Chapter Text
Taking time away was going to be hard. Zenwil took a deep breath running his fingers through Clove’s fur, the brown rabbit nibbling his other hand softly. “Are you sure that you don’t have any questions?” The anxiety was eating away at him and they needed to leave soon.
“Zen, it’s not the first time that we’ve watched the farm for you. We’ve got this.” Alice patted his shoulder and Valentina smiled brightly at him. “You’re worrying too much.”
“Yes, but-”
Semeru clapped his hands onto his husband’s shoulders. “Darling, we’re going to be late if you go through the whole explanation again.” They’d gone through a similar situation yesterday asking Denali and Agung to watch the underwater farm.
“Yes, but, dear…”
“No buts.” Semeru kissed Zenwil’s cheek, gently pushing him towards their bedroom. “Go. Make sure you have everything you need packed.”
Alice snickered as the man shuffled off in defeat. “He’s always been a worrier when it comes to going on big trips. His dad was the only one who could get Zenny settled.”
Semeru noticed the quick bout of sadness that crossed Alice’s face. He didn’t know too much about Zenwil’s family, the farmer only really spoke about his Grandparents, Anna and Lyle. He was excited that things were about to change in that regard.
“But it’s nice to see that you can get him settled too, Sem.”
Rubbing the back of his neck he sighed. “That is good I suppose. I know that he appreciates you guys taking care of the place while we’re gone.”
“Winter isn’t too busy at the Inn, so we have time to help out. Besides Zen’s place is always a nice getaway and if we need help with the animals, I’m sure Kenny and Mark can lend a hand.”
“I’ll know if they go spoiling them again.” Zenwil spoke up as he reentered the living room. He’d changed into his favorite sweater, the one that had the blue snowflakes on it and his green crossbody bag hung at his side. Kissing the rabbit between his ears, he gently set Clove onto the floor. “Be good, buddy…” Straightening back up he looked around, patting his pockets and going through his mental checklist. “Okay. I have everything. We can head out.”
Valentina hugged his midsection tightly. “Be safe, Uncle Zenny.”
“Of course, Stringbean.” He returned the hug, mussing her hair fondly as they parted. “We’ll see you guys when we get back.”
It felt wrong as they walked away from the porch Alice and Valentina waving them off. Leaving the farm, even just for two weeks, after living there for almost four years felt like torture, but Zenwil had put off this trip back to Pokyo long enough. “I’m not ready…”
Semeru sighed. He’d told him to make sure he had everything. “Did you forget something, Zen?”
“No, it’s just… It’s been a while since I’ve seen Grandma and Grandpa." Zenwil, tensed fidgeting with the strap of his bag. "Mom, Dad, and my little brother, will be there too.” The man wasn’t on the best terms with his stepfather, Ermin, but it was just something he’d have to deal with for his mother and half-brother’s sake. He'd missed them since he moved out to live with his Grandparents. “It’s also the first time you’ll actually be meeting everyone.” Taking a deep breath, he sighed. “I’m just… Nervous. What if they don’t like you?”
“It wouldn’t be the first time people didn’t like me.” Semeru adjusted the bag on his back, pulling his husband close to his side. “If your family is like you, I think you will survive the week.” Zenwil’s nerves were starting to rub off on him, he needed to get him to relax.
Zenwil couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled from his chest. “Just the one week, love? We’ll be there for two. Are you planning on dropping dead at the start of next week?”
“It’s not my intention. I forgot.”
“You’re fine, Sem. The thought made me laugh… I-I needed that.” He took Semeru’s hand into his own as they walked down the pier, interlacing their fingers. “Will you be okay for the boat ride?”
Squeezing the farmer’s hand tightly the former Lead Guard sighed, feeling queasy already. “I’d rather we swim.”