OPEN | let's change from the heart, let's shout

[nomorules]

Who: Anyone and everyone! That means you! Yes, you, c'mere.
Where: The stream and the lake.
When: July 12th, evening.
Rating: PG in case any of y'all get wild with that decorating.
Summary: Come and take part in a mini lantern ceremony, Wonderland-style. Mingle away, comrades!
The Story:





The evening of the 12th, visitors who feel like moseying their way to the stream where it empties out of the forest will be able to enjoy a summer celebration in the Japanese style. Outdoor lights illuminate the area, and tables hold all manner of art supplies and blank paper lanterns waiting to be decorated.

Didn't catch the network 411? Someone around will surely explain: it's a nod to toro nagashi, the paper lantern ceremony meant to guide the souls of the departed by decorating lanterns and setting them loose. Maybe you have a departed soul you'd like to remember, or a prayer to make. Maybe you'd just like to write a note message-in-a-bottle style. Maybe you just feel like taking the air and enjoying the sights. The choice is yours!

Either way, once the sun has set and lanterns have been decorated, the candles inside will be lit (remember fire safety, kids!), and the lanterns will be released into the water.

Gather at the lakeside afterward to watch them empty into the lake and enjoy the ambiance with some food and drink. Because we could all use a little more light in our lives, no?

Comments

[intrusivethot]

[ Oh? Akira knows that voice...

It's purely a result of how Akira chose to introduce himself to Wonderland that he has no idea what most people look like. And to be perfectly frank, events have gotten in the way of face-to-face meets with a consistency that borders on helpful with how predictable it becomes.

In that vein the lantern festival is a success in bringing folks together - many of them Japanese, of course, but he's pleased to see anyone show and make Ryuji that much more gleeful that this is working out.

With Akira's hosting duties done for by and large it does afford him a break, taking it by the waterside as a few lanterns always seem to find their way on its glassy surface every few minutes. He doesn't know that he's even the one being addressed but looks back nonetheless, hands curled around a fine cup of Leblanc coffee. ]

We can, as long as we put in the effort. [ One hand slips under his jinbei to massage at his shoulder, carrying the warmth from the mug. ] Eh, maybe on a rotation though. Keep it and peoples' bodies fresh, you know?

[naughty_nurse]

[Mikan flinches, but honestly that's her normal reaction, and she settles quickly enough.]

Oh, um, yes... Th-that's a good way to put it. I... don't even go outside the mansion all that much anymore. I didn't realize... I missed fresh air.

[intrusivethot]

[ Whoa there, his hair isn't that scary today is it? A hand reaches up, twirling the locks that are perpetually fallen between his eyes. ]

I can see why with how the mansion kinda provides everything. It's a homebody's paradise.

[ Futaba would probably love it, or should he say would have, if she'd stayed longer. He's now accustomed to hiding the pain of her absence, though the lantern he carries to the waterside does have a little pair of glasses alongside one panel. ]

But it's good to get out and remind you that there's more to this world. It helps me avoid complacency.

[naughty_nurse]

Complacency...

[She repeats it more for herself. She watches Akira and his lantern.]

For me it's fear... That's what told me back from doing everything.

[intrusivethot]

[ Another reminder: Futaba, locked into her room by fear of the outside and other people. Voices. It strikes a sympathetic chord in Akira, who straightens up from the riverside and tips his chin up. ]

Fear of what, exactly?

[naughty_nurse]

Of doing the wrong thing... Of making people angry at me...

[A hard gulp.]

[intrusivethot]

I don't think it's that easy to put people off. Maybe with high-strung folks but you can't please everyone, Mikan-san.

[ Though she looks like the type to try. Disabuse yourself of the burden.

And whoops, did he use her name? Curious. ]

[naughty_nurse]

I know... I-It's been one of the things I've been trying to fix about myself...

[... then she realizes something.]

Huh?

[intrusivethot]

[ :3 ]

Something else the matter?

[naughty_nurse]

You know my name... but I don't remember telling you.

That must mean...

[Eyes widen, a horrified look-]

... I forgot when we introduced ourselves! I'm so sorry!

[intrusivethot]

[ He likes you so much, Mikan. ]

That'd just be the height of indiscretion. [ He's laughing with you, not at you. ] I'm Kurusu Akira. I bet you'll remember it this time~.

[naughty_nurse]

[But she can't tell the difference, and is going into panic mode.]

I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!

[intrusivethot]

[ !!! Ohgodwhat.

Glancing around nervously, Akira pitches his voice low, hands waving down in a slight shush motion. ]

H-hey, it's okay, I'm not mad or anything! Please don't cry, Mikan-san.

It's Joker - remember now?

[naughty_nurse]

[It calms her down a smidgen.]

I-I'll remember this time! Joker...

[Whoa, that brings back a memory - this was Joker? She blinks a few times. Wait a tic.]

... But you just said you were Akira... you have two names?