JRWI tings :P

No.59

"A-ah, uh- okay- well let's- hold up bud." Chip placed a hand on Gillion's shoulder, shooting him a quick look. "Maybe we can sleep on this? I mean- we're just here to restock on some shit and head back out, y'know? This-"

To their surprise, the barkeep seemed understanding. Which only made Chip feel worse.

"I... I understand. This- this is a big ask of newcomers. I do not expect you to help us when you have nothing truly to gain other than a little coin... You are not the first I have asked, or to have refused the offer. But I know the townspeople would be grateful. I-I only ask for you to sleep on it. I will be here in the morning, if you've come to a decision, please let me know." With this, she took back the coin purse, a small polite yet disappointed smile on her features. Before she seemed to wallow in the situation any longer, she cleared her throat, the small smile growing slightly. "A-Anyhow..! I believe you requested some rooms tonight..! They are small, but we do have enough for a room each?"

The night passed slowly. The three took to a slightly more private table in the tavern, a small table near the corner. Chip, as he predicted, was questioned by both of his co-captains, questions from a certain non-specific triton being slightly more heated than another's.

"They are being terrorised, Chip..! We must help them."

"Gill- there... look, we don't know how many bandits there are, we don't know how dangerous they are-"

"These uncertainties have never stopped me from defeating an enemy before."

"... Ignoring how terrifying that was- I just don't want us rushing into a situation that isn't our problem to begin with and then getting screwed over because of it!"

"... I think we should help 'em."

"Jay, the only possible motives are the gold or the pretty barkeep. Keep it together-"

"Now Chip... Jay is not so shallow as to only help others to win the affections of-"

"No, no... he has a point-"

This back and forth continued for a little while longer. Soon enough, both the conversations between the trio as well as the business within this small tavern came to a slower pace. It was a comforting atmosphere, the lack of boisterous conversations and laughter helping (excluding Gillion, but he was a very welcome exception for both Chip and Jay).

"Before we retire for the night... About the barkeep's request for help-"

"Might as well."

"Now I knew you'd be hesitant, Chip, but- wait- what?"

Chip rolled his eyes at Gillion's shock. It wasn't that odd for Chip to accept his ideas, was it? "I said might as well. I mean we've done stupider things. And if this helps out a few people, guess that's a bonus."

Jay grinned, finishing her ale. "Nearly thought you were a decent guy for a second there, Chip."

"I'm not that bad of a guy, Jay! Why are you both so shocked?!" Chip's huff went seemingly unnoticed by both of his co-captains, though the brunette did notice a fondness in Gillion's eyes as he looked at him. "What?"

"Nothing, Chip! I just... Well, I think it's very much worth it. To help these people, I mean. I'm glad you're happy to accompany us on this venture." Chip never really knew how to deal with Gillion's weird soft fond look he gave him sometimes. It made him feel awkward, and he hated it.

Okay, it wasn't so bad, but it was still awkward.

"Alright, enough of that- let's just- get some sleep. We got a long day tomorrow apparently." Chip tried to sound annoyed by emphasising the 'apparently', but he figured it didn't have much of an effect from the look of the unfazed expressions of his companions. That and he had been the one to agree with the plan overall. But the attempt was there.