Casino Night!

[broken_brushes]

When I'd first come up with the idea of Casino Night, I wasn't sure if it was even possible on the island. In retrospect, that might have been naive of me, because if there was anything I'd learned in over four years on Tabula Rasa, it was that its residents were capable of doing just about anything save getting home

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[red_ponytail]

When Shari decided she wanted to throw a party, Bill was pretty much always willing to help her out, and tonight's event was no exception. He'd helped with a few aspects, from set up to donation of shit to bid on, glad to do so as ever.

Now, dressed in a suit with a couple of drinks in him and well into a nice winning streak, Bill was having a grand time.

[honestlyrubbish]

"I like the tie," Hermione remarked with a smile as she walked over to Bill, feeling more relaxed than she had in quite some time. The adjustment process, learning how to adjust to Council work while managing her classes and private life, had finally started to simmer down, everything falling into a manageable routine. That evening, Hermione had made the decision to stay out of the gambling and other activities, instead overseeing the activity and making sure no one fell out of line. Aside from raiding the clothes box once more, the evening was simply an evening of work for her, and Hermione didn't mind it that way.

And fortunately, people were busy enough with gambling that she even had some time to catch up with friends and family. "Enjoying the evening?"

[red_ponytail]

"Thanks, Hermione," Bill replied with a grin, his eyebrows raising as he got a look at what she had on.

"And you," he said, as he caught up one of her hands in his and lifted it above her head to twirl her around, once, "look bloody gorgeous. Tell me, how long was my brother unable to form words when he first saw you in this?"

[honestlyrubbish]

The longer the time Hermione spent on the island, the closer she'd come to feel to Bill. Back in their world, there hadn't been many opportunities for the two to interact at length- although the Order had changed that, to an extent- but on the island, the group had managed to form a family of sorts, only pulling more closely together with time. When Bill twirled Hermione around, she obliged with a laugh, delighted as she came to a stop, cheeks already lightly flushed, bashful.

"His recovery time has improved, I think," Hermione smiled. "But you could still see his ears flushing a bright red. I find it gratifying. At least I know the efforts are appreciated."

Sighing contentedly, Hermione raised her chin a touch, then looked around curiously. "Did you come with anyone?"

[red_ponytail]

"Well, maybe little Ron is growing up," Bill pretended to concede, but he was clearly amused. "I don't reckon there's much to be done about the ears, though. But hey, if you think it's charming, it all works out for the best."

He followed her gaze, wondering for a second if she was trying to find Ron, then shook his head with a soft chuckle at her question. "No, not tonight," he answered. "I'm just the happy bachelor at this party."

[honestlyrubbish]

A strange part of Hermione was glad for Bill's answer, as awful as it was to admit to herself. They might have been on an island where all of them had had different experiences than back home, but Bill and Fleur had certainly been a steady constant in Hermione's life, a couple that she looked to and admired for how resilient they were in the face of the war.

Then again, if there was a chance that Bill could be just as happy on the island, Hermione wanted that for him, without a doubt.

"That's such a shame," she shook her head. "I suppose I'm a bit biased, but all of you Weasley brothers are so charming, handsome. People could do much worse."