week three | dates

[marriagebroker]

Here we go again.

You all better kiss.

Comments

[ordimame]

[as usual, Edamura's get up is. . . less than ideal. another crisp suit, but plain as all of his other ones! his tousled hair does not help him fit in any better]

[whispering hastily to Aventurine as they are led into the room]

. . . I can't help but feel like we might get killed if we say the wrong thing—!

[gamboler]

You really think so?

[ Said a little too chipper. Maybe it's just that he's excited to get behind a poker table. It's been awhile since he's had a proper game, and even if the stakes aren't that high here, they can pretend!

He claims Edamura on the shoulder. ]

Don't worry. We'll do just fine. You've played before, right?

[ordimame]

[NOT THAT HIGH?? THE BUY-IN IS TEN GRAND??]

A few times. . . [is that a lie? either way, he clears his throat and adjusts his tie] So I know the rules. I wouldn't say I'm very good at it, though.

[some of the professionals are eyeing them with wary looks as they reach the table, and Edamura gulps visibly as he slips into his seat, looking very much like he does not belong]

So I might be counting on you to carry us. . .

[gamboler]

[ Ten grand that they didn't have to pay for! It's fiiiiiine. If Aventurine has his way — and he always does — they'll be walking out of here with far more than that.

Slipping into the seat next to Edamura, Aventurine contrasts him perfectly, sitting back with his legs crossed, confidence oozing from his demeanor. They make quite the pair to join the table together, he thinks. To the table: ]

My friends! Deal us in, if you will. I have a good feeling about our odds tonight.

[ The dealer begins to deal everyone at the table their hand, but the game has already begun. ]

[ordimame]

[Aventurine is welcomed without a second glance. after all, he is in familiar waters! but a few of the older gentlemen shoot Edamura the stink eye as the flick cards his way, which just causes him to sink a little deeper into his seta]

. . . is poker your game of choice, Aventurine?

[or does he prefer other games of chance?]

[gamboler]

I'd say roulette is my favorite [ my man's entire ult is just a roulette wheel ], but poker is a close second. It's the ultimate mind game, and if you can't think like your opponents, the game's already lost before its begun.

[ And making the most of the hand he's dealt has always been his specialty. He picks up his cards and slots them into his hand. ]

[ordimame]

[THE WAY HE JUST DUMPS MONEY ON THE ENEMIES. . . . . .]

[Edamura doesn't pick his up, but he does peel them slightly off the table to peer at their faces, grimacing as he does so. this guy has a poor poker face. . .]

Huh. . . is that why you like it so much? Because it's like going head-to-head with your opponents?

[gamboler]

Something like that. I like to see the flash of utter disappointment in their eyes when they realize I've stolen the victory right out from under them.

[ A few of the older men at the table shoot him dirty looks. Hotheaded kid... he'll eat his humble pie soon enough. ]

[ordimame]

[OR SO THEY THINK. . . Edamura grabs two cards from his hand and tosses the back to the dealer, who in turn gives him two more. after peering at those faces. . . he leans back in his chair and shakes his head]

I fold.

[a few of the heavyweight players grin]

[. . .]

[Edamura continues, head tilted towards Aventurine]

Do you find it thrilling? That moment of defeat?

[gamboler]

[ Hm... interesting. Taking a peek at his own cards, Aventurine grins, before declaring: ]

I'll call.

[ In goes his chip! ]

I'd say so, since I've never truly lost. I'm always chasing that high of possible defeat.

[ That earns him a derisive snicker from the table. ]

[ordimame]

[the other players either call or fold in turn. Edamura keeps his gaze trained on Aventurine the entire time]

What will you do when you experience your first real loss?

[gamboler]

Mm, like I said before: die a horrible, fiery death, probably.

[ Said so very breezily, gaze flickering around the table, before: ]

I'll raise.

[ Two more chips added in now. ]

[ordimame]

[oh my god. I forgot he already asked that. a small snort]

Nah. I don't think that's true.

[still watching Aventurine, and only Aventurine, as the rest of the players at the table call his bet]

Your type isn't that easily kept down.

["your type," Edamura??]

[gamboler]

[ Yeah, excuse?? ]

My "type"?

[ordimame]

[he repeats, not a single ounce of uncertainty in his voice]

Your type.

[the men around the table lay down their cards, with the highest hand being a simple three of a kind. what do you have, Aventurine??]

[gamboler]

You sound quite sure of yourself for someone who folded immediately.

[ He flips over his hand, a pair of eights. A light shrug. ]

What a shame! But the game doesn't end until we walk away from the table.

[ordimame]

[the other men at the table fistpump to their success as they collect their chips. Edamura laughs]

That's the spirit.

[the dealer hands out a new set of cards, and just as before, the poor dramatic lets out a sharp, disappointed sigh as he discards three for three more]

Brave enough to call even when your hand is low. . . that takes a lot of guts.

[gamboler]

Well, what fun is a gamble if you wait to get played the hand you want?

[ He keeps all his cards, and once again, will call. ]

[ordimame]

I don't think there's much fun in losing everything you've got, either. . .

[three more cards. . . Edamura wrinkles his nose in distaste, before glancing back at Aventurine, then the men who still sit across the table]

[. . .]

Okay. . .! I'll call.

[he tosses a few chips into the pile as the experienced poker guys roll their eyes, as if seeing through his obvious bluff]

[gamboler]

[ Look at him go...a few of the players decide to fold, but when it comes back to Aventurine, once again: ]

I'll raise.

1/2

[ordimame]

[-- gck]

[ordimame]

[. . . DEEP BREATH, BEAN!!!]

I'll. . . call.

[tosses a few more chips onto the pile, before pulling back to drum his fingers against the table]

[gamboler]

[ Much to Aventurine's surprise, before it comes back around to him again, another player raises again — and this time, it's his turn to let out a sigh. ]

Mm...I fold.

[ Up to you, bean boy. ]

[ordimame]

[UP TO BEAN BOY. . . who seems to be sweatin' something fierce when the choice comes back to him, with a few others folding in between. he shifts a bit in his seat, before taking another deep breath and tossing a few more chips in to the pile]

[. . .]

[the man who raised before smiles, before pushing his ENTIRE PILE OF CHIPS to the center table. all in.]

[Edamura freezes, and shoots an uncertain glance towards Aventurine]

[gamboler]

[ Oh, this is getting interesting. Aventurine's features are bright, intense - even if he isn't the one on the cusp of winning or losing it all, this is the moment he loves the most. ]

Well? Will you back down now? It's all or nothing, my friend.

[ Whether it's a soaring victory or crushing defeat, he's eager to find out. ]