For the Climate Control Challenge on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
Ichigo frowned as she knelt in the garden. She squinted at the plants in front of her, her fingers reaching out to touch each strawberry. She turned them over, each one receiving her full attention for a few moments. Makoto, hovering in the doorway and shielding the sun from his eyes, watched her curiously.
"This weather isn't good for them. It's too hot," she said finally. "They'll burn."
"I didn't know strawberries could burn."
Ichigo turned to face him. Even the large brim of her sunhat could not hide the tears threatening to fall. A small whimper was all the warning he received before she flew across the garden, throwing herself into his arms.
"When it's too hot. They get sunburn," she explained, sniffling. "You can tell because they don't turn red. And they won't taste as sweet."
Already, he could feel his shirt becoming damp. "I see."
"You see? Makoto!" Ichigo pulled away from him, her distress quickly turning into frustration. "The whole harvest could be ruined! All our hard work…"
"They're not ruined," he retorted. "You've been spoilt recently, you know? Always baking with the best ingredients. These strawberries might not be as bright or as sweet, but isn't that part of the challenge? Creating a new dish just for them?"
Ichigo blinked at him.
"We'll set up something for shade for next season," Makoto continued. "Just in case next summer is just as hot."
Before he'd finished his sentence, Ichigo had once more launched herself at him. But this time as she cried into the crook of his shoulder, he could feel her lips curved in a smile.
"Ichigo?"
"That's a great idea," she said quietly. "Thank you."
"The shade?"
"Yes." She giggled. "And making it a challenge. You'll have to help me."
Makoto hummed his agreement. "Always."