Lukas Snark

“Deal. Although I’m sure you can whip up a mean salmon and asparagus anyways. It’d be good for the diet, you know. Getting too fat there, you know?” Griffin joked as he rubbed his stomach teasingly. Tilting his head to the side, the blonde mentor shook his head. “I understand that. But hey, at least, between you and me right now, I’ve enjoyed our conversation. Maybe you should swing by more often.”

Lukas’ eyes rolled as he heard the other say that he was getting to fat. “I think ‘fat’ is the last thing anyone would describe you by.” Lukas assured the other man with a small snort before hearing the next words he said. Lukas couldn’t help but to be quite surprised, nor help keep the pleased tone out of his voice. “Would you enjoy that?” Lukas asked the other man. “I definitely wouldn’t mind to.”

The mentor hummed in amusement at Lukas’ words. “My own knight in shining armor,” he teased. “Never hurts for us to have a little synergy practice too, but I’ll attempt it on my own, per your request,” he said lightly. Griffin gave the other man a reassuring smile. “You’re doing well. Promise. Will you make me your best dish too? You know, to add that on with the trade.”

Lukas hummed as he heard the other request that he makes him his best dish. “I’ll make you the best dish if I feel like you’re giving your best effort. Otherwise it’s just the salmon and asparagus. Deal?” Lukas offered with a curious look. The boy smiled gently, letting out a relieved sigh. “Good. Social things can be quite...Difficult for me.” The boy said with a relieved smile.

“Please, fucking please, can we go a little slower? Set the training room to beginners mode? I just- oh fucking Christ- I just want to enjoy the story for a little bit.” Eli wheezed, bent over and trying to catch his breath. For the most part, he’d been doing a lot of running away from the simulation training, and when it came to fighting he was still being thrown on his ass. He couldn’t phase through the punches fast enough. The last one to his gut had knocked the wind out of him entirely.

“H-hey, tell me something… y-you. And don’t give me any looks, I don’t remember a lot of names, how long did it take you to be able to hold your own around here? Feels like I’ve got a rather large learning curve.”

Lukas couldn’t help but to sigh as he heard the other man’s words. “And do you think your opponents will lessen their skill level in order to make you feel better?” Lukas asked with a raised eyebrow as he watched the other bend down to catch his breath. “Besides, the information I’m gaining from this will help me come up with a good way to help increase your skill set and attributes.”

Lukas allowed his magic to wash over the room, commanding the simulator to pause. “If you wish to quite, feel free to do so. I merely figured you’d want the data to know what you’d like to work on.” The support offered. “I’m a support, I’m not very much help when it comes to some of these other fighters we have here. However, as the tactician I’ve watched them fight enough and come up with enough plans and formulas to be able to imitate a somewhat reliable battle strategy.”

“Now you’re just testing me,” Griffin said with a laugh, although his eyes glimmered at the mention of a meal. “I’ll indulge you. Only because I look forward to the meal,” he hummed, although he was more than happy to assist Lukas in whatever he needed. “I’ll certainly do my best. I’m not sure that I’m the strongest candidate to take on the danger room mission,” Griffin mused. The blonde mentor scoffed, pretending to be mildly offended at Lukas’ words. “Sticks and stones, sticks and stones. You really know how to make people smile, hm?” he joked.

Lukas snorted and rolled his eyes. “I’ll be there with you as well. So if the mission gets to rough and you need someone to protect you, I can.” Lukas couldn’t help but to let out a teasing tone take over as he said that with a grin. “I’ve been told the opposite in fact. I’ve been trying to work on it.” Lukas admitted with a small chuckle and a shrug of his shoulders.

     he wondered what lukas power was.  “  what can you do?  ”  he shifted, looking over at him.   “  i’m the same way.   if i’m around people, a lot of people, it’s hard for me to control the power.   but i bet your power isn’t as bad as mine.  ”   at least that’s what he thought.   if it was powers that dealt with the mind, the cognitive, those were usually the ones that were difficult to handle.   he always admired others with similar powers like his.   “ i guess you and i are more alike than i thought.  ”

“I have magiktek in my arms. So I have enhanced strength, along with the ability to use magic. I also have a ‘cyber mind’, meaning I can basically connect onto the internet via my mind.” Lukas stated with a shrug of his shoulders. “What’s your power?” The support asked the other man curiously as he looked at him. “How so?” Lukas asked the other curiously when he said that they were more alike than he thought.

    “  i do, yes,  ”  he admitted.   that was at least what kept atlas sane.  eyes shifted, looking at lukas.   “  hey,  that sounds like a good idea actually.  especially since we are stuck here for who knows how long,  ”   he stated.   he smiled at the other.   “   what are you missing, out of all of this.   going on coffee dates, or grabbing food.  ”

Lukas shrugged his shoulders. “This definitely has inconvenienced me, however I rarely went out anyways. I miss not having to deal with cycling through all the fake information being posted on the internet when I try to look up information using my powers.” Lukas said with a sigh. It can leave me with quite the migraine if I do it for to long.” And considering how easy it was for one to lose themselves when on a computer....When you’re brian was the computer? It was even worse. “Social interactions were always my kryptonite. So for me? Besides more people being around here 24/7, this is quite the same for me.”

Griffin grinned a little wider when Lukas agreed with him. “Very well then. A deal. Although, if you want to also make me that amazing dish you just described, I wouldn’t complain,” he teased. The mentor tapped his temple, keeping his gaze fixated on the other man. “Oh yeah? And what do you think about me? Am I in top shape?” Griffin joked once more, although he noted how helpful Lukas was when it came to supporting other team members.

Lukas smiled when the other suggested that. “I’ll make you a deal. Complete the danger room mission on the hardest setting, and I’ll make that meal for you that’ll more than make up for any bruises you could get.” The data he could get from the other doing the hardest setting would also help Lukas know what the man’s limits were. “Think you can handle that?” Lukas asked with a tilt of his head. “You appear to be by all purposes...But appearances can be deceiving, is the term I believe.” 

“It’s definitely relaxing for me. Just trying out new things, and it helps if I make it right. You know, to have something tasty to eat,” he mused. “What’ve you made so far that you like?” The blonde mentor tapped his chin in thought before nudging Lukas’ shoulder again. “How about we make a deal? You read some things to me, since I don’t have any new books here. And I take you training with me. Working out and all that jazz.”

Lukas couldn’t help but to give a thoughtful look when the other asked what was the thing he made so far that he liked. “Hm...I would say that my favorite thing is definitely the baked salmon wrapped in asparagus, which I normally make with a baked potato. It’s always a pleaser.” Lukas said with a chuckle. “Oh? You want to work out with me?” Lukas hummed before nodding his head. “Alright, that sounds like a sufficient trade. I’ve been needing to make sure everyone here is in top shape anyways.”

Griffin smiled a bit at the light blush that seemed to color Lukas’ cheeks. It was adorable and a good look on the younger man. Tilting his head at the question, the mentor only shrugged his shoulders. “I’ve been working out, I suppose. Training a little hear and there. Been working on my cooking too, which I think has gotten better. I’ve wanted to read, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet.”

Lukas was definitely surprised by the other man’s words. “Cooking, huh?” That one had definitely surprised him the most. “Cooking has definitely become a favorite thing of mine. Especially with so many recipes uploaded.” Lukas said with a smile. “Along with reading. Can’t say much about training and working out though.” Lukas admitted a bit sheepishly.

“Ya tellin’ me, kid?” He honestly hated being holed up with these so called superheroes. He was tired of being in the place and ready to go out into the world, go bowling, shooting darts, or such. Of course they could make a simulation room of them doing all that, but in the end it was fake and they still could tell that they were stuck in the walls of the place. Not to mention everyone used the simulation room at a time like this. He looked over towards the kid and nodded his head, not telling the kid probably had some powerful tricks up his sleeves. 

“We could see if the simulation room is open and try some shit on that.” He shrugged looking at the kid, honestly not knowing what else to tell him. He knew that they were trapped for however long, but he didn’t know what they could do to rid of the boredom. 

Lukas let out a small chuckle when the other asked if he was telling him. “At this point? I’m telling anyone who’s willing to listen in order to kill a few moments of my time.” Lukas said with a smile as he looked at the other. The magitek physiology user definitely had no problem with isolation and staying in doors. He may be the tactician, but he normally preferred avoiding social situations due to him not being the most...suave person. But this was just draining on. 

“At this point, even the simulation room sounds better.” Lukas rarely uses it personally. He may use it to help with scenario training and such with others, but Lukas doesn’t consider himself much use on a battlefield. Even though his arms are basically indestructible and he had super strength due to the metal underneath the skin, he was still rather clumsy at best. But at this point? That sounded better than just doing nothing. “What do you think we should do in there?” 

    “   yea, that’s true.  i feel like things here would be worse if we didn’t have the internet.  all that information at the tip of our hands.  ”   he states.    “  i feel like we need to wait for what the others are planning.  i’m not sure there’s much else we can do, to be quite frank.  ”  he states.   “   well, that’s good, take a break.  we all deserve some of that,  ”  he smiles.   “  god, what i would do to get out to go for a run in fresh air.  ”

Lukas chuckled as he heard the other man’s words. “Ah...So you like runs in nature, huh?” Lukas asked with a raised eyebrow. “Perhaps try using the danger room for something like that? I don’t think that’s what it’s intended for, but I doubt anyone will care that much.” Lukas offered with a shrug of his shoulders. “It may not be real fresh air, but perhaps it’ll be a good fill in?” 

“I’m not sure there’s much I could do to help, but if you need me for anything, please, come and grab me. I’m more than happy to provide you my assistance,” Griffin said firmly, trying to lighten up the mood so Lukas wasn’t as frustrated. “Ah, well, I suppose that’s fair. There are quite a few of those, aren’t there?” he chuckled. “But we’re having such good conversation here. I’m not sure I’d want you to leave just yet anyways.”

A small blush lit up Lukas’ face when he heard the other say that he didn’t think he’d want him to leave just yet anyways. “I’m quite glad to hear that.” Lukas said with a small chuckle and a nod of his head in gratitude. Lukas tended to keep to himself a bit more...A bit more shy more than anything. “What have you been doing to try to keep yourself entertained?” Lukas asked curiously.

     “  well, what is your plan, you have anything good?  ”  he asks.   eyes shifted back on the other male.  he wondered what people would think of doing during these situations.   “   what have you been up to?  ”  he stated.   “   i feel like a lot of people just want to get out, and not see the same thing over and over.  but why go out when it’s safe here.  there’s plenty to do.  ”

“I’m afraid not. All of the information I’ve been focusing on comes from the internet...And sadly, we know that people don’t always put facts on there. And with no one going outside, there’s not a way for me to confirm what is factually correct and what is exaggerated or nonexistent.” Lukas admitted. “It’s been an around the clock job. That’s why I decided to take a small break.” Lukas said with a nod of his shoulders.

“I’m sure,” he said sympathetically, before reaching over to pat Lukas’ shoulder. “Of course, but you’re certainly pulling your weight. You’re doing more than I ever could to help,” Griffin said reassuringly, smiling at the young man. The mentor nodded approvingly once more, only smiling wider at the innocence in Lukas’ question. “Don’t worry. If I didn’t want you around, I wouldn’t have invited you in. You’re not making me feel uncomfortable. Besides, some company is good for me too, you know. Can’t spend all my time alone.”

Lukas blinked as he heard the other man’s words before shaking his head. “Oh I don’t know...I feel like I’m not getting anywhere with anything right now.” Lukas admitted with a frustrated sigh. “Just thought it wouldn’t hurt to make sure. I’ve been told that some people are to nice for their own good. I didn’t wish to take advantage of that.” Lukas said with a small relieved smile.

“You’ve been busy,” he noted, eyes widening a little as he listened to Lukas list off all the things he was dealing with. “I appreciate the work you’ve done to help this place.” Griffin could only imagine what it was like, having all that information flow into your mind, or being able to access anything through internet. It was powerful, but it could be a lot of work and responsibility as well. “Be sure to rest as well, alright? There’s a lot of work, but there’s no reason you should overwork yourself.” He kept his blue eyes fixated on Lukas, a stern gaze flickering behind them. Griffin only shrugged his shoulders at the next question meant for himself. “I’ve been… alright. Keeping busy when I can, but I like the privacy of my room as well. It helps me keep a clear head.”

“I have...I’m not used to not having a fast solution...It’s...Inconvenient.” The part robot said with a small annoyed huff before shaking his head. He was a bit surprised to hear that the other thank him, but he quickly smiled and nodded his head. “It’s no problem. I know others are working hard as well. I can’t take all the credit, you know?” Lukas said with a small chuckle. “Of course. I’ve been getting an appropriate amount of sleep at night.” It wasn’t a lie...An appropriate amount of sleep in the current situation was 0 in his eyes, but there was no need to point that out. “I didn’t offend you by breaking the privacy, did I?” Lukas asked. “I’d hate to have you feeling uncomfortable in your own room.” 

The mentor moved to finish dressing himself before sitting down on his couch. He offered up the space next to him for Lukas as well. “Come. It’s more comfortable here,” he mused before nodding at the other’s words. “It’s good. It’ll build teamwork, you know. It’s always nice to talk with the people you’re living with, after all.” Griffin paused for a moment, bright blue eyes fixated on the younger man before him. “So, what’s been on your mind?”

Lukas moved to take the offered spot. “Yeah, I know...” Lukas said with a sheepish look as he scratched his head. The boy had always been a bit shy. And being the tactician of the group was quite a difficult task for someone like him. A tactician sets plans in order to reach goals...Some people don’t like taking orders or suggestions from someone as young as him. Even if he’s worked with multiple government agencies for awhile. “A lot. I’ve been trying to research this virus via the internet.” Having a cyber mind has it’s advantages...And disadvantages. “But...It’s a bit overwhelming the more I look into it. So much data, and yet there’s no way to prove how much of it is true or not without putting someone at risk. It’s a pain.” Lukas sighed. “And what about yourself?”

“I don’t mind,” he said with a light laugh. “Come in. It’s always nice to have company. Even if it is right after a brief shower. Come any sooner, and you would’ve seen me in just a towel,” Griffin teased. “So, tell me, what did you have in mind when you were looking for social interaction?”

Lukas hummed as he made his way into the room before chuckling when the other teased him. “That would be quite the sight, I’m sure,” Lukas said with a snort as he looked around the dorm curiously. “I don’t know. I’ve tended to need less social interactions with most as long as I stick with the computers and tend to only doing social things when it was needed for my duties and small gatherings. But while all of this is going on I figured why not get to actually know more people from the team you know?”