[PP-PT-F01] Forsaken Penance

[Mari 1]

Mari visibly bristled, body tensing almost like a cat - as Sin took away her much needed catharsis in the form of straight alcohol. Everyone around her was relaxed, and having fun but Mari was struggling to fit into the vibe. The other woman commented on wanting to join and Mari turned her attention away to catch the other shot Warren slid back to her, downing it instantly. It didn't help that Oscar said Mari didn't have the 'juice' not even together. Mari had wanted to hold her tongue, to be a little more proper and at least respect her friends wishes, of not sharing his sexual dalliances, but - this was a matter of her pride. "Last I recall, you seemed pretty worn out." She shot back at Oscar, tired blue eyes almost challenging him. 

"Perhaps it best you weren't called - " Mari tapped the table for yet another shot. Her sixth, at this Warren gave her a look but obliged. Mari knew she'd be cut off soon. Best drink what she could and let it all hit her at once. "What I did today..." They all wanted to play this game, fine. Mari placed emphasis on the word, her eyes shifting from Sin back to Oscar. "It was far too rough. And I'm afraid I couldn't...share the experience."

Whilst people were mulling over their cards Mari messaged Lancaster again;

Mari --> Lancaster: Its turned to strip poker...would you join? its at XX YY ZZ
Lancaster --> Mari: Too far, I am afraid.
Lancaster --> Mari: Cheat. Make sure you make the final hand after they strip naked to have them go through a town wearing a hat. Good times.
Lancater --> Mari: Then later, I want my own show.

Mari could practically hear the laughter from her husband from here. He set her at ease, he was fine. One day...Mari would get him to venture out, to make his own connections outside the LC; but for now - 

Hands dealt, cards played, and fate had graced Warren as the winner - it seemed the entire table had picked up on what was supposed to be happening. Today was no longer about Mari, about Redemption or even about penance - it was about Abellio and Lysette - and for Mari...that was a relief.

Mari picked up her hands, no cards needed to be swapped. Was she...staring at this right? Was this - a Royal flush? Mari elbowed Lysette first, then Sin,  allowing them the chance to look over her cards - then she sighed. "I might have to...fold again...what about you all?"

 

Edited November 4 by Mari

[Oscar 0]

Lysette's eyes lit up as Mari put her cards on display. In her mind, why would they need to waste an opportunity like that? She leaned over, whispering in Mari's ear:

"I think you should play through. You can tell me to take my top off. I really think that would get my man hot under the collar."

Sin smirked. She didn't really need to hear Lysette's suggestion in order to piece it together. Oscar, too. Though it was more because he could read her lips thanks to his <<Searching>> skill. Abellio showed Oscar his hand. Four of a kind. A damn strong hand. He shot Mari a look, tilting his head to the side. Whichever way the showdown went, it would definitely be interesting. And much as he wanted to play wingman for Lysette, he was also in it for the entertainment value. And besides, everyone at the table was conspiring for one goal in mind. Let the man keep up some token resistance.

"I fold," Warren said. Of course he did. He wasn't going to expose himself to getting exposed. Ever the pragmatic dealer. Oscar, on the other hand, had no such issues. He had nothing, but he stayed in. And it was probably much the same with Sin given that there were two really solid hands at play. Math said that there wouldn't be much else left in the deck.

"Two," Oscar said, playing his part. Warren flicked two cards into Oscar's direction, picking up the discarded pair and adding it to the bottom of the deck.

"Shall we go into the showdown?"

[Mari 1]

Mari flinched slightly as she felt the warm breath from Lysettes whisper, then relaxed. She had to remind herself she was safe here. It was difficult to just switch off, especially with so many people around her. Mari flashed a small glance to Oscar. He didn't seem phased, going as far as to give her a languid smile. Mari shifted her eyes back to Lysette and gave her a small nod. Truth be told, Mari didn't really know how to play too well. But Lysette wanted her to play through. Mari trusted the woman. "I'll stay." Mari said. Watching as the others took cards, was she supposed to do that? No, right? She had a flush, maybe?

Mari chewed her bottom lip. As long as no one picked her to take off any clothes everything would be fine, and it seemed the group was hell bent on playing wingman for Lysette and Abellio. 

As Warren folded Mari signalled for him to get her another drink, he obliged but gave her a concerned look. The woman had just downed several drinks in quick succession after all.

"All in!" Mari said as she slammed her empty glass down. 

That's what they said at poker games right.

@Oscar

[Oscar 0]

Sin giggled at Mari's exclamation. "Well go on then," she crooned. "Put it all on the table." Her eyes raked up and down Mari's body, a light smirk playing at her lips.

"It's not fair that Oscar's the only one that's seen you... Well. You know."

After a moment, Sin's smirk morphed into a smile, then a pout. "Don't tell me you've got cold feet? Or do you not know what all in means?"

She leaned over, folding her hands on Mari's shoulder as her lips hovered just inches from her ear. "You gotta take it all off and throw it on the table, babe." She leaned back, admiring Mari's frame. Her hands wandered south, fingertips ghosting over her collarbone as the other wound in her hair. "I'll join you," Sin said. "If you're feeling a little shy."

"Sin."

Oscar called them all back to reality with a word. With feline grace, she pushed off of Mari and settled back in her seat. She let out a heavy sigh, leaning against her fist as she tossed her cards back towards Warren. "Daddy's mad. I fold." She cut her gaze back towards Mari. "Must not have laid it down as well as you thought if he's still in such a boring mood."

[Mari 1]

Sin laughed beside Mari, a soft tinkling laugh that had devious undertones as she leaned over her. Pressing her skin firm against Mari. "U-Uhm..." Mari wasn't sure how to react, she was already a little flustered at absolutely everything going on - the sudden influx of people, not sleeping properly for the week leading up to Redemption; her subsequent failure....the sheer amount of alcohol. Mari wasn't entirely sure what Sin meant by saying put it all on the table. So Mari placed her cards face down on the table. She continued to tease Mari, her eyes followed the curvature of Mari's body, how loose the shirt was, how sheer her stockings were. "All in is, yanno?" Mari tilted her head, brows furrowing. The alcohol hitting her a little harder than she thought as she struggled to collect her thoughts. 

"Meaning, I don't need no more cards?"

Mari drew in a sharp breath, her back straightening as Sin reached out to her, fingers lightly dancing over her collarbone, barely touching her and yet the sensation caused goosebumps to erupt over her exposed skin. "I-I what!?"" Mari sounded alarmed. That was not what she intended. "B-But I haven't lost...a-and...wait- Join me!?" Mari couldn't help but look down at Sin, she was beautiful - but...she hadn't expected something like this, she thought they were trying to help Lysette and Abellio. How did things take such a turn. "Doesn't that mean if no one else matches me, I win and everyone else yanno..."  Sin simply laughed, brushing back a strand of hair behind Mari's ear, her lips grazing closer - a brush of lips, then teeth then-

Sin."

Mari breathed a sigh of relief when the other woman detached herself from Mari, leaving naught but a cold space between the two. "Actually..." She wasn't sure she should mention it at all, really - but the blow to her pride was too much. Liquored up with loose lips Mari muttered "Uhm...Actually...I attempted Redemption today and Oscar sorta, scooped me up -helped me out - we didn't get up to much....tonight. I was just really fuckin' dirty."