Chapter Text
“My Dad wanna meet ya.”
Jabber froze.
He and Zanka were chilling in his room, smoking weed, some movie playing on the TV, his favorite song blasting from the speaker, and his favorite person lying on his chest.
“Are you deadass...?”
Zanka snorted and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, he caught ya tryin' ta sneak in ma room last Friday night. Told me, ‘It's about time I got a look at that little burglar boyfriend of yours.’”
Oh shit.
Last week, while Zanka was staying at his parents' place, one of his homeboys happened to live close by. So Jabber, the loving boyfriend he is, took the opportunity to drive over to Zanka's house and sneak in. The only problem was that in the middle of them making out on the bed, they heard footsteps approaching Zanka's room. So, in a panic, Jabber ended up jumping out the window with a bang. Literally.
“He caught us?!”
“Jabby, you literally fell outta the window—”
“Yeah, but effectively.”
Zanka started laughing. “Effectively my ass. Ya almost fell on top of my dad's car!”
“Well, who parks there, Zan? Y'all literally got a driveway, yet the car's parked right by the side of your window. Come on.”
Zanka burst out laughing. “O-Okay, that's fair, but when ya got Rudo sneakin' out 24/7, parking the car by the window's a practical way ta keep the little shit in order.”
Jabber let out a snort, but the pit in his stomach refused to go away. And of course, Zanka, being the best Jabber-reader out there, noticed the faltering expression immediately.
“Hey. Ya know ya don't got nothin' ta worry about. Enjin ain't like what ya probably think.”
Jabber looked away.
Jabber had never really had a serious relationship, let alone a committed one. Don't get him wrong, he had plenty of experience with relationships, no matter who the person was or what gender they were. He had been around town for sure, but those types of relationships usually didn't last. Either Jabber got bored and left, or it was just a one-and-done thing.
But since getting together with Zanka, he'd changed. He started to act, move, and hell, even think differently. He actually wanted to put work into this relationship because, honestly, he loved Zanka. More than that, Jabber wanted to marry the man once they got their degrees. Along with that change of heart, things like meeting parents and close friends became a lot more serious, and a lot scarier, than before. He'd already been lucky enough, thanks to Corvus and Zanka, to get the Cleaners to at least like him. But Zanka's father?
He might as well start praying to God for mercy.
He trusted Zanka's words, but deep down he was scared the man would judge him for everything he'd done. Even though Zanka had forgiven him, the guilt over what he'd put him through still sat heavy in his chest.
Zanka brought his hands up to Jabber's cheeks, gently turning his face back toward him.“Trust me. He's gonna like you.”
Zanka smiled softly before pulling him into an equally soft kiss.
All Jabber could think was that he hoped his boyfriend was right.
...
It was currently Friday night. Zanka had texted him that they'd meet over dinner at his house on Saturday afternoon.
Currently, Jabber was at Cthoni's house, freaking the fuck out and pacing back and forth while his "family" watched from the couch.
“Well, what'd he say?” Momoa asked.
Jabber sighed, running a hand down his face. “He said that his dad caught us.”
“Jabber...” Cthoni said, a look of disgust crossing her face.
“NO-not like that. I mean, it was all innocent-promise.” Jabber laughed, raising his hands in fake surrender.
“So did he see you or not?” Noerder asked as she brushed her hair.
“Nah, but he heard me. Parked his car right by Zan's window. Almost trampled the shit.”
Hii immediately started laughing. Then Amo smacked him upside the arm, earning an offended, “Ow!”
“I-I mean, what did Z-Zanka say?” Fu asked.
“He said that I got nothin' ta worry about, so, y'know, I obviously have ta worry about it.” Jabber said as he let out a groan and dropped himself between Momoa and Fu on the couch.
“Amo thinks you're overreacting. It's going to be fine. Zanka never lied to you before, so why would he now?”
“There's always room for the first time.” He said as he leaned his head back and ran a hand through his locs. “Do ya think it's too late ta fake my death?”
“Jesus, man, you're whipped-OW!” Hii earned another slap from Amo before he could finish.
Jabber let out a chuckle. “Yeah, I know.”
A year ago, Jabber would've denied it with his whole chest. But Jabber now didn't have a single defense, and he didn't want to. His family was right, and that wasn't a bad thing. He was whipped, and honestly, he didn't mind. Not at all. He loved Zanka, and he wasn't afraid to show it anymore. And if that meant meeting his boyfriend's mysterious father, then he'd do it. As long as he didn't get his ass handed to him in the process.
“Jabber, that boy truthfully loves ya. I doubt one bad impression with his dad is gonna turn him away from you,” Cthoni said.
“I know... I just wanna make a good impression. It just feels right. Ugh, I don't know. I mean, I don't even know what ta wear, for real.”
Amo perked up immediately. "Amo has an idea!”
“Oh no,” Jabber said.
“Hush. Amo thinks we should help you get ready for your date!”
“No offense, I love y'all, but literally nobody here has the backup to give advice on a relationship.” Jabber grinned teasingly.
“And you don't have the backup to say no,” Amo replied sternly.
Unfortunately, Jabber didn't have a comeback for that.
Momoa snickered at the exchange. “I guess it's settled. Looks like we're helping ya out.” She said, giving him a light jab in the side.
Jabber snorted. “Thanks, guys.”
...
It was Saturday, and from the moment Jabber woke up, it was chaos.
“Jabber! Wake up! Amo have ta take you shopping now!”
“Ughhh, five more minutes. Even the sun ain't awake yet...”
“Do you want ta keep your boyfriend or not? Come on, Amo doesn't have all day!”
Begrudgingly, Jabber dragged himself out of bed.
After brushing his teeth and taking a shower, he ended up driving himself and Amo to her favorite clothing store.
“What about this shirt?” Jabber held up a grungy Y2K-style shirt.
Amo blinked.
“You cannot be serious.”
“Don't they always say ta be yourself or some shit?”
“They only tell that to people who fail or are planning ta break up. Come on, Jabber, even Amo knows this.” She said as she shook her head. “The number one rule is that you never be yourself. You pretend ta be someone else. In your case, someone opposite of you.”
Jabber sucked his teeth. “I'm not even that bad.”
Amo blinked again.
“Hush. Matter of fact, ain't ya here to help and not judge me?”
“Amo can only do so much-”
“Then help me find a damn T-shirt, please.”
“Only because Amo think you asked nicely.”
Amo disappeared into one of the racks before returning a moment later.
“Amo think this will do.” She said as she held up a black polo shirt and a pair of beige fitted pants.
Jabber grimaced at the outfit. It was so bland, so normal, so not him…but it's for Zanka, and for that fact he’s willing to wear this monstrosity for at least a couple of hours if it at least helps him impress his boyfriend's family.
“Fine...” he groaned. “Come on. I at least need a pretzel for goin' through this shit.”
He took the clothes from his sister's hands and headed toward the cashier.
“Don't forget Amo's cookie!”
...
After hours of shopping, the next step was Noerder.
“What hairstyle are you planning to wear?” she asked, leading him to sit in front of the vanity mirror.
Jabber blinked.
“Jabber.”
“I got a re-twist last week. Ma hair is fine.”
“Yes, I know-I did it for God's sake. But for meeting the parents, I don't think your current style is appropriate.”
“Ya think he a racist?” he asked, raising a brow.
“No, I mean-it's too you. The whole point is not to be you.”
“Ugh, why is everyone saying that?”
“Because it is literally THE unspoken rule, which I see you haven't gotten a clue about.”
Jabber lets out another annoyed groan, “Fine. Then what do you think I should do, Noreder?”
Noreder took a second to think. “Probably a bun will suit you. Show off your face, classic hairstyle, respectable. But you might have to remove your jewelry...”
“Bruh, ya taking away all my swag!” Jabber whined
“You'll get it back. Now stay still! I have to take your clips out.”
Jabber sighed and followed her instructions. Noreder carefully removed each piece, placing them on the table one by one. Then she gathered his hair and wrapped it into a neat, controlled bun.
“You better not mess my work or I'll kill you.”
Jabber snickered. “Thank you, Noreder. I appreciate it.”
Jabber took a look at himself once done. He didn’t think he looked bad, honestly, but he didn’t look like himself, which pains him a bit more than he'd like to admit.
...
“Can ya hand me the salt?” Jabber asked as he whisked the batter.
“Here. What are you making anyway?” Momoa said, passing it over.
“Brownies.”
“Which type?”
Jabber was surprisingly a good baker, thanks to his vast knowledge of chemistry and physics. And with great knowledge came tomfoolery. Usually, during movie night or game night with the fam, he baked weed brownies and regular ones mainly because Fu and Amo loved sweets, just not the high that sometimes came with them. When he got back from Noerder, Fu gave him the bright idea to bake something as a sign of respect and an easy way to make a good impression on Zanka’s family. But also, he was definitely making the other type to help him get his nerves down from the incoming internal panic within him as the hour got closer and closer to him leaving to confront his boyfriend's dad.
“Both.”
“How ya gonna know which one is which?”
“The one in the green pan is the edible, the red is the regular. So I’ll take the red one to his family and a piece from the green to chill my ass out.” He said as he poured the batter into the red pan.
“Mhnn. Good call,” Momoa said. “Speaking of which-what time you gotta be there?”
“6:30 pm… why?”
“You probably wanna start getting ready now.” She flipped her phone over.
“4:40 pm.”
“OH SHIT!” Jabber yelled, practically running out of the kitchen.
“Wait-can ya watch the brownies for me?!” He ran quickly back in.
“Yeah, got it,” Momoa said, holding a thumbs up as her eyes were glued to her phone.
“Thanks.” He rushed upstairs.
It took about an hour and a half to get from Zanka’s place to Cthoni’s. If he wanted to be on time, he had to leave now. In a hurry, he threw on the polo, the pants, and his church shoes. He grabbed his keys, mint gum, and wallet, stuffing everything into his pockets.
As he headed back downstairs, he quickly grabbed his coat. He rushed out the door to start his car.
Then he froze mid-step.
'Shit-the brownies!' He thought
He swiftly turned back inside.
“MOMOA-”
“Here,” she said, already holding the pan out.
Everyone had gathered near the kitchen now to say their goodbyes and good luck to the man.
Jabber let out a breath of relief. “Thanks.”
“Don’t let the stress get to ya, bro,” Hii said.
“Also tell Rudo Amo says hi!” Amo added. He sucked his teeth, earning an immediate glare from her.
“Fine. I’ll tell him you said hi.”
Amo’s frown instantly turned into a pleased smile.
“I’ll see y’all later, alright?”
Jabber gave them one last look before heading out the door.
“G-good luck!” Fu called after him.
He gave them a final smile.
Once in the car, he placed the brownies carefully on the passenger seat. But before pulling out, there was a tap on the window. He looked up to see Cthoni, so he rolled it down.
“I see you’re leaving now.”
“Yeah. Making brownies, I lost track of time.”
“I’m not here to take up too much of ya time, Jabber. Just remember to be proud of who you are… and try not to blow anything up.”
Jabber laughed. “Yeah, yeah, I got it. Thanks, ’thoni.”
She gave him one last smile before heading back inside. Jabber put the car in reverse and started toward Zanka’s house.
He just hoped he could make a good impression after all.
...
Jabber arrived right on time.
He grabbed the brownies and stood in front of the door for a moment before knocking.
“Shit… whadda I gonna say?...‘Hi Zanka dad’? Nah, too informal. ‘It’s a pleasure, Mr—’ nah, too formal. Why is this shit so hard?” he whisper-yells to himself.
The sound of the lock clicking open snapped him out of mental turmoil.
The door opened and he sees-.
Zanka.
Zanka looked him up and down, his expression somewhere between confused and impressed.
“Jabber?”
“H-hey, baby,” he said, putting on a nervous smile.
But before he could say anything else, another voice cut in between them.
“Zannie, is ya boyfriend here?” A tall blonde man with a bunch of tattoos and ear piercings stepped up beside Zanka. He was wearing a black compression shirt and some sweatpants; he also had a strong smell of cigarette smoke. Oh God, THAT'S his dad. It honestly reminded Jabber of those cartoony Rom-Com dads. It would have been funny if he wasn't so fucking nervous right now.
“Oh!” the man perked up once his amber eyes caught on to Jabber's magenta one
Jabber subconsciously straightened immediately under the man's presence.
“Hello, uh—Mr. Akuta. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He quickly held out his hand.
Enjin stared at it for a second. Jabber felt his heart pounding in his ears.
Enjin smirked, reaching out to grab Jabber hand and shake it, “Nice ta meet ya too, uhh-”
“Jabber, sir.”
“Jabber! Nice ta meet ya. Oh-and ya don’t gotta call me sir. Makes me feel old. Just call me Enjin. Also, kid, I gotta say ya got one hell of a grip.
Jabber smiled. "Thanks,"
Maybe this wouldn’t go terribly after all. Possibly.
“Well, honey, you do fit that definition.” Another voice broke through.
A woman appeared behind Enjin. She was tall, in a black tank top, jeans, glasses. Something in Jabber relaxed a minute- thank God he wasn’t the only Black person in this house.
“Semiu, don’t play. Ya know out of all people I ain’t old.”
“Do I, though?” she snickers
Enjin gave her a wounded little puppy look. “Yeah, ya do.”
“Ion know…” she said, then she glanced at Jabber. “So you Zan-Zan’s lil boyfriend. Ain’t no need ta stand out in the cold, boy, come inside before ya freeze your little fingers off.” Her tone was warm and inviting.
Jabber nodded and stepped inside. He could feel Zanka's questioning gaze on him, but he didn’t feel ready to address his Boyfriend yet.
“Here, lemme take that for you, hun.” Semiu said, taking the brownie from Jabber hands. He gave her a nod in reply and a soft thank you
Zanka grabbed Jabber’s hand.
“C’mere, lemme help ya take off your coat.” Yet his eyes held a different discussion and action than the one he imposed. Jabber didn’t even get a chance to respond before Zanka was already pulling him down the hall.
Once they were out of view, Zanka turned to him. “Ya okay?”
“Yeah, why you ask, baby?” Jabber said as he leaned back against the closet door, trying (failing) to look nonchalant as ever.
Zanka blinked and looked him up and down. “You’re acting… different.”
Jabber averted his gaze and let out a nervous laugh. “Ion know whatchu talkin’ about.” he denies
“Jabber.”
He sighed, then turned back. His ocean-blue eyes were tender, a little pleading.
But before Jabber could speak, a soft meow broke the silence. At the sound, they both looked down. A fluffy Siamese cat was staring directly at him.
"Oh."
One of the cat's blue eyes blinked, then it jumped onto a nearby table.
Zanka immediately smiled. "Lovely."
Jabber pointed, "THAT'S Lovely?"
"The one and only."
Lovely stretched before walking over and rubbing against Zanka's leg.
Jabber stared. "Baby."
"Mhm?"
"Ya cat got better hair than me."
Zanka snorted, "Ya jealous?"
"A lil bit."
Then Lovely moved over a bit to the unfamiliar face as she sniffed Jabber's shoe.
He froze and clung on to Zanka a bit more, "Uh..."
The cat sniffed again, then he let out a soft sneeze, promptly turned around and sat with her back facing him.
Jabber looked at her, offended. "Did ya cat just reject me?" he said in bewilderment.
"Looks like it." Zanka snickers.
"Lovely, be serious." Jabber said, trying to get the cat attention
Yet Lovely propmtly ignored him.
Zanka burst out laughing, and Jabber sucks his teeth in disbelief. Looks like Zanka Bad attuide infulence his pet too.
“Zanka, did you-oh.” Rudo stopped mid-step. The moment his eyes landed on Jabber, his whole attitude shifted.
Ew.
“Sup, Cheso.” Jabber said, putting on his iconic teasing smirk.
“It’s Rudo! Ya dick! Ugh, Zanka, why’d ya have to bring him here?”
“Damn, that's how I get treated after bringin’ ya ass some brownies?”
“I’m not talkin’ to you.”
“We still got beef, lil bro?”
Rudo just glared in response, earning a laugh from Jabber.
“Rudo, did ya need somethin’?” Zanka asked, cutting through the tension.
“Yeah. Dad said dinner’s almost ready. So hurry up with ya freak so we can eat, please.”
Zanka sucked his teeth. “Yeah, yeah. Tell ‘em we comin’.”
Rudo turned and gave a thumbs-up before walking off.
Zanka sighed, then looked back at Jabber.
“Ya sure you’re okay? I just wanna make sure the pressure ain’t gettin’ to ya.”
Jabber smiled softly and leaned down to give Zanka a slow but soft kiss. Once they parted, Jabber eyes latched onto Zanka, his thumb coming to softly caress his cheeks. "I’m sure.” Zanka gave him a small smile in return.
“FOOD READY Y’ALL!” Rudo’s voice echoed from the kitchen, breaking the moment apart.
Zanka held out his hand. “Ya ready?”
“Yeah…” Jabber took it immediately, fingers lacing with Zanka’s, and together, they headed toward dinner.
...
“Finally took ya long enough. Thought y’all were gonna run away or something,” Riyo teased from the table.
“Hush,” Zanka said, pulling along his boyfriend, as they sat down in his seat and Jabber settled beside him.
Jabber was so fucking nervous, he could literally feel his heart in his throat, yet he pushed through it by lowkey avoiding eye contact with Zanka’s dad.
Spaghetti was passed around the table as everyone filled their plates.
Enjin reached across the table for the garlic bread. Jabber's eyes followed the sleeve of tattoos running down the man's arm.
"What?" Enjin asked, catching him.
Jabber immediately looked away. "Nothin'." he lies.
"Mm-hm." Enjin hums unconvincingly.
Then Jabber sucked his teeth. "Aight, fine. I was tryna figure out if ya tattoo artist robbed ya."
The whole table went silent.
"JABBER!" Zanka hissed.
"What?" Jabber said defensively. "Some of them fire, but this one-"
He pointed.
"-I mean I still trynna figuer out if that's a cloud or a cottenball."
For a second nobody said anything; the whole room froze.
Then Enjin barked out a laugh. "YEAH, THAT'S WHAT I SAID!!"
Semiu immediately pointed at Enjin.
"SEE? I TOLD YOU THAT SHIT LOOKED CROOKED."
"TRAITOR."
Jabber couldn't stop himself from grinning. For the first time all night, he started to relax.
“So, Jabber, right? What are ya majoring in?” Enjin asked.
“Toxicology. I’m aiming ta be a forensic toxicologist,” Jabber said, confidently.
He heard Enjin let out an impressed hum.
'Let’s fucking go.'
“That’s real impressive. Now I’m curious how ya met our lil Zannie in a major like that,” Semiu said.
'Fuck.'
“Uhh-we had chemistry class together. Lab partners…”
“Just lab partners? Y’all didn’t talk or nothin’?”
Well yes, they did talk, but it was mostly Jabber annoying Zanka to see when he breaks. But admitting that to your boyfriend's family whom you’re trying to hard to impress isn’t the best option right now.
“They were more like rivals,” Riyo cut in.
Jabber was lowkey grateful for the save.
“Riyo!” Zanka whisper-yelled, glaring at his sister.
“What? It was true, no?” she said as she snickered at them
Enjin raised a brow. “Rivals, huh?”
'Oh SHIT.'
“It wasn’t anything serious. Just academic,” Zanka quickly added.
GOD does Jabber love him right now.
Enjin let out a snort. “Well, we see where that rivalry ended up, don’t we?”
“Enjin! Please,” Zanka said through gritted teeth, a blush creeping up his cheeks.
Enjin just laughed it off.
"You know," Enjin said. "Zanka used ta complain about ya all the time back in da day."
Jabber nearly choked. "Oh?" he said, raising an amused eyebrow and an evil smirk growing on his face.
"Enjin..." Zanka hissed quietly at first, trying to signal to his father to stop talking.
"Every day." Enjin continued.
"Enjin." This time, a little more firm
"'This idiot won't stop talkin'." Enjin said, putting on his best Zanka voice, as Rudo and Riyo tried to muffle their giggles.
"Enjin!" he half yelled, his face turning even more red.
"'This idiot keeps botherin' me.'"
"ENJIN!" He yelled
"'This idiot stole my pen.'"
Jabber started to laugh, leaning back with a smug grin tugging on his face. "Damn, baby. Sounds like you were obsessed with me."
Zanka looked absolutely horrified and super embarrassed; his cheeks sharing the same color as actual roses with all the red covering them.
The entire table exploded in laughter.
"THAT'S NOT WHAT THAT MEANS!" Zanka yelled, trying to save himself from the exposé session.
"Sure." Jabber says unconvince
"JABBER!"
"Sure," he laughs. Zanka just lets out a huff and kicks him underneath the table, only earning even more laughter out of Jabber.
“You know, I’ve never seen our little Zannie this happy since meeting ya, kid. I gotta say… ya got somethin’ special.” Enjin said after his laughter cooled down. His tone was gentle and even comforting
“Honestly, Zan-Zan’s the real special one.” Jabber said without one ounce of hesitation in his tone.
Zanka froze for a second. His ocean-blue eyes lit up-soft, stunned, almost sparkling with it-as his face deepened into a bright crimson.
Jabber just smirked and took another bite of food like he hadn’t just detonated the table.
“Awww,” the whole table cooed.
“Hush up…” Zanka muttered, but there was no real bite in it. Just a smile he couldn’t hide.
Then Enjin decided to ask why toxicology.
Jabber starts yapping, explaining how certain compounds affect the body through his session. He gets a bit carried away talking about his passion.
But as he looked up at everyone's face, seeing them staring intensely is when he realized he was rambling.
"Sorry.", he said, looking down at his food.
Enjin laughs, "Nah, keep goin'. I ain't understand half of that, but it sounded smart."
Jabber glanced at Enjin. The approval in the man’s expression was unmistakable. Maybe he’d actually sleep well tonight.
...
The rest of dinner went fairly smoothly.
Enjin and Semiu asked Jabber questions, and he actually gave solid answers back. Zanka’s siblings kept teasing him and his “head over heels” boyfriend the entire time, not that Jabber minded, especially since their hands stayed intertwined under the table the whole night. Hell, even Lovely decided to join the party; hopping on Jabbers lap mid-dinner conversation and purring against him. After that, Rudo, fat ass and all, went straight into dessert and popped about six brownies into his mouth. Rudo didn’t want to admit it out loud, but through his attitude, Jabber could tell that his brownies were hitting the right spot.
Honestly… he was having fun. Zanka was right, Enjin was lowkey chill, and Semiu was cool as hell. Honestly, he should’ve introduced himself ages ago, he thought to himself. After dinner, Riyo, Rudo, and Semiu headed into the living room for their weekly Just Dance challenge. Zanka was about to pull Jabber along when-
“Yo, ya wouldn’t mind giving a hand, would ya, Jabber?” Enjin asked as he took the dishes to the sink.
Zanka and Jabber exchanged a look. Zanka’s soft blue eyes gave him reassurance without even speaking. That was all the sign Jabber needed.
“Yeah, sure,” he said, breaking eye contact briefly before looking back at Zanka. “I’ll be back.”
Zanka pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. “Don’t take too long. Ya gotta see Rudo dance-you’ll laugh ya ass off.”
Jabber snickered. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He squeezed Zanka’s hand one last time before letting go. Zanka smiled and headed toward the living room.
Jabber followed Enjin to help clean up the table and sink. From the other room, 2014 dance music started blasting, mixed with laughter and cheers.
Enjin glanced over at him. “I meant what I said, ya know. I’ve never seen Zanka this happy since his cat Lovely came into his life. It makes me happy to see him like that, see him proud and comfortable in himself. Honestly, kid, I ain’t gonna lie to you… when I heard about your little stunt at the spring break party, it hurt to see Zanka like that.”
Jabber’s gaze dropped immediately.
Jabber wasn’t the type to regret much. What’s done is done; that’s usually how he lived. He never looked back or put too much thought into his past or future actions. But that moment-back at the party, seeing Zanka's broken expression. That was one of the few things he couldn’t fully let go of. He's honestly so grateful Zanka gave him a second chance. But even with the grace and love he was given, forgiving himself… that part still wasn’t there yet.
Then he felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him out of his thoughts.
“But since meeting ya, I can see why Zanka gave ya that chance. You’re a good kid, Jabber. And I’m grateful you came into my son’s life. And I’m grateful he came into yours too.” Enjin says, giving him a soft, genuine smile.
Before Jabber could respond-
*THUD.*
Both of them jumped at the sound.
“Yo-don’t mess up the floor! I just got done!” Enjin yelled out.
“Enjin! I think somethin’s wrong!” Riyo yelled from the living room.
All at once, the calm shattered.
Enjin turned and rushed out, with Jabber right behind him. When they got to the living room, Zanka and Riyo were helping Rudo onto a chair while Semiu tried talking to him.
“Rudo! You good? Come on, kid! Say somethin’, please!” Semiu said urgently.
Rudo let out a weak groan.
"I can hear colors," he slurred out.
“What happened?” Enjin asked, rushing to his youngest son and checking his face. His eyes were unfocused and red.
“We don’t know,” Zanka said quickly. “He was fine, then he started babbling and lost balance!”
“Enjin, I swear if you switched the marinara sauce with cranberry sauce again!” Semiu started.
“IT WAS ONE TIME!”
“More like three,” Riyo muttered.
“WHY ARE WE ARGUING ABOUT MY COOKING SKILLS RIGHT NOW?”
“Maybe because your cooking is about to put your son in the ER,” Semiu snapped. “Can we focus, please?”
“Are you for real? Whose side are you on?”
“The side where Rudo doesn’t die from food poisoning. Can we do something?!” Zanka spoke up urgently.
“Okay, okay-no, I swear I triple-checked everything. Maybe he ate something bad yesterday,” Enjin said.
“Yesterday?” Riyo repeated.
“Well, what else could it be?” Enjin asked.
That’s when it hit Jabber.
He turned and walked quickly back to the kitchen.
The brownie tray.
Oh no.
Oh shit.
He's so cooked.
It wasn't the red pan. No, it's the fucking green pan.
Rudo ain’t food poisoned; he's high as fuck, and as fuck I mean AS FUCK.
Jabber walked back into the living room where everyone was still arguing.
Jabber took a deep breath before he decided to speak up.
“It’s not food poisoning...” he said.
The room suddenlty went silent when he spoke up; everyone turn their attention to him.
“Oh yeah,” Semiu said. “I forgot we got a toxicologist in the house.”
“So what is it, kid?” Enjin asked.
Jesus take the wheel.
Jabber swallowed hard. "It was me," he said quietly at first
"...What?" Enjin asked
"It was me." This time, enough for everyone to hear.
"Jabber, what does that mean?" Zanka asked.
Jabber rubbed both hands over his face. "The brownies."
"The brownies?" Riyo repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"It was the brownies."
A pause.
Then realization hit him all over again. Oh my God, the fucking kid ate six of them.
The room fell completely silent.
Riyo blinked.
Semiu blinked.
Enjin blinked.
Zanka blinked.
Rudo was currently petting a couch cushion. "Soft~ hehehe." he sulrred out, with his ugly ass smile gracing his face.
"JABBER!" Zanka yells.
"It was an accident!"
"What was an accident?!" Riyo asked
"I brought the wrong brownies!"
Silence loomed over the room again.
"...The wrong brownies?" Enjin repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"Weed brownies."
Actual crickets should be heard from how fucking quiet the room has gotten. Along with even more awkward and stunned silence.
Then-
"You brought WHAT?" Zanka yelled.
"The weed brownies!"
"TA DINNER?!"
"I DIDN'T KNOW I BROUGHT THE WRONG PAN, I SWEAR, I WAS RUSHIN!"
Riyo immediately started laughing, clenching her stomach. "No fucking way!"
"YES FUCKING WAY!"
Semiu covered her mouth, trying but also failing to hold in a snicker. "Oh, my God."
Enjin pinched the bridge of his nose. "How many did he eat?"
Jabber hesitated for a second.
And to his doom, everyone noticed.
"Jabber."
"..."
"Jabber."
"...Six."
"SIX?!" everyone shouted.
Across the room, Rudo slowly lifted a finger. "In my defense..."
(Literally Nobody asked.)
"Those brownies were fire." he said as he tried to shift his weight; he ended up sliding sideways off the couch.
"RUDO!" Riyo yelled, catching him and pulling him up before he hit the floor.
"Da floor breathing."
"DA' FLOOR IS NOT BREATHING." Zanka yelled back, helping Riyo steady Rudo, pressing his back softly against the couch.
"It's trying its best." Rudo said as he let out a soft giggled
Jabber closed his eyes. He was never recovering from this.
(Son.😭)
“Well, I’ll be damned-Imma need some of those for later,” Semiu snickered.
“Alright,” Enjin said, rubbing his face. “So how do we keep him from entering la-la land further, Jabber?”
The way he said Jabber’s name made it very clear: Jabber was not escaping consequences.
Jabber rubbed a hand down his face. "Okay, first of all, nobody panic. THC toxicity ain't usually fatal. He ate way too much, but he's not dyin'."
Everyone froze.
Jabber had spent the entire night terrified of Enjin messing up or creating a bad impression of himself. But the second someone needed actual help, the fear, worries, and constant thoughts seemed to disappear. Because unlike meeting parents, this was chemistry. And chemistry was easy, and he was sure damn good at it.
"His eyes are red, he's disoriented, he's slurrin' his words, and his coordination's shot. That's consistent with acute cannabis intoxication. The issue ain't the THC itself. The issue is panic. If he starts freakin' out, his heart rate's gonna spike and he's gonna think somethin' worse is happening. And based on body weight and oral absorption, six brownies probably means he'll stay impaired for another six to eight hours."
Everyone stared at him.
"What?" he said awkwardly as he looked around the room
"Jabber, how the hell did ya calculate that in three seconds?"
"I literally major in this."
Enjin sighed.
“Zanka, give me a hand with your brother. Jabber, get water.”
Zanka helped Rudo stand to his feet.
"Zanka..."
"Yeah?"
"The couch is judging me."
At the sight, guilt settled heavily in Jabber’s chest.
He felt like he fucked up again.
...
Rudo was put to rest in his bed while Riyo stayed to look after him. Enjin was currently in the kitchen with Semiu as they discussed what to do next. Jabber took the chance while they were distracted to slip out.
However, despite all the chaos that just unfolded, the first thing Jabber looked for wasn't Enjin.
It was Zanka.
His mind was running through constant worry of what Zanka had to say, or think. Was he disappointed, Angry, or Embarrassed? Honestly, anything would've been easier than the understanding in his eyes.
As he got out of the house and stepped through the door and down the porch, he felt a hand on his shoulder, gently pulling him back.
He turned.
Zanka.
His eyes held nothing but love and sympathy.
Jabber sighed, turning his face away again.
“Zanka… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen…”
Zanka’s hand came up, brushing his cheek and guiding him to look back at him. “I know.”
That broke something in him.
Jabber rested his forehead against Zanka’s. “What we gonna do? I doubt your pops is ever gonna let me step foot in your house again,” he asked quietly.
“We’ll figure somethin’ out. Don’t blame yourself too much; it was a mistake. I’m sure Enjin would understand either way.”
Jabber pulled back slightly, shaking his head. “You don’t understand, Zanka. I fucked it up- every time things start going good, I find a way ta ruin it. I doubt your dad would even be nice enough to see it as a mistake. Ugh! I tried so fucking hard, and I still managed to mess it all up.”
His hands dragged through his hair in frustration. "I keep waiting for people ta realize I ain't worth the trouble."
Zanka frowned. He gently took Jabber hands and pulled them away from his hair and into his own.
"Jabber."
"No, I'm serious. Everybody leaves eventually. Or I give 'em a reason ta."
"Stop."
"I brought weed brownies ta dinner, Zan."
"Stop!"
Then Zanka grabbed his face, turning Jabbers eyes to meet his own. "Listen ta me! Do ya really think one mistake is enough ta make me stop choosing you? Even if all that bullshit ya said were true, I ain’t letting some stupid accident stop me from seeing ya. Whatever happens, we’ll figure it out together.”
Jabber let out a small, sad smile. “Ya really gonna disobey your pops for me, Zan-Zan?” he joked softly.
“It ain’t the first time, and it won’t be the last I hide things from Enjin. Just promise me you won’t let this get to ya too much. And get some sleep tonight. I’ll come see ya in the morning.”
Jabber nodded. His voice wouldn’t come out right, so he didn’t try.
Zanka just leaned in and kissed him. The kiss was a soft, easy, loving kiss full of reassurance and devotion. When they eventually pulled apart, they just looked at each other, no words needed at all to understand what they had to say to each other.
Jabber drove off, giving Zanka one last wave.
But neither of them noticed someone watching.
...
Three days had passed since the dinner.< Zanka kept his promise; he met Jabber the next morning, and they spent the whole day together. According to him, Rudo was doing just fine, thankfully. But even with Zanka’s love and his brother’s survival confirmed, it didn’t erase the burning guilt sitting in Jabber’s stomach.
Right now, he was at Cthoni’s house with Amo, Fu, Hii, Momoa, and Noerder for their weekly Uno night.
Amo was two seconds away from fighting Hii. Fu was curled up in the corner, visibly trembling. Noerder was in full rage mode. Momoa's hand was gripping her cards tightly to keep her from crashing out along with Noerder. And Cthoni watched calmly, already having won the round. Usually, Jabber would enjoy this type of chaos, but he couldn't seem to find enjoyment in anything else other than maybe Zanka at the moment.
“What got you so down in the dumps?” Cthoni asked.
“Nothing…” Jabber lied.
“Was it the dinner? You’ve been acting peculiar ever since that night,” Noerder said.
Curse her observational skills.
“Did Zanka’s dad not approve of you, brother? Don’t worry—Amo hates him too,” Amo said, dropping a +4 on Hii.
“YO, SAY WALLAHI, BRO! YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT!” Hii screamed.
Jabber snickered. “Amo, how da hell you hate him? You never even met the guy.”
Amo sucked her teeth. “Trust Amo. I know, especially with tattoos like that. Amo already knows the type. He looks like he stinks.”
Jabber laughed.
“S-so the dinner went well after all?” Fu asked as he dropped a reverse card.
“FU!” Momoa yelled.
“I’M SORRY!”
“Yeah, at first. Then I fucked it all up.” Jabber admitted.
“Ya told them about your snake hobby?” Momoa asked.
“Nah. Even worse. I gave the wrong tray, and Amo’s fat-ass boyfriend ate six edibles in one sitting.”
The room exploded into laughter.
“Your deadass?” Momoa asked through giggles.
Jabber groaned, moving his head back, rubbing a hand down his face. “Yes. And now I’m practically banned from entering that house again.”
“Did his dad say you’re banned or something?” Cthoni asked.
Jabber looks up, raising an eyebrow. “Cthoni… he doesn’t have to say anything. If ya kid has a bad trip from your son’s boyfriend, you kinda just assume you’re blocked for life.”
“You fucking did not,” Noerder said.
“Cry about it,” Jabber smirked, dropping a skip.
“Well, did you talk to him? Like the father, since?” Cthoni asked.
“Cthoni…”
“Jabber, listen. If I were you and I wanted to fix this issue, I would honestly go and beg for forgiveness from his father.”
“Amo agrees. Don’t let that stinky man keep you from Zanka.”
“What do I even say-Uno. Uno out.” He said, dropping his last two cards.
“ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS?” Hii yelled.
“Yeah,” Jabber said, leaning back. “‘Oh hey, sorry I gave your son a bad trip. Can I still date your son or what?’” he said as he put quotation marks in the air ask he spoke.
“Yeah… but, like, nicer,” Momoa said.
“Are you deadass right now?”
“What do you got to lose?” Hii said. “You already fucked up the kid. Might as well try an apology.”
“Amo agrees! Give it a try, Jabby!”
Jabber sighed, then smiled a little. For the first time in days, he felt a little hope about the situation. “Alright… I see.”
The game felt lighter after that.
…
Jabber stood in front of the door, hand hovering over the handle. His mind was running like a track star. He should go home. No way Enjin would allow him to even step foot in that house again. Hell, he probably should step off the porch.
But before he could move—
The door opened.
Enjin stood there.
They stared at each other for a moment in an awkward silence.
“…Would ya like to come in?” Enjin asked finally.
“Yeah…”
Enjin stepped aside and let him in.
“I’m assuming Zanka told you Rudo’s doing just fine.” Enjin said as he shut the door
“Yeah… um, listen. Enjin." Jabber said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I’m sorry for what happened last Saturday. It was my fault. I take responsibility. I just really wanted to make a good impression on ya-for Zanka, and I still managed to somehow mess it up. I don’t know what I gotta do to convince you I’m truly sorry for what I done, but I’m willing to do whatever I have to earn your approval and forgiveness.” Jabber exhaled, steady but honest.
Enjin stared at him for a second.
Then blinked.
A laugh erupted from the man, stunning Jabber for a minute.
“Kid, I know an accident when I see one. I ain’t that type of father. You don’t gotta beat yourself up over it. Honestly, it was kinda funny. Most eventful dinner we’ve had in a while.”
Jabber let out a small, relieved chuckle.
“Ya know,” Enjin continued, leaning back, “when I met my ex-girlfriend’s parents for the first time, I accidentally broke a vase containing her grandma’s ashes. If anyone knows a bad first impression, it’s me. Ain't no judgment here, kid.”
Jabber blinked. “Are you for real? What’d her dad say?”
“…Let’s just say I climbed out the window and never saw her again.”
Both of them burst out laughing as they moved to sit on the couch.
Enjin told the story, and Jabber listened, chiming in here and there. When the laughter finally settled, Enjin leaned back.
“Ya know, I meant what I said in the kitchen. I’m glad my son met someone like you. Just take care of him, alright? I don’t need no more broken hearts in this house, plus kid, if one tray of brownies was enough ta make me hate ya, I would've hated ya the moment ya jumped out my son's window.”
Jabber snorted. “Yeah. Got it, boss-man.”
For the first time in days, the weight in his chest finally lifted.
He could live with that.
...
Zanka opened the door to his house. He’d gotten back earlier than expected after dropping Rudo off at Amo’s place. His eyebrows lifted in curiosity when he heard laughter coming from the living room. As he walked in, he was surprised to see Jabber there—getting along way too well with his father, along with Lovely cuddling close to him on his lap.
“Oh, and this is when Zan-Zan tried cotton candy for the first time! His little face was so funny I had to snap a pic,” Enjin said through a fit of laughter, turning the page in the photo album.
“Ain’t no way-”
“ENJIN!”
Both men turned toward Zanka at the same time.
His face was red-like, tomato red.
“Zannie! Ya back!” his father said casually, still laughing. His eyes were a little red too.
“Hey, Zan-Zan~ how come ya didn’t tell me you used to sing?” Jabber teased.
“You. Me. Out. Now.” Zanka said, grabbing Jabber’s hand and pulling him upstairs, making Lovely jump into Enjin's lap instead.
“AYE, KEEP THAT DOOR CLOSED AND YOUR NOSE DOWN!” Enjin called after them.
“BYE, ENJIN!”
…
“Chill, Zan-Zan. I ain’t even seen the full tape yet,” Jabber laughed as Zanka pushed him onto the bed.
“Hush your mouth,” Zanka said, climbing on top of him. “You ain’t seen anything. Got it?”
“But Zanka, you were such a cute baby—”
*SMACK.*
Zanka hit him square in the face with a pillow.
Jabber burst out laughing as Zanka beat him into the mattress. Then he managed to flip them, taking the upper hand and attacking Zanka’s sides with tickles.
“Give up, Zanka. It’s over-I won!”
“Over-HAHA-ma-HAHA-dead body-heh!”
Zanka grabbed a pillow in both hands when Jabber was distracted and swung it once, then leaned in and bit Jabber lightly on the cheek, knocking him off balance.
He pinned him down. “I won.” Zanka huffed out with an evil smile plastered on his face.
“Fuck, Zan-Zan~,” Jabber laughed, breathless.
Zanka smirked and pulled him by his hoodie into a long, steady kiss. When they finally broke apart, Zanka rested his forehead against Jabber’s.
“Ya good?”
Jabber smiled.
“With you? Always,” he said, pulling Zanka closer to his chest
A small smile tugged at Zanka's lips.
"Yeah?" Zanka said, looking up, raising an eyeborw
"Yeah." Jabber said as he reached up and brushed his thumb across Zanka's cheek.
"Think your pops likes me now." Jabber said in a sing-song tone
Zanka snorted, "Jabber, he liked ya before."
"Nah."
"He did."
"Nah."
"He literally invited ya inside and showed ya ma baby pictures."Zanka said as he let out a soft chuckle
"Could've been a trap."
"It literally wasn't."
"It still could've been."
Zanka rolled his eyes, "You're impossible."
"And yet ya still love me." Jabber teased
"Unfortunately." Zanka teased back
Jabber gasped dramatically, "Unfortunately?"
"Tragically."
"Wow-Zanny."
"The worst thing ta ever happen ta me."
"Nah, now you're chatting."
"Truly devastating."
Despite the words, Zanka leaned forward and kissed him softly again.
It was the kind of kiss that felt like coming home.
When they pulled apart, neither moved very far, just enough to breathe, just enough to smile.
"Love ya, Jabber." Zanka said softly.
At his words, Jabber felt something warm settle deep within his chest. It wasn't butterflies, nor nerves, but instead something steadier, stronger, and deeper. It was the feeling of knowing exactly where he belonged.
He felt like he was truly home.
"Love ya too, baby."
Zanka smiled, not the polite smile he gave classmates, not the annoyed smile he gave Rudo and Riyo, not the patient smile he gave professors.
His real smile.
The one that only showed up when Jabber was around. The one that belonged to Jabber-and Jabber only.
And for a moment, with Lovely scratching at the bedroom door, Enjin yelling downstairs about somebody stealing the last brownie, and the entire house being its usual chaotic mess, Jabber couldn't imagine a future he wanted more than this one here with Zanka.
He was definitely going to marry him one day, and ain't nobody or anything in the world going to stop him.
The end.