Hotaru
nothing's fair in love and war
Skirting just on the edge of fashionably late, Hotaru shows up with Talyson in tow. She had warned him quietly when he had disembarked of the differences he would see in her today, but as she walks up the pathway in her shimmering gown, Ru knows it will not have been enough of a warning. The first two she sees are Remi and Ronin camped outside by the fire - unsurprising on both counts, which is a relief as she had been prepared for their attendance. Though her companionable outlook towards Remi has never wavered, if Ronin's primordial, Attuned feelings are as close to the surface as hers are right now? Well, she does them the respect of not even meeting their eyes as she walks inside. No sense in making this harder for either of them.
Flora has not only transformed the building, but clearly brought her personal touch to the music, lights, and drinks. Hotaru approves wholeheartedly of her daughter's efforts - until she sees everyone else the Doubletake has invited.
Ah, fuck. Okay, time for a split-second battle plan.
'How to be Elegant, Social, and Abstain from Murder by Hotaru Kaito'.
First, a raffle jar. Ru likes items, Flora likes items, what's to lose?
Second, Mateo. While they are not close, the Valkyrie has always done her best to include him, even when he'd been a mere child gallumphing about with the twins. Still, she only sweeps by his side and gives him a small smile and a 'hello dear' before floating onward. His friend looks severely green around the gills, best leave him to the cleanup.
Then, Sunjata. Seeing the blonde at his side makes Hotaru's teeth drip with acid, which she swallows down manfully to hide with a warm smile towards Isla. Her possessiveness is borne of desperation, having hoped she could have perhaps stood with him in the corner and ignored the rest of the party, but she won't resent the fact that he seems happier. Or at least healthier. If that was Isla's doing, Ru can manage to play nice. "It's good to see you Jata," she murmurs, and touches his wrist briefly before turning to Isla, leaning in to brush their cheeks in a kiss of greeting. "I don't think we've met? I'm Hotaru, Flora's mother. You look radiant." From over Isla's shoulder however she sees two more blondes - Phoebe and Flora. So though she's soooooo reluctant to cut this short, she pulls back with an apologetic smile. "Actually I see her at the bar, I should go say hi. Excuse me."
Alright Ru, doing good. One last lap.
"Darling job my flower! I hope your drinks are as good as your workmanship, because I'm going to need it," she laughs, pressing little kisses all over Flora's face just to cramp her style in front of all her friends as punishment for having invited them. Ru is really going to need that drink.
Not too much alcohol though, because last time she was truly drunk in Torchline things had gotten a little...complicated.
