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[scionofhispower]

[Clearly, redheads have never been in short supply here.

As a result of this fact, seeing Asch sitting at a table with that smug "I'm better than you" look of his shouldn't really take too many people by surprise. Oh, sure, the lack of any discernible agitation is probably a little disconcerting as is the presence of a deck of playing cards set upon the table within easy reach of his right hand. Of course, this Asch is a little different from most, missing anger notwithstanding; it isn't too hard to tell he is a fair bit older, somewhere within his early-to-mid twenties.

Regardless, he is Asch. And he? He is challenging you to a game of poker.

Ready to try your luck?]


[ooc; Unlike swallowfury, Asch here is definitely not reset, so he retains any CR he had from the last time I was around a couple years back. Of course, he's not going to come out and just let you know who he is; he feels like being a bit of a jerk, so even if you do know him, he's going to leave you guessing. Especially. If you're a certain replica. Why? Because he can. And, no, he's not going to deal cards to kids. But he might go into papa mode on them.]

Comments

[fononfailure]

[ ...so much hate for you right now, Asch. She glowers in his direction and picks of the cards with only the slightest hint of embarrassment. Anyone could have gotten riled up with that attitude of his. This time Luke's expression is fixed into a glare, not changing even once she skims the cards: ace, king, queen, and junk. Not bad. ]

[scionofhispower]

[Asch, meanwhile, picks up his cards and glances at them before lining them up together and resting them face-down against the table. That perfectly immovable, better-than-you, smug bastard expression is firmly in place again.] Your move, replica.

[fononfailure]

Keep your shirt on. [ Down goes two cards from Luke's hand, the rest held up in front of her face to hide her scowling. What did he have to be so certain about? Nobody -not even Jade- could win all the time. ] Two.

[scionofhispower]

[He deals two new cards for her before turning his own cards back toward himself; taps one corner of the cards on the table before looking at them again.

He discards one and draws a new one.]

[fononfailure]

[ Now why'd he do that? Was it nervousness? Some way of cheating? --no, that couldn't be it, he hadn't done a thing. Whatever. With a grin she slaps her cards down on the table in triumph. Nine to king, all spades. ] Straight flush! Beat it!

[scionofhispower]

[He was just bored is all.

He sets his down as well. Unfortunately, Luke, it appears you've tied; he's got the same, in hearts.]

[fononfailure]

...

[ What the heck. Now what? There had never been a tie when she played against Jade. ] So...

[scionofhispower]

[This is called Asch's most horrible shuffling job ever. He flips the next card from the top of the deck, face-up onto the table. Queen of Diamonds. Again. Most horrible shuffling job ever.]

Tie-breaker, dreck. Your call on the next card: high or low.


[ooc; Have you guessed what Asch is making Luke wager if he wins, by the way?]

[fononfailure]

[ Okay, now Luke's convinced that the bastard is cheating somehow, because it seems obvious enough. He gets a vicious but oh so intimidating glare. ]

You think I'm stupid? Low!

[ ooc: I... have no clue. He's too sneaky for me. 8D; ]

[scionofhispower]

[She saw him shuffle the deck. It's just the most hilarious coincidence.]

You're sure?


[ooc; He'll make it look like it's going to be something horrible at first, but...

She's wagering her soul a kiss.]

[fononfailure]

[ There is no such thing as coincidences when Asch is involved. It's fate or really, really bad luck. ]

Yes, dammit! Draw the damn card! [ The suspense is killing her. ]

[ ooc: asjdlkf, okay I take it back, he's a total sweetheart. ♥ She's still going to be mad though, ahaha;; ]

(1/3)

[scionofhispower]

[He flips the card...]

[scionofhispower]

[...and even he can't maintain that poker face when it turns up as the King of Clubs because, seriously, what the fuck?]

[scionofhispower]

[...But don't worry, his sexy superior, smug smirk returns after a moment.] Huh. Would you look at that.

1/3~

[fononfailure]

[ She's got him this time! There's no way she can-- ] ...

[fononfailure]

[ --lose? ]

[fononfailure]

You've got to be kidding. [ Already she's leaning across the table to jab a finger in his face and banging on the wood with her other hand. ]

You cheated, didn't you?!

(1/2)

[scionofhispower]

I don't cheat, replica. [Seriously, he's just as surprised as you are. Clearly, Lorelei smiles upon his scion.]

[scionofhispower]

[Either that or these poker odds are straight out of the Keterberg Casino. Because damn if I don't always end up with an ace showing up and beating out my king every. Single. Time. On the double-or-nothing high-low game.] Now. Will you accept your defeat graciously, or will I have to receive my payment the hard way?

[fononfailure]

Hmph. [ It's hard to believe he didn't trick the deck somewhere, but it's not like she has proof or caught him in the act. Ahahaha, you and me both. Nephry Ball is another matter entirely though. Luke flops back into the chair, arms folded across her chest. Might as well get it over with... ] You won, but payment depends on what it is.

[scionofhispower]

[Suddenly...

Asch looks extremely dangerous. He's out of his chair and looming over her almost in an instant.] Now, now. Are you going back on our terms?

[fononfailure]

[ Between that look and how fast he moves, Luke doesn't even notice the difference in heights. She must have been away from Auldrant too long to have taken Asch's nature and upbringing for granted. --what had Tear said? "A soldier never ceases to be a soldier"? ] N..no, I'm not! The 'graciously' part depends on what you want. [ She straightens up, but there's a hint of nervousness in her eyes. ] You wanted a challenge, right?

(1/2)

[scionofhispower]

I've had my challenge; I arose victorious and now am entitled to my spoils. [He's dangerously close now and almost looks like he might do something to harm her.]

[scionofhispower]

[And before he even waits for Luke to respond at all...

...Asch has pressed his lips to hers. As soon as he does, she may also hear something in her head. "Your lack of observation is appalling."]

1/2

[fononfailure]

People aren't things to barter with, so you better enjoy it while you can. [ Asch's hostile posture is enough to make her scoot the chair backwards, hand going for her sword. She might be an idiot but she's no fool. ]

What are you--