Unfortunately for them both, Aerith reaching out so suddenly makes Marina flinch away. A reaction she's immediately not proud of, looking downright embarrassed and then soon just sour. What kind of a reaction is that!? Marina's tough as nails, she knows it, everybody should know it-

But some events are a bit too fresh in her mind. A hand gently reaching for her arm sets off a terror response. Her hand twitches and bundles into and out of a fist just to remind herself it's still attached. Rubbing her arm for comfort isn't on the table just yet.

Trying to save face, Marina grabs up some food and stuff it into her own face, chomping on it and speaking from the corner of her lips.

"Not here," she shouldn't speak with her mouth full, but it somehow feels more aloof than just addressing why she'd jump like that, "don't wanna talk about it," at least she can clarify that much. They should. Talk about something else!

"Why would you want to go to a mask party, anyways? You're pretty. Masks are for ugly people."