jigokulogs | .:The Third Blade:.

[ What Felix is perhaps drawn in first is by the food stalls, though he will not admit that he has found himself interested in some of the 'acts' on display. The pop music catches hardly much of his attention, but the more sophisticated tunes that may border on more classical are worthy of his ear. The same can be said of the tunes of some symphonic metal, and other such things within that category.

But, ostensibly, Felix isn't the only one in attendance of the general area, and he has more or less finished whatever food he has procured so that he has hanging around to the edges, watching the others get down and dance when the music has gotten people into the mood.

Of course, he doesn't seem all that interested in going along with it, though it's at this time that he catches a familiar head of blond hair in the midst of all this. ]

Hmph. What exactly has drawn you of all people out here? Looking to join in this complete and utter nonsense with all these other strangers?

I'm allowed to be curious.

[ duh.

dimitri is finishing off what looks like a fried monstrosity with cheese. ]

You have to admit, they have very delicious snacks here. More than what we have back home.

[ It has been a short while since the chaos surrounding the city, and now it seems since then things have finally started to truly settle into less of a turbulent state. Though, Felix is now somewhat of a higher rank than a good amount in his clan, the recent orders seem to have exposed a lack of skill in a certain area. Which is to be expected because the way things work in casinos with the technology and the games they play have always been beyond him—they do not exist in Faerghus, after all.

Not to mention, Felix Hugo Fraldarius is not a gambling man.

But, for now it seems to be "When in Rome..." and though he has more than enough skill in throwing people out, it also appears that is not all that will be required of him. So, with a huff he manages to shuffle on over to a section of the casino, spotting that man with vibrant red hair, and an appearance to suggest he is at ease with all of this. ]

Hmph. You seem like you know what you're doing.

Our supposed leader seems intent on us learning the ropes this establishment. So, let's get straight to the point:

Teach me the best way to succeed in all of this.

[ Felix gestures to the game over at his table. He is definitely still not the most friendly person here ostensibly... ]

Well, obviously.

[ Felix states despite the question he has just asked a second ago, and he's briefly eying the fried snack like he's seen a portal to the deeper part of Hell open up. He is well familiar with cheese for obvious reasons, but...still. ]

It's somewhat passable sometimes, though I'm not going to just shove something like that into my mouth. Could stand for there to be less sweets so often too.

[ There was this time where he was hanging out with another Shuten, and went for a snack he thought was spicy, but it was different how they prepared it here than in Fodlan. He has been burned ever since.

...It hasn't really been that bad—he's just being dramatic. It isn't like there aren't choices suited to his palette. ]

[It was the funniest thing. Gojyo had no intention to show much loyalty to the Shuten save for the bare minimum to fulfill his contractual obligations. Yet somehow, throughout it all, it led him to get a promotion and take part in numerous Shuten-based responsibilities that, somehow, he found himself aiding.

It wasn't all that difficult to figure out why he was here, though.

Gojyo liked gambling. He always had and always would. He had learned to count cards back when most kids were learning algebra. He knew sleight of hand better than those with even the best of natural reflexes. And he knew how to utilize such activities so that he flourished.

So when Toraguma mentioned opening up the underground casino alongside the Tamamo's strip club and that he needed knowledgeable gamblers to teach the rest of the crew the ropes? Well, Gojyo jumped at the chance to make good money off it.

Which was how he ended up here, with a rather severe-looking man glaring down at him, demanding to help him 'succeed in this.']

...Eh?

[Wait. Wasn't this one of the higher-up lost souls? One of the guys who worked on a level with Majima? What the hell was he doing asking a one-star like him?]

What? Are you saying you don't know how to play?

[He says, casually shuffling a deck of cards in his hand. A slight bemused smirk overcame him as he sat back comfortably in his chair.]

Well. Guess it ain't like I can't teach you.

Shouldn't you try asking that a little more nicely first, though?

They've quite a selection of savoury snacks ... what have you been eating?

[ dimitri looks amused. ] That sounds like you have just enough friends who want you to try out other things.

[ which, to be clear, he's happy about, something that felix is sure to take issue with.

anyway, finishing his snack, the music is still drumming in his ears. it's a lot to take in. dimitri wipes his mouth, throws out everything at a cursory bin, and grabs his hand to the middle of the dance floor. ]

Come on.

[ In all honesty, Felix thinks this is something that a certain red head back home may take to easier than he is, but here he is. At the end of the day, the Fraldarius heir is someone who refuses to back down at the challenge of having to do more. He will not fall behind anyone else in this clan due to being lacking in a skill, because at the end of the day, strength is what matters, and he will not be perceived as not having as falling short in that due to ignorance.

Anyway, when Goyjo asks his first question, Felix gives a simple, but stiff nod, then waits as the man shifts those cards expertly. Though, he'll also fold his arms right after, to give off an unbothered air.

That is, until he presents the follow-up question to him, which makes him scowl. ]

You—

But, clearly I already acknowledged that you clearly were doing a skilled job. Why do I need to ask more nicely?

[ Felix, in keeping mind of his position, struggles but manages to keep the whine out of his voice. He isn't some kind of child anymore. And he has proven himself here time and time again. He doesn't want to give anyone any reason to think that he's weak.

Even if, admittedly, his manners do need quite a lot of work. ]

[ Right Dimitri is about that, because at first Felix is about to answer the first inquiry with a predictably rude response, only to shift gears almost immediately, looking ready to downright stomp his foot or something at the follow-up. ]

Tch, you must be joking. As if I've been going around making friends.

[ Though he almost immediately thinks of a couple others, which doesn't prove Dimitri's point at all, mind you! But even if Felix wanted to ineffectually protest more, he's suddenly being grabbed by the hand and soon dragged to the dance floor, trying to ensure he doesn't stumble in surprise because he refuses to be an embarrassment, thanks. ]

Wha—! Who said I was going to go and dance with a boar like you?

[ Yet...Felix isn't running away or doing anything like that of the sort. He'll blame it on the shock. ]

Ah!

[He lifted his finger up in hopes to stop Felix with his question. His smile remaining as he looked the man over.

So he was the curt and easily agitated type was he?]

You want me to teach you a skill right? A skill that's a pretty damn necessary requirement with the clan. Besides acknowledging such things, I think it's only proper you show respect to those teaching you such an important thing, don't you agree?

Especially since I'll be doing it out of the goodness of my heart. ♥

[With that he lowered his hand, returning to his shuffling. Seeming more interested in the cards in his hands than he was with Felix.]

Here. Take a seat in front of me. We'll start with something easy.

You can't stay here and not get along with anyone forever.

[ because that's the truth!!! even someone like felix would need to make room for acquaintances.

in any case they're now in the middle of the dance floor. bodies are jostling them too close together, which means dimitri is being pushed towards him rather uncharitably. felix is smaller than he is, so dimitri tries to make sure he keeps a respectable distance between them, or at least that he doesn't get jostled as much, which has the same effect - felix being shoved towards him being the proverbial wall between himself and other people. ]

See, it's fun. [ is it? hm. ]

[ Felix absolutely is! He looks a bit put out, as if someone had stepped in his lunch, and simply ... fold his arms tighter when the other male raises his finger like that.

But he can't help himself when Goyjo says that he's doing it out of the goodness of his heart, and a huff of sorts escapes him that he'll state it is only of disbelief. And not a hint of amusement (because he wont admit it.) It is just that he has by now heard a line like that one before.

Still sounds silly to him all the same. ]

Hmph. I'm tempted not to with how ridiculous you sounded for a moment there.

But fortunately, I can tell you're not being dishonest. I need the assistance and you doubtlessly have the skill and experience to provide it.

I'll say that it's appreciated. Good enough?

[ At that, Felix goes to take a seat across from him, listening to that easily enough. ]

Something easy? Like what?

[ Dimitri has a point and Felix stubbornly does not admit to it at all. Nope.

That being said, Felix is unaccustomed to the way these people dance wildly with their bodies, having no respect in regards to the space of others at time, and doing so sometimes in various, uncoordinated rhythm. Him and Dimitri being jostled so much has him throwing scathing glares over his shoulders or elbowing fools who don't watch themselves.

On one push that nearly has him off-balance, he throws another patented glare but he is ignored. ]

And how exactly is any of this fun? All of that cheese must have gone to your brain, and—!

[ There somebody goes and jostles him harder than the rest, which makes him stumble, right into Dimitri and quickly he has to have his hands land right...on his chest. Well. The blond is certainly built, so it keeps him from falling towards the ground or anyone else. Hm. Anyway, he quickly moves his hands back and tries to hide the embarrassment reaching his face by looking away. ]

See what I mean?

[ He's also about ten seconds away from starting a fight with the person who did jostle him if he's given enough time for that. ]

Felix. It is fun because it is dancing. And it is not like in Garreg Mach where the two of us would need to have a reason to dance at all.

[ dimitri is saying this but he is most resolutely not yet really dancing. someone elbows felix towards him again, and before felix could murder a person, dimitri holds an arm around him to prevent his face from getting smushed rather disrespectfully onto his chest. ]

In any case there is no necessary reason needed in order for one to have fun in a dance floor.

[ wow, this is so awkward. felix is now trapped in between his arm and his chest. good work. ]

[ Felix's expression also probably went a little comically surprised when he is elbowed again, but maybe he should've anticipated it at this point. Regardless, it is perhaps good that Dimitri intercepts via an arm around him, but it also has the added effect of trapping him in quite the awkward position.

Someone also lives to see another day, so there is that as well.

The swordsman tries telling himself it isn't a big deal, but his cheeks are reddening more prominently because of this, and also due to what Dimitri has said. Naturally, he runs his mouth off because he's embarrassed and irritated. Always a good combination. ]

You're spouting all of this foolish nonsense about 'dancing is fun', but you're not even doing it properly.

Hmph! In the end even all your posturing about joining in and enjoying 'dancing' is all talk. Why even bother drag me out here if you're just going to waste time pretending like you are doing otherwise?

There we go. That wasn't so hard, was it?

[Gojyo chuckled with that, going back to shuffling the cards in his hands casually as he kept his crimson eyes focused on Felix.]

The game's name is blackjack. Have you ever heard of it?

[He could never be sure how inter-dimensional affected each person he got to know. What could be a standard subject for one person could be non-existent for another. He was beginning to learn that all too well at this point.

Regardless, Gojyo placed the deck of cards on the table face down. He placed one set of cards down in front of them both. Where he had one card hidden and one visible queen of hearts, Felix had two completely exposed cards in front of him. A four of hearts and a seven of diamonds.]

[ A patented scowl etches its way across his face with perhaps predictable ease as he scoffs rudely in the face of the rhetorical question, as if to say 'oh please'.

He watches closely the way he's shuffling the cards with ease, either way. ]

No, I haven't. I don't make a habit of gambling or getting all that familiar with these card games.

[ Even ever since his arrival here, to be exact.

But, he will pick up the exposed cards in front of him, eyeing them closely. ]

What do I do with these? Do the two cards I'm holding add up enough to defeat your card?

[Gojyo can only scoff out slightly in response to that. Really, 'never gambled'?]

First of all, for this game you keep both of those cards exposed.

[Put those cards back on the table Felix.]

Sheesh, how the hell did a guy like you, who'd avoid things like this, get slotted into a place like Shuten?

[Doesn't this guy feel more like someone that would be found wandering around the Enma?]

Anyway, first things first, the point of the game is to build your hand up to twenty-one points without going over twenty-one. See the numbers on your cards? That's how many points each one's worth.

See? A nice and easy game even for a beginner, right?

[ Felix makes a face at that. The kind to indicate he is, once again, a bit huffy so really nothing new in the grand scheme of things. ]

There are plenty of other things I don't avoid. Particularly the constant fighting, particuarly when there are worthy challenges. Though I'm not always a fan of the bullheaded foolishness present that allows for meaningless confrontation.

[ Not that he cares for being in such a rowdy clan in the first place. There is a contract and he intends on proving himself as well as fulfilling that so this place will simply be a distant memory sooner than later.

...though he might have his pride (some might argue too much.) ]

Well, at least the game sounds simple enough. But there are cards without numbers, aren't there? [ Queen, King... ] How many points would they count for? I assume higher than the rest for certain.

But, it would be idiotic for me to presume and I refuse to be made a fool of.

Well, I say presume away because you're correct.

[With that, he leans back in his chair, making himself comfortable as he continues to go into the semantics of the game.]

Jack, Queen, and King, all count as ten points. And the ace- Well, that's a special card. The letter "A" could equal one or eleven points depending on whichever works best for your hand. Get a total of twenty-one, and it's an automatic win- A Blackjack.

[He motions to his hand.]

But, upon revealing my cards at the end, if I somehow end up with a number closer to twenty-one than you, then I win.

[He smirks.]

So what do you say? Do you want to try giving it a hand?

[ ...So that is why it is called blackjack. Well, at least there truly hardly seems to be a complex element to the game. Though it also is clear that winning lies within holding a semblance of luck.

The Ace in this case is also truly the trumpcard. In the end, though, it also requires a certain amount of focus. Not as much focus as a life and death battle. But, enough to keep his attention. ]

Hmph. I do.

It's entirely possible I'll be able to beat you in the first round, considering the nature of the game.

[ He anticipates already having to play more than one round of this... ]

It absolutely is the case.

[With that Gojyo loosens up as he smiles towards Felix. Leaning back in his seat comfortably.]

So with your cards right now you've got eleven points. Meanwhile, I have ten points and one hidden card.

So what do you say? Wanna risk drawing another to better your chances? Cause no matter what card I have at the moment I will win orherwise~

[You ready for this challenge, bub?]

Hmph. Do you truly believe me to be the type to accept otherwise? That I would immediately give up even at my first time in such a game?

You must be joking. You'd best prepare yourself.

[ For funsies' sake, he has drawn this card!

Felix doesn't even bother hiding his, so Gojyo can very well see it! ]

Well? What are you going to do now?

Oh? Then why don't you teach me how to dance, Sir Fraldarius, since you seem to be a lot more knowledgeable about it than I am.

[ look, he was about to show his white man awkward dancing moves to felix, but now felix has run off his mouth and instead dimitri is waiting on him expectantly, like an asshole. ]

[ ...Wow! Clearly this is all Dimitri's fault from the start and finish. ]

Shouldn't even a boar prince know how to dance?

If you suspect I'd even dare to copy any of these uncoordinated fools, you've another thing coming.

[ Anyways, he'll hold his hand out to him. ]

Oh, this one does. But if you want to lead - I'll let you do so and more.

After all, much has been spoken about Rodrigue's nimble feet, and a swordsman of your calibre ought to match that, no?

[ it's easy to tease felix. even easier to fall into his steps and take his hand, and dimitri does a bow, taking a more passive position in the dance. ]

[ ...Do so and more? He huffs in the face of the teasing, feeling his cheeks color slightly. ]

Hmph. My old man may have nimble feet, but I'm bound to surpass him—and in the meanwhile, I've more than enough skill to hardly be considered lacking in comparison. So, don't you dare assume otherwise.

[ Despite him huffing and generally being himself about it, he feels relatively excited...to prove he's better! That's all. Because why would he find himself anticipating dancing with Dimitri of all people?

Either way, Felix will start them off with ease and grace. ]

Also, don't think I'll go easy on you for a single moment if you ruin it by stepping all over my feet.

My sincerest apologies if I do.

[ he steps on his foot. it's light, because he did it on purpose like a child.

dancing together is strange. there's barely enough room in the crowd. he has to be close to felix in order to talk to him. it's kind of intimidating to be this close to felix and not have a sword between them. ]

I've no doubts you will surpass Rodrigue. He certainly believed in you - as much as I do.

As if I would accept those. You'd have to prove they were sincere in the first place.

[ Felix doesn't lift his chin up when they're dancing like this because that is going to make things far too difficult, but his words are like as if he has—particularly when the male has play-stomped ever so lightly.

He is not having any fun whatsoever in the duration of this. He is simply proving a point, and therefore this is clearly just like a battle's dance more than anything. But, ah, what Dimitri says next, about Rodrigue and believing in him...

Well, maybe unsurprisingly first a scowl comes across his face, though it softens a little. The most awkward part about this is needing to keep unending eye contact. Even if a part of him feels that looking at Dimitri has been easier than most. ]

...Look at you, spouting something so sentimental. Not that I'd doubt it. My old man would get annoying about it. As for you—

—Well, whatever. I could certainly hear worse from you.

Ooo. Not bad! Not bad!

[Gojyo seemed to light up almost with amusement at the sight of Felix's eagerness to start playing. Sitting back in his seat as he looks the hand over.]

Eighteen's definitely cutting it close. So let's see. I think I'm going to refuse to draw. Let's see what the hidden card that is already in my hand is, yeah?

[With that he reached out slowly. A slick experienced motion of his hands turning the face down card around only to reveal--]

Huh. Well damn! Seems I had a five.

[His head lowers as he losses a cool care free smile to Felix.]

Looks like I lose, yeah? ♥

Am I not being sincere now? [ dimitri sounds amused. ] You are off your game, Felix.

[ they're dancing again. the rhythm is a little bit faster, and dimitri pulls him close on the floor as they sway. ]

There is room for sentimentality.

But if you are ever worried, don't worry - I won't tell a soul.

As if I'd be ever off my game with a boar who happens to have sub-par footwork.

[ Felix retorts in a huff, but he very much doesn't seem to mind as he's...pulled so much more close now. Yes, this is reasonable, because they're dancing.

Though, for the first time, since the moment they truly started he can't help but feel like he's getting into it. No thanks to the fools from earlier, though. And the boar looks quite in—decent. He looks decent while they are dancing with one another. ]

Why would you think I'd be worried? Hmph. Only a fool would be overly concerned with either one of those things.

If I had made the suggestion to the professor for you to be our representative for the White Heron cup, I think you'd be singing a different tune.

[ rather thoughtfully, ]

Now, I can't help but think of what a missed opportunity that was ... [ dimitri changes his voice to something serious: ] ... it would be good for my morale. Mine, in fact.

[ lol ]

[ His mind comes to a screeching halt for a second moment, immediately stuck in the quagmire of such stupidity. Raising Dimitri's morale personally, huh? Stupid boar, it isn't like he's going to dance on a stage just for him...

But, he imagines it. Even in that stupid outfit he had back then. ]

Tch. Not that it stopped the Professor for going ahead with it anyway. So, I wouldn't call it a "missed opportunity".

[ He says, sounding irritated by it for certain. Unfortunately, his mind is still caught on the morale thing. Which, ugh, he doesn’t care about...not even a little. Dimitri can suffer for all he cares! ]

...How long would you stare like a fool? Would it motivate you to dance better?

[ Felix blinks...in a bit of surprise. Then he covers it up with a sure smirk on his face because wow. Perhaps he hadn't been expecting it to be just like that but hey, that is how it is. ]

Well...heh, would you look at that? I did win.

If you feel like going for a rematch, I won't blame you.

[ ...don't let it get to your head, Felix.

Or maybe it has, just a bit. Will he say he even enjoyed a simple game and understands why people would place bets on it aloud? No. Never. ]

It's good to practice your footwork.

[ yeah. 'footwork'.

also - ]

I'm already dancing with you. What kind of dance are you expecting from me? [ sighs. ] If you want anything more lascivious, I'm afraid I have to decline. That's not one of my skills.

Hmph.

[ Though...oh my god, Dimitri, now here is where he comes to a sudden stop, as if he can't believe what he has heard. His face does color, but it's undeniable that he looks plenty annoyed. ]

Since when the hell would I be asking for something like that? This is more than good enough, boar.

[ He says, trying to forget for a moment that the idea of just showing off like in the White Heron Cup has crossed his mind. Not in front of another judging crowd, mind you. But at that time, he certainly hadn't a dance partner. Either way, he certainly doesn't clarify that he had it in mind at all. ]

Well what else would it be? You seem dissatisfied with my performance regardless ... any escalation on my part would require coordination I don't have.

[ he gestures to someone, uh, grinding against someone else on the dance floor before doing splits, to much whooping and clapping. ]

I mean, it's ... well, it's very [ pause ] creative.

[ His expression turns simply incredulous at the sight as well. Kind of like, 'what the hell am I watching here', before immediately turning his head away from that because he swears, he can't stand looking a single moment longer. ]

...your performance could be far worse, which it isn't.

[ This is what he gets for saying the things that he does. But now he is at a new dilemma. If he doesn't clarify, this misunderstanding will persist. ]

Anyway, I didn't mean you doing any of that nonsense. I meant—well, do you remember what you said a moment ago about the White Heron Cup?

Just doing something like that, though not with a crowd. Nothing indecent about it, either! So don't get any stupid ideas. You'd said something about...nevermind. I think we've spent too much time here—I've no intention of sticking around these fools any longer.

[ He turns away from Dimitri, aiming to make his way out of here. He hopes that he never sees such an awful sight again with those other fools. But he doesn't doubt he will. ]

Oh? That sounds like a compliment.

[ something like that ... but not with a crowd ... hm. ]

Well. If there was something like the Goddess Tower out here, I could've sworn that's what you're referring to.

[ he follows. mostly to be annoying, he reminds felix of this matter. ] In which case, of course you're free to have me for yourself.

[Ah. So he was the headstrong type was he?

.....Perfect.]

Well, I suppose with how quick the game can get it's only natural that we play a couple more rounds.

But, now that you understand the premise what do you say we play like we're supposed to?

You know, with money or stardust on the line.

[♥]

It just might be. Just...don't let it get to your head.

[ Felix says, with a huff, but he means it. ]

No, I don't think I've heard of anything like the Goddess Tower here. Not that I'd particularly care for it anyway, and the superstitious nonsense surrounding it. But I had already participated—

[ Yes, he does pause and give Dimitri a look like he's trying to appear annoyed for the prince following him, but he doesn't quite manage to make it work. Maybe he wanted him to accompany for a bit longer. What of it?

He will tackle this like he does with other challenges. ]

Well, in that case, I'll take you up on it. I'm no coward, after all. We'd just...need to find a spot.

.:The Third Blade:.

closed to Dimitri

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