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He didn't know when he started this habit. Well, he did. But it wasn't something he would openly admit to. The small blade felt heavy in his hand. Glinting slightly in the dim light of the bathroom as he gently pressed it to the skin of his thigh. With a slow steady breath, he dragged it across his skin, watching the skin separate to reveal the lower white layer before blossoming with blood. A shaky sigh escaped his lips as he looked down. This wasn't the first one he'd made tonight. Several red lines were visible on a small section of his thigh. Close enough to be bandaged in one and not inconvenience him tomorrow on his mission. Cutting was meant to be a stress relief, though he couldn't help but be articulate about it. The process was messy, and the thought of causing more mess than necessary left a bad taste in his mouth. His hand slowly put the blade to the side, grabbing an already bloodied tissue and wiping away the excess blood. Then quickly yet mechanically, he put a thin layer of ointment on that he'd stolen from Eishia's office ages ago. He wasn't sure if it was actually meant for healing wounds but it did the trick every time. Just as quickly, he grabbed a prepared bandaid and stuck it over the numerous cuts. He only needed one. He made sure of it.
Exhaling once more, his head moved back, staring up at the ceiling with a distant look. He of course hadn't told anyone about this habit. He had been doing it since he was with the Hell Guards. Though it stopped for a period of time once Enjin took him into the cleaners, it only took a couple months for him to get that itch again. He was aware of the role he had to play in the cleaners. Of the duty he was given when he joined. He would never do something that would debilitate his work on missions. Or do something that'd make his colleagues and friends suspicious.
Every time he got an urge, instead he would lock himself in his bathroom. Take off his pants, neatly folding them off to the side, sit on the cold tiled floor and turn his thighs into a chopping board. And when he was done and had fixed himself up, he would put his pants on as though nothing had happened, quickly clean up, and go to sleep.
Tonight was no exception. He finally let out another breath before getting to work. Tossing the bloodied tissues into the bin. He tucked the blade back into the second top draw of the vanity and turned the tap on. Thoroughly washing his hands and the red off his fingertips. Once he was done, he grabbed the neatly folded pair of pants and carefully slid them back on over his now freshly bandaged thighs. Without a trace left, he exited the bathroom and went straight to his bed. At this time of night most of the other cleaners were asleep. Semiu had informed him that they had a mission tomorrow too, so it was no surprise that most people would be trying to get their rest.
Zanka finally felt tired, a wave of sleepiness washing over him. His feet carried his body heavily to the bed before he threw the cover aside and slowly sunk into the sheets. It didn't take long for sleep to consume him, gently falling into a peaceful slumber. The numbing thoughts consuming him earlier dissipated into a gentle nothingness.
_
The next day was a simple mission. Or at least supposedly so according to Semiu. The task at hand was to take care of some trash beasts on the outskirts of a nearby town. It was only Riyo and him, plus a couple supporters. In his opinion, it could've very well been a solo mission. Though he wasn't one to question who got sent on what. If anything he had one task in mind, and that was to do the job he was assigned.
The car ride there was peaceful. None of Enjin's erratic driving tossing everyone in the car around. Instead Gris took the wheel, driving safely to the destination. About halfway through the trip Riyo let out a dramatic sigh.
"Ughhh, y'know I'm really not feeling the vibes today." She spoke looking towards Zanka.
"And you look like you could've slept better." Her eyes flicking over Zanka curiously. His eyes trail from the window to the girl's face.
"Jeez thanks. And whatd'ya mean you ain't feeling the vibes? It's just another mission." Zanka spoke calmly. Riyo shrugged with her usual smile lining her face.
"Dunno!" She chuckles. "Just feels.. off, y'know? What do you think, Gris?" She leans over the middle console to annoy the driver. Gris didn't really seem to mind though. Tomme was sitting in the passenger seat. Though she seemed more fixated on her notebook that she was scribbling in than anything else.
"You're probably overthinking." Gris chuckles in response.
"Don't worry though, if anything happens we've got two very capable givers with us." Gris flashes Riyo a smile in the rearview mirror. Which Riyo quickly returns with a smile of her own.
"Aw shucks! He's totally flattering us, Zanka!" She giggled nudging the other. Zanka scoffs, though he can't hold back his own smile tugging at his lips.
"He's prolly only sayin' that to get ya to pipe it down." He spoke teasingly. Riyo's face scrunched into a mock offense, dramatically sitting back in her seat.
"Watch it." She smirks with a soft chuckle. Suddenly the car slows to a stop, Gris putting it in park before turning off the engine.
"Right, let's get to work shall we?" He hums. The other nod, following him out of the car.
True to Semiu's words, the mission went off without a hitch. It was some easy trash beasts not worth mentioning. Sure the hoard was decently big so it took some time to finish up, however the beasts themselves weren't an issue at all. By the end of it Zanka stood slightly disheveled. Looking at the debris that was left of the trash beasts. A pat gently hitting his back as Gris came behind him.
"Nice work guys. See Riyo? Easy as usual." He smiled, looking as the red head finally came back over from where she was. She kicked her scissors into the ground and leaned against them with a sigh.
"Easy, sure. But I still worked up a sweat y'know, they just kept coming." She groaned.
"But hey, those were definitely a new type weren't they?" She cocks a brow. Tomme finally pipes up from behind the group.
"Yeah, I noticed. They weren't too different from the regular ones but their attack styles differed. Don't worry, I already took notes, I'll write the report up." She said, slipping her notebook under her arm.
"Woohoo! Way to go Tomme!" Riyo smiled. The other three started chatting away. Zanka's eyes still lingering on the debris. His grip on Lovely Assistaff tightened slightly. Admittedly, his thighs burned slightly. Usually it wasn't an issue, but with how repetitively the beasts were coming it became one. Even with the bandage, the constant friction against his pants leg had become bothersome. In fact, he was pretty certain that with the sweat alongside the constant rubbing, that his bandages has slid out of place, making it even more uncomfortable. He was relieved that he got some reprieve after the fight. But he knew the car ride back was going to be somewhat uncomfortable and that he was going to have to hide it. He let out a sigh without realising before he remembered their location. They were on the outskirts of a town. If anything, now would be the perfect time to grab some bandages and maybe some other supplies without raising suspicion. Plus, it would save him the trip later. He was about to open his mouth to speak but Riyo seemed to beat him to it.
"I'm beat though, you think they have any good food places in there?" Her hands goes onto her hip looking at the tall walls towering the town.
"We could always check. Plus I should probably go in anyways to talk with the people and reassure them." Gris nods.
"Ah if that's the case, how about we go do some exploring? I'll find somewhere good to eat and I'll call you guys in like... and hour." She smiles. Tomme tilts her head, a smile on her lips.
"I don't think it'll take you an hour to find somewhere to eat." She chuckles softly. Riyo smiles with a shrug.
"Okay so I wanna do a little bit of exploring, so what? Plus it gives Gris time to take care of all that stuff." She smiles. "You good for that Zanka?" She finally turns to the other.
Zanka blinks, somewhat surprised that things had gone so smoothly and in his favour. "Right, yeah, s'fine by me." He shrugs trying to act nonchalantly. Riyo smiled seemingly happy with his response.
"Great!" She smiles. The group of them drive to the entrance of the town. All of them go their separate ways. Zanka was almost dumbfounded by how well things had gone. His feet started walking instinctually to what he assumed to be a shopping district. His Lovely Assistaff still held tightly in his hand. He passed by several stalls. Some were selling fruits, others selling fabrics, though what he really needed was a pharmacy. His eyes scanned over the crowds, looking for any signs that'd be what he was looking for. Luckily, it didn't take long for his eyes to hit a local pharmacist sign. He made quick strides to it, walking in and feeling the smell of antiseptic hitting him immediately. Places with medicine always smelt so different from the polluted, dirty air outside. It wasn't hard to find where the bandages were. He looked for ones that wouldn't peel easily. He wanted ones that would hopefully last longer during combat. So that he wouldn't have to worry about his thighs at all. Deciding on a certain brand, he turned to go to the counter to buy them.
Just as he turned though, he noticed someone at the counter currently buying something. They briefly made eye contact. The man had a purple hoodie obscuring his face though, so it was hard to make out. It didn't really concern him though. He shrugged it off as a coincidence. After all this was just a random town that he's never really been to before. He gets in line, watching the other man take whatever he bought and putting it in his pockets alongside his hands. He walks out of the pharmacy quickly, seemingly paying Zanka no mind. Zanka didn't really look either. Walking up to the counter.
"Just these today?"
"Yup."
When he walked out, he pocketed the box in one of his pockets. He considered getting a bag but Riyo and the others would definitely ask what he bought if he did. So he decided to make it easy on himself. His eyes travelled up to a taller building. A large clock hung at the top, telling the time. It had only been 10 minutes since he had separated from the group. He wasn't entirely sure what he was going to do for 50 minutes. He knew he should find a bathroom so he could quickly change his bandages, but even then it wouldn't consume much time, especially considering his personal efficiency.
Just as he was pondering about what to do, he felt a hand reach from behind him. One touching the area between his neck and shoulder, a cold metal gently tapping against his throat.
"Well, wasn't expectin' to see you here Mr.Bad Attitude." A cheerful voice laughed out quietly into his ear. Zanka immediately stiffened up. His eyes flicked to the hand, seeing a purple sleeve, and the ever so familiar glint of metal rings. It hit him extremely quickly. That man in the pharmacy. The look they shared. It wasn't just some stranger.
"You..."
"Huh? Forgot my name? Come on man! You wound me! After everything we did together too!" He chuckles with feigned hurt.
"Though imma be honest, I wasn't expecting to get'ccha so easily. I mean come on, you're always so sharp, I would've thought you'd seen me from a mile away." The smirk could be heard in his voice. Zanka pursed his lips. He was right. Any other situation, even in a town that's supposedly safe, he wouldn't have let his guard down so easily. Though his mind was too preoccupied by the cuts on his thighs rubbing against his pants.
"It's nothin'. Wasn't expecting yer ass to be bold enough to be out somewhere so public." Zanka spoke with venom in his voice. "Jabber."
"Oh? So you do remember my name, you were just pretendin'!" He laughs. Suddenly Zanka feels the collar of his uniform being grabbed. With a rough lunge, he's being manhandled and thrown into the alleyway behind them. His instincts scream at him to fight back. And just as he stumbles to the ground, Jabber's already lunging at him, Mankira's claws out on one hand. Though his reflexes were as sharp as ever. He quickly blocked Jabber's hand with Assistaff. His teeth slightly grinding together annoyed.
"Woah, you reacted so fast! I thought you woulda been easy to take out. Should've known you wouldn't go down so easily." Jabber smirk. His hoodie had fallen off, his locs hanging over his shoulders just barely above Zanka's face. Zanka winced, the fabric of his pants rubbing against his thighs uncomfortably.
"What's yer damn problem? Attackin' me outta nowhere like this." Zanka grits his teeth pushing back against Jabber hard enough to make him jump back. Using the time they had seperated, he quickly got to his feet and in a fighting stance.
"Oh come on, it's the perfect place man. I mean you're off the clock right now yeah? Why else would you be wonderin' around this random ass town?" Jabber laughs out.
"Plus, it means we won't get interrupted by any of your cleaner friends, isn't that much better? If anything you should be thanking me." Jabber grins.
"As if." Zanka retorts. Looking around. He sees civilians on the streets just outside the alleyway, oblivious to the tension currently in the area. He sighs.
"Look, I'm not in the mood for this right now." Zanka's glare goes back to Jabber, a set in his jaw.
"Since when has that mattered? C'mon! I've been itching for a fight all day man! It's just a happy coincidence we were in the same place at the same time." He grins. Quickly shooting straight at Zanka, not giving him a moment of respite. The claws slam against the wood of Assistaff, splintering ever so slightly. Zanka struggles against the growing pressure of Mankira before finally being able to push Jabber off him. He quickly shifts himself up in a defensive stance. Lovely Assistaff, though not transformed, was held in a way that spoke of growing wariness. Jabber's grin couldn't help but widen at the sight.
"See, I knew ya wanted this just as badly. You look you're ready to maul me alive." Jabber spoke with excitement, his teeth digging into his lip suppressing a noise of need. Zanka almost immediately grimaced at the sight.
"I'm fuckin' serious, get outta my sight. I'm busy." Zanka let out a snarl from under his breath. His thighs aching more due to the rough handling. He knew it was only a matter of time before blood started to stain the fabric of his upper thighs.
"Jeez, you're soooo stubborn today. What's up your ass?" Jabber grinned, mocking as always as he tilted his head. His locs falling over his shoulders. Zanka's glare hardened.
"There wouldn't be an issue if ya didn't decide to harass me for no damn reason-" Before he could finish his words Jabber was lunging at him once more. Zanka let out a frustrated sigh realising quickly a fight was inevitable. Using quick thinking, he transformed Lovely Assistaff to parry his attacks. Jabber swung like a mad man as per usual. And Zanka, despite everything, found himself responding with a similar fever. He didn't try to actively fight, just dodging and parrying, occasionally attempting to get a hit in if he so desired.
"You're really not gonna fight me huh? Man you're boring." Jabber mocked halfway through with a gleeful look. His claws still threatening to catch on Zanka at any moment.
"Of course I'm not. I already said that ya idiot." He growled in response. Twisting and turning Lovely Assistaff skillfully in his hands. His fingers knowing every ridge and right angle to swing her for the most effective results. Jabber on the other hand, looked manic while he used Mankira. His swings weren't elegant in any way, but they were most definitely methodical. Proven when his hand swung swiftly through the air. Zanka just barely dodging.
"Shit." Zanka grunted. He looked down to the tear Jabber had left on his pants, annoyed by the whole situation. He quickly recovered though about to counter with an attack of his own, but that's when he noticed the sudden weird look in Jabber's eyes. The pink hues looking down almost curiously.
"Woah man..." Jabber spoke, blocking Zanka's swing with Assistaff. It infuriated him how little his attacks had an effect on the other, but Jabber's curious smirk admittedly caught him off guard.
"The hell ya lookin' at..." Zanka finally grumbled, yanking Lovely Assistaff back and staring daggers into the other. Jabber blinked once. Twice. Before he looked up at him with a bubbling laugh.
"Who the fuck have you been fightin'? C'mon you're gonna make me jealous! They really fucked you up, huh?" Jabber smirked as though knowingly. Zanka frowned though, momentarily confused.
"What're ya on about?"
"Your leg man, it's fucked up. It looks hella recent too." Jabber tilted his head with his toothy smirk. A claw of Mankira pointing lopsidedly at the tear in Zanka's pants. Zanka looked down genuinely confused. That's when he saw just how much his pants had ripped when Jabber snagged them. It wasn't anything indecent, but a good section of the pale thigh underneath had been revealed. And needless to say due to his recent... activities, his skin was marred pretty extensively. The bandage he'd put on last night had been rubbed out of place due to the amount of movement he'd been doing today. He'd nearly forgotten about it when Jabber had started ruthlessly attacking him. Panic spiked. Zanka stiffened momentarily before quickly slipping on a facade.
"Are ya stupid? Yer the one who keeps stabbin' me with those claws of yours..." Zanka grimaced, trying to act as though he was certain of the scars cause. Jabber let out a mocking laugh though. The sound bubbling out, as though it was the most hysterical thing ever.
"Nah man! I know how the scars Mankira leaves looks." He grinned. Abruptly pulling up his own sleeve. Showing an expanse of deep jaggered scars.
"Now these. These are what her scars look like. Not those puny little thing on your legs." Jabber laughs out. Zanka couldn't help but feel somewhat embarrassed at Jabber's mocking laughter. At the 'puny' comment. It almost made him think about cutting deeper when he got the time. He was about to retort, however, the other started speaking again.
"Though imma be real, you're seriously getting fucked up by other guys? I mean c'mon, I thought you'd be savin' that for me." Jabber spoke almost lowly. That manic look in his eyes looked slightly more subdued. His teeth slightly biting on the very tip of one of Mankira's claws, almost like a mild act of frustration. It almost threw Zanka off guard. Almost.
"It's none of ya business." Zanka spoke sharply. One of his hands coming down to clutch the fabric, squeezing it to cover his thigh.
"Ah ah, none of that." Jabber tutted. That smirk still ever present on his face. He moved forward towards Zanka, though Mankira retracted into a normal set of rings. The previous aggressiveness seemingly gone, throwing Zanka for a loop. Zanka stepped back, his back hitting the brick wall of the isolated alleyway. He cursed under his breath when he felt the others coarse hands wrap around his own. His grip tightened on Assistaff instinctually as Jabber pulled his other hand away from the tear in his pants.
"The hell're ya doing." Zanka murmured. Still on guard due to the unpredictability of Jabber.
"Chill man, I'm just curious, is that so bad?" He smirked. His hand smacked Zanka's away now before snaking into the ripped fabric. Zanka's eyes widened. He was about to get angry, shout at Jabber to put his hand away. But when the tips of Jabber's fingers lightly dragged through the healing cuts, Zanka's breath hitched.
"Get yer fuckin' hands off me." Zanka grits his teeth. Unsure of weather it was from annoyance or from the slight pain. Though when Jabber's hands pause on the scars, the callouses on his fingers stilling, Zanka hesitates. His eyes looking at Jabber's who seemed almost infatuated.
"Holy shit man!" Jabber's voice finally broke the tension as he laughed out.
"These... these are self inflicted!" Jabber said as if it was a fact. Panic immediately struck Zanka once more.
"What? They're not- I wouldn't-"
"Don't play with me man! I know the difference between scars won in a fight and neat lines on some skin." Jabber hollered as though he was excited by the fact he'd figured it out. Zanka felt mortified. He didn't exactly know why. If anything, Jabber was one of the last people he cared about keeping appearances around. If it were Enjin or Riyo, or fuck, even Rudo he would've been too ashamed to ever show his face again. But Jabber was different. He didn't give a shit how Jabber perceived him. Or at least he thought he didn't.
Feeling that swell of unease and panic in his chest at Jabber finding out so easily wasn't what he had expected. He kept trying to tell himself it didn't matter. Jabber's a masochistic piece of shit, of course he's gonna get his rocks off on this. So why does he feel so ashamed by the other finding out.
He could hear Jabber's laughter in the background, resounding in his head. As though it were banging painfully inside. What he didn't notice was when it stopped. When the alleyway was filled with nothing but the usual white noise of the outside streets.
"Zanka? You still there?"
When he finally came to, he looked down to see Jabber's face right below his. His breathe hitting his skin slowly. That manic gleam had calmed down relatively, showing a morbid fascination. Zanka almost shuddered but he managed to hold it down. He didn't respond. Didn't dare speak less he says something he didn't mean.
"Jeez..." Jabber finally breathed out. His hand leaving the tear in Zanka's pants slowly. Instead steadily finding his waist. Zanka stiffened slightly, as though he couldn't get more tense than he already was.
"Y'know you had me worried there, I thought you were really out fightin' others, going all out on 'em instead of me." Jabber smirked, his voice was low. Of course that was what Jabber was concerned about, Zanka thought.
"But jeez man, doing it yourself? That's a different kinda fucked up." Jabber's smirk finally fell, shocking the other. Jabber's face instead held that look he had when he was unamused. Almost bored even. That only drove to piss Zanka off more. He still didn't say anything though.
"Some of those scars are real old too. You've been doin' this for a while huh? I mean fuck you could've just asked me, I would've gladly lent a hand." Jabber's voice was steady. A smirk tugging at his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes. Zanka felt Mankira on his waist. The rings gently digging into his sides. Not as claws, but just normal rings.
"Like hell I would've asked you.." Zanka spoke quietly. Jabber's gaze locked back on Zanka's for a moment before he spoke again.
"So why're ya doin' it? Some stress relief? I thought you were more of a sadist." He grinned. Zanka huffed in response.
"The difference is I ain't gettin' a hard on everytime I do it unlike someone." His eyes sharpened on Jabber's who's gaze held steady.
"Still, didn't take ya for the type." Jabber hummed. The mocking tone, to Zanka's surprise, had mostly dispersed. They were silent for a moment before Zanka finally let out a scoff.
"Let go of me, freak. Yer actin' weird." His free hand dragged into Jabber's scalp, grabbing a fist of locs pulling his hair back. Jabber let out a small, almost satisfied hiss. His lips turning up into a smirk.
"Yeah alright man." He chuckled. Taking the other by surprise, he felt Jabber's leg slip between his. Zanka froze, his grip faltering on Jabber's hair.
"Y'know, this changes things a bit... Let's get you some 'healthy' stress relief." Jabber smirks. His hands go to either side of Zanka's, rings gently tapping against the brick wall. He lifted his leg up slightly. He wasn't insanely taller than Zanka, but he used it to his advantage.
"I said let go of me-"
"Come on pretty boy, I'm doin' you a favour here. Like, actually this time." He chuckles. One of his hands goes back to Zanka's waist. Gripping it tightly enough to guide Zanka's hips. Zanka gets ready to retort but is quickly interrupted once again.
"Just move a little, c'mon." He breathes, shifting Zanka's hips on his thigh. When Zanka lets out a breathy noise, Jabber smirks almost proudly. "Yeah, just like that. Good boy."
Jabber's voice still sounded slightly mocking, as though he was finding entertainment in this. Admittedly though, the praise was going straight to Zanka's head. His thighs tremble almost instinctively, posture going lax in the others grip. Jabber noted the lack of bulge in the others pants. A knowing smirk gracing his features.
"Oh, Zanka. You're just full of surprises aren'tcha'." He chuckles lowly. His hand guiding Zanka on his thigh. Zanka's breath hitched, his teeth gritting slightly.
"Shut yer trap." He grumbled. Though he made no move to push Jabber away. Letting the others coarse hands guide him. His grip was tight on Lovely Assistaff, as though it was the only thing keeping him stable in the moment. The feeling of Jabber's thigh grinding between his sent a heat to his core he dare not acknowledge. His throat stifling soft noises, not wanting to give Jabber the gratification of hearing him. Though he was startled out of his daze when he felt Jabber's free hand sneak back into the tear in his pants. His thumb tracing over the scars and still healing wound. His grin was wide and toothy, still mocking in a sense.
"For real though, guys with scars are a major turn on. It's proof they're hella strong." He turned his attention back to Zanka's face who was letting shallow breaths.
"But these ones ain't as pretty as the ones Mankira leaves." He spoke lowly. Zanka's eyes, though hazy from the stimulation were focused on Jabber's.
"So whenever you're feeling like you're wantin' to do... that," Jabber spoke. Not being specific, but Zanka could gather what he was talking about. "Come to me instead."
Zanka was somewhat surprised. He knew Jabber. He knew he was just offering to cut his legs up for him. But something about his tone threw him off guard. As though there was a sincere offer in there. Zanka was silent for a moment, not entirely sure how to respond. He searched Jabber's face, looking for any signs of deception. Of that typical manic gleam. And despite his smile, he found none. Zanka groaned, almost frustrated with his confusion.
"You know damn well I ain't doin' that." He grits out, his voice breaking into a gasp as Jabber raised his thigh slightly. Chuckling at Zanka's reaction, Jabber let out a hum.
"Whatever man, suit yourself." He finally draws back. Zanka letting out a disgruntled noise, something almost akin to disappointment as they lost contact. He sighs fixing up his uniform. Trying to brush off any evidence of the encounter. If he could he'd control his blood circulation to get that flush out of his face but he knew logically that wasn't possible. Then he felt Jabber throw something towards him. He was a bit dazed but not enough for his instincts to dull. He caught the small box before looking at it curiously. It was a box of bandages. Not the brand he'd bought at the pharmacy earlier though. In fact he doesn't think he saw this brand for sale there at all.
"What's this?" Zanka cocked a brow, inspecting the box as though something was going to jump out of it. His voice still slightly breathless, though he tried to ignore it. Jabber let out a laugh.
"Bandages, ain't that obvious?" He tilt his heads, his locs falling over his shoulders. His hands go up to his hood. Adjusting it slightly.
"Cthoni gave 'em to me. Told me to start patchin' myself up after I test out new poisons. I ain't ever used them before though, don't need them." He chuckles stepping back. His rings glinting slightly under the dim light of the alleyway, his hands pulling his hood back up over his head.
"You'd make better use out of them, Zanka." He smirked walking backwards before turning on his heel. "And don't forget my offer." His wave almost seemed mocking as he bounded out of the alley. He didn't let Zanka get another word in before he was gone. Zanka stood completely still. As if trying to take in everything that just happened. He looked at the box once more. Admittedly, they looked like they were better quality than the ones he'd bought. He almost felt thankful. Almost.
He reached for his thigh, it had stopped bleeding but it was still raw and sore. He remembered the feeling of Jabber's fingers tracing his scars. His rings catching on his skin slightly. The thigh between his legs...
He felt a familiar heat in his lower belly at the memory. His grip tightened once more on Lovely Assistaff.
"Shit."
_
It finally hit the time they were supposed to meet. Zanka had taken care of his leg, finding a restroom and wrapping his thighs in the fresh bandages. They felt oddly comfortable. Not as scratchy as the others he used. Riyo had contacted the others, including him to meet at a local restraunt, only a couple minutes from the entrance. He was the first to arrive, seeing the girl waiting outside fiddling with her scissors. When he got closer she looked up, her expression falling into a smile.
"Yo! You're the first one here. Gris and Tomme are still busy." She steps towards him, though her gaze immediately catches onto the tear on his pants.
"Huh...? What happened? Did you get into a fight?" She murmured. She moved closer as to inspect but Zanka lightly pushed her forehead away as she tried leaning down.
"It's nothin'. Got snagged on a stall while I was passin' by. 's fine though." Zanka sighs. Riyo frowns slightly, searching his face. He knew Riyo was smart. Knew she'd probably already caught on that it wasn't entirely the truth. But if she did, she didn't argue further.
"Okayyyy then. Get Eishia to check it out when we get back, yeah?" She sticks her hand on her hip. Zanka nods, showing appreciation for her concern.
"Right, anyways. This town has a lot of food places but this one smelt soooo good. I couldn't help but choose this one! Plus they've got good deals!" She giggles, seemingly more occupied by the thought of a good meal. He couldn't help but smile at his friends excitement, albeit small.
Gris and Tomme joined shortly after. The food was great, the company was better. He completely forgot about what happened earlier. Even if it was just for a moment. He even forgot the lingering pain on his thighs. And even on the drive back to the headquarters, he didn't feel uncomfortable. Riyo's head lulled, falling onto Zanka's shoulder as she drifted off. Gris' driving always had this effect on tired cleaners after a mission. His gaze lingered out the window. The trash filled world blurring outside on the peaceful drive. And even when they arrived and they had all retired to their room, he had completely forgotten about his thighs until he was getting ready to have a shower.
He froze momentarily. Looking at the bandages. The ones Jabber had given him. They had worked really well. Hadn't budged an inch. Admittedly he hadn't been fighting with them on, but that was something he could test out later... Later?
His gaze went to the vanity, eyes catching on his disheveled reflection in the mirror briefly before going to the second top draw. He thought about his encounter with Jabber. His words. His.. offer, if you could even call it that.
He found tonight he didn't have that urge. The one he'd usually have after missions. The one he'd experience when wanting to punish himself. Instead... he wasn't exactly sure what he felt. He let out a long sigh before beginning to get ready for a shower.
The thoughts of self destruction replaced with something else. A certain man.