It's interesting to see how much Zen has grown and also to really see how much he is eager to grow. Mitsuhide's used to many things, but standing in a kitchen with the Second Prince of Clarines is not one of them.
"So what do I do?" Zen looks as obedient as a knight awaiting his orders, and Mitsuhide almost wants to laugh. It looks comical on the young man before him, but he smiles back at him.
"Let's start by cutting some veggies." Mitsuhide is relaxed yet tentative; Zen can be unpredictable in a very predictable way at times, and Mitsuhide is half expecting the stove to somehow catch on fire. It wouldn't be the first time, and yet it's not really an outcome that he's looking forward to.
"Okay." And Zen grabs the knife, holds it cautiously, takes a deep breath and begins to cut, "like this?"
"Yeah, just like that, but here, hold it this way, this will be easier." And Mitsuhide steps into the role of the loyal aide. It's a familiar role, and it's interesting how it translates into the kitchen.
"Do you think she'll like it?" Zen looks as nervous as a young boy with his first crush or someone facing a job interview that could be difficult.
"Since it's by you, sure." Mitsuhide just wants the best for Zen, and if the best involves cooking a simple dinner in the kitchen to take on a picnic, that's just what it will be.
"That's good enough?" Zen twists around to look at him, blue eyes bright.
"Yeah." He's reassuring him, just for far more lighthearted reasons than he had to all those years ago, "It's hard to disappoint Shirayuki." That is very true. She readily accepts everyone's best effort and somehow watches them grow into even more incredible people with the passing of time.
Mitsuhide's sure this will be the same way.
"That's good. Thank you." Zen looks relieved, a little lighter somehow, and Mitsuhide doesn't know whether to be surprised or just grateful when the kitchen doesn't blow up after this cooking lesson and help.