Chapter Text
After Corvus had received word of the catastrophe everyone was sent to Amo for group therapy. And of course, the miracle healer worked her magic! Despite the stress everyone had gone through, Corvus decided to give Team Akuta some downtime. An idea popped into his head, and he decided it needed some execution. A dainty knock on echoed into his office. “Enter.” The healer in question popped in! “Ah, Amo. How have you been?”
“Good! Amo’s been helping people a lot! Oh, and guess what she did!” The girl added excitedly. Arkha stood to begin brewing some tea for her and coffee for himself.
Corvus hummed thoughtfully, he knew Jabber had opened up to her a bit more but maybe it was something else. “Did you..help Tomme feel better about the mission?” As the water finished boiling he searched for her favorite teacup.
“Nope!” She quipped.
“Tell Riyo to take it easy?” The girl shook her head. “I suppose I’m at a loss here at what you’ve achieved. Tell me?”
The girl giggled, “This morning I talked to Jabber about how he’s been feeling! And I found out some juicy information..” Placing the cup on the coffee table, he walked over after brewing his own coffee.
“Ah, do tell.” He asked. The young girl walked up to the couch in front of the coffee table. She motioned for him to scoot closer as she did the same. The two sat on the couch preparing for what could be classified as a ‘tea party’. The girl finished stirring sugar into her tea before relaying all the information she’d learnt.
“Amo found out Jabber’s not a masochist by choice!” Corvus lifted a brow in response. “But this time he told her! He opened up to Amo! Also she was visiting Eishia this morning and found out more gossip..” Corvus tilted his head slightly, “Jabber and Follo were sleeping together!” Oh! Lord have mercy. The boss's slight smile dropped as he responded.
“…Really?” The girl nodded in response, sipping her tea politely.
“Amo wishes she could’ve seen it, apparently it was really cute!” The girl sighed with a smile, “She knew Jabber’s cold heart just had to be melted! And allegedly.. the two had a.. moment on the mission..” She added with a smirk. Corvus didn’t know whether he should laugh or cry. Who is telling her this??
“Are they in a relationship?” Corvus asked, he was fully invested now.
“Not yet, it’s very cute though! Amo thinks it’s because Follo found him first after the therapy session! He must’ve charmed Jabber!”
“Apparently..” Corvus added. “I am wondering.. what sort of moment did they have on the mission?”
“A moment moment.” The girl smirked
“Really.” He took a sip of his coffee.
“Really really! According to mama, Follo and Jabber got really close when Follo helped him with his gear. Also it’s not just Jabber..” Amo was having the time of her life telling Arkha all this gossip. And yet, Corvus felt he was about to incinerate someone due to these claims.
The man cleared his throat into his fist. “Go ahead.” He added. The girl smiled.
“Follo and Zanka of all people seemed really close during the visits! Also.. Amo can’t say this one too loud..” Corvus leaned in further, “Jabber was laying on Zanka’s lap when they were coming back to base! Riyo said it was because of circumstances but apparently Zanka was okay with it!”
“How interesting. Haven't Jabber and Zanka had any interactions?” Corvus asked.
The girl nodded excitedly, “Amo thinks they had a very intimate moment in Jabber’s room!” Oh god, what now? “Amo left before she saw what happened,” She sighed. “But she thinks it was noteworthy!” Arkha’s head fell into his hands as he tried to find patience. “Besides, Riyo said he was breathing all heavy when she called him on her choker!” The man looked at the unsuspecting girl. “But that’s just a theory.. An Amo theory!” She added mischievously. The chokers sudden buzzing startled her before she answered. “Healer Amo, reporting for duty!”
“AMO. HE’S GONE!! HE DISAPPEARED WHILE WE WERE..” Eishia’s terror could be felt through the feed as it buffered.
Corvus stood and leaned into Amo’s choker, “Eishia. You need to breathe. What’s happened?”
“IS THAT OUR BOSS?!” She screamed.
“Yup! Uncle Corvus and Healer Amo are having a tea party!” The young healer quipped.
“OKAY. I CAN’T FIND HIM, JABBER IS GONE!” Eishia sniffled. Corvus’ eyes widened as he motioned for Amo to follow him.
“Don’t panic we’re on our way. He was last in the medical bay, correct?” Corvus confirmed.
“Yes, I— I’ll keep looking for him.” The call ended as the duo sped towards the other side of the building. Corvus stood before the door observing any changes. He took a deep breath, slowly opening it. Amo let out a sigh of relief when she noticed the other occupant was alright. Observing the room, not much had changed. Corvus scanned the ceiling and surrounding area for a hint, even one clue. There was no sign of him. The young girl looked at Follo’s form, he seemed physically unharmed. She noticed the small knick above his eyebrow, tilting her head in confusion. Was that under the patch he put prior to all this?
“Amo. Let’s look somewhere else for Jabber.”
“Okay! Amo will check with Aunty Semiu, you could check the breakfast hall!” The man nodded as the two exited the room. As Amo went on her merry way, Arkha lingered. He waited for a moment before opening the door hastily. A blur of brunette wicks hid from his vision as he walked over shaking his head.
“I know you’re under there.” He squatted to get a better look at what may have happened. A teenager and a pillow he was using as a shield. The sight would’ve been cute if he hadn’t seemed so on edge. He found two magenta eyes to be staring at him quite apprehensively. The teen had folded the pillow to hide half of his face leaving only his eyes. “Would you come out?” Jabber didn’t respond, instead ducking further out of sight behind the pillow. So that was a definite no. The man chuckled to himself, “Do you mind if I stay?” No response. Sighing, the man rose from his position to alert Amo he’d be alright. Then he felt his jeans get tugged towards the bed. “You don’t want me to leave?” The boss asked. The hand slipped under the bed once more. Soon, Corvus prepared to sit on the cold floor to chat with the teen. He criss cross sat and asked, “Do you mind if I ask a few questions?” The teen continued to smooth the wrinkles of the pillow he’d captured. “I’ll take that as a yes. So, are you hiding from something?” The hand stopped as Jabber looked at the boss’s fidgeting foot. It wasn’t nervous. Simple movement, an old habit perhaps. The man didn’t seem nervous. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn’t.
He nodded his head in response. Corvus hummed in thought before asking another. “What are you hiding from or whom are you hiding from?” Jabber looked at him. “Is it.. someone from Akuta?” The teen shook his head. “Is it me?” Jabber scrunched his face in confusion to which Corvus laughed. “Perhaps not since I’m talking to you now.. Is it Zodyl?” Jabber’s face fell flat as he looked away. “You’re scared of him?” He rolled his eyes and kissed his teeth at the mention of his old boss. “Then what are you hiding from?” Jabber simply looked at him before planting his chin on the pillow with a heavy sigh. The man thought about the information Eishia had told him prior to this meeting. Maybe he wasn’t hiding from others, but perhaps someone much more familiar. Was it Mankira? The notion itself was perplexing due to their bond. The boss couldn’t fathom Jabber willingly separating them. He held his tongue despite his own curiosity. ‘He’ll tell me when he’s ready.’ He thought.
Glancing at the clock he noticed that quite a lot of time had passed. Readying himself for departure, he stood. “I’ll let everyone know you’re fine. I’m sure they’re all panicking like chickens by now.” Corvus turned the handle before hearing some sort of shuffling. He turned to find the teen had come out from under the bed. “Do you need me for anything?” Jabber nodded. His gaze kept to the ground as he tried not to pick at his nails. The boss turned, his attention focused on him.
“I’ll join the Cleaners.” Corvus’ expression changed to blissfully surprised then to a small smile.
The older man smiled, “Good. I’ll let August know. Would you like me to tell your colleagues?”
“Colleagues.” Jabber repeated tasting it. The taste was bittersweet to him, especially since he used to call the raiders such a thing. But maybe instead of just colleagues, it could be more. “I can tell them myself.” Jabber sat on the bed in thought before looking up at Corvus once more. “I can come to you.. when I need something, right?” He asked.
Corvus paused before replying, “Of course. Amo is able to help as well. Would you like a session with her?” The brunette nodded, the jewelry on his locs adding their input as well. Corvus smiled once more before making his departure. And once again he was alone. Well, not completely alone. Follo was here. But he wasn’t here in this moment. The younger teen drifted to his bed to find the older still unconscious. Jabber had the back of his hand beneath the other’s nose, only to feel warmth hitting the back of it. Good. His eyes looked somehow gorgeous even when he cried. All glossy and doe-eyed and—
Wait a damn second.
When did he wake up. And why was he crying?! A sniffle erupted from Follo as he sat up and wiped helplessly at the never-ending tears. Sticky, useless, word stuck to Jabber’s throat as he desperately tried to say something. Anything. But nothing came. “No cryin’.. aight?” This was rough. The brunette hadn’t the slightest idea of how to comfort someone crying. Especially if he didn’t know what the person was crying about, it could be anything. But the fact that Follo of all people was sobbing like this was nerve-wracking. The boy had been all sunshine and smiles until now, he’d tried so hard to be uplifting to others and yet he’s crying like this. Jabber’s hand hovered before he shouted in exasperation, “Stop crying!”
“Oh, should I laugh?!” Jabber paused at that sentiment. He could still hear tiny sobs escaping the other as he slowly stopped his tears. Eventually he spoke.
“Sorry.” The singular word stopped Follo, he was shocked by the sudden sincerity. “I wasn’t there.. to help.” As he wiped the last few tears away, he responded.
“It’s not your fault. I wasn’t crying over that.” Jabber turned to face him, confusion painting his face over.
“What’re you cryin’ over then?” Jabber asked. The older boy rested his hands in his lap, trying to find an answer in the sea of his mind.
“Someone. Someone I miss.” He looked down at his hands, caressing one as if it were someone else. “But I’m okay now, feelings pass. How are you?” He’s lying. Why was he lying to Jabber? Did he not trust him? Jabber took a mental note of his lie.
“Okay-ish. I joined the Cleaners.” Jabber stated. Follo gaped at said statement before stammering into his own words.
“That’s great though! Isn’t it?” Jabber looked away. Not for him. “Do you not.. see it as great?” The brunette shook his head. “It’s probably a weird change. Raider to Cleaner. But I’m happy for you.” The curly haired boy smiled. Jabber looked at him before muttering a small thanks. “Breakfast?” The new cleaner nodded.
~~~
Zanka’s about to lose his last marble. Why would Enjin ask him to leave. The one time he wants to disobey his mentor and the older man practically has to drag him away by his collar. Breakfast was nearly over and neither of them had made an appearance. Zanka honestly hoped neither would show so he’d have some peace without his mind yelling at him. The dilemma concerning the both of them was enough, not to mention the way Jabber looked so terrified when that Raider pushed him through the portal. The teen essentially begged the three of them to help. And Jabber isn’t the type to beg. He was going through some major distress he had to have sorted by tomorrow if he wanted to properly function. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t go unnoticed by the rest of Akuta.
The albino boy whispered to the Riyo who was sitting beside him, “What’s wrong with him?” The girl shrugged before Rudo shoved more pancakes in his mouth.
“Zanka!” The ashen-blonde looked up. “You alright, man?” The girl asked. He nodded before looking down at the table once more. Picking up his tea he sipped it leisurely.
“You don’t seem alright. Does it have to do with Jabber and Follo?” The boy choked on his drink. Tomme smirked as she sipped her sugary coffee.
As clunky boots made their appearance majority of the team looked up to the sound, “Amo has insider knowledge!” She gleamed.
“Oh? What is it?” Tomme looked toward the girl.
“Amo found out that Zanka— ZANKA?!” Amo shrieked at the sight of the boy.
“WHAT’D YOU FIND OUT NOW?!” Said boy was in disarray at the sound of himself being the topic of gossip.
“Nothing! Amo found out nothing about—“ She stammered before being cut off.
“Snitch.” He demanded.
“Okay.” She sighed. “Amo doesn’t think it’s super bad…”
Zanka’s face transitioned from irritation into fear, “The fuck? Actually! Don’t worry about it!”
“First of all, language. Second, and now I’m worried. What happened?” Gris asked. The teen turned from Amo as he began to.. pray? (bro what) Rudo raised an eyebrow at the teen.
Amo hesitated, “Allegedly..” The table full of people held their breath in anticipation and stress. “Zanka visited Jabber and Follo last night..”
“No the fuck I didn’t??”
“Language, please..” Gris rubbed his eyes as Enjin patted the distressed man on the back.
“Oh you so did! Own up to it! Woman up!” Riyo giggled.
“He didn’t.” Jabber noted. “I know. I was awake last night.” Zanka turned around to find Jabber and.. Follo!
“Yer awake!” Zanka exclaimed.
“Follo!” Gris stood to greet his young colleague with a firm hug.
“Ow.. my ribs.” The curly haired boy rubbed his sides.
Tomme sighed with relief, a fond smile painted onto her face. “I’m glad you’re alright.” Follo smiled back.
“Me too.”
As everyone greeted Follo and a sleepy Jabber. The latter disguised his yawn as a cough, no one really cared right now so he could just tune them out. “Speaking of, what’d you say about Zanka visiting?” Gris asked. Jabber focused on the sanded wood before realising that Gris was talking to him.
“Huh? Oh, he wasn’t there. I was awake last night.” Jabber repeated.
Gris held Enjin’s shoulder, “See? They’re all fine. But I do have a question,” Gris noted, “What were you doing up?” He asked Jabber folding his hands with a raised eyebrow.
“Couldn’t sleep. I was up all night making a decision.” He answered.
Tomme jumped in, “And what kind of decision was that?”
“Whether to join the cleaners or not.” The table immediately erupted with questions overwhelming the teen. Sharp nails dug into his sides, someone’s breathing picked up, noise piercing their ears. It was too loud. Way too loud. Waytooloudwaytooloudwaytooloudwaytooloud. Loudloudloudloud—
“Guys!” Zanka exclaimed. The group looked at the usually quiet teen. “Too damn loud.” He emphasized each word. Huh. He noticed. The group looked at Jabber expectantly for any sort of answer.
The teen let out a shaky sigh, “I talked to the boss today.” The group held their breath. “So I told him I’d join.” Amo whooped loudly before Zanka shushed her. She then apologized quietly before congratulating Jabber. She was so excited for him. I guess this was sort of a big deal. The rest of the team cheered quietly for the teen. Jabber felt himself being tugged towards the cafeteria line.
“Come on.” Jabber looked at the older boy in shock. His curls bounced as he hurried towards the line. Maybe being a cleaner wasn’t too bad.
~~~
He was wrong. Dead wrong in fact. This shit was so boring. Gris had begun training him as a supporter despite his status as a giver. The blonde’s specific words were, ‘Better safe than sorry.’ Hopefully he’d be able to spar with someone, since the active members of Akuta were training with him. Maybe he could convince Zanka or even Gris since they had to drag his ass out here. The reason for it? Apparently they didn’t want him to be late and yet they were still waiting on someone. Follo was supposed to be here a few minutes ago. After breakfast, he’d excused himself to go change into some proper clothes.
Riyo spun the Ripper on her pointer finger, “How long do you think he’ll take? It’s already been ten minutes.” Right before it slipped off her finger, she caught the scissors before they fell.
“He’s probably taking it easy, so we should all have some grace.” Gris responded. “Anybody else up for stretching?” Jabber could practically feel his eyes look into their sockets at that statement. Stretching? Are we serious? This stuff is all a bunch of nonsense, whenever Jabber trained, he’d just start. That’s how easy it was! Sure he’s had to deal with a sore hip afterwards but who hasn’t?
Jabber noticed a certain blonde eyeing Gris ad he stretched his back muscles. The younger man cleared his throat in attempt to act casual. Riyo looked at her mentor then looked to Jabber. He met her eyes and smirked. The girl snorted, “Just screw ‘im already!” She whisper-screamed to Enjin who hushed her. The duo giggled before walking over to the others.
Zanka had already walked over to the blonde supporter to begin his stretches. The two chatted a bit. And from what Jabber was seeing they were talking about… Zanka’s legs? The fuck? The brunette squinted at the conversation as he approached. The supporter kept motioning to them and the younger blonde was nodding. ‘Man. Hoes be weird.’ He thought to himself.
His confusion was interrupted by someone running over, the dust following after. Boots made their way to the training ground as Follo greeted everyone, “Hey! Sorry I took so long.” The older teen was wearing a compression shirt that outlined his fit body. And holy shit. Fit was understatement, Follo was ripped. His forearms especially, the amount of veins he had was insane. The brunette felt if he even grazed him with Mankira he’d be gravely injured. The grey sweatpants weren’t helping either. Jabber was already having an issue with Zanka’s bodysuit. The way it hugged his waist was criminal.
“What made you take so long?” Rudo interrupted his thoughts.
Follo rolled his eyes affectionately, “I was injured. I’m trying to take it easy. Okay?” The older teen ruffled Rudo’s hair affectionately to which he was swatted away as he laughed.
Gris noticed him enter, waving him over to stretch as well. Eventually, everyone except Enjin found themselves sitting in a circle doing the butterfly pose. Jabber opened his eyes to peer over and see what the others were doing. Rudo was sitting crisscrossed, Riyo had finally figured it out, Zanka was good, and Follo had been struggling. “You good?” The new cleaner whispered to his right. Follo nodded as he continued to do it wrong. “You’re still doing it wrong. Look. Put your feet together then push your knees down.”
“…feet together knees...down. Oh. That was easy huh?” The curly haired boy laughed at himself.
Jabber shook his head, “Not if you did it right. And you did.” Follo looked at Jabber. Really looked at Jabber. Was he trying to be patronizing? Or was he just being nice? Then he added a compliment. “…nice job.” Follo flushed.
“Thanks.” He said shyly. “Gris! Are we doing pairs or matches today?”
“Matches. we’ll be testing your skills against each other.” Jabbers eyes widened in excitement, would he finally get to fight someone?! “Ah, well except Jabber. I still have some things to teach him.” Fucking cockblocker. The teen scowled “Don’t give me attitude.” The teen frowned further. The older man sighed before continuing, “Jabber, we don’t know what your skills are. It’s better for you to practice now rather than later.”
The brunette brought his knees to his chest, he exhaled out his nose. “Fine. But I’m watching them first.” Gris smiled at him.
“Alright, deal?” The blonde held a hand out to him, as Riyo snickered in the background. As Jabber reciprocated, he felt multiple bones in his hand pop. He yelled out in pain before cackling with joy. “I forgot you like that.” The supporter sighed. Zanka looked over at Jabber and Follo. Fuck it. He walked over to the duo.
“Follo.” The teen looked up at the voice. “Spar with me?” The boy nodded in reply. Helping him up he looked into his eyes and leaned in, “I’m countin’ on you.” The ashen blonde let go and turned to Jabber who was about to make his exit. “You too. Don’t forget about our rematch.” Jabber smirked with a nod as Follo and Zanka walked to the center of the training grounds to begin their match. “Vital Instruments?” The blonde teen yelled.
“Both! Two matches with, two matches without.” Enjin responded.
Both participants put their Jinki away to begin. The two paused in a state of silence, looking for weakness and opportunity in the other. Suddenly Zanka lunged forward making strides toward Follo to land his first blow. Fortunately the older boy dodged the first punch, countering the attack with a kick instead. The two consistently traded blows as the rest watched. Jabber was on the edge of his seat. He found himself unable to blink. He was too afraid he’d miss something. They danced around each other for quite a while. Jabber observed their fighting styles, analyzing their pros and cons.
Zanka moved as if he was feather-light, his punches landed heavy. He has motivation behind them. Motivation to win. But it makes him lose sight of what’s happening in front of him. That’s his problem. The blonde is too focused on the outcome, not the process.
Follo is similar yet different. His punches were just as heavy but he moved to make time. He waits. Waiting is a concept that can be used against you just as easily as impulsion. The older boy is patient, but it wont help him when his opponent is eager to fight to win. And it especially won’t help when he loses his temper.
Curls hid his eyes as he stumbled back from the sudden hit. Drops of blood, sullied the field as Zanka continued. He didn’t notice Follo’s nose was bleeding. Jabber squinted just to see those eyes once filled with sunshine, darken into a nasty dusk. His magenta eyes widened as he leaned over to Gris, “Something’s wrong.” Gris shot him a questioning look, “Don’t you see it?”
Zanka crossed his arms with a scoff, “Keep stumblin’ we’ll just have ta wrestle since ya can’t stand.” Follo stopped. His laboured breathing stopped. Zanka waited a moment. The silence stretched into an uneasy tension. The younger teen found himself unsettled. He closed his eyes and took a minute to catch his breath, assuming Follo just needed a break. That was his first mistake. As he opened his eyes he found Follo already approaching. He settled into a wrestling stance then he realized. This was not going to be traditional. That was his second. The older teen used Zanka’s knee as a vantage point to sit on his shoulders. Jabber stood up with a sick smile as Follo began to land punch after punch. Transitioning to hitting the younger boy with his elbow before he was slammed into the ground with a pained grunt.
Gris and Enjin stood up shortly after Jabber had, concern etched onto their faces. The two continued what was more adjacent to a fight for dominance and dominion over the other. The fight was messy, punches missed, and their movements became sloppy. Zanka especially. That was his third and final. Giving into feelings and letting it become too personal. Riyo spoke up, “Hey. What’s going on?”
Jabber exclaimed excitedly, “Oh shit, they’re throwin’ hands!” Jabber grabbed Enjin by the shoulder just before he ran over to them. “Let ‘em be!”
“Are you crazy?!”
“Yes! And no! Look! Zanka’s about to apprehend him!” Enjin squinted at the scene only to find Follo with his hands pinned behind his back. “Holy shit.” The brunette smiled at the scene.
“Holy shit!” Rudo echoed, as he gawked at the scene.
“Language.” The older blonde scolded.
“Sorry Gris..” The albino muttered.
“Are they okay? Not just physically, but Follo looked really pissed.” Riyo looked over to the adults who seemed just as perplexed as everyone else.
Gris sighed. “I hope. I’ve only ever seen Follo like that one other time.”
“And that was Rudo’s first mission, right?" The man answered Riyo with a nod. “Man.. I wish I was there. Follo’s usually so calm with people. It’s hard enough to make him irritated, let alone angry.” Huh. Angry Follo. The brunette wondered just how violent he could get.
The group noticed Follo pushing Zanka off before standing up on wobbly legs. The younger followed before his hand was swatted away. Jabber could see the hurt on his face. Pretty unusual for someone who tries so hard to act like he has no feelings.
The match had ended with the ashy blonde winning. Follo wandered over to the rest and as he came into view a Gris hurried over to him. “Hey! What happened out there?”
Follo glanced back at a scowling Zanka, “Nothing.” His voice was rough and slightly nasally as he held his nose to stop the nose bleed. “Fields all yours.” The older teen spoke to Rudo and Riyo. A shiver skipped down Rudo’s spine at the comment before Riyo pulled him away. The girl whispered to him about working on his ‘social cues’ much to his confusion. Jabber turned his attention back to Zanka—
Where did Zanka go? The teen scanned the area for any traces but him and Miss Assistaff had left. “That one move you did was cool as fuck dude.” Jabber turned to Follo. Speaking of working on social cues.
“Thanks. I’m going to my room.” The teen responded in a hurry. Gris hesitated before letting him leave with a sigh.
“He took it hard, didn’t he?” Gris rubbed his neck. Enjin pulled a pack of cigarettes out his pocket before pausing.
“I think Zanka did too.” The man rested it upon his lips before lighting it up. Jabber scrunched his nose at the smoke before his nausea bubbled up once more. The smoke curled upward as he coughed, trying to hold his previous meal down. The teen scooted away in an attempt to distance himself from the smoke. His stomach decided distancing itself from his breakfast was a great idea as well!
He leaned over the side of the bench and immediately began to hurl. His arms and legs weighed the rest of the body down as he watched two adults rush to it’s side. The other members of Akuta pausing their duel to see Jabber nearly unconscious. Steady hands picked the teen up to take him away. The teen wondered where that guy was going before realizing that was him! Why can't he catch a break?!