Chapter Text
Rudo Surebrec was too easy, really.
Tamsy was a bit nervous at first that he would mess something up, perhaps a crack in the facade. But Rudo was surprisingly ignorant and gullible for what he'd gone through, and he didn't as much as bat an eye at Tamsy if he maybe said too much or too little at times.
And now Tamsy's confidence was through the roof after seeing just how terrible of a liar Rudo was when he tried.
Although... There was one teeny problem.
Zanka Nijiku.
Zanka was completely on Tamsy's tail like an annoying little fly. The older tried, really, to swat him away without squashing him, but it turns out that some pests need to be put down.
"Tamsy! Did you even hear what I said?" Rudo huffed and puffed out his cheeks, kicking his feet on the bed. "I'm sorry Rudo, I spaced out. Care to repeat?" Tamsy exited his thoughts, readjusting to the situation. Rudo was laying on his bed, like every night, splayed out like a starfish. His tea was empty on the table beside him; and he was wearing his pajamas as it was already past dark and most cleaners were already asleep. "Well I was saying how Zanka keeps pestering me about where I've been. What does it even matter? I show up when there's training an' jobs an' stuff!" Tamsy's gaze darkened for a split second, speaking of pests.. He thought to himself.
"Rudo, have you told him to stop?" He already knew the answer. "Duh! And I've told him what I've been doing, too! He just don't believe me or something stupid.." Tamsy stood up from his chair across from the bed, dusting off his sleeping garments with his hands. "Well then, why don't I talk to him? I assume Enjin would probably shrug it off, and well, Riyo would probably take her friends' side.." Rudo immediately jumped up and gazed in disbelief at him. "You... Wait, no way. I mean, I'm always bothering you. I don't want you to babysit me like that!" Rudo blushed at the thought of Tamsy speaking to Zanka about how he should stop harassing the spherite. He would never hear the end of it...
"No, I really don't mind. In fact, I have other business with Zanka I need to handle any way."
...
Tamsy glided across the hall with the lightness of a feather, approaching Zanka from behind and noting how stiff the young boy looked even at the HQ. "Zanka, a word." He touched his shoulder, making the boy flinch at the contact. Not used to physical contact. Seems that's one thing that connects the two. Tamsy eyed how Zankas grip on the lovely assistaff tightened the smallest bit and his breathe hitched for a millisecond too long. "..Caines. I don't believe we have any mission details to look into together?" Zanka turned around after a second too slow, too deliberate. Too suspicious. Untrustworthy. "You are correct. It's a.. Personal matter. If you would?" Tamsy gestured to the door. Zanka nodded, allbeit with slightly narrowed eyes. The two made their way out to the courtyard. Empty. Good.
"Zanka, word gets around easily. So tell me, what have I done to offend you?" Tamsy's smile turned to one of concern with the smoothness of a showman, standing in front of the door; or the closest exit.
"what?"
"There's no need for fake confusion, now. Zanka, you're my junior, I really don't want our relationship to be sour. I try my hardest, you see? I've come this way to stop any misunderstanding from spreading." Tamsy took a step closer.
"Ah. Well I guess there's no reason in sugar coating it. 'Ya freak me out. Don't seem normal. And I trust Semiu, but I think there's somethin' she missed." Zanka continued, "and I definitely don't like the idea of your influence on Rudo." He grumbled: Even though he's a little shit.
Tamsy couldn't help but let out a small giggle– really, how could he not? He quickly covered his face with his sleeve, his eyes turning to crescents. "N-Nijiku.. You..?" He smiled beneath the fabric, trying to best to keep his eyebrows curved in a concerned mannerism. Luckily they were standing in a shaded area where the morning light didn't quite reach. "I'm quite sorry for laughing. But... You think I'm grooming him? You think so lowly of me?" He lowered his sleeve, his face back into place.
"I..." Zankas eyes widened slightly, he didn't expect such an.. Honest(?) Reaction. "Hm, well if you're that worried, feel free to spy on us all you wish. I understand you being protective over your friend, but do understand that Semiu inspects everyone passing through." Zankas knuckles were white from his grip. "... If you think she missed something, why not ask her to inspect me again? Look into my past? Really, anything to ease your suspicion." Zanka didn't have a rebuttal.
Tamsy knew this wouldn't keep him off his trail for long. He would need a plan to dispose of Zanka for good. He pondered options as he finished up a mission with Delmon, mostly just standing back and keeping the trash beasts secure with tokushin. This wasn't a bad thing, getting rid of Zanka would clearly lead to severe trauma for Rudo, and it would certainly elicit a large reaction. But it wouldn't be easy to keep his hands clean from suspicion from others. And as he said, word gets around easily. He was lucky that Zanka was the one suspicious of him, as he is a stubborn boy; only voicing his suspicions to the higher ups if he had solid proof. The others though...
"Sigh... "
...
Rudo took his time preparing his gift. He decided on it after Tamsy had graciously vouched to talk to Zanka for him. He figured that this was the least he could do after everything the guy had done for him. It was a small stuffed bird, blue and fluffy. It had been in rough shape before, but Rudo took his time in bringing it back to good condition. He finally decided that it didn't smell of trash anymore, and could barely contain his excitement. He waited at Tamsy's door with the gift behind his back, waiting for him to return to the dorm. Unfortunately for Rudo, Tamsy actually locks his door.
"Rudo?" The boy perks his head up at the familiar voice, standing straight and eager. "Tamsy! I.. I have something for you!" Tamsy approached Rudo and raised one brow, waiting for him to continue. "It's not much but.. I figured after everything you've done for me, the least you deserve is some kinda gift.." Rudo blushed, sweating with nervousness. What if he thought it was weird? Tamsy is so elegant and graceful, would he even appreciate something so.. Childish? "well?" Tamsy stood expectantly, yet still with a modest patience. He was always so patient. "Don't laugh!" Rudo didn't wait for a reply, he brought the stuffed animal out from behind his back, clenching his eyes closed and turning his head away.
"..?" Tamsy took the small gift, examining it. He could see the stitched up areas that were meticulously cared for. He noticed how the blue was clearly washed out, yet tried to be fixed. Too bad Rudo didn't understand how some things simply would never return to their original splendor. "You fixed this up for me?"
"Well, duh.." He fidgeted with his coat, his eyes nervously flickering back to Tamsy every few moments. "Hm. Rudo, this is lovely. I really, really like this. Thank you." Tamsy smiled at the boy, "I can feel the passion that went into it." Tamsy couldn't help but think of that little girl from the sphere, Chiwa or whatever her name was. Well Tamsy would definitely care for this more than she did. Crushes are fleeting, a 'brotherly' bond is filled with much more love.