A fine and dandy armageddon to you all! I hope everyone is keeping as safe and sane as possible during this pandemic. I wanted to do something to both help the people who are suffering and spread some positivity, so I started writing fics in exchange for donations. You can either message me or check my Tumblr for full details, but the basic concept is that, if you donate at least twenty dollars to a legit, non-bigoted charity and email me a photo of the receipt (minus personal info, of course), I'll write you a oneshot request between two and three thousand words.

This first fic is for RytheAnon, who gave a generous donation to their Food Bank. They asked for a slice-of-life fic with Kobayashi, Tohru, and Kanna going to the park and running errands. Thank you for donating, Ry! I hope you enjoy this fic.

It was one of those perfect summer days. The air was warm, but not humid, and smelled of mown grass and flowers. Every now and then, a pleasant breeze would make the leaves shake lazily.

Kobayashi smiled as one such breeze cooled her brow, which was just developing a sheen of sweat. She felt Tohru and Kanna pausing to savor the brief coolness and took the opportunity to free her hands and wipe them on her pant legs. She stepped forward before either of them could grab her again.

"My hands are too sweaty," she said in response to their dismayed cries. "You can hold them once we wash up."

"I can clean them for you, Miss Kobayashi!" Tohru immediately volunteered, making a grab for her master's wrist.

Kobayashi dodged smoothly. "You're not licking me, Tohru. What do I keep telling you about appearances?"

Tohru folded her arms, letting out a grouchy huff. "It would only take a moment. No one would see."

"That's only part of the problem," Kobayashi sighed. She looked down at Kanna, who was staring intently at the grass. "How many flowers do you need to find?"

"Five," Kanna replied. "We're supposed to draw them and describe where we found them. Saikawa knows how to press flowers, so I'm gonna pick some to bring in."

"Just as long as you stick to wildflowers," Kobayashi warned. "We'll get in trouble if you start taking flowers from gardens."

"I wonder what the difference is," Tohru murmured. "Do garden flowers have magical properties?"

"Not really. They're just flowers people choose to plant. They often require more care and cost more money, so it's harder to replace them if they're killed. Wildflowers grow in most places without help," Kobayashi explained.

Tohru frowned. "If that's the case, I think the wildflowers are superior."

As they walked down the path, they came up to an old fountain surrounded by a few benches. The water was still trickling a bit, but it was clear that the fountain hadn't been maintained in a long time. There was algae inside and moss on the coiled sea serpent statue at the top, which spat sputtering bursts of water from its mouth.

"Kobayashi," Kanna called as her guardian walked on. "Wait! You have to give an offering to the serpent."

"Hm?" Kobayashi walked back over, looking once more at the statue. "I didn't see any indication of a shrine being here."

Kanna pointed into the water. "Look." At the bottom of the fountains, coins glittered in the dapples of sunlight.

"Ah, I see!" Tohru nodded. "In order to walk by the fountain, you have to pay a toll. Serpents always have been uncreative when it comes to gathering treasure." She shrugged. "I could fight him off easily if he showed up, but I know you hate it when I get into battles."

"No serpents are going to show up," Kobayashi explained. "It's common to throw coins into fountains."

"Huh?" Tohru tilted her head. "I thought humans valued money. Why would they throw it away if it's not to appease a creature or spirit?"

"It's a tradition." Kobayashi took some ten-yen coins from her wallet. "People throw coins into wells or fountains and make a wish. Usually, they use small coins, so it's not a huge loss."

"A wish-granting spell," Tohru gasped. "You humans keep surprising me! That's so much better than hunting for a genie or monkey's paw!"

"It's not exactly like that," Kobayashi quickly clarified. "It's just something people do for fun. The fountain doesn't actually grant wishes."

"Oh." Tohru frowned. "So, the humans really are just throwing money away."

"Well, maybe they think making the wish will tip things in their favor," Kobayashi suggested. "Like a good luck charm."

"I want a wish!" Kanna said excitedly. She dug into her pocket, but her face fell as she realized that she hadn't brought any money.

"Here." Kobayashi handed Kanna one of her coins. "Want one, Tohru?"

"I'd might as well," Tohru said, accepting the coin and eying it. "Good luck isn't something to turn away from, after all. Still, I'd prefer a true magic fountain."

"Stand with your back to it, like this." Kobayashi turned her back to the fountain and held the coin in her palm. "Then, toss it over your shoulder as you make your wish."

She closed her eyes for a moment. It's been awhile since I've done this. Hm… I wish to finally get that raise the director's been talking about. She tossed the coin and listened to the satisfying plunk of it hitting the water.

Kanna copied Kobayashi, closing her eyes and holding the coin to her chest. "I wish-"

"Don't say it out loud," Kobayashi cut in. "You're not supposed to tell anyone what you wished for."

Kanna looked up at her. "Really?"

"That's right."

"What happens if you tell?"

"Supposedly, it won't come true," Kobayashi replied.

Kanna's eyes widened. "Oh. Thanks for stopping me!" She closed her eyes and thought for a moment before tossing her coin in.

Tohru followed suit, though her coin pinged off the edge of the fountain and fell into the bushes. "Ah! What does it mean if I miss the fountain?"

"Probably nothing." Kobayashi handed Tohru another coin. "Try again but toss a little more gently."

Tohru obeyed and was relieved when the coin landed in the water. "Thank you, Mister Serpent," she said, bowing to the statue. "Please grant our wishes!"

The three continued down the path, walking slowly as Kanna periodically knelt in the grass to examine the flowers. She eventually had a small bouquet clutched in her hands. "One more." As they entered the shade of a picnic area, her gaze drifted toward a flowerbed that had some colorful pansies. She hesitated, then reached toward a bright yellow one.

"Kanna," Kobayashi admonished.

Kanna winced, pulling her hand back guiltily. "There's lots here."

"If everyone picked one, there wouldn't be a garden here," Kobayashi pointed out. "Besides, look." She pointed toward the field on the other side of the picnic pavilion. The grass hadn't been cut yet, and there were colorful wildflowers scattered across the green surface like a splatter painting. "There should be one you don't have yet."

Kanna placed her flowers on the nearest bench. "Guard my flowers, please."

"Of course." Kobayashi sat down as Kanna ran out to the field. "These will probably be wilted by the time we get back," she noted.

"So fragile," Tohru muttered as she sat down next to Kobayashi. "Humans seem to really like flowers. Kanna told me there are even books about meanings humans have assigned to different flowers."

"That's right. Pretty much every flower has some sort of message." Kobayashi carefully picked up the wildflowers and looked at their varying colors and shapes. Kanna had found a dandelion, a violet, a shepherd's purse, and some familiar blue flowers. "These are forget-me-nots, for example. Like the name suggests, giving this to someone is like a promise that you won't ever forget them."

Tohru blinked, staring down at the tiny blue flowers. The petals were already starting to droop. Why would something this weak be used to make a promise like that? she wondered. They die even easier than- She immediately stopped that train of thought, gritting her teeth.

Kobayashi glanced away from Kanna, who seemed to be choosing between two flowers, and started when she saw the tense, pensive look on Tohru's face. She seemed oddly melancholy, bringing back memories of how she had been in the days after her battle with her father.

Crap. Did I say something to make her sad? Kobayashi wondered.

After a moment, Kobayashi wiped her hand on her pant leg once before reaching out to hold Tohru's again. She looked away as Tohru gasped and turned toward her. She didn't say anything, but a smile came to her face as she felt Tohru tightly squeezing her hand and snuggling against her side.

Thank you for granting my wish, Mister Serpent! Tohru thought, her sadness already fading as Kobayashi gently weaved their fingers together.

Kanna hurried over to the bench, holding up a few stalks of lavender. "Kobayashi! Smell!"

Kobayashi obliged, sniffing the fragrant herb. "Mmhm. It's nice." She held out the other flowers. "We still need to shop for dinner. Want to put these in water at home first?"

Kanna nodded. "I don't want the petals to get brown."

"I'll take them home!" Tohru volunteered. "You two can meet me at the shopping district. It'll be faster that way."

"You're in a hurry," Kobayashi noted.

"Well, you did say we could cuddle under the kotatsu tonight," Tohru reminded her with a wink. "Kanna won't be hogging you this time!"

Kanna folded her arms and pouted. "I want to cuddle with Kobayashi!"

"You got to sit next to her every evening this week!" Tohru growled. "I demand my share!"

"Don't fight," Kobayashi groaned. "Kanna, you can sleep in my room with me tonight if you want."

Kanna's eyes sparkled. "Yeah!" She grabbed Kobayashi's arm, hugging it happily.

"Hmph. I'll accept it," Tohru grumbled as she took Kanna's flowers. "But I get the bed tomorrow."

"What was even the point of giving you two a room?" Kobayashi wondered, rolling her eyes.

"Anyway," Tohru continued cheerfully. "I'll see you soon!" She blocked human perception before sprouting her wings and tail and taking to the sky.

Kobayashi glanced down at Kanna. "Ready to go?"

Kanna nodded. "Can we get éclairs today?"

"I think we can afford that. Let's go." Kobayashi started down the path with Kanna trotting beside her, still clinging to her arm.

As they passed the old fountain a second time, Kanna paused to bow her head at it. Thank you, Mister Serpent!

…

Upon entering the shopping district, Kanna immediately dragged Kobayashi toward the bakery, where they bought three éclairs. Kanna ate half of hers with one bite.

"Is it good?" Kobayashi asked as Kanna licked chocolate from her lips.

"Mmph!" Kanna nodded excitedly as the familiar taste of flaky pastry, sweet cream, and dark chocolate danced on her tongue. She took another bite, already eying the other two in the box.

"We get one each," Kobayashi said, noticing Kanna's expression. "You don't want to spoil your dinner, do you?"

"What are we eating?"

"Not sure," Kobayashi replied. "I was going to ask Tohru what she feels like making."

"It's been awhile since we've had omurice!" Tohru cheerfully piped up.

"Ah!" Kobayashi jumped, almost dropping the éclair box. "Tohru, please warn me when you do that."

"Sorry, sorry." Tohru noticed the box, and her eyes lit up. "Are those éclairs? Miss Kobayashi, please feed me one!" She opened her mouth hopefully.

Kobayashi tapped Tohru's nose sharply. "Appearances, Tohru." She couldn't help but smile a little at the dragon's childish pout. "Anyway, omurice sounds perfect. It's always good when you make it, after all."

Tohru had to actually stop her tail from coming out and lashing back and forth with joy. "I'll make the best one yet! Leave it to me!"

"Just stick to ingredients from this world, okay?" Kobayashi cautioned. "I don't want you getting in any trouble."

"You don't need to worry about me, Miss Kobayashi," Tohru said, though she was definitely touched by the concern. "But I'll stick to this realm if that's what you want."

"If you're concerned about ingredients, I did some extra overtime this past month, so we can afford some higher-quality items." She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "And no tail!"

"Fine," Tohru sighed. "But it would taste so much better than chicken."

The three walked through the marketplace, picking up ingredients and talking to all the vendors. Once again, Kobayashi marveled at how sociable Tohru was. Seems a bit unfair that someone who's only been in this world for a little over a year is better at this than me. Oh well.

Tohru hummed cheerfully as she held the shopping bags on one arm and grabbed Kobayashi's free hand. "Kotatsu time!"

"Okay," Kobayashi replied. "Kanna, are you going to go right to Saikawa's?"

Kanna nodded. "I want to press the flowers soon, so they don't wilt."

The walk home was a bit brisker than their departure had been, since Tohru was eager to get home and cuddle with Kobayashi, Kanna needed to hurry to Saikawa's, and Kobayashi wanted to get the remaining éclairs into the fridge before too long.

After Kanna left with her flowers, Kobayashi took a quick bath. Even though it was a mild summer so far, walking all over the place had still worked up a sweat. Still, she was happy that she had decided to go. It was nice to just enjoy the weather, run basic errands, and simply be with Tohru and Kanna. She honestly felt more relaxed than she typically was after one of her famous death march naps. She left the bathroom, feeling clean and refreshed.

"When do you want me to start dinner, Miss Kobayashi?" Tohru asked, scooting over to let her master sit next to her.

"Later," Kobayashi replied. "That éclair will hold me for a bit." She sighed as she stuck her legs under the kotatsu. They had considered putting it away for the summer, but no one had ever made a move to pack it up. With the air conditioning kicking in, the warmth under the table was a nice contrast.

Tohru gladly cuddled against Kobayashi's side, wrapping her arms around her middle. "You smell great, Miss Kobayashi!"

"I used that new peach bubble bath you bought the other day."

"I'm not talking about that," Tohru giggled.

"Of course, you aren't," Kobayashi sighed, rolling her eyes. She rested her head on top of Tohru's, minding her horns.

Tohru hummed happily. "You're so much more affectionate now!" she commented.

Kobayashi glanced to the side a little guiltily, clearing her throat as she let one of her arms wrap around Tohru's shoulders. "Well… That incident with your father made me realize I was taking you for granted. I don't want to do that again."

Tohru glanced up at her, brows furrowing a little. "I never thought you were. You've always made me happy. I like how cuddly you are now, but you don't have to force yourself for my sake."

"I'm not forcing anything." Kobayashi hesitated before leaning down and touching a quick kiss to Tohru's cheek.

Tohru's tail thumped against the ground and her wings fluttered excitedly." M-Miss Kobayashi," she gasped. She pulled her master even closer, nuzzling the side of her neck. "Want to breed before Kanna comes home?"

"Not happening," Kobayashi muttered, her cheeks reddening slightly. "Don't spoil the mood."

"Fine," Tohru sighed, settling for a quick peck to Kobayashi's cheek and a mental picture of that adorable blushing face. She closed her eyes, letting herself relax against her master's side. "I love you, Miss Kobayashi!" she purred.

Kobayashi gently pet Tohru's head as her breathing slowed. She bit her lip, opened her mouth, then closed it again. Why was it so hard to say out loud, even after everything that had happened?

She touched one more kiss to the top of Tohru's head.

I love you too.

I can never resist adding a bit of cuddle fluff. Fun fact: I actually rewatched the anime as I typed this fic since it's been awhile since I've seen it fully. I just can't get over how cute it is!

Like I said, if you want to donate for a fic request, this is one of several fandoms I'm currently writing for. Let's help each other as much as we can and create a positive space to exist in while the world tries to recover.

Until next time, peace out!