#yeah I love Saru but he would not be a great bartender

[ridiasfangirlings]

Hi Ridia. It was mentioned in Dewa's character story that Kusanagi entrusts Dewa with stuff when Kusanagi is too busy to attend to them, effectively making Dewa Kusanagi's new successor since hus original successor is currently in S4 prob ably trying to murder Domyouji for using crayons again. I can imagine Dewa being a little insecure that Kusanagi would still prefer Fushimi as his successor and gets all discouraged. Cue mama Kusanahi stepping in and be all "i love all my children equally".

Aw poor Dewa, he already has enough insecurities from the way people keep thinking he's just Chitose's imaginary friend. This would be interesting though, like I'm sure Dewa's perceptive enough to notice that he's put in charge of the bar much more now that Fushimi's gone (well, Fushimi probably wasn't allowed to be properly in charge of the bar much anyway since no way Kusanagi lets a minor mix drinks but he maybe let Fushimi balance the books on occasion and took him along to help out at other businesses, which Dewa is now suddenly doing after Fushimi's absence). Dewa's happy to help of course, he respects Kusanagi and is pleased to be given this kind of responsibility, but being just a back up for Fushimi is a bit of a sore point. Maybe Chitose's teasing him about it one day and that's how Kusanagi finds out about Dewa's feelings, like he's left Dewa in charge of the bar and Dewa's handling it fine other than adding way too many spices into the curry. Chitose's enjoying trying to freeload off some beer and Dewa tells him he's still expected to pay, Chitose gives a mock pout and is like you know you're only in charge here because Fushimi split right. Chitose's kidding but a look of actual consternation comes over Dewa's face and Chitose's like wait that was a joke. Dewa mutters that he knows that, turning away to mix another drink and not noticing that Kusanagi stepped through the door just in time to hear the whole exchange.

Chitose's still trying to apologize when Kusanagi walks up to the counter and orders a drink. Dewa's like oh you're back and offers to give up the bar, Kusanagi shakes his head and says he doesn't mind being the one served for once. Chitose decides to step outside for a smoke and leaves the two of them behind, Kusanagi leaning on the bar counter as Dewa starts to mix his drink. Kusanagi says Dewa's gotten pretty skilled at that and Dewa shrugs, saying Kusanagi entrusted him with this so he wants to do it right. Kusanagi says he knows Dewa's trustworthy, that's why he asked Dewa for help specifically because who knows what could happen if he put some of the other guys in charge. The bar is special to him, so giving someone control over it is a sign of faith. Dewa wonders if Kusanagi overheard the conversation between him and Chitose and says he doesn't need reassurance, he knows his own value. Kusanagi's like is that so, taking his offered drink and saying that even so it's good to remind people sometimes that everyone has certain skills and that's important. Kusanagi can't deny that he had plans for Fushimi but that doesn't make Dewa a replacement – in fact when it comes to the bar Kusanagi trusts Dewa with it more than he would Fushimi, who doesn't quite have that 'bartender soul.' Dewa chuckles at that, wondering if he himself does and Kusanagi says well maybe, once you learn to lighten up on the spices in the curry. Dewa gives a slight smile and asks how the drink tastes, Kusanagi says it's almost as good as if he made it himself and Dewa's learning fast, soon he could even take this place over if he needed to. Dewa says he hopes he never would need to, but he really does appreciate the sentiment (and then Chitose steps back in and wonders if he still needs to apologize, Dewa throws a dirty rag at him).