title: don't go, don't go so easy
rating: T
characters: Ace Trappola, Kore Hightower, Kalim Al-Asim
summary: "They’re friends. Good friends. Best friends - that’s what he tells himself when he sees Kalim’s arm around her waist as they return."
Two scenes in Ace's school life that make him reconsider his relationship with Kore - and a third that teaches him the value of owning up to his feelings in due time.
When you really break it down it’s just a three Ace trick.
It doesn’t even require him to use his brain. He deals the card in patterns that his fingers have already memorized. A reflex he’s honed to the point it’s become a masterpiece of guile and sleight. Impeccable in every way.
Sorting is first done by numbers, then by colour. The Aces wink at him playfully, assuring him of his victory. Cups, Swords, and Clubs are his for the taking, though he wishes he’d had the Coins as well. Doubled his points. But he figures this way he’ll get a challenge. Or something like that.
With all those points racked, he can’t even dream of losing.
He’s going first because he’s younger - leaning back in his chair and smirking as he plays his hand.
Ace takes the first trick.
That makes six points.
You can read the rest of the story at this link here!
AO3