Cherry Blossom Evening Party

[wipingallout]

You have received a private message:

Throughout the week, Hamuko has messaged the vast majority of people she's met so far - and eagerly invited them to come meet at Inokashira Park starting at 5pm.

⋆🌸₊˚⊹♡❀˖°🌸⋆

You're invited to an evening sushi-party-turned-hanami-picnic-party! I've organized a bunch of cognitive chefs and performers to come to that park on the listed date/time.

I've sent this to you because you were part of one of the three teams that helped with fighting Fatalis or rescuing Falcon and Wolf (or are Falcon and Wolf themselves!!) - we've all busted our butts a lot lately, so I think we deserve to have something nice together too!

Of course, the party is open if you have any +1s or more. But before spring turns into summer, let's celebrate what we've all accomplished together!




.🌸˚𑁍.ೃ࿔*:･

The Venue...


Inokashira Park has a lovely river and trail and a phenomenal collection of cherry blossom trees. They're in the tail end of their season, filling the air with petals like snowfall.

In a large open area, Hamuko's arranged a ton of picnic blankets for people to claim and sit down on, though each blanket is HUGE to accommodate people sitting with as many people as they can handle! There are cozy pillows for sitting on too, stacked neatly to be borrowed.

There's a truly humongous row of tables laid out with an impressive amount of sushi presented. With a few trucks nearby, it seems there's a few sushi chefs making fresh platters of it to lay out through the night.

Similarly, there are food carts along the trails if you're not in the mood for sushi and would rather have some more traditional fare like dango, taiyaki, matcha, takoyaki... it's got the place lively and smelling fantastic! There's sake for the adults, and some cherry-blossomed themed mocktails for minors.

🌸𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖🎐

Activities

There's a few set out activities besides just chowing down and socializing or walking along the lantern-lit trails under the cherry blossoms! Inoshikara Park has always had cute little swan pedal boats or regular rowboats for 'rental' (not that money matters here).

The area is SO pretty, perfect for taking pictures to have as keepsakes. There's even a booth to claim a yukata and privately change into it, if you want to go the extra mile!

Finally, in lieu of a traditional band or modern concert, Hamuko has picked out a large set of speakers connected to a small karaoke stage and screen - menace the party with your sing-along! Get a little boost to your Guts!!

Comments

[wipingallout]

"Oh, I get that, too. Fate is not kind, or fair, or anything like that... it just is," Hamuko agreed softly. "But at least some aspects of it mean... something nice, for once, falling into place. Having people in your life that matter."

She really, truly hoped for the best for him.

"And for your time here, however long or short it is, I'd be happy to spend time with you and get to know you. Share what I learned on my whole escapade, or just goof off with you and Akane-chan. While we're here, there is a life we can really relish and enjoy."

[rookandhound]

"If some power from on high engineered all of this, I'm going to find them and rip their throat out with my goddamn teeth," he replied, acid creeping into his tone again.

"But I get your point. I'm... going to have to apologize to Akane, too."

"Yes, you are, but I think she'll be inclined to listen."

[wipingallout]

She doesn't even flinch at the violent grumbling - she gets why he would feel like that, given everything he's dealt with. We all deserve to take a shot.

"She's fiery, but I think she understands what you were going through, too. I can tell that you feel bad for hurting her feelings, and I don't know you as well as she probably does," she assured fondly.

After a beat, though, Hamuko pulled out the disposable camera she'd been carrying around. "Say-- I'm taking pictures of everyone at the party, tonight. Do you want one of you and Rookmon?"

[rookandhound]

Wolf shrugged noncommittally. "I suppose. Not like we're doing anything."

[wipingallout]

"Okay! Then let's go stand you under one of the trees - that way it'll capture what the night was like, when you look at it printed out!"

Hamuko stood from the table, pulling the camera off of its loop on her wrist and beckoning the two guys to follow her for the better view.

[rookandhound]

"Hm. Is there any particular pose you would like, Miss Hamuko?"

[wipingallout]

"Let me see..."

Hamuko peeked through the viewfinder for a moment, moving herself and turning the noisy little scroll wheel to adjust the zoom and focus... eventually she almost finds a good frame that captures Wolf and the cherry blossoms.

"Wolf, can you hold Rookmon up? I want to get both of your faces in the shot!"

[rookandhound]

Rookmon cupped his chin, looking thoughtful. "Actually... Goro, if I may, I might have a better idea. You'd like a memorable photo, yes?" And oh, how the little bird feigned an expression of purest innocence.

"You have the world's worst poker face, Rookmon, what are you plotting-"

Rookmon struck what, in his mind, must have been a dramatic pose. "In that case- Rookmon, Evolve!"

"What- hey- Rookmon, what the hell-"

But alas, for poor Wolf's dignity, it was too late. Rookmon had been replaced by a ten-foot avian archer in striking black and red plumage, a bycocket hat roguishly tipped to veil the gaze- and, much to his partner's consternation, had lifted him bodily up, supporting Wolf atop one shoulder- and maintaining the same pose as before, albeit now with one severely-flustered human in tow.

"Will that suffice for your photograph, my lady? Do be quick, as I don't believe he'll stay put for long."

"Hoodmon, I swear I'll get you for this-"

[wipingallout]

Hurriedly, Hamuko stood upright again and turned the camera - one quick snap, a little adjusting, another...!!

"Perfect!! Come on, Wolf, say cheese!" she called, waiting to see if he responded or if he just got even more flustered.

[rookandhound]

"I'll fucking kill you both-"

[wipingallout]

"Biiiiig smile!"

[rookandhound]

"AUGH"

It was too late, of course. She had them in her sights, now. This moment would be forever immortalized in film.

He might never recover.

[wipingallout]

She gave you a chance, you little tsun!!! Hamuko snapped the third and final picture, snickering deviously as she turned the wheel for the film.

"Fu fu fu... I'll bring the prints of these to you two next week!"