"These types of clothes always suit you so well..."

He was just in the middle of picking a knot for his tie when his friend wrapped him in a warm hug, and stayed for a while, seeming to be content with watching their reflection in the mirror.

Takuto felt pretty content with it as well, which is why, despite his earlier request that Ranmaru wait outside while he got dressed, he allowed him to stay. But just for the time it took to tie a tie.

He then slid out of his grasp to pick up the gloves that would complete the outfit.

"Let me."

He let him.

"I don't know what you were worried about, Taku, I know you'll fit in just fine." Ranmaru was positively grinning as he put on the other's gloves, he had been ever since they stepped foot into that casino. "You already have the face for it and everything."

Takuto glanced down at Ranmaru's outfit, it was just as formal as his own but at the same time... not at all. But he didn't see how it didn't suit him...

"Do you like it?" He asked, noticing the other staring. Ranmaru stepped back for a full view of his new uniform. "I feel a little silly... but free!" He did a little pirouette.

"...I think they suit you just fine." Takuto responded, deciding it would be better to preoccupy himself with his own reflection instead. But he could still tell the other was smiling.

"There's just one more thing." Ranmaru spun around the room, as if trying to remember what he was looking for, before setting sight on a collection of miscellaneous costumes and props.

It wasn't as if he was worried, that was just what Ranmaru would describe his exasperation whenever he refused to accept it. Takuto just couldn't see the value in spending so much time, getting so involved in a casino. He would much rather spend his time working on something entirely more beneficial to others, something people really needed, not just a way to waste money... although...

Just staring in the mirror, he could see Ranmaru throwing around festive looking adornments. It was no secret that he was excited, however. That's probably the real reason Takuto agreed to such a thing, but... he couldn't say he completely regretted it.

He didn't even think Ranmaru had any actual interest in gambling, but there was no denying that now when he looked at the new mess around the room. ...Casinos really had some silly themes, didn't they, Takuto couldn't help but notice.

The giant dice blocks bouncing around the room... the dozens of colorful chips carelessly scattered across the floor, the ridiculous bunny ears slowly settling themselves on top of his head--

...

He ducked away from them.

And again.

And aga--

"What are you doing?" Takuto grabbed Ranmaru's wrist, to prevent him from trying it again.

"...what?" Ranmaru grinned again, but this time it wasn't very convincing. "It's part of your uniform."

A ridiculous statement, until he noticed Ranmaru himself truly was wearing them, along with a matching tail.

It was...

It was...

Extremely ridiculous!

"No."

Takuto gently pushed Ranmaru away.

"Aw, come on!" Ranmaru bounded right back up to him, one could see the bright determination in his eyes. "It'll look cute on you! You have to get into the spirit of the place, you know, have a little fun! And besides..."

Ranmaru frowned deeply.

"You're not going to leave me alone with this."

...

"No."

"Takuto!"

He followed him around the room.

"Why'd you even agree to this if you're not going to get into it?"

"It's a business, Ran. We have to look professional."

"Professional? It's a bunch of drunk people playing games."

"It's much more than that."

"Oh, now it is? Because that's literally how you described it before 'cuz you didn't wanna do it. Wait!"

Takuto stopped, just before opening the door to leave, and looked back at Ranmaru.

...

Ranmaru pouted, even his dumb bunny ears drooped, as if to match his mood. "Please?"

...

"No."

"Seriously?!"

Takuto stopped when Ranmaru grabbed his wrist.

"What if... we gambled for it?"

...

There was one other thing that had a hand in getting him to entertain this rather random casino idea. He'd only become aware of it recently, but after a few visits where he'd somehow gotten himself coaxed into various, surprisingly intense, card games with rather cocky opponents...

One could tell from the interesting way he lost his composure at the opportunity to expertly outsmart someone in such a simple game...

Takuto learned he really... liked... gambling.

But not enough to accept such a trivial bet. Still, he tilted his head in interest.

"What would I get out of it?"

...

Ranmaru mimicked him, tilting his head, and his cute bunny ears followed. "Well... what do you want?"

...

Takuto frowned even more, practically growling.

---

---

...

"There." Ranmaru smiled, adjusting the bunny ears on his frowning friend's head. "You're adorable!"

Takuto didn't share his enthusiasm. At all.

"Come on, there's plenty of time left in the night to turn your luck around." That bright grin was practically mocking him now.

Which Ranmaru probably knew, for he flashed it one last time before opening the door and heading into the party.

...

Deciding against brooding about it for any longer, Takuto sighed and got up, following Ranmaru out of the room.

!

...

Takuto looked back, ...readjusting his new giant, poofy tail, before slowly heading through the door, still wearing a childish pout.