1338/Sakura Hanami

Sakura Hanami
Date of Scene:	24 March 2024
Location:	Botanical Gardens
Synopsis:	Wonderful weather, delightful food, and good company abound during a picture perfect cherry blossom viewing.
Cast of Characters:	Zoisite, Makoto Kino, Mie Kitamura, Miya Sakamoto, Chiyo Sakai, Sayaka Miki, Bow, Mamoru Chiba, Nanoha Takamachi

---

Zoisite has posed:
    Weak spring sunlight breaks through the clouds overhead at seemingly the last minute today, to illuminate the blossoming cherry trees in the botanical gardens. Maybe it's because the threat of rain that has lingered all through the morning and into the beginning of the afternoon, but there's a lot of green space available for the taking, with far more limited crowds than would otherwise be expected for a weekend.

    In a word, it's perfect. Zoisite has claimed a spot in the middle of several sakura trees, where he's spread out a series of blankets to cover enough space for several people. The blankets all match the aesthetic of the day, in shades of flowery pinks and sky blues. A couple of insulated bags are set at the sides, partially to weigh down the blankets but mostly to offer waters, bottled coffees, and ramune for the attendees, iced down to stay cold.

    For a flower viewing, though, it's the food that's truly the star of the show (aside for the flowers themselves, of course). Right now taking a place of prominence on the blankets are several small platters of homemade onigiri, with all the different expected varieties of fillings. There are other spots on the blankets sitting empty, awaiting delivery of other goodies, as well as the usual accoutrements of napkins, wooden fork picks, and small plates to eat off of.

    Zoisite himself is already kneeling comfortably in his claimed spot, wearing a luxurious layered kimono that displays a hand-painted sunset scene in shades of pinks and reds, with a sakura tree in full bloom featured prominently in the foreground that looks as if it's almost awash in fire by the setting sun's rays. It's definitely a more feminine pattern than masculine, and he's chosen to wear his hair down as well, aside for a small barrette that is doing serious work to keep his hair out of his face right now.

    He sends out a few final texts confirming that the weather has cleared and then sets his phone down, hands folded in his lap as he closes his eyes and turns his face into the sunlight. A few stray flower petals float down around him and grace the blankets with their presence.

Makoto Kino has posed:
Makoto is doing some last-minute fussing over the onigiri, using chopsticks to carefully place an array of fresh veggies cut in flower shapes around the trays and as garnishes on some of the rice balls. No kimono here; she's dressed instead in a spaghetti-strap black minidress over a pale mint-green mock-turtleneck.

When she's finally satisfied with the plating, she straightens up and gets to her feet, stepping back from the food to look up and around her at the scene that's been set. The look she turns toward Zoisite is a combination of admiring, amused, and maybe just a little bit accusatory: "I know for a fact there's no actual way you could have arranged the weather just so, but you're doing a really good job of making it seem like you did, Saitou-chan."

Mie Kitamura has posed:
    'Go and view the charry blossoms in the spring,' her fellow classmates told Mie. 'If you're going to live in Japan, you'll never see anything like it.' Well, she's here and all she sees is a mass of white and pink flower petals. She must admit that the sheer quantity of the things /is/ rather impressive, though she doubts that the sight is really worth the cost of her sinuses.

    "Choo!"     You know, for being such a fierce dragon, she has something of a cute, squeaky sneeze.

    Still, she's here, and she's determined to enjoy this no matter what. After all, she spent hours learning how to correctly don the spring green kimono that she had bought just for this occasion.

    She makes her way over to Zoisite's picnic spot and spies a sight that fills her heart with joy. Food. This trip just might be worth it after all.

    "Hello," she says stiffly (or, perhaps, stuffily) to those assembled. "I have come to widness the cherry blossoms and to eat." She turns to face the trees. "I see the cherry blossoms. Now for food."

Miya Sakamoto has posed:
Miya seems to really like her orange and white theming, and today is no exception. What is the exception is how elegant she looks compared to her usual practical, work-oriented appearance: her ponytail is smooth and carefully scrunched with an ornate hairpin, her kimono is a simple yet tasteful affair, in a regular geometric pattern evoking stylized cherry flowers of various sizes, interlocking with each other like gears of different radii.

She is kneeling on a towel on the grass, her mouth slightly agape, frozen in an expression of wonder. One of her hands is holding up a cup, while the other is wrapped around the vessel. Her inseparable beaver "plushie" is, of course, "clasped" to her arm. Her arms are, in fact, the only parts of her body that are moving at the moment: while the cup is kept vertical, the rest of her upper limbs describe strange movements, alternating between "linear slow and deliberate lines" and "jerking pull-backs", tracing curious shapes in the air, still holding onto her cup in some sort of eerie tea ceremony, while her eyes are still transfixed by the majesty of the sakura trees.

Her "plushie" beaver, when he's reasonably sure nobody is looking, glances down at Miya's arms, then whispers into her ear, "...You are thinking of the best way to cut those trees down with a chainsaw, aren't you?"

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
An unfamiliar man approaches the grouping near Zoisite carrying a rather large delivery bag slung over his shoulder. His dark hair is swept back with a bit of a sheen from hair gel to keep it well out of his face, and his clothes were neat and tidy though they didn't exactly scream party. Black slacks, a pink button up shirt, and basic trainer sneakers in white of all bad choices to walk on grass with.

He is completely, and utterly, unfamiliar.

"This is the Saitou-san gathering correct? I have your order from Nounamu Sweets here." With the explanation given the man that looks to be in his early twenties crouches down to unzip the delivery bag to begin withdrawing boxes of treat. They're *not* the expected disposable paper boxes that Mamoru and Kazuo had helped spend so much time folding. What's taken out are aged multi-tier red lacquer boxes inlayed with gold and mother of pearl designs creating a display of flower blossoms floating on ripples of water. It's all placed out, then he stands and bows a single time before turning to head off.

Walking right by Chiyo as she approaches apparently moving far slower than the part-timer due to the kimono that *she* is wearing. It's black and white lines broken up by the outlines of flowers. The only splash of color is the random red line or hint of blush inside the flower blossoms, and the purple obi she wears. Her hair is still the usual mass of curls but it's swept up in a high ponytail at least as she approaches looking a bit embarassed.

"Sorry if I'm late. Ojiisan insisted that I 'Take the good dishes' out with me if I was going to attend a viewing." A long suffered yet amused pause follows. "I think it's been a *very* long time since Ojiisan came out to one of these himself."

Sayaka Miki has posed:
Sayaka has invited Bow along for the Sakura Viewing festival. She had a kimono on hand luckily, so this time there aren't worries about what to buy. She can just be focused on preparing herself. Of course, she has already sent Bow a message to meet at the Botanical Gardens, and after meeting him in front of the gates, she has linked his arm with hers, walking towards the area where Zoisite has set up the blankets.

She is wearing a blue kimono with a gold-and-white flower pattern, the addition of a wooden obi belt with faded impression of piano keys cinching the kimono around the stomach, pink strings with ribbons decorating the top and bottom of it. Her hair is decorated by a big white-blue inflorescence, safely secured at the left side of her head.

https://ibb.co/p06WsDC

"Hello!", she happily waves at the distinctly beautiful man that has organised the event. "Thank you for having us!"

Bow has posed:
There really wasn't time to find a proper kimono for Bow to be fitted into, so he decided to dress more to be relaxed, but still enjoy the event and spend time with Sayaka. A light blue floral shirt with a cherry blossom design of gold and white meant to be a close match to Sayaka's kimono is worn over his broad torso, with the bottom couple of inches trimmed above the navel exposing hints of the chocolate-colored abs that are beneath the shirt.

Over his hips and legs is a light grey pair of chinos, complete with tie in the front, twisted up into a neat little bow. Loose and free flowing, they go down to just above his ankles - if he's wearing socks, they are the small anklette type as they are not noticed in the canvas shoes.

Dark eyes are full of wonderment as he walks with Sayaka, drinking it all in as he mentions to Sayaka. "It reminds me of Plumeria..." he admits to the bluenette as they walk. "That was the agricultural lands of Etheria," comes the explanation. "And where the Heart-Blossom was kept - She-Ra used her powers with the runestone to heal a sickness that had plagued the lands there... I wonder if she's tried to purify a youma with her sword yet..." he muses on that until he notices that Sayaka is getting him back to the here and now with her call out of hello. "Anyway, this is as beautiful as Plumeria, but made even better with the company." A bright smile as he lifts his free hand in greetings to the gathering. "Hello, all! Yes, thank you!" Agreement in his tone as he continues to just drink it all in.

Mamoru Chiba has posed:
Looking regally comfortable in a shimmering ocean-blue yukata with gold trim and a wide deep-green waistband, Mamoru Chiba's carrying a fan and oh my god he has pockets, because he takes his phone out of one of them in order to take a picture of the gathering, and a further picture of just Zoisite.

Then he wanders the rest of the way over and folds himself down between Zoisite and Makoto -- he arrived earlier, but has been busy getting sakura petals in his hair and down his yukata and taking super touristy pictures of the whole thing, then texting, and taking more pictures and texting those, and generally not straying far.

"Look," he whispers, "this kid managed to get petals staticked all over him." He shows his phone to anyone interested.

Zoisite has posed:
    There's probably no need to say that it was Makoto's steady hand more than Zoisite's that saw those homemade onigiri being formed so perfectly. She's certainly also making them look extra delicious with their decorations, while Zoisite relaxes in the sun doing a whole lot of nothing. Much like a cat.

    "Sometimes the world realizes it's really best for everyone to just go along with my plans," he says, eyes opening to peer with amusement at Makoto. And then others begin to arrive, so his attention turns to address them one by one, welcoming them with a bow of his head and a gesture to sit, to join. "The food is still arriving, but please help yourself. I've brought plenty." This to Mie, who has her priorities in the right order. And it truly is an impressive amount of food, especially as a man approaches with a delivery bag (little does anyone know, there's still more to come).

    The order from Nounamu Sweets, which Zoisite confirms is his, proves to be a selection of delicate, leaf-folded sakura mochi as well as tri-color hanami dango.

    He returns to his relaxing while others trickle in, noting the unusual ceremony Miya seems to be performing. Zoisite's green eyes narrow into slits as a sakura petal has the gall to land upon his nose, and he wisps it away with a quick flutter of fingers. "You're not late at all," he says to Chiyo.

    That flower petal is still circling around him, trying to find another place to alight, when Sayaka and Bow arrive. "Welcome, it's so good to have company for a flower viewing," he says, perfectly pleasant. And even as his eyes rake in the various outfits of those gathered, his smile only widens.

    No snark is forthcoming. Zoisite must be in an exceptional mood. He even picks up his phone and hearts a couple of the pictures Mamoru sends, which is probably surprising because Zoistie is a mercurial texter at best. He does however lean in to have a giggle at the poor kid covered in petals, just as the one that's been threatening him finally lands in his hair.

    Eventually he'll notice. Eventually.

Makoto Kino has posed:
Makoto makes a cheerful face at Zoisite's remark, before brightening at the sight of Chiyo arriving along with the Nounamu part-timer and their delivery. "Chiyo-chan! Over here." She hurries to lend a hand if one is needed, admiring the boxes and the artistry of the sweets they contain. "Everything looks so beautiful. Please make sure to tell your grandfather how much we appreciate it."

Once the sweets are properly set out, she turns an appreciative look toward Chiyo and the others as well. "That kimono is gorgeous, too," she says, only a little bit wistfully. "Everyone's as bright as the flowers." Returning to her spot near Mamoru, she leans to look at the photo he's showing, and muffles a giggle. "Aww..."

Mamoru Chiba has posed:
"You should get him to come out next year," Mamoru says cheerfully to Chiyo, sitting properly back on his heels and tucking his fan away, he surveys Makoto for a moment. "We should funnel some of the awkwardly obtained former-job funds into something useful, like getting you a kimono. And getting me one too. Especially for spring! Next year we'll be Prepared. Or we could get them for Tanabata," he says speculatively. Then he takes one more picture. This one, of Zoisite with a sakura petal in his hair. Finally, he waves or smiles, respectively, at everyone else who's arriving or who has arrived.

Nanoha Takamachi has posed:
Nanoha Takamachi has arrived. She is wearing a blue yakuta with white flowers, and a pink band. The band around it has Raising Heart inset in it's round gem form on the front. She's delivering three large boxes, one contains sakura blossom cookies, and the box seems packed perfectly, not overfull, but full to the brim with some extra cookies.

The next two boxes contain savory sandos--- tamago and pork cutlet, the favorites-- and sweet sandos--fruit with whipped cream.

Nanoha Takamachi smiles. "I'm looking for a.. Saitou-san?" she asks, looking down at the picnic blanketed group meeting!

"I have cookies and sandos!" she says. "From Midori-ya?" she says.

Mie Kitamura has posed:
    "Dank you," Mie says between snuffles and settles herself down on the blankets, as she watches people filter in. Most she doesn't recognize. Chiyo, she does, so she gets a polite nod as way of greeting. It's about all she manages to do before she spies what happens to be in those boxes. Mochi!

    Grabbing a plate she shuffles over to where the confectionary are being laid out. "You have brought mochi," she tells Chiyo. "dis is food fit for a dragon. You have my sincerest danks." And with that she starts tucking into the sweets.

Miya Sakamoto has posed:
Miya glances sideways at her "plushie", narrowing her eye in the trademark manner people adopt when they're scolding someone for being right.

It is when her eyes return to their original place that they notice that stray petal, the nose it falls on. And this person it's fallen on.

She somehow lingers there for a moment, as the latter addresses Chiyo. Chiyo. She remembers her! It was Chiyo who showed her around the school when she first arrived! And that other guy, Mamoru! He was at the cafeteria after the Plushie Accident.

We don't speak of the Plushie Accident.

She waves to the people she recognizes, then goes back to- well, looking around at the people she recognizes. Looking at the ones she doesn't recognizes. And pondering the best way to chainsaw cherry trees, and possibly section them into wooden boards.

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
Chiyo Sakai moves to join Makoto when urged to do so as she grins warmly toward her friend. "Thank you. I tried to convince Ojiisan that a regular sundress would be fine..." She shakes her head a moment as she sinks down carefully with hands smoothing over the kimono. "This was grandma's though. I couldn't really tell him 'no' when he said I should wear it. He looked so happy."

Leaning to the side a bit closer to Makoto she murmers, "I'm wearing leggings underneath." Her little secret told! She was used to skirts but kimono just seemed so much *more* to her so she had to make it comfy some way.

When Mamoru shows off the photo of the kid she grins. "I'll be sure to invite him along next time. By then the part timer should be good enough he can't claim being unable to come,' she informs.

Leaning in she opens one of the lower drawers of the bento box to reveal something OTHER than the sakura mochi and dango. A yellow, see-through domed jiggling jelly that she takes out to deposit in front of Mamoru. "Pineapple for our Prince," she teases knowing it was one of his favored items.

Mie's remarks draw her attention to flash a grin. "You're quite welcome! Mochi is one of my specialties." Miya's wave earns a lift of her own hand as well with recognition flitting over her face. "Ah, it's been awhile! Hello!"

Makoto Kino has posed:
Makoto grins ruefully at Mamoru, ducking her head a bit. "Since it's the awkwardly-obtained-former-job funds," she says with a laugh, "how can I refuse?" Her green eyes sparkle at the mention of Tanabata, and she nods. "We should do that for sure."

At Chiyo's conspiratorial murmur, she nods quickly, offering an understanding smile. "Good thinking!" she whispers back.

Then she lifts her head, looking towards Nanoha--"Yes, over here!" Once again she moves to point out where the delivery from Midori-ya should go, and lend a hand if need be in setting out the treats. "Thanks so much. These look great!"

Zoisite has posed:
    "Yes, quite wonderful," Zoisite agrees with Makoto as he surveys the beautiful boxes from Nounamu Sweets, his eyes glittering with delight. It's with that same expression that he turns to frame his best side for Mamoru's picture, a half-smile on his face, before he turns back. "Please accept my compliments for the beautiful work," he adds, for Chiyo.

    And then it's with even greater pleasure that he notes Nanoha's arrival with three boxes, and he clasps his hands together in barely contained (for him) excitement. "Yes, that's me. Thank you very much!" he confirms after Makoto calls her over. Soon enough the boxes join the arrangement of food on the blankets, available to all to enjoy.

    The smile still firmly on his face, he takes in the outfit Nanoha is wearing and says, "You're dressed for sakura viewing," a quick note that has his gentle smile spreading into something cheshire-like. "You're more than free to join us, if you have the time. After all, you certainly know how much food I ordered: there's plenty."

    He motions to Mie, who has started to dig in. "Please enjoy!" he says.

Bow has posed:
Noticing Chiyo and Makoto, Bow leads Sayaka over in that direction. "Hey you two!" he greets, and Makoto gets a grin. "Good, I'm not the only one that couldn't find a kimono. We can be the too-tall for kimonos club." A wink at the tall teenager, as he looks at all the food. "Oh, this all looks so good! If this is even half of what you two plan for prom, it's going to be amazing!"

There's a brief pause, and the remembers his manners. "Makoto Kino, Chiyo Sakai, may I present Sayaka Miki, my girlfriend - she's a great piano player and been very helpful in showing me Japan. Sayaka, this Makoto and Chiyo, Makoto is an excellent baker, and Adora's roommate, so she's automatically awesome and anciallary to the best friends squad. And Chiyo's shop has these wonderful candies - the ones I brought you the other night are from there!" he admits.

Then as he notices the two guys, Bow adds, "Hey Mamoru, Zoisite!" Bow is greeting cheerfully when he sees the pair. Hearing the mention of someone covered in flower petals, he glances over, using his height to his advantage to get a look. "Oh wow, that reminds me of Perfuma!" comes his comment with a laugh, a little clearing of his throat. "She's the Princess of Plumeria, and keeper of the Heart-Stone." he explains for the pair as he joins them. "She was also my date to the Princess Prom a few years back. I did a whole recuritment video with her for the Rebellion back home..." he reaches to take out his tech pad, using a bit of sleight of hand to make it look like it was in his messenger bag the whole time.

As he pulls it out, he holds the holographic device, opening the files and pulls up a video. Playing it, it shows a tall, willowy woman with tan skin, freckles and blonde hair with flower petals sprinkled through out sitting in the lotus position, introducing herself and saying, 'Welcome to Meditation with Perfuma, I'm your host, Perfuma. Let's start wit--'

And that's when Bow interrupts her, reminding her that this is supposed to be a recruitment video for the Rebellion, and it just becomes a whole thing with flower hats, failed attempts at meditations, smashing things and just... well, another piece of slice of life from his homeworld.

Nanoha, Bow remembers from the three headed dog incident and offers her a bright smile and waves. But as he notices the food, his eyes widen in excitement. "Wait, why aren't you on the refreshment committee?" he asks teasingly of the device mage, before a wave to Miya as well, "Hey! You're Miya, right? I'm Bow, I organized the Prom. Can I get your number so we can work together on building the set that Usagi and the others decide upon for the setup?"

Mamoru Chiba has posed:
The indicated Prince looks startled, then delighted, at the pineapple jelly cake. "Thank you!" says Mamoru to Chiyo, with one of Mako's onigiri in one hand and a sakura mochi in the other, only lightly flushing at the form of address. If he doesn't react, either Chiyo will get bored of calling him Prince or he'll get used to it. (He has to work on the not-reacting part. Down to just the physiological, now.)

He nods a greeting to Miya when he sees her looking at him, and then beams at Makoto. "Excellent," he tells her, and then waves his onigiri at Bow.

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
When Zoisite thanks Chiyo she loosk at him quite seriously in turn. A half-smile is still on her lips though she doesn't seem as if she's saying anything she's *not* serious about. "Of course, it's not a problem at all. Mamoru-san's been a long time customer... And he helped Ojiisan when he was being drained by some dusk flowers from Sunbreaker."

The happy reaction from Mamoru himself only deepens her smile a bit fondly. She may have been talking partially to him this whole time too it seems as she adds, "Making treats you may enjoy is the least I can do."

With that little seriousness over she clears her throat looking over to what Nanoha was bringing curiously. Sandwiches were always good after all! And savory along with sweet was absolutely needed. She's already snagging one of Mako's onigiri while the rest is set out.

Bow's introduction of his girlfriend earns a polite nod and a look of vague amusement. "We've met. Good to see you again, Sayaka-chan. You look well."

Miya Sakamoto has posed:
"It's been a while indeed!", Miya says to Chiyo. "Still many thanks for showing me around, that day."

If her ears could move, she'd literally perk them, but since they cannot, the perking is merely metaphorical. She does extract her smartphone, though, and begins tapping away like crazy. Lots of important social information is being dropped right at this moment. Notes must be taken. Tactical notes to achieve more Friendship(tm) later.

No, no, don't worry, Devicers: she's not doing it the Nanoha way.

Not planning to, at least.

"...You had me at 'building'," Miya replies, and rattles out her number for Bow. Considering how many people are within earshot, it's entierely possible, and even very likely, that other people will pick it up as well.

Makoto Kino has posed:
Makoto laughs and nods to Bow, flushing very faintly. "This time the work was mostly from Nounamu and the folks at Midori-ya," she replies with a tip of her head to acknowledge Nanoha. "But I'll do my best to impress you!" Turning her eyes to Sayaka, she inclines her head politely. "It's nice to meet you, Sayaka-chan. I hope you two will have fun today!"

As Bow moves to greet the guys and shows the video from his homeworld, she watches curiously and with an amused expression. "So busy," she murmurs to herself, before - in the tradition of pot calling kettle etc - she moves to do a bit more fussing over the arrangement of the spread of food.

Eventually she'll drift back to sit down again, tucking her long legs under her on the blanket with a mind for the shortness of her skirt. "Seems like a good turnout..."

Sayaka Miki has posed:
"The Heart-Blossom is one of the Runestones, right?" Sayaka asks Bow. Then he shows that video, and Sayaka looks curiously at this Perfuma. She doesn't quite know what to make of her: was she projecting a facade with the meditation at the start, or did she just snap under pressure later on? She doesn't know which one is worse.

"Plumeria looks really beautiful", Sayaka tells Bow, definitely appreciating the landscape she got to see through the video. "I can see why this place would remind you of it."

The bluenette also waves at those Bow just introduced her to, then at Miya, whom she recognises. "Hello, Miya-san! Long time no see, how are you doing?"

Zoisite has posed:
    It's finally Zoisite's turn to pick up some food, so he fills a plate with a selection of each item on offer. After all, as the host, he must attest to the quality of all of the food.

    Not that he doubts Makoto, Chiyo, or Nanoha's work, nor that of their families for the two he ordered from! It's really just an excuse to eat a little bit of everything.

    "I wonder how successful that was," he asks of the recruitment video Bow shows, his eyebrows raised, and then he takes a bite of dango, which requires thorough chewing of course. So he's focused on that for a while, and also just taking in the atmosphere. To Makoto and her comment about the turnout, he nods, quite pleased himself with the amount of people who have gathered. Friends, acquaintances, some strangers who might become one of the two former things...

    Either way, Zoi is happy. Another sakura petal has already joined the first in his hair, and still oblivious, he balances the plate in his lap with all of the delicious food he's enjoying. "Mamoru is helpful like that," Zoisite says to Chiyo, his lips twitching as he resists yet another smile.

Nanoha Takamachi has posed:
Nanoha Takamachi smiles and waves to everyone that waves to her or otherwise say hello. "Oh, okay!" she says. "I've been delivering all day so I could use a short break!" she says as she sits down on the blanket. "I'm...Nanoha Takamachi!" she says. "And the reason I'm not on the prom committee is because...no one's asked I guess." she says with a shrug.

"I help out in my family's shop." she says as she steals an egg sando and smiles a little.

Miya Sakamoto has posed:
"Sayaka! It has been quite a while indeed!", replies Miya. "It's been since that pyjama party, right? Where we discussed percussive identification. Ah, that takes me back."

After a moment of silence, she comments, "I should go out more, really. I suppose being holed up in the school's workshop is not healthy for my social life."

Bow has posed:
There's a nod to Sayaka when she asks about the Heart-Blossom. "Yes," Bow responds. "It was Perfuma's stone and controlled agriculture back home." He starts to prepare a small plate of food for himself, getting a little of Chiyo, Makoto, and Nanoha's foods, but as he takes one of the egg sandwiches, he offers his hand. "I'm Luke Armbruster. Folks call me Bow though." A grin. "Because I really enjoy archery and the violin. It's nice to meet you, Nanoha!"

And he overhears Zoisite and makes a face over at him, sticking out his tongue. "If Adora's right, we won, so I'd say it went pretty well, thank you very much!" There's no real bite in his words, just hopeful optimism that Adora was right, and that they can restore their home to the way it was.

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
Chiyo Sakai bites into one of the onigiri just enjoying the simple, tasty flavors with a quiet sigh of appreciation as the conversation moves around her. Alot of greetings, a bit of a recruitment pitch video from Bow, and she just... relaxes. It'd been awhile since she got out without needing to pass on information or help for some reason. Sure, Nounanamu was hired to help cater, but that was familiar enough a task.

A thought does strike her as she speaks up, "Oh, Bow, it turns out I may have a date to the dance after all." A little sideways glance is cast to Makoto as if to say 'not *that* one!' with a sheepish look. "Utau's brother showed up last night. He apologized for Utau being a conniving bitch and ruining my date, and asked me to go with him to the dance. I guess he wants to keep an eye on her." A little shrug comes at that. "And maybe I can get even with her just a bit this way. I mean. Not that I really *need* to get even. I just imagine she won't be happy with this."

Mamoru Chiba has posed:
Mamoru finishes his onigiri and his cherry blossom mochi, and then carefully starts on the jelly cake that Chiyo made especially for him. Before any goes in his mouth, he asides, "I'm glad you did get so much, Zoi, there are at least two bottomless stomachs I was hoping to see here that would be extremely disappointed if they didn't get to share in some of the sweets..."

And then Chiyo announces her date information, and Mamoru has to act fast to prevent the piece of jelly from sliding into his lap, eyes wide. "Are you sure you want that aggro? What if she escalates?"

Zoisite has posed:
    Zoisite looks over the food and beverages on offer and doesn't think in the slightest that he's gone overboard. If there are leftovers, then that means he'll be eating good for days, so what's to worry about?

    He takes a delicate bite from his onigiri and says to Makoto, "We really did a fantastic job on these," afterwards, even though it's no doubt mostly due to her participation. The rice ball reveals itself to be one filled with pickled ume, which just so happens to be his favorite, so he takes another bite and chews on it while observing the other parties that have laid out their blankets around the area.

    A gust of wind picks up momentarily, and a couple who have just started unpacking their picnic are forced to chase after their blanket, catching it at just the last moment before it would have been tangled up in a tree.

    Thankfully, Zoisite made sure everything was weighed down properly, so not even a napkin budges from the breeze.

    He shifts his whole body slightly in her direction when Chiyo begins to share some gossip about her love life. Mamoru might have concerns, but Zoisite only goes, "Oh, that's going to be a riot." Is his tone maybe a bit too gleeful? Perhaps.

    As an aside, he says, "I'm sure there will be plenty leftover even if they can't make it," because Zoisite is apparently feeling generous today.

Makoto Kino has posed:
The briefly very concerned face Makoto makes when she hears Chiyo has a date suggests that the sidelong look was, indeed, called for. Chiyo catching her eyes heads off any protest, though, and she relaxes visibly at the explanation... though her forehead remains faintly creased. "Yeah..." she says in Mamoru's wake. "I mean, it was nice of her brother to apologize, but it does kind of seem like a good way to end up with her in your face again."

Rocking back a little, she breathes out and smiles ruefully. "Well, I'm really good at being a wall if you need one," she says, before looking over to Zoisite. His comment has her ducking her head again, this time reaching up to rest a hand against the back of her neck. "I was glad to help," she says, and glances to Mamoru with a smile: "Should we make up a box for Usagi-chan?"

Bow has posed:
As Chiyo announces she has a date, Bow starts of course with. "Hey, that's great!" Of course, he was just fine with Chiyo's original idea as well. There's a moment, however, though, as Chiyo reveals who the mystery date is - and Mamoru really beats him to the punch.

"That sounds... ah... interesting." But, it does give him an idea. "Makoto? You're Adora's roommate... I know I haven't been by much, and I'm not even sure if I want to suggest it, but... maybe you could rope her into helping you with the baking for Prom?" he suggests to her.

Not a date. He is so not suggesting that, Adora is a disaster area that's currently filled with radioactive cat girls, confused feelings, and outright what's the meaning of life type imagry, but maybe giving her a little work will snap her out of it.

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
Chiyo Sakai regards her onigiri as if it might have the answers she seeks. It has tuna mayo. A good enough answer for a second bite paused only by a sip of a bottle of water. "I mostly think he just wants to go to keep an eye on her. And I'll mostly be working while there, too. So will she from what I hear. She's singing there, right, Bow?" She looks toward him questioningly.

"I know it's not exactly a great idea." A pause comes before she adds with a little grin. "I can't really think of much she could do to me other than get really angry, though." It's not like she could steal her boyfriend or brother.

Mamoru Chiba has posed:
"Yes," decides Mamoru, and it's more self-preservation than an actual decision. He doesn't make any move to help yet, though, since he's busy with his jelly cake. But he'll help in a minute... and then he gives Chiyo a dubious look, but adds between savoring sweet bites, "And if you need help retaliating if she does escalate, Zoisite here might be able to help you~"

He glances between Bow and Makoto, and hastens to add, "But if baking is your zen place, obviously don't worry about it." He says this like he has any right in any direction to say it, without apology. Must be a prince thing.

Zoisite has posed:
    One of the bags definitely has boxes to take leftovers home in, and it only takes a quick stretch on Zoisite's part to fetch one, which he sets between Mamoru and Makoto. Clearly, while also saying he has no intentions of actually assisting.

    After all, he's got more important things to do, like continue looking this good (even with sakura petals in his hair).

    "Oh yes, please do volunteer me for that," Zoisite croons, all too eager to assist in matters of retaliation. He looks positively gleeful, in fact, just at the thought. Or maybe that's just the wonderful weather, delightful food, and good company.

    Nah, probably the devious thoughts.

Makoto Kino has posed:
Makoto's brows lift a little, and she nods to Bow as she moves to start picking out a selection of treats to set aside for Usagi in the box that Zoisite provides. "Sure," she says, "I can try. If she's up for it, we could definitely use the extra set of hands... and she did tell me before she was interested in learning more cooking. Meiou-san gave her a super nice mixer and everything."

She smiles alongside to Mamoru, appreciative, and shakes her head a little. "It's fine. It's gonna be a LOT of baking, with the amount of people we're expecting to come. Plenty of room to put people to work.

Zoi's visible glee at the idea of 'handling' Utau gives her pause, and she flicks a slightly dismayed look Chiyo's way, though she doesn't say anything. Snacks for Usagi. Very important. Yes.

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
Chiyo Sakai looks bemused at Mamoru's suggestion of Zoisite helping her with escalations. "She already crashed my karaoke date, and pretty much gave him a lap dance while singing to him. Then called *me* a hussy. I'd say 'escalation' is already on the table."

Though they did have a point about it possibly getting out of hand. Sighing quietly she lowers her hands to her lap frowning a bit. "This entire thing is messed up. I should just go back to crushing on Kazuo and knowing it's hopeless. That was so much easier."

A pause before she murmers, "Although this is a very distracting way to forget that."

Bow has posed:
"Thanks, Makoto." Bow offers sincerely. After all, Adora is his best friend, and he's going to worry about her. A lot. Not as much as Crystal Hope, but that's a whole different conversation. However, as they are currently focusing on Chiyo's date, Bow squeezes Sayaka's hand a little before he considers the question.

"Yes. She's the opening act and hour." he confirms when asked if Utau is performing. "I would ask, really really nicely that you save the taking her out back for any type of fight for after her set. Thank you." A pause. "Or you know. Not at all. Wouldn't want you to ruin your dress."

Zoisite has posed:
    Nobody warns him off of getting involved, which is probably for the best anyway, as once Zoisite has decided to do something it's hard to sway him. And it even seems like Chiyo is up for a little escalation!

    So Zoisite smiles at her, and actually does help a little bit with packing things away for Usagi by passing a platter towards Makoto. Then he says, "We'll have to discuss in more detail later exactly what she did to you and how we should prepare in case she tries to pull anything else."

    His hands fold together demurely, but the smile on his face is nearly a grin, and maybe a little bit wicked too. At her mention of crushing on Kazuo though, he does actually look... sympathetic? Is that really the emotion showing on Zoisite's face. "Oh dear, you really shouldn't let yourself get tangled up like that." He gives her arm a gentle pat, which is... mostly not demeaning!

    "Don't worry, we won't do anything to upset the Prom itself," Zoi tells Bow.

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
Chiyo Sakai glances over sharply with surprise at Bow's request looking openly aghast. "I'm not going to beat her up! I just thought if we were both busy then it might not even matter since our paths might not cross." Really, beating her up? Eesh!

Since things are being packed away she absent-mindedly helps out because she knows exactly how big a black hole Usagi has for a stomach, too. At Zoisite's sympathy and offer to help she flashes him a smile.

"Thank you. I'm making much too big a deal of this, I'm sure. Once this is all over I can just focus on other things." Nodding solemnly she dusts her hands off on her kimono skirt. "Like moving into the dorms."

Makoto Kino has posed:
Oooooh, says the look on Makoto's face - green eyes widening, lips slightly parted in a look of abject sympathy. She's forestalled in much further response by Zoisite handing her a platter of onigiri, leaving her occupied momentarily by picking out an assortment and several flower-shaped veggies (no carrots!) to add to Usagi's go-box.

"Hopefully it being so public will keep her from being too awful about it," she ventures. "She's an idol, right? So she's got her reputation to worry about, if she picks a fight with another girl in front of everyone.

It's a commiserating look she gives to Chiyo, as she holds out the box for whatever sweets Chiyo picks out to add.

Bow has posed:
"Mmhmm." Bow says, looking between Chiyo and Zoi. He wants to believe them. Really, he does. But at the same time, well. He'll just have to trust them!

That won't go terribly horribly wrong, right?

"Alright, well. Just be careful." he finally offers, before glancing around. "I'm going to take Sayaka and walk in the trees for a bit. It is really lovely and you did a great job, Zoisite." Smiling again, he glances aside to his bluenette partner to wait for her to agree to walk with.