high_seas | Here there be monsters...

Even whores should be treated better than I get treated when I'm being accused of being a whore. Fucking scum. But I'm not that. I wouldn't. I've had my offers, believe you me, and some of the money they've offered was enough to blow a big enough dent out of my debt. Bit whatever you might think of me when you see me at a bar, I'd never exchange sex for money.

*Faye flapped her arns again in frustration, then sank back down beside Thash again, her thigh against his*

Fuck. There goes me exploding again.

*She patted the bed behind them, then glanced back at Thash with a calmer expression*

I'll let you get your sleep now. You must need it.

Yeah, those morons don't know how to treat people right. I've had to deal with a lot of people like that, who just treat people like crap as if it's a game. It's like they want to make themselves feel good by making someone else feel bad. But at least in my case, I deserved a lot of it for things I've done... it really pisses me off that someone like you gets treated that way. You did nothing to deserve that.

[When she sat back down next to him after her little rant, he gave what he hoped was a comforting smile and put a hand on her shoulder. He liked that she felt comfortable enough to sit that close to him.]

Like I said, it's okay. You have every right to be mad even though those guys aren't worth it. At least I know you and I know you woudln't do that... and I'd never treat you that way.

[He glanced back at the bed when she suggested he go back to sleep] well, okay. I do tend to heal a little faster when I sleep a lot, and I want to be mostly better by tomorrow... [he gave a wry smirk] because you're probably going to that tournament, aren't you?

*While she sat and listened to him, Faye took small breaths in and out, just to be sure she was regulating her breathing better. She smiled at him when he put his hand on her shoulder, and she nodded, somewhat more assured*

You know what? You're too cute for a shark guy.

*She smirked right back at him and stuck out her tongue the tiniest amount*

But yeah, damn straight I'm going in for that tournament. I just have to figure out what to wear, is all.

[He gave a shy smile and blushed a tiny bit when she said he was too cute. But when she stuck her tongue out and confirmed she was going to the tournament he laughed a bit]

I knew it! Don't worry, this time I'll keep my fists to myself unless you actually ask for help. I'll probably just watch you play this time... I don't think I'm really tournament material.

[But then anyone sitting next to Faye whom she was helping cheat would probably be good enough to do well in a tournament, he thought with amusement]

I like the outfit you're in now. You probably have a lot to choose from though, huh?

You don't have to come along if you don't want to. If you're not playing, I bet you'll get bored just sitting around watching me. Though you might learn a thing or two.

*Faye perked up at his comment and sat up straight, glancing down at her chest and thighs*

Really? Maybe I'll team it up with a cowboy hat and blend right in. I got a few different other outfits, though that red dress won't be appearing again.

I won't get bored.

[He didn't come out and say it, but he pretty much planned on coming just to be her bodyguard. Although he was determined to be a little less hungry for blood this time and stay back unless she wanted him to come help]

And yeah, maybe i could learn to play better by watching.

[He looked at her outfit again] yeah, I think it would look good with a hat. It would certainly fit the setting.

[He was kind of glad she wasn't considering that dress again. It had seemed to really get the attention of perverts]

*She looked at him carefully for a moment before narrowing her eyes at him, then moving to press a finger at his nose*

You better promise me that you'll bugger off if you get bored just sitting there. Never know, might be a pretty lady there to catch your eye, and then I couldn't blame you for not watching the games.

*Faye smoothed the frayed hem of her denim mini skirt, then moved to stand again*

I better get these clothes off, then, keep them fresh for tomorrow night.

[he looked at her as she poked his nose, then laughed]

Okay, okay. I promise.

[he nodded as she stood up] alright then. I'll just go back to sleep probably...

[and try not to think about her taking her clothes off] See ya!

Perfect!

*She turned back to him and smiled, though she'd be all the more amused if she ever knew he'd even entertained the thought*

Sweet dreams.

*Faye leaned over and pressed a soft kiss lightly to his cheek, letting it linger a moment - a final show of her apology and thanks for the evening*

[it was hard not to spare at least a momentary thought for things she mentioned so openly! But, he was pretty good at controlling what he thought about and right now he thought about getting some shut-eye so he could be in top shape tomorrow]

[but that thought was soon replaced with 'HOLY CRAP DID SHE JUST KISS ME?!' His eyes widened a bit and he held still for a moment. But after she was done he showed he'd liked it by blushing deeply, his tail thumping away reflexively behind him as he looked down to pathetically try to hide his colored cheeks]

T-thanks... See you tomorrow, Faye [he gave an embarrassed but warm smile out from under his bangs]

*Oh, Thash, he was just too much fun for someone like Faye. She leaned slowly, chuckling at his reaction. Yup, she was pretty satisfied with the blushing and the tail movements. And to think that only a few minutes ago she'd thought about giving him a peck on the lips! Nah, that amusement would have to happen another time. Grinning, and deciding not to harrass him further, Faye actually walked towards the door*

You're very welcome, Thash.

*She opened the door and went through, then leaned back to give a quick wave and a wink*

See ya, g'night.

*Then she closed the door and headed to her own room, so glad to go to bed with a smile on her face after the day that she'd had*

[Thash stared dumbly at the door for a few moments after she left, giving a small but happy sigh. He thought he was so dang lucky to have a friend like her. He laid down, going to bed with a smile on his face as well]

[he'd sleep pretty heavily, waking up only once a few hours later to eat something then go back to bed. He'd probably sleep right up until Faye came and got him the next day for the tournament. His dreams were actually pretty sweet for once]

*At somepoint in the early afternoon, Faye knocks on Thash's door and tries her best at a chirpy 'Wild West' accent, which actually comes out better than she'd honestly expected*

Wakey, wakey, rise and shine, pardner! We got a whole day a fun and games right ahead!

*He'd find her in last night's fitted white tank top and denim skirt, but this time it's teamed up with white cowboy boots, the hat, and she has a holster round her thigh with an obvious gun in it to complete the look*

[maybe it was from watching Big Shot, but bit was a pretty decent accent. It made Thash chuckle a bit as he got up and came to the door, looking a little more energetic this time]

Hi Faye...[he of course was just wearing his normal faded jeans, but he noticed her completed outfit, looking over it briefly] you look great! Gimme one sec and I'll be ready.

[Thash took a moment to quickly change out his bandage with a smaller fresh one. It had stopped bleeding, now only seeping a little. It didn't seem to bother him much. After that he came back to the door. He thought for a moment about bringing his sword...but he decided against it, really hoping the night would go smoothly. He came out and closed the door behind him]

Shall we?

*Faye grinned in response to the compliment, tipping her hat and winking as she does so. She lingered by the door when he went to change the dressing, pleased at least to see that it wasn't troubling him too much. When he came out she stepped back and smiled before leading the way off the ship*

So the tournament starts soon. Then it runs into the evening. I guess everyone's supposed to get drunk after. Or, even drunker, whatever.

*Faye walked confidently along as they headed through the little town, careful to avoid the place they'd been the night before. Probably, people wouldn't recognise her today with the different outfit and after a night of heavy drinking. She wondered, though, if anyone would recognise Thash and give them trouble. So she was a little impatient about getting inside the bar the tournament would take place in*

Any trouble, let me know, right?

[He gave a small laugh when she told him how it would go, ending up with everyone very drunk] I'm not surprised.

[He also glanced towards the place they'd been at the night before. It was down the street and they avoided it by quite a bit, and it seemed like no one was going to give them trouble. At least not right now, anyway. He nodded when she asked him to let her know if there was trouble]

I will... and same to you.

[Though that might not be necessary since he intended to watch her throughout the tournament. Soon enough, the Cow's Eye would come into view. It was quite a bit larger and nicer than the Steer Skull, and there was already sounds of loud laughter and partying coming from inside. Thus far, Thash didn't recognize anyone who was standing around outside it although he coudln't shake the feeling of being watched. Well heck, he WAS being watched because even if these people hadn't seen him before, he was strange enough to stare at. He just ignored it.]

[When they entered the place, they'd see the poker tables all set up in one corner, near a stage where some girls were dancing. There was live piano music and some well-dressed man standing up on one of the tables announcing that the tournament would start soon. He then proceeded to go over how the tournament would be done. Thash looked around and found a table to sit at in the corner to the left of where all the poker would be played. He figured he'd be able to see eveything well enough from there]

[But before he headed that way, he spotted one of the guys they'd seen the night before. It was the last one they'd fought, the guy that had stabbed him. He was over near the poker tables, talking to a couple of other men. Thash didn't like it, but since the guy hadn't been banned from THIS bar, there was nothing that could be done about it. He alerted Faye to the guy's presence just as he happened to glance over their way. He gestured towards them furtively, then pretended to smile and waved. He yelled across the room]

Hey there, no hard feelin's, ey pardners? We all get drunk and stupid now an' then!

*The place did seem a bit more high class than where they'd been the night before. Certainly it seemed cleaner, anyway. She winked at Thash when she noticed the dancing girls, nodding in their direction. Likely, he'd already noticed them, though she still wasn't entirely sure of how alluring he found female humans to be.

Faye groaned in annoyance when Thash drew her attention to the stabbing guy. She really had come out to enjoy herself, not to be sidetracked by her anger. He was, for now, best left ignored, though she felt better knowing that she had her gun in case he tried any further attacks. She didn't reply to the man, just turned her head and dipped her hat. It may have looked like she was greeting him, or accepting what he said, but really she was turning away to ignore him. At least the tournament was starting soon, so she could on that*

I need a drink. You want anything from the bar?

*It was relatively busy along the bar, but there was a pair of rather attractive cowboys at the front that she knew she could squeeze through. She wouldn't mind*

[Thash had noticed the girls and thought they looked pretty and danced well, but he wasn't about to behave like the other guys and whistle or shout at them or anything. He might watch them a little while he was in here, though]

[he too ignored the guy, turning away along with Faye, frowning]

He'd better not try anything... At least I don't see any of the other guys here.

[which he thought was a little strange, actually. If they'd all been big poker players why hadn't they come to something like this? Maybe they were still nursing their wounds]

[when Faye asked him if he wanted anything, he have a small shrug]

I am kinda thirsty, yeah. Do they have just... Regular water?

*Faye did feel better that at least he had something to keep his attention during the whole game. She really did doubt that he'd watch her the whole entire time, and she felt a little bad that he'd probably therefore be really bored. But the girls would help, she guessed*

He won't. Or he'll lose his head as well as his balls. Those other guys are too small fry for this. You really think they'll show up after being beaten by a woman the night before?

*She smiled at Thash and nodded, then gestured to some of the spare seats in the room*

Yeah. I'm sure they do. Take a seat and I'll come bring them.

*Then she headed off, making a beeline for those two hot cowboys at the bar, wriggling her way to stand in between, which they more than readily allowed her to do*

Heh, true. Plus most of them besides that guy got hurt, so they're probably not in the mood.

[he nodded and headed for a spare seat at the corner table he'd been looking at earlier. He sat down, seeming calm but remaining alert and keeping an eye on things. He waited for Faye to return, drumming his claws on the wood table absentmindedly]

Ha. That's right. And I gotta hope that two of them in particular didn't have wives to go home explaining to.

*At the bar, Faye was served immediately. That was inevitable. But then the cowboys started chatting, and if Thash managed to get a glimpse of them through the crowd, he'd notice a lot of smiling and laughing and friendly touches on the shoulder, one of the men evening putting a hand by her hip. Faye laughed, though, and shook her head, finally eventually returning with a water in one hand, and her vodka with soda in the other*

One water.

*She slid it across the table to him, and sat down opposite, smiling as she took another look around*

Think things are starting to settle down for the tournament. I'm ready to win big. You sure you don't want to play?

[In Thash's opinion, if they did have wives the beating they'd get for having to explain would serve them right... they certainly hadn't behaved like married adults. He watched the two men interact with Faye, noting she seemed pretty happy. She seemed to like male attention... well, at least they weren't doing anything rude or inappropriate]

[When she came back with a water and her own drink, he took it with a nod] Thanks. And yeah, it should start in a few minutes. Heh, I know you'll win... but I don't know how to, uh... manipulate the odds in my favor like you do.

[Which was a really sugercoated way to say she was a good cheater]

That one guy already ssupects me of being a cheater, so I think if I sat next to you and the two of us keep winning, it'll just cause a lot of suspicion and anger. They underestimate you though, so I think they're less likely to suspect you of cheating.

[He shrugged]

Thats just what I think after observing very little of this, though. You know poker and bars better than I do. Do you think I should play?

*Liking male attention is certainly not something Faye would pretend wasn't true. He was quite obvious in the way that she interacted with men. She sat down at took a cigarette from a slim packet in her pocket it and lit it with a match. But then she raised a brow at Thash's suggestion*

Hey, now, careful. You make it sound like I'm not capable of winning on...my own terms.

*Ie, without any cheating. But even uttering the word 'cheat' was a bad idea in a place like this, that much she knew from experience*

Hmm. I dunno. Why not give it a shot? Sure, maybe find someone else to sit beside, so I won't be able to keep touching your leg, but it might be fun for you. See how long you can last.

*Faye took a long, relaxed drag from her cigarette and nodded over to the two guys at the bar*

That guy is expecting to stay in the tournament longer than me. He's taken me out for a date tonight if he does. If I stay longer, then I get his hat.

He didn't really know if she was good at playing without cheating because he didn't know if she'd been cheating or not the first time she played with him. But he figured she probably was pretty good since she'd worked in casinos before. Though to him it seemed like the game was so much based on luck that it'd be hard for a strategy to be very effective. He knew he could be wrong, though]

Yeah, I guess that would be fine [He knew he'd probably lose money and not stay in very long, but she was right, it would be entertaining while it lasted]

[He glanced at the guys at the bar when Faye described her bet] Hahah... hope he's not too attached to that hat, then.

[A minute or two later, the announcer guy stood up on the table, calling everyone who intended to play to come gather as the tournament was about to start]

C'mon. It'll be fun.

*Faye put out what was left of her cigarette, then picked up her glass of vodka as she prepared to head over to the poker table. She gave Thash's arm a squeeze in a good luck gesture, then readjusted her outfit with her free hand as she walked across the room. Faye moved halfway round the table and took a seat, allowing the usual mumur of interest and the 'sweet' greetings from the men sitting around her.

Once the game had started, Faye continued to play her way as per usual - with professionalism, and the perfect poker face. Unless, of course, she was deliberately trying to use sly or flirty looks across the table. Occasionally, Faye would blink towards Thash, just to see how he was getting along, but making sure that she didn't look like she had anything to do with him*

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