2018-02-02 - Ueno Hanami
| Ueno Hanami | |
|---|---|
| Summary: The cherry trees have blossomed, and humanity assembles beneath their boughs to contemplate and celebrate beauty. | |
| Who: Eri Shimanouchi, Kasagami Araki, Takeo Akamizu, Mikoto Minagi, Anthy Himemiya, Steven Universe, Endo Naoki, Michiru Kaioh, Fuu Hououji GM: Hotaru Tomoe | |
| Where: Ueno Park | |
| OOC - IC Date: 02-02-2018 - 03-24-2015 | |
<Pose Tracker> Hotaru Tomoe [Infinity Institute (6)] has posed. <SoundTracker> Sakura https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK51LblcEOw
One hundred and thirty-three acres of prime park land.
After dark, over a thousand candlelit lanterns.
Twelve hundred cherry trees.
Two million people.
Two weeks.
Ueno Park is, suffice it to say, hanami central. Tokyo is the cherry blossom viewing capital of the world and Ueno is the capital of the capital.
The beauty is matchless: imagine the branches, pregnant with blossom. The trees, slender and intricate in their strain towards the brilliant blue sky -- or the black sky, backlit by the brilliant white moon. The tender, tiny flowers themselves, subtly varied in hue from tree to tree. They aren't falling yet, no; this is their ascendency to perfect fullness. They are growing, not dying -- this is it, exactly it, the singular moment of their existence, when they unfurl to face the world, open and bare and lovely, ever so lovely.
The chaos is also matchless. It is crowded -- it is noisy -- it is like a massive, glorious block party. Multi-block. Many, many blocks of people, trees, lanterns and, not unimportantly, stalls selling food and drink, often at extravagant, tourist-scalping prices which nevertheless create extremely long lines. It is not a formal event, with fashion still trending towards warm to ward off nightfall's chill.
There are still islands of, if not stillness or silence, at least pleasant familiarity. The individual parties on each picnic blanket range from drunken and garrulous to poetic and thoughtful (with many in between, featuring drunken poetry declaimed to the moonlit sakura). The Sister Schools have no official event tonight whatsoever, but there is a semi-traditional place, a tradition built up over the last few years, to meet friends within the park: a relatively (emphasis on 'relatively') quiet peninsula that juts over the pond.
This affords an excellent view of the trees, and also, through the distant twinkle of lanterns and the people who walk among them, and their reflections upon the water's surface, an excellent view of the festivities.
Someone -- many someones -- come early each year to stake out blankets and tarps. Right now, guarding the broad creamy blanket (and innumerable snacks upon its surface, though not so much bento for everyone as it is the initial offering of a likely potluck) is what appears to be an elementary school student. Her hair is long, glossy, black, and very slightly wavy towards the ends, and her skin is white as snow. She is plumped down in proper seiza in just the most perfect pink tea dress, with white stockings under it and a white peacoat over it, and Tomoyo Daidoji greets one and all with a seated bow, a warm smile, and an offering of jasmine tea from her thermos.
Takeo Akamizu walks over from Shitamachi Low City.
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (9)] has posed.
Eri Shimanouchi has spread out a picnic blanket borrowed from Ohtori's gardening club near Tomoyo's blanket. She's wearing a dark yellow jacket over a pink T-shirt with the words LOVE DAISY on it in English. A black wrap skirt. There's roses so ubiquitous on it that it looks like a checkered one in how they're spaced. A small rock was weighted on each corner of it. Already it was decorated by a light snow of pink petals
She appears to be alone. Appears to be - but she's been here for a while. Many people are here today, but she feels like she belongs here more than most. For a while all she does is just smile at the lightly drifting pink blossoms... her expression a little hard to read. One would swear she seemed a little wistful. And then she drags a multi-tiered bento box from around the tree shading her which she cracks open. Recently made by one home-cooked bento master, the edges of it are still just a shade moist, and a wisp of savory steam is released hinting at the umami flavor within.
However - there's a light theatrical gasp from her. "Oh Mai-chan..." She takes off the upper tier, a hamburger steak bento - to reveal another of Karaage and croquettes. And another of shrimp tempura and omelettes... and beef stew and nimono and more and more besides. Until she finally came down to the final few tiers of rice balls and the vegetable tempura and other assorted rice.
"How could you have forgotten I'm a vegetarian?" There's this light shake of her head as she rests a palm against her cheek, "Just what am I going to do with all this meat?"
Thoughtful in this position, she finally suggests more loudly, "I'm not going to be back until late... it's definitely all going to spoil..."
Pressing her lips together, furrowing her brow in thought as a pink petal lands just behind her glasses falling lopsided by her nose... "I guess... I'm just going to have to throw it out..."
There's this smothered giggle between her closed lips as she lifts the spectacles and brushes the petal off...
<Pose Tracker> Kasagami Araki [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Kassie has decided on wearing something a bit more traditional than usual given the occasion. A beautiful dark blue silk kimono covers her, images of flowers and birds featuring heavily in the pattern. Her hair is tied up into a single long, braided ponytail with hairties holding it together. She doesn't even have her coat!
The combat boots on her feet and eyepatch might ruin the image somewhat.
And what is Kasagami's bento? For her it's a relatively simple affair: black and red wooden bento box, a massive portion of fried rice with assorted veggies, some sort of dark sauce, and plenty of beef and sushi mixed in! Campaigning makes you hungry. Though, approaching the blanket with a certain Bride in tow and watching the sakuras erupt into full bloom, she can't help but wish a certain other pair where here.
Particularly a certain dark-eyed Senshi.
Still, Tomoyo Daidoji, great and terrible guardian that she is of the massive blanket, gets a wave. No bow though, this is Kasagami we're talking about. "Oh hey, is that jasmine tea? How thoughtful! This offering pleases the great Kasagami Araki-chan!" Grin! The Disciplinary Executive is intentionally hamming it up here, adding a wink to the younger girl. She raises the cup, then turns to a certain Puella over with her t-shirt and meat bento. Squint.
"Eri-chan! Came to view the second most beautiful flowers in all of Japan!?" Take one guess just what the first most beautiful is.
<Pose Tracker> Takeo Akamizu [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
As if summoned by the discovery of meat, Takeo plunks down to stare at Eri. "Hiya." He says, only barely hiding the drool that might be threatening to leak out of the corner of his eyes. "I see you have ... Bento ..." He flutters his eyelashes at Eri. His deep brown eyes go to the meat. "Eri-chan.... That's meat." He sniffs. "Good meat. I recognize that cooking." He sniffs again and shuffles forward on his knees toward her. "Mai-chan made you a Bento?!"
His eyes take on a slightly more pleading look.
He manages to clear the desperation form those eyes as he clears his throat. "I mean. You're a vegetarian. I'm a carnivore. You have Meat. I like meat. I feel as if we can help each other out. As friends." He reaches behind him and produces a six pack of soda. "I brought drinks. Trade ya." He closes his eyes and beams a smile of pure innocence.
<Pose Tracker> Mikoto Minagi [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
The cherry blossoms are in bloom, and it's one of the most beautiful natural phenomena of Tokyo - and in a city, that's saying something. Mikoto is in her standard black coat, with golden highlights; underneath, it looks like she's wearing a plain teal shirt, and yellow shorts. It's difficult to tell, though, because she's currently curled up - right in the boughs of one of those flowering cherry blossoms.
Shh. She's sleeping. How long has she been up there...? It seems whatever she's been doing, it's tired her out so much that even the hustle and bustle of the viewing can't rouse her!
But her nose sniff-sniff-sniffs, even in sleep. And there's something familiar, amidst all the strangers and their noise. A smell so familiar, so homely, that Mikoto's eyes blink open. Could it be...
... Mai's cooking?
As if from nowhere, a dark shape leaps from one of the nearby trees in a shower of cherry blossoms! Standing triumphantly on Eri's blanket, the mysterious(ly tiny) figure declares: "No way!"
And without any further introduction, Mikoto dives into the shrimp tempura, a cherry blossom still balanced precariously atop her braid. Five bites in, she looks up, and nods to Kasagami and Takeo, before returning to Mai's bento.
She's just woken up, so it will take some time for her manners to arrive.
<Pose Tracker> Anthy Himemiya [Ohtori Academy (9)] has posed.
As she trips along in the wake of Kasagami Araki, Anthy has her attention angled up to the delicate pink filling the boughs. On occasion she tracks a petal as it falls loose to make its looping migration to the ground. She has her Ohtori uniform on today, and carries a purple-and-pink bento box with both hands, like one might a dainty purse.
It's a little bigger than a purse, and it is packed with desserts. Sakura Kit Kats? There's a stack. Pink-sprinkled donuts, pink-colored wafer cookies, and a handful of little blossom-shaped jelly candies.
Anthy is quiet, but that's not unusual. When they reach the Sister Schools blanket she breaks the withdrawn blankness to free one hand and wave to Eri Shimanouchi, her fellow Garden Club member. "The blossoms are very pretty, aren't they?"
She blinks twice, rapidly, at the pouncing arrival of Mikoto. Then says, "I brought some things to share," lifting that bright bento box. It's all candy and sweets. Every last thing.
<Pose Tracker> Steven Universe [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.
Being a newcomer to Japan has some perks that are hard to explain. One of which is the absolute awe and amazement one feels when seeing something they never would have seen in their hometown. Everyone here surely finds the spectacular display of nature's gifts to be something that can move one's soul, but being a non-native, seeing and learning about a new land makes it just a little more... special.
At least it feels that way to Steven Universe.
While at school, word through the grapevine is there is a special spot that classmates gather. Always looking to expand his friendship portfolio, the social entrepreneur makes sure to be there promptly and with goodies for folks!
The boy approaches the peninsula, Lion in tow, with an extra-large beach towel, pink and covered in yellow stars. The boy wears a shirt that is that same pink as he usually wears, but has a singular, large blossom, commemorating the event on the front. The hamberger backpack is in tow, with packs of pocky and other sweets crammed in, nearly sticking out.
Steven also... has a few bruises about him. Mostly on the arms and one on the leg, wherever they came from doesn't seen to bother him i nthe slightest, his smile spanning his face. Shining. Almost infectious.
"Hiya! Is uh, is this the spot?" he asks. Of course, people he knows are present as well! He should have figured. Seems like the crew he keeps running in to are very active in the schools! Which of course is a good thing. Though seeing Kasagami makes him wonder if he is underdressed for the occasion.
Lion, having done his duty of helping transport items, curls up and relaxes, looking outward into the distance. But what at? There is no telling, cats and all.
<Pose Tracker> Hotaru Tomoe [Infinity Institute (6)] has posed.
Tomoyo is great, but not at all terrible. She probably knows who Kasagami is, being an educated young sprout who keeps abreast of school politics, but she is a Juubanite, and also an ojou with considerable cachet of her own, daughter of a CEO and all that. Long story short: she gives Kasagami's antics a tolerant little smile, but does not seem likely to fawn.
"Your kimono is very fine, Araki-san," she compliments, though, and though it is primly given it is genuine, too. Never doubt for an instant that this ten-year-old kid has a keen interest in fashion. "Though your shoes..." she sighs regretfully, in the manner of one often dressing up tomboys.
Her particular offering on the blanket is in fact offerings, two fold; both sweets. On an opened tray is a swirl of sakura-mochi, those bite-sized, leaf-adorned pink treats that are a bit more traditional than the sakura-flavored chips and lattes that have been dazzling the eyes for the last few days.
And in a closed cooler is... something else. She notices someone glance at it, and smiles. "It's purin," she explains serenely when Mikoto appears, looking hungry, and this also substitutes as a fine greeting for Steven, who is gestured at welcomingly, to sit, or not, as he likes. She is naming the caramel custard pudding beloved by so many. "There are spoons inside, also."
Her hands clasp at Anthy's arrival and offerings, and her eyes shine. "Maa! What a pretty assortment!"
<Pose Tracker> Kasagami Araki [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Kasagami Araki doesn't seem too bothered, really about Tomoyo's sigh at her shoes. She wiggles a single finger, bending slightly to peek at the girl. This smile is a bit more genuine. Somehow Tomoyo almost reminds her of some of her hospital kid friends.
She tries not to let that train of thought end at it's logical station. "Only the best, for Ohtori. Sometimes a mixture of new and old is the best fashion!" She declares.
Kassie of course, doesn't miss an opportunity to needle a fellow Student Council member. Particularly when a friend's around.
"How cold hearted, Takeo-kun! Stealing delicious foodstuffs from starving maidens!" She offers. It's only slightly antagonistic though. He's in the Engage'd good graces more than most.
And then, suddenly Mikoto! Kasagami takes a casual step back from pouncing kitty warriors. A big smile, and a casual finger-gun to the short Maifood-devouring girl. She whistles.
"A little bit hungry there, Miko-chan?" Then she's trying to snatch a second cup of tea, presumably for a no doubt soon-to-be thirsty Mikoto. She's nice to her friends like that!
And then Kassie turns to eye Anthy. A swift nod at the girl's actions. But like a proper Tyrant-to-be, she snaps her fingers! "Anthy! Good job. Fetch any of my friends that want them drinks. Oh, and keep it up with the sweets. Let's make sure everyone's content tonight, hmm? After all..." She turns, arms outstretched to the many flowers in bloom. "Everyone should savor such beauty. A rare, fleeting moment of perfect, natural grandeur! Utterly worthy of a King, hah hah!" Adds Kassie enthusiastically.
She hasn't yet noticed Steven, but she no doubt soon will. And the fuzziest, most pink mount ever! Those bruises are totally not her fault. Definitely not.
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (9)] has posed.
"Ohtori doesn't have this many cherry blossom trees, Kasagami." Eri says in a polite but firmly matter of fact way to Kasagami. "I feel like it loses something if there isn't the right... density - or if it isn't open to the public. Without that beautiful pink snowstorm fluttering over so many people coming to enjoy it... it doesn't evokes the right sort of feeling - ne?"
She says with a bespectacled smile at her, before nodding at Anthy. She looks momentarily baffled by the contents of her bento. But perhaps she decides she has enough main courses within a matter of seconds, "Oh - that'd be wonderful. Mai-chan didn't prepare any desserts... I'd really appreciate that."
Takeo wasn't an entirely unexpected result of showing off the meat bento buffet. With a smile and a glint of her glasses, she states, "Welllll... certainly. You don't even need to trade with me. I have plenty. However... the thing about carnivores is that they often have to..."
And then there's a blur of motion as the more expected result appears, "... compete." Fondly Eri reaches over to ruffle Mikoto's hair, "Mi-ko-to-chan~ I can always depend on you to show whenever I need you..." It's dripping with affection as she offers her a light grin at then turns that grin upon Takeo, "Don't get too rowdy you two... be sure to leave some for Kasagami."
And with that she grips her tempura and riceball tiers and gets out of the line of fire, cracking open her chopsticks at the narrow end. Perhaps she's going to enjoy watching. She offers Anthy a wave as if inviting her to sit beside her.
<Pose Tracker> Takeo Akamizu [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Blinking when he notices Kasagami Takeo rubs the back of his neck with one hand while offering one of the sodas to the other girl. "Stealing? I'm asking. Nicely even." His eyes flit to the meat. "They... I just know how Mai Cooks, so I know those are really good. I've been living off - " Which is when Mikoto shows up.
"Mikoto-chan." Takeo says calmly. Collectively. Watching the girl warily. "There is plenty to share, and I don't even MIND sharing with you." He slides another Soda toward Mikoto. "See? Peace offering. It's Mt. Dew, I'm sure with your me - Metab -" He scratches under his chin. "I'm sure with your young age you'll be just fine having that much sugar and caffiene." He nods and slides a second one her way. "All I ask, is we share." He offers her a pair of shop sticks, even as he takes out a second pair.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (11)] has posed.
Endo has come to watch the cherry blossoms, to eat, and to relax. He also does not come early, having trusted the blankets to be already in place on the little peninsula and at least a small spot saved for him to squeeze into. Instead he spends a good few minutes walking along lighted paths and weaving his way in and out of shuffling crowds, enjoying the low murmur of voices and the atmosphere of the lights.
When he does arrive he smiles brightly to the custodian of the blankets, though declines a drink. To the offer sweets, though, he notes: "Oh, thank you, I like these." And, once he grabs one, he finds a place to plop down and remove the square shaped bento box from the bag he'd brought it in. It's a lacquered black box, and once the lid is pried open its tightly-packed contents almost burst out.
It's a fair portion of meat and vegetable, and, in the center, a heart-shaped ball of rice. Or something that should look like a heart, it seems to have become lopsided at some point. Or maybe it 's an anatomically correct heart. It's hard to tell. "Aah...did I drop this?"
It's not going to prevent him from eating it. As he does he waves toward a few familiar faces, making himself at home in the little gathering area.
<Pose Tracker> Michiru Kaioh [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"You're a very generous soul, Shimanouchi-kun," says an elegant voice from Eri's left hand side.
There stands Michiru Kaioh. Her hair has been pinned up, the wave in it keeping it from being a tight binding; she is wearing a lush kimono in a light goldenrod accented with camellia blossom embroidery and a lusher pattern of slim rectangular shapes and green curlicues along the lower reaches. The obi is red and gold, and she is carrying a matching cloth bag - matching so closely, in fact, that it seems cut from the same cloth as her kimono, quite literally.
"I suppose soon I'll need to fill those planters, with the weather warming the way it is," Michiru muses to her. "I do thank you for your guidance. Have you been enjoying things?"
"Araki-kun," Michiru says to the King then, with a small smile. Her eyes turn towards Takeo but she chooses, after a moment of visible thought, to let the terminology question slide alongside.
<Pose Tracker> Fuu Hououji [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
While there are plenty of Sister Schools students already congregating, Fuu Hououji is one of the later arrivals - what might be termed 'fashionably late,' if she were more actively concerned with fashion or social standing. Her parents and Kuu aren't that far away, but they're engaged in their own social circles at the moment, giving Fuu a chance to catch up with her peers and school friends. She's carrying a bento of her own, still wrapped in an embroidered cloth whose design goes well with the pattern of her kimono.
"Good day to you all," Fuu says with a smile and a polite bow as she approaches Tomoyo's group. "Do you have room for another?"
<Pose Tracker> Mikoto Minagi [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Eri ruffles Mikoto's hair, and Mikoto grins back up at her. "Yup! I'll always be right here with you!" She lowers her chopsticks for a moment as she considers Takeo, tilting her head. She makes an evaluating noise in the back of her throat, canting her head the other way, before she nods. "Takeo is good. Takeo should eat Mai's food, too."
She takes the offered mountain dew, turning it around in her hand, before she props it up next to her leg and returns to her tempura.
The only thing better than an assortment of Mai-cooked meats, Mikoto decides in the wake of Anthy and Tomoyo unveiling their offerings, is an assortment of Mai-cooked meats with added dessert. Once she's polished off her shrimp tempura, she's keen to try the nimono, snapping up the simmered fish in her chopsticks. She's sure to wave to the new arrivals, too!
"Yup," she nods to Kasagami, again, as she asks whether she's hungry. "Been working hard." Any offerings of tea will be gladly accepted! Of course, after a moment, she realises she has two drinks. Tea and soda....
With a thoughtful noise, Mikoto drains half the tea from her teacup in a single gulp, and then pours the lemonade into it. Science achieved, she proceeds to sip. Her face crinkles up. "Eeeh..." She has made a mistake.
<Pose Tracker> Anthy Himemiya [Ohtori Academy (9)] has posed.
Tomoyo's offering gets an appreciative look from Anthy, who smiles and dips at the compliment, absolutely polite. "You're kind, thank you. Those mochi..." Green eyes linger on the leaf-topped treats. "How sweet."
She seems about to say something else when a snapping interrupts, freezing Anthy in place with her lips parted -- they close a second later. Her Engaged commands.
"Of course, Araki-sama," is her soft reply, though she doesn't turn to look at Kasagami. "Please pardon me," she says to Tomoyo with eyes that were wide before; now they're half-lidded. "But if you would like something to drink, let me know," she adds before walking off to obey.
That's when Eri waves her over, and didn't Kasagami tell her to check up on her friends? Anthy makes a beeline and sinks to kneel on the petal-adorned blanket nearby. "Shimanouchi-san. Can I get anything for you? Araki-sama would like me to make sure you aren't thirsty."
This positions her near to the approach of the dazzling Michiru Kaioh; she looks up at the stunning kimono and the even more stunning young woman in it for a long moment. Then she holds up her open bento full of toothachingly sugary treats. "Would you like a Kit Kat?"
<Pose Tracker> Steven Universe [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.
Man, all these folks showing up in kimonos! He should have gotten one. Steven spreads out his massive beach towel, and begins to fetch things from his backpack. First, the pocky sticking out, enough for a small army. Then, a few utensils and condiments as well as some groceries in a small bag. And, finaly some... appliance parts?
It doesn't take the boy long to have assembled a compact barbeque or grill kit thing! The boy fires it up, and begins to take out and arrange everything.
As the boy does so, he sees that uh... everyone brought way more sophisticated food! Hm. Well, he can still offer. "I'm makin' hot dogs if any of you want some!" he says, starting to set what few franks can fit on the compact device.
As he cooks a couple, the boy takes glances at Kasagami. She seemed no worse for the wear. Which is good! "Yeah, come on over!" Steven says to Fuu.
Seeing Takeo and Endo makes him happy too. Last time they were together it was a uh. Yeah, a lesson in youma-skiing? Is that a thing? Well, it is now.
"Hey uh, dumb question, but do any of you know why these trees are so revered? Im not saying its a bad thing! I mean like, is there another reason besides them being so beautiful?" Couldn't hurt to ask. Maybe there was historical or religious reasons behind it all.
"Ahhh, this is the best way to have a barbegue."
<Pose Tracker> Kasagami Araki [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mmm. Kassie rubs her chin. "I suppose you're right! I'll defer to your horticultural expertise in any case!" And then she'll try to give the girl a light squeeze on the shoulder. Her gaze softens. She's been so worried, along with others, to see Eri out enjoying herself lifts Kassie's heart.
Kasagami actually drops the vague antagonism, between Eri saying to leave some for her, and not to get too rowdy. The peace offering to Miko wins her over. She actually casts a proper Ohtori-ish bow to the young knight.
"Consider it a ceasefire signed with our honor on the line! Keep the soda. Mmm. I guess it's in the spirit of the occasion anyway." Then she stabs some tempura with a chopstick if she can maneuver around Miko!
And there's one of her enemies too! In theory. She tosses a wave right back to Endo. Oooh, that looks delicious.
And then of course Michiru never fails to catch the eye. Particially in such a flowing kimono. Arms cross, and then she risks trying for Michiru's hand for a moment. Despite her own kimono, she's going for a kneel-and-dip of that hand, palm up. No kiss though, she'd never try to steal that away from Michi's blonde partner. The respect, particularly since certain death threats, demands it. She's like a knight greeting a Princess.
"Michiru-chan! As lovely as ever. Welcome, get something to eat! We've all came to the conclusion that tonight's a night for sharing and enjoyment." Somehow Kassie seems happy about this.
Anthy getting right to her orders has the Engaged sighing with the growing enjoyment of having a servant at her beck and call. No matter how much she doesn't like that servant as a person doesn't matter. No, the rush of power fills her.
Miko gets a swift nod even as she starts to devour her own bento. "As expected of you, Miko-chan!" In her hunt for her brother? Has she been hunting youma? She needs to catch up with the short haired girl.
Fuu's question is answered with all the force of a hammer, if a shiney one. "Get over here, Fuu-chan! There's free food. Those that don't go to Ohtori should never turn down free food." Shots fired, the jerk.
Then she peeks to Steven. "Cook me one up Steve-kun, nice and crispy!" Asks Kassie for free food. She eyes Eri in particular here. This sounds like her wheelhouse, in Kassie's mind.
<Pose Tracker> Eri Shimanouchi [Ohtori Academy (9)] has posed.
Eri remarks a little airily as Takeo tries a peace offering, "Be careful. If you lose a finger I'm not going to blame her." Though she smiles when Mikoto declares Takeo is good and shares of her own accord.
Whereas Anthy asks if she can have a drink, "Ah, just some green tea please..." Though she looks a little embarrassed, "...and really you don't have to serve me or anything... you're kind of my guest aren't you?" But she does accept it, taking a sip and grinning as Kasagami accepts her expertise. Perhaps she gives Anthy a secret look during that of horticultural kinship.
There's a content look on her expression as she starts working through her tempura at a more gradual pace. Only to almost drop the next piece she lifts at the sound of Michiru's voice. "Michiru-san!" She quickly clears her throat, having not quite expected this, before she looks up...
And is dazzled by Michiru Kaioh in a kimono. The slow drift of petals past her only seems to accentuate her beauty. A little stunned she feels like her jaw isn't quite working. "I... uh... ah..."
Her thoughts seem to go over the idea that Michiru is being the generous one by gracing all of them with her presence. Struck a little by the surreality of Anthy offering her a kit-kat, it snaps her out of that state.
"Well!" She finally seems to answer with a light squeak, "Really well." Then - "More than ever now... even."
Putting a hand up to adjust her glasses, she straightens, "Oh wonderful! I hope your Delphinium comes in well... it's going to be a little challenging on that balcony, but with strong enough roots..."
And then there's a faint thrum racing through her hand. After a moment's thought - she sighs lightly as she closes her fingers over her ring.
"There's something I need to take care of... would all of you mind holding down the fort for a while? I don't want to lose this spot..."
But before she does, she kneels down in front of Mikoto after bearing witness to her attempt - "Hey it wasn't a bad idea." She says as she fixes a braid. "Next time try squeezing a little slice of lemon in rather than pouring in so much lemonade..." She whispers, "It won't be so sour that way."
Straightening herself up and shouldering her bag, she takes a moment to smooth out her skirts and starts walking away - her expression still pleasant. Though one looking more closely might see a slow predator's gait.
It's because she's decided that it just won't do to have any stray victims in the park today while so many Mahou Shoujo and their families are present enjoying Hanami... a little PR goes a long way. And it wouldn't really take much energy herding it away to the museums and zoo anyhow...
<Pose Tracker> Takeo Akamizu [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Taeko beams at Mikoto and ruffles her head before he too dives into his share of Mai's food. Because let's be honest. Mikoto is right. The best way to eat Mai's food is with other people who like Mai's food. Like a grinning idiot he pops a can open and takes a large chug off the soda before digging merrily into the food again. He grins to Mikoto and leans in to whisper, "Can you believe Eri-chan thought we'd fight over this?" he holds a Can to clink her tea cup and then leans back. "I wonder how Merlin-Kin is doing...."
BACK AT TAKEO'S DORM
Melrin sits in front of the TV, the Remote Control comically large in one paw. Next to him is a giant bowl filled with Popcorn and a store bought seasoning shaker that reads in orange characters; "Carrot Salt." He hits a button on the controller. He just knows Misa is going to forgive Ikaru today ....
BACK AT THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Takeo shrugs. The Rabbit's probably fine. He looks to Eri and bows his h=grins to her. "Sure. You uh. Want me to guard the rest of the Bento too? No? Okay." He sips his drink again and then leans back to look around him.
<Pose Tracker> Hotaru Tomoe [Infinity Institute (6)] has posed.
A few blankets over, someone has struck a koto, and the sweet refrain of traditional music rises towards night-black heavens.
---
The nearest stall, incidentally, is a takoyaki stall. It smells marvelously savory, and the twenty-mumble woman in the headscarf serving crowds and crowds is somehow doing it all by herself -- running the till, whipping up fresh sauce, and of course frying the octopus balls, all at the same time.
---
Tomoyo mouths something inaudible as Michiru arrives. Those who can read lips might make out 'hanyan~'. There's a certain affect to it, as though she's lovingly imitating someone else she knows, but there is nothing affected about her admiration.
Other than that, she has essentially faded to the background, but as she's serving Endo some sweets an alarmed, aborted squeal is produced from her lips. Aborted because she cuts herself off before she can embarrass herself too badly.
Alarmed because the inside of the cooler has been ransacked.
There are little plastic cups strewn all over the inside, all empty or mostly empty.
"Oh my~!" she gasps. "How sad..."
It seems there has been a thief. Perhaps from earlier in the day. The little girl hangs her head with mild disappointment at this lost opportunity to share her purin with the group.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (11)] has posed.
Endo greets sister schoolers in turn, "Hi, Kasagami-san. Fuu-san, come on and join everyone." Despite prior clashes with the former, it seems a night too mellow to give Kasagami even so much as a squinty eye.
"Hey, Steven-san." Endo after a few bites of his Bento, offers: "Well, the flowers are pretty, right? That's important." A somber nod, and he adds: "You should appreciate the trees, they like that." This second part is perhaps not a very good answer, but he seems pretty earnest about it.
"But you brought hot dogs? Are you at least going to put them in a box first?" He's probably joking-at least, the laugh afterward would indicate so.
The tiny noise of alarm from Tomoyo gets his attention, his head craning in attempt to find the problem. When he does, he asks, "Oh. Did someone drop that too?"
<Pose Tracker> Mikoto Minagi [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mikoto has to remark to herself that Michiru is very pretty, but she doesn't understand much about plants, so she tunes out that conversation. She allows Kasagami to stab the tempura, because that's what friends do!
Takeo leans in, and Mikoto has to laugh. "Mai's food is important!" Whether that means it's too important to be shared with the unworthy, or too important not to share with friends, she doesn't elaborate, but she's got a big smile on her face. She's sure to wave Fuu over, too! "Fuu, come eat!"
She gobbles up some more nimono to cover the taste of her failed tea experiment, but something in Eri's words make her look up. She tilts her head as Eri fixes her braid, searching her face. "Lemon...?" What a wild idea!
But as much as Mikoto would like to think about food, she's worried about Eri. She scrunches up the side of her face, frowning and humming her displeasure as she fights a brief internal battle with herself. It doesn't take long - she takes another drink from her can of mountain dew, snatches up that hamburger, and stands up. "I gotta go, too."
With that, she hurries off, following Eri. Maybe it's nothing, but she's worried, after all. Someone else will find Tomoyo's food... hopefully.
<Pose Tracker> Steven Universe [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.
At Kassie's request, Steven begins to put the grill lines to a hot dog nice and well. If there is one thing Steven is good at when it comes to food, it is how to make a hot dog.
"Hey!" Steven lets out at Endo's approach. "Been a while!" The boy takes in his advice. He is right after all. The flower blooms may be the center point of this celebration, but without the trees, there would be no flowers. They are incredibly important! "You are right, I gotta say!"
Steven rubs his chin as he hears the hot dog-box concept. "No... but you gave me a good idea to use later!"
Uh oh. What did Endo do.
"Wonder what it was," the boy comments. After a few moments, Steven brings Kasagami her requested dawg, condiments on the side depending on what ones she wants. He ckicks the tongs together. "Anyone else?"
Then someone begins to play an instrument. "OH MAN," is said as a flip flop pounds the dirt. "I didn't bring my ukelele! Lame." He totally would have joined the jam session. At least he knows folks over here though!
<Pose Tracker> Fuu Hououji [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Who can turn an invitation like Kasagami's down? Fuu bows once again before following Steven's beckoning (and Kasagami's, although she finds a spot slightly closer to Steven). "Your hospitality is most graciously appreciated, Kasagami-san," she replies ... as if, by her courtesy, to shoot down Kasagami's volley before it can do any damage.
This is entirely too nice a day to wreck in the process of social sparring.
"Steven-san, Endo-san, it's good to see you both again. How did you do on your finals?" Fuu inquires gently. "- Ah, Takeo-san! Good to see you as well. And Mikoto-san too ... how have you been? I haven't seen you in a while." She may not get much of a reply, though, as Mikoto goes scampering off. Possibly she's on the heels of the purin thief. Fuu gives Tomoyo a sympathetic look, although there's not much more she can do than offer sympathy.
<Pose Tracker> Anthy Himemiya [Ohtori Academy (9)] has posed.
"I am glad to," she tells Eri. Refreshment served with a curtsey and excessively servile grace! From time to time Anthy checks over her shoulder, keeping tabs on her Engaged. That satisfaction does not escape her notice. Indeed, it gets filed away, as does everything else...
She sets down her bento after offering Michiru prepackaged, storebought candy (gauche, indeed, though politely done and at least the Kit Kats are thematically appropriate), leaving it at Eri's spot on the blanket. Next Anthy heads toward Steven Universe and his barbecue.
"Hello, Steven." He gets a smile from her. "I hope your roses are doing well. Would you like something to drink?"
After seeing to him -- it really seems like Anthy is acting as a server, rather than a fellow student -- she loops back to her bento, intending to grab a donut.
Her empty bento.
To be fair it is not entirely empty. There are scattered wrappers left. But there is certainly nothing left to eat, and Anthy herself hasn't had a single bit of what she brought.
She's more owlish than usual in the way her head pops up and swivels, big glass lenses flashing. Anthy ends up at Kasagami's elbow, her voice meek in its pitch. "Ah, sumimasen, Araki-sama. Did... did everyone already have some of what I brought?"
<Pose Tracker> Takeo Akamizu [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Takeo grins and watches Eri and Mikoto run off. He briefly wonders if he should follow them and then leans back to enjoy more of the Bento. Because. Well. Bento. He looks over and notices Endo and Steven, waving to them in greeting. He leans back, and sips his soda, lost in his own thoughts for a moment. He then looks over to Kasagami and tilts his head. "Araki. Have you been practicing?" He asks with a grin. "Your Kendo I mean. I've been kind of busy and haven't seen you around the club's dojo."
<Pose Tracker> Hotaru Tomoe [Infinity Institute (6)] has posed.
The koto performance appears to be by someone in full formal paint -- white face, red lips, dramatic eyeshadow -- and an equally formal kimono. The woman's hairstyle is glossy, elaborate, and decorated by an equally glossy and elaborate laquered pin that drips with beads much as the trees drip with blossom.
---
The night is beginning to get a bit chilly; many people not only brought picnic blankets to sit on but other blankets to cuddle up in, and they are starting to come out, unfurling in the thousands like an entire second garden of flowers.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (11)] has posed.
Endo turns his attention back toward his bento, to begin picking again. His chopsticks stop mid-way toward the box. "It's gone!"
He refers to the heart-shaped blob of rice he was beginning to savor. Most of it has vanished, a big chunk absconded with. "I'm pretty sure I didn't eat it yet." He looks at his chopsticks, as if to verify with them personally that this is true.
<Pose Tracker> Kasagami Araki [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Eri runs off. Kasagami suppresses a profoundly sad feeling that attacks her like a pouncing Mikoto, only ten thousand times less enjoyable. Arms cross as she sets down her bento.
"Eri-chan! Don't do anything I would do, okay?" She calls after the fleeing girl. She has a good feeling why she's running off.
A chopstick snaps in her hand only to be replaced.
Endo and Tomoyo collectively get a glance. Peer. "Everything okay?" She asks. She hasn't peeked at the cooler just yet.
And then off goes Miko! This...well, it makes her feel a little bit better. Some of her worry dies down a bit. She's never known Mikoto Minagi to have anything less than her own approach to cutting things: that is, there's nothing that can't be cut. A swordswoman's salute is offered to the departing murdercatte.
"A gentleman and a martial artist, Steven!" A wink, just for the pair. The dog is taken once again via appropriately knife-like stabbing, though she's sure not to hurt the young man. With absolutely too much confidence, she spins it in her fingers like a coin across her knuckles, showing off blatantly. Then she opens her mouth, with eye closed. She hesitates, dog up, for dramatic showwoman appeal!
Chomp???
Teeth clack together on nothing. Where once there was a full crispy dog, there's only half of that mashed-up odds and ends of meat. Kasagami's eye opens slowly and stares in unguarded confusion.
"....Haaah?" The Engaged takes a moment. Even she's not that much of a glutton. A free hand rubs her own scalp.
"Always so polite, Fuu-chan!" It's said in a tone that's at once vague mockery, and also respect. Just perfect for the girl's ever-shifting whims. And a good cover for the failed attempt of devouring meat.
Then she's leaning to Anthy, who is suddenly at her elbow. That flash, and she blinks. "Now I didn't keep tabs entirely but..." Suspicion rises, and her gaze peers about. Her eye narrows to a slit, and she offers the rest of her hot-dog vaguely to Anthy. Her lips curl.
"I didn't see that many people start chowing down." Hmmmmm.
Tch! Pardon her, suddenly distracted. She stands right the heck up, and strikes a pose. Bento in one hand, chop sticks in the other, arms cross at the elbows with each hand to the side and she leans back just a bit. Her braid flutters, and her coat would too if she had it with her!
"Are you actually suggesting that the current Head of the Araki Family Swordsmanship would abandon her line's heritage and not keep her skills sharp!?" She doesn't actually sound outraged, more taking Takeo's words and using them to puff up her own ego.
Proved by how she sets her legs, uncrosses her arms, and leans down a bit. Stab. Chomp meat. Point!
"I've been half and half at the Estate and the school's dojo. One might say I'm more well honed than I have ever been, Takeo-kun." She deflates a bit.
"That's a tragedy by the way. I get being busy, but you're one of the few people that actually keep up with me. I've been missing the challenge. You're welcome to drop by, you know. Maybe bring a....friend." Wink.
Kassie by now has managed to slip out a blanket or three. Just in case anyone forgot them. The Engaged is nice like that.
<Pose Tracker> Fuu Hououji [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
So besides the pudding, other foods are starting to go missing. Fuu frowns a bit behind her glasses, looking down at her still-wrapped bento, then around at the others who are suddenly missing food. "I don't have a whole lot, but ..."
She sets the bento down and goes about unwrapping it, leaving the furoshiki spread out underneath the lacquered box while she separates the layers and places the lid aside. She's already eaten some of it, but there *is* a fairly generous amount of rice, teriyaki chicken, pickled vegetables, and so forth. "It may not be enough for those of you who are still hungry," Fuu admits, "but if you'd like to help yourselves, please do so?"
If she'd meant to share her bento with a particular somebody, said somebody certainly isn't *here* - but she's willing to help make sure none of her friends, or allies, or even rivals go hungry.
<Pose Tracker> Takeo Akamizu [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Takeo raises an eyebrow to Kasagami. "Bring a friend? To have like a three way?" He tilts his head and taps his chin. He might not have a single idea what it sounded like. "I mean. I could. But I'd hate to have to show all of you up in swordsmanship. It's just embarassing when I have to do that." He has no idea what he initially sounded like. He gives Kasagami that roguish grin of his and then a wink before he reaches to be alone with one of his only Loves.
Meat.
When his Chop sticks click he blinks. The furious clicking of his chop sticks can be heard as he blindly seaches the bento boxes for any of the savory delicious meat. Finally he sits up and peers directly into the boxes. "No." He says softly. Then more loudly. "NO! It was mine. It was finally all mine .... " He clutches his chopsticks and hangs his head in sadness. "So. Close. So. Hungry."
<Pose Tracker> Steven Universe [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.
"Oh, I did okay!" Steven says toward Fuu. She is always so polite and studious. "I got tutored on the hard things so it helped a lot! How about you?" He figures she probably is an all 'A's student.
"Hi Anthy!" Steven beams with in his usual demeanor. The dark complexioned lady with a green thumb. That also seemed to be really good friends or something with Kasagami. "Oh, uh." A pause. "Sure, okay. What do you recommend? Would you like a hot dog too?" he asks, holding a plate and a pair of tongs like some sort of sophisticated waiter. The boy shakes his head when it comes to whatever Anthy brought. Must have been popular!
"I do my best!" the boy adds toward Kassie, twiling a fake moustache. He can just see it now. Growing and oiling and trimming it. Too much work. Best to pretend. "Well, I have a few hot dogs left if anyone needs something more, though I didnt think there would be this many folks!" He only brought a pack of them. Decent size, but certainly not enough to sustain everyone. Well, he can certainly try to! If he has to he can just buy from the cart nearby for himself.
Of course there was the pocky, but that is more delicious, rather than filling.
"There is a good number of folks here! Perhaps were more hungry than we think," he adds toward Fuu as he heads back toward his mini-grill kit to make sure the dogs runnin' are still okay.
"She is pretty good! She was training me the other day," Steven says towards Takeo. It was quite the first day of training too! Hearing Takeo's cry for meat, the boy makes a mental note to doll a dawg up for him.
<Pose Tracker> Anthy Himemiya [Ohtori Academy (9)] has posed.
"Oh, no thank you," she demurs to the offer of a hot dog from Steven. But Anthy is a quick enough attendant when it comes to drinks, and is not long in fetching a fizzy sakura-flavored soda for him from a nearby vendor. "But I hope you enjoy this."
Ask a question, get... half a hot dog? Not exactly what she was looking for, but as far as surprises from Kasagami Araki go this one is pretty mild. Anthy holds it, but does not eat it, instead taking a second to peek at the point of severence. Something voracious seems to be afoot, a mystery outside the purview of the Rose Bride.
From beneath her careful mask of emptyheaded obeisance, she watches the woman with the beautiful mask of cosmetics as she plays the koto. Then Anthy turns to Takeo with the same blank, pleasant composure and says, "Would you like something to drink, Akamizu-san?" It's right when he's drooping from an utter lack of bento contents. She's still holding half a hot dog, at least for the time being.
<Pose Tracker> Kasagami Araki [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Kasagami's only hesitation is a momentary blink. She's already shrugging shoulders with palms up helplessly. A jackal's grin is on her face. "What can I say, Takeo-kun? I do so love an audience!" A laugh.
And then as that rogue-like grin is offered, she's over. One leg sticks out away from her, she bends, and bento-carrying, chopstick carrying hands alike open slightly to encompass a vague idea of her Estate.
"Just imagine it, Takeo! Bokken slicing through the air, blades clashing, feet and ambitions dancing in a pure contest of skill and all that we've worked for! Right in front of an adoring crowd of only those that care. Those closest to us. The thrill of a skilled opponent making our burning hearts show them all just what we've made of! Some might say that's one way you could stoke the coals of so many emotions, win or lose, in the right people." Her own wink is conspiratorial at this point.
Then, limb stretching pose done, she whistles and slinks away.
Peer back to Fuu! Lunge! A stab!
"Dibs on the chicken!" Chomp. Ahhh, so good~!
Back to Takeo. "Even if by some act of God you actually beat me, you could never show me up." She says with pure belief in herself. Someone is in full on high horse mode right now.
Twitch. Anthy doesn't eat the dang dog she so blantantly offered. That earns the girl a grumpy 'tch'. "Anthy! When you're done, make sure to give Steven a hand, okay?" She offers pointedly. Annoyed Engaged. Pettiness mode go.
The musician woman gets a glance. "Not bad!" She compliments. Thumbs up. Perfect for the occasion, really.
"You do me too little justice Steve-kun! And yourself the same. If you study hard, you might just become a real warrior!" Encourages Kasagami, in her own way.
<Pose Tracker> Takeo Akamizu [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Throwing an arm dramatically over his face as Takeo lays back on the cloth, a look of utter defeat in his boyish features. In his head he pictures a world with no meat. Millions starve. All are saddened by the loss of such a delicious source of yuminess. Nothing can save them. Not magic, not a trip to the grocery store. Nothing. In Takeo's mind the world is simply doomed now. The Yama have won. Pack it in everybody, Morgana is moving in and the survivors of this meatpocalypse will be her unwilling slaves. Best to start thinking of his new Knight of Whatever name. Sir Meatless perhaps?
As Anthy calmly offers him a drink in this storm of doom and gloom, Takeo says very defeatedly; "Yes please."
He does move the arm to peer at Kasagami with one eye while she goes on about her prowess. "Araki. I was literally there each time you fought me. Like. In the room. There. Fighting you. I know what you're capable of." He then covers his eyes again. Time to brood more on the loss of Meat.
To Steven he gives a thumbs up. A silent: "Thanks dude. You Rock."
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (11)] has posed.
Endo contemplates the mystery of his missing portion, pushing around the interior of his bento as if he might find it again, should he look under slide of meat or sliver of carrot. Rice is not a rare prize, though the loss of this particular lump of it-and the sentiment behind it-is a bit of a sting.
"Ah...hey, Steven-san, I might actually need a hotdog." He scoots over that way. He'll have to rummage for the rest of his meal for the night.
<Pose Tracker> Hotaru Tomoe [Infinity Institute (6)] has posed.
Tomoyo's cooler shakes. And shakes again.
It positively teeters.
Then it tumbles over on its side!
An avalanche of half-eaten, familiar foods pour out, crowned by a strange sight: a little gray monkey in a tie, currently rounder than he is tall...
...and a stuffed animal, yellow with white wings, like a tiny flying lion.
Chu-Chu burps unrepentantly, while Kero-chan holds very, very still.
<Pose Tracker> Steven Universe [Juuban Public School (5)] has posed.
Steven nods and accepts Anthy's decline of a hot dog. Funnily enough she ends up with one anyway! Or part of one. Did uh, did Kassie really bite that much out of it in one take? Huh. He didn't see her chew. Odd. "Yeah, warrior!" he says, holding the tongs high like some sort of Excalibur.
The requests are starting to come in, and the boy begins to worry a little. He only has a handful of hot dogs left. He should have packed more in Lion! Ugh! "This drink is super good!" he says toward Anthy after giving it a shot. It feels liek the right drink to be having right now, under the petals and blossoms, surrounded by friends. Anthy knows how to pick em.
The boy throws on the last few hot dogs, grilling for Takeo and Endo, and leaving two more to be claimed. Yeah, he might be getting fast food on the way home. Ah well! Any chance to grill is a good chance to learn a bit on cooking. A sudden commotion interrupts the sizzle.
"...what are those." he says, his eyes growing ever wider. "Is that a monkey." Steven says this in a manner that sounds deadpan, but the kind of deadpan that means that his excitement broke his ability to express it in voice correctly.
<Pose Tracker> Anthy Himemiya [Ohtori Academy (9)] has posed.
"As you say, Araki-sama." The commands stack up. She attends first to Takeo, who does want a drink -- he is also fetched a sakura soda, handed over with a little bow. On her way over to the grill, the half of a hotdog finds its way into a bin.
"Steven-san, I am here to help." Anthy has a touch of a smile still for the boy who loves roses. Beneath it she feels a dull, grey weariness, absolutely hidden by her demeanor. "It seems there is someone here who is very hungry..."
There are two someones, as it turns out, although only one 'sticks around' to take the heat -- who's going to blame a stuffed animal? Not that Chu-Chu cares.
"Oh!" And Anthy has a bigger smile still, one that warms her a bit from without, to see him. "This is my friend, Chu-Chu. I'm glad he decided to come." Absolutely no mention of all the ruined bentos and rudely stolen treats. She kneels down by the tumbled-out cooler contents and extends a single finger to the roly-poly little guy, along with that smile.
She doesn't really answer the monkey question. "Have you had enough?"
<Pose Tracker> Kasagami Araki [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Kasagami nods along with Takeo. Each time. She's not disputing this! Yet neither does she back down.
"All the more reason you know we'll have a battle that generations will look back on in pure awe of our skill! We'll be absolute heartbreakers!" Encourages the girl. Relentless she is!
Before nomming more bento. Mmm, sauce and rice and meat! Truly, such things descended either from heaven and-or a high end grocery store.
Then, amidst Endo getting a dog, and Steve burning more delicious pork, she peeks over to the cooler. Suddenly, Kassie stands. She pauses, and then walks over. Her Disciplinary Executive Face is on! And then she's peering at the pair with an outright scowl. Even as Anthy extends a more kindly finger!
Well, that's not entirely correct. Most of her ire is on Chu-chu! Reeeeeach! A single finger raises! Boopity-boop! Right on that tie-wearing monkey's tummy!
"Chu-chu-kun! No raiding food unless it's a delinquent's fridge! Punishment engaged!" Then she tickles the monkey! How horrible, this Kasagami.
A peek back. "Don't be drawn in by Takeo-kun's soda! Tea is the superior drink!" And thus, Kass declares war upon Takebro.
<Pose Tracker> Fuu Hououji [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
"I suppose," Fuu says mildly as she looks at Chu-Chu, "that answers the question of what happened to the missing foods."
Certainly it's a relief to know what was behind the trouble - and that it was 'only' a pet monkey getting grabby for other people's food.
.... which tells you a lot about her life, if you know the truth of the situation.
<Pose Tracker> Takeo Akamizu [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Takeo sit sup and bow shis head to Anthy. "I didn't realize you didn't have this on you. Thank you Anthy-san." He smiles to her. A Genuine and friendly grin before he looks to Kasagami. "First. I don't know what a heartbreaker is. Is that when yous tab somebody in the heart? Because I'm pretty sure that's called murder and I'm too pretty for jail man." He sips the drink and calls out, "Thanks again Anthy-san!"
Then he looks back to Kasagami. "Second. Why do you need an audience? I only go to Kendo Tournaments to find somebody who might be able to beat me. I don't care that others see it. I'd almost prefer it be just two people having fun with Boken and testing each other's limits." He shrugs a shoulder. "Third ... Did that --CENSORED FOR CHILDREN'S TELEVISION. AVAILABLE ON DVD-- Monkey eat my --CENSORED FOR CHILDREN'S TELEVISION. AVAILABLE ON DVD-- Meat that Mai-chan made liekly for Mikoto but I managed to get my --CENSORED FOR CHILDREN'S TELEVISION. AVAILABLE ON DVD-- Hands on!"
- Also available on Blu-Ray.
<Pose Tracker> Hotaru Tomoe [Infinity Institute (6)] has posed.
Chu-Chu, when pressed, rolls onto his back. A bubble rises and pops at his nose, then rises anew. Fast asleep.
Tomoyo, meanwhile, hurries forward and claims the stuffed animal. "Ah! This belongs to my friend, how did you get in there..." Kero-chan is stuffed away into her other bag post-haste.
---
The moonlight spreads across the petals above like silver; the lantern-light, like gold. A breeze picks up, rippling the moon's reflection in the pond, and then the branches. Tiny shadows, faintly pink, dance across the blankets as crazily as sparkles off a disco ball.
The wind smells like fried food and fresh water and the soft lushness of newborn flowers.
Though there are some louder parties, raucous and merry, this little piece of the park is quieting more by the minute; a tiny measure of peace falls across the world. It isn't just this relatively sedate blanket, either. Couples nestle nearby, murmuring. Someone's arm reaches out of a coccoon to point at a particularly lovely branch, sakura spilling across the night sky.
Soft peeping; there must be baby birds in a nearby tree.
<Pose Tracker> Anthy Himemiya [Ohtori Academy (9)] has posed.
"You're very welcome, Akamizu-san." There is an extra layer of deference in the low nod to the Student Council member.
Chu-Chu is a somnolent ball of stuffed contentment. Anthy is not so unguarded, in this company, that the giggle inside of her is allowed to surface; and it is true that there is a cost to suppressing joy. But if that is the only joy she can manage in the moment it is still something, and she enjoys the appearance of her truest friend and that precious gift he's brought her with his antics.
Well worth the cost of everyone's meal in the Rose Bride's eyes, though she takes care not to broadcast that when Kasagami stalks up and tickles the sleeper. She carefully scoops up a dreaming Chu-Chu to nestle him in the crook of her arm when she trots back off to help Steven with the hot dogs again.
Monkey snores from below join the peeping from above. Anthy looks up, not at the stars but at all of the sakura blooms, such a beautiful shade...
Chu-Chu gets an inadvertent squeeze as Anthy hugs herself. "It has turned into a nice night, don't you think?" she asks the boy as she pitches in.
