Vasquez’s teasing does well to ease away some of the tense air between them, and Faraday can’t help but bark out a laugh. If Ethel had bothered giving him the time of day, Faraday still doubts his ability to settle down. He’s always been struck by a particular kind of wanderlust, a need for adventure – a feeling he’s nursed ever since he was growing into his limbs, trying to enlist for the war despite being years too young.

His lips part to say as much, to tell Vasquez that he doesn’t have a single nerve in him capable of doting, but the infamous Josiah appears at that moment. Faraday schools his expression into something neutral and light – the usual mask he wears at card tables – even if it’s largely lost on the barkeep, considering he’s hardly looking Faraday’s way. Faraday continues to watch Josiah warily, though, vigilant even if his posture betrays none of it.

That changes in an instant, though, when those words slip past Josiah’s tongue, and Faraday’s gaze snaps to Vasquez in an instant – just in time to see how the other man freezes like he’s caught in the sights of a gun. Faraday’s mind races as Vasquez makes his hasty escape, still maintaining that relaxed attitude even if Josiah looks every bit as confounded as Faraday feels.

The two of them remain in silence for a long spell, staring at the kitchen where Vasquez had retreated, and Faraday breathes out a quiet laugh.

“Well, that was odd,” he says easily, shaking his head. He glances up at Josiah, flashing him a bright smile – his gambler smile, the smile he puts on when he’s trying to earn trust, just before he betrays it by swindling his marks out of their hard-earned money.

“You know Spanish, huh? Don’t think our mutual friend gets many compliments in his native tongue.”