[ 004 ] ★ [ Video ]

[latenightfondue]

What the hell's the point'a this curse, then, huh?

[ He doesn't exactly have people who stick close to him, but that doesn't mean the bubble around him isn't frustrating and restricting. ]

It comes to something when I'm trying to grab a cup'a the good stuff from an assistant and get it all over the equipment. But it ain't too bad if there's an angry broad trying to punch you down in the cafeteria.

Anyone else having fun with this stuff?

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[archivy]

I am the Archive. There is no putting it aside.

[latenightfondue]

[ He's got a wistful look in his eyes, as if he'd love for her to be a piece of machinery that he could dismantle, examine, and fit back together. ]

So y'don't play with dolls and colour in books?

[archivy]

I do like colouring.

[latenightfondue]

Can y'keep it in the lines? [ Because this is important. ]

[archivy]

Yes. [ you're insulting her, Howard, of course she can. ]

[latenightfondue]

You got any tips? [ The insult can turn around. ] Always struggled with that side.

[archivy]

[ Perfectly dry: ] Stop colouring once you hit the line.

[latenightfondue]

You're something, ain't you, kid?

[archivy]

Of course. Everyone is something.

[latenightfondue]

Nah, I mean-- [ Waving a hand. ] Never mind.

[archivy]

I know what you meant, Mr Stark.

[latenightfondue]

Y'got a sense'a humour under that pretty face, huh?

[ He likes this kid, usually he doesn't really think about it, not unless there's one showing interest in something he's working on, and that rarely happens. ]

You and me should do something sometime. If y'don't got yourself any little friends, I've been told I'm childish often enough. That's gotta count, right?

[archivy]

That is debatable.

[ Still so very dry. ] If I do not require little friends, what makes you think that I wish for the company of someone as childish as they may have been, Mr Stark? [ A beat. ] I could correct your calculations, if you wish. You may buy me hot cocoa in return.

[latenightfondue]

[ He reconsiders this, because as smart as he is, there's probably competition with this one.

But then again. ] Y'know much about how things work, kid?

[archivy]

I know much about everything.

[latenightfondue]

Maybe you and mean could form a team, see what we come up with. What d'you say?

[archivy]

I do not form teams.

[latenightfondue]

No? You'd rather go it alone, huh? Smart kid, ain't no one gonna hurt you that way.

[archivy]

I am a neutral entity. [ And being alone can hurt as well, Mr Stark. But the Archive would not let her say such a thing. ]

[latenightfondue]

Yeah, yeah, sure you are, sweetheart. So we should do something sometime, get out those blocks or something.

[archivy]

I am willing to supervise one of your projects.

[latenightfondue]

Supervise? Think we can swing that.

[archivy]

So long as you are aware that my purpose is only the procurement and preservation of knowledge, not the distribution of it.

[latenightfondue]

Y'mean you're gonna stand there giving out orders - sorry, instructions - and I'm the hands-on guy?

[archivy]

It means that I will not reveal knowledge to you that you could not otherwise gain.