what am i doing.

[ethically]

That's a good question — What are you doing? How about you do us both the favor of finishing the hell up before you make the attempt to dive in headfirst?

I have to admit, I'm actually a little offended that you would think me so two-dimensional that you could just assume you have complete and total understanding of my characterization. When you're only — what, three? three and a half episodes in?

Let's take a step back, try again, and we'll decide where to go from there. [ ... ] Yes, together. Jesus, I didn't realize this was all about you. Careful, you wouldn't want to put anybody's eye out with all that humility of yours.

Comments

[michaelross]

At least they waited a couple before assuming they could get you down just right, though? Better than diving in headfirst after only one, I'd think.

Unless, you know, you really are two-dimensional. Then you'd have an entirely different problem.

[ This cheeky little bastard. ]

[ethically]

[ The eyebrow quirk says she's so amused right now, Mike. Really. Watch as she pretends to listen whilst tweeting. ]

The way I hear it, that's not so uncommon a problem around here. I don't know if that's more troublesome or if it's just downright amusing.

[ She glances up now. Cheeky bastard, meet cheeky bitch. ]

So, which one do you fall under?

[michaelross]

[ Oh, of course. She's one of those people that are constantly glued to their phone. This is going to be a great time. ]

What - troublemaking or amusing? And if the answer is both?

[ethically]

[ She's a reporter, Mikey. She has a fever, and the only prescription is more information. For the time being, she slips it in her pocket. There — You have her full attention. For now. Impress her. ]

The word was "troublesome", actually. But if you're claiming to be both, I think my next response might just have to be "prove it." There's nothing more disappointing than an empty troublemaking claim.

[michaelross]

[ And he's a lawyer, Zoe, so he doesn't care about your phone unless it's helping him win a case. Or, y'know, getting him into bed. But that's an entirely different story. ]

Oh, I've made plenty of trouble for quite a few people, but that's knowledge you'll have to earn. I'm not the kind of guy to give away handouts just because a pretty face told me to prove it.

[ethically]

[ Say what you really feel, Mikey. No, seriously — She prefers it that way. Without hesitation, Zoe tilts her head, eying the tie. ]

Oh, is this the part where I say "You really think I'm pretty?" [ Zoe glances back up into his face. ] Nice outfit. Let me guess — Lawyer?

[michaelross]

Hopefully not. If that were the case, I'd have to tell you that you're well aware of the fact that you're pretty. More than, really, and I'd prefer that we just skip that bit altogether. It's boring.

[ At the mention of his suit, he looks down and smirks, shrugging. ] Guilty as charged. [ He adjusts that very tie she was eyeing and looks back up. ] And you. Inquisitive, previously attached to the phone. I'd say something in social networking or ... media, maybe? I've never been very good at guessing games.

[ethically]

Keeps me awake almost every night, let me tell ya. [ Self-deprecation — Zoe grins. ]

Door Number Two. You're doing well so far. I might actually believe your original statement, at this rate. [ ... ] Lawfirm? Something well known, I'm assuming. Judging by your attitude, the tie, and your suit's tailored, well, — It's definitely up there.

[ She hangs her thumbs off her pockets. ] A troublemaking lawyer. Stop the presses.

[michaelross]

[ If he rolled his eyes any harder, they might just fall out of their sockets. ] I'm sure you haven't had a proper night's sleep in days.

Oh, well, that's a relief. I was so worried about what you thought of me. [ Still, he grins. He'll play along for now. ] Pearson Hardman, New York City. You can say we're kind of ... the firm. [ He shrugs as though it's not a big deal, when for him, it really is. Keeping it cool, Ross? ]

Stop the presses, indeed – oh. Journalist?

[ethically]

Are you sure we haven't met before? You clearly have such a thorough and profound understanding of who I am. [ Yes, there's even a little chuckle now. Congratulations, funnyman. ]

[ This time, she points a finger. ] Right, you're the Robin to Harvey Specter's Batman. It's Ross, isn't it?

You know, these days, I think we prefer the term "reporter".

[michaelross]

Pretty sure I'd remember meeting someone like you. [ Is he flirting? Who knows. Mike Ross doesn't exactly have an off switch. ] You don't strike me as the type of woman to let people forget who you are, but maybe that's just a first impression.

[ Robin. Right. Well, it's accurate, even if he doesn't like the idea of being a sidekick. Mike puts his hands up, eyebrows raised. ] Hey, whoa. You know me and I don't know you? That hardly seems fair. [ That's not to say he's not pleased with the recognition, though. Clearly he is. ]

Reporter, then. My apologies, Miss...? [ And now he waits. ]

[ethically]

A decent analysis. [ Is she complimenting him? Maybe. With Zoe Barnes, will the world ever really know? ] I'm almost impressed. [ Almost. ]

That's the thing about life. Apparently a wise man once said it wasn't fair. Guess it stuck. [ She's amused now, and wouldn't you know it? It might actually be showing. ]

Barnes. [ At least he doesn't have long to wait. ]