The stone of the onsen was warm beneath Luke’s scaled back, the heat of the springwater rising around his vast, golden bulk. Ripples circled outward with every lazy breath he took, belly bobbing gently on the surface like an overstuffed float. The air was thick with the scent of mineral steam and early spring blossoms, a quiet contrast to the cacophony of celebration he had just escaped from.

It had been a long day—parades, egg hunts, and feast after feast. By the end of it, he’d lost track of how many sweets and dumplings he’d been coaxed into “sampling.” Now, his great, domed belly was taut and round, rising high above the water, the skin glossy and warm to the touch. With a heavy sigh, he patted it, the soft splash echoing faintly off the surrounding stones.

A small cup of sake, delicately cradled in his clawed fingers, steamed slightly in the cool evening air. He sipped it slowly, savoring the smooth burn as it slid down, resting his free hand lazily on the upper curve of his gut. Every now and then, it gave a quiet *gurgle*, but he only chuckled, lips curling into a tired, satisfied smile.

Around him, lanterns flickered to life, their warm glow dancing over the water’s surface. Somewhere distant, a breeze rustled the cherry trees. Luke’s ears twitched, but his eyes remained half-lidded, tail drifting sluggishly beneath the surface. He was far too full, far too content to move.

"Happy Easter to me," he mumbled, voice thick with drowsiness and sake, a quiet burp escaping just after.

And with that, Luke let the world fade to quiet warmth—belly buoyed, heart full, and mind drifting in peaceful, festive haze.