#chtoni

Mr. Modzley moved out yesterday, and he told you goodbye, just as he promised, he gave you a tight hug and a gift basket. He wanted you to stay safe and to keep Enjin on a tight leash. You smiled at the memory of it. He even told you to watch over Rudo. He said the boy was special, and he wasn't wrong. As soon as he moved out, it wasn't even 4 hours later before a new rowdy bunch moved in. They were young, loud, and wild. You didn't mind it too much since you yourself were on your way out, but damn were they their most loudest at night.

You almost wanted to send a complaint about them to the landlord office but you never did. What was the point? You were going to be leaving in less than 30 days now. Rinsing off the last dish, you placed it in the rack before shutting off the water and drying your hands. You sighed as you walked out of the kitchen, shutting off the light as you did so. You walked into your living room, seeing the untouched gift basket on your living room table. You honestly keep forgetting you even had that. You've been so busy with thinking about what you will take and what you'll leave.

You need to get boxes next week and buy a storage unit for your large furniture. You would've sold it or just given it away, but some of your furniture had sentimental value to them. A sudden knocking on your door sounded out, making you come back to the presence. You looked over at your door with a blank stare before walking over to it. You looked through the peep hole, seeing an unfamiliar young man.

You pulled back and unlocked the door, only opening it enough to talk through. "Hello?" You asked politely. He was a young black man, his locs and purple eyes catching your immediate attention. He was handsome, his outfit was casual, a black well fitted muscle shirt with a pair baggy grey sweats, and some sandals. "Aye, whas good, mama? Me and my homies we just moved in upstairs, and we're a bit loud, so if we causin' a ruckus, I just wanna apologize first hand." He explained, he held a street accent, something you were accustomed to from the way Enjin spoke, and sometimes Zanka.

You gave him a smile. He was rather polite, young, had the new slang, style, and street tendencies, but he had manners. "Thank you for warning me, I'll be sure to keep that in mind." You greatfully said. He nodded a small smile on his face. He was a strange one that you could already tell, but you liked him. "My name's Jabber, I've been around this block a few times, never thought I'd move in here, though." He admitted as he rubbed his knuckles. You nodded in response. "Yup, that's life for you. It'll take you places you never thought possible sometimes, could be a good change though, you never know." You wisely said, giving him a knowing smile.

He nodded in return this time, his smirk slightly softening into a smile. "I like you, Miss (Y/N), you real cool, I think you'd be a great addition... As a neighbor, ya know?" He said, his stare was rather strange, but strangeness was no stranger to you. You chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you think so!! Unfortunately, I won't be here for long." You said with a solom smile. His smile dropped. "What?" He asked. He almost seemed sad. "Yeah, I'll be moving in less than 30 days myself." You said casually, not thinking much of it. Jabber, however, seemed bothered by it. His eyes shifted around frantically as his thoughts raced, he didn't seem very happy with this news.

You watched him, his peculiar behavior throwing you off slightly, but you said nothing. He then looked at you with an unreadable expression, slight panic in his eyes, but a smile broke his face anyway. "Any idea as to where you're moving to?" He suddenly inquiries. You knew, but you shook your head. "Nope, I honestly don't really know where myself. Life is kinda just shoving me, and I gotta make due with what I can." You vaughly explained.

You liked Jabber, really you did, you thought he was an interesting character of a young man, but he was a stranger and he was suddenly giving you strange vibes... you weren't too keen on accepting such vibes into your life either. He looked off from you, a worried gleam in his eyes but an excited smile on his face. He then looked back at you. "See you around... Miss (Y/N)." He said with a wave as he trotted off. You peeked around your door frame at him, watching as he rounded the stairs, running up them. "YO CHTONI!!!! I GOT SOME JUICY NEWS FOR YOU!!!" He shouted. You watched as he vanished up the stairs.

You shook your head before you went back into your apartment and closed the door, locking it. You didn't think too hard of the sudden interaction. He was a strange boy, that was for sure. He looked no older than Zanka, really. You made your way to the laundry room, just noticing that the dryer had stopped, probably while speaking to Jabber. You finally had an idea of who your new temporary neighbors were. You suspected that it was either a group of rowdy young kids, making it on their own for their first time in this big world.

Or, it was a small family. But you were leaning more on the first thought. As you opened your dryer, you began scooping it all out into a laundry basket. They were Rudo's and Zanka's clothes. Enjin dropped them off a little before he told you about your new residency at HQ. It was a brief visit, but you enjoyed it nonetheless. Picking up the laundry basket, you placed it on your hip as you walked upstairs. You suddenly stopped, and you looked back at your front door, a thought crossing your mind... You never did tell Jabber your name.... So, how did he know your name?... Did he speak with Mr. Modzley?... Did the landlord or a neighbor tell him?... You kept it in the back of your mind as you continued going up the stairs.

The rest of your day was uneventful, slow, and steady. The same went for the rest of your week. 16 more days until your big move. You were currently packing small things in your home. Things you probably won't be using for a while, things like heels, dresses, shirts, skirts, and more glam makeup. You packed some of the kid's things, along with Enjin's things, too. After folding up the last piece of clothing you deemed not important from Riyo's closet, you sighed. Today, Enjin said he was going to bring the kids by. It's been about 7 months since you've last seen them. They were extremely busy, the most busy they ever been. You missed them so much.

You placed Riyo's clothes into a box, closing it up, you labeled it 'Riyo's Going out Clothes.' You've been busy for the past week, packing and folding boxes. You sighed once more as you stretched your back. You've been doing a lot of bending lately. You hoped it didn't cause any issues for your back later on. The sound of car doors closing sounded out, and your tiredness completely vanished, your babies were here. You looked at the little clock on Riyo's nightstand, seeing it read 1:45 pm. You shaped up, making yourself presentable before you rushed out of Riyo's room, closing the door behind you before you raced down the stairs. The sound of keys in the lock sounded out as you stepped back, waiting for it to open.

The door opened, and the sound of Riyo's and Enjin's chuckles sounded out. "Ya'll are gonna stop clocking my shit, bro." Zanka said, sounding pouty. The door sung opened completely, and you saw your little family. Riyo was the first to run towards you. "MAMA (Y/N)!!!" She yelled out happily as she pushed past Zanka and Enjin her arms stretched out for a hug, you smiled brightly as you held your arms out, happily wrapping them around her tightly as you hugged her. "Hi, Riyo!!" You chimed back happily. The boys let themselves in one by one. "Hi, Zanka, Hi Rudo!!" You said just as happily as you waved at them, still hugging Riyo.

"Hi Mama (Y/N)." Zanka said tiredly, but he was happy. His eyes scanned the living room, taking in the boxes stacked with all their names labeled on them. He gave you a pointed stare. You gave him a sheepish smile with a little shrug. Zanka was the eldest of your children, 17 years old, and it showed. He was attentive towards you all the time. He didn't want you straining yourself ever. He was your biggest helper aside from Rudo. "Hi, Mama (Y/N)." Rudo said, rubbing his tired eyes. He sounded tired like Zanka, too, but the gleam in his eyes spoke volumes.

He missed you a lot. You gave your boys a gentle smile. You could tell they've been very busy. "I made some tacos earlier. You lot go ahead and go take showers, we'll eat once everyone settles in." You said, Riyo pulled back from you as she threw her arms up to celebrate, Zanka immediately made a beeline towards the bathroom, while Riyo went upstairs. Enjin stood to the side, patiently, Rudo hadn't walked away yet.

He still stood by the front door, his gloved hands fidgeting with one another, his eyes darting around the living room, taking in all your hard work before they landed on you for a brief moment before he looked away again. You chuckled softly, Rudo has always been an odd one. Sometimes, he'd confidently seek hugs from you, cuddles, and anything else he needs. But sometimes, he'd hesitate, almost like he doubts the familia love between you two. He'll hesitate on hugs, cuddles, and questions. Almost like he felt he wasn't worthy or you didn't want to even see him.

You held your arms out to him, giving him a sweet yet pointed stare. "Come here, Rudo." You softly said. He looked up at you for a hot moment before he dived into your arms, his arms tight around you as he pressed his face into your shoulder, you hugged him just as tight, your fingers running through his hair. "Aww, Rudo... I missed you too." You said gently, Rudo wasn't good with words, especially when his emotions were all out of wack, but he was good with actions. You hugged Rudo for a long while, Enjin stood by the door quietly, he desperately wanted to greet you with a kiss, but the kids haven't seen you in so long, he already knew this would happen. Suppose that's what he gets for never bringing them by.

Rudo's arms eventually loosened around you, and you let him pull back. "Go ahead and drop your things off in your room, I'm pretty sure Riyo's already using my bathroom, and Zanka is most definitely getting ready for a shower." You advised as you adjusted his clothes, you didn't have to, but you wanted to dote on him for a bit. He nodded his head before he made his way upstairs. You watched him, along with Enjin, until he vanished. You then sighed as you looked at Enjin, revealing how tired you really were. He said nothing as he propped his umbrella up against the wall before he walked over to you, wrapping you up in a tight hug.

You leaned into him as you hugged him back, breathing in his scent as you did. "Damn baby... You need some sleep, you like tired as hell." He said fondly as he held you. You gave a breathless chuckle. "You do too... I can see bags under your eyes." You said, your voice muffled into his shirt. His chest vibrated as he gave a soft chuckle himself. "Yeah, you're right... I'm tired as shit." He said through a sigh. You hummed quietly, acknowledging and agreeing with him. "I most definitely can't wait to eat your cooking again, damn do I miss it." He said with a dreamy tone. You chuckled as you pulled back from him. He looked down at you, his hands still gently resting on your hips while yours rested on his arms.

"You should learn to drop the kids by, sometimes you know? I don't think it's very fair that only you get to visit me and vise versa." You said, lightly scolding him with an arched brow. He sighed as he looked at the ceiling with an apologetic yet exhausted stare. "Please don't remind me, I went through hell with them." He complained. You rolled your eyes as you pulled back from him. "Rigggght. So they're supposed to be happy with not getting to see me?" You asked as you placed your hands on your hips. He rubbed the back of his neck as he stared down at you nervously. "Well... ummm... ya know...!!"

You kept a cocked brow for a moment longer before you rolled your eyes with a fond smile before you pushed him back gently by his chest. He smirked as he grabbed your hand, pulling you towards him. "Where my kiss, baby?" He said as he wrapped his arms back around you. You chuckled as you pressed your cheek against his chest. "What you need is to get a damn room." Came Zanka's annoyed voice. You looked back while Enjin looked up. Zanka's hasn't taken a shower yet, you assued he would, as he did perusal, but it would seem that he just went to use the restroom.

"Are you hungry, Zanka?" You asked him, as you pulled back from Enjin's grip. He didn't want to let go, but your attention was now on Zanka. Enjin mentally cursed himself and Zanka, too, because when it came to the kids, your attention was solely on them. So, Enjin took his L and went on upstairs to your shared bedroom. He was sure that Riyo was using their restroom, so he'll just go up there and wait for you. He wanted his kiss dammit and he was gonna get it. Walking upstairs, he noticed the boy's door was open. He peeked in seeing Rudo snacking on one of his treats while he was holding an item, turning it every which way, it must've been his newest project, his shoes were already off and thrown carelessly by his bed, his feet were resting on the side of his bed frame.

He said nothing as he continued to walk to your shared room. The door was open, so he just walked in. The bed looked real inviting. He could hear the shower, signifying that Riyo was indeed using the shower, meaning he'll have to wait to use it, but he was honestly too tired to even begin to take a shower. His original plan was to wait for you, but the moment he saw the bed, he realized how tired he really was. He shrugged off his coat, letting it land carelessly on the floor behind him. It needed to be washed anyway. He toed off his boots, pulled off his socks and peeled off his shirt, dropping it to the floor, and lastly, it was his pants. He kicked them off, walking over to the closet he opened it, looking at the half empty closet.

He already noticed that you've been packing, but the amount you've gotten done on your own was admirable. He pushed through his hung clothes, snatching down a random shirt and a pair of pants, slipping into the more relaxing and clean clothes. He sighed. He needed to shower, but he'll do it later. With that thought, he plopped on the bed, laying on the cover, too tired to slip under it. His body relaxed, and he gave one last sigh before he dozed off, finally able to get some real sleep.

As he slept, life continued for the next few hours, Zanka and Rudo finally had their separate showers, while they did Riyo helped you pack a few more things while you both talked mindlessly about girl things, Riyo's missions and your time alone. Rudo and Zanka eventually joined in on helping you pack, labeling, folding, and boxing. When Enjin finally woke up, it was 5 in the evening. He laid there for a while, relaxed and dazed, listening to everyone downstairs, talking, laughing, and joking around. Eventually, he decided it was time to get up and take a shower. He sat up on the side of the bed, back hunched as he enjoyed the peace. He sighed as he stood and stretched.

Groaning as some bones popped, he relaxed, looking around. He saw his work clothes were gone and his umbrella proped up by the room door. He lightly smiled, he liked knowing that he could come to a normal life and live like everything was fine. For a while, he could pretend to be a family man. He could pretend to be a husband, a father, a working man who comes home to his family. A loving wife and three kids. He could pretend that he worked a normal 9 to 5, that he wasn't a giver, that he wasn't ruined. He could pretend, and he loved it. With that thought in mind, he walked over to the bathroom, closing it behind him as he finally went to go take a shower.

Downstairs, you and the kids talked and laughed. You listened to their journeys and adventures, wishing you could join them. You weren't a giver like they were. You were a simple civilian. You could tell, from the way they acted, they didn't know you were going to be living at HQ. They were making sure to spend as much time with you as possible. You would've told them, but you were sure that Enjin probably wanted to break the news to them with you.

As you all spoke, the man of the hour appeared, his hair wet and down, wearing the same clothes he went to sleep in, walking downstairs he noticed you were all in the living room, sitting on the floor, the coffee table had been moved to make room for you all to sit in a little circle. Rudo sat with his back to the stairs, Zanka with his back to the door, Riyo with her back to the wall, and you with your back to the kitchen. Boxes were stacked over on the wall behind Riyo, all labeled with everyone's names on them.

He walked over to you all, giving Rudo a head pat, and Zanka a rough pat on the shoulder before he moved to sit behind you, his long legs stretched out around you as he sat on the floor behind you, he gave Riyo a fist pump, she was eating a popsicle. Enjin wrapped his arms around your waist. "What's up, gang?" He casually said in greeting. You leaned back against him, feeling secure as your hands rested over his. Rudo said nothing as he took another bite of his treat, Zanka rolled his neck, and Riyo gave him an 'okay' hand gesture.

They were all dressed in casual clothes, Rudo in a large shirt and some loose sweats, Zanka in a fitted turtle neck with some black pants, and Riyo in a dress like shirt with her hair down in two thick braids. Enjin nodded, not taking the silence in bad spirit but in good faith as it was a silence of peace. "I'm assuming you haven't told them yet?" You casually asked. This caught their attention. Enjin smirked. "Nope... I've been waiting." He said with a pleased tone.

You knew your boyfriend well, he did want to tell them the good news together. Zanka's suspicious eyes bounced between you both. "Tell us what??" He asked, Rudo and Riyo said nothing, but their attentive stares spoke volumes. They, too, wanted to know. You gave a happy yet relaxed smile. "Well, me and Enjin spoke about it, and he recently got permission from Crovus, but I'm going to be moving into HQ." You softly said. They all said nothing as all of their eyes slowly widened. Rudo's is shock, Zanka's in confusion, and Riyo's in excitement. She was the first to speak.

"REALLY!? YOU'RE GOING TO BE LIVING AT HQ WITH US, MAMA (Y/N)??? FOR REAL, FOR REAL!!! I JUST THAT YOU WERE DOING ALL THIS PACKING BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO REARRANGE THE HOUSE OR SOMETHING!!!" She shouted as she leaned towards you. You nodded your head, a sweet yet excited smile on your face. Rudo spoke next, his eyes gleaming excitedly. "When do you move in?? Wait, that's why you've been packing!?!?" He spoke his brain fogging as realizations began kicking in. You chuckled at him as you nodded once more. Zanka spoke up. "Why?" He simply asked. It's not that he wasn't happy. In fact, he was ecstatic!! But this was sudden and random.

Enjin sighed as he rolled his neck. "Ah... Zanka... The ever keen one." He said through a sigh, he was expecting Zanka to ask the most important question, but he didn't really want to tell them the truth, not yet, at least, he didn't want them to worry. "Well... We just sort of figured it was time we moved in with one another... Ya, Mama lives way too far our for me to be driving back and forth for visits, and she's been wanting us to live together for a while now... So why not?" Was his simple response with a shrug. It wasn't exactly the truth, but it wasn't a lie either.

You rolled your eyes at his words. "What he meant to say was that he's been wanting me to move in... But yes... We figured it was time for that type of upgrade and figured we could officially take our relationship to the next level." You explained further. You knew Enjin didn't tell them the truth on why you finally agreed to move in, so you kept it a secret, too. Rudo and Riyo both looked towards Zanka. They were satisfied with the answer, but they knew how Zanka got down... He didn't play when it came to you. He took your safety very seriously.

Simply because Enjin told him. "If I'm not around to keep her safe, then it's up to you to be the man of the house, Zanka... I'm counting on you because I know you're the only one who can do it just as well as I can."... Zanak has taken his words to heart. His eyes continued to bounce between you two, processing your words. "When's the move?" He asked. "In about 16 days." You answered truthfully. He stated a little longer before he eventually nodded, accepting your answer as a small smile broke his face. You and Enjin gave a sigh of relief while the three of them chatted excitedly about the news. Zanka was a force to reckon with. He'd argue and fuss until kingdom come and would do nothing but demand the truth.

You both smiled as you watched the kids move around excitedly, chatting and teasing one another. You laid your hand over Enjin's larger one as you laced your fingers through his. He kissed your temple before he leaned his head against yours, gently rocking you both side to side. A faint blueish glow could be seen coming from the kitchen behind you both before it vanished. In the upstairs apartment, a young woman with blue hair sat in front of a man hole, a blue, green, and yellow swirl of colors that could be seen inside of it. She was crouched on the floor in a kneeling position.

She looked back behind her with a pointed stare. "She's going to me moving in 16 days to the cleaners HQ." She simply informed. On the couch across from her sat Zodly, an intense yet unreadable stare in his dull eyes as he stared into the colorful man hole. He was leaning forward, his arms propped on his knees, his hands fiddled with a silver chained necklaces, a large, tear shaped pearl dangled from it. "Excellent work, Chtoni..." He simply said, praising the girl.