[Make no mistake: Blue definitely was on the edge of tears. It was a poorly hid secret of his, perhaps, that he was easily driven to tears over a great many things, once most people got to know him.... It was just that he felt so pitiful for it to be a first impression. Man, this wasn't cool at all!]

[And it wasn't an easy wall to let go of, either. Building those up was tough when you were as prone to emotion as Blue was- it had been a life-long project. But Haru's insistence makes him hesitate visibly, although he still doesn't seem to be able to allow himself to just let it out with a hard clench, a bob of his Adam's apple as he swallows a new wave of tears back down.]

Really.... It's okay, [He lies, poorly- and he knows it- but at least maybe she'll take pity on him enough to let him slide by. Crying alone was way easier, anyway...] I think I'll head back to my place, like you said.

[He tries to steady himself and rise from his seat, but there's a bit of a stumble involved. Ah, he'd better get his Pokémon to help him.] Haru-chan, thanks for lending me an ear for a minute. Well, you're free to hang around in here, if you want- not like I charge for the drinks anyway.

[He tries to flash her a kidding grin, even despite the grimace it's bitten through.]