"that's how they get you," elijah says, "they put on a friendly face, do you a few favours," his scowl does not waver on his lips, "and then when you least suspect it, they fuck it all up. not always their fault, mind you. sometimes it comes from the top."

he wishes he could have another swig. the beer bubbles in his gut as if in the middle of some primal cook.

"if i were you, i'd keep your eyes peeled." elijah says. "just healthier that way." he asks for a refill with the knock of his hand.

Lulu Flint

"oh, not dorian. if that's what you mean." the mug returns to his hand. a glacial shell melts against his palm. "i meant higher ups. those in charge. people you trust."

he summons the fresh pour to his mouth. as the hops drizzle down his throat, elijah's eyes do not leave lulu. he pulls the drink away with a satisfied gasp.

"we're all just trying to survive, is what i'm trying to say, and none of us are above stepping on someone else's head to do so." elijah claws a slick layer of beer off his upper lip with his bottom teeth. "i've done it before. have you?"

Lulu Flint

a smile creeps in underneath his lips. as he savours the taste of hops against the roof is his mouth, tongue flat against ridged palate, he takes in lulu's deadpan look with contentment.

it does not bother him.

but he finds it interesting to be on the receiving end of stolidity. he raises his glass, the beer an unsteady sea. its horizon ever-changing as it tips and sloshes.

"cheers to that, lulu." elijah says. "cheers to that."

Lulu Flint