Getting smashed was Reno's usual way of coping with the worst of things. And reliving those sorts of memories -- with an audience? -- that was pretty much the definition. The booze sounded like the perfect idea and Reno did want to explain himself -- he figured he should talk to people if he wanted to keep them around. That was a new thing he was trying, keeping friends around.

But when he walked into the bar...

This was what he wanted. In theory. In his head. But actually doing it, seeing these people, was hard. It was hard for everyone, he tried to tell himself.

Telling himself that the alcohol would make it easier, as alcohol was wont to do, Reno made a beeline for the bar. It was a few moments more before he actually spoke to Clarus, cheeks and ears pink with the blush he couldn't hide. "Sorry you were... I mean... That must've been awkward."