Disclaimer: In the jungle there is a magical monkey that screeches every time someone is born, by the time that monkey stops screeching I will still not own Fire Emblem.
Marisa's back slammed into the ground. Her shamshir flew out of her usually skilled hand only to plunge into the soil a few feet from her. The foot of her opponent, clad in a rather heavy boot, settled on her stomach, pinning her to the ground. The tip of his sword came to rest at the base of her throat. She looked up the sword up his arm to his face, ridiculous hat and all. He smiled down at her.
"I win," he said with a lopsided grin. Joshua lifted his foot off of Marisa's stomach and bent down to help her up.
"Thanks," She said as she brushed the dirt from her back then accepted a canteen of water from her friend.
Anyone else in camp would have fallen for that monotone 'thanks' but Joshua was different. He hadn't been afraid to get to know the heart behind the sword and Marisa had opened up to him. The benefit was a great friendship; the consequence was that Joshua wasn't as easily fooled by Marisa's aloof façade.
He grasped her by the shoulders and looked her strait in the eyes. "Tell me what's wrong."
"What?"
"Contrary to popular belief your not made of stone, your upset. Now tell old Joshie what the problem is."
Marisa placed a firm hand on Joshua's chest and pushed him well out of her personal space, "The problem is none of Joshie's business."
Joshua crossed his arms over his chest and tried to look offended. "I'm your friend, I'm making it my business."
"Well don't!" Marisa snapped.
Joshua put his hands up in surrender, "Easy! I'm not forcing you to do anything. I just want to help."
A dejected look formed on Marisa's face, "You can't."
Marisa heard the footsteps, her muscles relaxed as Joshua wrapped his arms around her shoulders. She leaned into him and rested her head on his chest.
"I don't feel anything." Marisa mumbled.
"Huh?"
"I don't feel anything!" She yelled, "Not when you hold me like this, not even the few times Gerik and I have kissed! I don't feel the way women are supposed to feel around men!" Marisa was crying into Joshua's coat.
"Maybe none of the men here are right for you." Joshua said softly. Determined to help her even as she broke his heart.
"It's not just that!" Marisa sobbed. "Whenever she's around me I start sweating, I stumble over my words, and my feet. My face flushes, my heart races and I feel like my stomach is doing back flips!"
Joshua didn't say anything. He stepped back from Marisa and gave her a moment to collect herself.
"I think I'm gay," she finally said.
"You think?" Joshua said.
"No, I am," Marisa hung her head.
Joshua walked over to her and gave her a firm clap on the shoulder. "Congratulations!"
"What!" Marisa stared at him like he was crazy.
"Coming out takes a lot of courage, not that you've ever lacked that. And I frankly don't care if your gay, you're my friend and I wouldn't abandon you over something so trivial." Joshua flashed his 'lady killer' grin.
"Thanks, Joshua. You're a great friend." She said softly. "If you tell anyone I said that!" She said a moment later, jabbing his chest with her finger.
"Ha ha, I know I know you'll kill me. So who is it, the girl that warms the heart of the Crimson Flash?"
"Tana," Marisa said the name with such uncharacteristic tenderness that Joshua did a double take.
"The princess of Frelia?" Joshua asked.
"Yes. Romantic isn't it the wayward, deadly mercenary and the beautiful, kind princess." Marisa said bitterly.
"Yeah it is. So, you want me and my boys to give you a hand?" Joshua started flexing his biceps.
Marisa was thunderstruck. "What! No you idiot!"
"Ya lost me."
"She can't know nobody can, think of what this would do to her reputation!"
"I think your overreacting."
"Joshua," Marisa looked at him pleadingly, "Please don't tell her."
"Okay, I promise I won't."
"Thank you Joshua." Marisa said. "Well I'll see you later." She gave him a casual wave goodbye as she walked back to camp.
Joshua sighed, "Is that what love is helping someone, working to see them happy even at your expense." Joshua mused over that for a few moments. "Love's a bitch."