Archive of Our Own

Waking up to not a speck of sugar in your cupboards was certainly not the best way to realize you needed to do a grocery run, but there were worse things than heading out on a short walk to Howdy's Place. Like the sort of bundling up you had to do before heading out-- it was a particularly frigid morning, with all of the snow taking on a slick, shiny sort of look from the ice that had frozen atop it overnight.

Your list was tucked in your pocket, a bundle of tote bags on your arm. Howdy opened his bodega pretty early in the morning, and though it wasn't exactly early morning right now, you were surely the first of your neighbours to be walking about. The ice crunched under your boots, crust undisturbed by others as you approached the store front.

You could see Howdy shuffling about inside, a sweater under his usual apron and a pad of paper in one pair of arms as the other pair polished the countertop. He seemed to be going over his opening list, or finishing up on it at least-- the sign on the door was flipped to "Open" anyhow. And the display in the left bay window seemed slightly rearranged, the bundles and bags and other sorts posed within the alcove clean and enticing.

Thoughts occupied with picking over the jokes you'd had on backlog for moments such as this, you failed to notice that the steps, though clear of snow, were glossy with untouched ice.

Failed to notice, that is, until you were made painfully aware of their state. 

Your boot connected for less than an instant before sliding like a pad of butter on a red hot pan.

"WA--!!!"

Your scream of alarm and surprise warbled in the air as your feet were whipped right out from under you. The world tilted and blurred, a flurry of white and blue and green--

WHUMP

-- and a hard landing that cracked the sheen of ice over the snow, softened only slightly by said fluffy, frozen water.

"Holy roly-poly!" came a muffled exclamation that you only unconsciously registered, vision still tumbling like your poor body a second ago. A dull sort of pain pounded through your back and shoulders, and you let out a low groan.

The bell of the bodega's entrance jingled merrily a second later, A stricken look on Howdy's face as he hung out of the doorway, four hands braced against it.

"You alright there pal? What on our leafy green earth--"

"Ice--"

You tried to croak out a warning as he took a step out onto the stair, but could only watch as his shoe slipped right off. There was an almost comical expression of surprise that overtook his face as he pulled it back and looked down. A perk of having four legs, then; more stability.

"Yowzers! That's a smooth criminal right there! No wonder ya went head over heels!"

You groaned, blinking blearily up at him as he scratched his head with one hand, tapping his chin with another.

"I swear I salted these this mornin'..." he mumbled to himself. You watched as he pulled back, door jingling as he quickly swooped back into view with a jug of salt and a sheepish expression on his face.

"Or, eh, I was gettin' to 'em. Last thing on my list-- no one's up 'n out this early 'sides ol' Ed, and I'm the last one on his list."

As Howdy spoke, he flipped the lid of the jug and shook out a hefty amount of salt onto his steps, setting his feet on each one before salting the next. He leaned over you, brows furrowed and smile sympathetic.

"Seems like I should make it first thing on my list this time'a year, huh?"

You grunted in response to his self-deprecating, humorous tone, and his voice grew softer as he crouched close, lower elbows braced on his front pair of thighs.

"You, uh, still in one piece there?" he asked, sounding concerned now that you hadn't responded verbally in a hot minute.

Closing your eyes, you did a quick self inventory.

"My back hurts, but I don't think anything's broken." you replied, voice rough. Still, you gave him a thumbs up, to which he scoffed out a laugh.

"Good! Would hate for one of my frequent customers to be hurt on property. S'bad for business!"

You scowled at him, and he laughed again, holding one of his upper hands out for you to take it. You lifted your arm, wincing as it twinged your aching shoulder.

"Oh, right. Here, how's about I pick you up 'n help you inside?" Howdy asked.

"Gonna cost me anything?" you quipped back. Howdy waggled a finger.

"Shrewd thinking, I like it! Nope, not gonna charge ya even a single giggle. Just making up for the problem y'got into 'cause of me. I'll even through in a hot chocolate, on the house-- er, commercial property."

You choked on a chuckle, back twinging from the movement. After a swift nod, Howdy leaned forward. His lower pair of arms curled around your knees, and the upper pair around your shoulders. With not even a huff he scooped you up, maneuvering you into somewhat of a sideways sitting position nefpre turning and walking through the front door of the bodega.

"Offering something for free? Who are you and what have you done with Howdy?" you joked as the bell jingled overhead. Howdy gave you a wry grin, raising his eyebrows.

"Well if you want to buy it I won't stop ya!" he said as he placed you gently on one of the stools next to the counter. You tucked your boots up onto the footrest and slumped forward, resting the upper half of your body on the counter as Howdy walked around it.

"Hey, no take-backsies. You offered and I'm taking full advantage." you said as you rested your chin on your arm. Howdy shrugged as he flicked the stove on and set a saucepan over the coil, stooping to grab milk from the mini fridge tucked away under the counter.

"Smart choice pal. You'd make it far if you took those talents ta business." Howdy tapped the side of his nose with a finger, winking. He stood up, and while one of his hands held a carton of milk, another held a bottle of painkillers and a third an empty glass. He set that bottle in front of you, turning to pour some milk in the saucepan while also turning the tap on and gathering some of it in the glass before setting the water in front of you as well.

You gave him a grateful expression as you tapped a pill into your hand and swallowed it with the water. Howdy began chattering on about whatever passed through his mind as he whipped up your hot chocolate, and your responses got longer as the painkiller kicked in. You were even sitting up straight when Howdy turned around, mug of cocoa topped with a nice swirl of whipped cream.

"I-cee you're feeling better!"

Howdy placed the cup in front of you, leaning forward to ruffle the top of your head. You chuckled, leaning out of the way as you wrapped your hands around the sides of the mug.

"Definitely. Thanks."