[ the bishop is taken, but that really only means so much. what dextera likes about chess is the myriad ways a game could go with every new move. a perfect game is possible, but it isn’t fun—like a greater metaphor for the world in which he lives, what makes the game a game are the human foibles that lead to imperfect, rational decisions. ]
…
[ dextera lets out a small exhale, less a sigh and more a release of pressure, another wordless sign of his pleased restlessness.
the move that follows the sacrifice of his bishop is quick, and dextera seems happy with himself for pulling it off. it puts his queen into play; the game, with makoto’s acceptance, has finally turned aggressive. he’s drawn into the board, eyes back on the game after looking down from makoto’s smile, and there’s the slightest smile set on his own mouth curtained by his hair. ]
I know what you want.
[ flirtatious, almost; as much as dextera has ever gotten, at least, when it comes to makoto. ]
( there is no one move that wins or loses a chess game. there can be a cascading array of misplays or opportunities left untaken, but there is almost always room for one player to take the upper hand or for another to allow their hubris or thoughtlessness to take theirs from them. if one were to play chess purely on logic, with little more than mathematical precision and probability to guide their moves, it would be a soulless and artificial experience. the spark of humanity, of something that is so emotional and irrational and unpredictable and alive, is one that flashes brightest in the moments when it behaves outside of how one might expect. to risk big and to open oneself up for an immense victory or a crushing defeat...
though makoto has been slow to start in this game, teasing and provoking at his opponent, this is often the tactic he devolves to. he believes the game is most fun, after all, when it is at its most dramatic. indeed, just like in life.
the demon's response to dextera's ensuing move is just as quick and decisive as the move itself; a smile spreads across his face like wildfire, bright and sharp, to see the daring of dextera moving his queen into play. exactly the sort of move he likes to play at a critical junction himself, though it's just as enjoyable to have it reflected back towards him. )
I have no idea what you're talking about.
( he says, blithe, as he makes his next move. he is not reckless, yet... but gone is his own protracted passivity and defensiveness. the shape of his strategy is animal canniness, quick and clear, subtle and reactive, with teeth bared to snap at dextera in the instance of any perceived weakness or uncertainty.
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…
[ dextera lets out a small exhale, less a sigh and more a release of pressure, another wordless sign of his pleased restlessness.
the move that follows the sacrifice of his bishop is quick, and dextera seems happy with himself for pulling it off. it puts his queen into play; the game, with makoto’s acceptance, has finally turned aggressive. he’s drawn into the board, eyes back on the game after looking down from makoto’s smile, and there’s the slightest smile set on his own mouth curtained by his hair. ]
I know what you want.
[ flirtatious, almost; as much as dextera has ever gotten, at least, when it comes to makoto. ]
no subject
though makoto has been slow to start in this game, teasing and provoking at his opponent, this is often the tactic he devolves to. he believes the game is most fun, after all, when it is at its most dramatic. indeed, just like in life.
the demon's response to dextera's ensuing move is just as quick and decisive as the move itself; a smile spreads across his face like wildfire, bright and sharp, to see the daring of dextera moving his queen into play. exactly the sort of move he likes to play at a critical junction himself, though it's just as enjoyable to have it reflected back towards him. )
I have no idea what you're talking about.
( he says, blithe, as he makes his next move. he is not reckless, yet... but gone is his own protracted passivity and defensiveness. the shape of his strategy is animal canniness, quick and clear, subtle and reactive, with teeth bared to snap at dextera in the instance of any perceived weakness or uncertainty.
just like makoto. )