Title: card shark
Disclaimer: "Donavan" and his tall shadow aren't mine. Just for fun.
Warnings: none
Pairings: none
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 400
Point of view: third
Notes: I asked my cousin for a word. He said "shark." He wanted a story about a shark eating some people. This is not that story.
Kid thinks he's slick like meltin' butter, but Jeffrey Harding's been around the block half a dozen times and these pups are all the same. He's charmin', no doubt'a that, but charm ain't worth much nowadays, and it shore don't hide that giant shadow in the corner, tryin' to sink outta sight.
Kid says his name's Donavan with a rogue's grin, the kind that would'a melted Bethany in half'a heartbeat. But Jeff's nearly a quarter century too old and has a few extra parts that keep him from bein' completely taken in. Even so, it's a near thing.
Men just shouldn't be as pretty as this Donavan.
The kid laughs when Jeff deals the cards, tells some story ain't got a hope of bein' true, involvin' a band of gypsies and the ghost of grizzly. He's got a honey-smooth voice and descriptive hands, drawin' even Jeff in, though he knew better long before Donavan was born. He listens with a smile, keepin' close watch on the pup's quicksilver fingers: kid's a pro. So good, in fact, that Jeff doesn't call him on it.
The shadow rises when Mick gets loud, demandin' Donavan give up his hand. Donavan's hazel eyes flash the shadow a quick look, before he soothes Mick's ruffled feathers with a few calm words, in a tone that Jeff remembers from his horse wrangler days. It works and Mick subsides. The shadow sinks back down; Jeff's relieved. Ain't a barfight he's been in that he's lost, but against these two, pretty Donavan and his giant shadow? Jeff wouldn't ever take that bet.
Donavan wins, o'course. Jeff ain't a bit surprised. Half the moves were so good Jeff didn't even see 'em, and he was lookin' real careful. Mick's mad, but he's no fool, despite his temper. Donavan is far more dangerous than he appears, and he seems mighty dangerous, despite his pretty face. Factor in that shadow? Well, Jeff would have to take Mick's side, so he shore is glad Mick doesn't press his luck.
The kid thanks them both for the game, tuckin' his winnin's away. Jeff recognizes the shape of a gun beneath Donavan's jacket, but he keeps quiet, just congratulatin' the kid again. Donavan nods and meets up with his shadow by the bar and grabs a beer to go. Jeff watches them walk out the door, the tall shadow half a step behind, laughin'.