All or Nothing

The Challenge

Gilgamesh was no stranger to how a woman works. He knew what attracted them, what made them tick and, most importantly, what made them aroused. He could read them like a book and anticipate their every need or want, without them having to ask.

Yet, during the flight to Japan, Arturia didn't exhibit the usual female signals. Her face gave away nothing nor did she react to his antics. Ever since they had met in the terminal, Gilgamesh did all the right moves, timed everything perfectly, and even collected himself to the point where he gave, for the most part, no hint of sexual desire. Yet she resisted and distanced herself from him. Which only made him want to egg on further, to see what buttons he could get away with pressing.

Arturia, meanwhile, hoped that by keeping to herself and not playing this sick game, Gilgamesh would be turned off and simply end the game right there.

Oh, how wrong she was.

Gilgamesh never refused a challenge. He loved the game and the pleasure of competing far too much. To him, the game was everything. It presented an obstacle and, best of all, the prize. In such a mundane and predictable world, he was addicted to the rush of a challenge, to the ensuing tension and conflict. This challenge, this bet he had just forged with Arturia, was probably going to be the most interesting thing to date. A girl willingly betting her future over feelings she will develop over time. Nothing was more fascinating and awe-inspiring than that. She was arrogant, certain her in behavior.

Oh, how he loved the arrogant.

Although some might consider him arrogant, Gilgamesh considered himself prideful. There was no arrogance in his actions, only confidence and self-awareness. He never bragged over things that he did not know. The only boasts to leave his tongue were truths. He owned seven companies, built the wall surrounding Uruk when he was only sixteen, spoke five languages fluently, and was nominated in the Guinness World Records for being the richest man in the 21st century.

There were many accomplishments he had under his belt, and all he had earned either through effort, resources, or talent.

Once teasing her for a good hour didn't seem to have much effect, Gilgamesh decided to change gears. Now, he assumed, would be the proper time to create rules for their little game.

Rules, Gilgamesh believed, are key to every game. They made things more interesting if worded correctly. After all, Gilgamesh didn't attend law school for the kicks.

... Okay, maybe he did. Regardless, it was money well spent.

He leaned closer to the young woman sitting beside him. Arturia did not appreciate the idea of being this close to the egotistical man. Her frown deepened as she sharply asked, "What?"

"Aren't you curious at all about the rules?"

Dumbfounded, Arturia gaped at him, gasping, "Rules?!"

Gilgamesh laughed at her reaction. "Well, of course! We can't simply start a game without rules."

Arturia blinked in disgust. Rules? Game? He thinks this is all a game? Before she could deal out her full-blown rage Gilgamesh held up a halting hand.

"Arturia, come now," he arched a brow. "We agreed to this little bet. Would it not serve us best to create boundaries for which we will navigate during this time? To ensure we play fairly and do not harm one another in any sort?"

She leaned back, studying him warily. When he was certain she wouldn't interrupt, he continued.

"For starters, since the bet circles around us dating, certain expectations must be met. I should take you on a date at least once a week."