The argument had started over something stupid, like it almost always did. A mission gone wrong, Zanka yelling and fighting alone at the front, ignoring the suggestion you gave him during a critical moment and ending with you taking a hit and a few injuries that could have been avoided if he’d just been less hardheaded. His stubbornness, his explosive temper, and that harsh, cold way he had of speaking under pressure had done the rest.

The two of you hadn’t spoken the entire way back, so the trip to HQ had been pretty uncomfortable for everyone who had witnessed the argument.

For you, being near Zanka is a mix of adrenaline and pure romantic anxiety. Your problem isn't rejection; on the contrary, you're fascinated by him. However, every time he walks beside you and his fingers accidentally brush against yours, your body reacts in the worst way: your palms become a sea of ​​sweat. The fear that Zanka will think it's unpleasant or make fun of you forces you to activate an extreme avoidance protocol.

It all started when, on a walk after a mission, Zanka decided to make a move. With his gaze fixed straight ahead and a slight blush, he extended his hand toward you.

You noticed the movement out of the corner of your eye and reacted with panic, shoving both hands into your jacket pockets with lightning speed, whistling a forced tune.

Zanka blinked, confused, but let it go.

Two days later, at the HQ, he tried to put his arm around yours while you were relaxing on the sofa. You jumped up, exclaiming that you forgot to polish your Jinki, and ran off. What an excuse.

After a week of mock swatting, hugging folders of documents, and pointing at "strange birds" in the sky every time he came near, Zanka's patience was wearing thin. He's a direct fighter; he hates beating around the bush.

This afternoon, as you were returning from a patrol alone, Zanka dragged you into a quiet residential alley, blocking your exit by leaning against the wall.

"Come on, talk already," he demanded, crossing his arms and frowning. "What's wrong with you? Every time I try to touch your hand, you act like it's covered in shit. If I disgust you, just say so."

You felt your heart leap out of your chest. The panic of losing him outweighed the sadness.

"It's not that!" You screamed, covering your face with both hands, "It's the complete opposite! I like you so much that I get nervous, and when I get nervous, my hands sweat like crazy. They're soaking wet, Zanka! I'm so embarrassed for you to touch me and think it's disgusting."

The alley fell into complete silence. You shrank back, expecting a huff or an annoyed complaint. Instead, you heard a husky laugh that turned into a resigned sigh. Zanka stepped forward and firmly removed your hands from your face.

He looked you straight in the eyes, his cheeks completely red, but with that confident smile that was so characteristic of him.

"Did you really think I'd care about a little sweat from the person I like? Don't talk nonsense."

His back 🫣🫣

Zanka let out a heavy sigh as he settled face down on his own bed.

"You're not going to do anything weird, are you?" he asked, tensing up immediately as soon as you sat on him.

"Like what? You don't think I'm going to give you a tattoo or something, do you?" you joked, but he tensed up even more. "Come on, love, it's just a massage. Don't get any more tense than you already are."

You gently patted his back to ask him to relax, and you could feel his muscles loosening a little.

You took the small bottle of oil that Eishia had given you, filled with herbal extracts that aided relaxation, and poured some into your hand and got to work.

"Ouch," he exclaimed. "That hurt."

"You're really tense on this side," you defended yourself.

"You said you knew how to do this," he tried to get up, but you stopped him immediately.

"Of course I know how to do it, but you've got knots all over you. Of course it's going to hurt."

"Looks like you enjoy hurting me."

"Oh, come on, that's what happens when you train for hours day and night."

You massaged his shoulders again, and he slumped back down, too tired to argue.

After what felt like hours to Zanka, you finally finished and stood up.

"How do you feel? More relaxed, right?" you asked eagerly. He couldn't deny it after seeing your happy smile.

"Of course, thank you so much."

"Then we'll do it again tomorrow."

"Again?" he asked nervously, his voice higher than usual. "Why?"

"Because that's the only way you'll get rid of those knots," you said, touching his shoulders again, and he tensed up once more.

It started with morning training. Zanka approached you after finishing his routine. He looked tired and sun-kissed, but he still greeted you with a smile.

"Good morning," he said, holding you by the waist and leaning in to kiss you, but you were quicker and gave him a fleeting kiss on the cheek.

"Good morning," you replied. He looked at you, confused, but didn't think much of it.

It wasn't until all your displays of affection faded throughout the day.

During the mission you were both sent on that afternoon, you fell into a pit that one of the garbage beasts had turned into one of its nests, injuring your ankle. Zanka had to handle the mission alone.

"Good job, Zanka," you said with a smile, patting his shoulder. He blinked two or three times and sighed.

"Is everything alright?" He asked, confused. Normally, you'd kiss him straight on the lips when you both finished the mission.

"I just twisted my ankle," you replied casually and limped toward the truck.

He stood there, even more confused, scratching the back of his neck. He looked at Assistaff as if the stick knew all the answers and then walked behind you.

Things got worse at dinner. You were sitting at the dining room counter, savoring an ice cream you'd been saving all day, your right foot elevated on a stool to reduce the swelling from the sprain. You didn't even notice when Zanka entered the room until he placed a hand on your lower back.

"How are you feeling?" he asked. He'd decided to ignore your attitude and give you the benefit of the doubt. He leaned on your shoulder, trying to hug you.

"Fine," you replied curtly.

"I'm glad."

He moved away and looked for something to eat in the refrigerator, without success. He came back to your side and sat on the stool to your left. He didn't say anything else, just watched the way you ate your delicious ice cream.

"It looks good," he said.

"It is good," you said, plunging your spoon into the dessert and bringing it to your mouth.

He leaned a little closer to you. He wouldn't say anything, but his gestures made it clear he wanted some of your ice cream, and you knew it. You looked at him, and he looked at you; neither of you said anything, so you went back to savoring the ice cream.

Zanka rolled his eyes and stretched out on the stool, then leaned over the counter, resting his chin on his hand.

"Are you mad?" His voice sounded subdued. You glanced at him and smiled.

"Of course not, Zanka." This time you patted his head, and he stepped back.

"Then tell me why the hell you've been acting like this with me?!" His eyebrows furrowed, and he moved the ice cream out of your reach to have your full attention.

"What are you talking about?" You pretended not to understand what he was talking about, but you knew perfectly well what he meant. The question was, would he understand?

"You've been ignoring me and acting strange all day."

"Strange how?"

"You know..." He lowered his voice, checking that no one else could hear. "Not affectionate at all." His cheeks flushed, and you couldn't help but giggle at how adorable he looked.

"I haven't been affectionate? But I just petted your head."

"I'm not a dog."

"But when Enjin does it, you get excited," you defended yourself.

"Last time I checked, Enjin wasn't my girlfriend."

You laughed again and looked him straight in the eyes. Your expression changed completely, and Zanka had to back away. Instead, you moved closer to him, clinging to his uniform jacket.

"Maybe I'd be more affectionate if my boyfriend didn't forget to give me my goodnight kiss," you whispered in his ear.

Zanka was perplexed by what had just happened. His beloved girlfriend, whom he knew as the sweetest girl in the barracks, had just given him chills, and now you were comfortably eating your ice cream again.

"What?" he murmured weakly.

"That's right, Zanka. Last night you forgot to kiss me goodnight. I'm just showing you how I felt."

"I didn't know you were so vengeful."

"See how it feels?"

He looked at the ground, unsure what to say, and then looked up at you.

"Forgive me. I won't forget your goodnight kiss again."

You smiled again, this time sweetly, and took one of his hands, bringing it closer to you.

Suggestive. Zanka Masterlist. Part 1.

It has been a whole week since you've joined the cleaners, a whole week since you've been recruited to the Akuta team.

Zanka's charms had already manifested even when he was once just 10 apples tall.

And looking at him now? Makes your knees go weak.

He's much more attractive than the boy you remember, who always glares and frowns your way.

A sharp jaw line, androgynous face, a lean body with just the right amount of muscles, and a tall figure…

That alone makes you hot and bothered inside.

Who wouldn't fold?

Especially when he looks down at you smugly, winning another sparring session against you when he's supposed to be training you?

He got you,

Oh so, oh so, oh so hot.

Suddenly your body becomes feverish—cheeks red, thighs pressing together, and teeth unconsciously digging on your bottom lip.

You can totally remember those times in your childhood,

Where you'd force Zanka to play with you.

The boy would always glare, and it never fails to make you blare.

But now? Every glower, every frown and every huff,

Makes you want to just wipe that annoyance in his face, replace those little miffs of his with moans, peel that damn uniform off—

Like—Oh my god.

Zanka who used to make tears run uncontrollably in your cheeks,

Now makes tears run down your thighs.

THE NEW CHAPTER MADE ME GO FERAL I LOVE YOU ZANKA BUT I'M OVULATING

btw guys I'm sorry if this is short, I'm busy w research so I can't focussss

“what did i say?” zanka clicked his tongue. “don’t push yerself too hard.”

“speak for yourself,” you grumble in bed, an arm covering your eyes from the light on the ceiling, pulling the blanket closer to you. “why does the human body have to be so weak?”

“limits exist for a reason.”

“and you’re an exception to that rule?”

zanka sighed. you’ve gone over this conversation at least once a week, and it’s pissing him off. you certainly didn’t mean for it to be some sort of rivalry, but as your obsession to grow stronger gets worse, that’s what it’s turning into.

he stood up from his seat and started working on the hot soup, pouring it into a small bowl.

“y’know that’s not true,” he started. “i listen when my body says no. and also aibo.”

“fine. i get it,” you coughed on your sleeve, cringing at the itchiness in your throat.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀zanka was known for his husky and rather brash voice, tone mostly impassive and bitter. he'd never tried to change his tonality, whether before or after joining the cleaners — no one had ever commented on it before and it seemed like everyone was a little 'rough around the edges' anyway so he fit right in.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀though that all changed when he had made you cry. of course, he hadn't meant to. but he had had such a grueling day, starting from training rudo early in the morning to then having to go on quite the torturous mission that had his entire body aching. and as always, you had been the first to greet him with the biggest hug and asked him how the mission had went and filling him on what you'd been up to in the meantime. "get off me, will ya?! can't ya see i'm really tired?!" he had grumbled.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀and in his head, he thought he'd said it rather normally. he was unbelievably mistaken when he saw the way your eyes watered, trying your best to blink away the tears. before he could even try to explain himself, you'd left to go back to your room, wiping the tears streaming down your cheeks.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀"that is no way to talk to a girl, zanka." gris said from behind, patting his back gently. "you sounded very angry with her. you must be more careful when you speak."

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀and ever since then, you'd noticed that change. how his voice was so much more softer and gentler whenever he spoke to you. never again did he raise his voice at you, no matter how angry he got. if he ever was, he'd simply take a few breaths before telling you he needed some space to himself. this change in him was so sweet to you and whenever he'd speak to you in that soft voice, your heart would flutter and you'd feel butterflies bloom in your lower stomach.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀"can you tell him not to yell at me too?" rudo mumbled beside you after an excruciating session with zanka. "he's always so nice to you."

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀you giggled at that, lightly ruffling his hair as you helped him clean up some of the scratches he'd gotten. "well . . if he likes you as much as he likes me, maybe one day he will."

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀rudo pondered on that for a few moments before tutting, "yeah . . that's never gonna happen."

“Love me, love me,”

"Say that you love me!"

Lovefool ~The Cardigans

Gachiakuta x Gn!Reader

Feat. Tamsy, Enjin, Zanka, Riyo, Gris, Follo, August, Jabber, Zodyl

Tags : attempt at humor, crack, downbadness, flirting, the overt and subtle kind, sfw (wow shocking), no established rls, reader is denser than a harem isekai protag, fluff, not proof read, no use of y/n

Wc : 1419

• Tamsy Caines

Tamsy’s way of loving was always subtle, hidden in plain sight and under wary eyes. 

It was sort of obvious that his type of “flirting” wouldn't be noticeable but he didn't expect it to completely fly over your head. 

“I didn't know Tamsy was the type to stay and check over his fellow members when they get injuries in missions.” You say in passing conversation, and he just so happens to overhear. 

And he could feel his heart dropping all the way to his stomach. 

Because what part of taking care of someone and sleeping against the wall nearly standing up just to see them recover is something he does for…fun? For sport? Why would he even do that for anyone for that matter?

Goes back to his room a little heavy hearted—half contemplating to start believing in the sphereites above just to give him strength or to just let the sphere itself take the wheel from his hands. 

“Am I not doing things that could be considered courting…?” He groans, slapping his cheeks with his palms lightly. No, it has to be a problem of your understanding. There's no way that it could possibly be a fault of his. 

    • Enjin

Enjin plays into it, hard. Always the one messing around and bickering—flirting—with you. But even he has his limits.

“Y’know if you keep acting dumb like that I might just have to get on my knees for ya.”

You scoff, not quite grasping the full extent of his message. “I'm not stupid, Enjin.” He was about to retort with a quick ‘oh yeah?’ when you suddenly added. “I knew that trash beast was stronger than usual since there was a storm hurling.”

Enjin was too stunned to speak. By ‘acting dumb’ you thought he meant ‘doing dumb actions’ which translates to ‘being reckless’ ...yeah something like that.

The worst part is you looked genuinely proud of yourself. You've always been known for being able to assess the situation and adjust accordingly. Just…maybe not to every situation. Especially now. 

  • Zanka Nijiku

 Zanka has always been bad at keeping things subtle and even more so about his feelings. 

You'll compliment him about something and he'd brush it off with a shrug, “it's to be expected of us cleaners” But when you turn around, he pumps his closed fist in the air with a blushing proud face. 

For someone so bad at being on the low, he sure does try to keep things professional. He wants you to be the best version of yourself, so at times he'll push you to break past your limits and become stronger. But that doesn't mean he won't offer a hand to help you up when you're beaten into the ground after a sparring session. 

“Thanks Zanka.” You take a sip of the water he gave you after wiping the sweat from your brows. “You're always looking out for me.” 

“Can't have ya dying on me mid—”

“You're such a great friend.” 

…Are you kidding me? 

  • Riyo Reaper

Constantly finds ways to flirt with you all the time. During missions, cleanups, running errands around HQ. You name it, she's most certainly already there trying to take up your time and space. 

“Hey there pretty.” Is something you'd always hear the moment you enter any room. It's almost like she was camping and waiting for the opportunity. 

She seemed pretty comfortable with your relationship since she assumed you were already aware of her feelings. 

So imagine her—as well as your—suprise when you stare at her blankly, mouth hung agape when she drops the bombshell on you casually mind convo. 

 “Oh c’mon, almost everyone knows.” Everyone but you apparently. “Wait, are you…actually surprised?” She won't let you live this down. 

  • Gris Rubion

A believer of slow and steady wins the race. If this was a novel it'd be a slow burn. But the thing is you're not even aware there's a burn going on.

Has tried—and failed— to make it obvious to you how he truly feels. A kiss on the back of the hand, eye contact that lingers for too long, handshakes that are a little too tight and are dangerously close to being a hand hold.

Gris is patient for all that matters. But it's like cupid saw his patience and decided to make you just to test it. 

“I could get used to you cooking for me everyday.” You hand him the empty lunch container. “Whoever you're marrying is so damn lucky.”

“Is that so?” He smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling while he just looks at you fondly. Hoping this image of a domestic life with you can one day become true. 

Forget a slow burn, is the candle even lit yet?

  • Follo Tunito

Bless his soul. He needs it.

Follo doesn't do over the top displays of affection for the people he loves. The most you'll get is a pat on the back while he tries to hide his burning cheeks as he gives words of encouragement to cheer you up when you're feeling down. It gets the job done. 

Cheering you up—of course. 

You notice how Follo isn't really as touchy with you as he is with other people, so logically he must have something against you—oh boy you couldn't be more wrong. 

He notices how you start to slowly distance yourself from him, thinking that you're doing him a favor staying out of his way when you're actually just adding more to his internal turmoil.

His breaking point is when around the third day of this clipped back and forth, you cut off the conversation entirely and return to your room while the remnants of his reply is still dancing in the air around him. 

“Did…I do something wrong…?”

  • August Stilza

Doesn't even try to hide it. Sometimes he just wonders if you're purposefully ignoring his remarks and teases until he overhears you say “Oh yeah, August must be like that with everybody.”

Shocked? A little. Disheartened? Far from it. If anything it becomes sort of like fuel to him.

Tries to make it even more obvious how he has a thing for you. Always getting louder—if that was even possible—getting all up in your personal space and so on. 

Casually brings up the fact that you'd look good in white, “Specifically a white dress! …A white dress where I'd be wearing a matching white outfit.” He grins. Then, shamelessly adds “Can I have your measurements for future reference?” Wink wink. 

Don't be fooled, he already knows your measurements down to the T but he just wants a concrete reasoning as to why he even knows them to begin with. 

Why does he have your sizes memorized like the lines on his palm, you may ask? Mind your damn business...

     • Jabber Wonger

Jabber loves loudly, like he needs to chase your reactions in search for more reasons as to why he even likes you in the first place. 

“Awhhh c’mon don't tell me you're gonna bail out on me again!” He whines, dramatically pouting whenever you inevitably have to leave. 

All the little nicknames, teasing, and theatrics are just for jokes. 

Right?

It's so easy for him to say “Nah, I'm just messing wit’ ya.” While he gives you a wide toothy grin before waving you goodbye. It used to be easy. 

But day by day he's starting to realize that maybe he doesn't want it to be just mindless jokes he spouts at you for the love of the game. The real cherry on top to this whole debacle is when you confirm that, “Jabber’s just like that, I'm not special to him.” verbatim. 

He gets annoyed but quickly regains composure—quick to show you his signature wide smirk that means he's up to no good.

Just make sure to watch your back because he's one bad day away from proposing to you and making it clear. 

    • Zodyl Typhon

Has quite the high view of himself. But one of these days he'll stop swallowing random garbage and learn to swallow his pride because you are making this whole thing way too difficult for him. 

“You should prioritize your safety.” He reprimands you after a reckless attempt of trying to engage the cleaners. It wasn't your station and Cthoni had to exert more effort trying to find you with her manholes. 

“I'm aware, but—”

“No buts.” 

You're over here thinking he's just really protective of his employees but he’s gripping his already greying hairs thinking he's being way too obvious and almost lost his cool entirely.

Don't let his cold stoic demeanor and expression fool you, there's a reason as to why he looks rough for a 23 year old. 

I was gonna put crush by tweens of pop (the chorus) but like idkkk

I also accidentally kept writing deuce instead of follo (I'm writing ts at night, sleep deprived and they're both awkward to me don't make me explain myself) cus I rlly wanted to write this prompt for twst and I felt like I was on my Katy perry "cause when I'm with him I am thinking of u" timing like ffs big dawg 😢😢😢

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀zanka was known for his husky and rather brash voice, tone mostly impassive and bitter. he'd never tried to change his tonality, whether before or after joining the cleaners — no one had ever commented on it before and it seemed like everyone was a little 'rough around the edges' anyway so he fit right in.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀though that all changed when he had made you cry. of course, he hadn't meant to. but he had had such a grueling day, starting from training rudo early in the morning to then having to go on quite the torturous mission that had his entire body aching. and as always, you had been the first to greet him with the biggest hug and asked him how the mission had went and filling him on what you'd been up to in the meantime. "get off me, will ya?! can't ya see i'm really tired?!" he had grumbled.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀and in his head, he thought he'd said it rather normally. he was unbelievably mistaken when he saw the way your eyes watered, trying your best to blink away the tears. before he could even try to explain himself, you'd left to go back to your room, wiping the tears streaming down your cheeks.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀"that is no way to talk to a girl, zanka." gris said from behind, patting his back gently. "you sounded very angry with her. you must be more careful when you speak."

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀and ever since then, you'd noticed that change. how his voice was so much more softer and gentler whenever he spoke to you. never again did he raise his voice at you, no matter how angry he got. if he ever was, he'd simply take a few breaths before telling you he needed some space to himself. this change in him was so sweet to you and whenever he'd speak to you in that soft voice, your heart would flutter and you'd feel butterflies bloom in your lower stomach.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀"can you tell him not to yell at me too?" rudo mumbled beside you after an excruciating session with zanka. "he's always so nice to you."

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀you giggled at that, lightly ruffling his hair as you helped him clean up some of the scratches he'd gotten. "well . . if he likes you as much as he likes me, maybe one day he will."

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀rudo pondered on that for a few moments before tutting, "yeah . . that's never gonna happen."

Can you write a Zanka x fem! Reader. Reader is slightly older than him (2 years maybe), rumors are going around the hq that Zanka has a crush on his upperclassman, Reader. which he tries to deny all the time. Then the rumors reached Reader, who started teasing him ever since she found out. Zanka always acts annoyed and brushes her teasing, until one day, while Reader's teasing him, Zanka finally admitted that he like reader: "Fine, I like you, happy?" With an annoyed tone.

What happens next is up to you author! I just want to share my idea heehee you can totally ignore this if you don't like ittt, Stay safe out there:)!

ʚଓA/n: sorry if this took a while but here's ur request!!(≧∇≦)

— Someone's got a little crush

౨ৎSynopsis: A famous rumor ran around HQ on how Zanka has a crush on you. You found out eventually after hearing about other people gossiping about it.

౨ৎTags: Zanka x Fem!Reader, Fluff, Reader is 19, Zanka being Zanka, Reader's vital instrument wasn't classified,‼️NOT PROOFREAD ‼️, Writer got cringed by their own writing

౨ৎWord Count: 1.6k words

✧𝙼.𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝

Rumors had it that Zanka has a crush on you, the person Zanka who clearly looked up to ever since he joined the cleaners. Once it reached out to him, his heart dropped to the ground. He started to question himself on how the hell did that reach from another cleaner; though he didn't even tell anyone— Right?

The rumor spread around the HQ like wildfire, gossip here 'n there—it's sickening. It even reached Team Akuta for some reason, the hell? After another mission being done, Zanka sinks into his seat, palm on his face with embarrassment after Enjin's ongoing tease and laugh about his crush on his upperclassman. Riyo and Rudo who're also inside the jeep turned their gaze with interest onto Zanka.

Riyo nudges him non-stop from behind about this crush of his while Rudo looked at him with pure disgust since how does a guy like Zanka fell for a nice girl with his bad attitude. The whole ride was torture, questions are flying across the jeep mostly filled with pure sarcasm and for shits and giggles.

Zanka mostly denied their constant teasing and such because all what they've said is true. They really tried to push Zanka to his limits, but he wouldn't budge a bit. A few more minutes in the ride felt like hell, they won't stop with this "crush" thing and oh gosh why's everyone so damn right about this.

Zanka had enough of their bullshitting and can't even deny anymore, he groaned with annoyance. "Okay fine I like her. Satisfied?". Enjin slowed down the vehicle a bit to look at the boy beside him; the silence was deafening.

"Hm, good to know," there is no way Enjin would be this chill.

"Atleast you were being honest with your feelings more with us now." Riyo looked over smiling at him, slowly moving back to her seat with Rudo. "Plus, your secret is safe with us." She added

"You should shoot your shot kid. Can't miss a perfect for a pretty girl like her." Enjin simply gave Zanka advice before entering the Cleaners HQ. He felt flustered since his mentor gave him advice where he needed the most, Zanka tried his best to put on his fake nonchalance to act like he simply doesn't care.

As they arrived in the receptionist area, Zanka was greeted by you. Waving your hand to him, gesturing a simple hello, Zanka waved back, his eyes lingering onto you.

"You could've done better kid." Enjin covered his mouth clearly trying not to burst out a laugh. Zanka gripped on to his lovely assistaff tightly, sighing because why the hell would he admitted it in the first place.

Days went by, the topic about Zanka having a crush on you is still ongoing. More cleaners chimed in on the news, as you were passing by halls to the courtyard where givers can train their jinkis, you overhear a conversation from one of the supporters mentioning Zanka has a crush on you.

You were kind of surprised with that information, pretty much unexpected. You didn't believe it at first, though curiosity gets to you; since Zanka planned out to go sparring with you today. You decided to tease him for it to prove if it was real or some rumor. Though you can't lie that boy was attractive, you clearly caught your attention onto him when he first joined the cleaners.

As you went out on the open space, Zanka was already in place waiting for your arrival. Lovely Assistaff with him on his side, as he heard the door creak; Zanka turned his gaze onto you, cold as usual, but that won't even last when you started to tease him about it. 

"I heard you had a crush on me, is it true?" You whistled, approaching him  activating your vital instrument. Zanka turned his head away slightly not meeting your eyes whilst his ears are turning red when he heard you saying that.

"What? Who said that I have a crush on you?" 

"Hmmmm, some supporters before I headed out here." 

"Tsk, don't listen to those scuzzballs, they clearly do nothin' but spread useless information. Thus, I don't really show interest with ya, since you we're clearly older than me." Zanka's wording was sharp and harsh. Though what he said was right, most of the people in HQ clearly do nothing but spread some stories for another ones entertainment. But that doesn't mean that you will move on and give up right, plus it's pretty easy to push peers younger than you to spill out things.

"Let's start now," 

Zanka activated his assistaff, blue light glowing on the stick before it changed its form. The sparring begins with you attacking first, moving forward towards Zanka attacking him with your jinki, Zanka defened himself with Lovely Assistaff, before striking his move onto you.

After a handful of offences and defenses between the two, you took Zanka down with your strength, placing his arms behind his back locking it with your hands. Zanka squirmed underneath you, which he really didn't mind since he admired your strength rather than start a rivalry. You leaned in closer to his ear. "Now tell me Zanzan, what made you like me tho? Im curious regarding the fact a lot of cleaners here are talking about." teasing him more.

Zanka got annoyed; heat slowly creeping up his face turning his cheeks into a crimson red. He wanted to end his life here and now, the amount of embarrassment is killing him. Zanka started to question his life on he did end up in this situation. And what kind of motherfucker spreads a rumor like this and how bored were they anyway. 

"I told you, I'm not interested in you in a slightest bit!"  Zanka snarled, still struggling underneath you, making eye contact with you convincing that he was not lying—even tho he was, just trying to hide his feelings for the mean time.

"Hm. Fine," you placed your guard down deactivating your jinki to release Zanka who was pinned at the ground by you. "But am not lettin' you go off that easily." You said in a playful tone while helping Zanka stood up on his feet. 

"Wanna spar again?"

—

Days pass by, you and Zanka hung out more than before, despite the both of you already being close to each other; But this time's different, you started to get physical with him, seeing him more often than before. Zanka found it weird on how you suddenly became more interactive to him than you two first met, but he brushed it off thinking by you being just friendly to others cleaners, nothing bad. But Zanka enjoyed your company most of the time, the feeling of relief when you're starting to noticing him more and more; reality hits when he realized  that you only hang out with him all because of your constant teasing.

The rumor was still around after a few days, and you enjoyed the thrill of it honestly. Though you and Zanka have been together for a couple of days, the constant teasing doesn't stop. Pushing Zanka's buttons if you ever have to chance to, but other than your teasing, you found yourself being quite more comfortable with him. 

After a rough mission together, you and Zanka were both walking towards the halls of your respective rooms. The walk there is quiet; however, you actually have a plan in mind of a scenario like this.

"So, you gonna keep denying?" You lifted a brow at Zanka who was walking beside you.

"Denying what exactly," He shot a look back at you, already annoyed since he know what's coming up.

"Y'know-"

"Not hearing it." Zanka cut you off while sounding irritated. It's clear that Zanka was already pissed at the whole situation, the only  thing that was in his mind was his mentor's advice on "shooting a shot" with you. But he didn't know how to do that now since you already knew, except you won't stop teasing Zanka about it.

"What, why nottttt?" You wailed, knowing that Zanka will probably burst since today's mission was pretty harsh. Zanka stayed silent, composing himself to stay calm after everything. He sighed heavily. 

"Fine, I like you, happy?" Zanka said with an annoyed tone while a rosy tint of pink is visibly showing on his cheeks.

The both of you fell in an awkward silence, words cannot describe on how stunned you were. No way, Zanka actually confessed to one of his upperclassmen; but other than that, something inside you felt kind of happy.

You burst out a laugh, covering your flushed face with your hands. You left Zanka stunned in the process, confused, thinking what he might've said wrong.

"HWAHAHAHA NO WAY! Really???" You asked, removing both of your palms away and wiping your happy tears from your eyes. 

"Well... ain't this what you wanted.." Zanka replied looking at you with concern. You let out an exhale.

"Yep! I'm only doing all this out of curiosity," You giggled. "Thus, I didn't really expect that you liked me somehow. Well I mean.. I also have feelings for ya too." After you said that, the silence got worse, it was awkward sure but atleast most things needs to be talked about at some point.

"What're we now.." The dirty blonde asked just to break the silence.

"Individuals with mutual feelings," You murmured, looking down shyly after from what you said earlier.

"Please don't tell anyone what happened recently."

"Yep. Definitely."

—

Zanka promised you to keep everything a secret; guess can say that you two are already dating.

After what happened recently with the confession and exchanging feelings, your relationship with Zanka was hidden from the cleaners and both continued your lives normally with your secret relationship as the rumors are dying out slowly; which is a relief for Zanka since he hates getting that type of attention.  

ʚଓA/n: HAAH FINALLY IM DONE W THIS... I wrote half of this during class btw👀

✧𝚁𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗!

Ever since Rudo arrived to the Ground, nobody had suffered more than Zanka. First, the kid covered him in feces. Then, some crazy guy with dreadlocks poisoned him not once, but twice. To top it all off, he ended up trapped inside an aberrant beast and was almost blown away, if not for little Guita.

It had not been a good season for Zanka, and you could see it every time he stumbled into the room, completely exhausted. He wasn’t sleeping well at night, he was overexerting himself during training, and you could see he was even losing his appetite. Your heart sank every time you saw him like this, and you had no idea how to help him. You weren’t strong enough to protect him, nor smart enough to come up with a plan. The only thing you could do was love him and support him with all your strength.

"Your support is more than enough," he would say, smiling heavily while gently caressing one of your cheeks.

But you wanted to help him more.

You spent days thinking, writing down and crossing out every possible idea that crossed your mind, but each one felt worse than the last.

"What are you doing?" he asked one night as he walked into your room.

You were sitting at your desk, surrounded by crumpled balls of paper representing all your discarded ideas. He tried to look at them, but he couldn't make sense of any of it.

"I'm trying to think of a way to help you," you said timidly as his eyes locked onto you. "Just that."

"Help me?"

"Yes, I want to..." You swallowed hard, setting your pen aside. "I worry because you always get hurt, no matter what the mission is."

He sighed and sat on the bed, the light fading from his eyes. He assumed you didn't have faith in him, and it broke his heart.

"That's just how it goes for ordinary people like me," he said, his voice sounding raspier than usual. "You don't need to help me, I have to do this on my own..."

"No, Zanka," you interrupted. "You don't have to do it alone."

You sat down right next to him, cupping his face in your hands. He avoided your gaze at first, but finally, his eyes met yours.

"I just wish I were a little bit stronger so I could help you train, or a little smarter to give you combat strategies... or something."

Your voice cracked, and tears quickly began to stream down your face. He started wiping them away with pure tenderness.

"To me, you are so much more than an ordinary person...you are perfect. You shouldn't think poorly of yourself. Just let me support you so you can become your best version, the one that's waiting to come out."

Zanka took your hands in his and kissed you. It was a slow, wet kiss, salty from the tears, but it didn't matter. He poured all of his love into that moment, and you could feel every bit of it.

"You're my good luck charm, you know that?"

That gave you an idea. You dashed over to your closet and pulled out a small box filled with all kinds of crafting materials.

"Hey, I thought Rudo was the only one who collected trash," he teased.

"Ha ha, very funny. Let's see if you're still laughing after this."

He watched intently as your hands worked quickly over a red string. The speed at which you folded and tightened the knots was incredible. You looked like an absolute expert at this kind of handiwork; Rudo would have been jealous.

After two nights of hard work, making and undoing knots, you finally finished. You held your little masterpiece up against the sunlight, feeling proud of yourself. When you were done, you wrapped it in a piece of blue paper and tucked it safely inside a small box at the back of your closet.

You searched everywhere for Zanka. You knew he was leaving for a new mission today with his team and a few others, heading out to the Doll Festival. You didn't want him to leave without his gift, so you ambushed him in his room. He was getting dressed in that magnificent outfit August had tailored for him, and you thought he looked absolutely perfect.

"Zanka, my love," you said, throwing your arms around him. He caught you by the waist, almost spinning you in the air. "Before you go, I want to give you something."

"Did you finally finish your craft?" he asked, setting you back down on the floor.

"Just in time."

You pulled the small box from your jacket pocket and handed it to him. He looked at you sideways, a broad smile spreading across his face. Of course, he had seen you working on it that first night, but he had no clue how the final product turned out, so he waited expectantly.

When he peeled back the paper, his smile widened.

"A good luck charm," you blurted out. You couldn't contain your excitement, though your voice betrayed your nerves. "It's so everything goes well on your missions. I know it sounds silly, but..."

"Not at all," he murmured. "If you can't come with me this time, what better way to go than carrying a part of you with me."

He hung the charm inside his jacket and kissed you. Slowly, he placed a hand behind your head to hold you close. When you finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against yours.

"Thank you, for everything."

"Please, stay safe," you said in barely a whisper. He nodded and finished getting dressed.

𝒢𑄺 — Zanka wont say you’re dating, but there will be signs

—————

#1

Rudo’s had a long day, fighting trash beasts, training exhausted him at the end of the day— and all he wants to do is unwind and relax with the others before bed.

but he notices something.

when did you and Zanka get so…close?

he is well aware you guys are close, but as he chats with the other cleaners, his eyes drift to the two of you, half engaged in the conversation, the other half of you too busy giggling at something Zanka said, his arm lazily resting on the back of the couch behind you.

“when did zanka become funny?” Rudo mutters in confusion, not intending to say it out loud. Zanka, you and enjin, who’s smirking mischievously as if he knows something Rudo doesn’t, look at him. “what? did you say my name?” zanka asks, slightly suspicious.

Rudo’s ears flush red, turning away from his gaze, “oh- uhh, nothing.” he plays it off not-so cooly, but Zanka just shrugs, going back to his past conversation.

He notices it all, the way zanka subtly shifts closer to you, how he leans in close to talk to you, and his cheeks— which are dusted with pink.

Zanka surprisingly doesn’t mind the proximity too, your head is borderline resting on his chest, and your knees are pressed together, he would’ve instantly moved away if it was anyone else.

but its different when its you.

———

#2

the mission didn’t go as planned, there were casualties— too many— including you. zanka hasn’t left your side once, he’s hunched over where you lay in the infirmary, your body covered in cuts and bruises as you sleep off your injuries from earlier.

rudo comes in to visit, his hands holding a little bouquet of sweet scented flowers, and enjin towers behind him. He stands beside Zanka, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“she’ll be alright, don’t worry too much, eh?” he says, but zanka doesn’t look up, his eyes remained glued to your face just waiting for you to wake up and to tell him your okay.

Rudo steps forward hesitantly, placing the flowers beside your bed, he spots zanka holding your hand tight, thumb stroking along your knuckles, which are painted with dark bruises and grazes.

he finally glances up and the two others, his face pale with worry and eyes blown wide from earlier adrenaline. “You don’t look so good.” Rudo states, taking in his complexion.

Enjin snorts, “he’s worried about his girl- of course.” his hand goes up to ruffle his hair, as zanka attempts to hide his face, which is bright pink with slight embarrassment from being so openly called out.

his girl? interesting…

———

#3

Zanka’s sick— as much as he tried to deny it and play it off, he found himself at your bedroom door in the middle of the night, sweaty and restless from his current inability to rest.

“zanka?” you question quietly, your voiced laced with worry. “whats wrong?” he steps into your room, and his head finds your shoulder, burying his face into it. “i…i don’t feel good,”

you help him to get comfy in your bed, the comforting smell of you from the duvets puts him at ease. as you place a cool towel on his forehead, there is a soft knock at the door. confused at who may be here at this hour, you approach and open the door— its rudo.

“hey, i—“ he freezes when he notices zanka in your bed, the tips of his ears flushing. “is this a bad time?” you smile, shaking your head softly. zanka sits up in bed, looking quite obviously dazed and half asleep— unaware who awaits at the door.

he groans softly, “come backkkk, its cold..” and rudo’s blush deepens, he’s never seen zanka in a state like this, so soft and needy.

weird.

———

#4

its early morning, the sun barely grazing the horizon in a soft yellow hew. most of the cleaners remain in their rooms or are out on missions.

Rudo woke up early, heading downstairs to grab some water— but he was not expecting to see you and zanka kissing on one of the couches. he clears his throat awkwardly, making you both look up and gasp. Zanka abruptly removes his hands from your waist. “shit.”

you simply laugh it off, whilst zanka hides his face in your neck. rudo is stunned, unable to move from where he is standing.

kissing isn’t what friends do.

—

rudo is traumatised to say the least— he cant even look the both of you in the eye. He is sitting with you, enjin, zanka and riyo, the sun beginning to set after a long day, and you all find yourselves caught up in light-hearted chatter, whilst rudo stares into space.

“rudo?” riyo asks, waving her hand infront of his face. He jolts slightly. “oh—uhh, yeah?” he says, eyes darting around. “nothing, you look like you’ve seen a ghost though, whats up?”

you and zanka both look over at eachother, and rudo flushes bright red. “i…umm-“ he gets cut off by you, “he walked into me and zanka kissing.”

Enjin bursts out laughing, clutching at his stomach at the whole situation, zanka’s face spurring on his laughter. “they’ve been together for a while now— what, 7 months?” rudo’s eyes practically fall out his head, obviously having no idea about you and zanka’s relationship. riyo perks up, “yikes, you have alot of catching up to do.”

———

・ ꪖ/n : mb if this is buns ✌️anyways why is it so hot its only may, im not complaining tho