InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "I do NOT have a twitch!"

Anthony J Crowley (snakelikesmile) wrote in utr_logs,
@ 2010-01-14 22:24:00

Entry tags:

anthony j crowley, john watson

Who: Crowley and Watson
What: A friendly game of dice. Or, Crowley actually doing his bloody job for once.
When/Where: Tonight, Eden Resort and Casino in Monte Carlo
Warnings: At least gambling and innuendo. Will update.

Occasionally, Crowley would lament his being predictable. His marriage to the angel had been one such time; the overwhelming reaction of "well, finally!" left him feeling like some sort of ignoramus, for waiting as long as he had. However, it was very hard for him to have such a reaction, when the outcome was going to be as wonderful as that night had been... or, indeed, as much as this one promised to be.

Not that he would ever admit it, but he had approached the angel about the idea. And while his husband (and wasn't that an odd phrase?) had been hesitant at first, he promised it was just going to be a game of dice. Or, at least, that the angel would know if he managed to Tempt the man to more. But really- a dapper gambler plucked right out of the Industrial Age, with the face of his angel? Plenty of inspiration for him to actually get back into the Tempting game.

And there was no better place than Monte Carlo. Eden was a generous mix of modern games and... entertainments, while keeping an almost-genuine antiqued feel about it. Part of which had to do with Aziraphale helping him decorate, and the rest being his own penchant for 'ye good olde days'. Which Dr. Watson promised to be an embodiment of. He grinned to himself as he waited at the guest services desk, idly sipping from a glass of nigh-ancient scotch. He could only hope the good doctor would hurry- he wasn't feeling virtuous enough to deal with patience, just then.

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nevercomplained
2010-01-15 03:41 am UTC (link)

Though he had no inkling who or what Anthony J Crowley really was, Watson had the good sense not to keep him waiting long. He checked in on Holmes, to make sure the walls were relatively safe, before slipping out. It wasn't that he intended to dupe Holmes, but he did not care to answer the usual questions about his comings and goings. he was a grown man, as was Holmes. He could come and go as he chose.

He chose to go. His first experience with the port keys proved to be comical, and he had to ask someone for assistance to enter the London port key, to take him to Monte Carlo. Landing on his derriere on the other side, he needed a moment or three to collect himself, before attempting to stand.

Moments later, he was strutting in to the Eden Resort and Casino, bright eyes searching the area, in hopes of finding one Anthony J Crowley.

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snakelikesmile
2010-01-15 03:47 am UTC (link)

It didn't take long for Crowley to find Watson in the crowd, smirk only growing at the self-confident way the man carried himself through the crowd. That bode well for the evening, in his mind. Crowley slithered through the crowd to meet the man half way, shifting his glass from one hand to the other, to offer one out to shake.

"Dr. Watson, I presume?" His eyes might have stuck on the man's face for just a moment- really, the mustache? He shook his head a little. "Welcome to Eden resort."

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nevercomplained
2010-01-15 04:04 am UTC (link)

"Thank you, good sir." Watson bowed politely, then gripped Crowley's hand in a firm shake. He smiled a bit, though he felt a slight disappointment that Crowley's associate was not in attendance. he had decided along the way the man Crowley spoke of might be a descendant. Perhaps he and Mary had children...

It wouldn't do to think of Mary then, Mary who hadn't been at the house, and hadn't shown up at all. He distracted himself with a purposeful glance around the casino, trying to take in all the bustling activity. "I dare say, I've never seen anything quite like this." He was reminded of a brothel, and yet, not.

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snakelikesmile
2010-01-15 04:21 am UTC (link)

Oh, and he bowed. Lo- Da- Well, in any case, Crowley really missed the industrial era. Back when there was actually something of a challenge to being a vice. These days, he was more like a drug dealer, than any sort of demon. It was refreshing to have someone he could possibly turn for the Side.

He saw the slightly confused look, and nodded his understanding. "Different than the casinos you're used to, I'm sure. I do miss the simpler days, myself, but the modern world has its advantages," Such as the distinct lack of clothing on the beautiful cocktail waitress that passed them by. Crowley smiled at her, enough to make her blush.

"So- to take care of business, first off, what is your game, Doctor? I'm afraid you'll not find many others skilled in Hazard, besides myself, although we've a similar table game. Craps," He started to lead them across the floor to the craps tables, going slow enough to allow Watson to... take in the sights.

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nevercomplained
2010-01-16 03:13 am UTC (link)

Watson's interest peaked at the mention of Hazard. Well, then. This Crowley was certainly a worthy host. But then a very beautiful woman sauntered past, in very little clothing.

Times were so very different now, and Watson felt out of place in his dress suit. He smoothed a hand over his waist coat subconsciously. The future was both an enticing place and a frightening world that made Watson feel off balance.

"I shall, for now, trust yor lead, my gracious host," he said, thinking that was the path of least resistance, at the moment. He couldn't focus his thoughts enough to make any kind of decision. not with girls dressed like that walking around, advertising their goods, so to speak.

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snakelikesmile
2010-01-16 03:23 am UTC (link)

"Or, had you more... pressing matters to attend to..." Crowley couldn't help but smirk at Watson's reaction to the waitress. At least he attempted to hide it behind a drink of whiskey, eyes sparkling behind the shades he wore.

"Oh, please, Doctor. Call me Crowley. Anthony, if you prefer. Times are far less formal, for better or worse." He seemed to think for a second, before nodding once.

"A good game of hazard, and a drink to allow you to relax. Then, we'll see what you desire, yes?" He started to lead them back towards one of the craps tables that was relatively vacant, moving over to where the gamesmaster was standing. "I'll take over, darling," She seemed to know better than to argue, simply calling the table closed and ushering the people away.

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nevercomplained
2010-01-16 04:42 am UTC (link)

"What is that craps you mentioned? It sounds quite vulgar." Watson had no real reaction to the events at the table. He was more interested in playing, than bothering with drumming up interest in the people who were forced to leave the table.

He set his hands on the side of the table, leaning forward a bit while Crowley set things up. He was more than a little anxious, and his expression may have been similar to a child in a candy shop.

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snakelikesmile
2010-01-16 05:03 am UTC (link)

His smile grew. "Not vulgar- just a name, I'm afraid. It's actually a simpler version of Hazard, only seven's always your main. Lazy bastards got sick of counting, I think." He waved a hand at the rules printed on the felt of the table, other hand snapping to get the attention of a nearby waitress.

"Another whiskey for me, and... would you care for a drink, something to eat, Doctor?"

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	nevercomplained 2010-01-16 05:44 am UTC (link)
	Watson whet his lips. "I couldn't say no to a whiskey, if it's not too much trouble." He smiled a little smile. His answer was more than a little distracted, as he looked over the table. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

snakelikesmile
2010-01-16 05:49 am UTC (link)

Crowley nodded to the waitress and watched her walk off, before pulling out a new package of dice. He unwrapped them slowly, for Watson to see- pointless, considering he could fix the game, no matter what dice he used. But still, it seemed to help keep up a feel or normality, which he was guessing the good Doctor might need, with everything going on around him.

"About the matter of what to bet- just what were you willing to put forward tonight? Not to be crude- simply for the start of the game?" In more ways than one- at least in Crowley's mind.

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nevercomplained
2010-01-16 06:23 pm UTC (link)

"I've the plastic money card I mentioned to you previously." Watson went for his wallet, and retrieved the one card he'd managed to hide from Holmes. In truth, he had no idea it's value, but it bore his name and the Visa logo, whatever that was. He really ought to have researched this, before coming down to Monte Carlo, but the lure of the dice called to him, stronger than most anything else.

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snakelikesmile
2010-01-16 07:33 pm UTC (link)

Half expecting a Centurion, if it was the man's only wealth in the place, he actually seemed curious when it was just a Visa. Decent, he expected, but not his usual clientele. "Oh, I think we can work with this, certainly. We'll start you at, say, five thousand, work from there?" It took him a second to backtrack. "Oh, erm. The pound has gone through quite a bit of inflation, in the last century. The table minimum is usually ten. Thousand. I'd say your good for it." He slid the man ten thousand in chips, pocketing the card to run when they had to actually settle the finances.

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	nevercomplained 2010-01-16 08:58 pm UTC (link)
	"Then you shall start me at ten. Thousand," Watson said, with a challenging arch of his brow. He had no idea if he had that much, and he was used to far smaller opening wagers, but if he was to play with the big guns, he was going to go all in. "I expect no favors, Anthony." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

snakelikesmile
2010-01-17 01:54 am UTC (link)

And that accent. Crowley's smirk bloomed, tilting his head in a confirming nod. "Very well. Ten thousand it is." He slid the remaining five thousand chips over to Watson, along with a pair of dice.

"Place your bets, and take your roll then, good doctor." The new drinks had arrived, and Crowley slung his arm around the waist of the waitress, bidding her to stay and watch Watson at work. And, if she perhaps provided a good distraction, well. Advantage of the house.

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	nevercomplained 2010-01-17 02:22 am UTC (link)
	The girl was an unfair distraction, but Watson tried not to buy in to it. He focused on his game, settling in as a man who felt over confidant would do. In truth, he felt a bit overwhelmed, but he would never admit to that. He rubbed his hands together for luck, and went about making his first bet. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

snakelikesmile
2010-01-17 02:34 am UTC (link)

Crowley and the woman watched and officiated the bets as Watson went about making his rolls; a few of the more inebriated patrons made their way over and started placing bets as well, despite not knowing what game was being played. And, what right did Crowley have to ruin their fun? He could keep up, and it didn't seem to be hurting Watson's odds.

Sipping his drink, he had the woman run off to run the Doctor's card, and see just what he was good for. The man was losing a bit more than he was winning; but then, such was the way of the game.

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nevercomplained
2010-01-17 02:54 am UTC (link)

Watson was undeterred as he lost. He just knuckled down and hoped for a better result with the next throw of the dice. He was only vaguely aware of the crowd gathering around him, and their interest in the game he was playing. He was very aware of Crowley, and the barely dressed waitress, but he was still trying to ignore her presence, which proved to be far easier when she scurried off with his credit card.

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snakelikesmile
2010-01-17 03:45 am UTC (link)

When she came back with Watson's bank statement, Crowley looked it over idly, unconcerned with the number there. It was hardly as if he needed to swindle the man out of his money. Hell, he was almost willing to pay Watson just for the amusement factor he entailed. But, thankfully the man had enough funds to cover the evening, plus a little more if he felt the urge to indulge.

Crowley took his hands at a few throws of the dice, seeming to do almost impossibly better than the other man. "Just a string of good luck, I suppose," The waitress may have rolled her eyes, but she seemed to have the sense not to let Crowley catch her doing it.

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nevercomplained
2010-01-17 04:51 am UTC (link)

"You seem to have extraordinary good luck, good sir," Watson observed. he took the dice, and blew on them in his hands for good luck. It made no real difference. He was not an exceptional player, but then he played for the thrill of it, and trying to analyse the odds and play to win sort of took the fun out of it, for him (he hated playing any sort of game of chance, with Holmes nearby).

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snakelikesmile
2010-01-17 04:57 am UTC (link)

"One of the perks of literally owning the place," He smirked to himself, polishing off his second drink as he watched the man continue his play. Crowley was starting to relax, or perhaps he simply forgot himself, but rather than send the waitress away again (after she'd just sat down. On his lap.), he chose instead to will the glass refilled. He was rather sure the Doctor was too immersed in his dice to notice.

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nevercomplained
2010-01-17 05:17 am UTC (link)

If he noticed, it was forgotten, or assumed to be a trick of the mind. he was invested in his dice, after all. He could go on playing at it all night, but he thought Crowley, the casino owner, would stop him if he got too far in debt if only because of the matter of payment. Or he would get so deeply in debt he would owe the man his first born (assuming Mary ever showed).

His stomach grumbled, reminding him he had yet to eat supper. He frowned at it, and retrieved the dice for another throw. he just knew he was about to win big. he could feel it.

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snakelikesmile
2010-01-17 06:22 am UTC (link)

Crowley had tried to let the man make his own bids, really he had. But if some of his own temptation just so happened to seep over to the other, well... it wasn't like he was trying!

The man was only a couple thousand dollars in the hole, although Crowley would be interested to see how he chose to settle his debts.

"Perhaps you'd like something to eat, Doctor? Assuming you feel you can afford it," Did Watson have any scope of the money he was losing? Of course, if they ended up having to 'work something out'.

Well, the cliches were cliche for a reason.

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	nevercomplained 2010-01-17 07:59 pm UTC (link)
	"I dare to think I've enough for a meal," Watson nodded. Pulling his focus from the dice was not easy. he was, as Crowley would recognise, an addict who had been away from his vice too long. He could have totally immersed himself in it, if he hadn't had someone there to pull him out. "Will you be dining with me?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	snakelikesmile 2010-01-17 09:21 pm UTC (link)
	"What sort of host would I be otherwise? Come, we've a small restaurant in the back. I'm sure we can find something to your liking." Smirking, he passed Watson a case for his chips- what was left of them- as he reset the table, to allow the others to go back to playing. Once Watson was set, Crowley stood, leading the way across the floor back to the restaurant. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	nevercomplained 2010-01-17 11:32 pm UTC (link)
	Watson followed Crowley, despite the obvious disappointment at the crowd, that he was vacating the table. Soon enough they stepped in to start their own game, Watson and Crowley forgotten before they even reached the restaurant. "I dare say, it is far from what I'm used to." Watson commented, looking around the very well lit and decorated area. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)