[@Dynamo Frokane][@Delta44]

Yutaro tried not to grimace when Jacques mentioned the masquerade ball. Did the man not know what had happened to bring it up so casually? Or was the tragedy already just some afterthought for the people who weren't there, who didn't see what happened. There was only a brief flicker in Yutaro's expression before he rerouted the conversation to more pleasant things. The masquerade [i]had[/i] been a good party before the incident, and getting to know the guy behind it was sure to provide some interesting conversation. "An international festival host?" Yutaro said, not revealing any of the uneasiness he had just felt. "I bet you've been to quite a few crazy parties. If you plan on hosting one, let me know..." 

Just then, Yutaro looked over at the bunny walking over to take the party meister's order, and then he did a double take when he saw who it was. It was like an apparition had just appeared before him. For all these months he hadn't seen or spoken to her, and now here she was, as seductive and flirtatious as ever, ready to intoxicate the hell out of this unsuspecting client... as well as serve him some drinks. He looked at her beautiful raven hair, her lovely bre..lue eyes, and he was stunned all over again. She honestly looked great, and Yutaro was glad she was back on her feet again. Yutaro returned her smile, as if to say, "well, look who's back in action," and hoped that their shorthand hadn't faded after their time apart. It felt good smiling again. It wasn't a forced smile or cynical grin, but a genuine smile. 

[color=662d91]"Hopefully you'll keep us company, I plan to lose a lot of money on this table today!"[/color]

Yutaro turned his attention back to his customer, and gave him a friendly chuckle. "Oh, don't say that sir. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before you hit your lucky streak. I've heard that buying your dealer a drink is good luck." Of course that last sentence was complete bullshit, but customers liked it when he played along, and he could actually go for a bit to drink. 

The first few hands saw not much gain or loss on either side, with Jacques winning hands just as frequently as he lost them. Yutaro wasn't worried though; the house always made it's money as long as the player decided to keep playing, and Jacques didn't look like he intended to leave any time soon.