Work Text:
There were many advantages to owning a dog. Ever since Katsuki had moved to town, he would use Lola, his adorable tawny coloured Pitbull as an excuse to explore. She needed the exercise and he wanted to see what the town had to offer. They would go for early morning jogs and late-night walks together; the two were inseparable. She had helped Katsuki in numerous ways, especially when nights would get lonely after he broke up with his ex. The cuddles on the couch and unconditional love from her were all Katsuki could ask for. What else could he possibly need?
They were out for a lunchtime walk, a little later than they normally would. Katsuki had a take-away cup of coffee in one hand, and Lola’s leash in the other as they enjoyed the scenic route through the park. The park itself was huge, a few dog walkers dotted here and there, runners using the paths and kids chasing each other around on the grass. It was a sweet scene, with the sun beaming down on the pair. It should have been just a relaxing walk but fate had other plans.
“Woah girl, calm down,” Katsuki commanded, feeling the Pitbull tug harder on the leash which nearly slipped out of his hand. He gripped tighter onto the leather but Lola had other ideas. She continued to pull, practically dragging Katsuki in whatever direction she wanted. She must have smelt something or wanted to chase but it was odd for the usually well-behaved dog to act like this.
“Lola, heel!” No matter how much he commanded her to heel, Lola continued to pull until she dragged her owner closer to the lake that was in the center of the park. One particularly harsh tug from the Pitbull had the leather leash slipping from Katsuki’s sweaty palms and she began to run.
Stupid fucking hands.
“Lola! Come back! Lola, come!” Katsuki called after her, giving chase. Lola was on a mission and there was no stopping her. People watched, parting like the red sea as the Pitbull darted through the crowd and Katsuki panicked, wondering if he would ever be able to catch up with her.
Everyone’s gonna think I’m a terrible fucking dog parent.
She eventually approached a man with brilliant red hair out on a walk with his Doberman and Lola immediately jumped onto the dog. She had deemed the Doberman a suitable playmate. The dog in question tried to remain composed and regal, as though he was well trained and obedient to his owner’s commands however the facade lasted all of two minutes before the Doberman began to wag its stubby tail and jump about with Lola. They bonded immediately, playing like a couple of pups. If the circumstances were different, Katsuki would have thought it was cute. He caught up with the trio, cursing under soft pants as his eyes took in the owner of the lively Doberman.
Oh. Wow… He’s hot.
“Is she yours?” The redhead asked with a beaming smile that was all teeth spread wide across his features. Katsuki blinked, his mind short-circuiting before he realised the other male was talking to him. He cleared his throat and reached down to grab Lola’s leash in a firm grip to avoid Lola’s Great Escape part two.
“Yeah, sorry, she must’ve caught a scent or something and wanted to chase. Didn’t mean to bother you.”
“Oh, it’s not a problem at all! Rocket loves to play, the other dogs are usually too intimidated by him to play.” The redhead laughed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
Rocket? What kind of name is that?
“So what’s her name? She’s so cute,” The other male leaned down to scritch behind Lola’s ears, the Pitbull panting softly and Katsuki could have sworn she was smiling at him.
“Her name’s Lola. And he’s called Rocket, huh?” Katsuki reached out to pet Rocket’s head as he began to relax now that he had control of Lola. The Doberman nudged his head into his hand causing a soft scoff of a laugh to leave his lips.
“Yeah…” The redhead started, “You know, I saw you drop your coffee back there. How about I buy you another one?” Both pairs of eyes met and Katsuki felt his cheeks grow warm, breaking the eye contact to hide the blush. He was surprised by the suggestion although he should have known the redhead would be that bold with hair that bright.
Before Katsuki could respond, Lola was tugging again, chasing Rocket in circles around their humans and soon enough, their leashes wrapped around both their legs, pulling them closer together with a sharp pull. Katsuki fell against the redhead, his hands catching himself on the other’s shoulders.
Holy shit, he HAS to work out with shoulders like that.
The redhead laughed, his hands automatically going to the blond’s waist and he shook his head in amusement. That beaming smile was still plastered across his face and Katsuki was convinced it was a permanent feature.
“I’m Eijiro, fancy seein’ you here.”
“Katsuki. Pleasures all yours.”
Lola and Rocket sat patiently while their owners untangled themselves, panting softly and looking rather proud of themselves for the budding relationship they set in motion.