semi-circles and factors [nate]

[NICK REDWELL]

In Vegas, everybody's gotta watch everybody else. Since the players are looking to beat the casino, the dealers are watching the players. The box men are watching the dealers. The floor men are watching the box men. The pit bosses are watching the floor men. The shift bosses are watching the pit bosses. The casino manager is watching the shift bosses. I'm watching the casino manager. And the eye-in-the-sky is watching us all.
-Casino (1995)

He figured a striped polo shirt and glasses, as well as ordering plain coke, would be the way to go for the evening. Casino attendance never wavered and that weekend it looked like it was going to be pretty standard. Tourists, regulars, hookers, rich ranch owners, first-timers, old ladies in flowery dresses, students, slot addicts, businessmen, desperate family men. Just Vegas. Standard was good. Especially on nights such as this one. Of course, Nick tended to stay away from casinos otherwise. His visits were quite sporadic and he always maintained a low profile. And he always stepped in with a plan in mind. He looked up from the table as the dealer began shuffling the cards and casually scanned the place.

Back when he’d started figuring out how he could win at Blackjack without actually gambling, he could manage alone. Then again, there was never a lot of money at stake. As his saving began increasing, though, so did his investments and eventually it was time to look for a little support. In came Nate. The guy was, Nick could tell after a couple of meetings, smarter than he let on. And even though Nick would constantly pester him about gambling his life away (gambling, in Nick’s opinion, was for loser who believed in luck), the fact that Nate was well-known around town was a positive factor. The bartender was always in and out of casinos. Both winning and losing in turns. It came in handy that whenever Nick needed him to help at the Blackjack tables, nobody would find it suspicious if he was on a sudden ‘lucky streak’ and walked out with a decent amount of chips in his pockets.

That’s when Nick counted and Nate played. Sometimes it was the other way around. Nate would count and Nick would walk in, play big and get away with it. Again, nobody would question it if Nate was playing the table minimum because they would just assume it was one of his bad periods. They would just have to make sure that nothing visibly linked them together (Nick constantly changing his look, them never acknowledging each other inside the casinos, keeping the signals casual). The beauty of it all almost made Nick clasp his hands together and do an evil laugh.

He looked down at the table again as the cards were dealt. He’d been in there for only a few minutes but the table was getting interesting. With two or three weekends of this between every couple of months, Nick was able to afford the life he had been leading for the past few years and he really didn’t feel like giving it up. They only had to spend a short part of the evening there and then head out somewhere, split the cash over drinks and then relax and see who could get more phone numbers in an hour.

[NATE BASS]

you know i will obey, so
please don't make me beg
FOR BLOOD SEX AND BOOZE

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To say the least, Nate's gambling had become a huge problem. Over the past few months, Nate had fallen deeper and deeper into debt and became more and more oblivious to the fact that he needed to stop. Of course Nate was aware of what he was doing when he sat down at a black jack table and lost all his money. He was well aware of the hundreds of dollars he would sometimes lose in an hour. This cycle just continued. He would leave his house feeling lucky, with half of his pay cheque sitting in bills in his pocket. He would almost skip over to the slots and each table. But as the night progressed, his smile became less visible. And the more money he lost, the more depressed he became. At the end of the night, he would almost crawl home. His pockets would be full of dimes and a 5 dollar bill saved for his nightly chinese dinner. Somehow, he would get drunk and wash away what had just happened before passing out in his bachelor pad by himself.

As depressing as the cycle was, Nate didn't know how to stop.

There were a few days in the last few months where Nate did, in fact, stop gambling. He would sit at home and stare at his white walls, trying with all his might not to leave. There were times where he knew nothing but to gamble. He felt incomplete without the chips playing between his fingers and the lights flashing before him. As scary as this hobby was, Nate refused to call it an addiction. Nate Bass refused to be an addict. He had much more dignity than that. Yet he felt just as pathetic as the rest while he slumped over the craps table after losing. He felt like the most unlucky man in the world when he went home after losing hundreds of dollars. There was no feeling in the world that felt worse than loosing two months of your rent in two hours.

Yet there were times when gambling came in handy. Like the nights where he went in with a hundred and came out with a thousand. Or when he rarely hit the jackpot on a slot machine. Those were the nights when he went to a fancy bar after and bought every pretty lady a couple drinks. And then there were the nights when he went out gambling with his old buddy Nick.

There was never a night with Nick that didn't end in big money. And at this point of his life, Nate needed all the money he could get. He was banking on Nick to pull through tonight so he could continue to live in his apartment. Already he had received two letters from his landlord telling him to get his shit together or move his shit out of the apartment. So Nate left his apartment in high spirits and a shit load of money resting in his pocket. In order to look a bit different, Nate had quickly shaved his head almost to the skin and was respectively clean shaven. Instead of his usual dress shirt and tie ensemble, he wore jeans and a graphic tee with a saying that only morons laughed at. He non chalantly walked into the Palms, his head resting gently on the cash in his pocket. Nate made a bee line to the chip office, sliding the money across the marble and accepting the chips with a suave smile. It was time to play.

Nate was quick to spot Nick at a near by table. Before heading straight to the table, he pretended to act interested in other games. He chatted up a few ladies, gave a few high fives to the regulars and made his way over to Nick's table. Sliding into a seat at the table. Nate ignored Nick on his right and turned his attention right to the dealer "I'm feeling fucking lucky tonight. I got a promotion!" He said with a small cheer, raising a fist in the air. There was no luck to this, nor did he get a promotion. But it was all part of the act that he had to put on. While the dealer started to hand out cards, Nate rapped his fingers on the table as a signal to Nick that the game was about to start.

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tag nickkkk
lyrics BLOOD SEX AND BOOZE by GREEN DAY
wordcount 850
credit made by megacya of Caution 2.0
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[NICK REDWELL]

By the time he spied Nate out of the corner of his eye, the table was hot. He vaguely registered (careful not to lose the count) as his partner approached the table and casually took one of the other seats of the semi-circle. Luckily, no one else had come to try at that table yet which made it easier for Nick to concentrate on the deck and he had been able to make a little small talk with the dealer, which could always be helpful. He looked up finally when Nate spoke and with a small noncommittal smile, he raised his glass of coke slightly.

“Congratulations.” He said. “I was just telling Mikey here,” Nick continued with a small nod at the dealer, “about this article I read about unemployment, don’t remember which magazine, and it talked about how it increased to 9.4 percent the past year.”

Magazine was their code for +17. The count was high on the positive side and that was a beautiful thing for them because it meant that a lot of low cards had gone by, leaving all the good ones still in the deck, ready to come out, and that for the next couple of hours, Nate was going to be winning like a motherfucker. Mikey, the dealer, just shuffled the cards and nodded slowly at Nick’s comment.

“But Mikey ain’t worried.” Nick laughed. “He’s been taking all my money tonight. He’ll be keeping his job.”

There’s many a thing one could learn from watching Rainman. There were lessons about brotherly love and something else corny like that. But Nick liked to remember the other ones, the other lessons, particularly: the casinos don’t like to lose, that’s why you never never show that you are counting. Cardinal rule. Nick kept betting the minimum, focusing on the tally, adding and substracting, and complaining to Mikey about not being very good at gambling while ‘lady luck’ started smiling down upon the newcomer who’d just gotten a raise as the high cards began showing. Every now and then he would look up and around nonchalantly just to be sure that there weren’t any staff members eyeing the pair too closely. It was natural to get some attention of course. Passers by who decided to stop at the table out of curiosity, drawn by the whoops of celebration (always good for a credible performance), and cheer on the winner. But it was never safe to let it get too far and get out of there either when it started becoming too conspicuous or when the count shifted to their disadvantage.

So far, it was all good and going smoothly.

[NATE BASS]

you know i will obey, so
please don't make me beg
FOR BLOOD SEX AND BOOZE

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Every time Nate gambled, an odd high would begin to take over his body. As he collected the cards in his hands, his fingers would start to slightly shake. He wasn't nervous, he was just excited for the first hand. Chills would constantly run down his spine as he looked around the table and made eye contact with every player. He would begin to relax and become more comfortable at the table as he continued to play. Nate's mouth would become lose as he continued to drink and play until he was out of money.

But tonight was a bit different. Nate knew that this wasn't just his money he was playing with. He had to be smart, stay sober and stay in character until he left eh casino. Nick's neck was on the line as well. Nate couldn't play recklessly and lose all his money like he usually did. He would have to stop at some point. Instead of this making him nervous, he just treated it as another challenge. Nate Bass loved a challenge. He loved the idea of being another person, dressing up differently and actually winning money for once. Maybe now, he could actually take a girl out on a date without pulling the 'i forgot my wallet at home' trick. These thoughts along gave Nate the determination to do well tonight. He had to win for the sake of his relationship with Nick and for himself. Nate really needed this money if he planned to have a roof over his head in a few weeks.

Staying in character, Nate nodded at Nick and turned to the dealer "I'm hoping to win big money tonight Mikey! Why don't you deal me a nice hand and I'll buy you a drink!" Nate said in a boisterous voice, flagging down the nearest server. Nate couldn't gamble without having at least one drink. But he knew to keep the amount of liquor on the minimum. He wasn't about to ruin his gambling friendship with Nick. When the first hand was dealt, Nate played low, picking up on Nick's second meaning words and playing according to his talk. He went through the game losing some hands and winning the big ones. When Nate would win, he would buy everyone at the table drinks but barely touch his own. Alcohol was not going to get in the way of him making big money. That was for after.

Before long, Nate was up thousands of dollars. Even though he wanted to leave when he was up this much money, he took all his cues from Nick. Nick was the brain behind this whole organization. He knew when to stop and when to begin betting. He knew when a table was hot or when it was time to leave. And by his talk, Nate could see that their time wasn't up yet. He was just hoping that Nick knew what he was talking about. Without losing character, Nate continued on in the game, never loosing focus or the flair of the character he was playing tonight.

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tag nickkkk
lyrics BLOOD SEX AND BOOZE by GREEN DAY
wordcount
credit made by megacya of Caution 2.0
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[NICK REDWELL]

Before he knew it, Nate was the owner of an extravagant amount of chips that itched to be cashed in that very night. Nick had been paying too much attention to the count of six decks of cards to realize that they had won enough money to roll around while maintaining a discreet enough profile. The latter wouldn’t last much longer. Already a small crowd had gathered behind them to cheer on the lucky guy of the evening yet the casino staff remained cool. Of course, it was odd for big winners to continue playing after they’d made so much money because those stupid ones who did, almost immediately lost it completely. Except somebody who was counting cards wouldn’t lose it at all and that’s when things became much too suspicious. Not that it was illegal. It’s just that Nick preferred to avoid having his ass kicked by a hitman for as long as it was possible.

Just as Mike, the dealer, began collecting the cards exposed and prepared to deal another deck, Nick rubbed the back of his neck. This was their signal for ‘it’s time to quit’ and now it was Nate’s turn to bag all his chips and get away from the table. Nick sipped on the remains of his coke and began standing up.

“Well, Mikey. I think I’ll call it a night. This guy here seems to have absorbed all the luck in the air tonight.” He said with a small nod towards Nate and a small smile. Then he turned to his undercover partner in crime and shook his hand. “Congratulations my friend. Drinks on you next time we meet.”

And with that he was off his chair and casually walking away from the blackjack table that would pay his rent for the next few months. Once outside, where there was no red carpet and jackpot announcements, he removed the glasses and put them in his pocket as he slowly headed towards the meeting spot. The dim lights and crazy movement of their club of choice was perfect for them since everybody always minded their own business, they could drink good alcohol for celebrating purposes and then spend the rest of the night getting inebriated in the company of beautiful girls.

Nick handed the bouncer a generous tip, entered the place and headed first for the bar where he ordered a vodka tonic before moving toward a small table by the corner where he would be waiting for Nate to join him so they could split the winnings and proceed to relax.

[NATE BASS]

you know i will obey, so
please don't make me beg
FOR BLOOD SEX AND BOOZE

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As Nate continued to play, his confidence only grew. This was contrary to what usually happened when Nate hit the tables at a casino. Over the night he would lose his money and in the process, become more and more depressed. Nate would leave the casino empty handed and a cloud hanging over his head. However, tonight was different. Each hand he would play safe and win big. His pile of chips continued to grow even after Nick left the table. He knew not to leave right away in fear of both of them getting caught. Not that what they were doing was technically illegal. Nate wanted to win a bit more before he left anyway, so he stuck behind for fifteen minutes to soak up all the glory. Nothing could wipe the huge smile off his lips, not when he had this much money sitting in front of him.

After Nate had won a couple hundred bucks more, he knew he had to leave. Risking losing all of the money without Nick being there was a terrifying thought. Pushing himself away from the table, Nate threw his hands up in the hair and pulled his sunglasses down onto his guys "Well guys, it was fun. But I'm going to have to leave while I'm still making money" He said with a smirk as he started to pick up his chips. Nate calculated that there was at least twenty thousand bucks in front of him. With a satisfied smile, he waved to the guys at the table and offered to buy them a drink the next time he say them "Adios amigos!" He shrieked before wandered over to the cashier who would give him his pay out.

With his pockets filled with money, Nate walked down the street, a spring in his step. He was glad that his meeting place with Nick was so close, because he was desperate to celebrate. He had just won enough money to be comfortable for at least a couple months. That was if he stopped gambling so much and losing everything he earned. Once he opened the door to the bar, he immediately spotted Nick in the corer booth. Before sitting down, Nate walked to the bartender and ordered them both a couple pitchers and bringing them over to the table on a tray. Nate was in the mood for some good beer and some good looking ladies.

"Look who it is! My favourite person in the entire fucking world!" Nate yelled, not really worrying about how loud he was being. He had just won twenty thousand dollars, he wasn't worrying about a thing. Nate set down the beer on the table and slipped into a seat across from Nick "Dude. We are fucking brilliant." He said before pushing a glass toward Nick and pouring them each a glass of beer "Now lets get drunk and celebrate" Nate said with a chuckle, relaxing back into his chair with his glass in his hand. While he took large sips form his beer, Nate pulled a wad of cash out of his pocket and pushed it toward Nick. He didn't speak until his first glass of beer was gone, which was only a couple minutes. Nate then placed his empty glass on the table and leaned toward Nick "I am ten thousand dollars richer and a happier man. Thank you Nick Redwell."

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tag nickkkk
lyrics BLOOD SEX AND BOOZE by GREEN DAY
wordcount 700
credit made by megacya of Caution 2.0
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[NICK REDWELL]

His first drink was gone soon but it wasn’t long before Nick spotted Nate already swaggering happily toward him through the crowd and carrying a pitcher of beer. Nick couldn’t help to smile as he felt his money advancing in his partner’s pockets and he leaned back casually in his chair as Nate took a seat and poured him a glass of delicious brewed alcohol, half of which he downed right away, which wasn’t at all impressive when he realized with a chuckle that Nate was making his own disappear in the same amount of time. When Nate finally put the empty glass down and spoke again, Nick, feeling just as pleased with himself after the success of the evening, treated his friend with a refill and proceeded to raised his own glass in a toasting manner.

“To Blackjack.” He said. “And a consistently good performance on your part.”

And bless card games. Nick couldn’t wait to get his hands on his half of the cash, maybe count it a few times just for sheer pleasure. Every time they did this, Nick felt like kissing the money (but refrained as it would be extremely unhygienic). The intense feelings of accomplishment never wavered despite them having done this many times before. That was the beauty of a city like Las Vegas and Nick planned on staying there for several more years.

“You almost made even the pit boss be happy for you.” Nick joked before taking a large gulp of beer.

That was one of the advantages of working with Nate. Despite him being, as Nick liked to refer to him as, a hot mess, the guy’s charisma was not to be underestimated. Although in all honesty, there had been a point toward the end where he’d been a little nervous about the staff coming in to take a look over the small crowd every few minutes and that pit boss looked like a vicious motherfucker. Nick shuddered to think what casino managers came up with to scare off skilled players (a term much nicer than card counters) like Nate and himself. So far, they had never been caught, although they’d gotten close a couple of times. But Nick knew of some of the methods used to ‘warn’ players like him not to ever return. All in all, that night it had all gone rather smoothly. The dealer hadn’t attempted once to throw them off their game and distract the, which was always a good sign.

“Now get your car fixed, for fuck’s sake.” He told Nate. “Now,” He added while sitting straight in chair for a better view of the club, “see anything interesting? I don’t feel like going home alone tonight.”