Astarion

[drfeelbad]

Surprisingly there were not many pubs in London that played American football on the televisions. Even then, it was usually like one television out of half a dozen above the bar. As a result, House had not only a regular pub that he went to this time of year but also a regular seat.

"Hey Greg," said the bartender as House slid onto a stool at the end of the bar and leaned his cane against it. He went ahead and poured a double of Jack Daniels on the rocks and pushed it to him without House having to ask. "Who's playing tonight?" he asked, as if he cared. But House appreciated the effort.

"Ohio State versus Rutgers," said House then added gleefully, "I'm just here to watch Ohio State get their asses kicked." He'd gone to Michigan.

"Hey can I also get a basket of chips?" he asked, and the bartender nodded and walked away.

Comments

[sadistic_vampire_spawn]

Astarion scowled at the board, narrowing his gaze as he looked it over. He huffed a bit to himself, about to have a little tantrum about how stupid this game was- Until he spotted it. His expression didn't change, but eventually he moved his way safely out of check.

[drfeelbad]

House didn't say 'well done' or anything like that, but it was in his smile. He just moved another piece, back to the game.

And reached for the bottle of whiskey still on the table beside them and refilled their glasses.

[sadistic_vampire_spawn]

Eventually Astarion seemed invested in the game, hunched over and taking note of every move made, studying the board the way he would study a safe or a locked door. He was rusty still though, and he frowned as he realized he wasn't going to win. He could see the moves House was going to make, and it was too late now to retreat and try something new.

He wasn't even in check yet, but he muttered under his breath, "Damn it."

[drfeelbad]

Weirdly, that moment of study and insight was a lot more attractive to House than when the guy had been offering him a blow job.

He smiled slowly. "You see it, don't you? That gets you a lot closer to winning." He made a move. "Next time."

[sadistic_vampire_spawn]

"Next time," Astarion agreed, knocking over his queen and admitting defeat.

[drfeelbad]

"Honestly you got closer to winning than I was expecting," House said. "You want to play again? Or maybe I should teach you to play the guitar." He glanced at the time; there was probably another hour before the drug was done.

[sadistic_vampire_spawn]

"I'm not a puppy, I don't need enrichment," Astarion assured him. "...But you are kind to offer," he added awkwardly, aware he needed to keep his tongue in check when someone was helping him.

[drfeelbad]

House snorted, amused. "Sure, sorry. Well what would you usually do when you have an hour to kill?"

[sadistic_vampire_spawn]

"Hunt," Astarion replied. "Or, well, find someone with a bit of coin they won't miss."