Chez-nous la fête! [open!]

[jin]

"Um, actually I was kinda just planning to...oh okay...never mind then..."

Jin tried to find an opening in Francis’s commentary to deny actually wanting to meet anyone, but as usual, found himself unable to. Casting one last rueful look towards the flawed buffet display, the bot allowed himself to be steered towards the main hall, passing a few familiar faces on the way. The person Francis had brought him to however, was someone he’d never seen before – or, perhaps he had, but didn’t really care enough to remember them.

He glanced between the two men as their exchanged pleasantries, wondering if it were possible to sneak away while they were talking. That plan was squished into a fine paste as Francis brought him into the conversation. Knowing his owner would be disappointed if he were to duck and run after a quick ‘yo’, Jin sighed a bit and forced himself to speak.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Mister Edelstein,” he nodded, quietly reminding himself to photo bomb as many pictures as he could manage during the next shoot Francis invited him too. What exactly was he supposed to say to someone with no direct connection to Arthur’s business? He did a mental search of the ‘Edelstein’ name, trying desperately to find any relation between the two – however, before the scan could be completed, Jin noticed the man seemed to be very interested with his shoulder.

“...Sorry, is there something on my suit?” Jin asked, following the other’s gaze.

[Kateryna Braginskaya]

Kateryna fiddled with her uniform. By some strange luck, she has managed to get a job at the Bonnefoy Party. It was strange to be a worker now, when she used to be a guest to such affairs...

She used to be beautiful in those days. Her hair was much longer and her eyes much brighter. Despite the fact that she was a depressed mess at home, and she never had many opportunities to leave that house with or without her father's permission. But when she did go to parties she would always try to squeeze in a kiss or two. Happy to live in the moment and forget all of her worries.

Now that she's older she can't escape her darker thoughts like she used to. If she was the person now, instead of the person she was back then...Kateryna would probably never have left her younger siblings, much less allow their father to be as cruel as he was.

Father...She never knew how or when he passed. She was torn in-between hoping that he had at last found peace and hoping that he was punished for all the wrong doing she had brought upon them. (Kateryna hoped more than the first, which annoyed her just a bit.)

Back to the matter at hand, or the food platter that she held. She smiled brightly and offered people tastes of the delicious food. Kateryna was quite happy to hear that Monsieur Bonnefoy (as they were instructed to call him) would allow all of the worker to eat anything that was left after the party. She was very excited because everything looked so delicious!

And with that simple thought she let her guard down, forgetting the possibility that her dearest siblings -the ones she hadn't regain the courage to meet with, may be in the same building as her.

[Roderich Edelstein]

Roderich’s eyes darted up to Jin's face briefly at his question, as if confirming that yes, he was aware where the young man’s eyes were. He just as quickly looked away when that small flash of silver made itself known again, and Roderich settled for looking down at his own glass, swirling the wine around in it.

“My apologies, I find no flaw with your suit,” he finally said. “I can’t help but notice you flatter it.”

Truly, the suit was a fine cut for Jin, and Roderich assumed he was the son of one of the other high rollers, just arrived from college or even a new family arrival to Eishoff. He had to be, to be at one of Bonnefoy’s parties, didn’t he? Speaking of another high-roller….

“May I have the pleasure of your family’s name?” Roderich looked back up, this time letting his gaze settle on Jin's hair, trying to find new locations to look at the young man without truly looking at him. He should know what family Jin was part of, just in case they were good friends, or people he didn't have such a good relationship with.

[Francis is still standing there, and I wasn't sure if I was supposed to wait for him or not. It's been a few days and I started feeling guilty, so I posted. My apologies if I should have waited.]

[Francis Bonnefoy]

Francis smiled, well aren't these two getting along fantastically. The frenchman patted Jin on the back. "Oh, sadly he is under Kirkland's wing. Thankfully, jin here is a quite good company. Now if you'll excuse moi-"

He bowed out of the conversation and walked away to a nearby couple, they were old friends. Francis resumed his role as host.

(( No worries, in fact that was just the push I was looking for <33 ))

[Lovino Vargas]

Lovino fidgeted with the cuffs of the crisp tuxedo. Damn, it was a little big. Beggars can't be choosers, though he thought sardonically, switching from the cuffs to adjusting his new green necktie. The idea, while biting, did make him smirk a little. He hoped the poor guy he'd knocked out wouldn't be too horribly put off by missing the big Bonnefoy shindig.

It hadn't been anyone he recognized, but the ridiculously fancy suit and the general direction of his haughty strides had been indication enough just where the guy was headed. Lovino had just had to hurriedly grab the man in a chokehold and pull him into a side street, precious pocketknife at his throat, and the man began to blubber. One blow to the head later, and Lovino had left the man in his underclothes and was brushing off the suit jacket, thoroughly checking to make sure the clothes were immaculate. A tuxedo with a light green undershirt, a dark green tie, unembellished but certainly high-quality black jacket and pants, charmingly shiny dress shoes, and silver cufflinks. It was magnificent, and would, unfortunately for the man lying on the street, not be returned. Once dressed, Lovino took special care to place his pocketknife in an inside pocket of the suit, for safe keeping.

With a slight chuckle, Lovino brushed his dark hair from his eyes and studied his reflection in a nearby window. Yes, everything looked in order... He corrected his posture slightly, nodded, gave himself a charming smile, and headed to the estate.

This party was one he definitely could not miss. So much opportunity for the one thing he loved more than anything else. Plucking a few personal belongings from the ridiculously wealthy. An earring here, a bracelet there, a couple of diamond cufflinks and he would be made. Able to live quite comfortably for a while; or at least able to buy himself a house or a decent apartment. Oh, yes... Tonight would be a very good night.

He walked in casually, but maintained the perfect posture he had adopted a few blocks back. The lack of security was astounding, quite honestly, but... After all if he looked the part, who were the employees to question him? Once in the ballroom he let his eyes roam greedily from dress to suit to dress. What elegant clothing... To be surrounded by things this classy and lavish all the time... Oh, the thought was magnificent.

However, he had to reluctantly curb his staring, so as not to seem out of place. It wouldn't do to get caught here, like this... He barred himself from shuddering at the possible consequences, and gazed around with a calm, aloof expression, hoping desperately that if anyone approached him it would not be the host of the party himself.

[jin]

Jin raised an eyebrow at the other’s wandering gaze before deciding to shrug it off as a quirk. He muttered a quiet ‘thanks’ at the compliment, once again tugging on the suit’s sleeves. The bot wasn’t exactly sure how to answer the question about his family’s name, as he was known (and called) simply as ‘Jin’. Even that was more of a nickname in comparison to his ‘real’ name, which humans always seemed to have a hard time remembering.

Thankfully, Francis answered for him.

“What Monsieur Bonnefoy said,” Jin nodded, jabbing a thumb towards the blond as he walked away. “I belong to Arthur Kirkland, owner of Eishoff’s primary shipping company. Dunno what’s so sad about it though,” he added, looking a bit confused. Sure Arthur hadn’t been around the house lately and seemed to have even less time for him than before, but such was the life of a wealthy businessman, he supposed.

“I’m sorry if you wanted to speak with him instead; I don’t think he’ll be coming for a while,” he sighed. “Daddy and Monsieur Bonnefoy get along about as well as oil and water, so I had to come by myself and look like a total loner.”

Francis’ invitation had listed the party’s start at 7:00PM, and Jin’s strict programming absolutely refused to let him arrive even a second later. Otherwise, he would’ve harassed the stubborn Brit until he finally pulled on a tuxedo.

[arthur]

Arthur slipped into the party after a bit, having finally decided to not leave his beloved bot on his own with the Frog. He came up behind Jin, setting a hand on his shoulder and chuckling. "Truer words have never been spoken, lad." He gave the shoulder a quick pat, before nodding to the other man.

"Good evening, Mr. Edelstein." Arthur greeted politely. "I trust you're well."

[Kateryna Braginskaya]

Kateryna knew that she needed to approach guests for her employer and welcome them since it is his duty to make all of his guests feel at home. Spoting a newly arrived she looked around for Monsieur Bonnefoy -he is busy, just as she expected. She walked up to the guest he was quite handsome, the green suited him well- but the suit looked just a little big. Oh! Kateryna smiled widely to herself, maybe he is one of the lower class friends that Monsieur told everyone to be especially welcoming since they may not be completely comfortable attending such a high society party.

She walked with a slight bounce in her steps. Ever since she left home, she lived a much lower class lifestyle so it would be nice to be around people who aren't used to such grand evenings.

If her waiter outfit she nodded her head in a polite bow. "Bienvenue," her slavic accent was thick, but she was told to greet everyone in this manner."Welcome to the Bonnefoy home, we hope you enjoy your evening here, monsieur. Hors d'oeuvre?"

[Lovino Vargas]

Lovino took in the woman before him and smiled at her a little, gently. She was pretty; quite pretty, actually. With a round sort of face and warm eyes. Something of a soft, gentle beauty.

So, she was working here tonight, was she? For that fop, Bonnefoy. Well, then he wouldn't have any reason to steal from her, since there would likely be nothing of value on her person. At the same time, there was a sort of kinship there, since she was clearly not upper-class. She seemed like a nice woman. And... Though he wasn't fond of being flashy with his hobby of "repossession", he wondered if he could pull something off that might make her enjoy the night a little more.

"Grazie," he responded, grabbing a little something off the tray and eating it.

He didn't really pay attention to what it was, but knowing the eccentric tastes of rich people, he probably wouldn't have known exactly what it was anyway. In any case...

"May I ask your name? It's not every day I meet such a pretty lady after all. And, ah... If your employer wouldn't mind, I wonder if we could share a dance later...?" he added, smiling charmingly.

It would be unorthodox, yes, and it might even draw attention to him... But Lovino had been bred with a certain need to make the women he encountered happy, and this one was no exception to that. He supposed she would be in for a long night of standing around with that tray and offering food to rich snobs without being able to eat any of it. So... Maybe a dance would brighten her evening up a bit.

[Ivan Braginsky]

Ivan looked back out at the people in their extravagant clothes twirling about across the floor of the room. They really seemed to be enjoying themselves. Maybe they'd be too absorbed in their own lives to worry about watching an aging veteran dance with skills that were yet untested. He didn't know whether he'd be good at it or not, but Allison really... seemed to want to at least try out this dancing thing. For her, maybe... he could put his apprehension aside, even if just for a little bit. "We can~" he said, keeping his voice at the usual low volume. He hated being overheard.

With a slight bolster to his smile, Ivan led her out onto the dance floor, trying to mentally prepare himself. He wasn't ready, but he'd try for her. She may have been a machine, but... that was starting to feel almost irrelevant. He felt a little uncomfortable as he took her hand in his and put the other one on the small of her back. This was just... Why did dancing have to be so touchy-feely? If he'd been doing this for years, that would be one thing, but he'd never been taken to the high society parties in his youth, focused more on studies and training.

"Is... this okey?" he asked, not wanting Allison to be in any discomfort once they were in position. Then again, Ivan had to ask himself: did Allison even know how to dance? He'd have to teach her, wouldn't he? He'd tell her wrong things on accident, then they'd be laughed at and then her feelings would be hurt. If her feelings were hurt, she'd blame him. If she blamed him, she'd be angry at him. If she was angry at him, she'd plot to find an untraceable chemical to put in his tea to make him hemorrhage until he died of blood loss. If he died, he couldn't drink anymore tea... or make Allison and Yong Soo smile anymore. That was no good. Who'd drink all of the tea then?

[Allison Jones]

When Ivan agreed to dance with her, Allie smiled brightly and had to restrain herself from dragging Ivan out onto the dance floor. Instead, she let him lead her there as she tried to see if she could find a downloadable program for ballroom dancing. She had no idea if Ivan even knew how to dance, so maybe she would have to help him. The thought made her giggle as she tried to imagine Ivan stumbling around the dance floor.

Thankfully, Ivan seemed to at least know what he was doing somewhat as he placed his hands on her shoulder and waist. Allie couldn’t help but giggle again at how awkward he seemed at this. Sure, Ivan had a lot of money but he was such a social recluse that he probably didn’t get to dance very often. “It’s okay, Ivan. We can dance slowly,” she said softly, smiling up at him.

[brobrobratan]

With Kateryna off on a waitressing job she had managed to get, Nikita found himself within the rather extravagant household where he was to work as a waiter. He had heard from one of his employers that the pay would be somehow high and, thanks to his good work ethics, managed to get in on the job. But he hadn't expected the place to be so grand. He was already regretting the decision of getting the position, but money is money and money is food and food is not starving to death. And not starving to death is always a favorable outcome. Speaking of not starving to death, the food presented made him wonder how much money was spent on it and just how it tasted. He was also getting a bit hungry. He didn't get to eat much today. He glanced at the food on the platter. Perhaps he could eat just one of these delicacies... ? It would be rather simple to do so and his hand twitched as if he was planning on doing so.

He was stopped in his tracks when someone grabbed one delicacy off his platter. He quickly straightened himself, mildly embarrassed. There would be no doubt a clamour if he slipped up by dropping the tray or eating what he was meant to serve. He needed to stay on track and got rid of any thoughts of eating the food on the platter. Naturally, eating on the job was prohibited and berated himself silently for nearly breaking a rule. He decided that focusing on the job would make him forget his empty stomach. Reviewing the orders he was given within his mind, he remembered that he was to greet and welcome the guests. But being one who didn't get along with people, he just strolled the area while carrying the platter and replacing it whenever it got empty. This job didn't really necessitate communication, he would be fine without it. He just had to avoid the employer to make sure that he wouldn't be caught on skipping out on the greetings.

[Roderich Edelstein]

Roderich barely noticed the fidgeting since he was trying not to look lower than Jin's hair and beyond to the wall. He was used to people thinking he was a little odd or standoff-ish, but it was all usually attributed to eccentricity. He could deal with that. They could see him at his worst, which would not be able to be explained so cleanly.

Roderich at first assumed Jin belonging to Kirkland was a morbid joke, as children of the wealthy could have so many expectations of them it was almost like being property. Don't be an embarassment. Be a shining example of what the can family produce. Keep the family name in good standing. Marry someone worthy of the family. Produce more sterling samples the family could be proud of, and also turned into what the family wanted them to be. Then he thought again and Jin looked nothing like Arthur Kirkland. He may not be close friends with the man (Roderich didn't have close friends), but he was well aware of Kirkland. Maybe Jin took after his mother? Was Kirkland married? Or maybe Jin was an illegitimate child. Perhaps that is what Bonnefoy meant by sad. Wait...adopted maybe? If Jin was Kirkland's son, Kirkland was virile at a frighteningly young age.

Roderich internally struggled to categorize the young man, to make him fit into orderly mental data. Currently Jin was a floating piece, and that irked the musician.

He was temporarily pulled back into focus by Jin's next sentence, grasping for more information that helped place Jin. Daddy? Oh my, Kirkland must have started fathering children when he was eight. Roderich tried not to let the surprise show on his face, but couldn't help the slight lifting of his eyebrows.

Speaking of eyebrows, he was jolted back to neutrality by the sudden arrival of the man in question. Once upon a time, Roderich had looked Kirkland full in the face, for longer than a moment. As a result, violet eyes rivet themselves to the man's extra full eyebrows. Much like an Austin Powers movie where the hero meets a man with a large mole on his face and fixates on it, repeating "moley moley moley moley" to himself, Roderich's mind is doing much of the same thing. It was fortunate he had trained himself out of saying it aloud.

As such, it took a couple moments for him to respond to the greeting since his lips were ever so slightly mouthing eyebrows, eyebrows, and his gaze didn't leave the features in question. "Good evening, Mr Kirkland. I am indeed well. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting your son before. Where has he been hiding?"

[My brain and Roderich's brain are derp'd]

[Ivan Braginsky]

Ivan felt himself cringe internally at being called by his given name in public, but, he knew that Allison was still learning. On the plus side, that was the least of his embarrassments at this party. His own unpracticed feet would probably be his own undoing. He could be good if he practiced, but ... who had time for practice when you were looking for errors in lines of coding all day or making sure your creations were physiologically both realistic and as efficient as possible. With all of that, it was a surprise he had time to eat, sleep, or even have tea.

Dance... slowly... Ivan blinked down at Allison curiously. What was she talking about? Wasn't slow dancing something romantically involved people did? How weird. Sometimes Allison said the strangest things, almost as though she thought they were a different variant of a family relationship. It was kind of precious, but mostly awkward. Oh well, it was just dancing and hopefully... no one would get the wrong idea. He wasn't some pervert that used bots in such a dishonorable way. He gave Allison a nod before taking the initial step, praying that somehow this didn't turn into some sort of fiasco.

[arthur]

Arthur chuckled, squeezing Jin's shoulder gently. "He's hardly been hiding. In fact, he's been running around for me across the sector." He gave the bot a fond smile, rather oblivious to Roderich's fascination with his eyebrows.

"Jin, while very dear and precious to me, is not actually my son. He is my extremely talented and helpful bot." Arthur glanced up at the other man, a proud look on his face. "The daddy you may have heard is an, ah, endearing slight glitch, though I don't care to look at it as such."

He straightened a bit, running a hand through his hair and frowning slightly at its stubborness, before shifting attention back to Roderich. "A shame that Bonnefoy has only sought to provide us with penny musicians. I have been meaning to ask if you are planning another performance some time soon?"

(Oh God, my posts are so /tiny/ compared to y'all's! -hides in corner-)