"It isn't strange. It's good."

Before sipping, Emma pulls the glass from her lips to hold it out to him.

"Keep smiling, Theo. It looks good on you."

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]and just like that, his smile returns, still soft as if restrained from something that extends beyond his reach.

his glass meets hers.

"i will."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma exhales softly in sync with the clink of the glasses. At her word, his smile returns, and although she doesn't offer one in return, it takes more effort than she realizes to stay neutral.

And instead of 'I'll try', the man offers her a promise. Emma pulls her glass away and finds warmth in her chest.

She brings her glass to her lips and sips.

Behind them, somewhere deeper in the restaurant, music continues to play. Even further, the sound of the casino leaks in as well.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]once again, silence surrounds them, disturbed only by the faint music and the sound of the casino. it's quiet, comfortable, and his shoulders drop even more.

one more sip empties his glass. he places it down, reaches for the bottle, and pours a refill for both of them.

"do you gamble?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

"Not in places like this."

Emma peers at him from over the lip of her glass. His sinking shoulders and relaxed disposition is jarring to see, but she finds it easier and easier to slip out of her own tense mask.

She holds out her now-empty glass to him to refill. The sound of liquid sloshing into the container is soothing.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"i've heard people call it fun."

with both their drinks now refilled, he sets the bottle back into the bucket of ice, leaving it for later.

"would you like to?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

"You? Have fun?"

But it isn't a 'no'. She tilts her glass back to her lips, steals a sip, and smooths her napkin onto the table in front of her.

Slowly but surely, she starts to rise to her feet. The heels he's picked out are not well worn, likely brand new. It is impressive that he knew her size. Both items fit like a glove.

And flattering.

Her glass is lifted with her and she inclines her head toward the casino.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"i'm capable of fun."

not really, but the thought is nice.

to his surprise, she accepts the invitation. he rises to his feet as well, keeping the glass of wine steady in one hand while his other gestures towards the casino.

"after you."

following after her, they step out into the casino floor, suddenly surrounded by the many games. at almost all of them, people are losing money with every passing second, but the atmosphere still seems as lively as ever.

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma hesitates, not altogether inclined in taking the lead. But she does so with the wave of his hand, turning her back to him.

The sound of the casino grows the closer they get, the general hubbub and excitement rising steadily. She's never really understood the hype around gambling your money away, but here she is anyway it seems.

The woman glances back at him expectantly before looking away and into the crowd. Her attention wanders, distracted by the sights and sounds.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]reaching for the small of her back, he leads them forward, through a small crowd of people before stopping by one of the blackjack tables.

he places the glass down before reaching into his blazer to buy both of them into the game. chips are placed in front of them as he takes a seat.

"you've played, i hope."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma's skin jumps where his hand touches. He is warm and gentle, a guide rather than a demand. Familiarity prompts her to relax, and she does not shy away from him this time.

Unlike the way she had recoiled from his touch on the beach, she lingers.

"I have."

Emma sits nearby, finding a seat close to him. Delicately, she sets her own glass down before glancing back to Theo. More and more lately she seeks out his gaze, even if she is quick to look away.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]a hand reaches up to rub at tired eyes while the dealer scatters cards across the table. he reaches for his, bending the top just enough to look at his cards.

peering up, he meets emma's gaze, holding it.

"good hand?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma mimics him, betraying no real emotion. Theo catches her attention with a couple words, and she lays her cards down flat.

"You tell me."

Could he read her? Could he see through her tired eyes and her cold exterior? What did he think when he looked at her?

What had changed between them?

Emma raps her knuckles, indicating she'd like another card.

THEO BECKETT