Chapter Text
The lights above were dazzling.
The rays caught onto the crystal facets of the chandelier, producing tiny bursts of warm, radiant light that spread through the casino like a flood. The establishment buzzed with overlapping noises—the constant clang of slot machines and chips clattering across tables looping endlessly, followed by the chattering customers clinking their glasses together and toasting to the new year.
Chance brought his rim to his lips, taking a sip of the refreshing red wine of his glass. Pinot Noir—one of his favorites. He liked how light and smooth it was, not as heavy like some red wines were. He wasn’t the bold type of guy.
They reached into their pocket, pulling out a gold coin that glimmered underneath the light. He ran his thumb atop the surface, nail scrapping against the engraved details in the metal. They flicked it high in the air, catching it with their palm; it landed on heads. Surely, that was a good sign.
Managing a casino wasn’t as bad as they thought it’d turn out to be. He was expecting chaos and stress, maybe even needing to get his hands dirty. Fortunately, because of his rich background, he was able to keep things running smoothly without much trouble. Having a good reputation and being a "natural" charmer had its benefits. He didn't know why people just swarmed around him like a beehive. He wasn't that attractive, was he?
The thought made him chuckle, reminding the gambler of how his mom used to pamper him with praise and affection. She was a sweet woman.
Chance swallowed the last drop and slid the glass across the counter towards the bartender to clean his cup. With one quick glance, the bartender immediately got to work with wiping the glass down with a clean towel, their gaze adverting to the ground to avoid Chance's eyes. He grinned; guess he was still intimidating after all. Nonetheless, it was most likely because of his position and not his looks.
The gambler cleared his throat, dusting down his suit. They couldn't be seen slouching around and getting drunk; that would be a poor sight from the responsible operator of a casino, wouldn't it? He had an image to uphold.
He strode through the hallways with confidence, his heels clinking against the cold, marble floors with each step. In his hand, his lucky coin stayed.
His destination: the front doors of the casino.
His thumb fidgeted with the surface of the small change, enjoying the sensory it brought against his skin—it was just a simple habit of his and nothing more.
Chance could hear the whispers and giggles from nosy patrons whilst he breezed past but paid no mind to them. The gambler couldn't care less, there were more important things to worry about. Besides, he could always fetch a guard or two to rid of anyone who dare attempted to stain his pedestal.
Again, perks of being rich.
He had an awfully important person to meet today, so it was best he stayed focus on his task at hand. In the distance, a figure came into his line of sight. Chance scanned the person from head to toe, trying to analyse what type of person they were; first impressions mattered. Especially for him.
They were tall and slender, hands placed on top of each other at the front. Their hair and skin were a bright yellow, contrasting to their blue suit vest and white undershirt. Suspended from the throat was a jabot, with an adamantine gem sitting on the fabric. They also wore green palazzo pants that reached their ankles, barely covering the black shoes with platforms, contributing to the stranger’s already long figure.
And the most eye catching of them all— the limited Ice crown that sat on top of their head. It was only awarded to those who were winners, or fortunately wealthy.
Chance visibly perked up, eyes gleaming with intent. This person must be special.
The gambler quickly put on his facade, a smug yet welcoming grin plastered on his face as he approached the new patron.
"Heeeyyy ! You must be the new guy ! Name's Chance and I’ll be your host for today," Chance started, throwing his arm around the newcomer's neck to bring them closer. He heard a small grunt from them, but ignored it.
"Not much of the social type ? That's fine ! At least tell me your name, I wanna know how to address a beauty like you."
At the sudden compliment, the stranger's shoulders tensed up, their head turning to the side to block their face. After a short moment of silence, they finally spoke.
"…ITrapped. My name is ITrapped."
"ITrapped, hm ? Silly name ! Well, my name is 'Chance', so I can’t exactly say anything," Chance chuckled playfully. "Don't be so tense, icicle, you can relax here. Y’know, I ain't gonna bite ‘cha."
ITrapped huffed at the sudden nickname, slightly nudging Chance off with their elbow. This person talks too much, far too touchy for people they just met.
"Yes, yes. Thank you, Chance.. Shall we go get a drink ? I really need to quench my thirst."
Chance gave ITrapped a thumbs up, grabbing their sleeve and basically dragging them towards the bar he was previously at. Along the way, his mouth just wouldn't stop moving, an infinite string of sentences coming out one after the other. ITrapped smiled politely while giving the chatterbox a bunch of nods, not really paying attention to whatever they were saying.
It was annoying, but just very, very marginally endearing, for some unknown reason.
Itrapped was probably just imagining things.
Before they knew it, the pair had reached the lounge. The gambler yawned, collapsing onto a nearby couch, stretching their arms like a cat after chasing a mouse all day.
Chance patted the empty space beside him, giving his customer a stupid, goofy grin. ITrapped rolled their eyes before hesitantly lowering themselves down and neatly settling in position.
"Comfy ? It's brand new ! Fancy, ain't it ?"
ITrapped had to admit, it was comfy. A decadent softness that felt like being wrapped in a cloud of silk. Of course, ITrapped wouldn't say it out loud.
"It's.. okay. Ahem. I think were getting a bit off track — "
"WAaaAITER! Get this guy some wine! Oh, and a shot of whiskey! Or are you a beer typa gal? Get us a cup of beer please, make it a large!"
ITrapped pursed their lips.
"… Thank you, Chance. As I was saying, I wanted to —"
"Do you want some food? The bar has some really good fries, unless that's not your cup of tea. Ohh, maybe you —"
"Chance."
"Yea, bud' ?"
ITrapped resisted the urge to strangle them.
"I appreciate your.. generosity. However, I'd like to have a proper conversation with you."
Chance nodded before their lips sealed shut. ITrapped let out a sigh of sheer relief. Finally, silence from them.
"..I've heard of your marvelous casino, and the charming owner of it." ITrapped leaned closer to Chance, shoulders brushing against theirs.
"It's an honour to meet you, Ch — "
"Oh, I think the drinks are here ! Thanks, waiter ! You can just put them on the table beside—"
As Chance moved an arm to reach for the drinks the waiter had provided them, he let out a startled yelp as he was suddenly tugged down by their tie. The fabric around his neck tightened as a fist pulled down on it. It kept them still, giving Chance some time to process what had happened. They blinked innocently, bewildered and stunned on why his customer pulled him closer whilst staring daggers into his soul.
"Can you listen to me ? I find being interrupted very unmannered."
"… If you were into this type of stuff, you could've just said so —"
And right before Chance could finish his sentence, the other had roughly shoved the gambler away; their back hitting the armrests of the couch. Itrapped's whole body turned away with their face flushed and their teeth gritted, attempting to regain their composure from the rattling comment.
"I did NOT mean it like that ! The audacity of you to say such crude things to a customer..!" ITrapped muttered angrily, arms crossed.
Chance snickered, already scooting back to Itrapped's side.
"Pfft.. but you’re not just any customer, are you ?"
The gambler leaned closer—much too close for comfort, Itrapped's breath hitched in their throat. They were suddenly hyper aware of their heart pounding in their chest.
"I can tell you're special, tesoro. And that's why you're sittin' here with me. I suggest you make the most of your time here."
Usually, Itrapped wouldn't tolerate such a sappy taunt to their name. Yet, it felt as if the gambler’s words had ripped their very right to speak straight out of their vocal chords.
For a moment, they swore they spotted a malicious lustre in his eyes, as if he was purposely mocking them. It was a far contrast for the bouyant and outspoken face they hold upfront.
"Somethin' wrong, icicle ? You're all frozen— no pun intended— and quiet.."
Itrapped shook their head. Telamon, what was the matter with them today ? They reached up to adjust the crown on their head then cleared their throat.
Patience. They needed to be patience to get what they wanted. Chance may be a pain in the ass, but ITrapped couldn't afford to lose him.
They hated to admit it, but the exploiter needed his help.
"Yes— Yes. I'm fine. Just, please let me talk without being interrupted."
ITrapped waited for a second, and then another. Nothing but the chatter of others across the room.
"… I wanted to get to know you better, Chance. I believe that we would get along well, really.. despite my initial outburst."
Chance knew these words all too well. Always, it’s someone trying to get close to him—just enough to gain some trust—before attempting to scam him out of his money. It was pathetic, really, and this time was no different; if anything, it’s more pitiful than the last few. He considered refusing the request at first.
Their eyes trailed up to the ice crown planted on his head, glimmering and gorgeously sparkling underneath the warm light.
Maybe, he could humor this just for a bit longer, to see if they were actually worth his time.
"Oh, not a problem at all. My apologies for talkin' too much.. Just got excited to meet someone new after so long, y'know?"
"You don't meet new people often ? I'm surprised."
Chance shrugged.
"I mean, I do. It's just that.. It ain’t often for someone to come looking for the person inside. I appreciate ya' for that, icicle."
The gambler poured the both of them wine, offering ITrapped a cup.
"Thought you were thirsty ! Here, Moscato. It's white wine."
ITrapped cautiously accepted the glass, raising the glass carefully before taking a sip. It was sweet, coating their throat with the crisp liquid.
"I gotta say, you remind me of ice that glimmers in the sunlight," Chance gave ITrapped a faint smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Dazzling, I mean."
ITrapped stayed silent, staring at their reflection in the liquid that swirled around in the glass cup. What a strange compliment. Despite their suspicion, they didn't push further.
"Awhh, you really think so, darling ? Then I might just excuse you for that.. stunt you pulled earlier," ITrapped muttered the last part whilst they whisked their wrist to swirl the lean drink.
"I swear I didn't mean it !"
"It was a bold, yet thoughtless joke you made."
Chance snorted, starting to laugh out loud—head thrown back as they cackled. His laughter echoed in the room. ITrapped scrunched up their face in confusion, puzzled on why the gambler was laughing. What was so funny ?
ITrapped was about to tell him off, yet before they opened his lips, something about Chance caught their eye. The snickering that filled his ears led him to unintentionally look closer to their face—a grin as bright as the sun paired with a face so priceless.
He looked really, really cute while laughing. Did they always look like that ? ITrapped swore their heart skipped a beat.
"Nothin' — nothin', Icicle. It's just you look so adorable when you're mad."
Crimson flooded ITrapped's face in an instant, as if they had been set alight. They reached up to touch their cheek, feeling the warmth against their palm. Fuck, they must look like an idiot right now. Their head filled with thoughts, each of it screaming to quit humiliating themself. This was extremely unprofessional of them—by this rate, they will achieve nothing by his current show..
"Your attempts for flattery are.. pitiful at best," ITrapped murmured, attempting to deflect the compliment and dismissing it as if it was the wind.
"You're not very good at takin' compliments, are you?"
"Well, I—"
"How about we meet up another time, when your head isn't so fuzzy, tesoro." Chance stood up from his seat.
"Eh? My mind is just fine, thank you—"
"Amore, relax. I got no plans in harmin' you. I wouldn't want you to shatter, would I? That'd be cruel, especially on our first meetin'!" ITrapped felt chills running down the back of their spine, making them squirm uncomfortably in their seat.
"Although.." The gambler leaned down, placing a hand on the other's shoulder; their sharp nails digging into their skin. The fabric of their shirt was the only barrier keeping his shoulder intact. "I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I played a bit with your head, silly thing."
Suddenly, Chance flicked their forehead. ITrapped let out an embarrassing yelp, hissing at the lingering sting.
"I'm just messin' with ya', though! Don't take anything I say too seriously now."
ITrapped was stunned, absolutely bewildered by the words that left the other’s mouth—they had no words to defend themselves. Every potential comeback slipping through the cracks of their brain like grains of sand, leaving their mind with no room to regain.
"Jeez, it’s probably super late. You should be on your way!" Chance exclaimed, tilting his wrist to check the time on his watch.
1:34 A.M.
Chance offered his hand to the patron, that shit-eating grin appearing once more.
"Shall I lead you back to the entrance, darlin' ?"
ITrapped—with full honestly—wanted nothing more than to scream at the gambler, curse them out for their discourteous assumptions and accusations. However, the words were stuck in their throat, unable to leave their mouth as they took Chance's hand quietly, standing up from the velvet seat.
The trip to the front of the casino was in silence, the only sound echoing through the hallways was the click of their heels against the fancy marble floor. It was late. There were no customers lounging around near the entrance anymore, leaving just the two to walk alone with the sounds of their own steps.
The quietness left ITrapped's mind alone with their thoughts, heart hammering in their chest. They could even hear the thumping of the blood-pumping organ echo in their ears.
Perhaps… ITrapped was simply sick, and needed a check up from a doctor. Yes, that must be it ! They were simply unwell. After all, it was impossible for a great exploiter like them to feel so strongly towards a stupid, charming, handsome gambler—
"Here we are ! Ah, I'm a bit sad to see you go. Are you really gonna leave lil' ol' me all alone ?" Chance asked, feigning betrayal with a pout.
"Don't be so dramatic," ITrapped replied, giving Chance a nudge on their side with their elbow. "Is that a request to see you tomorrow ?"
Right after the words slipped out of their mouth, the exploiter almost immediately regretted it. They didn't know that foolish smirk could stretch even wider.
"Yes, yes it is, actually ! How about we meet up here again for lunch ? I'll treat you, at my place !"
ITrapped stiffened. His place ? As in, their house ?
"Y'know, I don't often invite people to my abode. But I like you, so I'll make an exception. Wha’ddaya say, Icicle ?"
The exploiter pondered their options. This was a huge opportunity to steal some limited items, as well as.. deepening the "bond" between the two. ITrapped internally cringed at that thought.
For their friends, they reminded themselves. For Ellernate and Caleb.
".. Sure, that'd be lovely."
"Excellent ! Need a ride home ? I don't mind callin' a taxi for ya' —"
"No need, really. I’ll be just fine on my own."
ITrapped stepped away from the gambler, descending down the steps of the casino to the ground floor. A cool breeze brushed against their skin as they swept down the grind stairs, shivering slightly from the chill. The air was chilly.
They turned back to face Chance, giving the owner a polite bow.
"Thank you for today. I truly had a wonderful time."
"Thank you for comin' ! See you tomorrow, stay safe out there, darlin' !" Chance answered. Before ITrapped could say another word, the gambler had already stepped back inside, the large doors of the casino slamming shut.
ITrapped sighed, dropping whatever words wanted to leave their mouth before getting back to their task: returning home.
…
Chance took a deep breath, rummaging through their pocket to find their lighter. All that talking and masking was exhausting. He deserved a breather.
Although the gambler was still at the entrance, he was already lighting up a cigarette. He brought it to his lips, taking a slow drag from it, a thin stream of smoke into the air.
He wasn't rushing, was he ? He might have been seen as suspicious, from how they immediately offered the stranger to visit his apartment.
Well, not really a stranger. Aquaintance.
Chance chuckled, taking another drag of the cigarette. ITrapped was their name, if they remembered correctly.
"Let's see how long you last until you melt."
…
"UGGHhHHH"
ITrapped groaned, burying their face into the softness of their pillow. They must've been cursed by the admins above—there could be no other explanation why that asinine, moronic loser was plaguing their mind all night.
"I'm acting like a fool… a daft.. an inane idiot..!!"
The exploiter rolled over, laying on their side. They couldn't spend the rest of their night losing their head over a person they just met...
"I'msofuckingcooked."