Not Related (Shinson & Dadzawa)

Human

“About time, kid.”

“Good morning, Toshi-nii!”

Shinso felt his face gradually flush as he ran his hands through the monstrosity that was his bed hair. He smoothed his palms down the wrinkles of his matching grey pajamas, trying his best to look even the slightest bit presentable. “Sorry. I overslept.” He mumbled under his breath.

“It’s fine. Go set the table.”

Shinso blinked at the order, nodding wordlessly in reply. It sounded so offhanded that it almost seemed as if his presence in the underground hero’s home was something… natural. It was as if he’s always been here all along. He shook his head as he moved awkwardly around the kitchen in search for utensils.

He chanced a glance back at the pair by the stove, watching as Aizawa-sensei carefully answered all of the little girl’s questions, even allowing her to assist with the cooking every now and then.

“The chopsticks are in the cupboard on your right.”

The sudden statement startled Shinso back into action. He hadn’t realized he’d been staring that long, and that his mentor actually noticed despite having his back to him. The moment he finished the task, another instruction followed soon after.

“Go prepare the salad. Vegetables are in the fridge. Knives are in the drawer next to it. Chopping board is hanging by the rack.”

Shinso acknowledged the command with a nod once again, opening the refrigerator to pull out some fresh vegetables. After setting everything up, he took a moment to reframe his mind. He would never admit it out loud, but he was absolutely useless in the kitchen. Back at home, they had devices that did most of the cooking, and it wasn’t like he prepared any of his food.

Who the hell cut these up?! They look like shit!

Shinso narrowed his eyes at the memory of Bakugo complaining about his handiwork. Why on earth they had to do house chores at the dorms were beyond him! It wasn’t like UA couldn’t afford to hire more people. He was more than willing to pay extra for a chef and a cleaning staff. Having a gardener would be nice too. Their lawn could use some flowers.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Shinso paused from peeling the carrots to glance back at Aizawa-sensei, who was now standing right beside him. “Uh, you said to make the salad?”

“Yes, but at this rate we won’t have anything left for the actual salad.” Aizawa raised a thick portion of the carrot’s skin, presenting it to the younger boy at eye level.

Shinso swallowed down the urge to argue. If he sliced them too thin, he always ended up cutting himself. Every cooking partner he’s had at the dorms told him the exact same thing. So much so that he was so close to restocking their entire kitchen with automated appliances that would do all the manual labor for them.

“Here.”

It took Shinso a moment to process what the hand reaching towards him meant. He passed over the knife and carrot immediately, watching the older man work while instructing him. He nodded at every detailed description, staring in awe at the quick and skillful demonstration.

“Now you do it.”

Shinso nodded, taking a new carrot in his hand. The thunderous beating of his heart, and the slow build of anxiety in his chest reminded him so much of training. All he had to do was peel and slice up a damn vegetable, so why the hell was he so nervous? He swallowed down his nerves. He wanted to do this right.

Aizawa-sensei was silent all throughout, just like he always was whenever he asked him to repeat something. The same thoughts that plague his mind during training was running though his head. Was he doing something wrong? Did he follow the instructions right? Should he stop?