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

[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?

[titanianblade]

(He's not overworked! He's just making sure every little thing is going off without a hitch! His new team and new friends all deserve the best and while money alone may not give them all of that, it can definitely...

...Okay yeah, maybe he's a little overworked. Rise's approach is welcome and one that's greeted with a smile and a polite bow. The workers he was just talking to understand that he needs to relax and unwind and disperse quickly.)

I am. You're Rise-san, correct? I believe we've met before. It's good to see you again.

[betheirstrength]

[My guy Rise knows overworked when she sees it. Takes one to know one, etc. She smiles a little extra wide as the others disperse, almost as happy to help him have a moment's peace as he is. It's cute. He must be a very good leader.]

Yes, that's me! I thought perhaps we had! It's good to meet you properly, and thank you for having us all here.

[It's so nice to be at a gathering that isn't idol related, if she's being honest.]

[titanianblade]

The pleasure is mine. Truly, I thought I was alone in the battle against shadows, but I've never been so glad to be wrong.

(If anything, the gathering is more persona-related and his own way of thanking everyone. He nods.)

I hope you're enjoying yourself. The intention was to accommodate for everyone, yet I worry things are spread too thin.

[betheirstrength]

[Goodness, so formal! Rise suddenly feels underdressed and under-mannered. That doesn't happen often.]

Absolutely something good to be wrong about! Shadows are everyone's fight! Even if only some of us can actually hit them in the face.

[In both the sense that not everyone has a persona and that not everyone's persona is hitty.]

I am quite content, thank you. You've done a wonderful job bringing everyone together! We're not a hard bunch to please, in my experience.

[titanianblade]

(It's all part of him being a rich kid, really. Studying abroad and coming from wealth will do that to you.)

'Tis why there are many roles in a team. Oftentimes, the ones who don't hit them in the face are equally important as the ones who do.

(No seriously, navigators are a godsend. Cornelius had a hard time trying to navigate on his own, so having dedicated ones lets everyone work better.)

I'm glad. If that's the case, then perhaps I can allow myself a breather; providing for everyone is one thing, but getting to know them is another. (He smiles.) I understand you're quite experienced in dealing with shadows.

[betheirstrength]

[Rise giggles, her attempt to stifle it by covering her mouth entirely useless. That formal speech coupled with her face-punching phrase is killing her, here.]

Now I know you're just buttering me up.

[She knows no such thing, but she's saying it anyway. How else does one deal with flattery? Surely he knows her skills are support-based, after all.]

Yes, please, take a breather. You've earned it. We are all here to get more comfortable with one another, right? That includes you, too!

[She grins and bounces on her feet a little.]

You could say that, yeah! Souji and me and the whole Investigation Team sure dealt with our fair share of 'em.

[titanianblade]

I would love to hear any stories you're willing to share, in that regard. It's imperative to learn from those who came before you.

(The importance of learning from that wisdom is its own topic and one that doesn't need explanation. Cornelius hadn't expected to meet so many experienced persona-users, but as with the others, he considers himself lucky that they're here.

Though now that he's thinking about taking a break, a bit of fatigue is catching up with him. When was the last time he ate...?)

...Ah, perhaps we can exchange stories by the dinner table. Would you care to join me?

[betheirstrength]

Knowledge is definitely power, when it comes to fighting shadows!

[Not that she has any horses in that race, or anything.]

That sounds lovely! I'm sure we could both use a refreshment!

[She doesn't even hesitate to slip her fingertips around his elbow to lead him be led to the table to sit.]

[titanianblade]

(He can feel a bit of a tug from her as they approach the table, but it doesn't seem concerned about that. Cornelius willingly offers his arm to walk her there, where a wide arrangement of foods can be found, from snacks to more filling foods to even desserts. He spared no expense, so everything smells delicious. Even he's tempted by most of it.)

I hope you aren't allergic to anything here. I can have the chefs prepare something for you, otherwise.

[betheirstrength]

[Oh my god Cornelius please stop fussing.]

No worries there! I should be on a diet what with being an idol and all that, but I'm not above cheating when nobody's looking.

[Well, nobody who actually cares what she eats.]

It all smells wonderful!

[titanianblade]

(CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP

Except for probably now, since everyone seems to be happily enjoying themselves. And with Rise's answer, he can stop worrying about the nitty gritty for a few minutes.)

Truth be told, I must also be mindful of what I eat, but this can be our secret.

(He offers her a more relaxed smile.)

Please, help yourself!