Cinco de Mayo Feast
(Or I Feel Like A Stuffed Piñata)
By (Kitty)Caroline
C&Cs to [email protected]
Disclaimer: Voltron and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted by WEP. Original/new characters belong to the author.
Warnings: Rated PG for mild language.
Originally Published 04/28/2001 - Revised 2014
Warnings: Rated PG for mild language.
Originally Published 04/28/2001 - Revised 2014
Click on the following links to move along to that chapter.
A red sports-utility vehicle with five occupants was eastbound on the Santa Monica Freeway, on route to Downtown Los Angeles. They were cadets of the prestigious Alliance Space Academy, located in the city of El Segundo, California.
The driver- who seemed to be the leader of the group, was a man in his late teens with ebony hair and captivating brown eyes, dressed in a red T-shirt and black jeans. His companion was a man dressed in a navy piqué knit Henley with contrasting white collar and cuffs and blue jeans; he also had dark hair (but not as unruly as his friend's was) and his soulful eyes were a deep shade of blue. Sitting on the backseat (left side window) was a man wearing a light blue T-shirt and beige khakis. He had chestnut hair and roguish hazel eyes. Next to him was a twelve-year boy with reddish hair (hidden under a pine green baseball cap) brown eyes and dark-rimmed glasses. He was wearing jeans and a military green T-shirt with the picture of one his favorite Japanese Anime characters- Suzuishi Hiroshi.
And last- but not least, was a gorgeous man with jet-black hair and irresistible chocolate brown eyes. He was dressed in a gold polo shirt, which cling perfectly to the bulging muscles of his arms and stomach, and faded blue jeans, which concealed his strong thighs.
The driver- who seemed to be the leader of the group, was a man in his late teens with ebony hair and captivating brown eyes, dressed in a red T-shirt and black jeans. His companion was a man dressed in a navy piqué knit Henley with contrasting white collar and cuffs and blue jeans; he also had dark hair (but not as unruly as his friend's was) and his soulful eyes were a deep shade of blue. Sitting on the backseat (left side window) was a man wearing a light blue T-shirt and beige khakis. He had chestnut hair and roguish hazel eyes. Next to him was a twelve-year boy with reddish hair (hidden under a pine green baseball cap) brown eyes and dark-rimmed glasses. He was wearing jeans and a military green T-shirt with the picture of one his favorite Japanese Anime characters- Suzuishi Hiroshi.
And last- but not least, was a gorgeous man with jet-black hair and irresistible chocolate brown eyes. He was dressed in a gold polo shirt, which cling perfectly to the bulging muscles of his arms and stomach, and faded blue jeans, which concealed his strong thighs.
"Hunk," the boy said glancing at him, "I'm so excited, I've never been to a Mexican celebration."
He looked down at his little friend and smiled. "Pidge, I'm sure you're going to have a great time," he stated.
"Keith, it was very nice of your mother letting us borrow her car," the blue-eyed man said (who by the way had a wonderful Scandinavian accent, Norwegian to be exact)
"Sven- she knows she can trust us with it," he replied matter-of-factly.
"I told you we should have gone to Tijuana," a French-accented voice broke in.
Keith glanced at his friend through the rear view mirror. "Lance- Tijuana is about two hours away from here, and I'm not going to cross the border on a weekend."
"A four-hour round trip and spending God knows how many hours on line- that's not my idea of fun," Hunk volunteered.
"But don't you understand?" Lance went on. "We won't be able to buy beer because we aren't 21 yet, and in México you're an adult at 18."
"Cinco de Mayo is not an excuse to get drunk," Sven noted.
Lance leaned forward. "Tell me Sven- how many times have we gone out since entering the Academy?"
Sven pondered for a few moments. "Three- the last time was two months ago. We went to that sports-bar near the Academy, the One-Eyed Cat."
He gave a quick nod. "Well then, bon ami, after that grueling Aerospace Structures exam we had yesterday we deserve a break."
"It wasn't that tough," Pidge said in a dismissive tone.
Hunk chucked softly. "That's because you're boy genius," he stated.
"You're not helping, Pidge," Lance hissed.
Keith and Sven shared a knowing smile. "Trust me, Lance," Keith said, "you won't regret spending the day here in Los Angeles. In México, Cinco de Mayo is an official holiday and is celebrated with a host of festivals, military parades and formal and official gatherings. But here on the United States is celebrated on a much larger scale, without all the conventional formality, with outdoor folk concerts, picnics, dances, parades and other activities."
"Besides, you don't have to drink to have fun," Sven added.
Lance groaned softly. "You're still on Sensei mode," he said mockingly, "We could drop you off in Little Tokyo or Chinatown if you want to."
Sven turned around and grinned at him. "And miss this celebration? I don't think so."
Hunk couldn't help himself and said, "Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by Californians and other Hispanic communities in the USA because of the pride and happiness of knowing that on this day on 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French, who were the most feared at the time."
"Ha! The French were so full of themselves, that's why they lost that battle," Pidge chortled.
Lance glared at him. He always turned defensive when someone talked bad about his country. "Hey- everybody makes mistakes- once in a while."
Pidge quirked an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, but for some people it's a habit," he retorted.
"Are you saying that I always make mistakes?"
"If the shoe fits…"
"Shut up!"
"Break it up you guys," Keith said. "We didn't come here to fight, but to have fun and eat great Mexican food."
Lance rolled his eyes at him. ~Always the diplomat,~ he thought warily.
Pidge turned to him and stuck his tongue out. The young Frenchman cursed softly. Ever since he met the little twerp nine months ago, they had been at each other's throats. He leaned back and folded his arms across his chest, and grumbled for a few minutes. Then an evil glint covered his eyes, and that could only mean trouble.
"We need someone who could pass for an adult," he said. "Hunk- you will buy drinks for us."
"No way- I'm not getting involved in another one of your schemes," he snapped.
"Oh yes you will, or I'll tell Commander Hernández that you were the one who knock off the Coke vending machine at the Officer's Club."
The Big Guy gasped loudly. "You wouldn't dare!"
Lance smirked. "Try me."
"Leave him alone," Sven said, "the four of us look older than 19. I'm sure we won't be asked for an I.D."
"Right. The important thing is not getting into any trouble at the festival," Keith concluded.
He looked down at his little friend and smiled. "Pidge, I'm sure you're going to have a great time," he stated.
"Keith, it was very nice of your mother letting us borrow her car," the blue-eyed man said (who by the way had a wonderful Scandinavian accent, Norwegian to be exact)
"Sven- she knows she can trust us with it," he replied matter-of-factly.
"I told you we should have gone to Tijuana," a French-accented voice broke in.
Keith glanced at his friend through the rear view mirror. "Lance- Tijuana is about two hours away from here, and I'm not going to cross the border on a weekend."
"A four-hour round trip and spending God knows how many hours on line- that's not my idea of fun," Hunk volunteered.
"But don't you understand?" Lance went on. "We won't be able to buy beer because we aren't 21 yet, and in México you're an adult at 18."
"Cinco de Mayo is not an excuse to get drunk," Sven noted.
Lance leaned forward. "Tell me Sven- how many times have we gone out since entering the Academy?"
Sven pondered for a few moments. "Three- the last time was two months ago. We went to that sports-bar near the Academy, the One-Eyed Cat."
He gave a quick nod. "Well then, bon ami, after that grueling Aerospace Structures exam we had yesterday we deserve a break."
"It wasn't that tough," Pidge said in a dismissive tone.
Hunk chucked softly. "That's because you're boy genius," he stated.
"You're not helping, Pidge," Lance hissed.
Keith and Sven shared a knowing smile. "Trust me, Lance," Keith said, "you won't regret spending the day here in Los Angeles. In México, Cinco de Mayo is an official holiday and is celebrated with a host of festivals, military parades and formal and official gatherings. But here on the United States is celebrated on a much larger scale, without all the conventional formality, with outdoor folk concerts, picnics, dances, parades and other activities."
"Besides, you don't have to drink to have fun," Sven added.
Lance groaned softly. "You're still on Sensei mode," he said mockingly, "We could drop you off in Little Tokyo or Chinatown if you want to."
Sven turned around and grinned at him. "And miss this celebration? I don't think so."
Hunk couldn't help himself and said, "Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by Californians and other Hispanic communities in the USA because of the pride and happiness of knowing that on this day on 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French, who were the most feared at the time."
"Ha! The French were so full of themselves, that's why they lost that battle," Pidge chortled.
Lance glared at him. He always turned defensive when someone talked bad about his country. "Hey- everybody makes mistakes- once in a while."
Pidge quirked an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, but for some people it's a habit," he retorted.
"Are you saying that I always make mistakes?"
"If the shoe fits…"
"Shut up!"
"Break it up you guys," Keith said. "We didn't come here to fight, but to have fun and eat great Mexican food."
Lance rolled his eyes at him. ~Always the diplomat,~ he thought warily.
Pidge turned to him and stuck his tongue out. The young Frenchman cursed softly. Ever since he met the little twerp nine months ago, they had been at each other's throats. He leaned back and folded his arms across his chest, and grumbled for a few minutes. Then an evil glint covered his eyes, and that could only mean trouble.
"We need someone who could pass for an adult," he said. "Hunk- you will buy drinks for us."
"No way- I'm not getting involved in another one of your schemes," he snapped.
"Oh yes you will, or I'll tell Commander Hernández that you were the one who knock off the Coke vending machine at the Officer's Club."
The Big Guy gasped loudly. "You wouldn't dare!"
Lance smirked. "Try me."
"Leave him alone," Sven said, "the four of us look older than 19. I'm sure we won't be asked for an I.D."
"Right. The important thing is not getting into any trouble at the festival," Keith concluded.
After taking the San Bernardino Freeway, they exited on Broadway. Then continued two blocks and turned left on Main Street. They left the car on a parking lot on Grand Avenue, and walked over to the plaza that lead toward City Hall- the tall, pyramid-topped structure straight ahead. Pidge, who was very good at TV trivia of the 20th century, said that historic building was the stand-in for the Daily Planet in the Superman TV show of the 1950s.
The celebration began at exactly 10am, in the streets outside City Hall where a Mexican orchestra and local bands were playing patriotic songs. The streets were colored in red, white and green- the colors of the Mexican flag. Boys proudly wore Mexican clothing and beautiful girls were dressed in red and green dresses with wide skirts. A temporary stage at the steps of the building was decorated with a picture of General Ignacio Zaragoza (who led the Mexican army during the Battle of Puebla) flanked by Mexican and American
flags.
The ambassador of México was among the guests of honor, and he seemed to be pleased to hear the mayor of LA making a speech in Spanish. He said that it was an occasion to emphasize the long-standing commitment to the ideals of freedom and self-determination of México. United by their common goals, the USA and México had long enjoyed warm ties of friendship and mutual respect. And in recent years, the two nations had worked hard to cultivate this increasing partnership, as members of the Galaxy Alliance.
"Do you know what I like about this holiday?" Keith asked.
"What?" Hunk said, as a little boy dressed in a brown charro suit gave them little Mexican flags.
"That a few people committed to a cause could triumph over a larger, better-equipped army of people less interested in the cause for which they were fighting. And that a country which had been defeated time and time again, could at last emerge victorious."
"We should always keep that in mind," Sven said.
Lance nodded. "Especially when we graduate from the Academy and go into the real world," he added.
Afterwards, they strolled to Olvera Street- the oldest part of Los Angeles, otherwise known as the birthplace of the City of Angels. It contained twenty-seven historic buildings, which were reconstructed after the Third World War, and a traditional Mexican style plaza area, where you could buy souvenirs and handcrafted items in sidewalk shops and stalls. But most importantly, you could stroll through this beautiful block-long street and stop to eat a taco at the snack-stands or entire meals at full-service restaurants, and enjoy traditional authentic Mexican dishes, like tostadas, enchiladas, and chicken mole.
"I want to buy something for my sister Bevin," Pidge said.
Pidge, Keith and Sven stopped at a shop called 'El Pichón' (The Pigeon) where they sold candies, piñatas and clay novelties, while Lance and Hunk went to Casa Guadalajara, where they sold leather goods, clothing and wool blankets. Hunk bought a vest made of leather with wool trimmings and Lance another brown leather jacket for his collection.
"I see you didn't waste any time, did you?" Keith said to them as they met outside the store with shopping bags.
"We just couldn't pass the chance," Hunk replied happily. "What about you, Pidge?"
He frowned slightly. "I couldn't find anything for Bev in that shop."
"Where's Sven?" Lance asked checking his receipt.
"He went to the information booth," Keith answered.
They turned around and saw their friend talking to a beautiful dark-haired girl dressed as a China Poblana- with a white peasant blouse embroidered with red flowers and a green skirt with a sequined eagle.
"He seems to get along really well with the girls," Hunk asked amusedly.
"He's just lucky," Lance said, a little envious of his friend's prowess.
After thanking the girl for the map of the plaza, a smiling Sven rejoined his buddies. "Don't worry Pidge," he said reassuringly, "according to this map, there are fifty-six retail establishments that offer a wide variety of Mexican and Latin America merchandise and artisan goods."
"And we have all day to check the stores," Keith added.
"Look-" Lance said pointing to a small booth. "In that place you can have your handwriting analyzed or a caricature drawn while you wait."
"You don't need your handwriting analyzed, we already know that you're screwed up," Pidge said slyly.
Lance narrowed his eyes at him. "That's two zingers on a row, Squirt. Watch it."
Keith placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Pidge, you're asking for it," he whispered.
He looked up at him. "But Keith, how could I pass up that opportunity? He practically gave it to me on a silver tray."
"Keith is right," Sven intervened. "And when Lance decides to get revenge, he can be merciless. And I'm speaking from experience."
Pidge lowered his gaze. "All right, I promise to stop the teasing." ~At least for a while.~
"A caricature of the five of us would be nice. Let's get one- after the show," Hunk said, attempting to change to subject.
"Okay you guys, let's go," Keith said.
The show began with a rendition of the U.S. National Anthem sung by a student of Santa Ana High School, then followed by the Mexican Anthem by a student of Burbank High. After the formalities, the members of the Old Pasadena Folkloric Ballet performed 'El Jarabe Tapatío.' The men wore black charro suits with silver embroidery and the women were dressed in white peasant tunics and wide red skirts.
The day was turning out to be a bit hot and the guys stopped at 'El Pinguino' to buy snow cones of delicious flavors like lemonade, vanilla, plum, strawberry with milk and chocolate.
"What's next?" Hunk asked.
Pidge read the program. "A judo demonstration by the Kurata Academy."
Sven leaned forward. "That's the academy we passed by when we were looking for your anime magazines in Little Tokyo," he remarked.
"Magazines that you wouldn't let me read by the way," Lance noted, throwing his empty glass on a wastebasket.
Pidge gave him an icy glare. "Because you won't give them back."
"That's a lie!"
Keith groaned softly. "Cool it, you guys!"
"But Keith, he started it," Pidge said.
"I did not!"
"I don't care, just stop it," he ordered.
Hunk studied his friends for a few moments. "You know- Lance and Pidge," he began, "there's a thin line between love and hate. I wonder if you have crossed it."
They gapped their mouths, making him erupt in roaring laughter.
"Get out of here!" They cried in unison.
"You see?" He gasped. "You're already talking at the same time."
"We are not!"
"Oh, yes you're," he laughed.
Sven glanced at Keith. "Aren't you going to stop them this time?" he asked smiling.
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Nah- let him have some fun at their expense."
The celebration began at exactly 10am, in the streets outside City Hall where a Mexican orchestra and local bands were playing patriotic songs. The streets were colored in red, white and green- the colors of the Mexican flag. Boys proudly wore Mexican clothing and beautiful girls were dressed in red and green dresses with wide skirts. A temporary stage at the steps of the building was decorated with a picture of General Ignacio Zaragoza (who led the Mexican army during the Battle of Puebla) flanked by Mexican and American
flags.
The ambassador of México was among the guests of honor, and he seemed to be pleased to hear the mayor of LA making a speech in Spanish. He said that it was an occasion to emphasize the long-standing commitment to the ideals of freedom and self-determination of México. United by their common goals, the USA and México had long enjoyed warm ties of friendship and mutual respect. And in recent years, the two nations had worked hard to cultivate this increasing partnership, as members of the Galaxy Alliance.
"Do you know what I like about this holiday?" Keith asked.
"What?" Hunk said, as a little boy dressed in a brown charro suit gave them little Mexican flags.
"That a few people committed to a cause could triumph over a larger, better-equipped army of people less interested in the cause for which they were fighting. And that a country which had been defeated time and time again, could at last emerge victorious."
"We should always keep that in mind," Sven said.
Lance nodded. "Especially when we graduate from the Academy and go into the real world," he added.
Afterwards, they strolled to Olvera Street- the oldest part of Los Angeles, otherwise known as the birthplace of the City of Angels. It contained twenty-seven historic buildings, which were reconstructed after the Third World War, and a traditional Mexican style plaza area, where you could buy souvenirs and handcrafted items in sidewalk shops and stalls. But most importantly, you could stroll through this beautiful block-long street and stop to eat a taco at the snack-stands or entire meals at full-service restaurants, and enjoy traditional authentic Mexican dishes, like tostadas, enchiladas, and chicken mole.
"I want to buy something for my sister Bevin," Pidge said.
Pidge, Keith and Sven stopped at a shop called 'El Pichón' (The Pigeon) where they sold candies, piñatas and clay novelties, while Lance and Hunk went to Casa Guadalajara, where they sold leather goods, clothing and wool blankets. Hunk bought a vest made of leather with wool trimmings and Lance another brown leather jacket for his collection.
"I see you didn't waste any time, did you?" Keith said to them as they met outside the store with shopping bags.
"We just couldn't pass the chance," Hunk replied happily. "What about you, Pidge?"
He frowned slightly. "I couldn't find anything for Bev in that shop."
"Where's Sven?" Lance asked checking his receipt.
"He went to the information booth," Keith answered.
They turned around and saw their friend talking to a beautiful dark-haired girl dressed as a China Poblana- with a white peasant blouse embroidered with red flowers and a green skirt with a sequined eagle.
"He seems to get along really well with the girls," Hunk asked amusedly.
"He's just lucky," Lance said, a little envious of his friend's prowess.
After thanking the girl for the map of the plaza, a smiling Sven rejoined his buddies. "Don't worry Pidge," he said reassuringly, "according to this map, there are fifty-six retail establishments that offer a wide variety of Mexican and Latin America merchandise and artisan goods."
"And we have all day to check the stores," Keith added.
"Look-" Lance said pointing to a small booth. "In that place you can have your handwriting analyzed or a caricature drawn while you wait."
"You don't need your handwriting analyzed, we already know that you're screwed up," Pidge said slyly.
Lance narrowed his eyes at him. "That's two zingers on a row, Squirt. Watch it."
Keith placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Pidge, you're asking for it," he whispered.
He looked up at him. "But Keith, how could I pass up that opportunity? He practically gave it to me on a silver tray."
"Keith is right," Sven intervened. "And when Lance decides to get revenge, he can be merciless. And I'm speaking from experience."
Pidge lowered his gaze. "All right, I promise to stop the teasing." ~At least for a while.~
"A caricature of the five of us would be nice. Let's get one- after the show," Hunk said, attempting to change to subject.
"Okay you guys, let's go," Keith said.
The show began with a rendition of the U.S. National Anthem sung by a student of Santa Ana High School, then followed by the Mexican Anthem by a student of Burbank High. After the formalities, the members of the Old Pasadena Folkloric Ballet performed 'El Jarabe Tapatío.' The men wore black charro suits with silver embroidery and the women were dressed in white peasant tunics and wide red skirts.
The day was turning out to be a bit hot and the guys stopped at 'El Pinguino' to buy snow cones of delicious flavors like lemonade, vanilla, plum, strawberry with milk and chocolate.
"What's next?" Hunk asked.
Pidge read the program. "A judo demonstration by the Kurata Academy."
Sven leaned forward. "That's the academy we passed by when we were looking for your anime magazines in Little Tokyo," he remarked.
"Magazines that you wouldn't let me read by the way," Lance noted, throwing his empty glass on a wastebasket.
Pidge gave him an icy glare. "Because you won't give them back."
"That's a lie!"
Keith groaned softly. "Cool it, you guys!"
"But Keith, he started it," Pidge said.
"I did not!"
"I don't care, just stop it," he ordered.
Hunk studied his friends for a few moments. "You know- Lance and Pidge," he began, "there's a thin line between love and hate. I wonder if you have crossed it."
They gapped their mouths, making him erupt in roaring laughter.
"Get out of here!" They cried in unison.
"You see?" He gasped. "You're already talking at the same time."
"We are not!"
"Oh, yes you're," he laughed.
Sven glanced at Keith. "Aren't you going to stop them this time?" he asked smiling.
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Nah- let him have some fun at their expense."
When the show ended, the boys went back to the stores, and this time Pidge found the perfect gift for his sister- a wooden carved jewelry box. Lance bought delicate silver jewelry for his younger sisters and bright colored palm baskets for his mother. Sven bought books about México, which his mother (an elementary teacher) could use in her classes, and Hunk and Keith bought tons of Mexican candy for their own personal use- including small bags of corn churritos (that you eat with salsa and lemon juice). Corn chips sprinkled with chile piquin; Jalapeño-flavored potato chips, bags of spicy tamarind pulp, chocolate bars, tequila-flavored lollipops, marzipan (a confection
made of ground peanuts and sugar), and sweet bread.
After leaving their shopping bags in the car, they returned to the plaza. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving," Pidge said rubbing his belly.
"Me too, where should we have dinner?" Lance asked.
"Let me check the map," Sven volunteered.
Keith ran his fingers through his hair. "There are so many restaurants to choose from."
"Eighteen to be exact," the young Norwegian noted. "Most of them at reasonable prices."
"We could go to Lina's. They have a great selection of 'Antojitos' or little cravings," Hunk said. "My family and I used to go there, when I was a little boy."
"Okay Hunk, lead the way," Keith said smiling at him.
They entered the restaurant, where a girl dressed in a white gauze tunic with bright colored embroidery and a long white skirt of the same material greeted them. Her long brown hair was braided and adorned with green, white and red ribbons. As they sat in the table in the patio lounge, she gave each guy a menu, and then served them iced water in red-colored glasses. A young man also dressed in white brought a tray with corn chips, guacamole, and fresh salsa, which Hunk and Pidge immediately attacked.
"What would you like to drink?" The waitress asked Keith, in a sweet, melodious voice.
"I'll have a Corona please," he replied.
She wrote down his order and then turned to Sven, who offered her a warm smile. "And for you?" she whispered, a beautiful shade of pink covering her cheeks.
"A Corona," he said, in a low, seductive voice.
"Same for me, please," Lance quipped.
"I'll have a XX Lager," Hunk added.
"Excuse me, Miss, what's hour-chata?" Pidge asked.
She smiled tenderly at him. "That's horchata- a cold drink made of rice, with cinnamon and vanilla."
He blushed slightly. "Okay, I'll have the horchata, please."
"All right, I'll be back in a few minutes to get the rest of your order."
"You see," Keith said after taking a drink of water. "If we act naturally, we won't be asked for an I.D."
"No, I think the waitress forgot to ask after the way Sven looked at her," Hunk noted, dipping another chip into the guacamole.
"Absolutely, " Pidge laughed.
Lance snorted loudly. "Let's continue reading the menu, shall we?"
A few minutes later, the waitress returned with their drinks. "Are you ready to order?"
"Yes," Keith answered. "I'll have the Pollo en Mole, please."
"Excuse me, what's the Chiles en Nogada?" Lance asked.
"Chiles en Nogada or Chiles in Walnut Sauce, is one of the most famous dishes of México. They're large, dark green chiles poblanos stuffed with pork meat and covered with a walnut sauce. It is decorated with red pomegranate seeds and cilantro. They say the people of Puebla, who were giving a banquet in honor of Agustín de Iturbide, created this recipe. He and his followers had led the final revolt against Spanish domination; as self-proclaimed emperor he had just signed the Treaty of Cordoba. All the dishes at that banquet were created with ingredients in the colors of the Mexican flag; in this dish we have the green chiles, the white sauce, and the red pomegranate seeds."
A smile touched Lance's lips as he listened to her explanation. ~She's quite pretty,~ he thought. "Well- Charito," he said glancing at her nametag, "after listening to that interesting bit of history, I definitely want the Chiles in Walnut Sauce."
Charito noticed the twinkle in his hazel eyes and suddenly felt warm all over. "A-all right," she choked out.
Sven narrowed his eyes at Lance. "I'll have that dish too," he broke in.
The waitress nervously scribbled their orders and then glanced at Hunk. "Hmm…and for you, Señor?"
He scratched his head. "Everything looks so delicious," he sighed. "I can't make up my mind."
"You could get a combination plate, they're listed on the back of the menu." she offered, "Like the Puebla, it has an enchilada with a our secret red sauce, two beef tacos, a chile relleno (chile stuffed with Cheddar cheese), guacamole and refried beans."
"Hey- that sounds good, I'll have that."
Pidge read the rest of the combinations. "And I'll have the…Gua-da-la-jara."
"What does that plate have?" Hunk asked curiously.
"It has a chicken taco, a sope with pork chorizo, a green enchilada, a beef taco, guacamole and refried beans," the waitress said.
While they waited for their plates, they enjoyed appetizers like queso fundido with chorizo (cheese fondue), ceviche tostadas, and little quesadillas made of flour tortillas and Monterey cheese.
made of ground peanuts and sugar), and sweet bread.
After leaving their shopping bags in the car, they returned to the plaza. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving," Pidge said rubbing his belly.
"Me too, where should we have dinner?" Lance asked.
"Let me check the map," Sven volunteered.
Keith ran his fingers through his hair. "There are so many restaurants to choose from."
"Eighteen to be exact," the young Norwegian noted. "Most of them at reasonable prices."
"We could go to Lina's. They have a great selection of 'Antojitos' or little cravings," Hunk said. "My family and I used to go there, when I was a little boy."
"Okay Hunk, lead the way," Keith said smiling at him.
They entered the restaurant, where a girl dressed in a white gauze tunic with bright colored embroidery and a long white skirt of the same material greeted them. Her long brown hair was braided and adorned with green, white and red ribbons. As they sat in the table in the patio lounge, she gave each guy a menu, and then served them iced water in red-colored glasses. A young man also dressed in white brought a tray with corn chips, guacamole, and fresh salsa, which Hunk and Pidge immediately attacked.
"What would you like to drink?" The waitress asked Keith, in a sweet, melodious voice.
"I'll have a Corona please," he replied.
She wrote down his order and then turned to Sven, who offered her a warm smile. "And for you?" she whispered, a beautiful shade of pink covering her cheeks.
"A Corona," he said, in a low, seductive voice.
"Same for me, please," Lance quipped.
"I'll have a XX Lager," Hunk added.
"Excuse me, Miss, what's hour-chata?" Pidge asked.
She smiled tenderly at him. "That's horchata- a cold drink made of rice, with cinnamon and vanilla."
He blushed slightly. "Okay, I'll have the horchata, please."
"All right, I'll be back in a few minutes to get the rest of your order."
"You see," Keith said after taking a drink of water. "If we act naturally, we won't be asked for an I.D."
"No, I think the waitress forgot to ask after the way Sven looked at her," Hunk noted, dipping another chip into the guacamole.
"Absolutely, " Pidge laughed.
Lance snorted loudly. "Let's continue reading the menu, shall we?"
A few minutes later, the waitress returned with their drinks. "Are you ready to order?"
"Yes," Keith answered. "I'll have the Pollo en Mole, please."
"Excuse me, what's the Chiles en Nogada?" Lance asked.
"Chiles en Nogada or Chiles in Walnut Sauce, is one of the most famous dishes of México. They're large, dark green chiles poblanos stuffed with pork meat and covered with a walnut sauce. It is decorated with red pomegranate seeds and cilantro. They say the people of Puebla, who were giving a banquet in honor of Agustín de Iturbide, created this recipe. He and his followers had led the final revolt against Spanish domination; as self-proclaimed emperor he had just signed the Treaty of Cordoba. All the dishes at that banquet were created with ingredients in the colors of the Mexican flag; in this dish we have the green chiles, the white sauce, and the red pomegranate seeds."
A smile touched Lance's lips as he listened to her explanation. ~She's quite pretty,~ he thought. "Well- Charito," he said glancing at her nametag, "after listening to that interesting bit of history, I definitely want the Chiles in Walnut Sauce."
Charito noticed the twinkle in his hazel eyes and suddenly felt warm all over. "A-all right," she choked out.
Sven narrowed his eyes at Lance. "I'll have that dish too," he broke in.
The waitress nervously scribbled their orders and then glanced at Hunk. "Hmm…and for you, Señor?"
He scratched his head. "Everything looks so delicious," he sighed. "I can't make up my mind."
"You could get a combination plate, they're listed on the back of the menu." she offered, "Like the Puebla, it has an enchilada with a our secret red sauce, two beef tacos, a chile relleno (chile stuffed with Cheddar cheese), guacamole and refried beans."
"Hey- that sounds good, I'll have that."
Pidge read the rest of the combinations. "And I'll have the…Gua-da-la-jara."
"What does that plate have?" Hunk asked curiously.
"It has a chicken taco, a sope with pork chorizo, a green enchilada, a beef taco, guacamole and refried beans," the waitress said.
While they waited for their plates, they enjoyed appetizers like queso fundido with chorizo (cheese fondue), ceviche tostadas, and little quesadillas made of flour tortillas and Monterey cheese.
After they had their meal, they ordered dessert. The waiter brought a carriage to their table with a selection of cakes and other goodies. Keith had a slice of pay de queso (cheesecake). Sven a choco-flan (chocolate cake with vanilla flan); Lance volteado de durazno (peach upside-down cake), Pidge a big slice of pastel tres leches (three-milk cake), and Hunk- who still had trouble making up his mind, a flan de zarzamoras (blueberry flan) and pastel tres leches.
A mariachi entered the patio lounge and began to play traditional Mexican songs, like 'Guadalajara', 'La Bikina', and 'El Rey.' When they learned that a girl was celebrating her fifteen birthday with her family, they sang 'Las Mañanitas' (the Mexican equivalent of 'Happy Birthday')
Keith said, "México has songs for everything: sorrow, happiness, love, and loneliness. We sing to the stars, nature, family, and yes, we also sing about drugs and drug lords. Our folklore includes a musical array dedicated to bugs, which include a cricket, a mouse, and others."
Hunk chuckled softly. "And I believe México is the only country to ever write a song about a cockroach."
Keith gave a quick nod. "That's right, 'La Cucaracha'."
Pidge made a face. "Why would someone write a song about roaches?" he asked.
"I guess it has to do with survival and adaptation," Hunk offered. "Some scientists had said that in case of a nuclear holocaust, the cockroaches would be among the few to survive."
Keith leaned back. "When I was about five years old," he reminisced, "my grandfather, who was a lieutenant in the Mexican army, told me that this song was born in the middle of the Mexican Revolution of the 20th century. And was one of the first Latin songs to reach other countries and opened the doors to other Latin-American music that keep rocking the galaxy till this day. From La Cucaracha to La Vida Loca without missing Conga, La Bamba, La Macarena, and the classic Bésame Mucho."
After taking the last bite of his cake, Pidge said, "Well if you put it that way, that bug deserves a song."
Lance dropped his fork in disgust. "Do you mind? I'm trying to eat."
Pidge laughed at him as he rose from his seat. "I'm going to the restroom."
Hunk pushed away his plate and patted his stomach. "Uh- I feel like a stuffed piñata," he said.
"That's not surprising," Lance said acidly. "You ate half the chips and guacamole, your plate and then two desserts."
"Well I'm sorry, but I wanted to try the three-milk cake and the flan."
"I know of a way of treating an upset stomach," Keith offered.
"What is it?" Sven asked.
He smiled. "Tequila," he replied, signaling the waiter to come to their table.
Lance grinned at him. "Now you're talking."
The waiter brought a bottle of tequila, four caballitos (jiggers) a saltshaker and a little white plate with wedges of lime.
Keith put salt between his thumb and index finger on back of his left hand. Then he held the jigger of tequila in the salted hand and lime wedge in the other. He licked the salt, slammed the tequila, then suck the lime.
"For someone who doesn't drink regularly, you know a lot of tequila," Lance noted suspiciously.
Keith shook his head, feeling the liquor burning his throat. "My grandfather used to drink this stuff."
"Yeah, right."
"Ah!" Hunk sighed. "This brand is really good."
Sven grinned at him. "You're right. Let's have another shot."
"And then another, till we drop," Hunk added wickedly.
"Ja."
"Not for me, thanks," Keith said. "A beer and a shot of tequila is enough for me."
"Don't worry my friend, we'll make the sacrifice," Sven added.
It was then that Lance got an idea- an idea so devious. Yeah, it was the perfect opportunity to get back at the little fool for his constant teasing. After making sure that no one was looking, he picked up the bottle of tequila and poured some into Pidge's glass of water.
~Now, I need an excuse to make him drink,~ he thought. He then remembered the tamarind candy that Keith bought earlier. They looked like gumballs, with a sweet outer shell, but the soft core was pure fire- chile piquín, that no amount of water could extinguish.
In the meantime, an older gentleman walked into the stage and said, "Buenas noches, damas y caballeros, welcome to Lina's. We thank you for joining us in our Cinco de Mayo Feast. To commemorate this special occasion, we are honored to present a Mexican star, a beautiful singer that looks and sings like an angel. She just received a Grammy nomination for her double-platinum album, 'Beso Robado' (Stolen Kiss).
Hunk grinned widely. "It's…"
"Who?" Sven asked.
"Please, help me welcome, Anita del Prado, accompanied by the Mariachi Azteca of San Alejo."
A vision in a magnificent white charro suit entered the stage. She had long, black hair tied with a white silk ribbon and bright brown eyes. "Buenas noches," she greeted them in a husky voice. The audience erupted in applause, for she was one of their favorite singers. She was very talented, she began her career singing pop ballads when she was only ten years old and when she turned fifteen found her true calling- singing with a mariachi band.
"I dedicate this song to our brave Space Explorers who are far away from home, protecting the galaxy. It's called 'Te Extraño Tanto' (I Miss You So Much)"
The leader of the mariachi cried out happily at her, "Ay mi reina! Cómo quisiera ser bizco, pa' verte dos veces!"
"What did he say?" Sven asked Keith, who was fluent in Spanish.
He chuckled softly. "That he wished to be cross-eyed so he could see her twice."
"That's original!" Sven laughed.
"That's stupid!" He retorted.
Hunk frowned at them. "Keep it down, I like this song."
"Keith!" Lance shouted.
He turned to him. "What?!"
"Do you have any sugar bombs left?"
Keith reached into his pocket and took out a small bag of candy. "I thought you didn't like this stuff," he remarked.
He chuckled softly. "Of course I do."
Moments later, Pidge returned to the table. "It almost nine o'clock, aren't there going to be any fireworks?"
"Later," Hunk sighed as he stared admiringly at the singer who had just thrown him a kiss.
Very casually, Lance took a piece a candy and popped it into his mouth. He felt tears in his eyes and his tongue began to burn, but he remained calm.
"Hmm…this candy is delicious."
Pidge glanced at him and his mouth began to water.
He looked at him through the corner of his eye. "Pidge, would you like some?"
"Uh huh."
He gave him the bag. "Here, take as many as you like."
"Thanks!" He took one sticky sugared ball and popped it into his mouth. He smiled as the shell melted in his mouth. ~Man! This is delicious, I wonder if the candy store is still open so I can buy some.~
Then he bit the center and-
"Ah-"
Keith and Sven turned around. "What's wrong Pidge?" Keith asked.
He placed a hand on his throat and made a wheezing sound. "Hot…very hot…"
"Hot?"
"What are you eating?"
"F-fire!"
"Give him some water!" Sven exclaimed.
Hunk pushed the tainted glass in his hand, and Pidge took a big gulp. His eyes grew wide, and he began to cough uncontrollably. Hunk immediately patted him on the back.
"Argh! Are you trying to poison me?!" He asked, taking off his glasses and wiping the tears with the back of his hand.
He gave him a puzzled look. "What are you talking about? I only gave you a glass of water."
"That ain't water!" He coughed.
Hunk smelled the glass and grimaced. "Damn! He's right- this is…tequila."
Keith frowned deeply. "Tequila? But how?"
All eyes suddenly turned to Lance, who gave them an innocent look. "Don't look at me, I'm not contributing to the delinquency of a minor."
"The hell you're not," Keith snapped angrily.
Pidge leaned back in his chair and slowly closed his eyes. "You guys, I feel kinda woozy."
Sven rose from his seat. "Let's go home, before anything happens," he suggested.
A mariachi entered the patio lounge and began to play traditional Mexican songs, like 'Guadalajara', 'La Bikina', and 'El Rey.' When they learned that a girl was celebrating her fifteen birthday with her family, they sang 'Las Mañanitas' (the Mexican equivalent of 'Happy Birthday')
Keith said, "México has songs for everything: sorrow, happiness, love, and loneliness. We sing to the stars, nature, family, and yes, we also sing about drugs and drug lords. Our folklore includes a musical array dedicated to bugs, which include a cricket, a mouse, and others."
Hunk chuckled softly. "And I believe México is the only country to ever write a song about a cockroach."
Keith gave a quick nod. "That's right, 'La Cucaracha'."
Pidge made a face. "Why would someone write a song about roaches?" he asked.
"I guess it has to do with survival and adaptation," Hunk offered. "Some scientists had said that in case of a nuclear holocaust, the cockroaches would be among the few to survive."
Keith leaned back. "When I was about five years old," he reminisced, "my grandfather, who was a lieutenant in the Mexican army, told me that this song was born in the middle of the Mexican Revolution of the 20th century. And was one of the first Latin songs to reach other countries and opened the doors to other Latin-American music that keep rocking the galaxy till this day. From La Cucaracha to La Vida Loca without missing Conga, La Bamba, La Macarena, and the classic Bésame Mucho."
After taking the last bite of his cake, Pidge said, "Well if you put it that way, that bug deserves a song."
Lance dropped his fork in disgust. "Do you mind? I'm trying to eat."
Pidge laughed at him as he rose from his seat. "I'm going to the restroom."
Hunk pushed away his plate and patted his stomach. "Uh- I feel like a stuffed piñata," he said.
"That's not surprising," Lance said acidly. "You ate half the chips and guacamole, your plate and then two desserts."
"Well I'm sorry, but I wanted to try the three-milk cake and the flan."
"I know of a way of treating an upset stomach," Keith offered.
"What is it?" Sven asked.
He smiled. "Tequila," he replied, signaling the waiter to come to their table.
Lance grinned at him. "Now you're talking."
The waiter brought a bottle of tequila, four caballitos (jiggers) a saltshaker and a little white plate with wedges of lime.
Keith put salt between his thumb and index finger on back of his left hand. Then he held the jigger of tequila in the salted hand and lime wedge in the other. He licked the salt, slammed the tequila, then suck the lime.
"For someone who doesn't drink regularly, you know a lot of tequila," Lance noted suspiciously.
Keith shook his head, feeling the liquor burning his throat. "My grandfather used to drink this stuff."
"Yeah, right."
"Ah!" Hunk sighed. "This brand is really good."
Sven grinned at him. "You're right. Let's have another shot."
"And then another, till we drop," Hunk added wickedly.
"Ja."
"Not for me, thanks," Keith said. "A beer and a shot of tequila is enough for me."
"Don't worry my friend, we'll make the sacrifice," Sven added.
It was then that Lance got an idea- an idea so devious. Yeah, it was the perfect opportunity to get back at the little fool for his constant teasing. After making sure that no one was looking, he picked up the bottle of tequila and poured some into Pidge's glass of water.
~Now, I need an excuse to make him drink,~ he thought. He then remembered the tamarind candy that Keith bought earlier. They looked like gumballs, with a sweet outer shell, but the soft core was pure fire- chile piquín, that no amount of water could extinguish.
In the meantime, an older gentleman walked into the stage and said, "Buenas noches, damas y caballeros, welcome to Lina's. We thank you for joining us in our Cinco de Mayo Feast. To commemorate this special occasion, we are honored to present a Mexican star, a beautiful singer that looks and sings like an angel. She just received a Grammy nomination for her double-platinum album, 'Beso Robado' (Stolen Kiss).
Hunk grinned widely. "It's…"
"Who?" Sven asked.
"Please, help me welcome, Anita del Prado, accompanied by the Mariachi Azteca of San Alejo."
A vision in a magnificent white charro suit entered the stage. She had long, black hair tied with a white silk ribbon and bright brown eyes. "Buenas noches," she greeted them in a husky voice. The audience erupted in applause, for she was one of their favorite singers. She was very talented, she began her career singing pop ballads when she was only ten years old and when she turned fifteen found her true calling- singing with a mariachi band.
"I dedicate this song to our brave Space Explorers who are far away from home, protecting the galaxy. It's called 'Te Extraño Tanto' (I Miss You So Much)"
The leader of the mariachi cried out happily at her, "Ay mi reina! Cómo quisiera ser bizco, pa' verte dos veces!"
"What did he say?" Sven asked Keith, who was fluent in Spanish.
He chuckled softly. "That he wished to be cross-eyed so he could see her twice."
"That's original!" Sven laughed.
"That's stupid!" He retorted.
Hunk frowned at them. "Keep it down, I like this song."
"Keith!" Lance shouted.
He turned to him. "What?!"
"Do you have any sugar bombs left?"
Keith reached into his pocket and took out a small bag of candy. "I thought you didn't like this stuff," he remarked.
He chuckled softly. "Of course I do."
Moments later, Pidge returned to the table. "It almost nine o'clock, aren't there going to be any fireworks?"
"Later," Hunk sighed as he stared admiringly at the singer who had just thrown him a kiss.
Very casually, Lance took a piece a candy and popped it into his mouth. He felt tears in his eyes and his tongue began to burn, but he remained calm.
"Hmm…this candy is delicious."
Pidge glanced at him and his mouth began to water.
He looked at him through the corner of his eye. "Pidge, would you like some?"
"Uh huh."
He gave him the bag. "Here, take as many as you like."
"Thanks!" He took one sticky sugared ball and popped it into his mouth. He smiled as the shell melted in his mouth. ~Man! This is delicious, I wonder if the candy store is still open so I can buy some.~
Then he bit the center and-
"Ah-"
Keith and Sven turned around. "What's wrong Pidge?" Keith asked.
He placed a hand on his throat and made a wheezing sound. "Hot…very hot…"
"Hot?"
"What are you eating?"
"F-fire!"
"Give him some water!" Sven exclaimed.
Hunk pushed the tainted glass in his hand, and Pidge took a big gulp. His eyes grew wide, and he began to cough uncontrollably. Hunk immediately patted him on the back.
"Argh! Are you trying to poison me?!" He asked, taking off his glasses and wiping the tears with the back of his hand.
He gave him a puzzled look. "What are you talking about? I only gave you a glass of water."
"That ain't water!" He coughed.
Hunk smelled the glass and grimaced. "Damn! He's right- this is…tequila."
Keith frowned deeply. "Tequila? But how?"
All eyes suddenly turned to Lance, who gave them an innocent look. "Don't look at me, I'm not contributing to the delinquency of a minor."
"The hell you're not," Keith snapped angrily.
Pidge leaned back in his chair and slowly closed his eyes. "You guys, I feel kinda woozy."
Sven rose from his seat. "Let's go home, before anything happens," he suggested.
After paying for dinner, they hurried to the car. The moment Pidge sat on the backseat he fell asleep. Then the guys let Lance have it.
"It was just only lousy drink," Lance stated.
"But he's just twelve years old- jackass," Sven growled.
"I had my first drink when I was eleven and nothing happened," he retorted.
"That's what you think, you just lost a few brain cells on the way," Keith stated.
"What am I going to tell his brother?" Hunk said worriedly. "He's going to kill me."
"Come on, don't make such a fuzz," Lance said dismissively.
"We won't tell Chip anything," Keith said. "We'll just take Pidge home and get him into bed."
Pidge's eyes suddenly flew open. "Uh- guys," he said raggedly, "I wanna-"
"What?" Keith asked looking at him thorough the rear view mirror.
"Get away from me!"
"Whoa!"
"Merde! Not on my brand new pants!"
"What's that smell?" Sven asked alarmed.
"Oh shit!"
"What's happening back there?!" Keith shouted.
"Pidge just barfed on Lance's lap," Hunk choked out.
Keith almost hit the brakes. "W-what?"
"Stop the car, stop the freaking car!" Lance pleaded.
Sven turned around and gasped. "Oh God! He also hit the upholstery."
"And my mother had just cleaned the car," Keith gasped.
Pidge leaned back and wiped his mouth. "Ah, I feel much better."
"Speak for yourself," Lance whined.
"Oh Lance, you're going to pay for this!" Keith said through clenched teeth.
"Well," Hunk said, offering Pidge his handkerchief. "This is the perfect ending to our Cinco de Mayo feast."
"You could say that again," Sven said.
"This is the perfect-"
"Hunk- shut up!" Keith and Lance shouted in unison.
**The Hunkster then turns to the screen**
"Before I do that, I want to wish all of you in HRH Land a happy and safe Cinco de Mayo. And please- don't pull stupid pranks like a certain person who shall remain nameless."
"I heard that!"
"That's the idea- you fool."
FIN
"It was just only lousy drink," Lance stated.
"But he's just twelve years old- jackass," Sven growled.
"I had my first drink when I was eleven and nothing happened," he retorted.
"That's what you think, you just lost a few brain cells on the way," Keith stated.
"What am I going to tell his brother?" Hunk said worriedly. "He's going to kill me."
"Come on, don't make such a fuzz," Lance said dismissively.
"We won't tell Chip anything," Keith said. "We'll just take Pidge home and get him into bed."
Pidge's eyes suddenly flew open. "Uh- guys," he said raggedly, "I wanna-"
"What?" Keith asked looking at him thorough the rear view mirror.
"Get away from me!"
"Whoa!"
"Merde! Not on my brand new pants!"
"What's that smell?" Sven asked alarmed.
"Oh shit!"
"What's happening back there?!" Keith shouted.
"Pidge just barfed on Lance's lap," Hunk choked out.
Keith almost hit the brakes. "W-what?"
"Stop the car, stop the freaking car!" Lance pleaded.
Sven turned around and gasped. "Oh God! He also hit the upholstery."
"And my mother had just cleaned the car," Keith gasped.
Pidge leaned back and wiped his mouth. "Ah, I feel much better."
"Speak for yourself," Lance whined.
"Oh Lance, you're going to pay for this!" Keith said through clenched teeth.
"Well," Hunk said, offering Pidge his handkerchief. "This is the perfect ending to our Cinco de Mayo feast."
"You could say that again," Sven said.
"This is the perfect-"
"Hunk- shut up!" Keith and Lance shouted in unison.
**The Hunkster then turns to the screen**
"Before I do that, I want to wish all of you in HRH Land a happy and safe Cinco de Mayo. And please- don't pull stupid pranks like a certain person who shall remain nameless."
"I heard that!"
"That's the idea- you fool."
FIN
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Please Note
"The Lion's Keep: The Next Chapter" is the most recent version of the "The Lion's Keep",
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