[ don't worry, jack, he's definitely freaking out but -- well. there comes a point where you have so much shit on your plate that even more shit being added to it really can't phase you anymore. rhys has definitely hit that point. ]

She. [ his eye lights up, involuntarily again and he thoughtlessly goes through the profiles he's committed to memory. ] Alice. Angel. Elizabeth. Orrrr Veronica. Though, you're not really close with Angel either so -- so Elizabeth or Alice. Veronica doesn't seem like she trusts you very much. Alice isn't the subterfuge type and she's got her eyes set on Ciel anyway. Alice also wouldn't ask you to hack anything anyway, she's not... into that sort of shit. If she suspected me firmly, she'd probably just go direct and kill me -- she's not subtle. So, it's Elizabeth, isn't it? Manipulation is so super obviously her thing, plus she's the only one who got mad at me last trial so. God fucking damnit. I was just trying to help her.

[ rhys, remember when you were trying to avoid looking like a creepy stalker? he sighs and drags a hand over his face, letting his head tip back and eyes close, mechanical eye going dark again. he's silent for a long moment before shaking himself off and sliding off the stool, beginning to pace a little restlessly. ]

I need to -- I need to take care of this, shiiit. This is like, the worst possible time for this to come up? What the hell. I hate this. I hate her. I was trying to be her friend and what does that do? Oh, it fucks me over. Why do I even bother with like, anyone? Of course this is what happens. I try, it goes badly, someone tries to take my life. I'm just fucking cursed --

[ and with a very irritated yell, he kicks a stool and sends it skidding across the floor with a loud crash. both hands comb through his hair then and he grits his teeth, staring at the floor. ]

... You said you had good news?