Pavel stared at Hikaru and his hand for a few very long seconds, dimly considering whether or not he was a threat, and then shrugged, peering up at Duncan with malice. "He is lucky," he mused and leaned against the bar.

"Lucky--!" Duncan began, but then he looked down at Nyota, and at Hikaru, and sighed. "Keep your friend in line, then," he said gruffly and bumped past them, unable to resist knocking Pavel askew, who reacted immediately, and barely pulled himself back under control.

"Fine," he said irritably and motioned for another round of drinks. Pavel pushed one toward Hikaru. "And I am not drunk," he declared.