King of Hearts

by shadowno

Reno never really cared much for anyone else, save his long time friend Rude. But now, as he slowly starts to find his eyes following the only female turk, he finds that his image as a bad boy is at risk.

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The smoke dulled all the light that surrounded the table, the four men sitting around each eyed the others suspiciously. The redhead smirked as he noticed the beads of sweat that had formed on each of their heads. Knowing what the situation the others were in, Reno's eyes flicked to his cards. The 10 jack queen ace 4 in his hand was a beautiful flush, definitely a winning hand. However, for Reno, winning was never enough. He placed the four of hearts down, and looked the man sitting across from him.

"Just one, my good man." Reno said, picking his cigar up from the ash tray. Taking a long drag from it, he blew a perfect ring of smoke.

"You know, Reno, the only thing at the table that's bigger than the pot is your ego." One of the men, the dealer said. "You act like your gods gift to everything."

"Not everything, just women. Your woman included." Reno replied with a smirk. He wasn't surprised when his stoic companion made no sign of taking humor in the statement, and definitely not surprised at the glared he received from his joke's victim, but the fourth man immediately flew into a fit of laughter.

"shut up Joe!" The man yelled, punching his friend in the arm. "How many do you want?"

"Just 2" the man said, placing two cards on the table.

"How bout you Rude?"

The bald giant looked at his partner for a moment, and then threw all five cards down.

"Folding huh? Oh well, makes it easier for me to win." The dealer said. Passing each man his cards requested. "So, Reno, why do you think your god's gift to women then?" dealer asked, setting down his full house. The second man cursed, throwing down his card. Reno leaned back, taking another drag from his cigar. Slowly, he picked up the card laying on the table, peered at it.

"Because." Reno said, laying the four cards in his hand down, and holding the fifth up, slowly turning it. "I'm the King of Hearts." He finished, revealing his royal flush. "Well, at least I have enough money to be the king." he said, gathering the pot and sliding it towards him.

"You god damned cheater!" The dealer said, standing up.

"Hey!" Reno said, standing up as well. "I only cheat at women and tests, not cards. That's because tests only matter once, and the women all come crawling back." The redhead once again dawned his trademark smirk, and turned to the giant next to him. "Come on Rude, Tseng is going to kill us for showing up for work at 2 in the afternoon.