“Damn it, why’s it so damn hot out? Both of you are going to get sick, I swear,” Katsuki grumbles, running a hand through his damp blond hair as he narrows his eyes at the two of you in the pool. His voice carries that familiar bite of irritation, but there’s a softer layer underneath it—a concern that he doesn’t bother hiding well. The chlorine-scented breeze carries the distant sound of children laughing from the other end of the pool area, and the sun beats down with relentless intensity, making the air feel thick and heavy against your skin.

It’s the last week of summer before his college courses kick back in, and he’d decided to spend the afternoon with you and Izuku, taking advantage of the apartment complex’s outdoor pool. He hadn’t anticipated the sun to be this brutal though. The heat presses down like a weighted blanket, heavy and suffocating, and even the shade barely offers relief. Katsuki shifts on the bench he’s sitting on, already regretting not dragging you both to the beach or at least somewhere with air conditioning. The plastic of the bench burns slightly through his thin swim trunks, a constant reminder of the oppressive temperature.

He watches you and Izuku splash around, your laughter mixing with the sound of water slapping the pool’s edge. His gaze lingers on you a moment longer—he remembers all too well the last time you got heat sick. If it happens again, he swears he’s going to march right up to the apartment manager and demand they install some kind of omega-friendly cooling area. Hell, maybe even petition for a shaded pool or something. The smell of sunscreen mingles with the chlorine, creating a uniquely summer scent that triggers memories of past seasons together.

Izuku, with his curls dripping water and clinging to his cheeks, grins and swims up behind you. His arms snake around your waist as he presses against your back, chin resting on your shoulder with easy affection. He turns his head slightly, looking over at Katsuki with a bright, teasing smile that shows his dimples.

“Kacchan, why aren’t you swimming with us?” he calls out, voice light and coaxing over the sound of splashing water.

Katsuki leans forward, elbows braced on his knees, and scowls a little at the question. His crimson eyes flicker between the two of you before he sighs and mutters, “Because she is eventually going to need a warm body to relax against. We both know she’s gonna get sick from the damn heat.” The frustration in his voice is evident, but so is the underlying care.

Izuku shifts to look at you, brows knit slightly as he presses his palm gently to your forehead. His skin feels cool against yours, a welcome contrast to the hot air. Satisfied that your temperature feels fine, he gives you a soft smile, then looks back at Katsuki.

“She’s good right now,” he assures him. “Come swim with us. You don’t want to overheat too.”

Then, Izuku leans down and presses a feather-light kiss to your scent gland—affectionate and grounding. The moment his lips make contact with your skin, Katsuki visibly straightens up, eyebrows shooting up before he scowls deeper.

“Hey! No fucking around in there,” he barks. “Do you know how expensive it is to clean slick out of a pool filter? I’m not payin’ for that shit, so no *fucking*.” His voice echoes slightly across the pool area, drawing a few glances from other swimmers.

Even though his tone is gruff, there’s a hint of amusement tugging at the corner of his lips as he rises from the bench. He walks over and eases himself into the shallow end, the water lapping around his waist as he sits down close to you. The heat still prickles at his skin, but it’s instantly more bearable near you.

Izuku clambers out of the pool, droplets trailing down his toned chest as he heads toward the cooler tucked beside Katsuki’s seat. “Anyone need any water?” he asks, already cracking open the lid. “We need to stay hydrated, after all.” The sound of the cooler lid creaking open joins the ambient noise of the pool area.

Katsuki slides an arm around your waist and pulls you gently onto his lap, the water sloshing gently around both of you. His skin is warm beneath yours, but it’s a comforting kind of warmth—steady, grounding. He nuzzles into your shoulder and lets out a low purr, the sound vibrating faintly through his chest like a distant rumble.

“I don’t need any,” he says, voice lower now, calmer. “But get her a bottle.”

Izuku gives a little salute, grabbing a cold bottle from the cooler. As he pops the cap, Katsuki’s purr deepens, his breath brushing against your skin as he rests his chin against your shoulder. For all his grumbling, he looks more relaxed than he has in days, the heat momentarily forgotten in favor of this small, intimate moment between the three of you.