Chapter Text
Soulmates, a silly concept yet Zanka always loved the idea. He stood in libraries for hours just to read about soulmates.
Who wouldn’t?
The concept of a boring grey world until you meet the one? When color can start to blossom and bloom all around? A world where your other half could be anyone? The perfect person for life, just for you. And you two can share a moment nobody else can see or interrupt. That sounds beautiful to Zanka. His family on the other hand looked down at the idea, he never understood why. Everyone had soulmates, why hate it? Well, he assumed everyone does. He had never heard his family ever mention meeting theirs. So maybe they didn’t?
Although when Zanka was younger he mentioned them to his older sister, Kouyka. He’d asked if she ever met hers. Kouyka seemed slightly taken aback by his words, she turned to stare off into the distance for a moment, clutching her hands at her sides. Zanka didn’t quite understand why she did that at the time, but nonetheless he never got an answer. She’d immediately forced him back to training. Saying something along the lines of ‘soulmates aren’t all they said they are’.
But how could you say that about someone whose soul is intertwined with yours? It made no sense to Zanka, but he didn’t push. Just listened.
His life wasn’t very eventful past that, Hellguard training all day all night, trying to be perfect was his life now. Maybe he’d find his perfect person if he was perfect. So that’s what he did. He trained to his best ability everyday, studied late every night, and never missed a class. And that worked. Everyone envied him, wanting to be like the perfect Nijiku son. The prodigy. At this pace, maybe he’d find his soulmate, and he’d be perfect enough for them. It was good, for a while. He wished it lasted longer, just one more day of him being the best. Please. But good things never last. Liars and cheats can’t hold a throne. They’re bound to fall at some point.
That was when Hyo joined. She was… amazing, Zanka would admit. She was everything Zanka had been pretending he was, he made everyone believe he was some cool natural talent, some big shot. And here was the actual natural talent, the gifted one. And they knew. Seeing Hyo made them realize Zanka wasn’t all that. All their attention directed to her. He felt bare, stripped of the only pride he had. It was a disgusting feeling. He craved their attention even if it was envy, it meant there was something too envy. That he had some sort of reason to be acknowledged. But it never happened.
After grabbing that stick, seeing how everyone reacted, he just wanted to die. How did he end up fucking it over again. That’s how he ended up in the well for days. He doesn’t remember how long it took till Kyouka found him, the lectures afterwards flew over his head. He felt so empty, he was a mistake, a mistake and the stick he carries around now is proof.
Zanka spent weeks just thinking about everything, why did he even try? He's only bringing his family down. He should leave. They wouldn’t care, why would they?
So that’s what he did. Zanka packed his stuff and left his family at the young age of 16, it’s peaceful, he has a job at a restaurant and enjoys the regulars.
“Hey Zanka!” A voice called out.
Zanka’s steps faltered as he proceeded the voice. Who was that again? He turned his head to the side trying to find the source. “Yes?”
“Wow it’s rare to see ya outside the restaurant, man!” Oh! It’s Cookie. He hangs out at his job almost everyday, rarely buys anything though.
Zanka smiled kindly in response. “Just talking a stroll on my break, it was pretty empty.”
Cookie looked at Zanka funny then fell into step beside him. “Have ya heard the cleaners are harboring a spherite?…”
Zanka didn’t react, he already knew. The cleaners were.. also regulars at the restaurant. And he had the (un)fortunate chance to be on the job one day with them. It was a really annoying day, they jumped ship without paying, then their supporters started spouting some bs about ‘how they were kidnapped’.
Zanka doesn’t care if they were murdered! They didn’t pay. He almost started a fight with them if it wasn’t for Assistaff being in another room.
“I guess.” He replied with a shrug.
Cookie exploded beside him. “Ya knew and didn’t tell me?! Dude this is crazy news! Not something to just forget and tell nobody!”
Zanka didn’t see it like that, it was just a spherite. He never cared much about them. The most he’s felt is disgust because of how they pollute the ground.
They approached the city’s gates and Zanka glanced at Cookie. “I’m going out there”
Cookie recoiled, waving an arm dismissively. “I’m gonna be at the restaurant waiting!”
Zanka held up a hand and waved him off. Once alone he continued his journey out the city walls, he didn’t really have a destination in mind. Maybe he’ll train a bit?
Zanka glanced at Assistaff in his hand.
-
“We’re almost there!” Enjin called out.
Rudo grumbled something incoherent, Riyo cheered, and Eisha just recoiled.
“Cmon Riyo’s the only one who’s got the right attitude!” Enjin turned to look at them.
“Eyes on the road!” Gris yelled, diving over and grabbing the wheel.
Enjin didn’t dignify him with a response and kept his attention on the kids. “Put on your game faces!”
Gris elbowed Enjin, successfully getting the man to fall back into his seat. “Why the hell do we let you drive!”
Enjin flicked his cigarette onto the ashtray. “Because if we let you drive we all fall asleep. Gotta keep you on your toes”
Rudo grumbled something else before making himself comfortable in his seat.
“ To be clear I was cheering cus the car ride’s almost over.” Riyo added.
Enjin stared at the road, really debating on telling these kids their lives were in his hands. He finally settled on “I hate teenagers.”
“Yet you keep finding teenagers on the street and adopting them” Riyo countered.
“I ain’t adopt you brats! ” He’s too young to be a dad! How old did they think he is?!
After some more back and forth bickering, and a surprised “you're in your twenties?!” From Rudo, they finally reached the site, it was near a trash dump just outside a town.
“Hey is that a dude.. with a stick?” Riyo wedged herself in between the driver and passenger seat as she pointed.
Enjin followed her finger and immediately jumped out of the car. “Oh cmon! This day can’t get any worse!”
The dude was currently surrounded by three trashbeasts, small normal ones, they resembled bulls. He had a blue stick- staff(?), in his hands as he held his ground.
The kids a giver.
Enjin leaned on Umbreaker as he watched the scene play out. He wants to see what the kids got, maybe make rudo save him if it goes out of wack. It’s just some small trashbeasts.
“Uh hello?! Why aren’t we helping him!” Rudo pointed at the guy.
Enjin waved off Rudo. “Nah nah I wanna see the kid’s potential.”
Rudo looked dumbfounded, then it clicked. “Is this what you were doing when we met?! Just watching?!”
Enjin grimaced at the callout, shifting his weight on Umbreaker. “Let’s not worry about the past.” He ignored Rudo’s insults as he watched the guy again.
He had started dodging the trashbeast’s ramming towards him, directing them away with a push of his staff. He got sloppy though, after directing one away from him another came from behind. The kid didn’t turn around fast enough, causing the trashbeast to ram straight into his side and knock him down.
But he didn’t stay down long. He stood back up, holding the staff high above his head, the crescent half faced down, then he slammed it down onto the beast's head.
Enjin pouted slightly at the sight, that hit to the side had to hurt him like a motherfucker. He took his weight off Umbreaker to break up the fight but it seems he was beaten to it.
Rudo had two pairs of chains in his hands, as he activated his jinki they were engulfed in red anima, the smooth edges becoming jagged and sharp as rudo whipped them towards a trashbeast, it wrapped around the beast’s neck and he pulled back with all his strength. It thrashed and shrieked in his hold.
Riyo followed quickly, pulling out Ripper and spinning it on her legs before digging one side into the ground. “Rudo send it my way!”
Rudo agreed and he tugged at the chains, throwing them towards Riyo’s vital instrument. On impact Riyo quickly shut the scissor, cutting the trashbeast in half.
One left. Rudo switched his gaze to the remaining trashbeast. He whipped the chains around the beast, using them to pull himself closer then tighten the chains until they crushed it.
Enjin whistled in response, turning to look at a proud Gris.
Zanka laid stomach down on the cold floor, taking breaths in big gasps. Holy shit he’d just killed a trashbeast. A real trashbeast. It had felt awesome. He turned his gaze to Assistaff still in his hands, she’d returned to her stick form but he could still feel her practically vibrating with energy.
Zanka heard someone approaching him, probably the cleaners who decided to stand around and watch. “You good kid?”
They tapped their shoe to Zanka’s rib a few times which resulted in seething pain rippling down his side. “Fuck! Don’t kick me?!”
That was all he got out before someone flipped him over then sat him up. “Was checkin if you were alive, you got a pretty nasty hit.” It was a dude, he was crouching beside Zanka with a hand on his back to support him.
Zanka glared at the guy. It was the cleaner he saw in the restaurant. “You people find me off shift too.” Zanka hadn’t meant for it to come out his mouth, it was an accidental slip up.
The guy didn’t seem to mind the comment and just waved someone over. “Yo Gris, I think the kids got a broken rib!”
Broken rib? No?! He’s gotta get back to work!
Zanka immediately tried to swat the other’s hand off, to hold himself up. “I ain’t got a broken rib.” He’ll be damned before paying another medical bill. Plus a broken rib can heal itself yeah…right?
Another guy ran over, had a scar over his eye and a fuckass haircut.
“Oh didn’t think I’d see you again!” The man-Gris(?) smiled. Zanka grimaced.
He reached down and pulled Zanka to his feet like he weighed nothing, then wrapped an arm around him to keep him steady. “The hell?!”
The umbrella man followed. “Calm down, blondielocks—Zanka’s blonde?—, we're just gonna check your injuries.”
Like that’s so reassuring, random cleaners bringing him who knows where. How could he even trust they were cleaners! Yeah you could argue they’re regulars at the restaurant but that means nothing!
Gris brought him up to a car, but just sat him down against it instead. “Gotta get you checked out.” He looked away. “Hey! Eisha!”
Zanka adjusted his position on the floor, crossing his legs. He might actually have a broken rib. Zanka grimaced as he wrapped an arm around himself.
A girl ran over, she had short hair in the back and long bangs. A comically large hat too. She was pretty. “Ah- hi! I’m Eisha! Uhm.. I’m a nurse! Can I?” She held out her hands.
Zanka reached up to his shirt, unbuttoning it as he nodded calmly. He shouldn’t give her a hard time, he’s got an issue with the other two, Gris and umbrella dude, not her.
After pulling it off his shoulders he just sat there, waiting. Eisha sat down on her knees next to him to check out the injuries. He couldn’t tell what happened but she seemed to be really nervous, or maybe she was always nervous?
He felt the sensation of hands touching his side, pressing into the bruises, but he didn’t really register it. He was more focused on anything else.
He blinked a few times and even rubbed his eyes to see if he was being messed with.
He can see colors?!
Zanka looked around frantically, trying to contemplate how this happened. The world was slowly seeping from black and white to all sorts of colors, like a watercolor painting slowly being done.
Holy moly he can see colors!? There’s no way? Zanka blinked harder, but it didn’t go away. Then he looked at the sky, that’s blue? Then he checked his own outfit, then anything he could see.
Finally he turned around to see Eisha with wide eyes, staring back at him.
Her eyes were pretty, he hadn’t actually looked at her before but now he could, she had bug eyes and a mole under the right one.
She was his soulmate.. holy shit he just met his soulmate! She- oh my sphere!
Zanka had a wide giddy smile cross his face. Eisha had a blush creep onto her face and looked down to avoid his gaze.
They must’ve looked insane because the other cleaners approached them. “Hey Eisha girl, what's up!” Zanka heard them but didn't look over.
Eisha on the other hand got startled and looked up immediately. “He’s uhm-..” She stammered over her words, shooting Zanka a pleading glance. “My soulmate?..” Eisha mumbled under her breath, Zanka barely caught it.
The other girl gasped, she went silent for a while, —or maybe it just felt like that, it was possible, Zanka was still high on adrenaline,— then she screamed in joy. “Oh my god?! Enjin, Enjin! Eisha just found the one!!”
He heard a disapproving “Huh?!” From somewhere, then a “What do you mean ‘the one’!” From a younger person and a “congrats!” From whom he assumes is Gris.
Eisha turned back to Zanka with a nervous smile, which is when he realized he’d been ogling her. Zanka immediately turned away, hiding his face in his hands.
“Riyo, I need to treat his wounds so maybe…” He heard ‘Riyo’ giggle then agree. Followed by the padding away of footsteps.
“I’m sorry about all that, I was a little surprised”
Zanka smiled in response. “No, it’s okay. I was also surprised.” He glanced slightly over at her. “My name’s Zanka.”
Eisha accidentally pressed into a bruise, immediately recoiling her finger. “Eisha, Eisha stilza.”
Stilza? Like that crazy old doctor? Zanka shrugged off the idea in his head, it was probably a coincidence.
“There’s some pretty bad bruising here, nothing broken.” She smiled. “I can fix it with my instrument!
Zanka tilted his head with an eyebrow crooked up. He didn’t quite understand what she meant. Her vital instrument?
Eisha activated her jinki—Zanka likes her eye color even more now—and placed her hands on Zanka again, he heard her say something along the lines of ‘type:heal’.
A zapping sensation passed through his body, he couldn’t describe it but it was more soothing then painful, with a warm feeling followed close behind, leaving him all tingly.
When it ended she checked him over one last time, she seemed far less worried which was a good thing for Zanka. Then she gave him the thumbs up.
Zanka nodded and put his shirt back on, buttoning it all the way to the top. “Are you busy?” He asked. Then he realized how that sounded. “No no- I asked because I work at the restaurant-.. bar?” He looked off to the side, questioning what it actually was he worked at. Then back to Eisha while twirling his finger in the air. “That you guys are regulars at!”
Eisha furrowed her brows together, then she opened her mouth to speak, Zanka was so insanely scared he felt like it was happening in slow motion.
“We were already planning on going, kid. After we defeated those trashbeasts.” Huh? Zanka glanced over at the voice, it was the umbrella man. He pouted at the sight of him. “You can ride back with us if you’d like?”
Zanka pushed himself to his feet, holding out a hand for Eisha. “Sure, if it’s not a bother.” Eisha took his hand with a faint blush on her face as she stood.
The umbrella man narrowed his eyes at Zanka before walking towards the car. “Alright everyone get in!” Zanka wasn’t sure who ‘everyone’ is but he’s starting to regret this.
He propped the backdoor open and slid in until he remained in the middle. Eisha sat down on his left, hands folded neatly in her lap.
The umbrella man —whose name he needs to find out—, pulled into the driver's seat. Zanka wasn’t sure why he felt a sense of dread. Gris was in the passenger with his customer service smile.
Where’s the other girl? Zanka's question was left unanswered as more popped up, a white haired kid opened the right car door and scrambled in beside Zanka. He had a really annoying face.
Then he noticed what the kid was holding. Lovely Assistaff. “Here you go.” He heard the kid mumble, but he was more interested in his staff, he quickly pulled her from the kids grasp and he inspected every inch of her wood, only relaxing when he realized she was fine.
“Uhm.. are you Eisha’s.. Soulmate?” The word sounded weird in the kid's mouth, like he’d never known it existed.
Actually, back in the topic about soulmates, he’d realized now his vision isn’t fully in color, his right eye is still seeing in black and white. That can’t be correct though. Maybe it is and nobody’s mentioned it? Zanka bit his lip.
Oh wait, the kid.
He turned his attention back to them, nodding once. “Yes, why?”
Enjin started driving.
They basically beamed in response, immediately sitting forward towards Zanka. “Well it’s just cus the sphere-“ oh it’s him. “-doesn’t have any! I was really curious how it worked!”
Zanka glanced at the front of the car, Umbrella dude and Gris were eyeing Zanka through the rear view mirror. “Rudo, maybe keep the sphere talk to a minimum around strangers. Y'know, after everything.”
The kid, Rudo, frowned in response, waving a finger at Zanka and Eisha. “They’re soulmates! It’s not like he’s evil like that crazy raider, Enjin!”
Enjin? oh! The umbrella dude. “You never know that” Enjin pointed back at Zanka lazily. “Hey you evil, kid? Gonna snitch that Rudo’s a spherite to the Hellguard?” Zanka heard a ‘not like they don’t already know’ after.
Zanka furrowed his brows in response, spherite or not he’s never talking to the Hellguard again. “No, and my name’s Zanka, not kid.”
Enjin picked up a new cigarette. “Ehh not enough evidence to back up your claim Zanka”
“Nijiku”
Enjin visibly tensed, then relaxed after a moment. “I retract my statement, that also explains how well you were fighting.”
Rudo looked between the two dumbfounded. “How the hells a last name convince you that fast?!”
Zanka shrugged in response, honestly he didn’t know either, he wasn’t even sure what lie his family strung up about him leaving. Definitely not ‘failed prodigy Nijiku son leaves because his family hates him’. That’d ruin business. But the cleaners had to know something. They’re directly tied to the hellguard.
The other girl- what was her name again? Gah he can’t remember. Popped up from the backseat- or trunk? “Back to the first question! C'mon tell the spherite how soulmates work!”
Zanka eyed the girl. Then let out a sigh. “Soulmates are basically two people who are bonded since childhood. Some refer to them as one soul split in half and inhabiting two bodies I guess? And once you come into contact with your soulmate you gain the ability to see colors. So at the beginning of your life you are forced to only see the world in black and white.”
Rudo was very interested in the topic. “Wait so- you’ve never seen colors before now?!” Then he glanced around Zanka at Eisha. “Really?!”
Zanka and Eisha nodded, Rudo was in shock. “That’s gotta be so depressing! Hey, what's your favorite color now that you can see them?”
Zanka was really gonna wack this kid's skull in. He just called him depressed!? Do they not teach manners up on the sphere? Obviously not. Doubt they care about anything but polluting the ground! But, for Eisha’s sake he won’t beat the kid up.
He’ll humor him. He did love the color of Eisha’s eyes, but the color of the sky was nice. “Blue.” He answered.
Eisha fiddled with the hem of her gloves, giving rudo a nervous smile. “I’m not sure yet.”
The car came to a sudden stop and Zanka almost got flung forward, if not for Eisha tugging on his arm. He turned and thanked her.
“We’re here!” Enjin called out. He didn’t even wait for them to answer before jumping out the car. ‘He’s a fatass’ Zanka thought.
Rudo’s eyes basically sparkled at the mention of food and he followed Enjin out the car. Zanka, like the gentleman he is, stepped out of the car like a normal person and held out his hand for Eisha. When she did indeed take his hand he had to look away in embarrassment to hide his giddy smile.
“C’mon you two!” The redhead—at least he thinks, trying to figure out colors names are really messing with him.—called out to Zanka and Eisha.
Zanka ended up slipping his hand into Eisha’s and walking into the place, his face was as bright as a tomato—tomatoes are red right?—.
Once inside he noticed Cookie sitting at the bar, elbows propped on the counter with his head hanging low, looking like his puppy died. He never really registered it but Cookie had a slightly outgrown buzz cut, it was dyed a few different colors too.
If he remembered correctly he said it was.. Neapolitan theme or something.
Zanka had always assumed it was two colors tho…
Zanka let out a sigh at the sight, would he even bother? No. No he would not.
Zanka walked towards one of the tables with Eisha, allowing her to sit down while he walked back behind the bar counter. “Gonna continue to mope around or actually buy something?” Zanka let go of Assistaff as she leaned onto a wall.
Ok maybe he would bother.
Cookie waved him off. “Zanks left-“ Zanks? “-and hasn’t come back! He hates me, man!”
“Putting words in people's mouths ain’t fun.” Zanka flicked him on the forehead.
Cookie looked up immediately, grabbing onto Zanka’s hand. “Dude I thought ya died! What took ya so long!? Ya said ya were taking a quick walk!”
Zanka thought about it. “No? I said I was taking a stroll.” He turned away to clock himself back in on the machine. He’d been gone for an extra 32 minutes. His boss is gonna hate him. Definitely getting his pay deducted.
“Taking a stroll doesn’t explain why ya were gone so long! And walked in with the cleaners ya swore ya hated?!” Cookie pointed at the surprised faces.
“You hated us?!” Rudo asked.
Zanka stared back with a displeased frown. “You left without paying the bill, pissed me off” Zanka basically mumbled it, he felt too embarrassed to admit in front of Eisha that hey, he hates her coworkers!
Enjin chimed in. “Hold on- the time we were kidnapped?! You blamed us for that?!”
“Should’ve seen him yo! He was pissed for days!”
“Cookie you’re not helping.” Zanka shot him a glare.
Another waiter walked out the back door. “Oh hey Zanka! Boss said if you come back you can take the day off. Said it was probably serious if it had you disappearing.”
Zanka silently thanked the fact he’s an amazing employee.
“Actually what did have ya disappearing?” Cookie eyed him suspiciously, the other waiter who was taking the cleaners order pretending he wasn’t listening.
Zanka leaned onto the counter letting out a dramatic sigh. “Trashbeast attack.. met my soulmate too..” Zanka covered his face with his hands.
Cookie stared at him in disbelief for a moment—why's everyone doing that?!—, then let out a snort, not in joy or mockery but just.. shock. “Well.” Cookie paused again. “Who’s the lucky girl?”
Zanka glared through his fingers at Cookie. He’s gonna kill this dude when he gets off work- oh wait.
Zanka’s hand twitched as he imagined it strangling Cookie. He quickly shoved that thought away, later he can act on it.
“Eisha..uhm. Her” Zanka pointed in Eisha’s direction with a faint blush on his face.
Cookie’s smile of shock turned into a grin of mischief as he watched Zanka’s face, then he followed his finger and saw Eisha, she seemed to be in a similar arrangement, looking down at her hands with pink cheeks.
“They’re so cute right!” Riyo piped in.
Cookie chuckled. “Damn right they are! Perfect match don’t ya think?”
“Match made in the sphere!” The other waiter called as he walked to the kitchen with the orders.
Zanka grumbled an insult under his breath then headed over to sit with Eisha. He had honestly been hoping to interact with her a little more, she was nice.
He sat down besides her but with a reasonable distance.
He started the conversation and they ended up hitting it off quickly, Eisha was pretty shy but she seemed to love talking about her dreams to be a doctor, she had a light in her eyes he’d never seen before when she did. He’d also learned she had a brother, from the look the cleaners gave at the mention of him Zanka will probably steer clear. He’s already used to avoiding siblings though.
She’d also spoken about her grandmother, Alice Stilza,—so Zanka was correct,—she’d taken care of Eisha and August after their parents died.
Zanka on the other hand didn’t have much to share, he’d grown up with his only option in life being hellguard that he didn’t have any dreams to pursue. He did like sketching a lot though, he’d offered to show Eisha his book if she ever came back down, she’d nodded a few times in agreement. Other than that they spoke about casual things, how was your day, stuff like that.
He’d also learned that Eisha doesn’t actually accompany team Akuta on missions, so that today's meeting was rare. She doesn’t quite know why she came with them, just felt like she had too. Zanka stored away that information for later.
Before he knew it the cleaners were already leaving.
“Have a goodnight, Eisha.” Zanka waved her off at the front door.
Eisha smiled warmly in return, waving back. “You too!” Then she got into the car and Enjin drove off.
Zanka stood there a few more moments just staring at nothing.
He’d met his soulmate, he could see color, he met his freaking soulmate. The reality really dawned on Zanka and he turned to Cookie who was grinning at him.
“Man ya really are whipped” He said.
Zanka raised a brow, then remembered he’s supposed to hate Cookie. “Why the hell are ya still here, get yerself back home” Zanka’s accent seemed to slip when he spoke to Cookie, he never knew why but he assumed it’s because Cookie’s got an accent of his own.
“You're no fun.” Cookie fake punched his arm and headed down the street. “Pink!” He called out.
Zanka huffed in confusion. “What?”
“The color of her eyes, dofus! It’s called pink!!” Cookie responded.
-
Eisha came over to the restaurant a lot after that, most if not every time team akuta had a mission near here she’d accompany them, and they’d come back here after a mission well done. Riyo and Enjin always seemed to tease them about it often, “look at the love birds!” “Young love!” Being the most overused ones.
The first two times Zanka showed her some of his sketches, he wasn’t great at art but it was a hobby. He’d gotten super embarrassed when he opened a page and it was a drawing of Eisha. The two times after that she’d spoken to him about medical stuff, he didn’t quite understand what she meant but she was happy so he listened.
On the fifth visit, today, they were on a walk together. Zanka didn’t work on Fridays, too chaotic. And a walk seemed nice, it’s been about 3 weeks since they met.
Eisha looked tense so he extended his hand for her, he hoped he didn’t seem cheesy. She took his hand with a smile, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit.
“Are you alright?” Zanka asked.
Eisha glanced at the floor hearing his comment. She didn’t answer for a while, he wondered if she even heard the question.
“Ah- don’t worry! I was just wondering about the uhm..” Her hand tightened its grip. “The soulmate stuff.. I didn’t wanna ask you directly but are you only...” She looked up at him with her brows drawn together.
Zanka pursed his lips together. He’d been meaning to ask her too. “Only able to see color outta one eye? Yeah.” He watched as the last bit of fear washed from her face and her hands grip on him eased away. She must’ve been having the same issue.
“Oh- okay! I was so worried it was just something I was experiencing.” Eisha leaned against his shoulder, looking forward at the street again.
At least Zanka had confirmation it wasn’t just him, so it had to be on purpose? “Which eye is still in black and white for you, mines the right side.”
“The left side.” Eisha admitted.
Zanka hummed in acknowledgement.
They continued walking for a bit, the streets were getting emptier as the sun was setting.
Zanka didn’t really want the day to end. “Hey Eisha,” She lifted her head to look at him again. “C’mon I know a cool place.”
Zanka quickly turned his face away from her to hide the embarrassment written all over it. He sounded so cheesy! There’s no way Eisha likes him! God he should just crawl back in a well.
No. He will be a man. Or whatever that means.. he’s not really sure. Cookie says it a lot though.
Zanka led Eisha towards the place, it was a rooftop he hangs out on sometimes, you can see most of the city from up there and the sunset looks beautiful. Nothing fancy, just a good view.
After arriving he sat down near the edge. Eisha mimicked his movements, sitting down beside him.
Zanka liked this, just sitting next to someone in comfortable silence.
-
Zanka approached the familiar doors of his job with a nervous smile. Shit was he really about to do this?! Sphere what if they say no. He wouldn’t be surprised, he’s just an average joe. That’d also mean he quit his job for nothing.
Maybe he’ll ask Eisha first? Yeah!
He walked in and immediately spotted the cleaners. Sphere above he feels sick. You know maybe he should just turn around. They wouldn’t notice if he walked out, right? They haven’t even noticed him so far! He could do this another day.
“Hey Zanka!” Fuck fuck fuck.
Damn you Enjin.
Zanka met Enjin’s eyes with a wavering smile. “Hey..”
“What did you need, kid?” Enjin asked, waving him over to the table.
Zanka couldn’t find it in him to refuse so he walked over with his head hung low. “Is Eisha with you guys?..” Sphere he sounds so embarrassed! He should run.
Enjin shook his head, taking another bite of his food. “Nah she’s at HQ right now. Won’t be back for a week.”
“A week?!” Zanka looked around the table with wide eyes like that would answer his question.
Gris nodded. “Someone got injured badly, poisoned. It’s been happening a lot. What’d you need Eisha for though?”
Zanka bit his lip. He could ask them instead. “Was wondering if I could..” He glanced off to the side, fiddling with the fabric of his shirt. “Join the cleaners?..” he practically whispered it out, he wasn’t sure he heard the words himself.
But the silence he was met with was a pretty good indicator that the cleaners heard him. You know they do that a lot, freeze up in shock.
“Hell yeah man!” Enjin was the first to speak, standing up from his chair in a speed far from human. “That’s what got your panties in a twist?! What, worried we would’ve said no?”” He wrapped an arm around Zanka’s neck and leaned down to his level.
Gris was the second to speak, giving Zanka his.. blessing? He wasn’t sure. All he knows is that Gris agreed.
This was going a lot better than he expected. He thought they would’ve called him pathetic and sent him packing because he’s just a useless average Joe. What’s a nobody gonna do with a stick, right?
But they didn’t, they seemed happy that he was joining too.
Zanka’s ears turned pink in embarrassment as he tried to look away.
“Cmon don’t get shy!” Enjin patted his shoulder then seemed to come to a realization. “Yo we gotta get him to the boss before we get another rudo situation!”
Rudo situation? “The hell’s that mean?”
Enjin grimaced at the question. Maybe he shouldn’t have asked. “Boss disappeared when we tried hiring rudo so he couldn’t officially join. But that’s not gonna happen again! Not on my watch.”
“Enjin, the Rudo situation was on your watch.” Gris added as he stood up, grabbing the keys from the table.
“Ehh tomato tomato.” Enjin waved him off and dragged Zanka out the door.