she's the kind of girl you can never please
It's a weighted offer, whether Alys knows it or not. Talyson is not great with touchy subjects, and while Deimos' ear was well-practiced to her woes, because of that sometimes Hotaru cannot help but feel regretful for burdening him with her pain. He would surely disagree if she ever admitted it, but sometimes seeing him happy and healing is the only thing that keeps her going, and she would never do anything to risk impeding that. Having someone levelheaded and kind to talk to maturely, sincerely...it would make a huge difference in her life. "Thank you. And the same for you in return, if you ever need it." Part of the reason Hotaru does not tell people her inner secrets and feelings is this exact fear that surfaces as she says it - that Alys, having seen her so vulnerable, would no longer see Ru as a capable woman who could be relied upon for advice or guidance. Fighting that feeling down back into the pits of her stomach, she instead reflexively squeezes Alys' hand back at her condolences, grimacing.
"He was not the first I lost. My third, actually. It is hard not to consider myself cursed; it's why I have stayed alone." Desperate to be a mother, but terrified of losing yet another child. Desperate to be loved, but unable to open herself up emotionally for anything more than one-night stands.
Though it's nice to be so up-front about where they stand, and Hotaru aims her own smile back at Alys, relieved at the reception to her idea. "I live at the end of the lane in Whitebrim if you ever want to visit. My surname is on the outside - Kaito. You're welcome to visit me there whenever you desire if we don't have established plans." Deimos and Talyson were awarded the same benefits, and now Alys could be counted among those ranks.
Hotaru
