thoughtformed | [Private audio to Rudy]

Not to be one to turn up free drinks, but what have we got to talk about?

Christ, you're not pregnant, are you?

I'd want to talk to you in person about it, so get your arse down here.

[WOAH, what, hold up.]

No, I not pregnant. You think I'm that stupid? Couldn't happen anyways; Sirius and I haven't made it that far.

[Yet.]

All right, just making sure. I'll be down soon.

See you soon.

[Whenever Rudy arrives, Alisha will already have a pint out waiting for him.]

[ It isn't long before Rudy sets foot in the hotel, always liking to take a moment to admire the too-posh surroundings before remembering that it's actually okay for him to be there. Upon arrival in the bar, Rudy spots Alisha and heads right over to her, all smiles. ]

Heeeey! There's the lovely girl! I missed ya durin' all that bullshit last week!

[She offers a small smile, though it doesn't reach her eyes in the least.]

Laid low; had enough people staring at my tits during that fairy tale bollocks. I didn't want to deal with it again.

[Shrugging, she leans a hip against the bar, waiting for him to take a seat.]

Shame, that. If you must know, it is a very lovely set you've got there.

[ He takes a seat in front of the pint she'd poured for him and reached out to playfully poke one of her breasts before taking up his drink. ]

So what's goin' on? Everything all right, love?

[Simultaneously, she groans, rolls her eyes, and steps just out of arm's reach.]

Mind, I've for a boyfriend, yeah? You can't be doing that.

[She settles back against the bar, still out of arm's length, and sighs heavily.]

Actually, it's about Sirius.

[ Rudy raises an eyebrow while he drinks, and carefully sets his glass down. ]

What about 'im? You know he and I just.. we don't get on. He thinks I'm a prick, and I think he's a twat.

[ He freezes for a moment, looking briefly like he's about to be sick. After a moment of sitting like that, it seems like he's beaten it back. ]

[She keeps calm, less angry and more disappointed.]

I know you blackmailed him. I mean, I knew before he announced it.

You can't be doing shit like that. You don't have to like the guy, but you should at least be decent to him, yeah?

[Alisha pauses after she notices that look.]

...You okay there?

[ His voice is strained. ] Yeah..Fine. Just... you know. Big lunch, love. Gave me bloody terrible gas. [ He forces a smile. ]

Not my fault he can't be honest with his mates. Why's it got to be my responsibility to keep him from lyin', eh? I'd have been more than happy to tell them, but he was the one who wanted it kept quiet.

You seemed fine a minute ago.

[She's not entirely sure she buys that excuse, and frankly, she hopes he's lying. That's just nasty.]

Because it's not your job to live his life. [She sighs again and rubs at her temples.] So much shit went down, Rudy. I dunno how much he told you, but I know wot he told me. Fuck, I wouldn't tell James everything yet, either. That poor bloke has to have time to grieve and come to terms with all that bullshit before he's even ready to know about the rest.

Look, can you just stop being a dick to him every chance you get? I mean, he's the type of guy who only gets back at people when they fuck with him. Besides, I hate having my friend and my boyfriend fighting at every turn. I try to stick up for you so he doesn't do anything stupid, I really do, but I can only do so much.

So please, give it a rest, yeah?

[ He takes another drink from his glass and watches her speak. What she's saying does make sense, but... he can't say that he's particularly keen on any of it. He sighs and rolls his eyes in a very dramatic way. ]

Fine. If that's what y'want, I'll do it for you. I mean, no promises. I can't exactly keep a lid on this thing sometimes. But I won't... go out of me way to fuck with him.

Thank you, Rudy. That means a lot.

[It's not often Alisha says thanks, much less so genuinely. Enjoy it while you can, Rudy.]

By the way, that's to cover the drink you tried to pawn out of Sirius. [She gestures to the pint in front of him.]

[ Rudy frowned and looked at his glass. Maybe he'd better savour it then. ]

So hang on, you knew what I was up to, yeah? So how come I'm not in trouble or anythin' like that? Usually people don't give free things to people who did somethin' wrong.

Because I'm pretty fucking sure yelling at you won't work. Trust me, I was proper mad when I found out, but shit, you're still my friend. And I don't have many of those here.

Bullshit drama like this isn't worth breaking bonds over.

Oh... well when y'say it like that, sounds a bit sad, doesn't it? Still, its' nice t'know that even when I fuck up, you're not just gonna.. abandon me or some shit. [ He laughs. How ridiculous. ] We're winners, you and I. And winners... we make the best friends. And even if I don't like your boyfriend, I will tolerate him. Cos we're friends. [ He raises his glass to her and smiles. ] cheers, love.

That's wot I like to hear. And yeah, we're friends.

[This is seriously the best outcome she could have hoped for. She returns the smile, and leans a hip and an arm against the bar.]

Cheers.

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