[notprofessorx-avier]

"You gotta make sure you never give Henderson a moment of peace, Hunter. The man needs to live on his toes," Xavier grinned, appearing at her side with his gear attached. "This is definitely a coincidence. I'm just out here, collecting soil samples, minding my own business. Walking in the same direction as you if you can stand it. No pressure, though."

[scott-smith-hih]

As soon as he was no longer tethered to a blood bag Scott had fought against the ever nagging pains in his side to return to his office. His sanctuary. A space just big enough for a desk, a couch, a whippet, and absolutely fucking no one else, ideally.

And yet, as soon as he'd lowered himself carefully but painfully into his swivel chair, the door shot open like knocking was merely an unfathomable concept. "I refused the open door policy with good fucking reason," he announced as a matter of fact to the offending party, "so this better be an emergency, and it better require me to remain seated."

[notprofessorx-avier]

"Sorry, man. I've got hands full and overestimated how gently I bumped the door. The boys were in charge of the gift so you'll have to forgive them," Xavier greeted, bustling into the room, arms full of tea and an oversized 'welcome back' card. He knew Scott'd hate it, even if it was nice to be recognised as an integral part of the team.

Xavier deposited the gifts onto Scott's desk, flashing an ever-charming grin. "I do have a work related request, though. Can you run some photos through the system? I've emailed them over to you."

[p-ercyandrews]

It had been a few days since the big shake and still, no one seemed keen to fill Percy in on what had happened. He hadn't even really seen anyone of note–merely guards sent to make sure he was getting his rations and behaving himself. It was boring. He hadn't anticipated being locked up for this long–surely one of his brothers would take pity on him soon?

The door to the room opened, but Percy didn't even turn his head. The guards were no fun and never wanted to talk to him. "I'm still here. Still not committing crimes. Still–..." The figure came into view in his periphery and he finally turned, so socially starved that he grinned. "Well, you're not a guard."

@havensdalestarters

[notprofessorx-avier]

"And you know we appreciate that," Xavier grinned brightly back. There were numerous, necessary, precautions that the underground had to use when it came to outsiders. They hadn't kept the Resistance secret and safe all these years by playing around with fire. (And not everyone had been kept safe, he knew that better than anyone). "I wouldn't take the sour faces too personally, the boys aren't going to welcome you with open arms until they get the go ahead. How's everything in there, anyway?"

Xavier waited half a beat before holding up his kit, "P.S would you care to donate a blood sample?"

[alison-halliday]

At the "I'm just a guy" comment, Alison felt herself frown. Sure, she had not spent a lot of time with Xavier for obvious reasons, but regardless, she did not like it when anyone, student or otherwise, put themselves down. Especially when they were talented.

"I somehow find that hard to believe," she told him, resisting the urge to leap into her classic lecture about believing in yourself. It was a lecture she had memorized, to be honest. "I would say to trust your instincts." Alison opened the vial and-yeah, no need to even touch it. "Yeah, your instincts were correct. To answer your question, yeah. I get that way too."

[notprofessorx-avier]

"Thank you," he said, a little surprised to hear it but grateful nonetheless. Xavier watched her hands as she took the vial, waiting with anticipation for her to open it. He often did trust his instincts and they actually, rarely, let him down. At her words, he let out a breath. "I wish it were better news. I, ah, wish that all the time, actually. We could really a use a win," he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

With a smile, he then added, "Great minds. Can I-... Do you need anything?"

[sophiachambers]

"Oh, clearly they were. Especially the sexy," Sophia agreed with a laugh. It was not exactly a clever line, but Sophia just wanted to have a little bit of fun, and he seemed up for it. This is why she needed to get away from the Manor more (and just getting drinks with Ian Morrison did not count). "The pleasure is all mine, Xavier." She held out a hand. "Sophia."

[notprofessorx-avier]

"Alright," Xavier grinned while definitely not blushing, your honour. There was nothing wrong with a little innocent flirting, right? Nay, flattering. He took her hand and hoped he'd make it through the day. "Well, thank you for that, Sophia. You got any plans today? Is your cute boyfriend waiting at home for you?"

[lulu-matthews]

Lulu managed to hold her cup still. It would be an utter tragedy if this all ended with coffee spilled all over her desk. In fact, she might actually cry if that happened. "Thank you for that little warning. If I hear her, I'll make sure to hide. Just temporarily, of course. Just until she's...calmed down." Her anxiety did tamp down slightly at the news that Christopher Andrews was, most definitely, completely locked up. "You wouldn't happen to know this little something that the witches cooked up? Just for research purposes, you know."

[notprofessorx-avier]

"I totally understand," he grinned. They'd both known Carmen a long time now, and personally, he found her bursts of unfettered rage endearing. 'Fists of fury', came to mind. Xavier wouldn't have it any other way. "Just between you and me, though, I still think you might be her favourite down here. Hurtful, but I'm living through it." At her question, he grinned even wider. Finishing up her coffee, he handed the mug over carefully before pulling up his tablet. "So glad you asked, Lu. Combo of these herbs - this one, obviously, but this one... never even seen it before. Plus, you know the funky little, bloodline hunter, protection stones? Ground down to powder, mixed in, a few magic words, and then I just made it airborne. Home diffuser with a kick."

[alex-andrews-hih]

"Soil. Gamechanger. It's like you're begging me to make me doubt you, but you've had me fooled before, and I'm not about to become a repeat offender." Alex said, side-eyeing the samples as their secrets eluded him. "I do," he agreed, following Xavier to the lab where, frankly, Alex always felt uneasy. Science did not agree with him. "I concur, let's stay in our respective lanes. Where do you want your sexy collection of dirt, nerd?"

[notprofessorx-avier]

"Would it help or hinder if I told you that I think it's magic soil?" Xavier teased. He knew that Alex didn't exactly feel at home in the labs. So, Xavier always pulled out extra hospitality whenever he was brave enough to cross the threshold. "Just on the bench there would be perfect, thank you. Have I told you lately how big and strong you are? It's getting harder and harder not to swoon and smack my head open here." Xavier was already itching to get the samples under the microscope, but he managed to contain himself. "You want a drink?"

[sophiachambers]

"Just another totally regular fun fact to have ready to go in your back pocket. You know, you're really helping your case on the whole being a normal guy front," Sophia pointed out. Still, she was intrigued. It was rare these days to have a conversation that wasn't just blood and doom and gloom. "That's a smart thing to do, but I'm telling you that I'm a very nice girl. Pinky promise."

[notprofessorx-avier]

"What can I say? Smart-and-sexy were on a 2-for-1 sale when I picked them up," Xavier joked, flashing a winning grin her way. This was still a bad idea, obviously but... What harm could a little conversation do, right? He couldn't help chuckling at her bold promises, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, then. I suppose it's only right that it's very nice to meet you. I'm Xavier."

[alison-halliday]

Alison forced herself to relax. Just because of what had happened at the prom, it did not mean that seeing a member of the Resistance out and about was necessarily a bad sign. "I will, if I think of anything," she promised, although she could not think of anything at the moment. Alison took the three vials, unable to help but raise an eyebrow at the sight of the soil. "I'm assuming you want me to do some, well, magic, on it." She was willing to do so, to help the cause, but she was a little surprised that their scientists hadn't been able to figure out anything.

[notprofessorx-avier]

Xavier nodded, offering a sympathetic and always genuine smile in response. He knew that words weren't going to make anything better right now, they needed to do something. They needed action. He knew there were more important things than this soil, too, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something more was going on. That there had been a larger plan, a bigger intention, behind what had happened here.

"Yeah, pretty much. I mean, I might be headed in the wrong direction here, and obviously I'm not... I'm just a guy. But I've spent a lot of time around magic and masterminds - more than I'd like, at times - and there's just something I can't shake here. Do you ever get that way?"

[alison-halliday]

She spun around, her speech fading away when she saw Xavier standing there. "Oh. Xavier. It's you. What-" She was going to ask what he was doing here, but that seemed a little rude, so she quickly edited it to, "what a surprise! I appreciate the thought." She did. They would rebuild. They had before. "What did you need me for?"

[notprofessorx-avier]

Xavier appreciated her kindness regardless of the situation. No doubt that anyone from the Resistance showing up wasn't exactly a good sign. Thankfully, he wasn't delivering bad news. "It's me. Yeah, of course. And if there's anything you- you need, just let us know. I'm getting off track, though, sorry." He took a breath, producing a manila folder and three soil filled vials. "I was wondering if you could have a look at these samples and this data, see what you think. See if you... feel anything from them. Anything different, or weird. Powerful. Would that be okay?"

[sophiachambers]

"Because that is a totally normal thing to say," Sophia replied, staring down at him. She was halfway tempted to bend down and investigate what exactly was so exciting about that little patch of dirt but she didn't want to get her jeans dirty, and they didn't sense anything unusual about it. Staying upright it was. At the man's comment, she gave him a big smile of her own. "Me? Now why would you say something like that?"

[notprofessorx-avier]

"Well, I'm a totally normal guy. Did you know there are more microorganisms in a single teaspoon of healthy soil than there are people on Earth? Fascinating stuff." The last thing Xavier wanted to do was get in trouble. Her smile said it all, sending a chill down his spine but for whatever reason... he didn't move. Curiosity killed the cat, right? "Just following my gut. Why, you saying you're not?"