A/N: Um, sorry, I know it sounds like a stupid idea, but I've been home sick all day and I had nothing better to do.
Disclaimer: Don't own! :P
Chapter 1
—3rd Person POV—
~Allen~
Unlocking his cell phone with a swipe of his finger, Allen simultaneously got up to stumble across his room and switched on the light. He rubbed at his still tired eyes, noting that it was past midnight and with a few clicks, pulled up the message group that Lavi had thought to title as the Fantastic Four. Allen had never even watched the movie…
TooGayToFunction:
How many is one bluff too many?
Stupid Face:
Idiot rabbit! I'm sitting right next to you!
TooGayToFunction:
I was asking our shortstack! Sheesh Yuu…
Stupid Face:
DON'T FUCKING CALL ME THAT!
(Of course "TooGayToFunction" was referring to Lavi. Allen thought the older boy was little too flamboyant for his own good. And "Stupid Face"… Well, that was pretty self-explanatory.)
"Damn, I should just go back to sleep," the white-haired teen grumbled to himself, but nonetheless, typed out a quick reply.
Me:
Alright, I'll bite. What the hell is going on?
TooGayToFunction:
Shortstack! You're awake! Perfect! Now answer my question! :)
Stupid Face:
I knew this was a mistake…
TooGayToFunction:
Oh! And I have another question… What's the proper betting size for a beginner?
Me:
Betting? Bluffing? Damn it! Are you guys playing poker? Please tell me you're doing this at home!
TooGayToFunction:
Nope! Go big or go home I always say!
Allen groaned, and almost tossed his phone out the window in frustration.
China Girl:
Lavi! You never say that! What have you guys gotten yourselves into this time around?!
(Not that Allen had anything against Lenalee, but if Komui were ever to get a hold of his phone and find his sister's name within it, it would be Allen who would pay… in blood.)
Stupid Face:
It was the rabbit's idea!
TooGayToFunction:
Yuu! Don't throw me under the bus now!
China Girl:
Where are you guys?!
Stupid Face:
At the bar by 5th avenue.
TooGayToFunction:
Yuu traitor!
China Girl:
I'm coming down to get you! No arguments!
TooGayToFuntion:
Don't! It's too late now anyway. These guys are big and scary. They'll beat us up before we go anywhere…
Me:
Lavi! How much money have you put down?!
Stupid Face:
More than we've got together combined.
Me:
… Nice going idiots. Fine. I'll meet you guys down there and take care of it.
TooGayToFunction:
I knew we could count on you, shortstack! You're the best! :D
Allen clicked his phone shut with a huff, grumbling beneath his breath as he blearily leaned down to pick up his clothes from earlier and got dressed. Once the fifteen-year-old had pulled on his boots and grabbed his coat and keys, he finally shut the lights off in his room and begin to head out, pointedly ignoring the older man and woman canoodling on the couch.
"Eh? Where are you off to?" Cross demanded distractedly.
"Out," was Allen's short reply before he swiftly ducked out and snapped the door shut. He then rushed downstairs and out of the apartment complex. The bar Kanda had mentioned was only two blocks away, so Allen figured it wouldn't be too bad of a walk. As he hurried along, he threw on his coat, shoving his hands into the pockets and dipping his head down, knowing it was better to be quick and avoid trouble. It wasn't until he was three-quarters of the way there that his phone buzzed once more.
China Girl:
Allen, do you need me to come pick you up?
Me:
I'm already walking. I should be there in five.
TooGayToFunction:
Good because a new guy came in and he's fucking scary.
Stupid Face:
Then maybe you should stop betting more money you asshole!
Cursing under his breath, Allen shoved his phone back into his pocket and quickened his steps, practically speeding up to a jog, until the bar finally came into sight. From his distance, Allen could see Lenalee already pulling up in her car.
"Allen!" Lenalee waved him over, and he rushed over, grabbing her wrist and pulling her along without a word. It wasn't difficult to spot Kanda and Lavi once they arrived inside. A small crowd was beginning to form around their table, and Allen could only curse further once he noticed it was Tyki of all people that was playing against them.
"Alright you two, out," Allen grumbled, and for once, Kanda and Lavi were quick to comply. "I'm taking their place," he grunted with finality, eyeing each of the players as if daring them to argue.
"Hello, boy. It's been a while," Tyki smirked from his place across from him. "You can be sure I'll beat you this time around. Your friends haven't left you in a very desirable position, after all."
Allen couldn't help it as his black side began to seep out. Lips curling into a sneer, he replied, "We'll see."
"Yeah! You show them, Allen—ow!" Lavi whimpered, and Allen could only thank the Lord above that someone was finally keeping him under control.
The fifteen-year-old gathered Lavi's discarded cards, and avoided the urge to frown. They were awful. It appeared that he had his work cut out for him. To the rest of the world though, he appeared unruffled and the epitome of calm. A mastery that was his poker face.
"Let's get started."
"Royal Straight Flush!" Allen declared in conclusion, setting his cards down with a wicked, sharp-tooth smirk that made everyone within the vicinity shudder. By this point in time, the table was empty with the exception of Tyki. Once Allen had joined the game, players had quickly begun to gather the little money they had left before ducking out. Out of pride (and talent of his own), Tyki had remained through it all, stubborn with the idea of one-uping Allen. But Allen was true to his demon poker playing skills, and gradually tore them all apart, not only regaining the money Lavi and Kanda had lost, but piling on additional winnings.
Trying to maintain the little dignity he had left, Tyki set his cards on the table face-down. "I see this round goes to you once again, cheater boy."
"Of course," Allen smirked, ever the modest one.
"Unfortunately, I have nothing left to bet, so I should get going," Tyki frowned as he got up.
His black side still exposed while also feeling slightly arrogant from the constant winnings, Allen jabbed, "Yes. Wouldn't want to walk away with nothing but your underwear like you did last time around, would you?"
"You'll never let me live that down," Tyki huffed as he put on his coat. "See you around, boy."
Allen didn't get a chance to reply, for soon he was suffocating beneath the weight and force of Lavi's hug. "Woohoo! You did it, shortstack! You were damn scary, but we still love you anyway!" Lavi cheered with a shout, before greedily snatching up the winnings.
Unimpressed, Allen crossed his arms and glared up at him, silently waiting. "Alright, alright," Lavi relented sheepishly, and split the money four ways, even giving Lenalee a part of the share. "Happy now?"
"Meh," Allen shrugged, before grinning. "I hate you guys. I can't believe you dragged me out here at this time of night."
"You two really should be more responsible," Lenalee joined in, scolding them lightly.
"You say that," Lavi teased, "But I don't see any rejection of the money."
"I'm wasting precious time and gas on you two," she huffed, albeit jokingly. "I totally deserve my share."
"You're lucky the beansprout showed up rabbit," Kanda threw in distractedly, busy as he counted his share. "I would've killed you otherwise."
"No way! All of you just need to admit that I am an amazing friend, and if it weren't for me, none of us wouldn't have even been here tonight!" Lavi declared, arms crossed and chin lifted high in mock arrogance.
Surprisingly, it was Lenalee who slugged him across the arm. "Yeah! I could've been home sleeping!"
Allen barked out a laugh, and soon, they were all joining in, leaning against each other, and laughing to the point where they had no idea as to why they were even doing so in the first place. Maybe that stupid message group had its ups after all.
A/N: I'm leaving the tag as incomplete; I might add to this. After all, the whole idea came from me questioning what these characters would name each other on their contacts list.(x Oh my gosh, I'm sick, quit judging me! XP
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