[He's actually rather disappointed that the overwhelming majority of people he's replied somewhat eagerly to have backed out, claiming they didn't send those messages. Few have turned out this great. Naturally he's latching on to the good encounters, even offering belly rubs and groin rubs and anything else that might still be on the table.]

I'll drink anything, but I'm partial to a gin and tonic, or whiskey. [He actually seems a little surprised because he wasn't expecting Azuma to be much of a drinker, let alone someone who will outlast the competition. Tilting his head, John seems to be considering him in a new light.]

Anyway. Don't think we'll find anything of that sort here. [John's priorities would be a decent place to sleep, followed by a pub, and a tiny corner store that'll sell him more cigarettes. The sorry state of his cuticles are the last thing on his mind.]

What's this about your troupemates? [John's first thought is more Cirque du Soleil than any sort of acting gig.]