Dovie’s Caffeinated Blackjack

Date: 2025-08-17 18:03

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(Dovie’s Caffeinated Blackjack)

[Sun Aug 17 2025]

Highgate Coffee Oceanview Lounge/span
Between views of a garden and the sea, the lounge unfolds with an inviting mix of plush couches, benches, and tables with chairs, offering space for both quiet reflection and lively conversation. Light pours through a solid glass wall to the east, where the ocean stretches endlessly across the street in full, unobstructed view. To the west, another expanse of glass frames a serene fountain surrounded by lush garden greenery./span

It is about 60F(15C) degrees. The mist is heaviest At Foxglove and Woodcrest/span

Dovie waves to Obadiah.

Obadiah sighs and turns around, having forgotten something

Esme gives a little grin as Gabriel and Obadiah come in, “Long time no see.” She chuckles, moving toward Gabriel’s side to murmur something to him.

Dovie sticks her tongue out at Obadiah.

“Next round is Esme, Obie, Kai, and Sophie for the finals!” Dovie says, adjusting the turn order on the board.

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Spades/span

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the King of Diamonds/span

Esme says “Oh come on…“

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Ace of Hearts/span

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the King of Clubs/span

Obadiah says “There we go!“

“Obie is cheating!” Dovie decides.

Kai just shakes his head when Obadiah gets a Blackjack and points to Dovie, nodding in agreement.

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 6 of Spades/span

Jakem says “I mean someone was bound to get it eventually.“

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 9 of Clubs/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 3 of Spades/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 2 of Diamonds/span

“Ugh,” Kai says and squinsts, “Is there any point in me staying, is second place a thing?” Kai asks Dovie.

Kai nods to Dovie, “Okay then I stay,” he tells her and looks to Arachne, blinking at her a little, “Are you… making a pun?” he asks and grins at her.

Dovie nods and turns to Sophie. “Your turn!”

Esme says “I didn’t see the other card“

Arachne merely smiles over at Kai, then looks back at the game.

Kai nods to Esme, “It’s okay,” he assures her and looks to Sophie, nudging her hip with his.

Sophie shakes her head, “Me! Right!”

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Queen of Spades/span

Sophie says “Okay… “

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Queen of Hearts/span

Sophie says “HAH! Ladies say I stay.“

Obadiah says “Ooooo “

Obadiah says “I still got blackjack“

Jakem says “First two jacks, now two queens. Someone’s got a party.“

“Okay, we restart the round! No one was out! So Esme first!” Dovie announces.

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 8 of Diamonds/span

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Diamonds/span

Esme says “Staying “

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 9 of Clubs/span

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Hearts/span

Obadiah says “Stay “

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 5 of Spades/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 7 of Diamonds/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 3 of Clubs/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 4 of Spades/span

Kai considers the shuffler and sighs, “Hmmm… stay,” he glances to Sophie, “Your turn sugar cheeks.”

“Aww you’re gonna make me blush,” Kai tells Dovie, fanning himself lightly.

Sophie rubs her hands together, “Aight.”

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the King of Spades/span

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 3 of Clubs/span

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 5 of Spades/span

Sophie hesitates.

Dovie nods at Sophie. “Okay, starting the round again, everyone stayed in!”

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 3 of Spades/span

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Jack of Clubs/span

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 2 of Diamonds/span

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 6 of Spades/span

Esme says “Oh! I guess I stay“

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 4 of Hearts/span

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 4 of Spades/span

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 8 of Diamonds/span

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Hearts/span

Obadiah says “Fuck “

“Rip,” Kai tells Obadiah and sidles up to the machine.

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 5 of Diamonds/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Spades/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 5 of Hearts/span

Obadiah says “Two people get to draw on me…. this is highly suspicious “

“I stay on 20,” Kai decides after a moment’s deliberation.

Obadiah says “To Dovie I just think it is funny… curious. Sus.“

“Real classy, Obie.” August clicks his tongue towards the man, gives a sidelong look of sheer disappointment. “I bet if someone frisked you, you’d drop a dozen cards.”

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Queen of Clubs/span

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Ace of Spades/span

Jakem whistles.

Sophie fist pumps in the air, “FUCK YES!”

Dovie claps for Sophie. “Okay new turn order! Esme, Kai and Sophie!”

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the King of Clubs/span

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the King of Spades/span

Esme says “Staying “

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 3 of Spades/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the King of Hearts/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 8 of Diamonds/span

“I’ll stay on 21 I guess,” Kai decides and waggles his brows at Dovie.

Esme says “I wish I was this lucky at actual blackjack..“

Sophie kisses Kai’s cheek, “Nicely done.”

Obadiah says “Maybe it did.“

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Queen of Hearts/span

Sophie says “C’mon Queen. Don’t let me down.“

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the King of Diamonds/span

Esme laughs, “This is wild.”

Sophie smirks, “Stayin.”

Dovie laughs. “Okay, from the top again! Esme, Kai and Sophie!”

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Queen of Clubs/span

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 9 of Diamonds/span

Esme uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 8 of Clubs/span

Esme says “Oof I shoulda stayed, ah well“

Obadiah says “I think there are some tribal casinos out west that haven’t heard of me yet…“

“Ohhh what a shame,” Kai tells Esme and goes to the shuffler, tapping it twice.

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 6 of Spades/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 7 of Hearts/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Queen of Spades/span

“Fuuuuuuuck,” Kai steps back and deflates, scowling at Sophie, “Boooo…” he calls to her.

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 2 of Hearts/span

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 3 of Spades/span

Sophie says “The..fuck you did cards.“

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 7 of Clubs/span

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 4 of Spades/span

Jakem says “One more.“

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 8 of Hearts/span

Jakem says “And everyone loses.“

Sophie says “Goddamn it.“

Obadiah says “Ouch “

Esme laughs out, “Terrible..”

Obadiah says “Well only Jakem gets to draw on me so that’s a win.“

“Wow, surprising turn!” Dovie chuckles. “Okay, how about one final round then? Is anyone up for that? It’ll wrap up our night.”

“She had to hit anyway bro, she was under sixteen,” Kai tells August, grinning over at the fellow.

Jakem says “At sixteen, but yes.“

“Oh… my bad,” Kai tells Jakem, “Addition is hard.”

“I know how to play blackjack, I was speaking generally.” August dismisses with a simple lift and wave of his cigarette over his shoulder.

Dovie drinks from her coffee, savoring the taste.

Kai reaches out to give Sophie’s back a little rub, “So close.”

Esme nods to Gabriel at his whisper

August says “Alright, you’re on.“

Arachne turns away from August with a finger lifted at Dovie. “Count us both in.”

“Arachne, August, myself. Who else? Final call!” Dovie calls out.

“I’ll go again,” Kai tells Dovie and waves at Esme, “Later!”

Jakem says “I might have to go do a food delivery. Pity there aren’t any food delivery people around.“

Dovie nods at Kai and Jakem.

Gabriel takes Esme’s hand and waves to everyone, “It was fun watching everyone. Good luck.”

Obadiah says “I can go one more round “

“We’ll give Sophie a minute to decide, but in the interim, the order is: Arachne, August, me, Kai, and Obie. If Sophie decides to join, she’ll be up last.” Dovie tells the group.

Jakem nods over to Annabelle “Looks like I’m off. I think I owe someone a drink? Or did that bust?

Arachne uses a Wheel of Fate and Favors/span: Answer any single question truthfully from the Winner.

Sophie shakes her head, “Sorry, lost in thought.”

Arachne rises up to give the wheel a spin, head tilting at the results. “Not the most egregious,” she murmurs, before turning her eyes to August. “Your turn, Pierce.”

“I thought we were spinning them as we played like last time,” August complains, sheds some ash from his cigarette to the side, then lays it between his teeth before he gets up after Arachne. In passing, August flaps his hand open and shut towards the Fairchild-Montrose, then spins the wheel. He’s already turning to return to his seat before it settles.

August uses a Wheel of Fate and Favors/span: 08Buy food for the Winner.

Dovie uses a Wheel of Fate and Favors/span: Be the Winner’s hype person for the next fifteen minutes.

Dovie says “Ugh I hate this one.“

Kai uses a Wheel of Fate and Favors/span: 04Execute a dare issued by the Winner.

Obadiah uses a Wheel of Fate and Favors/span: Be the Winner’s assistant for the next game or a future event (IOU).

“Sweet, I almost want to lose,” Kai tells Sophie after he sees what favor he spun.

Sophie uses a Wheel of Fate and Favors/span: Post a haiku on a topic of the Winner’s choosing on a public chat.

Sophie giggles, “YES!”

Obadiah says “Oh you know since I rolled they Arachne is going to win. Or Sophie “

Arachne takes stock of the accumulated favors with a thoughtful purse of her mouth, then shifts, settling herself across August’s lap with a demure tuck of her legs to the side before reaching to draw her cards from the card shuffler. “My faith in my luck is low today, so I’m sure I’ll be forfeiting my crown.”

Arachne uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Hearts/span

Arachne uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 9 of Spades/span

Arachne uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 7 of Diamonds/span

“Rip,” Kai mutters when Arachne busts, a little shit-eating grin on his face.

“Shit, I didn’t mean for it to give me a third card,” Arachne frowns, shoulder rising and falling with a lazed shrug before she discards them, setting them aside.

Dovie shakes her head, chuckling. “It’s opposite day today,” she offers, turning her attention to August next.

“We should play, Pierce, so I can beat you in this too.” August mouths off under his breath to imitate Arachne, then smashes his cigarette in an ash tray on the table. “Watch and learn, spider.” And he draws; with absolutely no flair.

August uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Jack of Diamonds/span

August uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 6 of Diamonds/span

“You stink,” Kai notes of August, sniffing a couple of times in the man’s direction after he puts out his cigarette, “Yuck.”

August says “God damnit.“

August uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 7 of Diamonds/span

Dovie holds back a giggle.

Dovie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 9 of Clubs/span

Dovie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 3 of Clubs/span

Dovie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 7 of Spades/span

“Praise Allah!” Kai ejaculates when August busts as well, “Smite the stinky bastard!” he laughs.

Dovie says “I’ll stay.“

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Clubs/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 6 of Spades/span

Kai uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 7 of Clubs/span

“Kai, stop talking like you have brain damage.” August gives the man a genuinely repulsed look.

“What the fuck…” Kai sighs and steps back, he grins to Dovie, “True, but at least I don’t smell like an ash tray,” he grins, folding his arms behind his head as he looks over to August, “Ugh… brush your teeth.”

Sophie watches the conversation and giggles, “Boy boys.”

Obadiah gives Dovie a look at the exchange between Kai and August and then reaches out to draw

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 7 of Spades/span

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Spades/span

Obadiah says “Stay “

August quietly lifts a brow at Kai.

Dovie nods at Obadiah and turns to Sophie. “Good luck!”

Sophie cracks her knuckles.

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 3 of Spades/span

Dovie noms on some veggies.

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Spades/span

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 7 of Spades/span

Sophie says “Stay! “

“Turn order is me, Obie, then Sophie for the finals!” Dovie announces.

Dovie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 2 of Hearts/span

Dovie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 8 of Hearts/span

Dovie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 9 of Hearts/span

Dovie says “Stay! “

Kai lifts his brow back at August and glances to Sophie, grinning, “Good job Honey,” he tells her.

Sophie winks at Kai.

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 9 of Diamonds/span

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the King of Diamonds/span

Obadiah says “Stay “

Dovie nods at Obadiah and turns to Sophie.

Obadiah says “Tied with Dovilina “

Sophie glances at Obadiah.

Given that Arachne sits on his lap, August needs to rest an elbow on the side of his armrest, and lean forward around her to level a look at Kai. It’s the quiet sort, dismissive of any game, and in complete severity with the line of his mouth drawn to an unamused, slight frown. Arachne is only kept by the hand at her waist, as she’s kept half-tucked to his chest. “You’re uniquely about to piss off the one man who is consistently awake every night on the witching hour, Kai. Whatever you’re doing, when I tell you to shut the fuck up, you shut the fuck up.”

Obadiah says “Oh right… Dovie Rose. Totally not Dovilina Rosamund. I mean who would do that to their daughter?“

Dovie huffs at Obadiah.

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Queen of Spades/span

Sophie says “C’mon Queen.“

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Queen of Diamonds/span

Sophie says “Stay! “

“Okay, same order as before!” Dovie announces.

Dovie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Hearts/span

Dovie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Diamonds/span

Kai turns bodily toward August, his arms still folded behind his head, he grins at August’s commentary to him and pulls his shoulders back until his upper back pops, “I can stay up late too lil bro. If you wanna start something, go ahead. Just don’t go crying to Uncle when the reprisal comes.”

Obadiah says “Jesus…. Sophie is popular with the ladies tonight “

“Stay!” Dovie calls.

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 8 of Clubs/span

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 8 of Hearts/span

Obadiah says “Fuck “

Dovie says it on purpose.

Obadiah uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the Queen of Clubs/span

Obadiah says “Well….. that’s that “

Sophie steals a little kiss from Kai, for good luck or bad before she settles in for the final deal, “Alright..”

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 5 of Spades/span

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 9 of Hearts/span

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 2 of Spades/span

Sophie exhales, “Please..no tens.”

Sophie uses a automated playing card shuffler/span: The dealer lays out... the 10 of Spades/span

“I think I will.” August replies to Kai’s smirk, with that slated expression. “I’ll let Mars know your attitude to her nephew and assistant, tonight.” The hand he’s kept on Arachne’s side pulls her higher so he can turn, set his other arm elbow down and carry his jaw in the heel of his palm while his expression is one that is entirely soured, watching the table with disinterest laid in thick over his eyes.

Sophie says “GODDAAAAMN it.“

Dovie claps and tells Sophie immediately, “I want the haiku praising Scuba Vampires please.”

looks aside to Sophie, “Aw,” Kai tells Sophie and drops his arms from behind his head, he gives her back a little rub and nods to August, “You do that,” he tells the man with an airy, dismissive wave of one hand, he looks to Dovie, “Wait did you win? What dare do I have to do?”

Kai points at Dovie, “You got it,” he tells her and digs his phone out to fuck around on it, leaning against Sophie lightly.

To August and Arachne, Dovie mentions, “I’ll ask you both for yours later,” she decides.

“Thank you everyone for coming! Freel free to take drinks or food back with you.” Dovie says, waving at the spread.

“Whatever,” August lifts his head, gives a simple, dismissive wave of his hand before resting his jaw against his fist again. Otherwise, he doesn’t seem inclined to move yet.

Obadiah twitches his lips in a smirk to Dovie, “I do believe I follow you around helping you with stuff all day every day but if I actually get the title of assistant this time… it might not be so bad.” He winks at Dovie then makes to stand, “I need a little nappy poo before the raid however… hopefully I don’t sleep through it.

“I’m not impressed by whatever this disgusting little rivalry is going on between the two of you,” Arachne observes of Kai and August. “Ashford, stop acting like an annoying chip in my nails and act your age and position. Pierce, please behave.” At Dovie’s words, her lips curve into an easy smile. “Sure.”

Dovie claps for Sophie and nods at Obadiah. “Go ahead darling, thank you for everything.” She smiles back at Arachne.