Archive of Our Own

For Zanka, he didn’t really think too much about Follo. He was too focused on getting better at using his vital instrument to really notice him, at least that’s what he used to do. 

Back then, when he was starting out as a giver, Zanka didn’t really care too much where his first mission would take place. So when it was known to him that it would take place in the North Ward he just accepted it, with the goal of defeating a trash beast. 

When it came to the actual fight, he didn’t notice the citizens of the North ward gathering around in an area to watch the cleaners. He had his hands full with the trash beast, paying no mind to the awed staring as if he did something extraordinary. Yeah right. Like he’d ever. 

He didn’t bother looking towards the joyful cheers the people caused, but instead glanced over at Enjin. Zanka’s body shaked in excitement, hearing Enjin’s swift claps and praises he gave Zanka for his first work as a Giver. And in his mind, that was way better than citizens thanking him.

After that whole trash beast fiasco, the team, which included himself, Enjin, and Gris, decided to go out for a treat as a celebration for Zanka’s success. After hearing Enjin and Gris bickering about where to go they ultimately decide on a small yet crowded diner. 

Yet despite its visual appeal, the small dinner blasted music that seemed to bounce off the walls. Not to mention the crowd was surprisingly more nosy than HQ, probably due to the amount of intoxication that Zanka can practically smell. Zanka groaned, the ruckus soon became an annoyance. He could barely comprehend the conversation that he was having with Gris. So much so that at first they didn’t notice someone, roughly around Zanka’s age, coming up to them and spewing out nonsense to them.

However, once he heard what the random guy was asking, he thought it was strange how he was practically begging to join the cleaners. But then again they did need more supporters. Besides it wouldn’t be bad to get him to start training with Gris, which is exactly what happened. 

Once getting back into the cleaner’s HQ, the random guy, whose name he found out later was Follo, got taken under Gris' wing and immediately started on his training as a supporter. 

And honestly, Zanka didn’t know too much about the new guy after that. He blamed it on the fact he was too cooped up in his missions, dealing with the other givers, and especially training for himself. He made it apparent to everyone that he needed to be focused, in order to get stronger. 

So yes, he paid no mind to Follo, basically forgetting about the new supporter.

It’s not like he didn’t appreciate supporters. In all honesty he probably wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for them. The numerous times they carried his injured self was an embarrassing amount. He didn’t want to dwell on it too much. But with the way they dress, having the  same clothes, hat, and mask, it was hard to identify who he was talking to, especially when he was in a daze from the amount of blood  that was spilling out of him on every mission.

Like right now…

On his knees, his head started to spiral. Not from the excruciating pain but from his own thoughts instead. He didn’t understand, this was a mere regular trash beast that he could’ve easily defeated, so why’d he get hurt again? It pissed him off, it couldn’t be helped. He’s mediocre, he should’ve at least expected himself to get distracted which led him to get hurt. 

With another jolt of pain he glanced down at his wrist, noticing a deep vertical wound that was one, from his wrist to his elbow, and two, dripping out too much blood for his liking. 

Great, he sighed. He can already picture Eisha, the only healer in the cleaners, staring at another wound she has to tend to, as if he wasn’t there last week. 

Mediocre. It’s true. There’s no one he can blame but himself.

How could he be so weak even after joining the cleaners? It didn’t make sense, he knew he was just another mediocre piece of shit but he’d thought he’d do better as a cleaner than a hellbend so why—

Unbeknownst to him and his brooding, a supporter’s knees landed on the ground in front of him and a gloved hand took Zanka’ arm gently. Zanka’s thoughts seemed to have cut off as he glanced through his untucked bangs. Sitting in front of him, the supporter quickly opened their mandatory first aid kit and rummaged around it.

It took him a second to realize that it was Follo, who was currently murmuring something too quiet to reach Zanka’s ears. He heard the sound of Follo’s rummaging stop   as he found what he was looking for, antibiotics and bandages. Then as if Zanka was delicate, he carefully lifts Zanka’s arm towards him and rips the packaging of the antibiotics.

Zanka moved his arm away, though that seemed to have done more pain than not. 

"What are you doing?” Croaking out in a rough voice.

… 

”Hm?”

”What are you—“ he sharply inhaled as Follo softly pressed on the wound, wiping the dirt and blood around the cut.

“Helping you” Follo said absentmindedly, with his attention fixed on the wound.

Zanka couldn’t help but raise one of his eyebrows.  This was just a little wound. He could understand the urgency of needing a nurse when he was bleeding out but this? This was nothing he couldn’t handle. 

“Shouldn’t you just wait till we get back to HQ? Eisha’s there.”

Follo stopped his cleaning for a brief moment before glancing up at Zanka, eyes swirling with…confusion? 

“Don’t be so stubborn, I bet you can take low quality wrapping from me right? Besides, Eisha isn’t on the front lines anymore. So you have to wait for a moment before getting the luxury of Eisha’s healing…so can you just suck it up?”

He could tell that Follo said that last part as quickly as he could, but it made Zanka hesitant about what to say next. What does he reply to suck it up? Who tells him to suck it up? He’s never one to speak without having confidence but for someone like Follo? It was unusual to have someone speak to him with some normality that wasn’t Riyo, Enjin, or Gris. But then again he didn’t grow up as a normal child, he grew up as a Nijiku. 

He must’ve spaced out at some point because he noticed how Follo was ranting again, with a light relaxed tone as if he didn’t just tell Zanka to quit his stubbornness. Oh and as well as the fact they didn’t just defeat a trash beast minutes ago, that too.

”You know, Enjin’s thinking about permanently banning Gris from driving.”

Zanka blinked.

”What?”

”Yup, it's just that everyone gets so tired whenever he drives. I mean he doesn’t even put on the radio channel everyone likes!” Follo exclaimed as he turned over his shoulder to grab the bandages and started wrapping his arm efficiently.

Honestly Zanka couldn’t blame Enjin.

Gris was technically the safest driver out of the people who can actually drive but riding with him just felt like a snoozefest.

Before he realized it, Zanka let out a quiet chuckle. But that quickly got replaced with him straightening his back and shutting his lips. If Follo’s noticed he didn’t say anything.

Zanka sighed, acting as if internal turmoil wasn’t occurring at what the hell was going on? Follo just said the obvious, no need to start laughing his ass off.

“Really? As if Enjin could do better,” he murmured. “He drove with no hands and thought it was okay because there wasn’t a road.” 

He heard the snort of the supporter before Follo suddenly tightly tied the bandaging up.

 And he didn't realize he was done bandaging him up till Follo spoke.

 “Well well look at that, your brooding stopped and this might be my best work yet.” Based on his tone, Zanka could easily hear Follo’s grin

Zanka rubbed his neck, feeling heat creeping up on his nape. Strange, he was usually cold. Oh well, he thought for sure he covered up his spiraling thoughts. But then again he did hear others say Follo just noticed smaller details about others. 

Zanka coughed into his fist, already preparing to throw together some response, but Follo cut him off before he could even start.

”Just messing with you.” 

Zanka looked up to see that underneath his cap, Follo's eyes seemed to have a sparkle of mischief.

 Strange, he thought as he stared at Follo’s back, seeming to be in his own world now as he put away his first aid kit. He didn’t realize Follo’s eyes were golden.

The sudden honking of Enjin’s car seemed to break the calming atmosphere they had. And  the walk back was even quieter. Out of the corner of his eyes he noticed Follo rubbing his neck.

”So look, I know that was one of my best works but it doesn’t mean the bandaging is  great. So maybe get it checked once we go back to HQ,” Follo said with an earnest grin.  “I’m not an Eisha you know?”

Zanka glanced down at his arms, it was true that the banginiging did look a bit tight at some places, to loose on others. But…

”..It’s fine” Zanka muttered, a little too quickly for his liking. 

After a brief pause, he added quietly, 

“But you should really work on your bandaging more” He said the last part ever so softly that he wasn’t even sure if Follo heard him.

 But based on the crinkling of his golden eyes and that quiet laugh that escaped him, Zanka figured otherwise.

He didn’t understand this feeling.

Well that wasn’t exactly true, he wasn’t ignorant. And if he was being really honest with himself, he could easily identify what this feeling was. Partially thanks to Riyo forcing him to watch romance movies but for now he’ll say he didn’t understand nor like it.

That was uncharted territory. He didn’t dare to think of Follo as anything more than a reliable supporter. It was just a distraction, pulling him  away from his course, his goal. 

In all honesty he didn’t know when these...”feelings” started. He’d liked to think that one day he was bored and Follo just happened to be the victim of these “feelings”. Well whatever it was, it quickly snowballed before collapsing onto him all at once. Maybe it was the little things he started to notice about him like his stupid kindness that swirled in his eyes, or the way he talked to citizens to reassure them beyond what was necessary. 

His thoughts seemed to swirl and buzz in his mind even when he was eating in the dining hall with Rudo and Riyo. Maybe this “feeling” was bad, bad enough that it could even block out the voices of his lunch mates, who seemed to be in a heated debate about if the ocean was just a giant lake. Either way he didn’t feel like talking today. And he totally didn’t think about a certain somebody who he just found out gets a brown curly hair mess underneath his cap when wearing it for an extensive time. Never. He was more than that.

However, his plan of not talking was quickly ruined when Riyo suddenly turned to him with curiosity. 

“What’s up with you? Did you forget to oil assistaff this morning?” Riyo asks as she scans his figure up and down. “You’re weirdly quiet today, it's odd.”

”Yeah now that you mention it, Zanka would’ve already yelled at me three times!” Rudo suddenly said, pointing out the obvious.

Zanka quickly defused the situation, whatever weird chaos that was happening in his mind he knew one thing. Nobody can ever find out about his sudden curiosity for Follo.

”Nothing! Can’t someone just be quiet for one minute? …Although guess it’s not something you two do is it? But guess what? I can!” He huffs as he stabs his fork into the chicken with a loud thud before biting into it.

For once, he was glad that those two weren't the ones to get too sensitive about his yelling, but at the same time it made him more annoyed that instead of pushing them away it made them more curious as to what was going on with Zanka. 

“Okay seriously what was that? Got some ants in your pants or something?” Rudo said, absentmindedly. 

He was done. Just as Zanka was about to sneer with whatever remark he can come up with on the spot, a loud voice seemed to cut him off. A voice he started noticing all too much. 

“Zanka!” Follo said with a smile, well, like he wouldn’t. 

With a fast upbeat pep in his step, Follo quickly made his way towards Rudo, Riyo, and Zanka. 

This was normal now, due to Follo becoming a giver like them, and he now spent more time training and talking to them than not. Besides with Follo’s easy like-able personality, it was already obvious how easily he could wrap everyone around his finger.

But he didn’t know why he was specifically calling out to him, it made his heart thump…with fear of course! 

But he quickly found out why as Follo handed Zanka his wrist trainer, unbonested to Riyo and Rudo’s eyes scooping the scene. 

“Here! Thanks for letting me borrow it, it really helps my wrist, especially the swinging I do with my hammer” Follo softly grins as he rubs his neck as if he’s recalling all the times he has gotten hurt during training. Especially with Zanka as the trainer.

 It is true that Zanka was the best trainer in the Akita team. So when Follo became a giver it was obvious who was going to train him. 

And during one of their training sessions he noticed Follo rubbing his wrist afterwards. He suspected this, Not only was his vital instrument bigger than Follo himself but it also required a lot of strain to the joint.

So naturally Zanka lent him the wrist trainer. Of course he did, he was his trainer after all.

Zanka took the wrist trainer, fingers just barely touching Follo’s. It sent his stomach churning.

Looking as nonchalant as he can, he swiftly replied “Thanks, I hope it helped you..”

“Oh it did! It was amazing! I need to get one myself!” 

With a voice calling out to Follo, he swiftly looked toward the direct then back to Zanka. “Anyways I’ll see you for our next session ‘Kay?” Follo smiles brightly before making his way towards the team child, who clearly wanted to show their “masterpieces”.

He glanced at the wrist trainer. He was…happy that he could help Follo in any way possible. He could tell its appeal to be at the ending side of Follo’s thank yous and bright smiled. 

”What the hell was that?” Rudo abruptly cuts off Zanka's thoughts, glancing over at the wrist trainer, then at Zanka, and finally at Follo. He could roll his eyes at Rudo seeing him going back and forth between him and Follo.

”What was what?” Zanka coughs with an unexpected squeakness in his voice.

Seriously, what was wrong with him? 

“That!” Rudo raises his eyebrows, now pointing from Zanka to Follo.

”How could you! You don’t even let me wear your wrist trainer and I’m younger than Follo!” 

Oh. 

To some extent Zanka was relieved Rudo didn’t start talking about him and Follo, but instead complaining about Zanka’s…favoritism? Which he didn’t have! 

But something was wrong with Riyo because she was grinning like she knew a secret…and maybe she did. 

“Your wrist trainer?” Riyo repeated with a slow taunting tone. “Like the one you always disinfect if someone even breathes near it?”

Zanka couldn’t stand this, he couldn’t stand getting called out like this, to hear what Riyo was implying. He was supposed to keep it to himself, how can he let this get out?!

Zanka stood up abruptly.

“I have to go do something,” he blurted.

“What something?” Rudo asked immediately. 

“Mind your business.”

Now turning away from those two idiots, he really hoped his totally not blushing face was noticeable. 

Even from faraway he could hear Riyo laugh and Zanka was certain she now knew what was going on with Zanka. But at least Rudo didn’t, he was too oblivious as to what she was laughing for.

Before he got out of the dining hall the sudden loud voice echoed.

“Ah so that’s why you were acting like that! Ha! Good to know” Riyo exclaimed.

Zanka wanted to turn around but he couldn't, not with his flaming hot cheeks. And definitely not with the golden eye cleaner who was currently in the dining hall.

With that Zanka left, hearing Riyo’s crackles and Rudo demanding to know answers to what was going on.

It was just another mission. A bumpy one with Enjin’s loud radio channel playing. He was already wide awake. 

Currently their mission is simple, just check on the citizens near one of the polluted zones. It was fairly simple. 

And since nobody had anything to do today, who was in the car was most of team akuta, Gris, and Follo.

Stepping out of the car, he was already in the mindset of looking out for possible dangers. 

But that soon turned into one of his biggest mistakes. 

Because as soon as he saw Follo casually talking with Gris he knew he was done for. 

He couldn’t help but stare at Follo who’s back was turned to him. His hands were on his hips and he could faintly make out the muscle he had, despite wearing baggy clothes all the time. He bet that Follo couldn’t even tell he was the total package. Even in the darkness of the grounds, his beautiful smile and golden eyes still looked warm and bright. 

“Zanka!” A voice cut off his spiraling thoughts as he quickly turned around, already silently freaking out about the embarrassment.

Enjin raised one of his eyebrows, it wasn’t like Zanka to get distracted, much or less stare off into space.

However, before Enjin could ask, Zanka ran to another area to help the citizen. 

Hm. Weird.

Enjin heard a soft snicker that came out of the redhead behind him. Turning around he noticed that the amusement in her eyes were brighter than anything he’d ever seen. And that included playing with people’s hair.

“You’re gonna tell me what’s up with Zanka?” Enjin asks, slightly amused at the situation because at least he now knew it wasn’t anything serious.

“You don’t know? It’s actually really obvious if you actually looked closely.”

Enjin could feel his eyes twitch at her ambiguous words. But before he could say anything back she swiftly made her way to a random place where someone was calling for a cleaner.

Softly groaning Enjin realized he couldn’t be stuck on whatever was going on with Zanka, he needed to have priorities, which included assisting the civilians. 

So unwillingly that’s what he did, going from across the village he quickly defeated mini trash beasts, as well as helped clean up the damage that was done. 

In the midst of his break he was becoming rather bored. This mission was taking longer than expected. And after looking up for quite some time he glanced around to see what his team was doing.

First off, Rudo was stuck with Gris, probably because of Rudo anger management. Rather normal sight to see.

Next. he saw Riyo taking a break as well, swirling her scissors over and over for some entertainment. Again rather normal.

And lastly he saw Follo and Zanka helping a little kid. 

Zanka.

What the hell was going on with Zanka? Going back to the conversation he had with Riyo he noticed something was peculiar but what? 

Looking back at Zanka he tried to see if anything could give him a clue. But it all looked the same.

Tightly grabbing his vital instrument? Check.

Helping the citizens as much as he can? Check.

Having flushed cheeks with a little glint in his eyes? Che-

Wait. 

Sitting straighter than usual he looked at the teenager with more curiosity than ever.

He was twisting his earring, a habit he had when he was…nervous? And not only that but he was giving little glances at not just anyone but…Follo? 

…

It didn’t take a genius to realize what the small glances and nervous flush cheeks meant. 

Suddenly grinning at the new revolution he discovered about Zanka

Something he never thought he would lay his eyes upon during his lifetime. 

Zanka had a crush!

And right now just proved it! Currently Follo was kneeling down to the kid, holding her hand and whispering soft words that could make anyone relax, including Zanka.

It was now Enjin’s turn to cackle, there was a softness in Zanka’s face Enjin had never seen before. Although he was trying to act cool about it, the glances he made at Follo and the soft smile when Follo wasn’t looking clearly gave it away.

He quickly turned around, wanting to hide his cackle, his eyes locked on the green eyes across from him staring at him in amusement.

Enjin instant got was Riyo was hinting at.

With a cheekish grin, similar to Riyo’s, he hid his mouth from Zanka’s perspective and mouthed to her.

“So that’s what’s been going on?” He mouthed watching as both him and Riyo's eyes shifted into mutual amusement.

Enjin couldn’t hide it anymore, after the Riyo’: nod confirming that they were both in Zanka’s little love secret he practically let out the loudest cackle. Feeling all eyes turn towards him.

After the mission Zanka’s heart was racing.

 Why? 

Well for one, not only did he forget the entire goal of his mission but he also how he followed Follo around like an idiot. 

Zanka tried to make an effort to not stare at him, for some reason it just made it harder not to. 

It was impossible, he concluded. Follo’s radiant kindness made him melt inside. It wasn’t just his flashing charming smiles but also how he made an effort to satisfy the citizen’s needs no matter how hard the task was.

Well not only that but Follo was sitting right beside him, looking at the sights of endless piles of trash.

He couldn’t relax. Not because of Enjin’s crazy driving but because of the warmth that radiated from Follo. Was everything about him just comforting to Zanka?! 

Sighing faintly he glanced down at his hands. They were of course shaking. That always did that whenever he was nervous, and nowadays he was very nervous around the golden eyed cleaner. Maybe even all the time. 

He couldn’t help but glance at Follo, which was the tenth time, but more specifically his hand. It was always covered during a mission, and he guesses Follo was used to it because he doesn’t even bother taking it off. Some  selfish part of Zanka wanted him to take off the gloves and intertwine his hand with his. He sort of wondered if it was soft or maybe it was calluses because of Follo's vital instrument?

Or maybe it was warm just like the rest of Follo. 

That one descriptor Zanka can say about Follo. His warmth. Nobody can deny the kindness Follo brought everywhere he went. And when Follo was new to the cleaners, it made Zanka uncomfortable. Here in the grounds everyone always gave with the intent of getting something in return. So when Follo just stumbled into his life simply existing it left Zanka confused. His whole life as a Nijiku he didn’t experience such comfort. It was known to be pathetic, pathetic and ignorant to treat others with kindness when you didn’t even know them. For most of his life, he was forced to shape into someone who was cruel, that hid their feelings, that had no kindness in them.

But recently to Zanka, it was comforting. Follo was comforting to him. Even if he didn’t know it when it started.

Glancing up he saw the back of Follo’s head, brown curly hair poking out of his hat.  And it accidentally made Zanka slip out a soft chuckle. The sight, despite being so normal, made him think for just for one moment that Follo was…adorable. Hm. Maybe one day he’ll get the chance to run his hands through those soft curls. Maybe.

Lost in daydreams, when he glances up at the rearview mirror and he suddenly freezes at the looks he’s getting from Enjin and Gris.

With an amused smirk Enjin swiftly glanced at the Follo then back at Zanka before acting like nothing happened. But Zanka knew better. He could tell what that smirk meant. 

At least unlike Enjin, Gris tries to make it seem casual, but what was so casual about dreaming about holding someone’s hands and feeling their hair? With a soft almost paternal smile, Gris turns his attention to the radio. Clicking it to the channel he likes. That was before hearing of Enjin's distaste towards the channel Gris settled on. 

Zanka can feel the heat on his cheeks as they flared in embarrassment. No not that. By accidentally showing vulnerability because that was just something Follo brought out in him.

…

Maybe he couldn’t help this feeling anymore. No matter how much he wanted to deny it. Follo just had him hooked. And for once, he didn’t feel like that was such a bad thing.

It wasn’t everyday that Zanka experienced a nightmare. Of course it was the same one, getting kicked out of the Nijiku Clan because of his decision to become a giver. But there was a reason it gave him chills. The eyes of his family looking down at him like he was disgraceful sent shivers even in his dreams and whenever he was thinking about it. He’s pathetic really, such dreams shouldn’t affect him this much. But it did, especially the disappointment in his older brother and sister’s eyes.

When he woke up in gasp, at first he just stayed in the same position, staring at the ceiling. Maybe if he stayed here he would blink, it’ll be the morning, and he could forget about all of this. But staying in his room felt too claustrophobic. It was as if he could feel their eyes staring at him, even when they weren’t here. He felt like he needed to prove something, anything to his family despite them not being here anymore. And the only way he could think of doing that was to train. 

Sitting up quickly, he quickly put on the first shoes he could find. Then after tentatively picking up his Lovely Assistaff, and not caring if he was in his pj’s, opened the door.

Based on the quietness which contrasts HQ’s usual ruckus, it was quite late. When he left, he didn’t bother looking at the time. But hearing his footsteps created mini headaches. So he quickened his pace, attempting to move away of his thoughts of mediocrity. 

He was glad that the training area was never locked because it gave him a distraction from everything, and made him go into his zone. But as he got closer he could hear something moving or maybe someone. 

Slowing his pace, reluctantly moving closer. He could tell that based on the harsh panting and how the hits of this person didn’t have any momentum anymore that whoever was in there might’ve been there for a while. To the point of exhaustion even. But who?

Zanka pushed the door open and took a look at who was in there. Who could be there at an unreasonable time like him?

Looking at the figure, his breath immediately got taken away. 

He never could imagine Follo would be there, hitting a dummy with immense attention. He honestly bet that Follo hadn't even realized  that Zanka was here. 

But he was. And he didn't move for a moment, maybe too busy looking at the determination in his golden eyes or messy hair supporter he’s been giving more attention than usual. 

It’s unusual. Although Follo’s eyes didn’t shine as bright as they used to, they were still filled with the same determination and kindness that made Zanka so interested in him.

And his hair, he noticed it some while ago. How it would stick up after a tiring mission. Like now. His hair curled down his face and despite the recently new scar he had on his temple, it never took away the messy look Follo’s always had.

Maybe he was here for the same reason as Zanka, to get away from his thoughts. Looking at his outfit it was clear Follo didn’t decide to change as did Zanka. He was in his pajamas, without his signature hat Follo preferred to wear.

And maybe he was staring for too long because Zanka noticed Follo’s movements slowed, before he was met with those same eyes that made his heart thump.

“Zanka?” Follo croaked out, wiping his forehead as he stared at him with curiosity.

Crap, maybe he should’ve changed. He would’ve at least been more collective and put together than whatever was now. Besides, if he knew he was going to be alone with Follo he should’ve at least combed his hair. 

Coughing into fist he slowly moved closer to Follo. Totally not clutching his lovely Assistaff. “Follo?…What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question.”

“Oh just…wanting to train.”

“Oh. Same.” 

…

The silence that came was uncomfortable. It was like they both knew they both didn’t just come here to train. But instead of talking about it, they just lied and pretended everything was alright. 

Zanka thoughts raced but his mouth didn’t move, he didn’t know what to say to continue this awkward conversation. Maybe he could—

“Wanna train together then?”

Blinking for a few times under his untucked bangs, he glanced up to look at Follo’s expression. The genuine croaked smile, those eyes that now expressed awkwardness, and the soft green glow of the old lamppost. Weird lighting, unevenness of his smile, and his awkward eyes that shouldn’t have made him soften. But it did.

“…sure” Zanka said rather too quickly but he bet Follo didn’t even notice. At least that's what he wants to think.

Going soft on Follo once was already too much. So he decided he wasn't going to go soft on Follo during training and went full out on training mode, already going into a stance that signaled he was ready.

A few moments later Follo moved into a more or less stance similar to Zanka’s, gripping his hammer, and locking his eyes onto Zanka’s. It wasn’t long before suddenly went towards Zanka at a rapid pace, raising his hammer to strike Zanka. 

With his experience as not only a Nijiku but as a giver he could easily identify Follo’s weakness, his footing. 

Raising his stick, he immediately decided on going to his defense mode. He could tell Follo trained on his wrist movement like Zanka told him because he had a much easier time swinging his hammer and a much quicker time with locating where Zanka’s instrument would land.

However he was still learning, and with one wrong prediction Zanka finally saw his opening to be in offense mode. He was now not only moving to block but to defeat Follo as well.

He quickly led Follo to a wall to cage him, leaving him little space to attack. But even with that Follo showed ambition, dogging and defending with the handle of the hammer instead of its head. 

But Zanka already found his weakness and quickly swiped Follo’s feet off the ground, gripping his shirt to pin him to the ground.

He didn’t realize the heavy breathing he had as he catched his breath.

“…Your footing” he said breathlessly but he wasn’t sure if it was because of the match or the sudden closeness he had with Follo when pinning him.

“H-huh?” Follo said with the same short breaths as he glances up to Zanka with flushed cheeks.

It was getting too warm. 

Warmth.

 Of course it was because of Follo wasn’t it? Again…

This revelation made his body heat up even more. He was too close to saying something that was about to fall out.

He suddenly got off of Follo, and instead moved beside him. He grabbed Assistaff to stabilize himself, pretending he was checking for areas he forgot to oil or take care of. But it was really to get away from those thoughts of the lingering warmth that was around his hands.

“…your footing was off… and it was easy to defeat you because you weren’t paying attention to the one thing that kept you stable throughout a match. We should focus on your blind spot,” He murmured with the same analysis he concluded through the fight.

“We?” It seems like Follo was now breathing evenly and sat up next to Zanka to give him his full attention.

“Yes” Zanka said quietly, he didn’t know he said ‘we’ it must’ve slipped his mind. “I’m your trainer.”

“Oh, right” Follo let out a little chuckle as he stared at the old graffiti on the walls.

Zanka couldn’t help but relax ever so lowly, holding Lovely Assistaff he nervously trailed his fingers over its wooden ridges again.

…

“Thanks Zanka,…for training with me tonight.” Follo whispers, fully looking at Zanka but glancing once in a while.

“It’s what trainers do,” Zanka shifted. Trainers. Trainers didn’t have to do this, especially at such a late hour. And definitely not with someone he was deeply fond of.

“…What..what were you doing out here anyways?” Follo asked. The big question that was lingering through the air the moment they saw each other. 

Zanka could tell the hesitation in Follo’s tone. Was it possible that Follo was nervous too? Did he also not know how to talk to Zanka like Zanka did with him?

He shifted, he didn’t usually talk about his feelings especially about the nightmares of his family. Maybe it was Follo’s kindness or his warmth but he couldn’t help but melt his exterior and blur out the true reason as to why he’s here.

“It was…a nightmare”

“Nightmare? …About what?”

Zanka sighed. “My family…and how they…kicked me out of my clan.”

He couldn’t bear to see Follo’s eyes. Everyone did this, gave him sympathy whenever he decided to open up to them about his nightmare. 

“…I came here because I was thinking about Alan.” Follo blurted out suddenly and Zanka couldn’t help but turn his attention towards Follo. But he was only met with the back of his curly brown hair.

Before Zanka could say anything Follo continued, with a tight grip on his hammer.

“I couldn’t help it, a part of me was so proud of myself that I came this far.” 

Follo lifts up his hammer and stares at it

 “That I actually became a giver. I mean, it’s the whole reason I joined the cleaners”

His grip tightened slightly.

“But then I think about Alan. What if he did it too? Become a giver…What if he hadn’t give up?

“Would I deserve becoming a giver too?”

Zanka started at Follo, the soft vulnerability is voice had made him want to say something. No, need to say something. 

“Alan? Isn’t that—“

“My vital instruments name?” 

Follo let out a weak chuckle.

 “Yeah. Never as good as naming thing as you” 

Follo sighs, thinking for a moment before spewing out.

“He’s just— he used to be so good at everything, brave too. At least that’s what it felt like. Said what he thought and never cared about if  anyone looked down on his dreams to become a giver.” Follo sucked in a breath when the word came out of his mouth, fast and rapid like if he stopped he would never tell anyone again.

“Being a giver…wasn’t really my dream, I…probably just stole it from him, probably just wanted to be something…he’s not.” Zanka noticed the tight shaken grip Follo has on his vital instrument. “This isn’t even mine…he just told me to use it because he couldn’t no matter how many times he tried.” 

Zanka listen to everything Follo said, what Zanka hated the most? Were frauds who believed that could be something else…but..

“I don’t think that's true. Even if that wasn't your own goal first, it is your goal now. You did what he couldn’t do, doesn’t that say something about you? Doesn’t that…Doesn’t that say how determined you are to succeed in not only your goal but his too? Who..who cares if he was brave or speaks his mind? You’re brave in everyone’s eyes, Gris’s, Rudo’s, even mine!” 

He could feel Follo’s eyes on him now, and how it heat up his whole body. 

“You know, when I joined the givers I was mediocre…I still am. I get these…nightmares about my family, my clan. And how easily they were able to cut me off. They were even more disappointed in me how I turned out to be some giver. Leaving them for some 'fantasy’. Even now I bet my sibling can’t even look at me with pityness.” 

For once, talking about his nightmares didn’t feel like an obligation he had to tell or shameful. But the sudden relief in his body made it feel like the wind was knocked out of him. He felt his Assistaff in his hands.. He never regretted leaving, and he never regretted joining the cleaners even if it meant he was a shame in his family’s eyes.

“Mediocre? Zanka, do you realize how people look at you? They don’t look at you with disdain, not even a little bit! They look at you like you’re the coolest giver to exist! Your family? Your clan doesn’t determine how strong you are, it’s how you believe in yourself that makes you strong. And to me at least, you’re truly an amazing giver, even when you’ve gone up against crazy psychos you’re still alive are you?” 

And as much as he wanted to defend his position as a mediocre giver, the words died on his lips. Zanka stares at Follo while he’s ranting. As much as he tried to convince himself that Follo was just assuring him, those determined eyes proved otherwise. 

Follo for a moment just took Zanka in, staring at him before he suddenly stood up.

“…Come on” he smiles, reaching for Zanka’s hand to pull him up. “We should probably head to our rooms now right?”

Zanka could only look at Follo with astonishment swirling in his eyes. How could he be so…lucky to have met Follo? If they both stayed in the same place, they would’ve never met, and Zanka would’ve never felt what he feels now. 

He didn’t realize he was still holding his hand with his, and not his gloved ones. And if he was bolder he could’ve interwoven them and felt again the soft warmth Follo carried. 

He didn’t even realize they were already on the floor where the rooms of the supporters’ dorms were. That was until Follo let go of his hand. 

Follo sighed before turning around and smiling softly at Zanka “Hey Zanka? Thanks, for listening to me, it really meant a lot…and if you ever need someone to talk to too then I’m here.”

With that Zanka watched as Follo pushed the door opens before stopping halfway.

“…oh and Zanka? To me you’re not mediocre, in fact you’re so amazing that you were one of  the reasons I joined the cleaners…That day, the way you fought and defeated those trash beasts? It was breathtaking. I want to be like you someday and fight with ease.” 

With that Follo left rather quickly, and if Zanka wasn’t already staring at Follo he wouldn’t have noticed the red ears and neck he had. But he did. And that made his cheeks red too. And this time he was sure it wasn’t from training.

Zanka flopped onto his bed and sighed softly, his heart was racing even after it’s been a solid 30 minutes since he arrived back from his “training” with Follo.

Turning over to his side he moved his hand to his perspective, the hand Follo was just holding.

He groans, turning restlessly again and puts his hand over his eyes. 

What’s the matter with him? 

He didn’t know anything about love, far from it actually. The hugs and kisses children get from their parents were replaced with training and coldness in his household. 

And yet he wanted to. He wanted to do all those things with Follo. And he embarrassingly imagined it far too many times to count.

That just made his cheeks flushed, he just wanted to grab him then plant a kiss onto Follo like he's been imagining it for days.

Maybe he was thinking too much, so he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, with the thought of what it was like when Follo’s hand intertwined with his.

A loud impatient banging woke him up.

Annoyingly too, he knew that his team didn’t have any mission today so why wake him up so early? 

Groaning, he made his way to the door, and opened it to the sight of Riyo. The mere sight of Riyo wasn’t unpleasant, it was the fact that she was leaning against his door with the grin she seems to have a lot nowadays, especially when he’s talking about Follo.

“What do you want? It’s nine in the morning.” He murmures, rubbing his eyes. Maybe he should’ve just waited until she gave up on banging his door.

Riyo sighs, before asking the question everyone always ask him when he’s late.

“You do realize that you’re technically supposed to wake up and join us for breakfast at nine?”

Zanka had to keep himself from groaning at Riyo, he didn’t want to get another lecture, especially from Riyo who was younger than him.

“What’s your point? I’m shutting the door now.”

“I know what you did.” 

Zanka's sleepy brain seems to have caught up with him at the sudden eerie remark Riyo made.

“What are you talking ab—“

“With Follo…yesterday?” Riyo slyly remarks,  seeming to love the expression on Zanka’s face. The sleepiness seemed to subside to a more widened eyes look and tinted pink cheeks.

“How could I let someone like you find out—“

“Someone like me?!” Riyo gasped dramatically, acting all innocent.

Zanka rolled your eyes. “Of course someone like you! We all know how you can’t hold a single secret for less than a day—“ 

Zanka's eyes widened even more at the new revelation. Wait, Riyo never looked this innocent? Especially Riyo who tells everyone everything she's discovered!

“Riyo…? Is it possible that you…you told—“ 

Riyo cut him off “oh please you weren’t being as secretive as you thought!”

“Riyo I’m gonna—“

“Wait Zanka! In my defense people just happened to be there when I told Enjin!”

He let out a gasp. Enjin? The Enjin knows?! He could curl up and die right now with full embarrassment.  

“Riyo how many people—“ 

“Doesn’t matter. What I came to tell you is that Follo’s downstairs having breakfast.” 

Zanka blinked before groaning, rubbing his eyes even though they showed no more signs of sleepiness. He could picture what Riyo wanted him to do, or more like what he should say. That thought made his heart thump in fear.

“So what? What does that have to do with me?” He said dumbly. He knows Riyo knows that he could make a better excuse than that.

Finally Riyo just put it bluntly.

“Look Zanka, I’m being real with you right now. Sure what happened last night might have been something, but if you don’t do something soon what will happen next? Will you just forget it existed? Never talk about it again?” 

Zanka for once didn’t have any remark to give back. Because somewhere in Riyo’s words was true. If he just never talked about it again would Follo do the same too? Would the way Follo grabbed his hand be forgotten? And how Follo confess to Zanka that he played a big role as to why he joined the cleaners? Would that be gone too?

He really…hated that thought and it was definitely shown in his expression as Riyo straightened up.

“Come on Zanka, missing your chance? That isn’t something you’d do now is it?” Riyo teased thought now it was with a hint of soft reassurance.

The redhead quickly turned around and went where everyone else was going, the dining area. And he was left alone with his thoughts.

Closing his door he just stood there. 

No.

He couldn’t. If he had to look at Follo again and just forget what happened last night? He couldn’t do it without regrets.

He glanced down at his hand, suddenly feeling too cold now that the Follo’s warmth was gone.

That’s it. 

He quickly changed into his outfit for the day. And grabbed his Lovely Assistaff with hast, making his way downstairs with determination.

What to say? 

He has a basis. It’s simple really, just go up to Follo and ask to have “chat” with him. He could do that.

Stepping into the breakfast hall he was quickly called over by Enjin and Riyo, who both seemed to smug for his liking. Probably because Riyo obviously told him about his “training” with Follo last night.

Once his plate was filled he went over and sat down beside Enjin. He could already hear them talk about nonsense but it seems like once he sat down the conversation quickly turned into a Follo-conversation.

“So”, Enjin said as he set his fork down before clearing his voice. “Zanka” he said with a tune, turning his body to fully face Zanka. Oh no.

“I heard you had a little ‘outing’ last night.” 

Zanka wasn’t blind, he saw how Enjin glanced over at Riyo, who looked like she couldn’t wait to join the conversation.

He had to get himself together. Clearing up his voice he said with fake confidence. “Nope, no outing, just late night training, you know how it is.” 

Enjin hummed, then sipped his orange juice very slowly. “Really? Well if that’s the case then I heard Follo was out training late too…you didn’t happen to see him did you?” 

Calm yourself, he didn’t have any solid evidence against you, Zanka thought before breathing in and out, already starting to eat like it’s a regular day. 

“Hmm nope.” He said shortly.

He could feel the stares of Riyo and Enjin, waiting for him to crack.

But that waiting got cut off once Rudo hit his tray onto the table and sat down right beside Riyo.

And for once Zanka was glad to see the loud mouth kid, who seemed oblivious to the internal fiasco going on.

“Oh hey Rudo!” Enjin shifted his attention toward Rudo, who was already scooping up his breakfast and chowing it down.

“Hi.” He said quickly before diving right back into his breakfast.

Zanka rolled his eyes. As his mentor he couldn’t bear seeing the little manners Rudo had.

“Chew with your mouth closed.”

Rudo grumbled, slightly glaring at Zanka before closing his mouth and turning his attention back to Enjin once he had finished his first scoop.

“So what were you guys talking about?”

Zanka internally groaned, not bothering to look at how the expressions on Enjin and Riyo’s faces brighten up. Not to mention the way they immediately sat up.

“Oh us? Nothing, just Zanka type problems” Riyo said swiftly. 

That response made Rudo stop, turning over to Riyo. He murmured, “Zanka has problems? About what?” 

Enjin quickly joined in the conversation, a little too excited for a 28 year old man. “On just normal…brown hair, golden eyed problem” 

That made Zanka turn towards them, giving them a death glare. How obvious can they be?! They didn’t even whisper it. He could now feel the eyes of other givers he knows. Great. He felt his nape start to heat up.

“Hm? What’s that supposed to mean?” Rudo asked Riyo who was just patting his back. “Ah don’t worry about it.”

Zanka could tell Rudo was about to ask a ton of questions but got quickly distracted when Dear started to eye his stash of candy on his tray. 

As loud as Rudo's voice was when he was arguing with the little giver, Zanka still had one goal in mind, to act cool and confident when being near Follo. 

Follo. Didn’t Riyo say he was here?

Where is—

“Good morning!” Gris smiled at everyone. And right beside Gris was Follo, who was already dressed up for the day. 

“Morning” Follo smiled, eyes trailing onto everyone, but Zanka swears his eyes lingered into Zanka more. Or maybe he was going crazy.

Yeah the whole plan, about having confidence toward Follo? Immediately crushed at the sight of Follo.

He could feel his breath being taken away once Follo sat down, besides him. A little bit closer than usual.

Confidence. 

Confidence.

Confidence.

“Hey” Zanka said, already hearing the unusual squeakiness of his voice.

“Hey” Follo said, glancing over at Zanka, smiling before rubbing his neck to play with his choker. 

…

…

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

He could hear Enjin’s loud snorting, before he glared at Enjin’s face.

Not only that but he could see Riyo’s elbows propped up with her palm onto her chin, humming a tune.

But that wasn’t the worse part, the worse part was Gris. Gris was currently looking at his plate with an expression that looked like he was going to crack a smile but chose not to for the sake of Zanka and Follo.

That made Zanka reach one conclusion, Gris knew too. And that made Zanka's ears burn up.

Luckily they decided to settle into a more relaxed conversation, talking about random nonsense. And Zanka let out a sigh of relief.

He had to do it, it was his one chance. Not to mention that he now didn’t have the eyes of the other cleaners anymore. It was perfect.

He felt his hand shake before bumping his knee to Follo’s, successfully getting his attention.

“So Follo…” He murmured nonchalantly, already feeling his confidence break. 

Seeing as Follo was mid-bite when he let out a hum, giving Zanka his undivided attention.

He felt himself shiver as he took his eyes off him, now playing with his food. Ironic that he told Rudo not to do that before. 

“Last night I um—I never got to say thank you for your…reassurance.” Crap, he could feel his leg bouncing.

“Oh don’t worry, what matters is that you and I were able to just talk out our feelings, right?” 

“Mm” He hummed, he had to do it. 

“I—“

“And besides if you want to forget it ever happened that fine by me too!” 

…

“I don’t!” Zanka said his muttered quiet voice turning into a more serious, louder tone.

Follo blinks.

“You don’t..?” 

Zanka breathes in, calming down. “I don’t want to forget it never happened…”

He almost didn’t realize the quietness that unfolded. It wasn't just Follo but also the entire table.

Crap he didn’t want this, since when did he get so emotional? 

He couldn’t bear to see the faces of the other cleaners. He was too ashamed that his whole plan foiled once Follo said he wanted to forget too. 

And then he suddenly retreated, murmuring about being full before leaving the table. The plan was a failure and he didn’t even comprehend it until he was halfway out the door.

…

“Wow” Enjin murmured, finally finishing his orange juice before lighting up a cigarette. “If that’s not teenage brooding then I don’t know what is.” 

While it was true he tried to make some light into the situation, a part of him was curious as to what was going to happen next. Not to mention if Zanka’s brooding wasn’t actually just brooding…it made him a little concerned about Zanka.

He felt Riyo’s elbow hit his, glancing down at her he noticed her grin now was a smile. “I wouldn’t worry too much, He’s got it all figured out.”

He scoffs “Zanka? You know he doesn’t know jack about how to navigate this let alone him own feelings.” 

“Oh, I didn’t mean Zanka.” 

Enjin raised his eyebrow as he looked at where Riyo was looking. Right beside him was Gris and Follo who were in a deep conversation by the looks of it? That just finished. 

He could see how Follo looked more determined than confused as he swiftly excused himself, glancing over at Gris with an appreciative expression before trailing away.

He immediately looked back at Gris. “You!” 

“Me?” 

He glared playfully before leaning back into his chair. “You know Follo’s perspective.” 

Gris hums, sipping on his coffee. “Maybe.” 

“You have new intel” Riyo smirks.

And for once Gris grinned, and not in his usual soft parental grin, one that revealed he knew more than he let on. 

Unbeknownst to them, Rudo and Dear finally finished their “talk”, which was more like an argument that finished because Bro Santa finally took Dear back to his seat. 

He let out a mumbled remark before turning around, seeing no Zanka.

Rudo made a confused expression, before going back to his food.

What did they mean? When they said Zanka had ‘brown haired, golden eyed problems?’ That doesn’t make any sense—

His thoughts got cut off once Follo quickly left the table with an unfinished plate.

Geez, did no one respect not wasting anything?! His confused expression quickly turned into irritation as he stared at the brown haired golden eyed—

Wait. 

Brown hair. 

Golden eyed.

Zanka left.

Follo left.

Problem.

He let out a gasp.

“ NO WAY—!”

Slamming his door shut, he ran his hands through his untucked hair. 

He was an absolute idiot.

Turning around, he flopped dramatically onto the bed, with his Lovely Assistaff landing beside him. The chatter from the dining hall was already long forgotten, replaced with the beating of his own heart.

“What the hell was that?” He groaned into the mattress. Not long after he rolled onto his back to stare at the ceiling.

His plan wasn’t supposed to go like that. It was simple. He was supposed to calmly ask Follo if they could talk later. Somewhere in private. Somewhere without Enjin’s smirks and Riyo’s giggles. 

And instead he practically shouted across the table ‘I don’t’, like a dumbass.

Zanka covered his face with his arm. Great.

Now probably everyone thought he lost his mind, and maybe he had.

He should’ve just stayed in his room forever, until the rush of embarrassment wears off. 

But it didn't last. He heard a knock and froze. A moment passed by before another set of knocks came. 

He knew Enjin and Riyo wouldn’t knock but bang on his door till he gets annoyed.

And Rudo definitely didn’t knock with the amount of patience this person had.

Which meant…

“Zanka?” Follo’s voice cuts off any thoughts he had. “Um I just wanted to talk to you…about you know, breakfast?” 

His voice sounded awkward as if he didn’t know how to maneuver this conversation too. Zanka gaze flickered towards the door, but the rush of embarrassment didn’t wear off. Besides, he didn’t want Follo to see him in such a state. 

With a few more rounds of knocks it was suddenly quiet. And Zanka just laid there, hearing not a single noise. He clutched at his Lovely Assistaff. Even though he made it clear that he didn’t want to talk anymore, the thought of just being left here? It made his heart ache—

“…Zanka?” 

His breath hitched before he gripped his Assistaff in nervousness.

“About breakfast…” Follo let out a soft sigh, stopping his sentence. Zanka could hear the nervous scuffing of his shoes, maybe if he closed his eyes he could picture Follo rubbing his neck like he always did when he was nervous.

“..no…about last night? That’s what I want to talk about” Follo whispered against the wooden barrier between them.

Zanka could feel himself tensing up. His plan? Where he had everything memorized? It didn’t include this, where Follo followed him to his room to talk to him. 

“Look…” Zanka felt the corners of his mouth twitch, hearing Follo clear his throat when it cracked. 

“Uh— when you left? Out in a hurry without any explanation? I…I didn’t like it.”

The sentence trails off before he swore Follo’s voice getting closer to the door. 

“So if you have anything to say then say it! Because I have a lot to say to you too!” 

Silence stretched between them.

“Like…like how I want to train with you more…or more like how I want to be near you more. Zanka I want to talk to you more! About anything really! Listen this might sound strange to you but I want to be closer to you! Ever since I saw you defeat that trash beast! You’re so…amazing everything about you just captures me!” 

Follo breathes in quickly before rapidly ranting. Clearly leaning against the door now.

“N-not only are you so determined to prove yourself but you’re also so effortlessly talented! And cool! Did anyone ever tell you how your earring perfectly suits your outfit? Not only that but your eyes too! Seriously I’ve never felt so nervous to have someone’s eyes on me like yours were last night’s! I could go on and o—woah!”

Follo jumped at the door opening so suddenly. He yelped as he clumsily tripped into the room as well as getting pulled into the room by Zanka himself. But before Follo could process what was happening, he heard the door slam shut that made his eyes widen in surprise. 

He looked back up to face Zanka, who was now pinning him against the door.

But Zanka looked down. Zanka had enough. It was enough how Follo was there to see him, but the way he could hear Follo’s ambition that he poured into his confession? It made him too eager to see what kind of expression he had. 

He finally looked up.

And how it suited him so well.

He could see the redness in Follo’s cheeks, how it complimented the morning light. 

The slightly nervous widened eyes look he had? 

How his lips trembled at the sudden action Zanka did?

And for a moment, All Zanka could think about was how beautiful Follo looked. The realization hit him harder than any trash beast he fought. This realization made Zanka feel the need to keep and create more moments where he could see that expression over and over again. 

He couldn't keep it in anymore. 

“Don’t you know what you do to me?!”

Zanka felt Follo freeze, but he couldn’t stop the words from flowing out of his mouth.

“You want to train with me? And how you talk about me like I’m…” Zanka’s voice cracked before he moved his hands from the door to Follo’s shoulders. 

“What am I supposed to say when you tell me these things?” 

He saw the flush on Follo’s cheeks but he knew he wasn’t doing any better. 

“You want to talk about last night?! Fine! Last night made me realize how you make me want things I never wanted before!”

He swallowed, feeling the warmth of his room closing in on him.

“And I don’t want to forget it. I don’t want to forget how you make me feel, Follo…” he said with shakiness. 

He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding as he looked at the golden eyed boy. 

For a moment they just stared at each other before Follo leaned on the door, breathing in a sigh of relief.

“Yeah…me too Zanka…” he softly smiled as he moved his hands from his side to Zanka’s waist. 

Zanka gulped before moving his hands to cup the back of Follo’s neck. Relishing silently how he could finally feel the softness of his hair. 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah.”

Follo looked at Zanka's eyes, before glancing down his lips for a second. Zanka played with Follo’s hair nervously, before looking down at Follo’s lips too. Both signaling their wants.

“…Did I tell you that I've liked you since you defeated that trash beast?” Follo shakily murmured, pulling Zanka closer toward him.

He hums, too distracted to be thinking about anything but how he was a bit too close into Follo’s space. “You might’ve mentioned that a dozen times.” 

Follo snorts softly, “oh really? Well isn’t that hypocritical? Aren’t you the one that’s so obsessed with last night?” He teased, watching Zanka eyes stop watching his finger playing with Follo’s strands before glaring playfully at him.

“Oh come on how could I not have been! You held my hand! That was the only time you actually gave me a hint you liked me!” 

He heard Follo dramatically gasp, “the only time?! Oh come on, you didn’t notice how I preferred to train with you? Or compliment you after every mission? That all just flew over your head?” 

“What?! And what about yours?! Didn’t you realize how I started sitting next to you? Or how I would follow you around every mission? I gave you my wrist trainer Follo! Mine!” 

Follo lets out giggles too cute for Zanka’s heart to handle. “Ah yes you, doing normal things to signal your love for me, how romantic.” 

Zanka flushed, and it was clear from the way Follo’s eyes trailed his entire face. He felt his thumbs circling his hips before murmuring Zanka’s name.

“What?” He shivers, feeling himself get pulled until his whole body feels Follo’s warmth.

“I um..” Follo said, with distraction. And Zanka couldn’t take the thumping of his heart anymore.

He cupped Follo’s cheeks. “Nervous..?” He murmured leaning into Follo closer.

He saw the way Follo tiled his head towards Zanka. “No just…been wanting to do this for a while” He said breathlessly before finally planting a kiss onto Zanka’s lips. 

With eagerness, Zanka let out a sigh before wrapping his arms around Follo’s neck. 

Zanka barely notices how he moved closer into Follo’s space. That was until he heard the thud of Follo’s body hitting the door. But even then, he still paid no mind to it, only focusing on the way Follo tightened his grip he had on Zanka’s hips.

And when they pulled back, it wasn’t long till they met again, with Follo’s tongue asking for permission before parting Zanka’s lips, slowly exploring him. 

Follo made everything warm, and this was no exception. The way their tongues met, how he desperately tilted his head to feel more of Zanka. It was all too much yet too little and gasps softly, fingers curling onto Follo’s hair. 

Before tugging it.

He let out a groan from the back of his throat, affected by the noise Follo let out. But because of that tug, Follo’s hat met the floor with a thump. 

They slowly pulled back, foreheads resting on each other. Breathless, Follo glanced down at his hat before cracking a smile with his puffy red lips. 

“Your hat fell,” Zanka quickly remarks, trying to fix his hair back to what it once was. 

Follo giggled, “you do know that you did that right?” 

“…”

“How your hands ran through my hair so much it made my hat—“

“Shut up” Zanka flushed even more before finally taking a small step back from Follo, as he went to the floor to grab his hat.

Putting it back on Follo glanced up at him. 

“That reminds me, today’s your off day right?” 

Zanka nods, seeing Follo stand up with a playful glint in his eyes. 

“And it’s mine too.”

Zanka rolled his eyes with amusement. “And what does that imply?” 

“It means…” Follo suddenly opened the door to Zanka's room, turning back to face Zanka. “We should do something together before anyone decides to bother us!” 

Reaching back, Follo waits for Zanka to grab his hand, the hand he’s been wanting to hold for a while. Zanka raised one of his eyebrows before finally interlocking his hand with Follo’s.

“You know you’re making it seem like a date.”

“Oh I’m sorry should I actually be upfront about it? I thought being oblivious was our thing!” 

Zanka narrowed his eyes, before finally exiting out of his door. With Assistaff in his free hand and Follo’s hand intertwined? He never would make himself go through that embarrassment again.

“Like hell! We’re going on a date and that’s final! In fact make sure that on our next day off we’ll have another date, and a date after that!” 

For a moment Follo stared at him, letting his grin widen with every passing second.

Then he tug Zanka forward.

“So demanding. You know I didn’t fully believe Rudo when he told me how sassy you were with him. And now I’m a victim too!”

Zanka scoffed. 

“I forgot how you are actually friends with that menace.”

“You say that as if you don’t admire Enjin.” Follo teased.

“I don’t know what you're talking about. And besides, what’s wrong with Enjin?!”

“Everything.”

“No way.”

“I’m being serious you’re the only one who actually gets inspired from him!”

“No I don’t!”

With that Follo laughter echoes through the hallway. Hand in hand with Zanka as he drags him away.