Frequency

Tea

Don't be nervous. It's not like you've never done this before. You have done this. And you will be fine. Don't think too much. It's not even a date. It's a hangout. Between two strangers. That don't know each other just yet. And seems to get along. It's fine, you're fine.

"Uhm, ma'am are you going to order now, or are you waiting for someone?" You hadn't noticed the waiter nor the time.

"Oh, uhm..."

"I didn't mean to interrupt your thinking, my apologies, I just noticed that you hadn't ordered yet and wanted to make sure you were still good."

That was nice.

"I am actually waiting for someone, I just don't know what time they will be arriving."

"Okay, no worries! Take your time."

You gave thanks with a smile, but that smile soon faded when it was 15 minutes past ten, and Bakugo had not shown up. You didn't want to admit it, but you expected more from the hero. To be a little late was okay, maybe a few minutes. But you were worried this would start creeping into 20, and unfortunately it was 30 minutes behind schedule. Given that it was colder outside, you'd understand the walk would be a bit harsh but again, he was a hero. And a warm one. You could still feel how warm his beanie was even after he took it off and left it on the counter a week ago. That thought made you blush until it was haunted by the ticking of the clock.

I guess I could order something to go. Maybe buy him a pastry and leave a note. Actually, he doesn't deserve a note. This whole 'Kyle' energy he's got going on right now isn't cute. And I deserve better.

With a huff, you rose from your chair and walked towards the counter.

"Hello, can I get a large black tea to go, please? And a blueberry scone. Thank you!"

"No problem, can I get a name for the order? I know you're the only one who ordered but the boss will lose their mind if I don't type it into the system." You giggled.

"Sure, it's-"

"Caterina. But Erina for short."

You stopped for a moment, realizing your voice was overpowered by a deeper, more prominent one. A voice that could stop a train.

The barista looked at you as if to confirm the name given aloud by the one and only, Bakugo Katsuki. You nodded without turning around. The barista could feel the tension, so they cleared their throat and gave you your total.

"Can you add another of whatever she's having?" The barista looked at you again, and with an eye roll, you nodded.

"Okay then, two black teas and two blueberry scones. Will that be all?"

"Yes."

"Your total will be 10.70."

Before you could even reach for your bag, Bakugo gently placed his hand on your arm, leaned in, and whispered, "I've got it."

At any other time, your face would flush from the lack of distance. But this time it was because you were annoyed and angry. You scoffed and thanked him quite bitterly. The barista let you know your drinks would be up in a few moments, so you both moved to the second counter.

"I could have paid for mine at least. You didn't have to do that."

"It's the literal least I could do for being so late. Which I have an explanation for."

You rolled your eyes and said "Okay."

"But can you at least look at me? I don't want this to seem half-assed. And I'm not trying to make this like a "here's my proof" but I can explain. Just please, can you look at me?"

"I thought you stood me up. I thought you weren't going to show up. I thought you really planned this just to flake to not be bothered. And you didn't give me your number cause you thought it'd be fucking cute to play a game of tag or something. Not even Kirishima messaged me about you being late or something. Anything. I looked like an idiot for almost an hour Bakugo!" And then you turned around and saw it. A single red rose, which made your heart warm, but there were bandages on his knuckles. You gasped a little then finally looked up.

"Katsuki what happened to your eye?" You reached up to push his hair back but he flinched. "I'm sorry! I was just trying to push back your hair!"

"It's okay. I'm okay. The night has just been wild and can we maybe take a walk? There's a park not too far from here." You agreed.

"Here are your drinks! There are packets of honey, sugar cubes, and things to stir them with on that other counter. You both enjoy."

"Thank you." After you both sweetened your teas, you walked into the crisp nighttime air. At first, it was brutal but the pipping tea and heat radiating off of your companion made it bearable. "Will you tell me what happened when we get to the park?"

"Of course."

"Good. Because I think I deserve an explanation."

"You do."

---------------

The park was empty. With the exception of a bench and several trees, there was nothing except clear open skies, clouded with little to no light pollution. He guided you to the bench and motioned for you to take a seat. Once seated and comfortable, he cleared his throat and turned a little more towards you. You did the same.

"Bakugo, is everything okay?"

"Yes and no. Hair for brains and I have been working on this huge case and things seemed to be going perfectly. I can't tell you much about it but I can give vague details. We had a plan, we had notes, we had all the information we needed. Or so we thought. But that hiccup didn't matter. What mattered is that we worked around it and now the case is closed. That's where the small bandages came from. Minor cuts and bruises. A few burns. Nothing new. But what happened after wasn't taken into consideration. The second hiccup.

"We knew the building had been evacuated and it was unstable. We just didn't know how unstable. I was still inside making sure that there really wasn't anyone else left when it started to come down and thought I was quick enough to make it out. Turns out, I wasn't. The building came down and I was under it. The rubble didn't do much except give me the black eye and bruises on my chest and back from falling. I blacked out for a bit, but Kirishima got to me in no time, helping me regain consciousness, hence why I insisted I was fine. But given the severity, they took me to the hospital and ran a bunch of tests. Wanted to make sure I didn't knock my fucking brains out.

"I've had a headache all day that's just starting to clear up. They kept me there for hours on end and I had so much paperwork to get done before even leaving home. As soon as I was cleared I rushed to get it done. Cause if I didn't, my ass would have been grass. But that too took longer than I hoped. I had been looking forward to this date all week and wasn't about to let some headache take this away from me. Everything had gotten so out of hand that by the time I got home it was ten and I wasn't about to just show up here in my costume and draw even more attention. That and I was fucking disgusting. I was not about to be fucking nasty around you. Absolutely the fuck not. So yeah. That's why I'm so late. That's why I'm beat up and I didn't want to worry you so I told Kirishima to not worry about letting you know because I thought I'd make it in time. I'm sorry for making you wait so long."

You didn't know what to do. You were angry at him because he was late, but his reasons were valid. That's what made you feel kind of bad. Without thinking about it you placed your hand on his cheek, urging him to lift his head up.

"Hey. I'm sorry your day was rough. If it makes you feel any better I was ready to kick Kirishima's ass cause he didn't tell me he knew you. And don't worry about tonight. It happens. Maybe just let me know next time? So that neither of us is worrying?"

"Yeah, okay I guess. And maybe this time, I could have your number too. You know. To keep you updated on my whereabouts. And for planning our next date?"

"Oh, it's a date now?"

He was blushing hard now. "I mean. Sure? A date, a hangout, a small get together of two people, whatever. Are you going to give me your number or not, punk?" His tone was back to normal, playful but sincere.

"I guess. But you're planing it next time. Deal?"

"Deal."