January 14th, 2011

Mikhail's 33rd birthday had already got to a good start, and it wasn't only because he got to spend it with his love Belle for the second time. Upon introducing her to his family, his parents and sisters had warmed to her, showing a clear admiration of the girl who had come into his life, and later on that evening, she would be taking him to the ice skating rink near the centre of Weron. What an evening it was to be; as a younger skunk, it had been his other passion besides music, and though he had no longer wanted the rockstar lifestyle after what had happened when he was with Severed Head, he still loved to perform, despite having sold his original guitar long before.

But there was something else he wanted to do first. For a long time, he'd wanted to serenade Belle in front of his family, and she'd mentioned it when they had been alone for a brief moment. Without any indication of what he was about to do, he disappeared upstairs and returned with his guitar, held loud and proud with a smile that lit up his and Belle's faces. His family spoke no words of curiosity, for they knew what he was about to enact. Each of the times he had serenaded her or performed for her, the rewarding feeling he got surpassed that of many other occasions each time, and no matter what, there was no escaping the hold they had on each other. And rarely would any meeting with her go to waste, particularly not today of all days.

"Belle, my love," he simpered, plugging his guitar into the hi-fi system as she came closer, "before we go out, I've got a present of my own for you."

"But it's not my birthday yet, baby." smiled Belle.

"That thing again?" chirped Mikhail's father. "You always knew how to entertain."

"That's not just a thing, you know." said his mother. "It's his pride and joy, right Mik?"

"Exactly." he answered as he sat down on the armchair next to the fireplace. "And this one's just for you, sweetheart - the love of my life." And before any of the skunks in the room could react, Mikhail began a rich, fast paced sequence that flowed into a powerful melody with a beauty that instantly captivated Belle, their eyes staring deeper the more he played. It was to be a birthday like no other, he knew, and if they were enjoying it now, the night would hold more surprises than he could name.

Here we have the first picture in which Mikhail has been drawn without Sharp by his side in picture, although not necessarily in story. Showing off his precious and dear guitar, this great piece drawn by Cappuccino has him express the talent he harbours within for a second time. Must say that I'm quite pleased with this one. ^^

Original image: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/9182319/