Soul of the Dynasty: Rebirth

DRINKS

Author's note: For those who prefer to avoid explicit content and if you are my parents (P.S. I am an adult and I know adult content), here is a brief version. Kenzo tries to reconcile with Shizui by offering his personal exam notes and sharing rice wine. As they drink, they share an intimate moment. However, Kenzo soon realizes that it's too soon for such closeness, pushes Shizui away, and runs off, leaving Shizui alone to drink himself to sleep.

The air crackled with a tension thicker than the scent of damp earth that clung to Kenzo's robes. His gaze, usually so sharp and composed, held a flicker of vulnerability as it met Shizui's stormy grey eyes.

"Since noon," Kenzo's voice was a low rumble that sent a tremor through Shizui, a delicious shiver despite the cool cabin air. "Every minute since then, I've been waiting for you."

Shizui scoffed, the sound harsh in the quiet. Annoyance still lingered on his face, but a flicker of something else danced in his eyes, a spark that threatened to consume him. "What do you want, Young Master Kenzo?" he asked, his voice laced with a bitterness that surprised even him.

Kenzo reached into his robes, his movements slow and deliberate. The worn leather folder seemed to weigh him down. "A peace offering," he offered, his voice softer than Shizui ever remembered. "It has everything you need to clear the upcoming literature exam. Critical essays, runes, spells, potions and history notes."

Shizui's eyes widened as he recognized the insignia of the Maori clan. Suspicion flared. "The exam notes?" he breathed, barely a whisper. "Why? Isn't this cheating?"

Kenzo leaned closer, the scent of summer breeze and something warmer washing over Shizui. It was intoxicating, a dizzying counterpoint to his sharp suspicion. "They're mine," he murmured, stressing the word "MINE" as if he was inciting something else, a secret shared between them. "But consider them a gift, a chance to even the odds. Share them with others if you want."

Shizui met his gaze, a storm of conflicting emotions swirling within him. Defiance battled with a flicker of gratitude. "Is that all?" he challenged, his voice barely a rustle.

Kenzo hesitated, then shook his head. "No, there's more," he admitted. He reached into another fold of his robes, producing a beautifully crafted porcelain bottle. Moonlight seemed to shimmer on its surface, the aroma of fermented rice filling the air. "Rice wine," he said, his voice gruff but laced with vulnerability. "I brewed it myself."

Shizui's scepticism remained, but a grudging respect flickered in his eyes. Shizui turned the bottle over in his hands, the smooth porcelain cool against his skin. "That's..... Unexpected," he finally managed, his voice low. "Especially considering you confiscated the last of the ingredients on the first day on the rooftop," he added, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

Kenzo's gaze softened. "Well I just thought you would like some," he stated

"Aaru strictly prohibits alcohol," Shizui countered, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Are you not supposed to punish those who break the rules? You're the model master, remember?"

Kenzo's face flushed a deep crimson. "well... Perhaps I should leave," he mumbled, turning on his heel to head for the exit. Shizui lurched forward, confusion and a newfound warmth warring within him, he did not want him to leave yet, he needed to know if Kenzo felt the same way about him as he did. "Wait!" he blurted out. Kenzo froze, his back to Shizui. "Stay," Shizui continued, the word catching in his throat. "Haruto, Yuno, Elven... they're all studying in the library tonight. And hey," he added, a hesitant smile gracing his lips, "why don't we share a drink? You brought the rice wine, after all."

A flicker of surprise crossed Kenzo's face, and then a hesitant smile, tinged with sadness, softened his features. "Just this once," he agreed, his voice rough, as if choked by unspoken emotions, stepping onto the cool tatami mat.