Chapter Text
Fu stared at the antique clock on the wall near the cashier desk, trying to make time go faster somehow. It's not working very well. Still an hour left until it's time to clock out... What could go wrong? Everything, apparently. God, how did he even get here? Right- Enjin ordered him to get better social skills, right?.. Well, that wasn't going too well.. A couple of Customers came and went, but they didn't really say anything other than the usual "this is all" , and "Thanks". Maybe he should just clock out early and quit the job? But what would Enjin think? Fu sighed quietly through his mouth, before being interrupted by the quaint yet noticeable jingling of the old bells attached to the double glass door. It gave him quite a fright, for a random noise to sound when he was in a state of thought.
" Zankaa... "
A suspiciously familiar male voice came from the door, though Fu couldn't really see who it belonged to because of the shelf obstructing his view. Wait- did they just say Zanka? The cleaner?.
Fu seemed to come back from his perpetual state of daydreaming, and tried to get a glimpse of who was seemingly talking about or to Zanka. the moment he saw that god forsaken dreadlock guy, he froze. Why in Gods name was Jabber wandering around with Zanka? Did He fall into a coma and wake up after 2 years had passed and everyone was buddy-buddy or something.? Fu was completely still, with absolute confusion clearly across his Facial features. As Jabber and Zanka turned the corner of the shelf, Jabber seemed to notice the absolutely horrified, flabbergasted Fu behind the counter and he grinned right at him.
Fu was understandably in perpetual shock, subconsciously stumbling back a little bit into the wall as he locked eyes with Jabber.
" Fu... didn't know ya worked here. "
Jabber spoke in a low, menacing tone, and he kept that same, distressing grin on his face as he walked towards the Counter that Fu was standing at.
" H-hey. P-please dont k-kill meee... For betraying Z-z-z-z-z-zodyl.. "
Fu stammered in a quiet, tone, teary-eyed from fear. He sniffled, before he stepped back a couple more steps, and Jabber matched them, keeping the same distance, until Fu was pressed up against the wall, and jabber was just.. intensely staring at him from behind the counter.
Jabber started to laugh, before waving his hand in an off motion, trying to brush off the tension. idk how to describe it.
" Chill!- Im not gonna eat you or anything man. I just wanted to drop by and say hellooo!!! Cause I heard from Mister bad attitude that you worked hereee.. "
Zanka grabbed jabber by the back of his Collar, yanking the man backwards.
" You're gonna scare him to death for cryin' out loud.. "
He sighed with a tone of annoyance at Jabber, before turning his attention to the reasonably petrified Fu who was slowly trying to ground himself by clutching Hii.
" Sorry Fu, this stupid freak gets a kick outta'.. bein' freaky, I guess. Don't mind 'im. "
" Stupid freak?.. Damn. You hurt me.. I thought we were best buddies zanzan.. "
Zanka, not bothering to respond to Jabber, spoke to the ex-raider, his tone fairly apologetic and annoyed while Jabber basically whined at him. Zanka let go of his hold on Jabbers collar hesitantly, and crossed his arms with a small, pestered huff, or sigh. whatever an annoyed breath would be called.
" Anyways, Whaddya' doin' here? "
" Enjin told me to work here and get uh.. "
Fu spoke, slowly recollecting his composure- or what little of it he has anyway. He paused, thinking of how to word his sentences.
" Enjin told me to like- work here and get some better social skills.. yeah. "
Fu's grip slightly loosened on the cursed doll, his anxiety easing slightly.
" Social skills? Me and Mister bad attitude could like- tooootally help with that!!~ "
Jabber chimed in, a stupid grin still plastered onto his face.
Jabbers' statement lingered in the air as Fu held a fascinated expression on his face before he spoke.
" You.. and Zanka.. help *me*? Wait-Really? "
Fu voiced, his tone quiet with curiosity. He stepped- or rather shuffled up a little more close to the counter instead of leaning on the wall as if it were his emotional support, and Fu looked at Jabber, then Zanka, and back at Jabber.
" You would really do that for me? "
Fu absently fidgeted with the hem of his scarf as he questioned, posture hinting at his hesitance. The three shared a moment of fairly awkward silence, as Jabber looked to Zanka with a pleading pair of eyes. Zanka rubbed his temples with a sigh- or breathy groan of irritation before his hand fell back to his side.
" Is that a yes? Okay! thanks Zanka, you're the best!!~ "
Jabber didn't exactly give Zanka a chance to answer his question as he grinned at Fu and spoke. Fu looked to be fairly confused, and awkwardly nodded. Was that even the right thing to do in this situation? He sure hoped it was. Zanka annoyedly flicked Jabbers forehead, allowing himself to speak.
" I'll be fine with that. Unless Jabber decides to be a pain in everyone's ass 'nd make things harder than they oughta' be. "
Zanka managed a small, calm smile of reassurance purely for fu's comfort, and Fu nodded again with a quiet " Alright.. ". The shop was quiet, except for the quiet breeze that came from through the half-cracked windows, and the distant chatter of other people from outside. Fu fidgeted with one of Hii's limbs, giving nervous glances everywhere- to the walls, to the door, to the window, basically everywhere but Zanka or Jabber.
" Uh... "
Fu softly murmured, his voice slightly muffled against his scarf, before being interrupted by Jabber who seems to have a better idea of what to do instead of standing in complete silence while Fu tries to start a conversation, which is ultimately useless because he's Fu.
" OK! So, since Zanka was like sure- we should start off by going places.. fighting me (who said that???).. talking to people because it's a good idea... im running out of ideas.. "
Jabber paused, placing a finger on his chin while making an exaggerated thoughtful face. He hummed.
" It's decided, we're going to a cafe!!~ "
Jabber clutched Fu's sleeve, dragging the ex-raider from behind the counter over it, nearly making him topple over onto the floor in the process.
" Cmonn!!! outing time!!~ "
Jabber chirped out in a sing-song tune, extending out to grasp Zanka's hand. The sudden contact made Zanka jump back slightly, before the assistaff wielder sighed and let himself be dragged along.