Dynamite had lots of success opening up his new hotel in LA and wanted to host a feast for the community as a whole for Thanksgiving. He found a local park and called in some contractors that helped him renovate his Paramount Hotel to construct a pavilion. After a few days, the work was complete and he hauled in around 10 rectangular wooden tables and combined them together to be one big table.

He had his hotel's culinary team work on a menu that consisted of fresh-sliced turkey with white and dark meat, creamy mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon, stuffing and jellied cranberry sauce. He had water only but welcomed attendees to bring their preferred drink, alcoholic or not. He would also have a live band to play smooth lounge music while everyone enjoyed their meal.

He sent out a flyer to all crew families to enjoy a meal as one and to have a great time while filling their stomachs with a fresh meal. There is no charge for the meal, but Dynamite would announce that he wants everyone to say one thing they are thankful for.

Billy had heard the word food and made his way over to the Paramount Hotel. He pulled up to the front with his own car, and stepped out into the cold Autumn air, only to be greeted by a gruff looking man waiting for him.

"Bout damned time you show up."

Billy chuckled at the other man, but stretched out his hand and shook it, leaving a few hundred dollar bills in it's place as he pulled his hand back into his pocket.

"You should start the truck around back and unload it. I'll head inside and let Dynamite know that I've brought him a present to share."

With that the other man nodded and did as he was told and Billy made his way inside.

"Dynamite! Where are you?!" He put on his best show of being angry until he caught the gangster's and part time Hotelier's eye. Once he had he broke out a grin that split his face from one ear to the next.

"Have I got a surprise for you! You should send some guys round back. I've got more than a few cases they'll need to unload for the festivities. Can't have a party without something to drink after all right?"

He put one arm around Dynamite then.

"And by the way, I'll let plenty of folks know I'm thankful for you hosting this shindig. Lots of folks been busy lately, not too many have the time to get something like this organized. Good job."

He took in the scent of the air then.

"So, what should I try first?"

"You've absolutely need to try one of everything."

Dynamite was very excited to see BillyMastrosimone. He looked over and some guys came with hand carts stacked with crates. He opened one and could see a few bottles of fine Irish scotch. He turned and looked back at BillyMastrosimone with delight.

"Oh-ho-ho, you're too good to me. Thanks a bunch for bringing the good stuff. I first tried Irish scotch when Ms. Amira Ligambi first offered it to me and have grown fond of it. I used to be a straight-up whiskey guy but Irish scotch has grown on me."

He motioned BillyMastrosimone to a table and called one of his servers to take care of him.

"Anything you need, you've got it. Thank you for your gift and I hope you enjoy the meal."

Amira's car pulled up to the pavillion, rolling slowly to a stop before Franco exited the driver seat and Garrett got out from the front seat. Amira was already out of the car by the time Franco got to her door. She wore a deep red wrap dress (somewhat less form-fitting than her usual business attire was only a few months ago), and a silk kerchief around her neck of red, orange, and gold. She'd traded her usual heels for a simple pair of black pumps, and her signature tightly braided dark hair was now work down and held with a sandalwood clip.

Though her eyes were tired, Amira wore a smile brightest of all. The last weeks had been trying for everyone, and a meal like this was exactly the thing that was needed to bring everyone some peace and time to take a breath.

Spotting the host, Amira waved to him and made her way over, carrying an ornately carved wooden box in her hands.

"There he is! Look at this place- what a beautiful meal you've put together."

Greeting him with a quick kiss on each cheek, Amira held the box toward him.

"I brought you a gift. This was hand-crafted by one of the finest vendors at Lindley Place. It is from my part of the world. One day we should meet for coffee and I'll show you how to use it."

Inside the green velvet lined box was a copper and glass Turkish coffee set.

Blake parked his car a few blocks away from the park where the Thanksgiving feast was taking place. Blake could already hear the subtle strumming of a guitar and laughter echoing. Tonight, was about community a rare moment where the crime families stepped out of the shadows amid the festive celebrations. Blake had decided to bring a gift for Dynamite, the organizer of today's event. It was a beautiful handcrafted wooden display case, designed to house a few of Dynamite's favorite collectible whiskey bottles.

As Blake approached the park, He spotted the expansive pavilion, illuminated by string lights and could smell the strong scent of roasted turkey filling the air. Just then he spotted Amira and Dynamite exchanging greetings.

"Wow, I can’t believe you got this done so fast It’s been weeks since I’ve had a decent meal."

As Blake offered the display case to Dynamite, he held back a smile, he finally realized that he did have something to be thankful for.

“I’m thankful for family, the people that have stood by me even in the darkest times.”

As more people were starting to arrive, Dynamite stayed at the front ready to greet his new guests. He exchanged a conversation with Amira who was very exquisitely dressed and thanked her for bringing an unexpected and thoughtful gift.

"I appreciate the coffee set and look forward to using it for the first time with you. Maybe I can bring it one morning when we meet at Top Job Studios when we both get a minute to relax with some coffee. I know you've been through a lot these past few weeks but I am thankful for all you've done."

He guided her to an open table and motioned for one of his servers to make sure she had everything she needed.

Dynamite then greeted Blake who arrived with a beautifully crafted display case in hand.

"You didn't have to but I really appreciate this."

Dynamite lifted his hand and pointed to a gold ring he was wearing.

"The first time I made it big was when the Ligambi family took me in. When I finally started making good money, I bought this ring and it was the first time I ever had my own jewelry. I want to set this ring in the new display case to always remember where I started. That is what I am thankful for."

Dynamite teared up a bit, but then remembered the feast is not about him, it is about everyone coming together as a whole for a great meal.

"I apologize, you look hungry Blake. Amira and Billy just arrived, please follow me and we'll get you a plate immediately."

He motioned Blake to an open seat near Amira and Billy and a server approached shortly after.

"Danny, is that you?" Dynamite yelled from a distance as he walked toward Danny.

"It is great to see you, thank you for coming," Dynamite said as he gripped hands with Danny and used his left arm to hug.

He noticed the bottle of wine on the table. The label showed that it was a deep red cabernet sauvignon from France.

"I love me a good cab especially on cold nights like this. Thank you so much for your gift, maybe we can enjoy a glass together? No rush, but once you finish enjoying your cigar, we have an open seat next to Billy, Amira and Blake, and a server will get you immediately served. Thanks a lot for making it."

Dynamite went back to the front and waited for more guests to arrive. He knew members of other crime families were flying in and looked forward to their arrival.

Moving to a seat beside Blake, Amira passes him and Billy first and stops to give them both a hug.

"Billy, you don't know how happy I am to see you in one piece. You too, Blake."

A server asks for her drink order.

"Just a glass of champagne, please."

She takes her seat and looks across the table where Garrett and Franco are both taking their seats, then glances up and down the table at all the people gathering. It's more than good to see them; to see everyone. It's fully a relief; and she starts working to blink back tears through her smile as she clears her throat.

"Alright, no crying- but truly, I am grateful that we are all here to break bread together. And I am grateful that my husband will live to see his child grow up among such good people as all of you."

To that, she raises her glass.

Billy raises his own glass and takes a sip.

"Hear hear."

Then he leans in close to Amira and lifts the right side of his shirt to reveal a bandaged abdomen.

"Not quite one piece, but you know, it'll mend. Always does."

With that he took a seat himself and picked up a knife and a roll, beginning to cut and butter it for himself.

"Speaking of your husband how is Joe doing? Better than the rumors I hope?"

Some of the rumors were of course that he had kicked the bucket. But that seemed to not be the case given what Amira was currently wearing, and the fact that she was at a party mentioning him.

Either that or she was a really great actress who knew her way around propoganda.

As everyone went back to chatting, Amira watched the food being heaped onto plates and spoke casually with her friend.

"He's recovering well. It was touch-and-go for quite some time there, but you know Joe. He's not going to be taken until he tells Death himself it's time to go."

She said it with a chuckle, but that didn't negate the fact that it had come too close; for anyone's comfort. It looked like the same could be said for Billy.

"In one piece is relative for us, I suppose. If we're still breathing, we're still working. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for those two."

Amira nodded toward Garrett and Franco, who were both digging into their food and paying little attention to anything else around them.

"One for keeping me locked up tighter than the Tower of London, and the other for keeping me from going crazy. Then again, that's his job anyway."

She flashed Billy a wry smile.

Billy saw an opportunity and took it.

"Oh? Is he doing a good job? It's kinda hard to tell."

He smiled then and set down a large spoonful of mashed potatoes on Amira's plate to block her from taking a swing at him.

"Kidding." He said as he passed the bowl along. "I'm glad you're alright. I'm sure a lot of folks are, especially down in Lindley Place. That's still your thing right? Everything going alright down there? They need anything for Christmas?"

For the first time Billy had given it any thought, he wondered if Christmas was the right holiday. "Or you know, for whatever they celebrate?" He tried to recover at least a small bit.

He thought about that too for a second and realized that Amira might not be a Christian for all he knew. Then again, she'd married a Ligambi, and with that kind of heritage, she was a Christian now whether she liked it or not.

"Christmas was always big for my family. My grandma, she was the biggest gift giver of them all. My mom used to tell me stories about how she used to go around and buy out all of the Christmas tree lots on Chistmas Eve, and send all of the last trees to orphanages, and firehouses, and police stations, and even just to people's houses who couldn't afford a tree. She'd have all of her guys put em up in those places, and decoarte them too."

Blake took his seat, his fingers playing with the fork rhythmically waiting for the food to be prepared. A sudden commotion near one of the tables drew his attention, and he turned to see Amira moving gracefully towards him. As she hugged him, he felt the warmth of her gratitude. 

Blake returned her hug,  “You too, Amira,”

Blake watched Amira as she spoke with a sense of pride. She was the bravest of them all. He had seen her rally everyone after tough times.

""To that, she raises her glass.""

I raised my glass alongside Billy. “Hear, hear,” I echoed. As Blake took his seat again, Blake caught fragments of conversations swirling around them. glancing at Billy, who couldn’t help but flash a lopsided grin despite the bandage that concealed more than just a scratch on his abdomen.

"Looks like its healing nicely."

Blake then leaned in slightly, trying catch Amira's ear.

"I hope everything is going good. Let me know if you need anything."

Out of the corner of his eye, Blake spotted a familiar figure edging closer. 

"Good to see you Danny! How are you doing?

While waiting for arriving guests, Dynamite looked back at the table where his first attendees were and noticed their happiness and laughs. This was exactly his hope and he gladly awaited more people to show up.

Meanwhile, he pulled out a cigar while he waited in the brisk cold air.

Garrett caught Billy's joke and let out a hearty laugh.

"At this point, Billy, I believe Amira might be more stable of the two of us."

He reaches for his empty glass of brandy and signals for another. Rolling her eyes a little and smiling, she turns back to Billy, lowering her voice to a whisper for a moment.

"Neither of those two know it, but they're both being brought in tomorrow night. Franco should have been a long time ago; but Garrett- he just deserves it and there's nothing else I can think of that I could do for him to show my appreciation."

She takes the bowl and passes it down, then takes the oncoming gravy boat while returning her voice to it's normal volume.

"As for Lindley Place- they are merchants. They celebrate any holiday that brings on the shoppers. We're hosting a Christmas Market the second weekend of December. You really should come by for it- they're going to be bringing out the best of everything. There will be live music and street vendors with wonderful food. I'm very excited about it."

Taking a small drink of champagne, she continues.

"For me, I have been in the US long enough now to have gotten used to the customs. I was raised Jewish, but after my brother died I mostly fell away from faith all together. But you're right about being a Ligambi. I had to sign on a dotted line just so we could be married at St. Vincent's. I think it was just a formality. Still, I really do enjoy Christmas. It's a beautiful holiday here. I do kind of miss the snowy Christmases we would have in New York when I first moved here- but I do not miss the cold at all." 

As Neil was looking to park his car trying to find a spot he was thinking about the Italian beef Lasagna his wife made and made him take it to his friends. Loosing his shit he started talking to himself.

"That fucking woman...now I gotta bring that there,like a fucking fool. Like there's nothing to eat at an fucking hotel."

Should I just leave it here he thought but then fuck it,they'll bust my balls for a while or...maybe if I slip an envelope under it,maybe Billy will be cool and keep his mouth shut about it. That is if others do not notice. All in his head,trying to present himself right. Neil did dress up sharp but that did not help to shake off the awkward feeling he always hes with social gatherings. Being a low key person he did not like the spotlight so he was hoping to go unnoticed.

"AYYYY Billy,how you doin? Here's something my wife made for you...and something I added."

He gave Billy the Lasagna with an envelope under it.

"Tell me friend,where do I sit? Please make me blend in with the staff. Do me a favour,you know I do not like the spotlight."

As he was making his way to where Billy showed him to Neil nodded at the few people he knew,just a little nod a show of respect and his way to escape the buzz.

"Whisky...double it" Neil said to the waiter as he was sitting in his chair that he pulled a bit away from the table trying to stay unnoticed. "Hay kid,do not let the glass get dry" saying as he was giving him 20$.

Blake fills up his plate with a bunch of different foods before passing the dishes down the table, its centerpiece filled with the many delicious plates especially the mashed potatoes and turkey.

“Everything’s good. I've been busy, of course, managing Seraphinum has taken up a lot of my time. ”

Blake takes a sip of bourbon, allowing the liquid to warm his body.

"Its nice to finally have the time to sit down and a enjoy a good meal though!" Blake gestured to the mac and cheese in front of Danny.

Kenshina arrived at the park after his flight from LV. His footsteps were light and quiet, due to his body still recovering. Taking in a deep breath of the autumn air, he could smell the food. This triggers his hunger as it been a bit of time since he had a good meal. Its been a busy few days and he had not taken the time to sit down and have a good meal. It was not only the food that immediately caught his attention but the calm music.

He followed the scent and sound till he arrived to where everyone was at. There were already several people there and he hoped it wasn't too late of an arrival. Looking around he had to find Dynamite. There he was smoking a cigar and enjoying the event. As he approached Dynamite he offered a slight bow. "Dynamite, i want to thank you for putting this together for everyone. I know its been a chaotic week and it must of been hard to find the time to do all this at the same time. I know we all needed this moment of peace" 

Kenshina pulled out a wooden box tied with a ribbon and handed it to Dynamite to open. Inside the box was an array of Japanese sweets. They were shaped like the autumn leaves. "These are called Wagashi and they are something not all that common, due to them not being as sugary as American sweets."

Kenshina then cleared his voice and said "I am grateful for moments like this. How we can pick back up after such tragedy and continue to enjoy each other's presence. There are many people and bonds that make this possible and it is what keeps people going. Those bonds also remind us we're not alone in this world"