There's not much room at the top

Do you have a fucking problem?

So you raced for what, a charity and a spectacular jail time? [He comments with an empty laugh, flipping through the magazine. Lukas Richmond is not on his list of ‘favorable people’, mostly because this fucker did a damage to Slezak once.] It’s called a joke, Richie. Were your dashing sense of humor and sarcasm bullshit as well? Someone is touchy with his age, by the way. [He looks up with an obviously-fake sheepish smile.] The only butting that thrills me is something you really don’t wanna know.

"No I raced because it looked like fun, as much fun as the jail time bonus was, it wasn't really my intention to get it." He sighs and rolls his eyes. "Well excuse me for attempting to get witty banter going, I didn't realise you were unarmed." He quipped with a shrug, looking down his nose at Greg making no comment on the topic of his bullshit. "Why on earth would I be touchy about my age? I'm young, I'm fabulous and I look great." He ran a hand through his hair letting out a small chuckle. "I know exactly what you mean, I just wish you didn't mention it, I think I need to bleach my brain now to remove the mental image of you from that." He made a disgusted face and shivered.

"I don't really have an interest in it, teleportation kind of renders driving useless." He shrugs, smirk adorning his face, oh this guy wanted to play? He'd play. "Booker, you're older than me, if anyone here's ancient it's you. Now was there something you needed or do you just enjoy the thrill of butting into conversations where you aren't welcome?"

And who would I tell, huh? (she tilts her head to the side, almost challenging him with her question. There wasn’t a single teacher in this place that she trusted enough to talk about the incident with Henry) If anything that could backfire, it’s my word against Storm’s and I don’t really have anything to prove it happened (she points at her cheek, that looked as if the incident had never taken place thanks to Gen’s great healing skills). I don’t know yet, but I heard some things, from his thoughts… I’m planning to use what he gave me against him. I’m sure as hell not going to just sit down and cross my arms about this, Lukas (she shrugs, keeping her eyes on him. Damn this idiot, she still missed him…She thought about what Anna had told her for a moment. He had St. Mary’s to care about now, right? It’s what he’d chosen…) You shouldn’t even be worrying about me.

"Literally bloody anyone." He huffs out a sigh at her stubbornness and shakes his head. "Get Gen's support, she healed you, she could explain it and back you up?" He suggests, his mind flying through different ideas of how to approach this, looking for a decent one that could maybe convince her out of this. "Well Arya, I hope it's a damn good plan you have there, because I have no idea how you're going to pull anything off with that. What amazing dirt can you possibly have on him that is somehow going to stop him from killing you?" Okay maybe he was overreacting a little, but she had been attacked by a teacher he was right to be alarmed. This was going to all end terribly. Taken aback by her question he gives her a curious look. "Why not? You realize being attacked is cause for worry right?"

I guess so (she shrugs, slouching a bit on her seat. She stays silent after telling him what had happened, not sure of what reaction to expect from him. She knew what reaction she hoped she would get, but Henry was a loyalist so… However it didn’t escape her notice that his fists had clenched). Yeah, I tell and he gets punished. Then what? He could do it again and this time make sure I don’t walk out to tell it (she shakes her head) I have to plan this right, and make sure he pays for what he did to me.

He shakes his head and his frown only deepening. "You mightn't trust this place Arya, but they wont let it happen again if you tell someone." His jaw set and he sighed, burying his face in his hands for a moment to think. "Arya, I don't know what the hell you think you can do but it's going to make things a hell of a lot worse than just telling someone." he mutters, mentally going through the dozen or so arguments he could come up with to push his point along. He didn't think she should be trying to do this herself, getting involved with Storm didn't sit right with him, this would not end well.

We also considered just running out of there without paying, but it’s hard to run when you’re drunk and half-blind, so (she shrugs, smiling, though it was one of the fake smiles. She tried to make it as convincing as possible but Lukas could probably see through it). They sent me to talk to Henry, apparently it’s become too obvious that I’m fucked up (she manages to say with a hint of humor) And he just… he exploded when I was in there, he went all psycho on me. He attacked me, I mean… the bastard wanted to kill me, he even said it. First chance I had of getting out of there, I did (she runs a hand through her hair, rolling her lips for a moment) At least Gen healed me soon after (she says in a low tone).

"Well hey as long as you get free drinks it doesn't matter how you do it." He refrains from making some kind of comment about her not drinking so much, sure he was worried, but he wasn't really in a position to say anything yet. He chews on his bottom lip as he watches her. "Oh god." He mutters, running a hand through his hair, slowly trying to sort out what to do here. Maybe if Henry were to just disappear, never seen again, no one would know what happened. Ha! If only he could get away with that. Silently seething as he listened to her, he clenched his fists. "Tell someone, tell a teacher or something, he can't just attack students."

Ha, Booker and I did that a couple of days ago. Managed to walk out a bar without paying for a single drink (she replies with a smirk, though she wasn’t so sure saying that to him was a very good idea since doing that involved a small degree of flirting at the least. He couldn’t really blame her for flirting a little after what had happened, right? Besides, she hadn’t done it for the guys, merely for the free alcohol. At his question she stays silent for a couple of seconds, but decides to tell him the truth, as always) Henry Fucking Storm. If it wasn’t for Gen I’d still be sporting a fucking wound around here (she traces the area where Henry had marked her with her finger) And I swear there’s something about people and wanting to strangle me… (she says in a serious tone, looking down for a moment. Not that it mattered, she could perceive him just the same as if her eyes were on him). Sounds like just what you’d love (she says with a little smile).

"Well hey it's better than paying, nice job." He didn't exactly like what that may have entailed, but he figured it didn't really matter. He'd probably done worse than she had there, in fact he knew he had, he saw nothing wrong with a little flirting, as long as she didn't take it to the same level as he had once, he didn't mind. He froze slightly at her words, his expression, darkening. "What?" He said softly, any attempts at keeping the conversation light abandoned.  "Arya wha-what happened?" He asks, clenching his jaw ever so slightly. 

Yeah, there’s something slightly depressing about drinking on your own. Been there, done that (she manages to say with a light chuckle. She moves from the door and takes a seat in front of him. She smirks lightly, appreciating the attempt he did of pretending there wasn’t something weird going on between them. It almost worked. Almost). Been doing great. Just pissing people off. You know, the usual (she shrugs) You? 

"Yes, also it's all the more fun to drink when it's not my own alcohol I'm drinking and I'm just stinging off someone else." He smiles slightly when she takes a seat, appreciating that she too was trying to pretend nothing had happened, maybe if they both did that things would get better? "Doesn't surprise me, who'd you piss off this time?" He asks, smirking slightly, before giving a small shrug. "Oh I've been fine, drinking, bitch with people, bitching about people, fun things and the likes."

(She debates whether or not to just walk by or go to talk to him, he wouldn’t know anyway… But she ends up heading to the door, leaning against it) You know, if you wanted alcohol maybe you should have to the resident alcoholic of St. Mary’s (she says with a light shrug).

Well, there goes his plans to ignore the problems he may have been having. "It's less about the alcohol and more about the conversations, no fun drinking alone." He looks over her, slightly unsure about what he was saying once again. "So, how's my favourite bitch?" He asks, attempting to get them back into the swing of their usual banter.

Ha ha, so hilarious. At least I’m a hot bitch. [She pauses for a moment, taking a sip of Scotch but feeling really shitty about it. Wow…the only time they ever got deep and serious was when they fucked up. That was pretty fucked up all in its own right?] Okay…that makes me feel really shitty. I mean should we like, do a daily emotional talk and talk about our feelings or talk about boring shit like philosophy? I mean I can try but I just need a drink afterwards. I mean okay, maybe we’re fucked but at least we’re good at being fucked up. [She smirks] Well now said bitch who took over the bar has noticed. Buck up kiddo, there’s room for two if you let there be. [Rolling her eyes, she pats his arm] No problem buddy, it’s what I show up for, to stroke your ego and drink half the bar. [Groaning rather loudly and over dramatically, Vic drops her head in her hands, shaking her head] Worst thing to say to me ever. I just got back in the game! I’m Ice Pick again and I’m working for Knight, double agent, perfect job title and now he says this. Stupid fucker… [She makes a face] Do I like him? What the fuck is this preschool? I still have feelings for him, yes. It’s really hard to fall out of love with someone but he totally ruined me, I mean do you remember that? There’s a part of me that still loves him but it sure as hell isn’t as strong as before. Like if he did that to me again, I could easily leave and not be affected. That’s bad right? [Waving her hands around, she puts her drink down and her thinking cap on] Alright, alright, let’s take a step back from this. You love Frizzle, right? Like you’re in love with her, she’s the light of your life, your one and only, right? Or am I missing something here? Just, okay play along with me for a second, I can counsel you out of this. 

"Damn right, and that's all you need. Screw being nice, hot people don't need to be nice." He looks up at her in shock, holding up his hands in protest. "Whoa there, back up. No we are not doing that, let's stick to the way things are, none of the feely stuff thank you very much. It's better when we just tease each other and drink copious amounts of alcohol. Oh yeah, we are the fucking masters at being fucked up." He just laughs at her words. "Where would I put my superiority complex then?" He asks with a smirk and a small shrug. "Really? I suddenly feel inclined to spend more time with you then. Feel free to continue to tend to my ego." Placing a hand on the back of Victoria's head as she puts her head in her hands, he purses his lips as she speaks, mulling it over. "Right, you're back with the Genesis, how's that going?" He mutters as a side thought. "Well I'd ask if you loved him but the thought of someone actually loving Archer is just ridiculous." He says despite her own words. "Well, my own personal opinion is that you can do better than him, but then again he is my nemesis and that brings bias with it. Maybe get him to buy you a bunch of really expensive things, if you feel a little guilty, maybe you love him, if not, you're rich and free. That's just my advice though." He can't help but raise an eyebrow at Victoria's...he supposed he'd call it elaborate, descriptions. "Erm... That's a little excessive but essentially, yes." He says with a small nod.

I never said I was nice. [Victoria shrugs, sending him a small smirk before she looks mildly concerned. She didn’t like depressed ‘I fucked up’ Lukas because one, he wasn’t fun, and two because she actually cared about this idiot and wanted for things to go his way] Hm, you and I don’t have serious conversations we bitch and try to solve on problems through drinking and sex because we’re fucked up people? [Snorting and rolling her eyes at his comment, she flicks his head] Please get a room for your me, myself and I superiority complex. [She makes a face] It’s true though, I’ve seen it! Remember when you convinced that girl to go lesbian for me that one time? Hilarious. [Making another face, this one more of a gross face than a frown, she groans and shakes her head] Don’t even talk about Shepherd. He told me, that he still loves me. To my face. Yeah. I flipped the fuck out and malfunctioned. But you’re right, I can’t talk about taste. But what makes you think you can’t talk your way out of it? [Taking a long swig of Scotch, she listening and nods at appropriate times, frowning a bit at the end] Fuuuuck you said that? To her? You know she seems pretty fucked up in the whole ‘care for me’ department, probably not the best thing. I mean honestly I get where you’re coming from, you lost a lot. Makes sense to me why you’d say it but she’s a little different. Obviously. 

"Neither did anyone else and I doubt they ever will." He teases with a small smirk. "I know that's exactly my point, but these conversations are about as serious as the two of us get, which is kinda saying something. Besides, can't just fuck away all my problems any more, how boring, I think I'll just tone up the drinking." He shrugs at her words. "Excuse you, I had a whole bar until you showed up, none of these people even noticed." He sends her a quick smirk but shrugs. "Oh I know it's true, I don't doubt that for a second. Thanks for stroking my ego though." He teases with a small smirk, before a look of slight surprise crosses his face. "He what? Oh wow." He laughs lightly. "Well it appears I'm not the only one completely fucked over here. What did you say to him though, that's the interesting bit? Do you still like him?" He pries, his teasing tone remaining. He reaction was better than he expected, at least she actually understood. "I didn't mean to, we were talking, I slipped and she pulled me up on it, shit just kinda got worse from there. I just...fuck. What do I do Vic? I mean aside from drink myself senseless."

[Though Lukas smirked, she could tell it wasn’t his 100% cocky asshole ‘I’m better than you’ smirk and that really bugged her] Uhuh, just like your wimpy chest muscles, totally the most manly ones out there. [Settling down next to him, she takes her Scotch from the bartender- yeah, she drank that a lot now…and frowns a bit at his words] You fucked up? Oh christ, why oh why do I sense this is about Frizzle Hair McBitch Pants? [Resting her head down on her head down on her arms to be at eye level with him, Victoria moves a hand to his arm, patting it lightly before moving it up and down his arm in a sort of comforting motion] Okay just hold on there, what exactly was this fight about? Because you may totally be able to get yourself out of it. You’re Lukas Richmond, come on, power to charm any woman- yet you chose Frizzle Hair, which just shocks me, but you did choose her which means I know you can fix it because… [She waits for him to say it]

"Wow, kicking a guy while he's down, real nice Vic. My chest muscles are very manly thank you very much." He chuckles lightly at what Victoria calls Arya before frowning to himself, was he really in a place to just go on with things like that right now? Probably not but fuck it. "When do we ever have a relatively serious talk that isn't about one of us fucking up these's strange things we have that kind of resemble relationship?" He confirms her guess, giving a small nods as he spoke. He smiles slightly at her touch and taps the bar with his knuckles, signalling for another drink. "Jealous, much?" He teases when she mentions him choosing Arya.  "I have the power to charm any woman?" He finishes with a small laugh before shaking his head. "A, you were with Shepherd, so you have no right to critique my choices of partner and B...I'm not sure I can just talk my way out of this one." He hesitates before he finishes, beginning to play with his now refilled glass. "I-I told her I couldn't put her before everything else I have any more...I didn't mean to, we were just talking and then I...well I fucked it up." He mutters with a small sigh, downing the gin. 

You seriously need to shut the fuck up.

He glances up at Victoria when she speaks, slightly surprised to see her there. Putting on his usual smirk as he downed the remainder of his glass of gin. "Excuse you, I'll have you know my whining is done in a very manly fashion." He fires back with a light chuckle, though his heart wasn't quite in it. A small sigh escapes him and his smirk vanishes. "Ugh, I fucked up." He mutters folding his arms on the bar and resting his head on them. "Me and Arya, had a bit of a fight...sort of. Really it was mostly me fucking up." He groans and turns his head to face her. 

Please don’t let this turn into something it’s not I can only give you everything I’ve got I can’t be as sorry as you think I should But I still love you more than anyone else could […] We have gone through so much worse than this before What’s so different this time that you can’t ignore? You say it is much more than just my last mistake And we should spend some time apart for both our sakes