(is it because this guy's incorrigible? manjiro sure thinks so, considering the grit and combative behavior he's witnessed in that basement.

finally, that sweet bomb of a drink is coming his way, and instead of being disgusted by the pool of sugar on the bottom, he's delighted. the sip that he takes from the straw is mostly that, after all.)

Bro, fruitiest? Seriously, fucker? But, whatever, are you paying?

(that said, he does not have the right to complain about the fact that he did, indeed, get his heart broken.)

Did the Russian tell you he's not that into you? Missed your shot with the golden Euro-thighs?

She's a'it. I don't hit women n' all, but she convinced me once because she wanted to see if she could withstand a kick of mine. Landed on her ass. I'll pay mine, but just mine, cuz I too am not making bank or anything.

(he likes her! he'll probably get a tab he'll pay up as soon as he's established again, god knows doing what. delivery, maybe? bike services? to be seen. but alright, the other drink comes along, and sha-ming is soon going to realize that's a mistake.

he gets white-girl wasted a-real quick.)

I mean, Nikolai is a tough one to crack. We weren't-- close or nothin', it was more of an agreement. Also, ex-girlfriend? Bro, you're gayer than me... Yeah, that fake memory shit also happened with me. Is that how you met Minatan? You said he was your brother and all. Bullshitting Euro-thighs or what?

And, uh, which part? Fuckload happened to me. You gotta be specific.

(he isn't quite aware of anyone that comes into the bar - not relevant to him. if it's a problem, he can tend to it pretty quickly, and if it isn't, why bother? if it's someone who wants to talk to him, they will. therefore, large black eyes keep on the drink that is being prepared for him, a pout of entitlement because -- it's gotta be delicious and sweet to the point his teeth rot and his jaw closes on the first sip.

but then, the voice makes him perk up, almost too fast that a couple of strands that were in the messy bun atop manjiro's head fall on his face. it's funny, what a man who knows him, and at the same time, none at all. it makes him laugh, mostly to himself.)

You gotta leave 'em a little guide on how to make drinks that'll make me happy.

(claude has never failed him, even if it weren't... real.)

Man, yeah. Years ago. Went home, but now that I'm here, fucking terrified of these roots coming out. How you doin', anyway?

(yeah. so. he actually wanted to drink first, but he can take a very good guess that kotone might probably not be on the best terms with him either. considering, well, scott. yu. yosuke. their friends. whom manjiro has hurt.

so. he'll down the drink, because fuck him, right, first.)

I actually wanted to talk to you.

(for all that he could be, he's rather calm, eyes fixated on the way the waves kiss the sand, the taste of nicotine in his tongue, and the aroma of salt that come into his nostrils. he's always loved being close to the ocean, it's where he would wake all the founding members to go to at ass o'clock in the morning, and where he decided he'd be larger than anything else.

it's a little reassurance that he's still him, even with all the change.

also, scott, please, expecting mikey to be taller is like expecting him to be santa claus. he is never growing more than that, but he would think it's hilarious the other teen had considered it.)

The hair is throwing you off, mhm? It's me.