#wbweek

“Must be Vista.” Jozu took a swig from his bottle, slapping his cards face down.

“How did you.” Blenheim asked, sneezed, “Know? What if it’s Izou?”

“Izou tends to prefer the sweeter and subtler scents like sandalwood and orchids.” Jozu pointed out. “Vista... well. Vista is Vista. You know him better than I do, ain’t I right Marco?”

“Hmmm.” Marco rubbed his chin as he stared at his deck of cards and glanced to all the players across him. “Did anyone check the rose garden yet? If all the roses are gone, then it’s probably Vista, yoi.”

“What does that have to do with Vista?” Blenheim grumbled, pinching his nose a few times, training his nostrils to get used to the unusual scent around them.

“Is it Vista’s weekly bath now?” Jozu hummed, squinting at his own deck and sighed. “Fold.”

Marco and Blenheim shared a look. They mentally counted down the days of Vista unusual habit of taking long baths rivaling their sisters and Izou and agreed, “Aaah, no wonder.”  

Blenheim sneezed again.

“I’ll tell him next time to keep the concentrated fumes to a minimum.” Marco promised solemnly and opened his deck on the table. “I win.”  

Jozu and Blenheim groaned, both slapping down their cards in a huff.

Marco cackled as he beckoned with his fingers. “Pay up, yoi.”

“I’m never gonna play cards with you again,” Jozu grumbled.

“All my pocket money, all gone.” Blenheim groaned.

“Work harder next time then.” Marco scraped his wins and started counting the beli in front of his brothers.

From his peripheral vision, Vista finally climbed up the upper deck and approached their game table. As he got closer, the heavy scent of roses engulfed them in one cloud sending everyone into a sneezing fit.

“Stay away. You’re interfering with my health.” Blenheim shooed him with his hands.

“Next time.” Marco coughed. “Please don’t use too much concentrated rose oil.”

“I’ll crush your rose buds if you try to suffocate us again in your perfume.” Jozu flapped with his hands in an attempt to clear the air.

“Ahhh, you can’t get rid of me that easily, dearest brothers.” Vista grinned. “Care for a new game, everyone? You all started without me.” He did his best to pout but the impressive curled mustache hid his puffed cheeks and rolled over a barrel of wine between Marco and Jozu. 

Blenheim rolled his eyes. “Oh stop it, Vista. You’re not Izou.”

“It’s my cutest look. What’s wrong it?” Vista asked indignantly.

“Please don’t do cute anymore.” Jozu deadpanned.

“It’s unbecoming of you.” Marco snorted.

“Well anyway.” Vista sniffed. “Shall we begin the game again?”

Marco shared a conspicuous look with Blenheim and Jozu and then straightened his back, shuffling the cards. “Sure. Pay upfront first, brother. Five thousand beli in advance.”

“F-five thousand beli? Why?” Vista blubbered. “Are you trying to punch a hole in my wallet?” 

“I lost all my pocket money earlier.” Jozu said helpfully.

“Mine as well.” Blenheim added. “So now you’re kinda paying for all three of us.”

“What kind of logic is this? Since when?” Vista glared at both Jozu and Blenheim. 

“Since... Marco said so.” 

Marco nodded along. “Yep. Put down your wallet so we can begin.”

“Come on, Vista! Pay up! We gotta begin now before lunch break!” 

--- 

Izou rubbed his forehead as he stepped out of the sleeping quarters. Dinner should be served soon. The sun was hanging low by the horizon, painting orange, yellow and red across the skies. He spotted his newest brother sitting on the balcony, staring below. 

“Something interesting down there, Ace?” 

Ace looked up, the sunset colored his freckles redder than before, and he smiled. “Yeah. They’re scamming each other with big bucks.”

Izou peered over the balcony to see whoever were downstairs and hummed noncommittally. “Unsurprising. Nobody has ever beaten Marco in this card game.” 

“Hoho~ the bar is set so high, I’m interested!” Ace smirked as his eyes glinted, “I’ll beat Marco in the next game.”