_{[It's the kid's arrival that keeps Roche from reaching across the table for Reno's hand, and he both curses and thanks the powers that be for it. That'd have been weird, right? Especially if he just... blurted out something even stupider. Yeah, this kid? He's a winner tonight. The big, million-gil winner. A regular gillionaire. At any rate, it gives Roche a chance to slam the brakes on whatever is going on in his head before it gets away from him.]}

Ah... Don't worry about it. I'd be completely lost in your shoes, kid.

_{[He says kid like he's so much younger. It's the bright eyes that remind Roche of one. Bright and hopeful for the future, and he finds himself hoping that this place doesn't destroy that look. You hate to see high society do that to a person.]}

We're happy to have you, mister...?

_{[A-Alfons, sir.]}

Alfons. I like that. You'll have to forgive us. We've heard lovely things about this place, but some of the names here are a bit new to us.

_{[Best to be honest and upfront about it all, because Roche knows he's tripping up on how to pronounce some of the words listed as he rattles off his own order, and then tilts his head towards Reno. Do you want the honors? remains unspoken, but there's no hiding the shit-eating smile on his face.]}

...And whatever my dear companion would like.