#san churros

[dragkingsrule]

Papi Churro, Bay Area, California-based drag king

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Artist links: LinkTree, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

[shakballoonshack]

Mmmmm Churromatsu

[blogmatsu]

So cute, I found this "secret" can badge in the Churro Star set.

It's the older brothers sharing churros with their younger brothers~~

Osomatsu surprisingly willing to share his churro with Todomatsu, although Osomatsu seems like he has a second one for himself anyway XDD (still remember Oso being hung up over his ice cream pop being 1 cm less than Todomatsu's).

Jyushimatsu having already finished his own churro, is super happy about Choromatsu sharing his with him.

Ichimatsu also seeming to have already eaten his own churro, and Karamatsu sharing with him regardless, but notices the mess of crumbs around Ichimatsu's mouth.

[samott]

[lonjitasricas]

Lechera

[pikcstixx]

havent drawn this goober in a while,,

[senseiwu]

:( why don't doughnut shops sell churros too

[morning-tea-time]

Latte + Croffle ☕️🧇

[andrewbrandiswontshutthehellup]

Topic #347

Dessert Nandos.

[vero00]

Madrid, San Ginés

[just-a-pigeon-blog]

Blurry pigeon inside San churros

[rottenpumpkin13]

AGSZC go camping at the beach! What happens?

Sending you good vibes!

Things That Happen At The Beach

• Genesis thinks it's funny to tie a piece of bread onto a string and annoy some seagulls. He ends up getting harassed by the seagulls.

• Angeal leaves Zack alone at the beach for five minutes, when he comes back Zack is instructing a Zumba class.

• Sephiroth and Genesis try surfing (competitively) but they both get wiped out by a dolphin.

• It's Cloud's first time at the beach and he's very excited. Oh, look! A beach iguana. Maybe he should feed it some snacks :)

• Cloud gets chased by the iguana.

• Angeal is building the bonfire, Genesis suggests he use materia but Angeal is adamant about "returning to nature" and doing things "the old school way." They're arguing over this, meanwhile Zack has grabbed the guitar and is doing a happy, upbeat cover of Mad World. Genesis and Angeal are screaming in the background.

• Meanwhile Sephiroth and Cloud are setting up the tents.

Cloud: Um, not that I'm complaining, but why can't we go to a hotel instead?

Sephiroth: Good question. *he turns around* Angeal, why can't we go to a hotel?

Angeal: N A T U R E *throws his flip flop at Sephiroth*

• Zack and Cloud build some sandcastles! But the group of little kids a few feet away from them are building a whole sand city and now Zack makes it his mission to out-do the children. It's all going great until a little girl shouts that their sand castle looks terrible and calls Zack an unkind word not meant for kids. Zack as to then explain to Cloud that he cannot fight a child.

• Genesis convinces Sephiroth to let him bury him in the sand. Genesis digs a hole, makes Sephiroth get inside, turns around to pick up his shovel, then when he turns around again Sephiroth is gone. He's convinced Sephiroth san into the sand, so he spends ten minutes frantically digging trying to save him. And then Sephiroth shows up again. He has a churro. A vendor walked by and Sephiroth had gone to buy a churro. Genesis harasses him with the shovel.

• Angeal forces the four of them to go out fishing and "earn their dinner" while he sets up the rest of their camp. They set out on two jet skis. Four of them go, three come back.

Cloud: We caught the fish.

Angeal: Uh, where's Sephiroth?

Zack:

Genesis:

Cloud:

*They all scramble to get back on the jet skis because they forgot Sephiroth on a rock in the middle of the ocean*

• Zack and Cloud are hanging out under a big beach umbrella, watching Sephiroth, Angeal and Genesis in the water playing volleyball.

Zack: Man, aren't the guys so cool? How can they stay that deep in the ocean and still play?

Cloud: Oh, ouch! Genesis hit Sephiroth with the ball. I think his nose is bleeding!

Zack: I'm telling you, Spike, I wish I had their courage. I'd be so scared of a shark showing up.

Cloud: Yup! His nose is broken. Uh oh, he looks mad. Genesis isn't helping his case by laughing.

Zack: Do you like volleyball? I like volleyball, but I don't think I could play that well in the water.

Cloud: Sephiroth has produced Masamune out of nowhere.

Zack: To be honest, I'm not that great on land either.

Cloud: He's drowning Genesis.

Zack: You know what would be a cool sport to play in the water? Basketball!

Cloud: Zack I'm witnessing a murder.

Zack: Man, I wish water-basketball were possible!

Cloud: Where'd Genesis go? OH! Now Sephiroth is fighting Angeal.

Zack: Do you think it's possible, spike?

Cloud: That's it. I'm calling the police.

[sol-st1ce]

FATESWAP info dump time woah

Ok im gonna be 99% less mysterious and freaky than i am w/ EternalNight!Verse bcus FATESWAP mostly focuses on the present events of Underverse 0.0-0.8 :3c

I really really wanna talk about Arrow first though cus he’s one of my favourite freaks

This is Arrow, he fits in the role of Cross in FATESWAP; what made him take this role was the skirmish between X!Frisk & Cross , where instead of holding back Cross accidentally goes too far and shoots X!Frisk’s eye

vvv This point exactly vvv

This’d cause them to go ballistic and everything else pretty much goes like how it originally does in XTale but it’s Frisk who genocides everyone; and in retaliation (and bcus he’s heavily wounded) X!Gaster takes away the world making it seem like he’s actually gone but also trapping Arrow in the process. (Barring the Vessel/Arrow from using OVERWRITE)

Most of the story goes the same; except Ink is subbed in for Core!Frisk (who’s referred to as Omega), who eventually asks Arrow to go to the Omega Timeline, but he refuses.

So Omega leaves him be for an extended period of time. Making him feel like Omega abandoned him, which they sort-of did but not intentionally.

One day Mr. E (Error) pulls up to Arrow’s crib and takes half of his soul , this being before he became a ‘good guy’ so 😞

Arrow eventually takes actions and convinces Frisk (or ‘Player’) to let him spend the last moments he had with his family; of course Player obliges but it was really a ploy to get Player’s guard down and take their soul.

Omega, Player and Arrow get into a confrontation but Arrow managed to get away by the skin of his teeth.

-

He likes churros, Mettaton variants (both the TV and funny guys) , and small groups of people.

He hates being referred to as Frisk, VII, prototype or anything else of the sort.

If I remember right, I think Arrow’s whole arc is about like “Are my emotions even real?” Because, well, Savitr (Dream) and Ratri (Nightmare) are the embodiments of Positivity and Negativity, so they pretty much… are feeling?? If that makes sense so he’s here wondering if anything he feels is real or if they’re just a byproduct of another being. Because the only thing he feels is individual about himself is his emotions. And if they aren’t even real, then, what is he?

What is he fighting for if he’ll never have true freedom?

Speaking of his emotions :3c

Ultimately, it’d be his and X!Chara’s combined, visceral hate, for everything and everyone around him that’d get him out of XTale after he’d taken Player’s soul. As it’d draw a certain silly guy in … Savitr… who’s subbing in for Nightmare.

What happens is that Arrow hets sent to Underswap (instead of Underfell) for a silly reconnaissance mission :3c and to get Azure (Swap) but things go awry and Arrow gets into a skirmish with either Swap!Muffet or w/ Azure

gang i kinda want to have Swap!Muffet in place of Fell!Sans but i have a lot of art + ideas w/ Azure already 😞

I think I’d spend more time with Arrow doing missions w/ Savitr and (potentially) Rellik but idk

MY OHONE’S GETTING LAGGY AND IDK WHAT ELSE TO WRITE SO HERE’S THE REST OF THE ARROW ART that’s cool :3c

[cwritesforfun]

Art Donaldson x Fem!Reader: Soulmates

I haven't written a soulmate fanfic in a while and wanted to... so you and your soulmate can hear each other's thoughts starting at the age of 18. You can only communicate back and forth if you're within 3 miles/5km of each other. Idk why I used 3 miles/5km, but I did. HEHE Y/N = Your Name SOULMATE'S THOUGHTS ARE IN BOLD ITALICS - if they're back and forth, it'll have their initials:) ** I do not own any of the Challengers characters or plot

Masterlist

Y/N's POV

The day after you turned 18, the thoughts of your soulmate filled your brain. You could hear his voice saying the thoughts and the stress he seemed to be under.

After two weeks, you know a lot about him. He has a best friend named Patrick, flirts with a girl named Tashi, goes to Stanford, and plays tennis. His name was something you hadn't figured out yet. It's too bad he doesn't think about his name lol...

You go through 3 years hearing his thoughts and you like him a lot. He seems sweet and caring. His name is Art. He went through a positive affirmation stage and he would say his name in his brain like Art, you are good and kind. It was kind of funny.

Your parents would think you were crazy if you flew to Stanford for him. But you don't care... you want to meet him... your only hope is that Art stays on campus for spring break.

You arrive at the San Francisco airport, rent a car, and drive to Stanford. You see a grocery store and run in to grab flowers to give to Art. Men deserve flowers too... or at least you think Art deserves them... your thoughts may change after you get to know him, but maybe not.

You look up where the campus tennis courts are and you drive over there. You find visitor parking nearby and rush over to the courts.

(A = Art)

A - I hate today. Y/N - Wait can you hear this, Art? A - Uh Y/N what? Why can I hear you? Y/N - I'm at Stanford outside of the tennis court. You think about Stanford tennis a lot and I'm on spring break. So I flew here. A - Where are you exactly? There are so many people. Y/N - Not by the college tours, but I can see them! I'm by one of the doors and I have flowers.

One of the guys that has fluffy blond hair looks directly at you and smiles.

A - Walk over. You can sit over here by my stuff until I'm done. I have to finish this practice with my Coach or he'll be mad. Y/N - Ok.

You walk over to where Art is, he smiles at you as you sit down on the bench, and he returns to playing. You watch him as he plays. He's fascinating to watch and he's cute.

A - Stop thinking about how attractive I am. It's throwing me off. Y/N - Oh shit sorry, but you're cute. A - Thanks, you're cute too.

You open the book in your bag and focus on that instead.

You hear, "Hi Y/N." You look up and see Art smiling down at you. You smile, stand, and say, "Hi Art. I brought you these flowers. I think you deserve them." He smiles and his cheeks flush bright pink. It makes you smile as he takes them. He says, "I've never had a girl buy me flowers before. It's nice. Thank you. If I had known you were going to be here, I would've had some for you." You reply, "That's okay. There is always next time. I'm surprised Tashi hasn't bought you any. You seem to like her." He asks, "Are you jealous? You weren't in my life yet... She no longer matters though. Only you do." You reply, "I was a little jealous, but I understood... should we leave the tennis court or should we stay here all day? He laughs and answers, "Come on, let's go eat lunch. Are you hungry actually?" You answer, "Yeah I am." He grabs his bag, holds his hand out to hold out my hand which I take, and then we walk to his on-campus dining hall. He tells me about these chicken burritos and churros that he likes, so he gets me lunch. The campus is pretty empty, so the dining hall is only half full. You both sit next to each other near a window and you start eating.

Art asks, "So what made you decide to fly out to see me?" You answer, "I don't know. I hear everyone talk about their soulmates or dating. I just wanted to meet you because I wasn't doing anything for this break and I've been saving money up for travel in general. So I chose to spend my break here trying to find you, which I did fairly quickly." He replies, "That's kind of crazy, but I would've done the same thing to find you one day... I like having your thoughts in my head, but I was hoping we just miraculously ran into each other on a random day." You reply, "I can leave the building and re-enter pretending this is random." He laughs and says, "Please don't. I like spending time with you and that would mean you leaving." You smile and reply, "I really do find you cute by the way, sorry for thinking that while you were playing tennis." He smiles and says, "Yeah it was distracting hearing about my hair bouncing in the wind and my piercing eyes as I played." You smile and say, "It was nice to watch. I've never really watched or played tennis before." He asks, "Oh I'm glad you liked it. What sports did you play growing up or now?" You answer, "I did track and field for a while. Now I run for fun without competition or stressing out over my run time." He replies, "Cool."

You & Art talk for a while. You give him your number before you head to your hotel. He offered for you to stay with him in his dorm room, but you just met him and you like your alone time.

You take a shower and put on a different outfit. You relax and watch TV. Art said he had something he had to do this afternoon, but he wanted to take you to dinner.

Art texts you when he is on the way and you wait in the lobby until he texts that he arrived. You see him leaning against his car smiling and holding flowers.

Y/N - He is so cute. A - Thanks, you look beautiful.

You reach Art, he hands you the flowers, and you give him a side hug. You notice a box of chocolates and a bag of chips in the passenger seat. Art says, "I wanted you to have a few snacks for the week. I've heard you think about these both. You do like them, right?" You smile and say, "Yes I do."

You arrive at an Italian restaurant and you're seated outside. You enjoy the time talking and just getting to know each other better.

You hear, "Art? Are you on a date?" You see a girl staring at you with a guy next to her. Art says, "I am, Tashi. I see you're on one with Patrick."

Y/N - So this is the famous Tashi. A - I swear I don't like her anymore like that. Y/N - She's really hot. A - You're hotter. Y/N - You're hot too.

Patrick asks, "When did you start dating? And why are you blushing like that, Art? I thought you would've introduced us to someone that makes you feel like that." Art answers, "This is my soulmate, Y/N. She flew here to meet me and we're dating, yes. Y/N, this is Tashi and Patrick. Tashi is on the Stanford tennis team as well. Patrick has been my best friend for years and he also plays tennis." You wave and say, "Hi, nice to meet you both." Tashi replies, "That's crazy. How did you find him?" You answer, "Uh well Art has thought about Stanford tennis quite a bit so I assumed he was on the team. I flew here and just hoped he would be here for my spring break. I bought him flowers and I found him on the tennis court." Patrick replies, "What a coincidence that he was here and you knew that... flying here feels like something loverboy Art would do." You laugh and ask, "Is that like a nickname you have for him?" Patrick answers, "Art just gives his all in relationships and buys flowers all the time. It's nice to see that already being reciprocated." Art says, "Thanks, Patrick. That's actually really kind of you to say." Patrick says, "Oh also Y/N, he likes physical touch a lot. He will get very clingy. That is my warning to you now." You laugh and reply, "Ok thank you."

Patrick and Tashi head out... you and Art finish your dinner.

You spend the next week together when Art is not practicing. You explore parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and other random places. You enjoy getting to know him and Patrick was right, Art loves physical touch. Once you told Art that holding your hand was okay, you hold hands almost every minute you're together. You go out dancing with Tashi and Patrick where Art has his arm around your waist the whole night. You check out of your hotel early and stay with Art in his dorm room the rest of your break... it only took you three days to cave to Art's puppy dog eyes begging you to stay with him. He doesn't have a roommate, which thank goodness... He cuddles with you and he always is holding you. He's cute.

Masterlist

[acermp100]

IT'S WAWA WEEK

And I've been working on shorts for over 10 days now! Excited to share~

----------

25/3 – Friends: ZOO

Based on my many fun but fraught visits.

Seri learns the power of FRANDSHIP Shou tries to pet a crocodile Ritsu experiences churros They are at a zoo with American food don't question it ANTS

General Audience. No trigger warnings. Depictions of disassociation and anxiety/sensory issues. Some minor Seri/Rei. Capybara.

-----------------------

Serizawa stood in the middle of the walkway. Throngs of people flowed past- left, right, strollers, backpacks, balloons- all moving with their own purpose. That was the problem of a crowd. Being surrounded by so many yet still left completely alone, even if one’s anxieties preyed on that ever present fear that everyone is watching, everyone is judging. His fingers tensed at his sides before balling into fists. Just focus on one thing. That tree looks nice. It didn’t work. Bits of conversations bled into one another until all he could hear was chaotic noise as he took a slow, strained inhale.

“Oi, Katsuya.”

Everything snapped back into place. What was once churning and bleating returned to laughter and normal voices. A little kid ran past him asking an older sibling for ice cream. Serizawa blinked a few times until his eyes focused on a hand waving in front of his face.

Reigen gestured to the gate past the courtyard. “You’re holding on to all their tickets, buddy.”

Purpose swelled in to replace nervousness. Serizawa looked up to see the four middle schoolers gathered at the large, glassed off map near the entrance. Teru was pointing to one of the exhibits as Mob laughed, with Ritsu and Shou hanging back to avoid looking too excited. It had all started with wanting to take the Kageyama brothers out to the zoo for a small trip while their parents were out of town. Shou found out and invited himself and of course Mob was going to ask Teru to come as well.  

“You alright?” Reigen tilted his head. “Kinda went a bit-“ He widened his eyes. “Starey back there.”

“S-sorry. I’m fine.”

Serizawa steadied his fingers and unzipped the small pack at his waist before starting to rummage for the pre bought tickets. Got to save money so Reigen set them up as a school trip, among other things. He didn’t even know there were discounts for the son of a wife of a veteran.

The fanny pack had been picked out by Teru when the group went shopping together last week. Serizawa made sure to pack only the essentials. Inside the bright, green, reflective, and waterproof fabric were a mini first aid kit, some hard candies, nylon rope, a small utility knife, compact flair gun, translation book, and a magnesium fire starter with two pens and a pad of paper. And of course the tickets.

“Here they are!”

His voice came out a bit too loud but Reigen didn’t seem to notice, or maybe didn’t care. He could never tell. The tickets were held at arm’s length as Reigen took and inspected them.

“You know, I’m glad you decided to come, Serizawa” A flick of his wrist, Reigen gesturing even with tickets in hand. “You’ve really improved these last few months. Taking night classes and handling society and all it throws at you. I mean the train we took here was wall to wall people.” He paused, meeting Serizawa’s eyes. “But I know one can’t just magically be fine with all of that. So let me know if you need a break, alright?”

“Of course, Reigen-san!”

Reigen blinked back, leaning into his raised hand.

“Oh, right. Casual outing, not work.”

“Right. Just like going to class!” Reigen turned. “Let’s catch up with the kids.”

No, it wasn’t just like going to class. There he took the same train, walked down the same road, saw the same people, smelled the same smells. He had built that up all on his own: forcing himself to go until every detail was memorized. Predictable. Safe. Even the shopping trip had been short enough for him to handle at a small store that lay on his normal rout to work. Serizawa could feel his heart beat ever faster.

A small pack of kids ran by screaming. Music played from various speakers. The smell of fried food mixed with a musky, earthly scent. New sounds from every side conflicted with the various signs, decorations, and posters his eyes tried to read all of them at the same time. Even his clothing, though comfortable and casual for the day, left him feeling itchy.

“Serizawa-san.”   

He suddenly found himself at an exhibit in front of a glass wall looking over a recreated wetland. On land a few reptiles were lounging on broad leafed plants with fish under the water line. Mob was at his side glancing up at him without a hint of judgment in his eyes.

“Shishou says he wants to gather everyone up for a snack before we head into the rainforest building.”

“Oh.” Gears turned then started to grind. “Oh! Where- where is everyone?” Serizawa started to pull at his own hair, looking back and forth. “I was supposed to be watching and- Reigne-san- I should have-”

“It’s fine.” Mob turned his head to peer down the little trail to another section. “My brother and the others are feeding the crocodiles.”

Serizawa’s heart skipped a beat as he frantically stared ahead. “WHAT.”

Mob’s voice remained steady, but he punctuated his words with a short laugh. “Don’t worry. I don’t think a crocodile could take them on. Plus there’s zoo keepers monitoring the entire thing.”

Lowering his arms, Serizawa tried to catch his breath. A few of the fish swam by, their forms distorted from both the surface of the water and thick glass window. Four conversations, no five. Parents talking over kids. Loud footsteps on the wooden planks that lined the ground. All that with the constant, wet smell of algae.

“The first time I went to the zoo, Ritsu had just mastered walking.” Mob looked out over the water continuing in his monotone. “My parents had the stroller for him, but he still wanted to do it all himself. I barely got to see any animals because I was so worried about him.”

Serizawa looked into the enclosure as well. It’s fine. Everyone is fine. You’re fine. His fingers were still clenched, tongue pressed against the roof of his mouth.

“After when we were heading back, my mom took me aside and said she was proud of me for watching over my little brother so well. But-” A glance up at Serizawa. “She said there’s no need to do everything all by myself. We are a family, we have friends.”

A long exhale. Everything melted away accept for Mob’s voice. Serizawa could now feel the auras of all the others: Shou, Teru, even Reigen, and senses their emotions. Calm, happy. It’s fine.

“Do you mind getting your brother and your friend?”  Serizawa cracked a smile. “I’ll wrangle up Shou.”

A bit later they now all sat around the classic outdoor table made of rubber covered metal that formed a crude mesh so the employees didn’t have to worry too much about weather or cleaning. Serizawa recalled sitting at one when he was little with his mom as they waited for some fast food. That one had an umbrella though. Don’t need one now: not with the clear weather and good company.

“Hey, I was only gonna touch one.” Shou pointed a ketchup dipped fry at the others. “When else will I have a chance to pet a crocodile?”

Teru looked up from his burger. “Maybe try when the zoo keepers are not right there?”

“Not my fault you were too chicken.” Shou grinned back.

A scoff. Teru leaned back and crossed his arms. “What about Ritsu? He was standing back with the all the rest.”

“I was trying to get a good angle for a photo.” Ritsu didn’t look up from his food as he answered.

Reigen and Mob had gone back in line for more food. They returned triumphant with more fried, unhealthy goodness.

“Alight, got some desert. Mob said he’s never had a churro so here we are.”

Reigen set a cardboard tray in the middle and sat down; eagerly eyeing the double decker burger he had been forced to leave behind.

A smile from Serizawa, lost in thought as he listened to the kids talk about their day so far.

“So Serizawa.” Reigen was speaking from a half full mouth, pointing with his burger in hand. “You enjoying your order?”

“Oh! Yes!” Serizawa stiffened before grinning back. “Though I thought a corndog was going to be something different.”

“Right? I remember getting one as a kid when some American fair came to town.” Another bite, some of the sauce dribbling down Reigen’s chin. “Still tasty. I swear they make this stuff to be addicting.”

The burger was nearly gone now. Still so many sounds and smells. Serizawa took some breaths and focused on the conversation happening in the moment.

“Do they have wolves here?” Teru was gazing out down the path toward other habitats. They were mainly small mammals and birds. “I hope they don’t keep them in little enclosures.”

“No, it’s a big area in the back with trees and little dens they put into the walls.” Mob took a bite of his churro and suddenly forgot what he was saying.

“Yeah, this place is kinda famous for it.” Shou chimed in. “That and the lions.”

“Lions?” Teru’s face lit up.

“Wait.” Setting down his soft drink, Shou raised an eyebrow at Teru. “Have you never been here before?”

“Um.” Teru started to tug at his shirt, looking away. “No? I mean it’s not like my parents took me. And um- I guess-“

“The schools never have field trips here anymore.” Mob met Teru’s eyes and gave a nod of his head. “They claim it’s too expensive. But you’re here now.”

“Yeah.” Teru’s face softened. “It was worth the wait.”

Serizawa had kept back, not wanting to interrupt, but now invasive thoughts were flooding in. School, his failure, the bullies, just wanting to hide in his room forever. He closed his eyes for a moment before letting the toxic memories into the light.

“I’ve never been here either.” The kids all looked over at him. He had to glance over at Reigen to get enough strength to continue “Th-the schools back then took trips here all the time. I was pretty excited to go. Wouldn’t be stuck in some stuffy classroom or hallway for once. But well-“ He was gripping the stick of his corn dog so hard it broke in his hand. “There was an incident with some bullies the week before and- um- and-“

“Ugh they always do that.” Reigen gave Serizawa a pat on the back. “Even my teachers did: punish both the bullies and the victim. As if taking away fun activities and privileges would help.”

“Hey, kids are cruel man. Spesh with anything different.” Shou nodded at Serizawa. “Sorry you weren’t able to find a good bunch until now. The night class people seem pretty chill.”

Serizawa’s muscles relaxed. “Yeah, it’s nice to not always have to worry.”

“Being your true self is hard around the wrong people.” Added Teru. “But bullying has gotten a bit better, what with the student councils and all that. They get more power and police each other.”

“Oh yeah my brother was doing something with that.” Mob stole one of Teru’s onion rings with no resistance. “What do you think, niisan?”

Ritsu had said very little, and even less now. It was not due to the current subject, however.

“Pfff.” Shou nudged Ritsu with an elbow. “You here in the same reality with us, dude?”

He was looking down at his food, hands holding up his head with a distant stare. Serizawa grew worried.

“Um, are you alright?”

A sigh. “This is the most unhealthy, horrible thing I have ever eaten.” Ritsu spoke in a low, serious tone. “I’m probably going to get sick after we get home.” His head sunk lower. “But I can’t stop eating it. Why is it so good?”

“Ah.” Shou held up one of the churros. “The existential crisis of fried dough covered in sugar.” He playfully dangled in front of Ristu. “Truly a conundrum.”

Everyone gave a friendly laugh, even Serizawa. His experience with food had been quite limited until recently, relating easily to the bliss of trying something delicious even if it was bad for you.

The noise was still getting to him even after they ate. So many random and chaotic ones mixing together. Serizawa would calm down for a moment before a small kid would scream right next to him. In between there was the music and smells. He followed the kids along into the building hoping that would be better. Nope. Now all the noise was contained in an enclosed space leaving him feeling claustrophobic. He focused on his friends enjoying the animals.

Mob had lagged behind, what with the last area being dedicated to frogs. Not wanting to get separated, Serizawa hung back as well. A group of adults pushing strollers went by. Each were loudly complaining about the cleanliness of the place, and in their own little bubble, they nearly ran over Mob’s foot. One of them turned and gave a cruel sneer. Mob shrank back, holding his arm and looking at the floor. The same group almost bumped into Serizawa as well.

He wanted to help but one of the babies starting crying, causing the others to join in. His limbs froze, muscles knotting. The room spun for a moment and he looked up to check on Mob. He was having the same reaction, backing away and breathing harder, his shoulders tense.

“Hey, there’s a cool ant display ahead!” Teru had walked up and taken Mob’s hand. “Wanna watch them carry little leaves and stuff? They have all these clear pipes you can see them travel through.”

Serizawa smiled as they walked by, Mob now calm. Maybe he could get the same relief. The babies continued to cry while he stared at his footsteps, ignoring the mini crowds in front of every glassed enclosed snake, lizard, and spider they passed.

“What’s on your mind, Serizawa?”

Another sudden jolt as he was forced out of his head. They had made it out of the building but that just meant even more differences to deal with. Serizawa blinked before turning to see Reigen at his side. He found himself standing in front of a ground enclosure where the animals wandered around in an open air pit behind a fence.

“You seem really focused. Never seen one before?”

He wanted to say something but failed to conjure up anything concrete, instead turning his head toward the enclosure. Inside sat a few large, furry mammals. Their fur was brown with big eyes and snouts

“It’s a capybara.” Reigen brought up a hand. “They are the largest of the rat family and in some areas are actually classified as fish to avoid religious traditions of food consumption.”

Serizawa leaned a bit to the side as Reigen gestured, looking past to see an information sign with the same words his boss was stating at this very moment. He couldn’t help but grin.

“They seem very calm.” Serizawa shifted his gaze to meet Reigen’s eyes. “And rather cute.”

“Ha ha. Yeah.” A blush formed on Reigen’s cheeks. “I guess they are.”

A large crowd wandered past them, some breaking off to yell and point at the capybaras. Why can’t he just be in the moment? Why does he tense up every single time? It’s not like he was doing it on purpose. Serizawa let out a grumbling exhale while wrapping his arms around himself. But one of his hands was stopped.

“Hey, you need anything?” Reigen gave a light squeeze to Serizawa’s hand. “I did say you could ask if you needed.”

Serizawa inhaled, no longer hearing the random noises, immune now to attempting to read every sign, only smelling the cheap body spray Reigen used every day. Tears welled in his eyes but he forced them back.

“I- I can’t do this. It’s too much.” The first words came out shaky but he managed to keep them calmer and low now. “The kids are enjoying this so much, so I can’t just go home when they need me. But- but I can’t- there’s so much here and I can’t seem to focus and-“

During the desperate rambling, little pebbles started to rise and float around Serizawa, as well as Reigen’s ball cap.

“Hey.” Reigen had a hand on Serizawa’s shoulder now, looking straight at him, face serious but kind. “I used to work here you know.”

Breathing fast, Serizawa concentrated on his boss’s words.

“I thought I was going to get to play with animals and stuff. Nope!” Fingers up, gesturing out toward the other half of the zoo. “It was all shit. Picking up shit. All day.”

Serizawa had stopped crying and was lost in a state of confusion and admiration.

“Still, I had to finish my summer out so I just tried to push through.” Reigen continued. “That definitely did not work. But I did learn one thing: there’s this café that barely anyone goes to. Families all want fried food and animal toys and stuff, but this place just has tea.” He stopped flinging his hands around and held one out for Serizawa to take. “Wanna take a break and go there? The kids will be fine on their own for a bit.”

Instead of taking the offered hand, Serizawa wrapped his arms around Reigen and pulled him into a hug.

“Yes! I’d like that.” Serizawa mumbled into his boss’s shoulder until he realized what he was doing and released his hold, stepping back and fumbling his arms in front of him. “I mean, if that’s ok with you, Reigen-san.”

His boss nodded back, still recovering with his hair messily sticking out from his ball cap. “Sure thing, big guy.”