Luck of the cards //Kratos x Candira//

[Kratos]

In a city like Azeal, events were quite commonly happening. Although for some there were definitely ones that ended up bigger then others, for example for Seth the card's tournament was always a huge event at least in his eyes. Where others preferred the huge fashion shows, or the street side events that took place usually one or twice a month. Last month being some sort of music festival that seemed pretty popular with the residents. Then again Seth enjoyed gambling, and had naturally learned how to raise his odd in winning by being able to tell when was a good time to stay in a game, fold or raise highly. That and sometimes sleight of hand for really bad hands came into play... although only he knew about that. If he was ever caught fully doing such a thing, he knew he would be blacklisted from most nearby casino's but that was why he developed methods to be excessively effective and not obvious at all. That and he deliberately would lose sometimes just so that it seems his odd were not to fancy.. which would attract to much attention.

Today was the first day of the tournament that would stretch over a few days, to begin with everyone simply just gambled at the casino like they would normally. Of which Seth was in reasonably casual gear, a plain long sleeve t-shirt, that was black that had an emblem on the front of an abstract lion, and a standard pair of blue jeans with white skate shoes. His brown hair messy yet short, and had a little bit of gel in it, to help give the front a bit more edge. His blue eyes his secret weapon that took in his surroundings, and naturally reading the situations that he was in to make the best moves without being noticed. The way it worked was, people would play and the ones that did better would all get picked to go to a different section of the casino. That is where the actual games began, although none of that area was monitored by camera's but instead a lot of workers who watch everything in real time to try and catch cheaters. Seth had made it to that point before and had to deliberately end up losing since they were catching on. But this year he had perfected his talent and knew he would get pretty far without any suspicion, but first normal gambling would have to take place, so that he could grab the attention of the casino workers but in a good way.

Sure enough he went and chose himself a Texas Holdem table, starting to play their for a little while. Next he would move onto Blackjack before taking a small break and going to play Western Poker. Of which if he did well at all three, that would usually be enough to be noticed and asked if he would like to take place in the actual event of which you could bring one or two spectators with you to play at the table but if they were helping you cheat both would be thrown out which was why Seth always played by himself, to avoid such speculations.

 

[Candira]

Azreal's casino was starting off the grand tournament again. It was the perfect opportunity to get a job, since they were hiring on temporary help. As it stood, Kira was a cocktail waitress at the casino. And a flirty one at that. One who always knew which players were hot, and which players were not. And for a good reason. She intended to rob them of their winnings once they were out and about. Besides, life was nothing without adventure, right?

This year's theme was wild west, and she was stuck into wearing a corset top that showed quite a bit of skin and decent amounts of her ample cleavage, with a tiny skirt and old fashioned stockings. It made her long, toned legs look even longer and a bit more shapely. She wore heels on her feet to further the illusion, and had her red hair done in soft curls, a feathery ornament topping it off. She wore gloves as well, and a feather boa, though she used all excuses to "forget" where she'd put it. Then again, so did all the other girls.

As she was making her rounds this year, she caught sight of a player that seemed to be on fire as far as luck was concerned. Or perhaps...a talented cheater. Whatever the case, he was going onto her list of who to watch for. She smiled innocently and found a man who'd ordered the drink on her tray and chatted with him for awhile, though she had no interest in him.

That said, she excused herself and added other names to her list before she came to Seth's table and smiled. "Well, hi there sugar. Can I get you a little something?" she asked, standing far back enough so that she couldn't be accused of cheating.

 

[Kratos]

Every year at this casino was themed, although this year in particular seemed to be rather interesting since it was more old fashion then the usual. Yet everyone knew and liked the old wild western feel although Seth never really paid much attention to the themes but rather the quality of the players, who was on watching for cheaters and other fellow cheaters that he would have to try and outwit since if they took a fall to late they could accuse him of cheating and usually come up with enough evidence in some form that would cause him to either at least have to leave. Or get caught which so far had not happened but a few years back one in particular made him have to simply get up and leave.

As the games went Seth rarely had to use his skills so far, as the games seemed rather in his favor to begin with although seeing as it seemed to good to be true he moved table after a few more wins. After all he did not want to pull attention from luck, that and he needed to at least be able to have a few good practice rounds with lower odds to help make sure he would be able to manage this year and hopefully win quite well. After all most years he did well but this year he wanted to do even better. Hearing a voice he stopped concentrating for a moment before turning around. "Just a glass of ale, your finest preferably" his eyes looked the female briefly up and down before smiling a little at her and then returning to his game this round losing on purpose even though his hand was strong enough to probably win. He figured this person worked here and so that they were catching on. He was wrong or at least partly.. still it was not worth the risk.

 

[Candira]

"Sure thing, hun," she said with a wink. That said, she headed back to the bar and got his order for him, coming back to the floor to find him losing his hand. Such a pitty, but he was still quite promising. She gave him his drink with a smile. "Here you go, dear. Let me know if you need anything else. My name is Kira." That said, she gave him a little squeeze and managed to slip a business card with her name and number into his pocket with little trouble.

 

[Kratos]

Since he had already played quite a few hands he decided to make it seem since that he had lost for now he would quit this table and take a break. Also he would use this break to drink but possibly talk to this Kira who seemed to be more flirty then what he had been expecting. After all usually not many workers at the casino would have greeted or done what this Kira had just then. He had not even noticed her slide a card into his pocket although as he took a drink from his glass one hand went to his left pocket before pulling out a card that he had not noticed her place there. Reading it he was pretty certain not all buisness cards were meant to have a waitress's personal number since he could tell it was a mobile knowing this casino's actual number to call. Getting up and walking away from the table now he walked over to Kira deciding to introduce himself. "I forgot to tell you who I am.. Seth's the name, of which is it normal for waitress's to give out their actual number to gamblers?"

 

[Candira]

Kira hadn't been expecting actual interface. She'd slid a few other players some cards like this and only gotten the occasional smirk, if they noticed at all. This man, however, seemed like the kind to follow up. So it was that she cut her observations short for a long enough time to suspend his suspicions.

She turned around in surprise and smiled charmingly as he introduced himself. "Mmm, nice to meet you," she said with a grin. "I'm not normally a waitress here, just working till the big event is done. So it's pretty normal for me to give my cards out to people I think I'd like to know better." She smiled and tilted her coppery head with a laugh.

"I hope you don't mind. I just thought it might be nice to know you better."

 

[Kratos]

Seth mainly was curious about this Kira person, only to find out why she seemed to show interest in him. He was hoping it was for a reason other then noticing he was doing to well, or that he might occasionally actually be cheating. So far today he had already pulled sleight of hand on two hands quite easily without no suspicion, although the dealer looked slightly confused when they also counted the cards and saw that they got it wrong when his hand ended up beating theirs increasing his winnings when the dealer bet from the house a bit only to lose it. "I see, although usually at an event like this I would have not thought they would allow new staff that they did not know had previous experience in casino's." he went silent for a moment before lightly smiling "sorry for my rudeness.. I did not mean to say you are unqualified or anything... just that it is uncommon to see new faces at this casino although it is refreshing.. and as for your offer on getting to know me better, that is entirely up to you Kira.. I have nothing to hide.. and a lot to win"

 

[Candira]

"Well, since I'm just a waitress, they didn't see me as a big risk. Just picking up some extra cash during the event. If I were a dealer, I could see how you might find it odd." She shrugged and smiled innocently, nothing giving away her true intentions. Kira smiled at him and pressed against him as a man pushed past her in the crowd. "Well, I'd like to get to know you better, but I'm working until midnight. I'd love to see you again outside of this silly costume. Call me sometime, Seth."

 

[Kratos]

What Kira had stated made quite a bit of sense to him, since after all the waitress's actually were not asked to try and look out for cheaters but rather just ask around more for drinks, pick up lost money and that sort of thing just to try and make extra from the event that was possible. A dealer on the other hand was put through a lot of training somewhat so they could personally cheat to see the odds, but that was the only kind of cheat they could do. Read the cards, actually placing cards or rigging them would get one fired. Still the dealer always had slightly higher odds and chances but that was because of how the decks were auto-shuffled anyhow. Nothing to actually do with the dealer themselves. As she walked forward and pressed into him because of someone pushing past his hands had lightly grabbed onto her shoulders to stabilize her a little hearing her speak.

"Midnight is not that far away.. when you think about it from a gamblers perspective. Hours can become minutes, nothing can become something.. I am sure you have seen that happen at least a few times today already where some come in with little, and are ready to walk with a lot.. as for the costume.. it is not as silly as you think.. it looks good Kira, and I will call you.. although I best get back to playing a few rounds.. that way I will be noticed and hopefully picked for the tournament itself." After saying that he moved his hands from her shoulders letting her move if she wanted. "in you saying to call though.. I bet you have said that to numerous people today.. I think I have seen you a few times, slip your card to a few gamblers.. although curiously enough why has it only been the ones doing quite well?" this part intrigued him since such a thing just did not make a whole lot of sense to him at this point.

 

[Candira]

"Hmmm? Huh...I guess I did do that. I hadn't really noticed, but you know, you're right. I guess if I have to think about it," she said, pausing, looking thoughtful, "it's because the people who were winning were in better moods. I can appreciate a good drink, and I can I can sympathize with the losers--I was never much good at cards myself, but when you become an angry drunk or start snapping at people who are just trying to do their jobs...it's kind of a deal-breaker, ya know? Most other people don't have time or don't notice me."

She shrugged and hoped that he didn't see through her mask at all. She would have to be a little more careful in the future. "Besides, a nicer dinner is a bit of an incentive," she joked. "But I wish you luck, Seth. I'm sure you'll do well." She winked and then glanced aside to see someone calling her over for a drink. "Excuse me. Duty calls. See ya round." She grinned and then headed over to the man with the drink, slipping him a card as well, flirting a bit. She was glad this particular had a number that didn't connect to her line.

 

[Kratos]

It seemed that Kira in particular seemed to have a hidden incentive behind her words although he simply let her talk acting like he believed her. After all it was obvious that winners would end up in good moods, but it was not just winners that she had been targeting, but really ones that would do quite well and continue onto the next area of the tournament. At least that is what he thought anyhow. "That is understandable.. although you would be surprised that sometimes people that lose also are in good moods.. they are here just for the experience... as are most of us although some take to winning way to seriously." he smiled at her upon hearing her words that was an obvious joke, although in truth now that he thought about it, a nice dinner with Kira would be quite nice.. but now he had to focus more so on the games, rather then a girl that had seemingly caught his interest a little.

"I hope to do well, so that luck is appreciated.." he paused knowing that really luck was not what he needed but evidently was trying to show that it was what he relied on. Seeing her leave he smiled back at her before watching for a moment. It was obvious that because he had pointed out the fact that only certain people was getting cards, that she then gave a card to this person although something looked slightly different about it and the flirting did not seem as natural. Still he simply shrugged it off and then started walking to a new table of blackjack before sitting down. Tapping the table for a hand it was soon dealt and only getting a 17 he sighed lightly, nothing could be done about this hand since he could tell the chance of the next card making him bust was way to high since the deck currently seemed rich in point cards. In saying that he folded watching the rest of that game before continuing with the next hands winning some here and there, losing some even more rarely. Sometimes deliberately.. other times because he lost concentration as he was trying to work out really what Kira was playing at.

 

[Candira]

Kira chuckled and decided to play up her flirty nature, giving out a few more cards and purposely giving a few to losing players. She caught Seth staring at her now and then, and smiled at him. Damn it. She would have to be more careful about how she handled things with him in the future. Finally, midnight came around. She took her tips and the feel of many a person copping a feel to the locker room.

When she came out, she was dressed in a nice pair of jeans and a nice purple top. She stretched and made sure she had everything before starting to head out of the casino for the night.

 

[Kratos]

Seth continued playing on this table for about another twenty hands before getting a little bored, it was an easy table. Obviously rigged into getting people to play quite a few hands before the tide would turn dramatically. When he was new he fell for this trick many times, although this time he would not. Instead he would leave this table and let who ever else was there to lose while he during his small short break observed Kira again before moving to a poker table this time. After all that was the more interesting one, since bluffing was more possible and was not considered cheating if you could read the other peoples bluffs. Something he could easily do, since usually he could tell what a person was thinking just by seeing what their eyes would tell him. It was a handy skill which was also why he could tell Kira was hiding something, although unlike most people he could not work out just what. Where as others were easy to work out. The games continued for quite a while of which it seemed a few times he had been spotted looking over at Kira seeing her smile back at him. Midnight arrived finally of which he had made sure to finish a little earlier then he normally would. Tomorrow he would find out if he made the next round or not, although their would be a few more opportunities if he had somehow not managed. Last year it took him to the last day of the first rounds to get into the next section. Hopefully this year would be much quicker. He now waited outside of the casino pulling out his phone and adding the number as Kira, if he did not spot her coming out soon he would just call her, since after all he had decided to wait around for her although it was not really certain as to why.

 

[Candira]

((If you could help me out with a little description of him, rather than the event, that would be awesome. Still doing good though.))

The thief looked around her to make sure that no one was following her. When she found that no one was, it was a relief. She wasn't expecting someone to be waiting for her, however. She was quite surprised to see Seth at the doorway, looking for someone. Maybe it wasn't her he was looking for, but now that she'd seen him, she couldn't very well ignore him. Weary from work, she fixed a smile on her face and headed over to him with a little wave.

"Well, hi there. Waiting on someone?" she asked, smiling, her head tilted curiously.

 

[Kratos]

((Since he has been at the casino gambling this whole time his attire will still be the same, which is reasonably casual gear consisting of, a plain long sleeve t-shirt, that was black that had an emblem on the front of an abstract golden lion, and a standard pair of blue jeans with white skate shoes. His brown hair messy yet short, and had a little bit of gel in it, to help give the front a bit more edge. Roughly average height with a slim almost athletic build and blue eyes.. anything else you need to know just ask))

Seth's eyes continued to look around a few people looking at him as they exited as if wondering who or what he was looking for. Still no one actually asked him but just walked past him instead. He had not noticed Kira when she had walked out although upon hearing her voice he turned towards her before he shook his head to her question. "I was.. but now I do not need to" he casually smiled at her of which he planned to find out a little more about her tonight, and if possible maybe what her whole motive was with targeting the winners of the card games, not quite convinced that she was doing otherwise even though after it was brought up she changed her patterns.

"Shall we go for a walk or something.. you may choose where we go? I think it would be nice to get away from the casino together.. just talking don't you? After all I am sure you have questions you would like to ask.. I could tell earlier before you had to get back to working "

 

[Candira]

((Sorry, I remember reading it now. That's what happens when you get tired, I guess.))

Kira's heart sped up a little as he said he'd been waiting for her, but she wasn't sure if that was because she was nervous, or because ordinarily, she might find it a sweet notion. In her ballet flats she was a few inches shorter than earlier, so she was a little less easy to spot...not to mention the fact that she wasn't in a silly costume.

"Actually, I'm pretty tired from standing on my feet all day. A walk would be nice, but not right now. We could go someplace more quiet though, if you want. There's a little place down the block that stays open all night." She smiled and took his hand in hers. "I could go for some conversation with my meal," she said squeezing his hand a little.

It was easy to fall into the role of the sweet girl. The lonely one with a little need for extra cash. Besides, Seth was pretty cute for a gambler. There were a lot of attractive men at these events, but almost none of them were as good as Seth was with their cards.

 

[Kratos]

((it was actually slightly less detailed originally, I added bits I missed to that description))

It made sense to Seth now why he had not actually spotted her at first, one thing was that she seemed a little shorter, which he was unsure why and also he had sort of been looking for someone in an odd costume where as now she was dressed much more normal. Still he did not mind the costume, or how she looked now. Hearing what she said a smile crossed him before he spoke completely understanding why she would not exactly want to go for a walk right now, after all who would want to being tired from having to walk around plenty and standing up the whole day.

"That is understandable, I think your idea is better then. since you have been working which required standing and walking around all day..." a small look of surprise crossing him as he felt the warmth of her hand as it grabbed his own yet he did not complain or pull away before he nodded. "Conversation usually always goes great with a meal and now that you mention it.. I am a little more hungry then I came to originally realize. This scenario already seemed quite different from what he had been expecting from Kira from how they had first met, yet it was nice and it seemed more like her rather then what he had seen inside. Still he liked both and was glad to at least be spending some time with her.

He paused for a moment before a smile crossed his face again as he used her hold on his hand to pull her a little closer before he lightly kissed her cheek, "Lets get going then to that place that you know" he had deliberately done this to see how she would react to a surprise not knowing if she had expected it or not. But Seth had felt like doing it anyhow.

 

[Candira]

Kira started to lead him along toward her little diner when he suggested they go. It was then that she Felt him pause, so she stopped and turned around, her blue eyes looking up at him curiously. And then he tugged her close and kissed her cheek. She smiled and blushed a little, surprised at his forwardness. "What was that for?" she asked, tilting her head to the side, chuckling a little. Maybe he was playing a little sweet himself.

 

[Kratos]

It had worked quite in his favor that she had noticed him stop since the way she turned around made it easy for him to lean in and his her cheek the way he had with the surprise element being there. It was nice to see her slightly blush from such a thing before hearing her question followed by a light chuckle "I figured you would like it.. and I felt like it.. after all it must be nice sometimes to get attention that is just not from perverse gamblers that are using you as a distraction and tipping you so they can try to do something.. of which I am sure some get away with a feel here.. or there am I right?" he knew this because this was how most gamblers where after they hit a particular age.

Lucky for them this casino had tolerance for that, where as he had been to one before and watched numerous get kicked out for trying to push their luck with some of the staff members, one poor guy in particular getting a nice kick to the groin with a pointed stiletto. It was actually the first time he had seen an ambulance needed for such a reason as the guy almost could not move from the floor after that, although he somewhat deserved it as he had tried to her pin her down and do his way with her. The moment he had actually slid his hand under her clothes and touched her directly was when she reacted.. he still remembered the shock as everyone watched him go down and the person quickly ran out to the back and was comforted by a few of the other female staff.

"So what is the food like where we are actually going then? after all I have a feeling I won't be disappointed it is just I am used to knowing what I am up for when I am taken somewhere.. although this could always be treated as a plain surprise date.. if that is what you would like it to be.."

 

[Candira]

Kira smiled at his little impulse and squeezed his hand again. She frowned a little at the mention of gamblers copping a feel. She didn't like being treated that way by anyone that didn't know her that way. As if they were entitled to her body. "Well yeah. You can't tase them all," she joked. "It is nice to have some sincere attention for once..." Yawning a little, she stretched her legs and squeezed his hand.

"A date, huh? Well that's ambitious." She chuckled and kissed his cheek. "But I kinda like the sound of that. Come on, let's go while my feet are still hanging in there." That said, she tugged him off in the direction of the food.

 

[Kratos]

He felt her squeeze his hand although did not mind as he watched her reaction to what had been said. It seemed as expected that she did not like that such things occurred, but it was natural to tease them a little or allow some as it made the tips flow in much more which half of that would then usually go straight to you the other half to a collection area, that then went straight to management. He smiled before nodding "I bet it would be a nice break from standard perverse actions.."

It was a little odd for even Seth to be calling it such a thing but it did actually sound nice, and so he would still be classifying it as an actual date. Feeling her kiss his cheek it made him smile a little before he agreed with her idea. "I could always carry you if you get to tired.." he stated it as an obvious joke lightly chuckling before continuing to walk with her allowing her to point the way. "Still if you want you can always wrap your arms around me and lean on me as we walk if your that tired of standing up without assistance"

 

[Candira]

"Oh, if you gave me a piggy-back ride, I would love you so much," she said, only half-joking. "My feet are pretty much throbbing right now." That said, she continued to walk. "I appreciate the offer of you letting me lean on you, but it won't be much longer, and then I can call a cab, so I'll be fine." She shrugged off the dull pain and his concern and asked, "So how'd you do tonight?"

The little diner wasn't far off now and she was curious.

 

[Kratos]

Her first statement almost sounded actually serious in some form although he knew it was just because she had been standing up this whole time and so it would be nice to get off those feet. That and being so close to someone that showed interest back to the interest shown, well it would be something different that is for certain. "It is up to you if you want to call a cab, after all I did bring my car to actually get here.. I have no problem giving you a lift back to where ever you need to go.. although if you don't want me to know where you get to hide away from the casino that is fine also since we only just met after all" he smiled lightly before hearing her question. One that he had not been expecting but decided to answer. "It seemed I was pretty lucky today, maybe lucky enough to move to the next rounds.. but I will not find out until tomorrow. Still if I continue at this rate I should win in general.. this year is not as strong as last year, as far as opposition goes."

Seth then slowly stopped walking before turning Kira towards him "Why so interested though? This is a time to spend not thinking about the casino.. a break away from it all,.." he smiled lightly at her before lightly placing his hand on top of her head and lightly ruffling her hair only a little not wanting to mess it up on her "You don't need to answer that.. I just am curious after all Kira.. also if you do actually want that piggy back.. It is going on offer just this once.. so take it or leave it" he said this last part quite kindly with a smile before he leaned down a touch so it would be easier for her to jump onto him if she wanted to. After all he was certain he could easily piggy back her and figured that she really could do with a break off her feat even if they were not that far from the diner now.

 

[Candira]

His question was one that she'd expected and had an easy answer for. "I'm just curious. After all, you were there gambling and I was there serving gamblers," she said with a laugh. "If you'd gone to the gym I would have asked about your work-out." She shrugged and continued walking.

And then he stopped her again and turned her to face him. She chuckled and had to admit that he had a point. "You're right, time to forget." As he leaned down and offered her a piggy back ride she was astonished. Her face registered shock, and then she smiled, her eyes lighting up. "You are an amazing man," she said. Quickly, she took his head by the sides of his face and pulled him close, kissing his lips quickly, delivering a peck before she let him go and jumped up onto his back.

 

[Kratos]

It seemed she was quite prepared for his question and so with her comment he lightly laughed. He almost decided to comment about the gym comment with something like 'If that was the case, I am sure you would have been starring at me as I worked out.. so you would have already known how the workout went' but decided against it, since it did not seem to fit the mood that the two had created currently. He liked the fact that Kira was willing to relax a little though as he suggested to just forget about the casino for a little while of which she seemed to have no problem with.

It made him smile a little more noticing her look of shock now as he offered something that she probably did not actually think would happen. Still he showed that he was serious and then it was his turn to be a little shocked, feeling her hands against the sides of his face and moving closer, he could guess what would happen yet still was not really expecting it as he felt their lips quickly meet each other briefly before feeling her then hop onto his back. Once he made sure she was nice and securely on he then slowly started to walk. "See that is much better now isn't it? now all you have to do is relax, and tell me if I end up going the wrong way.." he laughed lightly as the thought of her kissing him crossed through his mind briefly again, the comment of her saying he was amazing going through his head before he just continued to smile lightly. So far this was turning out great, even if originally Seth had come to this tournament to get away from it all generally.