Chapter Text
"Do you think I could cash in on that promise to duel tomorrow?" Joshua leaned over Marisa as she ate quietly next to Gerik and she nearly choked, taken off guard by someone managing to sneak up on her.
Gerik pats her back as she coughs. "Take it easy."
"Sorry, my bad."
He notices the way she allows Gerik to get closer, almost leaning into him. It makes him wonder how expensive their group would be to hire once he's home again. He doubts he could separate any of them.
"Tomorrow is fine." She wheezes out.
This catches Gerik's attention and he looks up at Joshua. "Oh? Are you already making new friends?"
"No!" Marisa shouts and everyone nearby looks her way. She forces her voice to remain steady and quiet. "It's just a duel. Nothing more."
"That's a shame." He turns back around and stretches and everyone loses interest in whatever any of them had to say anymore. "Try not to kill him."
"Hey!" Joshua crosses his arms and leans back. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Marisa may not be expressive but her pokerface is the worst. "It means he thinks I'll win." She's shamelessly basking in Gerik's praise.