mari / vivienne

Were all cleaners just blind as shit? Or did they really not seem to care that you and Zanka were practically sitting down on top of one another at the lunch table? 

Just the sight alone of seeing his mentor practically on top of you was enough to ruin Rudo’s appetite. 

A scowl appeared on his face, beady red eyes moving around towards Enjin, Riyo, Gris, Dear, etc…Just watching. Did nobody see this shit?!

Dropping his slop sandwich, Rudo slammed a fist on the table, glaring towards Zanka and you.

“Is nobody noticing this shit?!” 

Enjin raised a brow, taking a puff from his cigarette as he looked towards Rudo. “Notice what, brat?” he smirked just a bit– eyebrows raising as his golden orbs moved to look towards yourself and Zanka.

You were practically squished against Zanka’s lap–head leaning just against his shoulder as you slurped on your chicken broth in your soup bowl–Zanka had an arm placed around your back–keeping you balanced up as he looked down at his plate–his other arm was wrapped around lovely assistaff as he stared at his food–as if just staring at it would make the slop disappear. 

“You know!” Rudo puffed up his cheeks, pointing between you and Zanka.

This seemed to grab Zanka’s attention, for his eyebrows raised as blue orbs moved to look towards Rudo. “What are ya talkin’ ‘bout, dumbass?” Rudo scowled. “You’ve practically got Y/n straddling your lap!” Enjin screamed in laughter, head tossing back as everyone in the cafeteria turned their heads–staring towards you and Zanka for just a moment, before looking away at their own things once again. 

You blinked, eyes gazing down between your legs and Zanka’s legs, eyebrows raising just a bit before you turned your head back up, gazing towards Rudo. “We’re just sitting together, Rudo..” Zanka scowled. “Yea, there an issue with me sitting by Y/n?” 

Rudo’s mouth gawked open in shock. “You guys are sitting like a couple!” He pointed an accusing finger towards you and Zanka both; white brows furrowed in a wrinkle of frustration. 

Enjin continued to laugh, holding his gut as he leaned forward in his chair–god, Rudo was killing him!

“What do you mean is there an issue?! Obviously there is if you’re holding Y/n like she's your girl if you two ain’t even together!” Zanka narrowed his eyes right at Rudo, moving to reach over the table and grab at him. “Can I not sit with my friend?! We ain’t together, you dipshit!” His face was bright red as he scowled at Rudo, flailing an arm towards the boy. 

“Yea, Rudo–you’re being very, very accusing right now!” You puffed out your cheeks, crossing your arms in frustration. “Me and Zanka are just friends!”

Rudo turned, staring at Enjin with a look of pure disbelief. “Are you seeing this shit?!” Enjin couldn’t stop laughing. 

-

It was hours later after that little incident in the dining hall. Currently, Rudo was walking around HQ–a piece of licorice in his gloved hand as he chomped away at it. The boy was minding his own business, humming softly in thought as he marched down the halls and towards the living quarter of HQ. 

It seemed as though Rudo had forgotten all about the Zanka and Y/n situation from earlier–that is until he noticed the two sitting on the couch together. Y/n sitting on one of the poorly cushioned seats–Zanka sitting on the floor between her thighs as Y/n pulled his hair back into two clips–pinning his bangs from his forehead as he worked on waxing his Lovely Assistaff. Just the physical touch between the two seemed to be much like a couple. 

Rudo scowled. He looked towards Riyo who sat right by you, trimming at a few strands of her hair as she idly made conversation between you and Zanka. Did she not see how weird this was?!

In an instant, Rudo found himself walking towards you guys–he moved, standing right in front of you and Zanka, pointing his piece of licorice right at Zanka. “Dude! Seriously?!” Zanka raised a brow, looking up and gazing right at Rudo. “What?” His tone was rude–as if Rudo had just interrupted his peace–which, in a way he did. 

“You’re literally sitting between Y/n’s legs!”

“...So?” Zanka turned his attention back to his Lovely Assistaff, humming a bit as he wiped a cloth over the wooden stick. Rudo’s mouth dropped. He turned towards Riyo, red eyes pleading for her to catch onto what Rudo was trying to say.

Riyo smiled, green eyes looking towards you and Zanka. “I think Rudo is trying to say that you two are acting like boyfriend and girlfriend, Zanka…Y/n.” 

You felt heat rise to your cheeks, your hands dropped from Zanka’s hair, and in an instant you pouted–looking at Riyo. “Zanka and I don’t even like each other like that! We told you and Enjin both this before, Riyo!” Your tone held embarrassment. 

Rudo frowned. “Okay but if you don’t like each other why are you guys always either on top of each other, touching each other, or even holding hands in the jeep!” 

Zanka shrugged. “Because we can?” His brows raised up, almost as if he were saying “Duh” to Rudo’s stupid question. 

A loud groan left Rudo’s lips. 

-

A cleaning had gone south. All Rudo could recall was that Jagger had shown up, and completely ruined Y/n. The poor girl had been paralyzed by his poision–hallucinating and everything. And Zanka–poor Zanka was a mess, screaming at Jagger to leave Y/n alone. 

“Leave her the hell alone, dread-head!” 

“Touch her again with those claws and yer done for!” 

“Rudo–Help her!” 

Now–the two boys sat in the infirmary, staring off at Y/n as she laid in the bed–unconscious, and still very much bloody from the battle. Zanka looked distant–blue eyes staring off into space as his hand covered Y/n’s, which rested just over her blanket. Rudo sat–head between his knees as he listened to Y/n’s heavy breathing. 

God–Zanka looked a mess. 

“I never want anything to happen to Y/n..” Rudo lifted his head up, looking towards Zanka with surprise at his words. 

“What do you mean?” Rudo was soft with his words–brows knitting together as he leaned forwards towards Zanka. He watched as the teen bit his lower lip–gnawing at a piece of dried up skin on it. Zanka looked like a wreck. 

“I just…It’s always been Y/n, Rudo.” Zanka was quiet as he spoke; eyes moving to look into Rudo’s own red ones. “She makes me feel safe–like I belong. I don’t feel average when I am with her..” Zanka leaned back, bringing your hand into his lap as he held it gently. As if it were the one thing of his that would break with just one rough grab. 

“She makes me feel like home..and yea, with every hand holding, every touch of skin, every nap we take together…Everytime she does my hair…Maybe there is something between us, Rudo.”

Red eyes gleamed–Rudo could feel his stomach flip. He was right this whole time? 

“I do love her..I love Y/n more than anything. If she were a jinki, she would be mine. She makes me feel good enough. And I just hope that maybe one day, I will make her feel good enough.”

Rudo smiled. 

“I’ve been waiting for your dumbass to see that there is obviously something between the two of you.” 

Zanka smiled softly. “I think I always sorta knew…just, didn’t want to accept it just yet. I guess I was scared that she wouldn’t want me.” Zanka turned, gazing at your form as you laid in the bed–sleeping. Your breathing had steadied just a bit. Jabber’s hallucinogen must be leaving your system. Carefully, Zanka moved up, leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your head, before he moved to sit up. 

-

Rudo hummed to himself as he walked into the lunch room–it was breakfast time. Many of the other cleaners grumbled in annoyance–rubbing the sleep out of their eyes as they sat in groups, trays of slop in front of them as they ate, hardly muttering a word to each other. 

Quickly, Rudo spotted his table–and quickly, he moved to sit down–sitting right in front of Zanka and Y/n, who–were leaning against one another. Zanka’s arm was wrapped carefully around Y/n, who rested her head against his shoulder, carefully biting down on a piece of toast as they muttered to one another.

Rudo felt happy for Zanka. And Rudo felt happy for Y/n. And inside, that made Rudo smile. 

Finishing up her toast, Y/n moved up, pressing a gentle kiss to Zanka’s cheek, before she moved to get up. “Gotta go meet with Semiu for a minute, I’ll see you in a bit, Zan!” Zanka grinned, waving you off as you rushed off to Semiu’s desk. “I’ll see ya..” 

Enjin snickered–And Zanka felt his ears turn red. He glared towards his idol; watching as Enjin took a sip of his water. “Who woulda ever thought that we were all right about you and Y/n liking each other, Zanka?”

zanka took your arm off your face and helped you sit up. he handed you the soup and urged you to drink.

“and i don’t lie to my team when i’m burning with fever,” he said as he sat back down and watched you stare at the soup. “that’s stupid. you don’t only risk yer life but also those who wants to protect ya.”

this made you frown. you knew that yourself, and still the pride to prove what you can do won over your rational self. 

“i know… i’m sorry.”

a sigh escaped zanka once more. he had his arms crossed against his chest now.

“would it kill you to rest a little?”

you only groaned in response and held the bowl to your lips. in frustration, you took a big sip without blowing the steaming soup first.

it burned.

“ow!” you hissed, a finger reflexively touching your burnt lip, and you felt the burn further in your tongue and throat.

zanka immediately took the bowl out of your hands and handed you water. he also got a towel to clean up whatever spilled and, of course, to wipe your messy face.

as soon as you finished drinking, zanka took hold of your chin. he held it up so he could see your face better, and the physical and eye contact made you burn even hotter than you were already feeling, and hotter than the soup that had burnt your mouth.

he wiped the side of your lip gently, silently, observantly. he didn’t speak a word, but this comforting, gentle silence was enough to heal at least 20% of your fever, but somehow made the beating of your heart 80% faster.

“messy,” he mumbled before setting the towel back down on the table.

“…you’re always cleaning up after my mess. sorry,” you apologized earnestly, head hung low.

zanka shook his head. “not to worry. that’s what teammates do.”

you huffed in defeat. teammates, huh?

zanka couldn’t help but notice how you kept touching the part of your lip that felt to have burned the most. he felt a desire to cool it off himself just so you’d stop being bothered about it.

he pursed his lips, and his silence made you look at him, seeking answers from his stillness.

a few seconds later, he finally asked, “does it still hurt?”

“huh?”

“that.” he jerked his chin to your lip.

you scratched your lip and nodded. “a little. why—“

zanka pulled your hand away from your lips by taking your forearm. he leaned closely, one hand on your right cheek.

your breath hitched at the proximity, and you felt hotter and hotter and hotter by every second. you could feel his warm breath as you lost yourself in his deep blue eyes.

he stared at you, as if looking for a reason, an answer to the question of whether he should back out. he swiped his thumb over your lip for a quick moment.

zanka blinked, and for a moment you wished he wasn’t going to do what you thought he was going to because you weren’t sure how your breath smelled after such a long time in bed. you couldn’t even speak in fear of that.

but hell has come down, and zanka closed the gap between you two, and you could only close your eyes as his lips made contact with yours for a brief moment.

his lips were soft, cool against yours. it was a foreign feeling, your very first kiss, and he decided to steal it when you were burning sick. surely, there must be better times to share a kiss!

zanka pulled away, a blush creeping across his cheeks and tops of his ears.

“sorry,” he said modestly, his voice small despite his huge actions. “just wanted to— to help ya cool off.”

cool off?! that was the POLAR opposite of getting COOL. you felt warm from your head down to your chest and down to the deepest depths of your being. this shit was burning even hotter than the burn in your lip, and yet the burn felt good.

a clang of metal brought the two of you back to the real world—both your heads jerked towards the direction of the noise.

“eek!” eishia, the source of the clank, panicked. she was scrambling down on the floor, head low, cleaning up what she had dropped. “s-s-s…sorry..! i’ll come by again later…!”

she sprinted out of the room.

“fuck.”

“shit.”

at this point, the state of things might just send you into a coma. a burning soup is not healing you. and one more kiss from your crush—rival—someone you admire—whatever might just drop you straight to hell. but of course, you cannot deny that it felt good.

then; a little stuffed tiger showed up, sitting right by your door. attached to it? another note.

“You're as cute as this tiger <3.”

The handwriting was so neat, so beautiful—and so, so filled with love.

“i just don’t know who would be writing these notes to me, semiu..” you were pouting, head resting on your hand as you sat by the woman at her desk. semiu hummed softly, inspecting the letter that you had shown her.

white eyebrows rose up, and carefully, semiu adjusted her glasses on the bridge of her nose, before leaning in again, carefully inspecting every curve of the beauitful writing. “looks like you’ve got a secret admirer, girl.”

your face flushed bright red. “a secret admirer?” semiu nodded. “yea, you know, a boy or girl who’s got the feels for you—, but is too scared to say anything.” your mind blanked. Who would like you in that way? “would you happen to know who’s writing these?”

semiu smiled. “nope, not at all, y/n.” she was totally lying. But who were you to know that?

The next day when you came out of the dining hall from  breakfast, there was a gift bag hung from your door knob. Inside of the bag, was a beautiful charm bracelet. Attached to the bracelet? Another note.

“Hmmm…I wonder what your ring size is? Maybe that will be your next gift, pretty! :) –Your secret admirer.” 

And god, was the bracelet beautiful. A silver toned charm bracelet with an adorable gem-studded heart charm on it. One charm on the bracelet was a tiger, and the other, a star. Whoever your secret admirer was, they had money, that was for sure. 

With a small smile, and a beat of your heart, you rushed off to the dining room once more, heading over to where Zanka, Enjin, and Rudo sat. 

You shoved Rudo over just a bit, slamming the little note down on the table in front of the boys, along with the charm bracelet, and quickly moved to sit down right beside Zanka.

“I have a secret admirer!” Your voice held great pride as you blurted those words out. Carefully, enjin grabbed the note, skimming over it before eyeing Zanka with a raised brow. Zanka glared, which went unnoticed by you. 

Carefully, the teen grabbed the bracelet from Rudo, who had grabbed it to examine its beauty. Zanka feigned ignorance as he studied the charms, before moving to face you. “You must be feelin’ very lucky, huh?” His voice was smooth as he grabbed your wrist, and carefully clasped the bracelet around it for you.

You beamed, nodding wildly as you shook the bracelet.

“They always leave me notes in the morning and before bed! This is the second gift they’ve gotten me! It’s really making me feel special.”

Rudo smiled at that. “I bet you do feel special, Y/n!” The boy was happy to see you so happy.

Even Enjin began to grin. “Yea, I’ve never seen you grin like that since Rudo flung poop on Zanka–” Zanka scowled. “Do we have to always bring that up?” He sighed out, before turning to look at you. “Do you like the gifts they’ve been sending you?” You nodded, smiling widely as you continued to admire your new charm bracelet.

“Oh, I adore them, Zanka! Whoever is doing this is such a sweetie-pie.”

Zanka’s blushing face didn’t go unnoticed by Enjin and Rudo, who both smiled to themselves in acknowledgement. 

Days and days went by and everyday was something new from your secret admirer. 

“Your uniform is so beautiful on you…You are always so pretty, Y/n.”

“Maybe soon I will confess my love to you.” “You mean so much to me, and you don’t even know it.”

“I wish I could kiss you.”

“I will love you for eternity, Y/n..”

All signed off by your secret admirer. 

You only wished that you knew who was doing this. You wanted to know who was behind the notes, and who was making you feel so loved and appreciated, and most of all, beautiful. 

It was around ten at night when you heard rustling outside of your door, and the sound of someone messing with it. You shot up out of bed–clad in your oversized sleep shirt. Your tiger plushie clung tight to your chest.

Could that be them? 

Slowly getting up, you walked towards the door, mind racing with a million thoughts an hour. You could feel your heart rate speeding up. This is it…You were going to finally see who was leaving these notes. 

Carefully, you snuck over to your door. They were still outside, you could hear them. 

In a flash, you threw your door wide open, the note that was left taped to it flew off, and the man behind the door jumped back a million miles away.

A pale hand gripped a clothed chest, blue eyes were wide with shock as Zanka stared at your pajama-clad form. 

Fuck-...You caught him. 

“...Zanka?” Your eyes widened, you gripped the tiger close to your chest as you stared at the boy. He hung his head in shame, brown hair hanging just over his eyes. “Welp…ya caught me, huh?” He looked up, giving you a closed eyed smile as he shrugged his shoulders shyly. “...Surprise…” He let out an awkward chuckle. 

In an instant, you flung your arms around the taller boy, giggling loudly as you practically swung his body around. “YOU ARE MY SECRET ADMIRER?!” God, you sounded so happy. Zanka could melt then and there.

He laughed, steadying your swaying form as he hugged you back, one hand gently holding your lower back as he pulled you impossibly close. “If ya scream any louder, everyone’s gonna know..” he laughed.

“I’m so happy..” Zanka felt his heart speed up. “I’m so happy too, y/n…”

Slowly he looked down, staring into your eyes and smiling, nothing but love in his gaze as he pressed a gentle kiss to your nose. “I was going to reveal myself tomorrow…But, you caught me a little early.” You giggled. “You weren’t sneaky this time, mister.”

He nodded. “No, I wasn’t…You caught me so quick.” He pressed another kiss to your temple. 

· · ────୨ৎ───── ·ʚɞ· ─────୨ৎ──── · ·

𐙚⋆.˚☆Gris☆˚.⋆𐙚

· · ────୨ৎ───── ·ʚɞ· ─────୨ৎ──── · ·

◇This man would be THE MAN for period comfort he really would.◇

Waking up dreadful, hot, sweaty and gross all over was not how you wanted to start the day. You felt nauseous and a headache was definitely coming along, and yet for some foolish reason you thought you could push through this mysterious ailment.

Cut to an hour later, you had to call off sick from any missions on that day, now you lay in bed miserable and in pain after coming to the conclusion that it was in fact, that time of the month.

That would explain the bad mood and cravings you've been having for a week prior and even now, hey atleast you weren't just being a glutton for the sake of it, good to know.

Now you stew in bed uncomfortable and unable to find a single nice position to lay down. Once you laid down not even relaxed but somewhat comfortable, you sighed annoyed about the pain you turned and tried to sleep.

Just as you shut your eyes trying to rest, your choker snapped you out of your thoughts, filled with panic you answered.

"...hello?"

"Sweetie? Are you okay ive noticed you aren't at the mission debriefing?"

"..yeah just fine" you said through gritted teeth as another fresh wave of cramps and nausea hit.

Gris wasn't stupid by any means, he'd been with you for many years now, what kind of boyfriend would he be if he didn't know when his lover was suffering? and so thats why he also called off work. As he appeared by the bedroom door hot water bottle, sweets in hand and a kind smile on his face.

"You didnt have to skip work for me yknow"

"Yeah well I know how you get during this and I dont want you to be alone, theres plenty of capable supporters to help the cleaners but for you, there isn't exactly any more of me"

He said sitting down besides you on the bed, puffing up the pillows and propping them up trying to make laying more comfortable for you. It did help, slightly but more comfortable, before you could protest or thank him he was already taking off his uniform, closing the curtains and setting up a movie for the two of you to watch. Eventually as the movie went on, you slowly felt yourself feel more comfortable and drowsy leaning your head on his shoulder, removing the hot water bottle from your stomach as you brought his hand to rest on top of your stomach.

His hand on your lower stomach was better than any hot water bottle.

𐙚⋆.˚☆Follo☆˚.⋆𐙚

· · ────୨ৎ───── ·ʚɞ· ─────୨ৎ──── · ·

Follo knew something was up the moment he woke up without you in his arms, hearing the sound of wrapping in the toliet and curses spilling from your lips, he realised that it was your time of the month. He soon jumped into action, leaving the bedroom half dressed out of hurry.

When you came back from the bathroom to find the room empty you thought maybe he had simply woken up and left for a mission he did have an important one assigned by Semiu aferall.

Oh how wrong you were.

Twenty minutes later follo comes running back with bags in hand, sweaty and panting as if the poor guy had been running non-sttop for some reason. You opened the door startled and confused.

"Follo,why do you look like that? Are you okay? What are those bags-"

"So babe i took a quick trip to some places and I got you your fav foods, more pads from Eishas office because I think you were running out and we forgot to get more last time and oh, i also asked for some painkillers and borrowed a bigger hot water bottle-"

You started to cry, like an ugly teary eyed cry, Seeing your teary face he almost dropped everything to the ground walking over to you he gently cupped your face.

"babe? Baby? What's wrong why are you crying?did I forget something?does it hurt that bad?"

"No.." you mumbled out wiping your eyes as you fanned your face

"youre just..too god damn perfect."

𐙚⋆.˚☆Jabber☆˚.⋆𐙚

· · ────୨ৎ───── ·ʚɞ· ─────୨ৎ──── · ·

Jabber..he doesnt know shit. Sure he knows what periods are and stuff, comfort not so much, pain is his personal form of pleasure but He practically freaks out once you explain how bad yours are, the fact that something was able to cause you so much grief, pain and annoyance that wasnt him? He was flabbergasted yet intrigued.

To him the pain of fighting, of his passion was pleasant, the feel of battle made him excited as hell, now seeing you like this, he wanted nothing more than to test and experience as much pain as you were currently experiencing.

This was such a different amount of pain, your expression of agitation and discomfort, teasing you or fighting could never bring him to same pain you seemed to be experiencing, foreign to this experience he couldn't help but feel the urge to sit by you observing you in every way imaginable, he'd follow you around all day poking and prodding, seeing your quick temper as an invitation to see how far he can push.

But when you came back into bed that night groaning from the pain and being unable to truly even relax in the comfort of your own bed, something in his chest ached at the sight of you suffering, soon that sympathy morphed into envy as he begun bouncing off the walls bothering and asking for descriptors of the pain to try to vicariously experience it.

"Okay okay so it hurts where?"

"Okay..but like what does it feel like?"

"Does it really hurt as bad as your face says it does?"

A barrage of questions later he nodded as if writing everything down in his mind and took your hand looking straight into your eyes.

"Okay, okay I can see how badly its hurting you now I got it, want me to go get you some painkillers those will help yeah?"

"Yeah, they would but They're really hard to get though." you mumbled turning in the bed for the umpteenth time.

"No worries ma ill just go borrow some from a neighboring town no worries, leave it to good ol' jabber yea?" He said with a Cheshire grin already heading for the door.

𐙚⋆.˚☆zanka☆˚.⋆𐙚

· · ────୨ৎ───── ·ʚɞ· ─────୨ৎ──── · ·

Having an older sister for these things really helps. Not only had he grown up familiar with periodd, he also learnt along the way signs when it was approaching and ways to help soothe when those horrible cramps occur.

At this point he was more aware about your upcoming suffering than you were.

Zanka never messed around when it came to you, he was already prepared as he noticed the shift in food preferences, behaviour and sensitivity, even the smallest thing could force the waterworks out. He had managed to deduce that it was your period and cravings, helping alter you meals so that you got what you wanted but also what your body needed.

Hes analytical and precise but only when it really comes to this and you. He's by no means a chef but he'll cook you an iron rich dinner to help with the blood loss and also make sure to buy whatever you seemed to be craving at that time.

After you reassure him for the thousandth time that youll be okay staying in bed with all that he has provided, he finally left to complete his missions.

But no matter how late he is returning home he always comes back with pads and painkillers snuggling up in bed with you until you eventually fall alseep.

𐙚⋆.˚☆August☆˚.⋆𐙚

· · ────୨ৎ───── ·ʚɞ· ─────୨ৎ──── · ·

He's busy tinkering away while you were out on a mission, by the time your cramps hit you were making your way back into the base. Usually, after a long gruelling mission you'd come back into the base and head straight for Augusts' workshop, where you came and bothered him complaining about your mission and giving him a few kisses here and there for luck, whenever his muse was around his productivity sky rockets and he can finish all of his work in half the time just to go see more of your beatiful face.

Besides, he could never be mad at you coming to bother him at the workshop he loves it, craves it even, to him, you were the lucky charm that helped him keep going.

However today you b-lined straight to the bathroom before succumbing to severe back pain and cramps of your period, thankfully you managed to make it to the base on time but now you were stuck suffering in the bathroom weighing out your options: go visit August whose on the other side of the base? Or head straight into bed before the back pain can truly start?

With great guilt in your heart you chose the latter running into the shared bedroom.

After a few minutes, August noticed the lack of appearance from his favourite person, a cardinal sin as he knew you wouldnt ever miss your visit unless something bad had happend.

As that one dangerous thought settled in, he started to feel uneasy and left his workshop walking around the base just in case you were simply late, making sure to yell your nickname all over only to find that any room he looked into was clealry missing your bright company.

Eventually he opened the door to your shared bedroom to see you curled up into a ball, groaning and shifting in pain.

Seeing you in one piece, he let out a deep sigh of relief as he removed his equipment and sliding into bed, cuddling up to you as he tried to soothe you to an extent

"Want me to go to the kitchen and cook you up that food you like later? I can also pick up the usual on my back yeah? Im sure my lil sis has some painkillers still in stock" He offered as he gently stroked your hair.

The training yard was unusually quiet, save for Riyo’s voice cheering Rudo on as he tried to create a fourth consecutive Jinki.

Zanka felt awful. He had never imagined just how much he could miss the sound of your voice until now. He had returned from a particularly rough mission, injured and exhausted, and you had greeted him the same way you always did, with a tight hug and immediately launching into everything that had happened while he was gone. He had been so tired that the first thing out of his mouth was a, "why don’t ya just be quiet? You talk too much, and I’m real tired right now. We’ll talk later." And just like that, he went off to take a comforting shower, leaving you behind with your chest tight and tears threatening to fall, without even realizing how insensitive and stupid he had sounded.

"Zanka? Hey, Zanka." Riyo’s voice pulled him abruptly from his thoughts.

"Mhm?..." he replied, unconsciously tightening his grip on his Lovely Assistaff.

"I was saying... are you okay? You seem kinda overwhelmed" she asked, stepping closer.

"He snapped at Y/n, and now the idiot feels guilty" Rudo blurted, staring at him with those little demon eyes.

"What’d ya just say, you insolent brat? For talkin’ back to your mentor, you’re doin’ 200 push-ups. Maybe that’ll shut that big mouth of yours for a few seconds." Zanka snapped. The boy groaned but went to a mat and started.

Riyo sighed, spinning her Reaper between her fingers as she stood beside Zanka, both watching Rudo struggle.

"What did you say to Y/n?" she asked carefully.

"I think I told her to shut up without thinkin’..." Zanka muttered, running a hand nervously along his staff.

"You’re always rough with your words. You should be more careful with the stupid things you say, especially with Y/n. She cares about you a lot, you can’t deny that. Yeah, she talks a lot, but she always chooses you to tell everything to."

"I know. Should I?..."

"Go talk to her. Apologize and control your temper. I’ll take care of Rudo" Riyo cut him off.

Zanka didn’t hesitate. He searched the entire facility for you, but no one had seen you since he arrived. Eventually, he dropped onto the couch in the common room, covering his face while Enjin and Bro played cards.

"Did you check the rooftop?" Semiu asked from behind. Zanka turned immediately. "I saw her go up, and she hasn’t come back down."

That was all he needed. He rushed up the stairs, but as he turned the final corner, he saw you coming down. You were rubbing your eyes, clearly tired. He stopped short. So did you.

The silence between you was heavy, and Zanka noticed your red, swollen eyes. Something inside him tightened.

"I’m sorry," he said immediately. "I was a damn idiot. Didn’t think before I spoke. I was tired, but that ain’t no excuse. I had no right to treat ya like that."

You looked at him in silence, not answering.

"You talk a lot. Always have. And sometimes... it gets to me. But it ain’t ‘cause I don’t wanna hear ya." He swallowed, uncomfortable. "It’s ‘cause I got used to it. To you bein’ there, talkin’, fillin’ up the silence. And when you ain’t there... it feels wrong."

Your brows furrowed slightly.

"Today the yard was way too quiet. And I hated it."

You lowered your gaze, hesitant.

"I thought I just annoyed you" you murmured.

"Yeah, sometimes" he admitted bluntly. "But that don’t mean I want ya to stay quiet forever."

A small silence settled again.

"When I got back and you started talkin’... it was normal. The usual. And I guess that’s what calms me down after a mission. But I was so damn tired I messed it up."

You looked away, fidgeting with your hands.

"It hurt," you said softly. "Because I always talk to you. Even if you don’t answer, even if you complain... it’s always you."

Zanka glanced away for a second, uncomfortable, but didn’t run. He took a breath and looked back at you with resolve.

"I know."

He exhaled slowly.

"Y/n... I ain’t good at this."

"I noticed."

"But I don’t want you misunderstandin’ things either." He stepped closer. "I value silence. I like it. But I put up with you ‘cause it’s you."

You blinked, surprised.

"If it were anyone else, I would’ve told ’em to shut up a long time ago. With you... it’s different."

"Different how?" you asked.

Zanka clenched his jaw, clearly out of his comfort zone.

"’Cause you matter to me more than you probably should."

The air tightened.

"I don’t like how it feels when I hurt ya. Don’t like not listenin’ to ya. Don’t like it when you ain’t talkin’ near me." He frowned, frustrated with himself. "And that’s a problem."

"Why would that be a problem?" you asked more softly.

"’Cause you distract me," he answered honestly. "And I start thinkin’ ‘bout you even when you ain’t around."

Your heart sped up.

"Zanka..."

"And I don’t even know when it started," he continued, running a hand through his hair. "It just... happened. You became part of my routine. And now... I don’t want that to change."

Your lips parted slightly.

"So... you don’t want me to shut up?" you tried to joke, though your voice trembled.

Zanka let out a small breath that almost sounded like a laugh.

"Nah. I want ya to keep talkin’. Maybe just... a little less when I just got back from a mission."

That earned a faint smile from you.

"I’ll try."

You looked at each other in silence again, but this time it wasn’t uncomfortable.

"Y/n" he said, quieter.

"Yeah?"

"I like you."

Time seemed to stop.

Your eyes widened slightly.

"You talk too much, you’re loud, you get into trouble where you shouldn’t... but I like you anyway."

For once, you were speechless.

"And I guess I wanna keep listenin’ to ya. Even if I complain."

The silence that followed felt different. Warmer.

Then you smiled.

"Then you’re in trouble," you said with a small, nervous laugh. "Because I’m never gonna stop talking... especially not now."

Zanka frowned slightly, confused for a second.

"Now?"

You looked straight into his eyes, a mix of nerves and determination.

"Because I like you too."

For a moment, Zanka went completely blank. That was not something he had been prepared for.

A blush crept onto his cheeks before he could stop it. He looked away for a second, processing, then looked back at you.

"Well... I’ll be" he muttered.

Silence returned, but this time neither of you wanted to break it too quickly. Zanka let out a short breath, bringing a hand to his mouth, as if accepting something inevitable.

"Guess I really am in trouble, huh."

You laughed softly, your cheeks flushed, and this time he didn’t look away.

"Yeah, you are." you said, smiling brightly at him.

And for the first time, he didn’t mind it at all.