What game do you fancy? Test your luck and immerse yourself in the thrill roulette, or a quick spin at the slots. If you’re more hands on, a quick game of blackjack might be your fancy or if you like something hardcore, test your skills at our poker tables. Of course you’re welcome to lounge around and take in all the sights. If you’re interested in something more intimate, our Sin Lounge is available for qualified guests in need of relief. Well, are you ready to play? Don’t hesitate now, it’s time to place your bets!
After receiving such a lovely birthday gift, I'd like to return the favor @twistinghearts whose special day is just after mine! Please give them a warm greeting!
For context, my inspiration for this story are the videos of pianist Girogio Lo Porto and his neighbor, Emil. It's a lovely story so please check it out.
Happy Birthday To You
Times passes and memories are made, both good and bad. The rush of daily life offering little comfort if it could spare any. In your high rise apartment, sitting by the piano as you allowed your thoughts to wander to familiar places and simpler days.
Your fingers touch the keys, the melody filtering through the room and to the wall where you knew someone was listening, waiting for a moment of rest.
You didn't know your neighbor, you never saw their face yet the music the both of you played with the pianos pressed against the wall that separated you was enough to foster and grow a bond.
It couldn't be explained yet it was understood perfectly.
The moment you stopped, there was a small pause of silence...Until the answer of music returns to your ears.
You didn't know your neighbor, the both of you always separated by a thin wall but just enough to hear and answer to the music you played.
Leona's lounging was equally messy as it were busy. Books on philosophy and chess strewn about along with some clothes clean and used.
Yet the piano by his wall remained pristine. Music had always been an escape for him when the reality of life that reared its heavy maw.
His neighbor was someone he knew played to de-stress. Through the way you played, Leona knew what you wanted to say. Your music was enough for him to understand.
You asked and he answered.
He never met you, he never knew what you looked like...But hearing you play was enough for him.
You asked through your keys and he answered, always.
The wind blew cool, your hair ruffling back and forth while the noise of the streets below were mute to your ears. The balcony was small but comfortable. Your next door neighbor's piano playing a tune, one you could describe as a the remembrance of friends past and present.
"It's beautiful."
"The pianist who wrote this..." His voice bellowed from within his own apartment was deep and mellow. "He had a friend who liked to play the piano too. He wrote this song in honor of him."
"That's a very sweet story."
"You play the piano really well, you know? It's fun to play with you." His hand slips out, finally putting a face to the music you played. He smiles at you as you smile back, the peace never negated.
"I'm glad."
"Can you play with me again?" Leona asked, the sun bathing both of you in the light of golden hour. Finally away from the shadows and into the light.
Letting out a short laugh, you chide him teasingly. "You start the song this time."
Your neighbor's name is Leona, Leona Kingscholar, and he loved to play the piano as much as you do. He also loves to play chess but you needed some practice if you ever wanted to beat him.
Leona's piano begins to play. The music telling the tale of a young boy brought up in a world so different yet so similar.
Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
Your fingers slide through the keys, answering his call with the continuing tune, the two of you going back and forth unaware of the time that passed.
He called, you answer...
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry
A very happy birthday to @the-crows-typist
The clock finally struck upon the hour and you were free! You worked hard and were now able to do anything you want, specifically heading to the bakery in town and getting one of their delicious lemon tarts. However as you left your office you were instantly greeted by a friendly presence, "Bonjour mon chéri," Rook gave a bow holding his hat to his chest. "Happy Birthday! Today is such a splendid day being able to celebrate your birth. You truly are a gift upon this world so it is only fitting for those around you to return that feeling. Come, Roi de Posion's has something prepared for you." His hand was offered to you, his usual bright smile. Before taking his hand you paused a moment, you really wanted that tart... but this should only take a moment right. And it was sweet he would prepare you a gift. "Thank you Rook." As soon as you took his hand he brought it to his lips and placed a kissed on the back, before crossing his fingers with yours and leading you off to the Pomefiore castle and directly to Vil's room. Along the way Rook performed a poem he had written in your honor.
The door immediately opened after Rook knocked. "Good, you're here. Welcome." Vil took both your hands and pulled you closer so he could place a kiss on each of your cheeks. "Happy Birthday Lemon." You thanked him and he lead you inside. On his chaise was a seemingly perfectly wrapped gift box. It was quite large and looked like a piece of art rather than something should be torn open but with some encouragement you opened the box and found a lovely dress inside. "Rook and I estimated the sizing, so I'm sure it will fit you but you should try it on now. I would love to see you in it." Vil offered as you 'awwaaa' ed at the gift before you. A quick try on wouldn't hurt, you still had plenty of time before the shop closed.
"O-okay." You nodded scooping the dress up into your arms and scurrying off to try it on. It fit perfectly!! And it looked extremely cute on you.
"Simply stunning. Come sit, I'll do your make-up to match." Still excited about the dress and the offer to have Vil do your make-up without thinking you took a seat at his vanity and let him do his work.
Just as Vil was finishing up your look there was a knock at the door, and Leona soon entered. "There you are." Vil huffed looking over at the other dorm leader. "You were supposed to be here before she arrived."
"I got here before she left. Besides, now my gift won't be overwhelmed by yours." Leona commented, walking over to where you sat. He gave you a pat on the head and placed a small, plain box in front of you. "Happy Birthday carnivore." Inside the box was a beautiful crystal necklace. Once Vil finished up the make-up, Leona clasped it around your neck. It looked beautiful not only with the lovely new dress and make-up, but it also complimented your eyes.
You were once again at a loss for words, just blown away by what you had been given. Rook exclaimed something in French that you assumed conveyed what you were feeling.
"You look quite stunning now, I think it's time for you to go show it off a little." Vil took your hand to help you stand.
Suddenly you remembered what you had been planning on doing, "I was planning on heading to the bakery, you're welcome to come with if you would like." You state, opening the offer to all three of them. Leona was the first to respond, "Fine lets go." He took your hand and already started to lead you out of the room, but you managed to thank Vil and Rook one last time.
"I'm not really in a hurry..." You commented quietly, finding it a little odd how quickly Leona seemed to have pulled you away. But Leona just countered explaining that he wanted to get out of there. It was quiet for a while as the two of you walked before Leona spoke up again. "Vil's the one who suggested a jewelry gift... I wasn't sure what to get you but it really does look great on you. I'm glad I picked it out myself, Ruggie wouldn't have been able to match the color of your eyes right." You felt your cheeks burning at the sincerity of his compliment.
"Good we're here and you didn't notice." The sudden comment left you utterly confused, especially since you weren't at the bakery either. Instead, the two of you were standing in front of the doors to the Monstro Lounge. How did you get here? Before you could muster up the correct words to form a question the doors were pulled open.
"SURPRISE!!" There was a flash, and some popping noises as it was revealed all your friends waiting inside, cheering and welcoming you to your birthday surprise party. There were decorations, friends and food, including your favorite meats as well as the lemon tart you had been thinking about all day.
Really hoping people don't delete their works with girl!mc or androgynous!mc bc of the manga...just think of it as a different continuity please...your mc is still valid within you...
~They say that if you dance with someone in the light of the red moon, your fates will be intertwined. It is a night of romance and passion. Pick your partner and follow your heart~
@}-;--- || ---;{@
Sango’s Attire
With short black gloves that have a ruffle around the wrist
Mask | Hair | Dress | Necklace
{{This was so much fun to do! I happened to off tumblr the day this was posted so I was lucky I got tagged by @raven-at-the-writing-desk and @mrsmephisto
{{ I'll tag just some blogs that I know have blog personas but I'd absolutely love to see more of these! I love love love masquerade and ball aesthetics. You don't have to follow or even pick a theme I just did because it fit what I was going to pick
