𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙔𝙤𝙪 | 𝙐𝙯𝙪𝙯𝙚𝙣

𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙔𝙤𝙪

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Thanks for beta reading this neoconservatism0nive !

I felt the need for drunk!Tengen, so here he is.
The title was inspired by Something About You by Eyedress, very fitting in my opinion.

This fic is part of the 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 Series, but could technically be read alone.

✻ Zenitsu is 18, which I don't consider underage (German Viewpoint)
✻ They are in a Teacher-Student-Relationship
✻ Kaigaku is a protective and good older brother, because Zenitsu deserves only the best in my fics

─── ☽ · ❉ · ☾ ───

The sun had already set as the cold wind blew through the lit-up streets. Snowflakes danced over the concrete, before landing on cooled window panes, fogging them up. Inside a warm traditional-styled house, classical music echoed through the rooms, accompanied by loud clinking noises of metal pots. They were caused by none other than Zenitsu, rushing around in the spacey kitchen while preparing their Christmas dinner, his nerves keeping him on his feet.
He still didn't understand how his Gramps could leave him in charge for this year's meal, with him being a walking disaster and all. Kaigaku didn't tease him about it for nothing, after all.

Speaking of Kaigaku, his brother. With Christmas being extra special to their small family, the older man had decided to eventually visit during his winter break. A first, since he left for university at the beginning of the year, and Zenitsu wasn't sure how to feel.
Don't get him wrong, he loved his brother, dearly so. Yet, he prevented him from his main objective: Spending the romantic Christmas days with his lover. He even bought him a present, damn it! He was absolutely pumped for his first romantic Christmas eve, with Uzui nonetheless. Of course, his brother wouldn't let him have it.

A loud alarm went off, signaling that the duck, which was currently in the oven, was ready. The blond rushed to it, turning it off. Carefully, he opened the door a bit, releasing a heavenly, citrus-y scent into the kitchen.
As if summoned by it, Kuwajima entered the steamy room, nose in the air. "Smells good, boy.". He glanced at the prepared duck and began inspecting it. The skin was dark and crispy, but not burned. It actually looked edible. "I'm surprised. It's not burnt.". Zenitsu only rolled his eyes. It was so much like his Gramps. Giving him a task and not even fully expecting him to succeed. He'd shown him otherwise - he often did. The constant nagging and his growing ambitions, such as his building self-esteem, helped greatly. Maybe that had been Gramp's plan all along, Zenitsu wondered sometimes, building him up by cornering him and bringing him near borders he feared passing.

A harsh slap against his shoulder made him jump in surprise, "I knew you could do it.". A quick look at the old man revealed a smile on his lips. It was small, yet proud. It caused warmth to spread through the blond's chest, and a smile danced over his own lips.

Christmas without Uzui wasn't ideal, but it would be nice nonetheless.

─── ☽ · ❉ · ☾ ───

At the dinner table, Zenitsu couldn't help himself, sneaking glances towards his phone. Any kind of electronics were forbidden at the table, at least when they were eating, so he had laid it down on the empty chair next to his. The reason why was simple: Uzui hadn't texted him back yet.

The blond had asked him how his evening had gone up to now, and told him about their dinner that was about to start. He even attached a picture of the delicious duck, showing off his new skills at cooking (even though it was under Gramp's watchful eyes), but it was to no avail. Uzui wasn't replying anymore, probably drinking another round with his coworkers.
Zenitsu didn't notice that he began pouting. He took another bite of the duck, (which tasted magnificent, by the way), paired with rice and vegetables, while staring at the table. He couldn't prevent his thoughts from running in circles, even though they were childish. And that had to mean a lot, coming from him.