Zen's a little nervous, but he refuses to put this off or not do it. They took the time out of their days to teach him how to cook, he might as well return the favor with a gift of his hard work and his time, a chance to really show that he was paying attention back then, that every lesson was well spent.
The kitchen looks a bit like a mess. He's organized the ingredients for the soup in one section, vegetables for the salad in another section, the makings for an apple tart, and an excess pot off to the side that he's going to fill with water. Obi might have not explained to him why the one time, but it feels a little reassuring to see it before him. And also, maybe an extra pot would be of help to his friend, as that is what made it 'worthwhile' before, for Obi to teach him anyway.
And Zen was far from a perfect student, and they might as well get a little more than worthwhile out of teaching a rather clueless and at times disinterested prince. Granted, Zen really has come a long way since then.
So, he starts by washing and chopping up the vegetables for the salad. It's been some time since Kiki first taught him how, and he doesn't want to mess up. He had to about triple the recipe now, but the extra chopping and rinsing should more than make up for itself. Plus, Zen figures, after today he'll be a step closer to a great chef.
It takes time, but soon enough, he's made salad and divided it up into five bowls, one for each of them. And for a moment, he pauses, to take a deep breath and admire his work. It's almost surreal, and he remembers that day back then, when he stood in the kitchen with Kiki, and they prepared salad and ate together, that rising up of accomplishment and finally beginning to feel like somewhat of a chef.
Then, he fills up a large pot with water and sets it boiling. It will be a surprise gift, an extra one for Obi. And somehow just the pot filled practically to the brim with water is a reassurance, as he washes and cuts up vegetables and pours the broth in the smaller pot. And he cuts up the meat into manageable chunks, much more like bite size than not. And gets the soup going.
And just watching it begin to cook fills him up with a steady kind of warmth, and he's already smiling as he washes his hands and some apples, and begins to cut them up. Just a few days ago, he'd asked Shirayuki how she'd made the dough for the tart, and they had stood in the kitchen preparing dough together.
And what a joy that was! He'd felt like he became a professional baker, even though it had required quite a bit of help to get the dough made and ready. And then, he was here, working to transform made dough into a delicious tart. Or rather a larger than before tart.
An apple tart has to be large enough to feed the whole group after all. If it's even a little too small, that won't do. And so, he slices the apples and puts together the filling and bakes the tart. The soup is done before the tart, but Zen knew that would happen, as he grabs the bowls and gets to work.
"Thank you," Zen is smiling, but it feels a little lopsided and barely held together as filled with nerves as he is, "For everything."
"You made all this?" Mitsuhide's brown eyes have gone wide, and Zen remembers that this is the first successful meal he's ever seen Zen make. He'd only have heard of them before.
"Yes." Zen affirms, wondering if it will live up to the standards set by them.
"It looks delicious!" And Shirayuki's hands come together in a soft clap, and her wide smile shows her enthusiasm. She isn't looking at it like an amateur's meal.
"You did good." And the fact that Kiki says it without trying any yet, leaves Zen's face a little pink; he wants to tell her that no, you must try it first, food has to be eaten to probably be enjoyed and don't get your hopes up so soon!
"Not bad, Master." And Obi's smile and voice seem a little more serious this time.
"Thank you." Zen answers, refusing to argue with his own insecurities, "And Obi, I left a pot boiling for you. I still don't know what you use it for, but..."
"Sweet!" And Obi's laughing, "You're supporting an alcoholic, Master." A playful jibe.
"Supporting an alcoholic?" Zen's more than a little shocked, and despite the fact that Obi can drink an insane amount of liquor without staggering, Zen would never have called him an alcoholic.
"I've been making beer." He shrugs. "But thank you, I was thirsty."
"How long does it take?" And Zen wasn't expecting Mitsuhide's voice to join his in questioning Obi.
"A couple months or so." He shrugs, "When it's ready, I guess I can share."
Zen isn't sure he wants homemade beer, but maybe he'll humor Obi just in case.
"How did you learn to do that?" Mitsuhide's still more than a little surprised.
"Practice and knowing the right people?" And Obi's life is still a bit of a mystery, but Zen is a bit more impressed than he ever expected to be by Obi's skill in the kitchen and just how much knowledge he seems to have acquired over time.
"Wow." And Zen almost says, he didn't know people can do that, but it's a stupid comment, because of course somebody has to make the beer or the wine or the hard liquor that people drink. Someone put the time and the energy and the work into all of that.
Zen just didn't expect Obi to be one of those people who did.
Before long though, the table is set. And somehow it's the company as always that warms them right up. Zen's a little surprised that dinner actually turned out pretty well, and that it tastes good, that it's the right consistency, and that it hits the spot just right.
And with everyone all around, sharing food, and talking, everything is warm and fun and lively.
"You did do good." Obi responds, a mix right between sarcasm and genuine honesty.
"Don't sound so surprised." Zen grumbled and pointed out.
"He's taken the lessons to heart." Kiki responded, as if to lightly chastise Obi. And Zen is amazed that he has friends who will even back him up when he's being teased.
"Thank you again." Shirayuki answered, reaching for a little more to eat.
"It's really good!" Mitsuhide added on.
And Zen feels like light pouring in, in the morning, before even a cloud could disrupt it. It's incredible! And he really does have the best friends ever.