( 001 ) ➶ ( voice )

[arches]

Okay, so not to be ungrateful--because I really appreciate being fished out of the ocean and given a crash course, really, I do--but the whole time thing? Things are just frozen, back where we came from, is that it?

_{( He pauses for a moment, and huffs. Perceptive listeners will be able to tell that he sounds exhausted, more so when he continues. )}

Yeah, I find that a little hard to swallow. More than this place, even. Has there been any verification, on that? Or am I just supposed to assume the nice people fishing me out of the ocean were telling the truth?

_{( Another pause, some muttering that isn't quite audible, though there may be a curse or two in there. Something about deserving this? Who knows. And then, just as unceremoniously as it began, the feed cuts. )}

Comments

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

You don't have any kids.

[... pause.]

I don't think you have any kids.

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

_{( He actually laughs. )}

No. I don't have any kids.

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

[hm.]

Okay, what's your real name?

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

Barton.

What's yours?

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

[Huff.]

Sharpe.

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

Wow, kid. Was that a straight answer, and everything?

_{( So impressed. )}

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

That depends on whether or not you believe me, I guess.

[kanyeshrug.]

So what's the game-plan, then? I mean, you and Cap and Señor Hotpants gotta have something, right? Even if you're this weird alternate-universe, 'Reed Richards wouldn't have the First Damn Clue what to do with you' baby Avengers brigade?

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

Lying about your name wouldn't matter. _{( Since he likely doesn't know you anyway! )}

Sure. That's what Avengers do, isn't it? Deal with crap like this.

_{( He only knows that in theory, but hey what the hell. )}

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

... How many missions have you guys gone on exactly? Like... have you ever faced down Doom, or an army of skrulls, or like... Kang?

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

Now you're really just making half of these up.

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

I'm really not.

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

Then whatever world or future you're from needs a lot of help.

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

You think that fact's somehow escaped my notice?

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

It might've. Landing on a magical island in the death sea can kind of knock the brains out of a person.

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

Speak for yourself, hotshot.

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

I usually am.

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

Whatever. Just don't die. I don't want to have to explain to Pym why I let the circus freak bite it if he ever shows up.

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

Don't push it, kid. It's probably your life that you have to worry about.

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

Ohhh, right, just because I'm the rookie I must be easy to take down, right?

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

No, because you're annoying as hell and must have a lot of people after you.

[audio || private 95%]

[sharpes]

[... ouch. that actually hurts more than he expected it would, and his expression hardens a little.]

Oh, like you aren't?

[audio || private 95%]

[arches]

_{( sorry, b. )}

Never said I wasn't. That's not really the point.