[center][h2][color=Gold]Returning to the Old Shift[/color][/h2][/center]

It had been awhile... since Ryoki had made her way to the casino at night. The lights that passed her by as she made her way to Upscale Heights were all so familiar. The city really was seemless; it always changed, yet many aspects would forever stay the same. Her shift change allowed her to get one of the earlier shifts, in order to keep her job, whilst also limiting her service. She liked the casino job - [i]loved it,[/i] even. She liked serving the lovely patrons there and having them spend all their money on her exclusively; she loved it because of how good she was at it, and how awesome the staff were. Most of the time in public she had to dress or act decently, at the very least when around fans. When she came here, she was free - she could do things in a fun and friendly manner, and could throw around sexual banter and joke with those there and just have a good time overall. 

It was fun. But tonight, she was a little anxious.

She wondered if some of her favourite clients would remember her. She wondered if some of the staff, even, would remember her. She knew the boss would. After all, he was the one who presented her with the amazing oppotunity of working early, until she was ready to return to the later time. Would things be the same? Would they be different? Would she enjoy it there, or not? All these questions buzzed around in her head, and she almost fell from not keeping her mind in check.

[i]'You gotta stay focused, Ryoki,'[/i] the Raven told herself mentally, [i]'don't let these thoughts bring you down. Do what Mimiko said: you need to [b]revive[/b]. You need to do this, because it won't change anything moping for eternity... Thank you, Mimiko, Kyle... Thank you very, very much.'[/i]

With newfound confidence, Ryoki marched onwards toward the Casino, her thoughts occupied about what she would do rather than what could possibly happen. However, there was one thing that she couldn't quite figure out how to approach. She knew she needed to do this approach, true, but she didn't know how in the Hell she was going to... follow up. How to get the ball rolling, as they say.

[i]'Yutaro...'[/i]

She shook her head and took a great big breath of fresh air. Whatever would happen tonight would happen, both between the two of them and as a whole. More than anything, she wanted to apologise for how rude she'd been this past couple of months, locking herself away from anyone and anything. The Raven hadn't really spoken to anyone in the past couple of months, and she felt bad about it. She needed to fix things, to remind the world she was ready to push forward again, no matter how hard it would be, and that she was ready.

... Well, mostly.

[i]'No, no 'mostlys' or 'maybes'; it's either I am or I'm not. I [b]am[/b] ready. Don't doubt yourself, girl, just do what you can and do it to the best of your ability. It's OK to cry, but I will [b]not[/b] make myself useless for others.'[/i]

With a quick, light slap to the face, Ryoki found herself turning on to the casino's road. With a grin she begins jogging down the road, until she finally arrives at the flashy front entrance. Her eyes light up as she reads the casino's neon name in big, bold letters up front, and the dark-haired femme fatale began making her way around the side, then towards the back as she locates one of the staff entrances. She still held some small amounts of doubt in the back of her mind, however, with one gulp of courage, she blocks out that remaining doubt and walks through the door...

[hr]

"You're the best boss I've ever had, and I can't thank you enough! Seriously, I would kiss you, but it might make some of the players jealous, teehee!"

"Ahaha! Well, I'm sure nobody would find out! Go on!" The Boss stuck out his face and made fish lips, before immediately laughing and returning to his position in the comfortable leather chair, reclining. "But really, there was no way I [i]wouldn't[/i] help out any of you beautiful ladies with work. Honestly, you, Rios, Blatter and Yume are some of the best bunny girls I've ever had - you lot alone have made profits for this casino go through the roof time and again with your work, and each new and inventive idea you lot bring to the table always seems to help us out! Giving you an early, short shift and break was the least I could do."

Ryoki smiles and bows again. "Really, thank you so much, Boss! I'm happy to be back on my old shift again."

"I know you are, darling, and thank [i]you[/i] for staying with us even though you've been going through some trouble. Remember, if you start to feel unwell you can always call it a ni-"

"I think I'll be OK, Boss.' Ryoki states with a smile, staring at the ground shyly. "I was recently reminded of something... very important that I'd forgotten. I want to make myself useful again. Well, more useful. I want to help out at the casino, and-"

"See Yutaro~? Eh~?" The Boss asks with a wink, before proceeding into a light chuckle. 

"W-well... Y-yeah..." Ryoki stammers nervously, blushing a deep shade of red as she fiddles with her thumbs. "But I'm also excited to get back with the girls, too! And the customers! But... yeah, I'm looking forward to cheering up the Grumpy Cat, ehehe!"

The boss nods and smiles a nice, genuine smile. "Well, on that note, are you ready to head out?" As he asks, Ryoki looks up. One look at the intensity in her eyes was enough of a response for him. "Good. I look forward to seeing you in action again, Miss Mochizukki. Get out there and make us proud!"

"Yes sir!"

However, just before she walked out, the Boss called for her.

"I just wanted to say... that's a very nice ribbon."

"Oh... Thank you!" She giggles and walks out. [i]'And now... we begin.'[/i]

[hr]

She'd forgotten how busy things could get at the casino on a Saturday night. Always on the move, Ryoki's stamina, speed and skill were all tested as she served with all the other bunny girls, providing drinks and eye candy services all for quite a profit. It felt good to finally be back again. The welcome was extremely warm - all the men (and a couple of the ladies) whom she used to serve regularly gave one, big birthday-like cheer together upon learning of her return, which pretty much got her to be the center of attention for the night. And she was loving it.

Whenever she could spare her attention, Ryoki found herself glancing toward the blackjack tables to see if she could spot her favourite dealer. She caught sight of him a few times, however she was uncertain of whether he had seen her, or heard of her return. She had to make her presence known. A nice, long chit-chat could wait until after work or, at the very least on break, however she wanted to make her presence known to him before that happened. She wanted to see his smile, and show him she was OK.

One time, as she was passing by from a distance, she saw that he was with... a very curious Jamaican-looking fellow. Intrigued by this, she moved a little closer in order to eavesdrop on the duo, keeping out of Yutaro's line-of-sight because... well, because she was a little nervous. 

[color=92278f]"-so I'll be keeping the stakes low while there is still a crowd, I'll rack it up when they start to disperse later in the night. Are you willing to be patient and deal me till late tonight? You sorta look like you could use the company..."[/color]

Ooh, not wanting to spend money, 'ey? Well... Ryoki could [i]definitely[/i] do something about that. The question was if she was willing to take Yutaro's target, swoop in for the kill, and reap the reward? It was tempting, and it would allow the two to converse for a little while - let Yutaro know she was there. But was she up for it?

"No need to worry sir. Feel free to bet however much you feel comfortable with, and stay as long as you like. Have one of our bunnies bring you a drink. The bar can make just about anything."

Well after hearing that it was impossible to refuse. Taking a deep breath, she began walking over to the blackjack table.

"Did somebody say 'drinks'?" She asks, notepad in hand as she came into direct view of Yutaro, leaning over the table for the customer and giving him... [i]something to look at.[/i] "Or perhaps it was the bunny herself you were after~? Teehee~!" Her seductive tone hadn't changed a bit. She was still just as good as when she'd first joined the casino crew, her skill managing to keep up despite recent events. She flashes Yutaro a quick smile -- a joyous and genuine smile that said "I'm back~!" all on it's own -- before returning her attention to this interesting customer. She was relieved.

[i]'Objective: Complete.'[/i]