Work Text:
Katsuki marches through the streets, knocking past anyway in his way. Not that there are many out right now given the unbearable heatwave. The sun reigns high in the sky, humidity making the day so much worse than it already is. Further down the road, the air twists and shimmers, rising off the stone path. Eijirou keeps pace beside him, apologizing to the two he shoulder checks. Katsuki had forgone his usual coat and vest, only his button up shirt remaining. Meanwhile, Eijirou remains shirtless like usual. Both are still drenched in sweat as they head back to their airship.
They already bought the pieces of metal needed for building a new propeller after one got partially melted by a sudden thunderstorm. They were extremely fortunate that they only got struck once and that they were near the edge of it, able to fly out quickly. Still, Katsuki curses out summer in his head, the worst fucking season, especially with machinery.
He wants to get back as soon as possible. He still needs to shape the metal to prepare it for installation tonight, because fuck trying to replace it during the hotass day. Katsuki internally groans at the thought of fabricating and welding the metal. His workshop is going to turn into a boiler room.
Suddenly, Katsuki is stopped by a hand gripping his own. He turns to yell but stops, realizing Eijirou is the one trying to redirect him somewhere. Katsuki sees what caught his attention: a sign advertising refreshing, cold ice cream. He scoffs but follows along. They still have some money left over.
Entering the shop, a lukewarm breeze washes over them as a few fans litter the room. Eijirou scans the menu hanging up inside, excited. Katsuki knows this is likely his first time trying something like this. He skims over what they offer, as well. There’s a decent amount of flavors. Most are ones Eijirou would enjoy. He asks Eijirou what he wants. He expects him to pick out the chocolate ice cream or maybe the strawberry one. Eijirou stares up for a bit longer, then decides on one bowl of regular milk. Katsuki scowls, rolling his eyes. He knows Eijirou chose that since it’s the cheapest option. Some are a bit more expensive given the added flavors but not by that much.
Before he can tell Eijirou not to worry about the fucking prices, a teenager walks out from a backroom and asks them what they want. Eijirou orders his bowl and turns to Katsuki. If Eijirou refuses to buy what he actually wants, Katsuki will have to do it himself. He pulls out his wallet, already counting out the coins.
“One bowl of each.”
Katsuki pays her for everything before Eijirou can place down his payment. Eijirou’s eyes widen in shock. Eijirou protests, but Katsuki insists that it’s his treat and Eijirou can pay next time they eat somewhere if he wants to. It’s not like they don’t visit enough food stalls, taverns, and cafes to let Eijirou pay him back for a meal or snack.
The teenager also seems a bit surprised but grabs the bowls anyway. Katsuki ignores Eijirou’s looks and squeezes his hand in reassurance. He drags him over to a table in the corner and sits down. Given how much they’re paying, the kid can bring the bowls to them. Eijirou hesitates before sitting on the chair next to him, back facing the counter.
The teenager comes out with all the bowls. She places one in front of Eijirou and the rest in between them. Eijirou glances at his spread, eyes lingering on the chocolate one for a while. He digs in a bit disappointedly into his plain ass bowl. Katsuki eats a few bites of his own bowl of it. Then, he slides over the chocolate one.
“I really haven’t tried some of these flavors before. We can try ‘em.”
Eijirou smiles brightly at him, and Katsuki averts his eyes, face heating up. Eijirou digs in, humming after tasting it. Katsuki takes a bite, as well, and declares it too sweet. He lets Eijirou have it. They continue like that. Eijirou likes all of them besides the matcha and coffee kinds. After Eijirou’s face scrunches up for both, Katsuki eats them. He prefers those anyway.
Soon, their stomachs are full and the frozen cream cools them down. The sun outside lowers as night approaches. They place the empty bowls back on the counter and walk out. Heat slams into them again, but it’s slightly more bearable. Still, Katsuki would rather hurry back. He grabs onto Eijirou’s hand, ignoring his startled, flushed face, and picks up the pace. They pass by more people as the air cools down more.
Eijirou doesn’t say a word until after they enter their ship. Then, he squeezes Katsuki’s hand when he tries to let go. Katsuki glances over, and his breath catches in his chest at the soft smile Eijirou gives him.
“Thanks for today.” Eijirou rubs his thumb on the back of Katsuki’s hand, and Katsuki’s stomach swoops as if he’s falling.
He turns away so Eijirou can’t see his face and tells him he needs to head to his workshop now. Eijirou follows him along, carrying the sheets of metal they bought to the room. He drops it off and hovers until Katsuki yells at him to go make some actual dinner and that it better not be burnt. Eijirou rolls his eyes at the dig but agrees.
After Eijirou shuts the door, Katsuki drops his head down on the table, hiding his heated face. What the hell’s wrong with him? It must be heat exhaustion. It explains the burning face and weird flutters, probably. Maybe also dehydration. Katsuki drinks some water.
They should be out by tomorrow morning, and they can fly north towards somewhat cooler climates. Whatever that was about shouldn’t happen again. Content with that explanation, Katsuki tugs on his gloves, pulls his goggles down, and gets to work.