The grip around her glass tightens, “That little, fucking rat,” she growls between clenched teeth. Consumed in replaying her “interrogation” with Razz, she barely notices the comment about Killian. Barely. An icy glare does flash towards Theo. It wasn’t hard to find Lex’s switch. Honestly, she was surprised as well. But in his defense, he had been very . . . distracted as of late with other projects and keeping himself sane after Lulu’s mind-fuck.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]the icy glare meets cold indifference that tempts into something else entirely. amusement, perhaps.

"you can always come to me in the future, briarwood."

[attr="class","noodles"]Alexandra Briarwood

She smiles, a small shake of her head before taking a sip of her whiskey. She too is amused, “And what could I possibly need from you that I don't already have, Beckett: The loyal servant of Rocket?” She leans forward slightly, curiosity sparks in her eyes.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"your skills need to be refined, briarwood. you could've and should've found ozaki long before you were questioned."

she leans forward but he remains still. his finger continues to tap against the glass as he watches.

"and i can teach you to not be so reliant on decker."

[attr="class","noodles"]Alexandra Briarwood

Lex isn’t conceded enough to deny that everyone can use more training. A gem always needs polishing. And yes, she should have found Ozaki. He could have just left it at that. She sits up at the mention of Killian Decker again. Reliant, yes, but not in the way Beckett assumes or in a way he thinks he can replace Killian with something else. She’s addicted to him, the intimacy he provides, the wholeness he brings. He’s ingrained so deeply into her it would be like ripping out her soul, “Training?” she considers it for a moment. Cillian Quinn had offered training as well. Lex craves strength, who could give it to her? “What makes you the one for the job?”

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"because you won't be the first i've trained. nor the last."

now, he brings the glass to his lips, downing what little remains of the liquor.

"interested, briarwood?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Alexandra Briarwood

She sits back, relaxing a bit as they leave the subject of Killian Decker for now, “Intrigued,” she admits, granting him the answer to this question before taking a sip of her whiskey, nursing it purposefully, “Cillian Quinn also offered to train me. Think you can do better?” she asks, unaware of their history, but happy to glean what she could from both of them. The more the merrier, the stronger she gets.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]he leans back, gestures to the barkeep behind the bar for another. it's the same grunt as usual; they spare him a knowing look.

his eyes fall back to briarwood.

"who do you think trained him?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Alexandra Briarwood

She smiles, there’s a hunger to it, almost predatory at the thought of being trained by Gavin’s previous master. But did the student surpass the master? Must have to now hold the title of Underboss while Theo was left to scramble his way towards the top again, “I see,” she finishes her drink this time, content with the answers to her questions. Lex too signals for another, “Alright, we’ll see what you can teach me,” she accepts his offer. Would she regret it?

The bartender brings their drinks. A new round of drinks symbolically represents a new round of questions. She motions to Theo, granting permission to ask any he may have.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]he reaches for their drinks, slides one over to her, then picks up his.

"why are you here?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Alexandra Briarwood

She assumes he means Rocket, not just here asking him questions. She takes a moment to ponder the question, sipping her new drink before setting it down carefully. It was by necessity, not a desire. Rocket originally offered her protection in exchange for her services but it seemed the terms had changed. Of course, Gavin never specified protection from him.

She doesn’t leave because Killian Decker asks her to stay, and she is no traitor. She is still here because she is trapped and beneath the bitterness, she still believes there might be something here for them if they play their cards right. They also promise strength, which she desires. In the end it’s obedience to Rocket becuase of the threat to Killian if she disobeys and loyalty to Killian who remains, “Because I have to be.” I more than one way.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]her answer isn't good enough so he pushes.

"why?"

he sips.

"for yourself? for decker?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Alexandra Briarwood

Not good enough? It’s an easy answer.

She sips and her shoulders shrug, “Both.”

THEO BECKETT