⚜ A collection of One-Shots for you all to enjoy. Please feel free to request ships. ⚜
Please note, should a ship be requested I don't feel comfortable writing about, I will politely decline. Other than that, I write Angst, Smut, as well as Fluff. E...
This was requested by @BRUHBULOUS, so much love to them for the amazing idea. This will be a nice Kaigaku. Hope you enjoy and leave me feedback. It's always appreciated.
(Image below is for you to keep @BRUHBULOUS. Hope you love it, my friend!)
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Zenitsu had never held much confidence. Not in himself, truthfully. He was often pushed away, casted out of the sightline of those who cringed to his actions. To his tears and crybaby attitude. He lived with no real purpose. No true connection. At least until he'd been taken in. The older male was a grandfather to him, even if he desired to be called master. The older man was Zenitsu's savior. His only family. So the blond carried on calling him 'grandfather', simply because it felt right. Simply because it showed the bond Zenitsu so craved.
The blond was not the only to be taken under the old man's wing. At first, Kaigaku's cold gaze was always weighing on the other. Pushing him further into the realization he was helpless. But time mends wounds. Especially those grown in Zenitsu's heart. With time, he came to understand Kaigaku. While the blonde's nature did not change, Kaigaku learned to cope. He spoke to Zenitsu little before the master, but outside those superiors eyes, Kaigaku was a completely different person. His front was placed away and his smile was so genuine and warm toward the blond. A look Zenitsu favored and treasured more than gold.
The duo overtime grew closer, even if no one saw it. It led to secret meetups where they would simply be together. Just relax and chat. To take a chance to understand the other more. Zenitsu had found in those times that his heart was at ease. He no longer cried, but was able to finally breath. To enjoy the world and not fear something. It was a moment he finally understood what most felt. To be able to live life as desired.
Zenitsu had followed the path he normally trekked before clearing the large tree that grew peaches. His gaze was lingering to the bright sky above, the thick clouds that steadily rolled by, not truly caring for anything around them. That was simply how the clouds were, so free and steadfast. Forever forging onward until the very end. It was admirable in Zenitsu's terms, something he wished he was. Finally breaking his contact, he focused on the location. In terms of freedom, the closest he'd got was whenever he was around Kaigaku. Which brought him to his current scenario.
He moved toward that head of black hair, those sincere turquoise eyes that shined beneath the sunlight. They were breathtaking, a true sight he felt he was undeserving to gaze on. Shifting closer, he stopped as something was tossed his way. Clumsily, he grabbed the peach before it fell. His eyebrows twitched as he smiled, joining the other. Kaigaku had in turn returned such a precious smile.
"Took you long enough. Did Master give you another scolding?" The blond was silent, nodding as he bit into the peach. The juice fell down his chin, Kaigaku taking note. He moved his hand, wiping it away before carrying on, smirking to the slight shade of red along Zenitsu's features. "You really should try to toughen up. I'm only saying that so we both can make him proud. We're the two he is putting his faith into, to become Hashiras for the future."
"I get that, I just..." Zenitsu fell silent, his gaze falling to the ground. He sighed, biting into the fruit again, though more aggressively.
"I get you struggle with your fears, but you're not alone. What is there to fear when I'm here? I've already promised to protect you, so trust me."
"I do! I do trust you, I just know nothing is certain. Anything can happen..." Kaigaku hummed, reaching out and stealing the peach. Zenitsu frowned, huffing as he moved closer. He rolled onto his back, laying his head on the other's legs. Gentle fingers rolled along his hair, playing with the strands. It brought a pleasant feeling to the blond.
"You know, you're the first person I've been this open to. We both have a bad past, which might be why I came to understand you so easily. You're strong Zenitsu, you just have to find and carry that strength."
"That's easier said then done..." Those gentle fingers that played with the blondes hair stopped as Kaigaku grabbed his jaw gently, forcing him to meet his gaze.
"I promised you to remain by your side, so I will do just that. No matter how long it may take, I'll be here until you find the strength. That is something I alone will do for the one person who means the most to me. You alone are my strength, the real reason I found peace in my own heart. It's the sole reason I am not arrogant as I used to be." Zenitsu remained silent, simply taking in those words. It always surprised him, the genuine kindness. He truly didn't feel like he deserved it. Not in the slightest. But Kaigaku always crushed those thoughts. He dismantled the loneliness in the blondes heart. When Zenitsu had felt so alone, Kaigaku had implanted himself in the center. "We're together for as long as you desire. Even if that turns into forever."
A long silence followed before Zenitsu leaned into the gentle hold, his smile rising as a tear rolled down his cheek. It brought a serene joy to Kaigaku, who chuckled lightly. He leaned forward, brushing his lips softly over the blondes before leaning against the tree he'd been posted on. Zenitsu had felt his skin grow warm, his head turning away. His voice was low, breaking a points. Even so, Kaigaku heard every word and no doubt thrived on that meaning. He embraced the endless joy to the response.
"Forever would be nice... To be able to finally have someone by me... Someone who won't leave." Kaigaku hummed, breathing in slowly as he spoke just as low, knowing Zenitsu would be able to hear.
"I won't ever leave you. That is a promise." Those words were uplifting for the blond. It brought a wide smile, his head pressing more into those firm legs he rested on. A hand traced his hair once more as the calm silence washed over them. The early morning breeze rolled through, aiding in Zenitsu's ability to rest. His heavy eyelids drifting close as he relaxed entirely, his mind at ease.
An hour had passed before Jigoro had wandered toward the peach fields. He was always afraid of the cold relations between Kaigaku and Zenitsu, but he'd never truly anticipated such a wholesome scene. To see the two who seemed so distant, so close. It brought a hope to his heart. A relief in his old age. If anyone could help Zenitsu, it was Kaigaku. It left him overjoyed knowing there was no need to worry. That the future was indeed bright.
He smiled lightly, turning on his heels to leave them. He'd not ruin such a moment. Walking down the path, he chuckled to himself with every thought. He'd keep his findings secret, for now that is. Someday he'd let it slip, but if the two meant to keep it secret, he'd not trample it. It was respect. His low hum rolled through the trees as he headed back, clearing any training for the day. There was no need. His mood was good, leaving him to give them a temporary break. It was a blessing to see Zenitsu so at ease. Something he'd treat Kaigaku to in the future. His gaze shifted to the sky, the long silence so welcoming. He felt hopeful. Not only for the future, but for his two disciples. His own family.
A change was coming and he was welcome to it.
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