How did she get stuck in this situation? Her. Of all people in this slowly becoming crazy house? Mari was trying not to visibly shake as she opened her can of soda. She and her friends were the first to be awake this morning. Abel never slept in the first place. Payton had an early class. No matter the prompting, both of them couldn't just stay and miss work or school. Especially with more mouths to feed, and Payton needed a place to study and work without a man standing over her shoulder asking her what something meant every five minutes. So now the sheep of the group was stuck in the house with the planeswalkers...all by herself. She had never been brave like Abel or even as strong as Payton, but she knew she could do this. Mari knew that she would be able to handle this day alone.

She turned and blinked when she saw that Gideon had joined her. He had discarded his heavier armor but his weapon was still firmly attached to his wrist. He couldn't be too careful with the red male in the home. And the artificer worried him too. Though the man hadn't done anything to lose his trust, he hadn't done anything to gain it either. Gideon's hair was a bit messy, but he was pulling it back into a ponytail again. Mari almost dropped her drink, a blush on her face. Turning away she took a drink of the soda and kept quiet. She could feel the man looking at her, probably wondering what to say just like she was. She decided to make the first move as she turned and smiled.

"I'm not the cook my friends are but I can make a simple breakfast. Are you hungry," Mari questioned.

The plansewalker gave her a smile and nodded. He hadn't seen much of this girl. She was the one that usually stayed more docile and quiet. He would take this time to figure her out, to get a better handle on how best to show respect to all of his hosts. He moved to the fridge and opened it, taking the carton of eggs out and handing it to her. Mari looked nothing but surprised that he had just done such a thing. Why?

"Should I go wake the others," Gideon asked, noticing how tense she was being.

Mari hated this. She had so many questions to ask him. He was one of her favorite planeswalkers, top three. The only reason she was tense wasn't because of shyness, but because she had to keep something very crucial a secret. It was lucky that her second favorite planeswalker wasn't here. They would all be in trouble. Mari had a hard enough time keeping secrets in the first place. The only thing she found different about this secret was that if they found out they had been withholding information, no less information such as them knowing nearly everything about them at their fingertips, they would be in real danger. Mari knew what she had to do.

"Go ahead. It won't be ready for another half hour.," she said, taking the eggs over to the oven. They had slowly been working on the damage but materials cost more than what they all made together.

Breakfast was uneventful. Mari found herself wishing she had some other talent or even spunk like her friends had. Payton had her art, Abel had his "personality", and here she was...she could tell you most anything about Persona. They had reacted to Skyrim rather well, but she assumed that was only because the ideas of that game they could relate to. Persona...might be a bit much for some of them. Tezzeret might be intrigued, but the red head decided that it would be best to be quiet. That's all-

"You've been rather quiet...are you ok?"

Mari blinked a few times and looked over at the uncomfortable looking elf who had spoken. Nissa didn't particularly care, but for the planeswalkers having been dropped into an unknown place with no ties to mana, their host looked like she's the one out of place. It didn't sit well with her, seeing that she had been trying her best to care for them. It wasn't like when the short brunette did it, it was more of an obligation to her. Nor like the male who seemed to only care for them in passing, if the others did it. She didn't want this kindness to go to waste.

Mari found herself blushing as she fidgeted with the hem of her favorite hoodie. She decided to wear it because it helped her feel more confident. At the moment it seemed its power was wasted under the gazes of her guests.

"Uh...Y-yes. I just don't have...anything to say," she responded in almost a mumble.

Across the room where the red devil stood leaning against the wall, away from everyone, he chuckled darkly making the room rise in tension. He sipped his water and looked at her square in the eye.

"You are a terrible liar, little human," he sneered, "You look about ready to run for the hills."

She looked like a deer caught in the headlights and like she might cry. She was doing the best she could! Gideon frowned deeply and Tibalt just left the room laughing deeply, seemingly very pleased with what he had done. Mari stood up and started to quietly clear the table. The blush on her face showed her embarrassment. Gideon stood up and stopped her with a soft hand on her arm.

"Thank you for the food. I am sure you are trying the best you can with what you have. Not everyone was meant to be a leader, but everyone has an important part."

Mari was blushing again. Was it his words or the smile he gave. Even Nissa was trying to offer a supportive half-smile. Tezzeret was staring at her but of course she didn't expect him to react, though he gave a short nod. He might not find her as useful as the others, even they weren't too useful to begin wtih, however, she truly was doing the best she could. Even he could respect that.

"I-i-it's nothing really. Don't make a fuss about it," she smiled at them but still didn't meet anyone's eyes.

They weren't very convinced but the matter was dropped. The planeswalkers dispersed however, Gideon stayed nearby. Mainly because he was trying to make conversation with her. He hadn't made much progress in the matter and neither had she. Neither person knew anything about the other or where to even begin. It fell into silence again and the only sound was the water running as she rinsed off the dishes. She sighed when she realized that the dishwasher had been destroyed so that meant she will have to hand wash them or else Cain will most likely be mad at her for not doing so...again. She would let them soak for a little bit and then come back to them by lunch time. She would just make hot pockets or something that didn't involve anything but paper plates. She dried her hands and let them fall into her hoodie's pocket. Turning she found a subject that could get him talking rather than her.

"That's an interesting weapon...i don't think I've ever seen anything like it."

He blinked a few times at the statement and followed her eyes down to the weapon, moving his arm to watch it reflect light. He supposed it wasn't that odd of a question, given that it probably wasn't a common thing to see for the girl. He offered a smile and offered his arm out so she could get a closer look. If this is what it took to help her feel comfortable then he saw no harm in the civilian looking at the sural. She timidly stepped forward and he nodded when she shied to touch it. He kept watch to make sure that she didn't accidentally do something that would make him use it, he could never be certain that she was as safe as she appeared to be. Mari lightly touched the brace and he went tense a little. He wasn't entirely comfortable with this, but for now he held his tongue. This was his host and she had been nothing but gracious thus far.

Mari couldn't believe that he was letting her do this. From everything Payton had said, and everything that she herself had read, nothing could have prepared her for the real thing. She knew how it worked, she knew what would happen. However she feigned this knowledge and barely ghosted her hands over it before stepping back. She looked content and more confident in him. Good. This caused him to give a stronger smile. He had made a connection, whatever it had been, and that was his goal.

"Maybe some other time I will demonstrate how I use it."

"That would be...so cool!"

-w-w-

The day passed by much faster now that the ground had been set for some kind of relationship that wasn't so awkward. Mari had started to play video games taking time to explain, to the best of her ability, how everything worked and what it was. It was exhausting but she managed to do it. Despite this she was happy to hear Payton's music outside towards dinner. She saved the game and walked to greet her at the door.

"Hey! Mari! It's Friday!"

Mari started to frown. She had forgotten about the day. Payton didn't drink often but if it was a stressful week and it was Friday then she's already been to the bar. She smiled as Payton walked through the door with a huge smile on her face. She held up some bags.

"I got your favorite! And I plan on mixing drinks!"

"Payton do you...really think now is the right time to do this?"

Payton grew somber and eyed their guests for a moment, showing that she wasn't even as tipsy as she was acting. She pulled Mari outside and spoke in hushed tones.

"Look Mari...I know this seems like a bad idea but..." the brunette stopped and looked away, signaling to Mari that something bad had happened today, most likely at work.

"I need to unwind...I can hold off on heavier stuff until Abel gets home so don't worry...you know it takes a lot of alcohol to get me even buzzed," Payton smiled and hugged her "I will order take out and pizza so we have plenty of food."

"If you're sure I just wish you wouldn't..."

Payton eyed her for a moment before sighing. "Look. I won't drink anything but beer until Abel is home if that makes you feel safer."

Mari smiled brightly, knowing she had won this one the best she could. Payton could drink a six pack and be fine. "Thank you, Payton."

Payton put on her excited smile and walked into the house.

"I brought the fun!"

Tibalt made his way downstairs at the yell and the other three stared at her for a few moments before they noted it was alcohol that she had taken out. She hadn't spent much money despite the quantity. She was best friends with a guy who had a friend that owned a liquor store. She got discounts and things for free all the time. Nissa looked somewhat disgusted but she eyed her with a small smile at the same time. The smile on the human's face looked...natural. Not the fake smile she always gave off. She looked over to the red head who seemed to only smile at her friend's antics. Gideon was frowning slightly. If he had heard their conversation he would have tried to urge the girl along with Mari to not drink right now. However he seemed to relax when she started to put the heavier spirits away. He would stick close by the girls if they planned to drink, only naturally. Tibalt grinned and took the offered beer. He received a very friendly smile which threw him off guard for a second or two. This was going to be an interesting night...maybe he could use this to his advantage. Tezzeret was watching the scene with an amused smile. His eyes laid on the brunette for a moment before he stood as well. Drinks were dispersed to those who wanted them and Payton picked out a movie that she knew both her and Mari would love.

A few hours later and Payton was helping Mari up to her room. She had been watching her more than her friend thought she needed to be watched. She made sure she only drank one of the ales and very slowly at that. She had made sure she ate some of the Chinese she had ordered before giving her water and aspirin. However, as long as she has known Mari, the woman had never been much of a drinker so as a result one or two ales was enough for her. She made sure Mari had her vita plugged in and handed it to her to play until she fell asleep.

She heard the clock chime downstairs and glanced at her phone. It was about time for Abel to be back home. As if on cue the door burst open and she chuckled as she heard him downstairs upon finding the liquor.

"PAYTON! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING YOU FUCKING DRUNKARD?!"

She came down calmly to stare at Abel with a nonchalant look. She eyed him for a moment as he did her. He looked exhausted and that was all she needed to know. Softly humming and ignoring his growing growls, she walked over and started making some kind of drink. Gideon was sitting by the table, unsure what to do. Would he attack her if she continued provoking him? It looked like it. However, the short woman seemed to ignore the approaching male and he started to brace himself to intervene.

Suddenly she turned around.

"Shut up and drink your mojito."

Abel stared at her with a shocked expression before he grumbled and took the drink he knew he wanted desperately. Though he wasn't about to admit it to her. Payton smiled warmly at him before she made herself a jack and coke, finally switching to a harder drink. She knew Abel wouldn't last very long and this was certain when he took a few boxes of the take out and started up the stairs. Since tomorrow was Saturday that meant he had to go in early at the bike shop. Mari also had an early day to go help her mother out in her class. Payton? Well...

She stared at the floor quietly as she idly swirled the ice in her glass. She downed it quickly and grimaced at the warm feeling she got. She sighed softly and poured another. Looking up she found that some of the planeswalkers were making their way up the stairs. Gideon looked at her.

"Will you be okay," he questioned.

She blinked a little and smiled at him. She ended up falling asleep on the couch. She was happy Mari seemed to get closer to Gideon so that meant that she would be safe and well...she knew he was one of Mari's favorites. She really hoped that no one else showed. Their house might be big but...she chose not to think about it.

Come the next day she probably should have.