Meet, greet and eat

[titanianblade]

(To be perfectly honest, Cornelius didn't expect to find other persona users outside of himself and Guzma. The head of the Skull gang was a stroke of luck, but to have found so many others who can tap into that power and help fight off the shadows...it's a welcome relief.

Not to mention the large, large expansion to Cornelius' circle of friends.

So what's a rich kid to do when he's happy to have an extended circle like this? Throw down. A bunch of money to get everyone nice and fed for a day. He arranged for a catered picnic and invited his fellow persona-users and any friends they wanted to bring along. There's a bit of something for everyone, so pizzas, sandwiches, whatever, really. It's a large, open space, too, of anyone's in the mood for playing around. Just like the food, there's plenty of options there.

Cornelius would be lying if he said he wasn't thrilled to have so many people to hang out with. He just hopes they'll have fun while they're here.)

Comments

[rikimaru]

(You know what never goes out of style? Boomboxes. They're fucking rad. This dark-skinned lad with skull-themed clothing brought one that's playing some jams and he's not about to stop them. He'll admit: all this persona stuff is kinda going over his head, but it's been a trip dealing with it all. What he does know is boss Guzma told him about this and brought him along. And what excuse does Gil have to refuse free food?

Just don't mind him actin' a fool and doing things like showing off his dance moves or fitting an entire hot dog in his mouth. Probably not both at once, though; he likes not choking on his own idiocy.)

[yaboyguzma]

Hah! Check out Grunt G kickin' his old record to the CURB!

[Hunkered down, he can't help but watch his little brothers and sisters taking advantage of free food. ...And friendship. Yeah, friendship. Even if he owed Cornelius his life, he wasn't about to admit that out loud except for the time he did when the little rabbit yanked him out of that hellhole. But once was enough, you feel 'im?

Cupping his hands around his mouth, he had to crow:]

Yo, yo! Do that thing! Hand stand, single hand stand on last beat! That's a panty-dropper!

[yaboyguzma]

[Grunt G's got that boombox playing that good shit. Ya boy's got no issue showing up, even if Cornelius wound up being an apple from old money. Ti-Corp! Damn! That's a hell of a seat to fill an ass with, and at first Guzma had to wonder if the kid even had the size for it with the fluffy ears.

But it seemed that the strange... world... was the reason for the change. Seemed like a normal guy in all respects outside of that shadowy place.

To others, it seemed strange that the leader of the Skull gang had rolled up with a small posse to talk and mingle with the heir to a place that could get him locked up for a lengthy list of crimes. Yet here he was, chatting it up with others and generally hanging out as he consumed thrice his weight in food as if he were some sort of starving child. He was a Persona User to boot? No fucking way.

Eyes turned away from the drink lifted to his lips, they narrowed as the glass was stilled.]

Yeah? What are you lookin' at?

[foolish_seal]

[Does... does that guy have an entire posse?]

[Where the hell did Souji find these people?]

[Oh whoops he was caught staring. Uh...]

[> Give a witty insult
> Compliment him to hide the fact you were staring
> Say nothing]

...Sweet shades, dude.

[Yeah that's all he's got.]

[bloodinbloom]

Hmm...

[Pouted lips and tilting her head as she stared up, Rosalia squinted her eyes, stopped, and then did it again.]

... There's an extra curl in your hair today I think.

[topgun_textiles]

[Holy shit. He'd never seen so many people here. His group of friends from back home seemed like a lot, but seeing such a collection of strange people from all over... it really did make the whole situation seem under control.

But it also made the whole situation feel more OUT of control. If numbers helped, whatever was behind this would've fixed itself up, wouldn't it? Damn it... he wished the others were here. They were smarter about this stuff.

Kanji's jaw steeled. He wasn't some dumb kid anymore! He could gather info, too! He could offer training, too! ...Maybe after pizza. That one looked badass. Wait, was that lobster!? Okay, he was having lobster.]

[betheirstrength]

[Hang on, hold the phone, is that who Rise thinks it is? She leans sideways and peers through the crowd, trying to get a better look...

Then he turns, and she sees his face.]

Kanji-kun!!!!

[Who needs dignity when you have friends you haven't seen in years? Make sure she doesn't spill her drink on you in her hurry, dude.]

[pishirogane]

[Silently, she slipped in the join the party, and quietly, she made her way about. However quiet, there was at least one person to see. After all, it had been a while since they had spoken face-to-face.]

[And approaching him at the table, she smiled.]

Greetings, Kanji-kun.

[foolish_seal]

[Minato had heard there was gonna be a picnic for Persona users, so he decided he may as well pay a visit. Had he known it would be funded by exorbitant amounts of money, he wouldn't have bothered to bring his own food.]

[But he didn't know, so he did. So in addition to the rich-ass expensive food, there's also a platter full of okonamiyaki, all pre-made for the event. Gotta have some street food, after all.]

[Aside from that, Minato's mostly just wandering around aimlessly. He's only arrived recently, so there's a good chance others might not even be aware of his existence. So to most, there's just some strange guy chillin' with everyone else. Maybe someone should say something.]

[essucasa]

(This was weird. Mikasa hardly had any friends here, yet she was invited here as if she were an old friend. In her mind, there was little connecting her to these people besides the power of persona and even then, she considered herself a bit of an outcast. She could, after all, summon hers through sheer force of will, without any kind of apparatus.

On the other hand, this is a chance to actually go forth and make friends, something the girl has failed at several times in her life. Mikasa should at least make an effort, but she's not entirely sure how to go about that. Until then, there's a girl looking a little lost and unsure, trying to hide it behind a sandwich. The food's good, at least...)

[2bcontinues]

[Don't worry, strange broody girl. There's another strange broody girl to keep you company. Also you're the only one that might take her concerns seriously.]

We should be out in the field instead of wasting time here.

[Sorry, Mikasa, the android has chosen you to voice her opinions at.]

[bornofhope]

(Among the people here is a young, pink-haired girl who...doesn't seem quite as long as others. In fact, darling Madoka Kaname has no problem greeting everyone she meets with an endearing smile. This was a great opportunity to make new friends! Of all ages, no less. Though the invitation came from seemingly out of the blue, her parents gave her their permission to attend. It'd be a great opportunity to open her circle of friends a little more!

Even if the persona part of the explanation was a little lost on them.)

Hi! I'm Madoka!

[titanianblade]

(Of course, somewhere around the picnic is your gracious host and local rich kid, Cornelius Abelard. He's mostly making sure everything's going smoothly and hoping everyone's enjoying themselves. Depending on how well you know him, it could be difficult to recognize him at first. While he takes the form of an adorable rabbit in the TV world, he's actually a strapping young lad everywhere else. Definitely the pretty boy type, but one not afraid to fight, as some have already seen.

He'll take care of himself once he's sure everyone's happy, except he's been at the reins most of the time. Maybe someone should get him to enjoy his own party.)

[betheirstrength]

[What kind of party girl would Rise be if she couldn't zero in on an overworked host? None at all, that's what. She's met their generous benefactor briefly before, only enough to know his face. She wishes she had more time to dedicate to this new shadow mission.

For now, she'll settle for spreading some fun.]

Ahoy, there! You're our lovely host if I'm not mistaken, yes? Cornelius-san I believe?

[ashadowofhope]

[Where the host of the party, Cornelius Abelard, was a bright spot in the party, there's a dark corner where his cousin lingered. Oswald Abelard (once Damos) watched the group quietly, a drink present in his hand. His socialization had improved, but his feeling towards attending parties and being part of a large crowd? Still, not something he particularly enjoyed.]

[So he continued to stand aside and watch... and tried not to stare at one person in particular, making mental notes to change his focus maybe every five seconds.]

[foolish_seal]

You know, it's hard to get to know people by watching them from afar.

[Leaning against a wall right next to Cornelius is Minato, just chillin' with a drink. Don't ask how he got there without being noticed.]

[theshadowslight]

(If there's anyone who's most likely on the receiving end of Oswald's gaze, it's white-haired girl who literally just arrived from work. Gwendolyn is late and not terribly proud of this fact, but she did everything she could to make time for this and making it at all is a victory for her.

But she looks a little tired for her efforts, despite momentarily ducking behind a tree to straighten herself up. She's finally able to catch her breath once she gets a cup of fruit punch. She hasn't noticed Oswald yet, but she's keeping a lookout for familiar faces.)

[bloodinbloom]

[Rosalia's eyes were as wide as saucers; she'd never been around so many people around her age that weren't probably doctors or studying to become doctors. Since her dad and big brother were both her doctors and working as teachers, she always met the new interns and residents. It was amazing that he okayed her coming to the gathering, but with Naomi lingering nearby, she was sure the doctor was the reason he said yes.]

[She didn't have to cook, but that doesn't stop her from bringing a dessert to share. After placing the cupcakes on the table, she was trying to decide food, or playing... or talking. Because of this, the tiny Support could be found dancing around on her feet, trying to figure out what to do.]

[apagandolasluces]

[Sombra wasn't really expecting to stay long. Big crowds aren't really her thing; she's more of a work-from-the-shadows type of girl. But they promised food for showing up, and it was a good opportunity to see who else was part of this freak-show squad of theirs.]

[Eventually, she decides to snag up some more desserts. While heading over, her eyes settle on the young, white-haired girl who had just set down a plate of cupcakes. She couldn't help the small smirk that formed on her face at the little awkward shuffle she was doing. She heads over, quiet on her feet.]

Hey.

[Don't mind her as she reaches over to snag up a cupcake.]

That's some weird dance you're doing there, chica.

[guardianomnic]

[The picnic seemed to be going off without a hitch; everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, mingling once the initial wariness had worn off, or enjoying the snacks that had been provided. All in all, it looks like a success.]

[While everyone is enjoying themselves, they may hear the rhythmic stomping of heavy, metallic footfalls as they are suddenly approached by a literal robot. The centaur-like robot stands tall, easily taller than most of the people here. Though her gun had been replaced with a second hand, she still looks rather intimidating... until she speaks in a cheerful African accent.]

Greetings! I hope you are enjoying the picnic. Though chances of danger are small, please do not hesitate to call upon me if you are in need of assistance.

[villagepup]

(The one Orisa approaches is a bit smaller than the others, but is also a fellow robot! The wolf-themed machine looks up at the tall centaur with a look of interest and a wag of his tail.)

Thank you! I would like to extend the same offer to yourself. It is my designation to provide any necessary assistance to the team.

[apagandolasluces]

[So, these were the other people that were invited to this little picnic, huh?]

[Sombra hadn't known what to expect when she decided to come here, but the desire to know who else had these strange powers eventually won out over her natural cautiousness. And so far, everyone looked... well, not exactly normal, but interesting enough. She wasn't regretting her choice for coming here, that's for sure.]

[Currently, she's taken up a spot right by the dessert table, a cupcake in hand that she munches on while observing the rest of the people. She quietly sized them up, trying to figure out who's a potential threat and who would be best to avoid. If your character comes by trying to grab a dessert, Sombra might shoot them a look.]

You better not be thinking about taking those cake-things, amigo.

[rikimaru]

(That gets Gil to raise an eyebrow and smirk back at Sombra. He saw that cake-thing fair and square and...whatever it is, it looks really damn good, okay?)

Oh, aight, amiga. Didn't know you paid for all the food here.

(Which is to say: Sorry, Sombra; he is absolutely reaching for those cake-things and paying your warning no mind.)

[modelcivilian]

[At first, his father had been against the idea of Adrien attending the picnic. It wasn't a formal social event, he had no idea who would be there, and he had no intention of clearing his schedule for it. However, when Adrien informed him it was being hosted by Titania's heir, Gabriel's attitude shifted... a little.]

[It still wasn't a social event his father would attempt to attend, but he permitted Adrien to go in the end. The bodyguard had to come though, but the Gorilla would stay back.]

[So, there was the blonde model loafing about, looking much meeker outside of his cat superhero persona. Smiling, nodding... eyeing some of the sweets on the table. He imagined his nutritionist would faint at the sight of the table, but he wondered if he could get away with just a little... He would remain standing still and just staring, biting the inside of his cheek while running the maths in his head of how much he could have calorie wise and if he would be able to burn it off before his next shoot.]

[porte_bonheur]

[Okay, she could do this.]

[It had been one thing to be invited to this gathering of superheroes, all united under a single cause. But she felt that it would be easier fighting against shadows than spending a whole afternoon mingling with Adrien.]

[Not that she hated it! In fact, she was over the moon about it! But she knew how she acted around her crush, and it took all her courage to steel herself and walk over to him. She could do this! Just start a conversation with him!]

[It takes her a couple more minutes before she actually does end up next to him.]

H-Hi Adrien! Neat picnic, right?

[There! Completely normal and everything!]

[betheirstrength]

[Rise is even more excited than she expected she would be to be back on the shadow-hunting wagon. There's a particular thrill that comes from exploring the TV world that's totally other from the thrill of performing, and being an idol for so long has left her a bit of a junkie.

Not to mention that she is absolutely furious that Souji thought he could handle this all on his own. No way, not on her life.

There's no way she's missing a chance to meet their growing pool of allies. She has to arrive in disguise, as ridiculous as it is, but she's made the mistake of trying to be out and about without being incognito only once. It's a wonderful relief when she finally makes it to the picnic and can lose the sunglasses and the wig. She hums happily to herself as she brushes her real hair back out. Don't mind her.

Once she's sure she doesn't have any rat's nests she's off to mingle and find a nibble. She grabs herself something sweet to drink and goes looking for someone available to chat.]

Hello! Please allow me to introduce myself.

[pirateponyprincess]

[The person Rise ends up introducing herself to is a good deal older than most of the group, or at least seems like it; it's hard to tell when one is half-pastel-colored-alicorn. One dressed like a pirate, no less. Complete with fancy hat.]

Oh, hello! Rise, I presume? I heard all about your exploits with Suji's group.

[The Kirijo group has rather extensive files on that sort of stuff. Go figure.]

It is a pleasure. Captain Celestia, at your service.

[porte_bonheur]

[Marinette had to admit, this was a really nice picnic. Sure it felt surreal about the fact that everyone was there because they all dressed up in costume and fought monsters together, but it was still really nice. And Marinette was eager to meet everyone and get to know one another.]

[But first, look at all this food! Most of it was traditional Japanese food, but some were things she was familiar with from back home. Especially the desserts. Naturally she'd be biased to her home bakery's desserts, but the ones here weren't that bad. Plate loaded up, she was just turning to find a nice spot to enjoy these--]

Waaugh!!

[And whoops, Marinette tripped on an uneven piece of ground, and there goes that plate of food, flying off into the air as she tumbles. Hope it doesn't land on anyone.]

[ashadowofhope]

[... How the heck did this happen was a good question because he was standing to the side of everything. Slowly, very slowly, he turned his head in the direction the plate came from and looked down to see Marinette on the ground.]

...

[timeloopingfool]

He was reminded of all those afternoons spent at Junes.

As much as it had been serious conversation, it had also been a lot of laughter, chatting, helping one another study... bonding, really. Other than their meet ups during times off, and one offs with his friends, he hadn't really gotten that in a long while.

Plus, with the whole 'trying to save everyone on his own' thing being thoroughly shot down...

Needless to say, he was enjoying himself. Dropping off a platter of home made cookies on the dinner table, Souji was in and out of groups, keep his eyes opened for his friends, and for any of the new kids that needed some help. You know the type, the wall flowers?

[essucasa]

It's not that Mikasa's squirrely. Far from it. She doesn't hesitate in picking up one of those fresh cookies, which she finds herself savoring after the first bite. Whoever made them really did a good job...

BUT COOKIES ASIDE, the teenager's looking a little lost in the crowd. Unlike most of the visitors, she didn't have any familiar faces to lean on and just...finds herself uncertain. She's a persona-user, yes (and one who can summon it without any kind of help), but right now, it's another avenue of her life that remains unclear. She should at least...try, shouldn't she? What's she doing here otherwise?

She could use a little help on the social front, really.

[2bcontinues]

[As an android programmed exclusively for combat, how to behave at social events was never something that 2B was ever taught. It was awkward, being here. She can't eat the food, she doesn't know how to do the smalltalk thing, there's nothing to fight... She really doesn't know what to do with herself.]

[That is, however, until she noticed the pond nearby. It was a sizable installation, and she could see a generous mass of koi under the surface. She knew what she could do to pass the time. she just needed a few things.]

[Quietly, 2B commandeers a few items from around the picnic: a plastic fork melted with her reactor core and reshaped into a hook, a loose thread from a picnic blanket carefully pulled out long enough to be a fishing line, some pieces of bread to act as bait, and the whole assembly tied on to her sword, creating a strange-looking fishing pole.]

[Normally she has her Pod to do the fishing, but he's not here right now so she has to improvise.]

[Someone might want to tell her that it's not the best idea to fish these probably-expensive koi.]

[villagepup]

(With the gathering focused in one place, it's easy to miss a single member of the group slipping away to spend some time on her own. A certain doggo made it his mission to know his allies, however, and with his fellow robot breaking away, he naturally has his concerns.

Of course, he isn't going to force her away from her fishing as he approaches, instead looking with marked interest in her makeshift fishing rod and the cast line into the lake. While his eyes follow it down into the water, the robot decides to sit beside her in silence, his own way of offering social interaction and letting her be all at once.)