Chapter Thirty-Six: Pumpkin Butterflies:

Hotaru had just made it back to the kitchen when a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind. The loli demon giggled.

“Oh, who is it now?” she asked. Hotaru turned to see Hiroyuki. Her other lover smiled.

“Hello,” he said.

“Enjoying the party?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Hiroyuki said. He kissed her on the lips. She smiled and kissed back.

“Did you need something?” the loli demon asked. He shook his head.

“Nah,” the man said. “I just wanted to see your pretty face.”

“Aw,” Hotaru said. “That’s sweet of you!” She giggled like a little girl. She tucked her hair behind her ear.

“It’s strange,” Hotaru said. “This party is going better than expected.”

“Oh?” Hiroyuki asked. The loli demon smiled.

“This is my first time hosting a Halloween party alone,” she said. “I freaked out with the planning. I kept making so many changes.” Hotaru rubbed her forehead.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “It’s just nerves.” Hiroyuki pulled her into his arms.

“Shhh, it’s okay,” he said. Hotaru held onto him.

“Thank you,” she said.

“You’re doing fine,” her boyfriend said. “Everyone is enjoying themselves.” Hotaru perked up.

“Thanks, I needed that, she said.

“Can I help you with anything?” he asked.

“Oh, yeah, yeah,” Hotaru said. “Take this tray of sweets out there.”

“Sure,” Hiroyuki said. The couple picked up the two trays and headed to the living room.

---------

Lenard was alone while Tai got another drink. He looked around for someone to talk to. Kazue glared at everyone from her corner. Lenard felt like turning around and running away.

So many girls here… Lenard pressed his lips together. Oh buddy… Then he spotted Hisoka across the room. He didn’t seem to have any emotion on his face. For some reason, Lenard felt the need to go over and talk to him. It wouldn’t be too bad, right? Tai said that he needed to build a support group, right? This boy looked like a good start.

Lenard took a breath. Might as well try. Right, okay. He walked over to the pale young man across the room. Hisoka looked up and noticed this feminine-looking man walking towards him. Lenard paused when they made eye contact.

“Uh… hi,” Lenard said, waving. Hisoka didn’t say a word at first.

“Hello,” he said at last. They stood silent at first.

“Uh… My name is Lenard,” he said. “What’s your name?”

“Kurosaki Hisoka,” the shinigami said. His tone sounded so flat. There came another pause.

“Oh,” Lenard muttered. He started to laugh nervously. He rubbed the back of his head. Oh boy…