"I wanna hold em' like they do in Texas plays,
Fold em' let em' hit me raise it baby stay with me (I love it)
Luck and intuition play the cards with Spades to start
And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart.
Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my...poker face."
- Poker Face, Lady Gaga (although the Daughtry cover is the one I'm thinking of)
Of all the cowhands who worked the Elysion, Nikolai had the reputation for being the best card player. According to all who faced him, the broad shouldered Russian immigrant had no tell – an emotionless visage no matter how much whiskey he consumed or how many hours he spent at the table.
Having to work for everything in his life, Nikolai took nothing for granted, and as hands were dealt, his quick mind calculated probabilities faster than Zeke could rope a steer. He wasn't bold or cocky, but confident in his ability. He didn't take risks, but made educated choices. While Endy paid a fair wage to all his men, Nikolai saved what winnings he could, for some future he wasn't sure of just yet in this wild territory.
Thus, he finds himself fascinated one stormy evening, staring across a worn deck into darkly lashed emerald eyes. The feminine fingers that curl around the pair of cards tell a story of hard labor and grace. The waning pile of cash on his patch of green felt, the many stubbed hand rolled cigarettes, and empty bottles of beer speak of a long game between two equals.
"Time to call." Her husky voice urges him to make a decision.
"All in." It was a risk – the biggest he had ever taken. Forced into a corner, he is uncharacteristically bluffing, and there is only one card in the entire deck that can turn his fortune.
She nods imperceptibly and follows his lead – pushing her much larger pile of currency forward. The dealer swallows loudly and flips the river. Nikolai doesn't even look at the card and instead chooses to focus on his opponent's reaction.
Smiling sweetly, she reveals a flush of spades and begins tucking the money into the corners of her tightly laced corset. Not taking her eyes off of his as the last bill slips discreetly into her ample breasts, she says, "Better luck next time."
Although he's out a month's pay, the optimism there will definitely be a 'next time' has Nikolai whistling a spirited tune all the way back to the Elysion bunkhouse.
AN: My personal fave so far – please forgive the changes in tense. And, not to worry, Zeke and Schoolmarm Amy will be along soon.
