Leaves, Seasons, and Dead Trees (BxB)

25. - The Games We Don't Play

"Oh, the things we find
When scars are left behind
Do you have to go, do you have to go? Tell me, do you?"

- "Castles" by Lee DeWyze -

*****

Samuel

"You've never touched a card before?" Tobias's eyes widen, paws freezing mid-Faro shuffle, a skill that left the football team and me in awe. "Not even UNO?" he adds, the question hanging in the air as he absent-mindedly resumes shuffling the deck.

I shake my head silently, my faint smile betraying no trace of the story I keep hidden. The truth is too painful to voice aloud. Not that I want to share any, that is. Sitting next to me, Tyson maintains his nonchalance. Besides, I hadn't planned on joining the team tonight, but Tyson's presence and the Thunderhoof Guardians victory tonight pulled me into their orbit, making me part of the evening's plans by association.

The others wait for a reason, expecting something more. So, I give them what they want. "I don't know. I just... don't really care about card games? They're like, way too complicated. And there's just too many of 'em, so..."

"Well, there's a first time for everything." Tobias grins, tossing the first card onto the vinyl wood floor. It glides toward me with practiced ease. He deals the remaining cards with a calm authority, distributing two to each of the six players. "Blackjack is straightforward," he explains, his tone carrying the confidence of someone who knows the game inside out. "The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. It's all about chance and instinct." He runs through the card values - numbered cards hold their face value, face cards count as ten, and aces can be either one or eleven, depending on what's best for my hand.

Tobias elaborates on additional strategies, something about 'splitting' pairs and 'doubling down.' "If you're dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into separate hands," he says, his voice steady. "And if you're feeling bold, you can double your bet and draw one more card. Just hope it gets you closer to 21." The others turn giddy as they wait for the game to start, though James remains particularly engrossed, absorbing every word.

"But if you ask me," Tobias leans back, his expression settling into a smug grin. "Blackjack isn't just about luck. It's about knowing when to take a risk and when to hold back. A skilled gambler reads the table, predicts the dealer's next move, and manages their bets with precision. And," he glances at me, "a bit of natural talent doesn't hurt either. You'll pick it up with time."

"Nah, I don't think I wanna know how to gamble." I hum, squinting my eyes at his in-depth knowledge. "Though I gotta say, you sound like you're a pro-gambler or something."

Tobias's grin falters, but he quickly recovers. "I-I just like to place a bet every now and then. Mostly on football games or casual party games, nothing too intense."

"Yet you know how to pull off that... complicated deck shuffle thingy?"

"W-Well, uh... I just enjoy learning card tricks." He clears his throat, his focus shifting back to the deck at the center of the circle. "But let's... just get started." After explaining that the game operates with open play and no set turns, the others eagerly begin drawing cards.

I flip over the first two cards Tobias dealt me: a 5 and an 8. Not promising at all. I glance at Tyson, noticing the familiar intensity in his eyes as he scrutinizes his own cards. Already finished with his turn, Tobias leans back against the bed frame, releasing a contented sigh. "You guys are overthinking this."

Oscar groans, tossing his cards down in frustration. "Shut up." The others quickly follow suit, leaving only me still holding my cards. The room's attention shifts toward me, waiting for my next move.