Archive of Our Own

He was not perfect. Far from it, actually. Still, Enjin made sure to try his best at being a parent even if that’s not exactly what he was.

Riyo and Zanka never complained about his own oddities, all the mistakes he made in trying to raise them. He had to learn how to brush and take care of long hair for one. Another was how to deal with a teen determined to never make a single mistake.

Neither they nor the other kids at the cleaners like Guita and Dear could ever prepare him for the firestorm that was Rudo.

Sure, he wasn’t a very responsible guy. He was very hands off with his teaching approach, but something was different about this kid ever since he found him in the landfill.

And it wasn’t because he was a spherite, those gloves on his hands, or how his hair looked different to everyone else around him.

It was just how Rudo was as a person.

He was defensive, snapped at everyone, glared and got angry quickly, but it was mostly for show. Everyone could see the hurt beyond the facade, that he was doing this to protect himself, to keep people away.

But over the days, weeks, and months since he joined their family those walls had slowly melted down. He was still the same, but he accepted their love a lot easier now.

Still, even as Enjin watched Rudo from afar, he couldn’t help but wonder if he could help him more?

Currently the kid was walking around Canvas Town with Riyo trying to stop at every single sweets shop. Riyo had to stop him often since she was holding the coin bag and steer him away.

Enjin brought a cigarette to his lips and took a slow inhale, blowing it out.

Just because he didn’t directly guide them like Bro did with his kids, he didn’t let them be completely alone. He knew Riyo was capable, but he had this nagging worry in his chest that sometimes made itself known.

He wasn’t used to it.

Before Riyo and Zanka he had been quite the longer, just doing his own thing while helping the Cleaners. A mutual benefit. They and Rudo had changed him in ways he never expected to.

He was a father, which Enjin still found hard to wrap his mind around.

They would come to him for an opinion, help, or just wanting to be around him. He was responsible for their wellbeing.

He flicked some ash off his cigarette and sighed. Enjin would kick their asses if they started to smoke. Riyo had been a shy kid at first and it took months for her to warm up to him. Zanka was the opposite of that and practically kept to his side since he joined.

For both kids he learned how to work around to their wants and needs.

He had yet to properly figure Rudo out. He was both of them in all sorts of ways. Rudo often found excuses to be near Enjin, but then the next day would want to be alone.

Enjin gave him space of course, but this hot and cold attitude was starting to bother him. That was a lie, Enjin is just worried for Rudo. He could never find it in himself to ever be mad at any of his kids.

He snubbed the cigarette out and threw the butt away as he walked down off the building roof he was on.

Corvus had regular meetings with him. Not just for work, but personal as well. For the past two years he has been helping Enjin learn how to figure troubled teens out and raise them.

Their last meeting Corvus had told him something he wanted to try. Maybe he’d make headway with Rudo.

Despite being here for some time now, he had yet to settle down properly. He didn’t know or couldn’t find his ‘place’ in the family. Not that he had to have one, but it would help him feel like he belonged.

Enjin knew Rudo felt like an outcast. He was indeed a weird kid, even among the Cleaners. They were all weirdos, afterall.

He walked up to a store and scratched the back of his neck. He was going to get Rudo a gift, but he didn’t know what the kid liked.

Sure he liked food, sweets namely, but he never seemed to prefer things or have favorites. Enjin would know since he’d been silently keeping tabs on what he ate.

But that’s not what this store was. Enjin walked inside and kept his hand on umbreaker as his eyes scanned all the different items. Hardware, tools, bolts and screws, repair gear, and the like.

He heard Rudo talking to Zanka about wanting something to weld with. Zanka had chastised him about something so dangerous. Enjin had overheard this and he was sure that of everyone at the Cleaners, Rudo could handle any type of equipment like that.

Sure it was dangerous, but so was letting his kids go out and fight trash beasts all day. Plus it was uncommon for Rudo to want anything that wasn’t candy.

Enjin sighed when he paid for what he came here for and hauled it back to his car.

Once it was in he sat in the drivers seat and turned the radio on.

He had asked Riyo for help. He confronted her, admitting he wasn’t sure how to approach Rudo. To his shock she had no idea either and always winged it.

“He isn’t a locked door that opens sometimes.” Riyo had said to him. “He’s just scared to open the door.”

Right. And Enjin was absolutely perfectly approachable too.

He sighed, eyes scanning around until he saw white and red hair walking this way.

Enjin unlocked the car and snorted when he saw Rudo was holding at least two bags of candy. When Riyo got in he teased her. “So I see you lost the war?” “Shut up. I lost a few battles, but the war reigns on.” Riyo teased back.

It was a running joke that it was impossible to win against Rudo’s sweet tooth. Hell, even Corvus gave in to him a few times!

Rudo glared at the both of them as he ate his candy. He pulled them closer as if suspecting Enjin would take it to limit him.

“Are you both hungry? We could eat before we leave.” Enjin suggested with a shrug to tell them he didn’t care either way.

“Wait actually?” Riyo flung open the door. “Since Rudo got all this candy I get to pick where we eat.”

Rudo swallowed his bite down and opened the door to leave.

“Rudo, leave the candy. It will be waiting in the car after lunch.” Enjin said, not that he wanted to. He liked letting his kids do whatever they wanted, but he had learned from Bro and Corvus that sometimes he had to tell them what to do.

And knowing Rudo he’d eat all of it and get a stomach ache.

For a moment Enjin thought he wasn’t going to. He saw Rudo sigh then set the bags down and cover them up with a stray jacket. “Alright.”

Enjin got out and walked with Riyo, already knowing where she was going. She always picked her favorite restaurant. “You getting the same thing?” He asked her.

“As always.” Riyo raised her arm to him, and Enjin fistbumped her. He looked at Rudo and offered a fist to him, but Rudo just stared at his tattooed hand confused. He reached up and pat his head instead.

One thing he learned about kids is that they are all different. Obviously. But in this instance it was clear to him. Riyo disliked head pats, she liked her hair only touched when he was brushing it. Zanka always seemed flustered when receiving them, but Rudo loved them.

Even if the kid was spitting mad, a few head pats and Rudo would go quiet and lean into the touch.

“I’m not the best with kids or teens either,” Corvus had admitted to him in one meeting. “But even I am not blind to what Rudo’s going through.”

Enjin isn’t a replacement dad. He never tried or wanted to be. He heard Rudo talk a bit about Regto, enough where he knew his dad was a touchy guy. Always ruffling Rudo’s hair, nudging him, or hugging him.

If it was obvious to Corvus Rudo was touch starved, then he was sure everyone knew.

Enjin removed his hand from his hair and smiled when he saw Rudo glare at him, offended he stopped, but also not asking for it back. He acted like a hot headed bull and was stubborn to a fault.

It would have to be up to Enjin to help Rudo since he was adamant about keeping quiet about the things that may be bothering or hurting him.

He sat down across from Riyo and Rudo and didn’t even need a menu. While Rudo looked over his, he turned to Riyo. “How’d he do today?”

“Really good.” Riyo shrugged. “You’re a worry wart.”

“Am not.”

Riyo smirked at him and crossed her arms. “Sure, keep lying to yourself.”

Enjin fake scoffed as if he was offended.

She was right though, but he had his reasons. Despite how all of his kids were different, they shared some similarities.

One of those was that anytime they got hurt they always hid it. Enjin hadn’t noticed it with Riyo for weeks until he saw her moving slow during a job and forced her to go to Eishia.

That’s when he learned she had dozens of bruises, cuts, and other wounds from their jobs since she started. She had just been keeping it from him. From everyone.

Zanka was the same way too, but Enjin was wiser. It only took a week till he noticed how Zanka had a small limp.

And it was the same with Rudo. He would rather bleed out in pain than ever ask for help. And with his hands it was much worse.

Nearly everyone at some point or another has found Rudo curled into a ball unable to respond from the pain.

So sue him, yes he was worried.

The waiter came over and Enjin ordered for himself, then paid attention to what Rudo got. He got a bowl of ramen which seemed random but not unusual.

Riyo turned to Rudo when the waiter left and elbowed him. “Why’d you get that?”

“I dunno, it just sounded good? Plus I don’t want a burger and dirty my gloves right now.” Rudo shrugged, then bit back a yawn.

Riyo smirked and leaned forward. “Are you sleepy? Aw, that’s cute!”

“No! Shut the fuck up!” Rudo glared at her, growling low. “Yawns can happen randomly, alright?!”

“Not with you.” Riyo shook her head and sat back. “You only yawn when the exhaustion is setting in.”

“Why do you know that?” Rudo grumbled out, one hand fidgeting with the ring on his gloves.

Riyo pulled out her scissors and spun them a bit, flicking her fingers around when she did. “I pay attention.”

Enjin listened to them bicker and talk until the food came. The moment it did they went quiet as they stuffed their faces. He ate rather slow since he wasn’t in a rush.

Riyo on the other hand was munching down her favorite food. It made him happy to see her content.

They were also both trying not to bust out laughing as Rudo fumbled with chopsticks and noodles for a while before giving up to try a fork.

They were doing good not giggling until Rudo slurped up the noodles too fast and some of them smacked into his face.

Enjin snorted while Riyo coughed out a few laughs. Neither of them were spared from Rudo’s wrath for the next half an hour.

When they were done Enjin paid and they left. Now back in the car Enjin turned on the radio, revved the car, and peeled out and drove home. He glanced in the mirror to see Rudo stuffing his face with candy though at a slower rate since he was full of ramen while Riyo sang along to every song that played.

Tonight was a good night.

He rolled down the windows halfway through the drive and smirked to himself seeing both his kids annoyed faces at him. Just as he rolled them up they all heard a loud roar and thudding footsteps.

Enjin looked to the left to see a stray trash beast headed right for them with a few more in the distance coming towards them after hearing its call.

He stopped the car and threw it in park. “Alright kids, lets get this done with quickly.”

Riyo jumped out of the car and pulled her scissors out and playfully nudged Enjin. “Are you even gonna fight or make us do all the work?”

“Mmmm, I’ma sit back and relax.” Enjin leaned against the car. He felt a blooming pain in his calf and looked down to see Rudo had kicked him.

“Asshole!”

“I sure do have one.” Enjin joked which pissed Rudo off more. He reached out and ruffled his hair. “It’s ‘cus I know you both can handle it. Do you really need my help to take out these guys?”

“..no.” Rudo grumbled. But it would be faster if he did. He sighed and pushed away from him and crossed his arms. “I don’t have a weapon though, idiot.” He bit back a yawn after he said that.

“Ah shit. Riyo, can you deal with that one real quick?” Enjin walked around to the trunk and opened it up. He always had spares for Rudo in here.

Rudo walked around and his eyes widened. “You.. is this a welder?”

“Yup. Got it for you. Meant for it to be a surprise later.” Enjin had forgot it was in here from earlier. “Go on and kick some trash beast ass.” He threw Rudo a drill to activate.

Rudo rolled his eyes. “Lazy ass.”

Enjin picked out a cigarette to smoke while they cleaned the trash beasts up. Rudo still had a lot to learn fighting these, and this was a smaller weaker hoard. Plus he had Riyo helping.

But Enjin realized he forgot to keep track of the things that made Rudo sluggish.

He dropped his cigarette as he watched Rudo get body slammed by one of the trash beasts.

The combined aspects of being tired and full of food and candy did not bode well for Rudo at all.

He pulled umbreaker out and aimed at the trash beast that was rushing to chase after where it sent Rudo and blasted a hole through it, killing it instantly. He ran out into the landfill, aiming his jinki at another and filling umbreaker with anima as he watched the next one get obliterated by her.

Shit, damnit! He should have realized Rudo wasn’t going to be completely alert. Enjin scanned the trash ground until he saw a mess of white hair and ran over.

Rudo was struggling to stand up. He had a nose bleed, a few scratches on his arms and back, and certainly would get a lot of bruises thanks to this.

The fact he already wasn’t up and fighting the trash beast again meant he really was unable to continue. Enjin crouched down and scooped Rudo up by his middle and held him close to himself as he aimed umbreaker towards another trash beast, killing that one too.

Rudo felt really light. He had carried Riyo and Zanka before, so this was almost jarring. “Rudo?” He questioned, looking around. Riyo was dealing with the rest so he headed back to the car. “Kid?”

“Mmn.. Shut up.” Rudo gritted out, his head resting on Enjin’s shoulder.

Possible concussion then? He’d have to check. Enjin carefully sat Rudo in the back seat and moved to grab their first aid kit. “Where are your wounds?”

Rudo took a moment to respond, then glared weakly at him. “Use your eyes.”

Enjin slowly inhaled, biting down on his tongue. He knew Rudo always got extremely bratty when he was hurt since he hated people taking care of him. He pulled out some gauze and bandages. “Fine, then don’t complain.”

He turned Rudo gently and wiped the blood from his back, then cleaned the wound. Once that was done he wrapped the bandage around him and sat him back.

Rudo was sitting away from the seat and looked like he was about to bite Enjin’s head off. Still, he held his hand out to him. “Gloves.”

Rudo tensed up. “Why?”

“Your arms,” Enjin glanced at them. “Have scratches.”

“No.” Rudo snapped back.

He needed to stop the bleeding and get the wound clean. This was going to have to be one of those times he would have to be an adult and tell the kid to listen to him. “Rudo, take your gloves off.”

Rudo’s eyes narrowed at him as he brought his arms closer to himself. “No.”

Enjin bit his tongue again. He couldn’t just take his gloves off even if they weren’t Rudo’s vital instrument. “Alright, how about a compromise?” Enjin sat back. “You sit in the car till we get home and when we get to HQ I am washing you.”

Rudo stared at him confused. “..why?”

“You won’t take your gloves off.” Enjin glanced over his kid. He wasn’t actively dying but he could see the blood slowly seeping out of his already older dirty bandages, probably wrapped up yesterday morning.

Rudo needed a change of those, to clean his gloves, and for his wounds to be looked at. Enjin damn well knew Rudo was not going to do it. Most likely the kid would try to hide in his room until the pain went away.

And he wasn’t going to let that happen.

“I’m fine.” Rudo argued back.

“Really?” Enjin pointed to his bleeding arm. “That screams ‘I’m fine’..? I’m taking you to Eishia for a concussion."

Rudo opened his mouth to argue but snapped it shut when Enjin gave him a cold look. He rarely if ever looked this serious about putting his foot down about something, so he shrunk down and looked away, glaring off to the side with a grumble of annoyance.

Riyo got into the car with a sigh. “Damn some of those were feisty. You ok Rudo?”

Rudo didn’t respond and instead turned away to stare out the window.

She looked to Enjin, a silent ask of ‘what did you do?’

“He doesn’t want to go see Eishia.” Enjin got into the drivers seat. “He’s pissed I’m making him go, then afterwards taking care of him.”

Riyo hummed as she leaned back in the seat. The drive back was quiet with the radio on low and when they arrived Rudo tried to scurry away. Enjin got out and grabbed him by his hood, turned him down a hall towards the infirmary, and let go.

Rudo glared at him but walked on, muttering something about being okay and he can take care of himself.

Once they were in Enjin leaned against a wall to watch Eishia work her magic. He was glad that at least Rudo stopped being snappy and let her do her job without complaints, but he was clearly unhappy about it.

Half an hour later, Rudo was done. He walked up to Enjin looking a bit smug and showed off his bandages. “Can’t get a bath now, I have these on.”

Enjin smirked back at him and stood up. “Seems like you’ve never heard of a sponge bath. You ain’t getting out of this, stinky.”

“STINKY?!” Rudo lifted up an arm to smell himself, making Enjin laugh a bit and guide him out and towards the communal bathrooms.

Once in Enjin flicked the light on and shed his own coat so he had more mobility. He walked over to the storage closet and pulled out a bucket, cup, rag, sponge, and some soap. “Get outta your uniform but keep your boxers on.” He then walked over to one of the baths and turned the water on.

When it became warm he plugged it up, filled the bucket, put it aside, then glanced behind him to see how Rudo was doing.

He had only managed to get his shoes and hoodie off, but not his shirt, pants, socks, or anything else. Enjin looked to his hands to see he was struggling to move his fingers.

He walked over to him and saw Rudo tense up and glare at him.

“You know, I give Riyo and Zanka sponge baths when they get wounded too.” He put one hand on his own hip, staring down at Rudo with a small smile. “Zanka always acted like a baby. He still does, always adamantly refusing even when he can’t move.”

Rudo relaxed just a bit and looked away. “I.. can’t curl my fingers right now.”

“Do they hurt?” Enjin questioned first and foremost. He saw Rudo shake his head no, so that was good. “Alright, need help then?” This time it took a moment before Rudo nodded.

Enjin helped Rudo out of his shirt then ruffled his hair gently. “Even Zanka complained to hell anytime he couldn’t do this. I think for him it was worse since Eishia would keep him in the infirmary, so sponge baths were a lot colder. Had to take the bucket in there.” Enjin explained as he helped the kid out of his pants, then his socks and threw them in a pile to the side.

“I can see that.” Rudo said sort of quietly, as if he was amused at the idea of Zanka reacting like that. Rudo stepped into the bath and sat down since he was just in his boxers now.

Enjin turned off the bath and looked at Rudo, his eyes going to his back where Eishia had wrapped a bandage around him. The water level was low enough that all of them would stay dry, but Enjin would have to be careful, especially with his hair.

He poured the soap into the bucket and swirled it around, then the sponge into it. Enjin started to carefully scrub his kids shoulders, chest, then around the bandage on his back. He squeezed the sponge out and got more soapy water on it, then carefully washed his face.

Really it was amusing to see Rudo trying to glare with his eyes closed.

He got the rag wet next and carefully wiped off where he just cleaned.

“Hurry up, asshole.” Rudo mumbled. “It’s cold.” Enjin flicked some water on his face for that comment. “I know, just hold on.” He chuckled when Rudo glared at him for real this time and wiped his face off with his dry gloves.

He got the cup and leaned Rudo over, soaking his hair by pouring the water on his head. He lathered some shampoo onto his hands, then began to scratch the kids scalp carefully.

Enjin could see all of the tension and anger dissipate rather quickly right after he started. He scrubbed his head until there were bubbles, then started to rinse his head off.

When he was done he squeezed his hair a bit then twirled it upwards, snorting when he saw Rudo’s wild hair somewhat keep the shape. He ruffled it back down then got up and grabbed a big fluffy towel.

Rudo stood up and made a pissy huff noise when Enjin wrapped it around him.

“Don’t look at me like that.” Enjin ruffled his wet hair again. “Come on, step out.” When Rudo did he drained the water and the bucket, setting everything there to clean up later. He took Rudo over to the sink and plugged in a hair dryer.

At least Rudo wasn’t complaining or bitching. He seemed rather content. Enjin started to dry his hair, watching it slowly get more fluffy over the next few minutes.

He could see Rudo blinking slow on occasion, then biting back a yawn.

Seeing his kid sleepy being rare was an understatement. Usually everyone either saw him awake, or passed out randomly. Never sleepy.

He put the hair dryer away when he was done and smiled warmly when Rudo hadn't even seemed to realize. Seems like he was asleep on his feet.

Enjin was used to that, too. Riyo was like that. He’d sometimes catch her sleeping leaned against a wall and have to carry her to the car, then to bed. It was rather adorable how all of his kids took after one another by accident.

Enjin made sure to keep Rudo in the towel burrito and picked him up. The most he got was a groggy grumble.

He did want to get Rudo’s gloves cleaned, but with him so out of it he wasn’t going to do that. He’d need Rudo awake to supervise how he cleaned them since they were his jinki. Doing it without asking or without Rudo really there would make him upset.

It would make anyone angry, actually.

He’d just remind Rudo in the morning to clean them.

Enjin carried him into his room and set him on the bed, gently ruffling his now fluffy hair. “You feel okay?”

Rudo tiredly opened his eyes and stared at Enjin, then nodded.

“Alright. I’m gonna put you in a hoodie and some pjs, ‘kay?” Enjin walked over to Rudo’s drawers and opened them up. He picked out what looked like lounge wear and stood in front of him.

It may be hard to tell himself that he was a father to three kids, but in this moment he really and truly accepted his role. Enjin couldn’t help but feel pride for taking care of Riyo, Zanka, and Rudo. All three of them were amazing kids, so the idea that he helped them become who they are today made him feel nice.

“‘m cold.” Rudo glared at him, reaching up for the hoodie.

“Yeah yeah.” Enjin slid the hoodie over him and helped get his gloves through the sleeves. He set the towel aside and helped Rudo step into the sweat pants. When he was done he threw a blanket over Rudo.

“..thanks.” Rudo whispered so quietly Enjin nearly missed it.

“Course. You need anything else?” Enjin grabbed the towel and made a mental note to clean the bathroom next.

He heard Rudo roll over and say something, but it was muffled. Enjin walked over to the bed. “What?”

“Nevermind.” Rudo snapped out tiredly and buried his head into the pillow.

“Hm, no.” Enjin was not dealing with this. He sat down beside him on the bed despite the face Rudo was facing away and poked his arm just below his shoulder. “Tell me. Tellll meeee.” Enjin tried to be mildly annoying, it was fun to lightly tease his kid. “Tell–” “STAY!” Rudo snapped out, red eyes glaring murder at him. “I,” He inhaled slowly. “Want you to stay.”

Enjin blinked as he processed that. He chuckled softly and got up and off the bed. “You really are just like the other two.”

The noise Rudo made was something in between anger and shock.

Zanka never used his words to tell Enjin he wanted him around, but he could always see it in his gaze. Riyo too, though she would walk up and sit beside him and refuse to leave. Rudo was the first to directly ask for it, even if it was like this.

“Do you really want me to stay in here?” Enjin asked, he had to be sure.

Rudo was silent but he saw a tiny nod just before he curled into a small ball and pulled the blanket up over most of his face.

“Alright. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be back. I’m not sleeping in my uniform.” Enjin pat him as he got up. He left Rudo’s room and went to the bathroom, quickly cleaning up, then setting the dirty laundry away. He went to his room, changed, and regrabbed umbreaker.

Sure he often cuddled Riyo and Zanka. Everyone often slept with one another or in cuddle piles. It wasn’t uncommon to find people taking naps together. A few times he had found Gris out like a light snuggling Guita and even Zanka.

But now that Enjin realized it, Rudo had not been a part of that solely because of his inability to sleep.

He knocked on his door but there was no reply. Enjin sighed softly and knocked again. This time he heard a tired pissed off grumble. Enjin opened the door and walked inside, shutting it behind him. He couldn’t help but smile to see Rudo had scooted over a while ago to make room for him.

He should really try to plan a nap pile with all of his kids. He could have Riyo get the blankets and pillows and get Zanka to train Rudo more so he’d actually get tired. He set the idea for later and sat on the bed, sliding under the blanket and laying on his beck with umbreaker beside him.

Rudo’s room was different to his other kids. Riyo had a Tv, dolls, and more warm like furniture. Zanka was slightly more modest with simple stuff. Rudo was the opposite, though neat.

He had a few work bench tables, a cork board with notes on it, and his bed. However the majority of his room was covered in scraps, items, and discarded things he’s found and brought back. It was neat and tidy because none of it was in the way and carefully set on the ground where Enjin could walk around it and not have to worry about tripping.

It was very much Rudo-like.

Enjin looked over when he felt Rudo move. His kid rolled over to face him, then scooted just a bit closer. He reached up and wrapped an arm around him, pulling him even closer. For a moment he felt Rudo tense up, then relaxed.

Enjin was nearly asleep when he heard Rudo speak up.

“Why?”

What was running through this kids head? He had no idea what he was asking, but had a feeling.. “Cus I care about you.” Enjin reached up and threaded his fingers through his snow white hair. “You do things for us, too. You try to be sneaky about it, but we aren’t blind.” He opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling.

Since Rudo joined all the small problems at HQ were just.. Gone. A clock that was always a few minutes behind started to function normal. Their oven with a broken display started to light up just fine. Hell, Enjin’s own door was squeaky and never shut properly until mysteriously one day it was fine.

He knew Rudo did more. People talked about it, but never to him since he’d just deny it and get pissy.

“But..” Rudo said more however it was muffled as Rudo tensed up and spoke into his side.

It didn’t matter what he said, he knew it wasn’t good. Enjin rolled over to face him and pet his head again. “Rudo, you ain’t useless. Even if ya were we’d still care about you.” He could see those red eyes swarming with pain, but not the physical kind. “Would you get mad at Zanka if he had an off day? .. okay maybe he’s a bad example. You get my point though!”

To his surprise he saw Rudo nearly dryly laugh, but he covered it up with a cough. Rudo rested his head on the pillow. “You don’t hate me?” “No.” Enjin said firmly. “Never have.” A pause. “Nah that’s a lie. When you took my brownie a few weeks ago I was kinda pissed!”

Rudo pressed his head into Enjin’s side. “It was worth it.”

“I bet! You owe me for that, kid.” Enjin wrapped an arm around him and snuggled him carefully, still mindful of his wounds. “Why did you think I hated you?”

Rudo was silent for a while. Enjin could feel him breathing as he thought about what to say, then a slow inhale.

“Everyone hates me.”

Before Enjin could respond, Rudo spoke up again.

“Up on the sphere ever since I could remember people hated me. Then I came down here.. And people hated me for being a spherite. Looked at me differently.” Rudo sighed softly. “I can’t help but get pissed at the thought you guys hate me too.”

Enjin understood completely. He really couldn’t imagine going from one place with one type of hate to another with a different kind. Plus he knew it wasn’t anger Rudo was talking about. From how the kid was clinging to his shirt he was terrified of the idea that the people he’s come to trust and see as family hates him.

“If anyone is ever mean to you, you have my permission to beat them up.” Enjin closed his eyes and sighed. “And I will talk to them too. But no one here hates you, Rudo.”

He felt Rudo nod, his grip on his shirt loosening just a bit. Rudo fought back a yawn as he slowly got more comfortable. Fed, bathed, and now warm in bed it was impossible for even him to fight sleep.

Enjin listened to Rudo’s slow and deep breathing for a few minutes. It kept him calm knowing he was okay. After some stressful times with Riyo and Zanka Enjin found that he would only stop feeling anxious if he could see and hear his kids breathing.

That meant they were alive and fine. That he could protect them and keep them safe.

He grabbed the blanket and pulled it over Rudo, snuggling him a bit more as he finally laid down properly to sleep himself.

Enjin found himself falling asleep holding someone he’d consider a son now.

Not that he’d ever tell Rudo that.

Riyo had an important task today, one she couldn’t let Rudo find out about. Easier said than done of course. As she, Zanka, and Enjin planned, Zanka was training Rudo all day much to his dismay.

It was necessary though.

She gathered up a lot of pillows and blankets that were in storage and set up her room to make a fluffy bed on the floor.

It had been Enjin’s idea, but Riyo and Zanka had to make the plans since his sucked. He had told them Rudo never really had a nap pile before.

Everyone tried for a few weeks. Rudo could never just lay down and sleep, so he could never properly join the nap piles unless he laid there awake and bored which was not the point of them.

So they had been taking notes about what makes Rudo sleepy, when he sleeps, and why.

Zanka had been the one to see the pattern. Usually Rudo would be awake for a full day, which was already unhealthy, and during the second day take one three hour nap, then sleep later in his room for about five. If he went off schedule it was due to training, jobs, or sweets.

Riyo had found another factor of head pats thanks to Enjin’s suggestion about that too. She nearly had Rudo asleep on her shoulder one day as she ran her fingers through his hair for nearly half an hour.

Enjin had learned that Rudo also got comfortable in soft things like blankets and towels among other things.

So now that they knew everything, they were going to make this nap pile perfect for him.

Riyo layered two blankets on the ground, put pillows around, and set up a nearby low table. She got a movie ready, set a remote aside, and left her room.

Now that her first part was done, she had the next bit.

Riyo glanced out a window to see Zanka trip Rudo up with his staff during their training session. She snorted when she heard him say Rudo take a few laps.

She continued down into the kitchen where Enjin was.

He and Gris were making brownies, popcorn, and other snacks. She grinned at them. “How's this going along?”

“Hey Riyo!” Enjin said with some flour all over his face in hand print shapes. “It’s, uh, going.” Gris turned around. He only had one handprint but it was clear Enjin had started whatever flour war went on.

“Don’t goof around too long. Rudo’s getting pissed at Zanka.” Riyo moved into the kitchen and grabbed a tray of snacks that were done. Everyone's favorites were on it.

“Tell Enjin that.” Gris grumbled out, elbowing him teasingly.

“Hey! It was funny, alright?” Enjin failed to defend himself.

Riyo heard a door slam and set the tray down. She knew that type of anger and left quickly just in time to see Rudo fuming as he walked by.

She held an arm out to stop him, then moved into the hallway. “Rudo? What happened?”

“Zanka happened!” Rudo nearly snarled out. “He’s being ruthless today! Everyone mistake I make he’s forcing me to run five laps! I’m not dealing with his power tripping ass today.”

Shit. Their goal to tire Rudo out wasn’t working. Riyo quickly switched gears and put one hand on her own hip. “Well, you still gotta train right? Why don’t I take over and train you today instead?”

Rudo was still high energy and anger, but his glaring softened. “But.. you told me you were busy today?”

“I was, but Enjin and Gris are flirting too bad to do the work I needed to do.” She lied smoothly. “I’d rather hang out with you anyway.”

That sealed the deal. She could see it in his eyes.

“..okay.” Rudo followed Riyo outside, glaring at Zanka when he came back out.

Riyo walked over to him with a small smirk. “Zanka, you’re banished from the training grounds. Go help Enjin in the kitchen.”

He glanced at Rudo, then sighed. “Fine.” After he left, Riyo turned to Rudo. “Ready to get your ass kicked?”

Rudo looked a bit happier now. He always liked how Riyo trained. “I’m not losing.”

Riyo activated her scissors and smirked at him. “Show me then.”

Well, the plan to tire Rudo out by dinner time worked. However now Riyo was exhausted too.

She and Rudo were currently laying down in the dirt staring up at the clouded sky as the sun set far behind them. She had one hand above her as she twirled her scissors around her fingers. “I can see you improving. You almost kicked my ass.”

Rudo scoffed. “I did win a few of those fights, admit it.”

“Nah.” Riyo sat up and brushed some hair out of her face. Those guys had to be done with their part of the plan by now. She stood up and offered Rudo her hand.

He reached up and took it, standing up with a huff.

She could tell he was tired from how he didn’t snap or argue. “Come here, I got something for you.” She walked inside and guided him to her room. If Enjin and Zanka weren’t in there with the snacks and some water she was going to kill them.

Riyo opened her door and looked to Rudo.

“What is this?” Rudo mumbled, glancing from her to inside.

Enjin was sitting back against some pillows with his arms across them, taking up a lot of space. Zanka was beside him eating some snacks, both of them waving at Rudo.

“A nap party.” Riyo reached over and ruffled his hair. “Go on,” She gently nudged him inside and shut the door behind her. She took off her shoes and nearly jumped on top of Zanka, making him splutter angrily.

“Riyo!” Zanka hissed, shoving her off and sighing. “I wish you wouldn’t do that.” “Then stop reacting in a fun way when I do.” Riyo smirked at him, then grabbed some chocolate covered pretzels from the tray to munch on.

Rudo removed his shoes and climbed into the massive floor bed. He sat beside Riyo and tentatively grabbed a few of the snacks, still unsure what was going on.

Enjin reached over and took the remote. “Any movie suggestions?”

“I put one on already.” Riyo pointed a pretzel at him. “It’s my turn at a pick.” “No it ain’t, this is Rudo’s first time here. He should pick one out.” Zanka leaned back against the pillows and crossed his arms.

Rudo rolled his eyes as he grabbed a cup of water to chug down. When he was done he sat a bit closer to Riyo. “I don’t care.”

“Nice, thanks Rudo!” She reached over and yanked the remote from Enjin and hit play.

Zanka grabbed the tray and set it in his lap for them to eat from. It was a habit they were used to, but only with three people. He didn’t realize Rudo had to reach over until he saw his gloved hand fumbling for some popcorn.

“Sit closer.” Zanka whispered to him.

Rudo glared at him but crawled over to be in between Riyo and Zanka now. He looked back at the movie while eating his snacks, mainly the brownies, and relaxing quickly once he was settled.

Enjin grabbed a blanket and tossed it to Riyo who spread it over her and Rudo’s legs. He looked at his three kids and couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Being together with them made him happy.

When the movie was over Zanka took the remote and put on a new one. He set the tray aside since most of the snacks were gone and didn’t grumble when Enjin threw a blanket over him to use.

Halfway through this movie Enjin looked over again and saw Rudo was leaned against Zanka, asleep. Riyo was leaning against him and nearly out too. Zanka was awake and tense.

Enjin reached over and ruffled his hair gently, chuckling when Zanka sent him a soft meaningless glare. “Relax kid.” He kept his hand in his head, threading through Zanka’s hair slow and rhythmically.

It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep too. Enjin felt Zanka lay against him, using his shoulder like a pillow. He turned the Tv off and carefully maneuvered each kid to lay down in a more comfortable way rather than sitting up. He tucked each of them in and finally laid down himself.

Enjin laid on his side facing his three kids and closed his eyes, content he could hear all three of them breathing.

He would always be there for his family.