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Post by Kino Makoto on Apr 3, 2009 21:16:35 GMT -5
It was still fairly early, not many guests had arrived yet. Deciding to skip the formal reception, Makoto instead took the time to glance around the expansive ballroom. It certainly had come a long way from the craziness she’d witnessed earlier that morning. Of course, her next glance was over toward the buffet tables that lined the side wall. Everything was out and ready, and she nodded to the servers standing at attention waiting for their first guests. She made a mental note to tell her assistant to be sure the Sternos were changed out regularly. The last thing they needed was improperly heated food.
She turned back around towards the entrance and noticed Ami was not far behind her. The look on her sister’s face told her all she needed to know. Makoto took the few steps towards Ami and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, relax. It’s going to be fine. There’s security everywhere. Nobody’s going to give you a hard time tonight. And if they do, I’ll be right there to kick their asses.” She chuckled a bit. “And if I’m not there, I’m sure one of Lucan’s guys will do a fine job of ass-kicking as well.”
Makoto noticed a server standing to the side with a tray of champagne flutes. She waved him over and removed two flutes, handing one to Ami. "Here, this will help ease the anxiety. Kampai, Ami-chan" She lightly tapped her own glass to Ami's and smiled, then took a sip of the bubbling liquid.
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Post by Mizuno Ami on Apr 3, 2009 21:34:08 GMT -5
Ami had felt bad for causing all of her sisters to worry about her - but that man had shaken her deeply, more so than the basic knowledge that there was an entire chess tournament with the purpose of winning her. She was grateful, though, for their concern and care, and most of her nerves about the evening had been alleviated.
She smiled softly at Makoto's words, nodding at her and appreciating the support. "I'd hate for you to have to kick any ass in your dress, Mako-chan, though I'm sure you could do it." Her hand started to move self consciously to cover her own chest, feeling exposed despite Makoto's constant assurance that it was fine. However, before her sister could smack her hand away, she caught the motion and stopped, turning it into accepting the drink.
"Kampai, Mako-chan." Her smile was more sincere at that and she took a sip of her own drink. "I miss when we were just us. When New Years was a private party of close friends. I don't know if I'll ever get used to all of this." She gestured around the as of yet largely empty ball room. "Of course who knows, maybe in a thousand years I'll have gotten there." She giggled slightly.
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Post by Kino Makoto on Apr 3, 2009 22:05:42 GMT -5
Makoto was not so distracted that she didn’t notice Ami’s gesture to cover herself, but smiled slyly as she instead reached for the drink.
She nodded as she reminisced on New Years past. It certainly was less stressful when it was just the five of them. Though, Makoto did rather enjoy being able to dress up. It was nice being dolled up like a princess for a change. She wanted to do it more often, even though she wouldn’t admit it to just anyone. “A thousand years?” She chuckled again. “I’m sure you’ll find some pleasure in this sooner than that!”
She glanced over to the receiving line that had formed and noticed a certain white-haired gentleman that had stopped to speak to Usagi and Lucan. Makoto lightly nudged Ami. “Do you see that man over there with Usagi? That’s the guy that was at lunch with Minako.” She was never good with names, so she went with the one she could remember. However, she made sure to lower her voice even further. “Kunzite.”
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Post by Mizuno Ami on Apr 3, 2009 22:24:07 GMT -5
Ami wrinkled her nose, "I don't know..." She was trying to be calmer about what she had seen on the news. "As long as this means that we're viewed as prizes, I don't know. But we're able to do so much good now too, not just by saving the world from Chaos." Multiple times. "I suppose it balances out."
Looking where Makoto pointed, Ami's first thought was how glad she was that the Queen had not insisted that her Senshi join her in the reception line. She doubted they'd get out of those kinds of duties and responsibilities for much longer, but she was glad to be spared it tonight.
She narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked at the tall man and then nodded, "He definitely looks like him. Do... people in the line usually talk with Usagi for that long? I wonder how Minako will feel about him being here."
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Post by Kino Makoto on Apr 3, 2009 22:42:15 GMT -5
“I don’t know. I don’t usually pay so much attention to the formalities.” Makoto thought to herself, ’Perhaps I should start doing that…’
“Who knows what Minako will think…” she shrugged and took another sip from her glass. More guests were beginning to file in, and she scanned the crowd for any familiar faces. She made another mental note to become better with putting names to faces. There were so many people she’d met over the past year or so that it was extremely hard to keep up with who was who.
“Do you think we should start mingling?”
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Tomoe Hotaru
Pure Heart
Senshi of Silence
Bright Little Firefly
Posts: 57
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Post by Tomoe Hotaru on Apr 3, 2009 23:19:14 GMT -5
Head up. Shoulders back. Smile- yes, try to smile, it's not hard to fake.
Letting out a breath, Hotaru tried to follow the instructions she'd been coached in by Michiru-mama several months ago, the words replaying over and over in her mind. Never mind that the advice had been for a music recital, the basic principle still applied to any social situation.
Her dark violet eyes flickered over the room, checking to make sure the Queen was well and safe before her attention wandered elsewhere. Not many had arrived yet, but she was certain that would change quickly. No one ever passed up a royal ball- well, no one except socially awkward people like herself, but even then. . . Well, sometimes you had to do what made you uncomfortable.
The spot she had chosen was half behind a silken curtain, a plush velvet chair out of the way where she would not be noticed by anyone besides those who knew her well. From here she could survey the entire room, keeping an eye on everything, and avoid the awkwardness of trying to talk to strangers.
A soft sigh escaped her parted lips, and she smoothed her silky amythest gown, her matching long gloves making a soft rustling noise with the motion. Bored and lonely already- she wondered how long she would have to stay before she could make a polite escape back to her safe chambers without hurting Usagi's feelings.
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Post by Mizuno Ami on Apr 4, 2009 17:07:03 GMT -5
"I suppose we should." She smiled to her, taking a deep breath, and then another sip from her champagne. She could not remember ever having started drinking so early in the day. She knew that if she kept taking these little sips all night, she would be in trouble, and made a note to not rely on the drink to make it through the evening.
"We'll all have to keep an eye on each other not just Usagi..." Her voice dropped, "There's no way that.... man... would make it into the ball is there? Surely, Security wouldn't let him in..."
She could not leave the safety of one of her sisters without that bit of assurance.
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Post by Kino Makoto on Apr 4, 2009 17:50:45 GMT -5
Makoto nodded at Ami’s suggestion to watch each other as well as Usagi. She glanced around the room again, taking note of where her sisters were. Minako was over with Usagi in the receiving line; Hotaru was seated near a wall and looking around the room as well; Rei had not been spotted yet, perhaps she was in one of the other rooms at the moment. That would need to be investigated, just to make sure she was all right.
“No Ami. Anyone who would be here inside the palace would NOT have been outside in that mess.” She gave Ami’s shoulder another soft squeeze. “Please, don’t worry yourself. You’re going to have fun tonight, and when tomorrow comes you won’t even care about those stupid ‘suitors’ anymore.”
She took another sip of her champagne when she noticed one of her assistants waving, apparently trying to get her attention. “Um, I think I’m needed over at the buffet. Why don’t you check on Hotaru real quick? Tell her to save a dance for me later. Her Haruka-papa may not be here, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have a good time.” Makoto smiled and uttered a quick “See you around” before heading over to the buffet.
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Post by Mizuno Ami on Apr 4, 2009 18:14:50 GMT -5
She nodded, feel relieved at Makoto's reassurance. She hoped that no one else saw her the way that man had. "I hope you're right." Ami believed her about none of those who were outside in the ridiculous show of objectifying all of them being allowed into the ball.
Ami grinned and nodded at Makoto's message for Hotaru. "I will pass that along. You're not allowed to spend the whole night working, Mako-chan." She chuckled, watching Makoto move to the buffet line, a bit jealous that Makoto did have a legitimate excuse to slip out if she needed to.
Shaking her head, she moved over to where Hotaru had retreated. "Hey, hun." She smiled to the younger girl. "Mind if another wall flower join you?" She winked, "We introverts need to stick together at these kinds of events."
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Tomoe Hotaru
Pure Heart
Senshi of Silence
Bright Little Firefly
Posts: 57
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Post by Tomoe Hotaru on Apr 5, 2009 15:50:13 GMT -5
A small smile twitched Hotaru's lips her tone slightly shy but warm as she answered. "Hello, Ami-chan." Her smile widened into a grin at the statement her fellow senshi greeted her with, nodding.
"Indeed we do need to stick together. Balls are not a trial to be endured alone, even for us." Timid once more, she gestured to the twin chair a few feet away from her own the silver chain around her wrist glinting with the motion. "I would welcome your company very much."
Settling back into her seat, she drew her legs up to sit curled on the cushioned chair, forgetting that it would probably wrinkle her dress. "You must tell me how you've been doing- I'm afraid I've been too buried in my studies lately, too distracted. Haruka-papa would scold me for not remembering to spend time with my friends."
Reaching up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, she gave a little sigh. “Winter break is upon me now though. I suppose I should let my books have a vacation, neh?”
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Post by Mizuno Ami on Apr 5, 2009 20:25:15 GMT -5
Ami sat and gently reached over to squeeze Hotaru's hand. She had to admit that she felt much more comfortable sitting down. The cleavage the dress showed was still visible, but at least her bare back was hidden against the back of the seat.
"They're not meant to be a trial at all, 'Taru." She smiled warmly to her, "I'll make a deal with you. You try to enjoy yourself, and I will too. Makoto told me to ask that you keep a dance open for her, and I think I'll want you to keep one open for me too."
Ami felt rather comfortable around the younger woman. Like herself, Hotaru was a serious student who could neglect the rest of her life to study if she was allowed to. "Mmm... we'll have to make sure that you don't let you lose yourself in studies. I know how very easy that is to do, but the others taught me how important is not to do so."
"I've been busy primarily, with the hospital getting ready to open. When it's fully open, you're more than welcome to shadow me if you want." She smiled, it was true enough, and she was not sure she should burden the youngest Senshi with her own concerns and stresses about the shitennou. "How are you doing?"
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Tomoe Hotaru
Pure Heart
Senshi of Silence
Bright Little Firefly
Posts: 57
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Post by Tomoe Hotaru on Apr 6, 2009 22:29:06 GMT -5
“I know. They feel that way though, don’t you think?” Hotaru curled her fingers around Ami’s, glad for the presence of someone who understood, realizing that this was the first time in several days that she’d spoken in a conversation with another human being. She hadn’t realized how lonely she’d been. “Sometimes. Not all the time though, I suppose.”
A giggle bubbled out of her throat at the ice senshi’s suggestion, feeling in that moment like the child she was supposed to be. “You and Makoto want to dance with me?” Her amethyst eyes glowed happily, her mood lifting slightly. “I’d be honored. Haruka-papa might be jealous when she finds out!”
Blushing at the gentle rebuke, Hotaru looked down. “It’s easy to get lost in my books,” she murmured. “Especially with all that’s been going on. There aren’t many young people my age around- even fewer who can understand me. I’ll try to do better though,” she vowed with a tiny nod.
Interest sparked to life at the mention of Ami’s work at the hospital. She’d had a curiosity for the medical field ever since her healing powers had manifested, and had often contemplated pursuing an occupation where she could use them. “I’d like that,” was her sincere answer, though she felt a flicker of something like distress from the other woman, but did not press- when and if the other felt like confiding, she would be ready to listen.
“Oh, I’m doing well enough,” she answered softly, casting a glance at Minako and Usagi in the receiving line to make sure all was still well over there before focusing her attention on the question. “Adjusting still. School is. . . tough. My classmates seem half in awe, half afraid of me.” Her shoulders lifted in a slight shrug. “It’s to be expected. I just wish. . .” Here a note of sorrow crept into her young voice. “I wish Michiru-mama, Setsuna-mama, Harkua-papa or. . .Chibi Usa-chan were here.”
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Post by Mizuno Ami on Apr 7, 2009 22:09:28 GMT -5
Ami nodded, smiling a bit, knowing exactly how Hotaru felt. "They do. But they can be fun, too." She smirked slightly, "It just takes a little bit of work, that's all." For an introvert, a ball with this many people, especially those who would want to talk to them just because of being Senshi, having fun at a ball could in fact be hard work.
She smiled warmly at Hotaru's giggle and her reaction, "Of course we want to dance with you, Hotaru. I'm sure the others would too." She winked, "And good. Haruka should be jealous. There's no reason you can't have fun just because they're not here, hun."
Ami smirked a bit, "If it hadn't been for Usagi and then the other girls, that's exactly where I would have stayed. I know we're all older than you, but if you need someone to talk to, you know you can come to any of us." Though she knew that that did not help the problem with kids her own age.
She squeezed her hand gently. "I know, Hotaru-chan." She tried not to grimace at the mention of Chibi Usa. Ami agreed with and understood Usagi's decision, but hearing the loneliness in Hotaru's voice broke her heart. "Just remember, the rest of us are here for you too, ok?"
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Tomoe Hotaru
Pure Heart
Senshi of Silence
Bright Little Firefly
Posts: 57
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Post by Tomoe Hotaru on Apr 9, 2009 22:07:42 GMT -5
“So I’ve been told,” Hotaru answered a bit wryly, but smiled all the same. “I’m better at being invisible than the center of attention.” Ami would understand that, she was certain. The other woman was similar in temperament to her in so many ways- she’d almost forgotten that.
Her hand lifted to her lips to smother the chuckle, lavender eyes wide with amusement. “I barely come to anyone’s waist,” she said with a laugh. “Especially with Makoto-chan! That will look funny!” Sobering slightly at the mention of her adopted parents, she nodded slightly. “I know. I think sometimes I forget when they aren’t around to remind me. I get lost in myself too much.”
For reasons she couldn’t explain, those gentle words twisted her heart, and her lower lip quivered slightly, eyes misting though she kept her voice even. “Thank you. I appreciate hearing that. I admit, I sometimes feel like I’m bothersome to you all. I know I’m not most of the time,” she added hastily, “It just feels that way.”
She straightened in her seat, trying to dispel the gloomy thoughts. “I’ll remember. I have a long time to wait for Chibi Usa in any case.” Attempting to be cheerful, she smiled brightly. “So. How do we make this ball more enjoyable?” she inquired.
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Post by Mizuno Ami on Apr 10, 2009 12:04:25 GMT -5
Ami smiled, "You're not that short compared to me, but don't worry about what it looks like, Hotaru-chan." Ami would not be surprised to find something as random as one of the adult senshi dancing with Hotaru in the papers tomorrow, but they were family, and something like that was not going to be allowed to bother her.
Smiling to her, Ami stood. Having not let go of Hotaru's hand, she pulled her up with her. "Well, it might be a bit early to start dancing just yet, but why don't we start by getting some of Makoto's wonderful food?"
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