Archive of Our Own

The sun beat down on Harry's neck as he search the map in front of him. He had never been to the particular clinic Anvindr had been working out of these past few weeks as it was so far on the other side of Pora. He had come without any of the rest of his Bhendhros and while he knew he would get into trouble with Torben and Shamir, but this was worth it. Andvindr had been working tirelessly at his job, juggling multiple patients and meetings. A few times he hadn't managed to come home; he had slept in his temporary office to tired or too busy to make the 'port home. Harry was worried; he knew Anvindr had the tendency to over extend himself in a need to help, but more than anything he missed his Bhendhros. 

Finally spotting the building, Harry marched right through the front doors and demanded to see Anvindr. Luckily the Slyph was free and Harry didn't have to use his Krdi rights to see him. The nice receptionist led Harry to his office and left him in front of the door. Knocking, Harry steeled himself for Anvindr's reaction. He wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"Harry?" The blonde whisp of a man asked when he opened the door.

Harry crossed his arms. "You've been avoiding me," he accused. 

Anvindr sighed. "I haven't been avoiding you, love. I've just had a lot of work to do."

"Oh, so the reason you haven't been home the past few nights is just due to work, not because you know you're going to get an earful from Shamir and Theo?"

Anvindr's shoulders dropped. "Okay, maybe that too," he admitted.

Harry brightened. "Well good thing I'm not our overprotective Bhendhros then. And I know a perfect way you can make it up to me."

Anvindr rolled his eyes and hid his smile at his Krdi's antics. "And that is?"

"Come try the new gelato place with me? It's just down the street. I promise you'll be back in no time!"

"I don't know Harry; I really am swamped here. They're extremely understaffed."

Harry turned on his puppy dog eyes. "I promise it will only take a second! You want to make it up to me, don't you?"

Anvindr heaved a sigh. "Okay, okay. But no more than thirty minutes because I really have to get back to work."

Harry led them back through the building and out onto the street. Harry hadn't lied, it was only a short walk to La Dolce Vita. The parlor was bustling with families and friends, all enjoying their sweet escapes from the heat. The gelateria had opened a few months before, but Harry had never had the pleasure of trying it because they were never on this side of town; however, it was rumored they had a treacle flavor. 

They perused the colorful menu, their mouths watering at the array of flavors. Harry chose to get a double of Stracciatella, a classic Italian flavor, and treacle. Anvindr opted for a refreshing scoop of mint chocolate chip and nocciola. As they sat at the table, the two Bhendrhos savored each bite of their ice cream. The creamy sweetness melted in their mouths, and the world around them seemed to fade away. For those moments, nothing else mattered except the joy of the gelato  and the warmth of their friendship. The worries of work and responsibilities felt distant as they relished the simple pleasure of each other's company.

All too soon Harry and Anvindr scrapped the bottom of their gelato cups. 

"Thanks for suggesting this, Harry," Anvindr said with a smile. "I did really need a break."

Harry nodded, his eyes filled with affection. "Always, Anvindr."

They threw away their trash and slowly walked back to the clinic chatting about nothing along the way. Both their hearts were light, and their spirits were rejuvenated by the delightful treat and the precious moments they had shared. Harry knew Anvindr was going to throw himself into his work again, but it was enough to know he had taken a break.