Archive of Our Own

“Y'know what I mean, dontcha Zan-zan?” Zanka merely nodded, paying attention to a text from one of his dads.

This was just their typical Friday afternoon walk. With the way Jabber used his additional inches as an advantage to keep his arm draped around Zanka's shoulders and with the way they constantly bickered anyone who saw them would assume that they were just really close friends.

That was why Zanka didn't feel particularly threatened when some cute guy walked up to Jabber and asked for his number.

When the digit-collector finally noticed Zanka and his proximity to Jabber, his face immediately flushed.

“S-sorry. I didn't know you were with someone. I mean, my brain didn't really factor that in. Are you guys together?”

Zanka wasn't sure what made Jabber laugh, the guy's demeanor or his question. If he knew Jabber, it was probably both. He didn't really care which it was, what he really wanted to know was Jabber's answer.

When the maniac had finally stopped his frantic giggling and gathered enough brain cells to hold a normal conversation, he simply took the guy's phone and typed in his number.

“Nah, we ain't like that. We're just real close”. He handed the phone back with a wolfish grin.

The poor guy waved at them both and then hurried off.

“He was kinda cute, dontcha think Zan? But he's a bit too shy for me. Let's hurry back, I'm starvin’”

Zanka merely shrugged off the arm on his shoulders and began to walk away, neither offering a reply nor waiting for his companion.

Jabber just raised an eyebrow and shrugged his shoulders. These moments of silence happened. It wasn't uncommon for Zanka to suddenly go silent or cold, even if he had just been laughing a minute before.

The silence persisted even in their dorm. They ate lunch quietly, the only sounds in the room coming from their cutleries making contact with the plates.

Jabber knew never to push it at times like this. Normally, Zanka was back to normal in a few minutes or in extreme cases a few hours. He'd wait it out just like he always did. He'd go over to Momao’s dorm. His nails were in need of a repaint anyway.

When he was leaving, Zanka was in his room, so he just called out and left.

Zanka sat on his bed staring at his hands for a long time.

“Nah, we ain't like that. We're just real close”

Really?! Really?! Here Zanka was thinking that after all this time, after all they've done together, all the kisses, the touches, everything in between, surely they were at least something to each other, even if they didn't put a label to it. But clearly Jabber thought otherwise.

He felt like a fool. How could he have been so foolish?! How could he let some stupid feelings bleed slowly into whatever was going on with Jabber?! How could Jabber say that they weren't together?!

He hadn't even realized that he was chewing on his fingers until his phone lit up with a notification and the bloody appendages reached out to grab it.

“Shit! I thought I was over this”. He groaned as he went to the kitchenette and got the first aid box.

After his fingers were cleaned and bandaged, he went back to his room to check what the notification had been.

Dad(Gris): Hey kid. Just wanted to check in on ya. Enjin wanted to know if you could come home next weekend. Riyo and Rudo are coming over too, and you can bring a friend if you like. The house is getting real lonely without you kids in it. Anyway, remember to always take care of yourself, and if you ever need anything Enjin and I are here for you.

Zanka couldn't help but smile at the message. Maybe going back home would help him sort out his complicated feelings. He did not need to be in some sort of unrequited situationship right now.

The silence persisted even after Jabber got back from Momao's.

“Momo said I should give you these brownies. She baked ‘em and they're really good. I'll leave them on the counter”

Zanka didn't even grunt as an acknowledgement. He kept his eyes on the book in his hand.

Jabber didn't get angry or annoyed, he just dropped the brownies and went into his room to change. Hopefully, Zanka'd be back to normal soon.

Zanka stayed that way the entire weekend. He didn't talk to Jabber at all, didn't even go on their usual Saturday morning jog together. And on Sunday, they didn't go to their favorite cafe to get brunch like they usually did.

Jabber was starting to get pissed. He knew that Zanka usually resorted to giving him the silent treatment whenever he did something wrong, but not even doing all their usual activities together was being dramatic.

Jabber finally had enough on Sunday night.

“What's up with you, Mr. Bad Attitude? Been treating me like I don't exist all weekend. If I did something wrong just say it”

Zanka didn't respond. He merely looked up from his phone and went back to what he was doing. That was it.

Jabber walked over to Zanka and grabbed his jaw harshly, tilting his face so they stared each other directly in the eye.

“Why're you being such a fuckin’ brat? If I did or said something ya ain't like then tell me”

Jabber noticed the flicker in Zanka's eyes when he mentioned saying something.

“Was it really something I said?”. Zanka averting his eyes was all Jabber needed.

He searched his memory, thinking back on what he could've said to incur his roommate’s wrath. Then it dawned on him.

“Is this because of what I said to that dude on Friday?”

Zanka's face went pink instantly. “Let go of me”. He yanked Jabber's hand off his face and tried to make it to the sanctuary of his room, but Jabber was faster.

Jabber grabbed his wrist and held it in a vice grip.

“It is, isn't it?”. He let out a short laugh. “ Oh my God, Zanka. Just when I thought you couldn't be more of a bitch. Did I weally hurt your wittle feewings when I said we aren't together? ‘Cause we ain't”

Zanka felt a sting in his eyes. Fuck! Is this really all it took to make him cry? Pathetic!

He kept his face lowered. He couldn't let Jabber see him like this, it'd only make the psychopath excited.

“So all those times I had my dick up yer ass or all those times ya had yer dick up mine didn't mean a thing? All the things we've done together so far, do they all mean nothin’ to ya?”. He tried his best to hide the slight tremble in his voice.

Jabber scoffed. “None ‘a that meant nothin’. I do all ‘a that with everyone I sleep with. Ain't make ya nothin’ special. You're always so logical, don't get why you're tryna make up things that ain't there”

Zanka felt like he could hear something in him shatter. He yanked his wrist out of Jabber's hand.

“I'm headin’ ta Riyo's”. He went into his room and began to throw random essentials into a small duffel bag. Jabber followed him in.

“You're really running away just ‘cause I told you that we ain't have anything’ special between us? You're more spoiled than I thought, Zan-zan”.

He was leaning against the doorframe, a mirthless grin on his face and a dark look in his eyes.

Zanka didn't respond. He could already feel the tears threatening to spill, and knew that they'd start to fall the moment he tried to say a single word.

He finished packing—well, that's if throwing stuff into a bag was considered packing—all he thought he'd need for at least a week and walked out of the room, keeping his head down and pointedly ignoring the predatory eyes following his every move.

“Say hi to the Redhead for me”

Zanka slammed the door on his way out.

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“You're such a dick”

“WHAT?!”

Jabber looked at Momao like she had just called him every slur possible.

It was Wednesday afternoon and they were in her apartment watching a movie, when Jabber suddenly had the fun idea to use her as a relationship therapist, something she did not take kindly to in the slightest. But the thing about Momao was that she listened. Even when she didn't really feel like it, even if she knew it was probably something stupid, she listened attentively and gave useful advice or well deserved insults when needed. That was what Jabber liked about her so much, but here she was calling him a ‘dick’.

“How am I a dick? I just told him the truth and he decided to be a brat about it”

“Did you though?”

“What’re you talking ‘bout?”. He was starting to think telling her was a mistake.

“Well, for starters…”, she pointed her fork at him. “... You lied to him. You told him that everything you've been doing with him, you do with everyone you sleep with. Anyone who knows you, knows that that's the biggest lie you've ever told. Not only do you not cook for just anyone, you also don't sleep with with the same person more than three times, and even with that, you never top for someone you bottomed for and vice versa, but here you are cooking for this guy and even switching positions with him. You're either in denial or you're just a fucking idiot. Both options are highly likely”

Jabber could only look with his eyes wide as Momao delivered the entire paragraph without batting an eye.

Y'know, now that he thought about it, why did he lie to Zanka? He knew that everything he'd told his roommate wasn't true, but what he didn't really understand was why exactly he'd done it?

“I don't blame you though. It's just your defense mechanism. Y'know, like a pufferfish blowing up or a scorpion using its stinger. You lied to him, made him believe that he was nothing to you, to protect yourself. You don't want to get yourself attached to someone you think you can and know you won't recover from losing. That's how you've always been, Jab”

Her ability to read people, especially him, never failed to amaze and scare Jabber. But she was right. Whenever he felt himself getting a little too attached to someone or when he felt someone getting too close to him, he always shut it down and never really care how much it hurt the other person. But for some reason, this time was different. Usually, he'd forget about said person after a day or two of them being out of his sight, but the dorm felt too quiet, too empty without Zanka in it. As much as he hated to admit it, he missed his roommate.

“So…. What do I do now? I'm pretty sure I already scared him off”

“Well, you could start by apologizing to him. If he isn't willing to hear words, then show him through your actions that he's actually more to you than a fuck buddy”

Momao gave him good advice like she always did, but for someone like Jabber with someone like Zanka, this was easier said than done.

They were both egotistical assholes who'd rather not talk to each other for weeks, while still fucking each other, than be the first to apologize. So, even though Jabber knew he had to apologize for all the mean things he'd said, his pride wouldn't allow him to do that if Zanka didn't apologize for being such a brat first.

Of course Momao knew that he was thinking this, so all she could do was sigh and stab a piece of her food.

“By the way, there's a party this weekend, Friday night specifically. You could use it to get your mind off…”, she gestured with her hands. “... all this that you have going on. And even if you don't want to come, I'm going, so you have to come with me”

Jabber knew there was no way he could weasel his way out of it, so he didn't even try.

“You gotta pick me an outfit though”

“Sure”

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“Okay, Zan. When’re you gonna tell me what's going on with you? Why did you suddenly show up and ask to stay here for a while? Why're you so far away most of the time? Did something happen between you and your roommate?”

Zanka sighed and put down his book. It was Wednesday, three days since he'd show up on Riyo's doorstep with a duffel bag and red rimmed eyes.

“C'mon Zan. We're family. I can't watch your emotions silently eat away at you and not do something about”.

She sat bedside him on the couch and placed a hand on his knee. She looked at him, her big green eyes pleading.

“What's wrong, Zanka?”

He exhaled slowly. Riyo was his sister and his best friend. He could tell her anything, what he was worried about was how she'd react, since he'd lied to her previously concerning this topic.

“Jabber and I got into an argument”.

He didn't know how to feel when he saw disbelief and a tinge of annoyance cloud her features, but it was quickly covered up by a more neutral expression.

“Roommates argue all the time. This isn't the first time, and it's definitely not gonna be the last. So, I'm guessing this isn't about the argument itself, but what led to it”

Zanka was starting to regret this. Maybe he should've told Rudo's girlfriend, Amo, instead. She was better at reading and understanding people and their emotions than Riyo. But alas, here he was, digging his own grave.

“He…”. It felt embarrassing to say out loud. He really didn't want to have this conversation with Riyo.

“We've been sleepin’ together fer a whi–”

“I KNEW IT! You lied to me!”. Riyo cut him off. If looks could kill he'd be dead. This was exactly why he didn't want to tell her.

“Wait! So let me guess, you and the literal fuck boi of campus have been in bed a few times and maybe gone on a sweet sorta date once or twice, and you thought you guys were together and one thing probably led to another and you guys got to that topic and he didn't share your view on y'all's relationship. This sorta seems like you put yourself in this situation by jumping into conclusions, Zan”

Two things. One, he knew she'd be like this and will never talk to her about this type of thing again. Two, he knew he should've just talked to Amo.

He just sat there and stared at her, not surprised, but definitely not jolly about all that she'd said either.

“I knew it was a mistake ta talk ta ya ‘bout this. I'm heading out”

He didn't look back when she called out to him. He took his phone out and texted Amo to meet him at a local cafe nearby.

By the time Amo walked in, Zanka was damn near tears. The moment she spotted him, her expression turned into one of concern and she walked over and took a seat across from him.

“Amo was confused when you said you wanted to see her so suddenly, but now she can see why. What's wrong Zanka? Are you okay?”

Her placing her soft hand over his was all it took for the tears to cascade down his face. Zanka was by no means an ugly crier, but sometimes, ugly crying helps a lot.

Amo waited patiently for him to let it all out, occasionally handing him tissues. He appreciated her patience and consideration. She really was the perfect match for Rudo's fiery personality.

“Thanks, Amo. I'm sorry fer tellin' ya ta meet me so suddenly, but I needed ta speak with someone who wouldn't judge me right now”

She smiled softly, her expression warm and giving off a sense of security.

“Don't worry, Zanka. Amo will listen all that you have to say. You can say everything you want to. Let it all out”

And he did. Everything single thing, right from their first kiss up until their argument on Sunday night. Zanka told her every single thing, only sparing details that were not essential to the overall story.

Amo listened attentively, never interrupting him, letting him tell her at his own pace. When he'd let it all out, he felt better now that he'd finally told someone close to him about the whole ordeal.

“An’ that's what happened. I went over ta Riyo's place ’cause I couldn't stand the sight ‘a him at that moment, but then she asked me ‘bout why I came over, today, an’ totally turned against me when I told her that we've been sleepin’ together. Didn't even get ta the main point an’ she'd already made up her mind that I was the one being delusional an’ unreasonable. I didn't wanna be judged, just wanted ta be listened to”

Amo nodded. “Amo doesn't think Riyo should've been so quick to pin the blame on Zanka. Relationships are two way things, both parties involved share responsibility for whatever happens, be it passively or actively”

“Amo doesn't think doesn't think that Zanka's really to blame in this situation. If she too were to receive the sort of treatment you've told her you received, she probably would've thought that she and the person she received it from were in some sort of relationship”

“But at the same time, even though I don't think that Jabber really meant all that he said, Amo thinks Zanka should've tried to communicate with him and let him know that he'd done something wrong instead of going silent on him and then storming out”

“You and Jabber need to have a proper conversation. You need to communicate with and understand each other. Communication fails if one party fails to understand what the other is saying”

“From what you've told Amo, you and Jabber seem to have a more physical way of resolving your conflicts. Different things work for different people, and though it might not be the healthiest form of conflict resolution, if it works for you, that's alright. But every once in a while, it won't hurt to sort out your differences verbally and even if you can't fully agree with each other, you can reach a compromise”

“All Amo is trying to say is that, you both need to apologize to each other and work out where you really stand in your ‘relationship’”

Zanka let everyting that Amo said sink in. For her age, she had relationship advice that made her sound like Socrates.

“Thanks fer listenin’, Amo. And thank you fer the advice”

“You're welcome, Zanka. Amo is always ready to listen and to help in anyway she can”

She gave him another gentle smile. Just then, both their phones rang.

“Oh! Rudo's probably worried since it's getting late. You have to let Amo know if you guys make up, okay?”

“Yeah. I'll let ya know every single detail”

She let out a tiny girlish squeal and waved at him, before walking out of the cafe.

Zanka looked at his phone, a notification about four missed calls from Riyo lit up his screen, but he just switched it off and shoved it in his pocket before ordering a drink and pastry.

As he waited for his order, Zanka's mind drifted to something that Amo had said during their conversation.

“... I don't think that Jabber really meant all that he said…”

What could she have possibly meant by that? Zanka felt ticked off just thinking about all the shitty, arrogant things that jerk had said to him. He decided not to ruminate on it anymore.

When he got back, he met Riyo smoking outside. They didn't say a word to each other.

She dropped her cigarette to the floor and crushed it, before heading inside. Zanka followed her in.

An hour or two later and they were both on her couch watching some murder documentary. Her feet were on his lap.

“Zan?”

“Yeah?”

“We cool?”

“Yeah”

The next day, Riyo made breakfast and they both laughed about how over salted her eggs were.

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They were sitting in a park, sipping on their drinks, when Riyo spoke.

“Zan, I know it's not exactly your forte, but there's a party tonight and I was wondering if you'd go with me”

“Riyo–”

“I know, I know. You don't like parties, you don't do crowded bodies and funky smells, but please. I want to make it up to you for what I did on Wednesday. Please”

This girl was going to be the death of him. Riyo rarely ever said please so earnestly, and when she did, Zanka always folded, just like he did right now.

“Fine, but I ain't got any o’ yer fancy club outfits ta wear”.

Riyo was already pumping a fist in the air before he finished his sentence.

“Don't worry about your outfit. Riyo's got ya covered”

Zanka did not like the look in her eyes.

“Riyo Reaper, you are an artistic genius”

She could almost feel tears gathering in her eyes as she beheld the beauty of her creation.

Zanka stood in front of her, dressed to murder.

He wore a tight fitting cropped fishnet tank top, a thin layer of glittery fabric separating the bare skin of his chest and the top half of his midsection from the from the fishnet. The top gave the world a full view of Zanka's toned stomach and well-defined waist.

His bottom half was graced by a pair of hip-hugging low waist bootcut jeans, that gave even more definition to his already eye candy rear.

The outfit was tied together with some jewelry, a few other accessories, and…

“C'mon Zan. Pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaase. Just let me do your makeup and please use your dermal piercings. I'm literally begging you. Why would you not use your back dermal piercing? Look at your fit! A crop top with low waist jeans, is literally a sign. Zan, please”

Zanka should've known that this was a trap. She'd probably had this specific outfit waiting for him for a while and was just looking for the right moment to pounce.

Zanka couldn't lie, he looked hot, but this was a bit too much for him. Now Riyo wanted to put make up on him and make him use the piercings he got after losing a bet? No way! But she was begging so earnestly.

“Ugh! This honestly seems like yer just enjoyin’ usin’ me ta play dress up”

She let out an excited squeal and pulled a set of new silver balls for his piercings out of thin air. She helped him put them in, and for some reason, they felt like they'd always been there.

“Beautiful. Now for the makeup”. Zanka visibly shuddered.

“I could almost cry”

Riyo was once again marvelled by the work of her hands. Who knew that eyeliner, charcoal grey eyeshadow and slightly tinted lip gloss was all it took to make Zanka look fucking ethereal.

“C'mon. We need to get you out in public now”

There was nothing Zanka could do as Riyo dragged him out of her house and into the barely crowded streets.

The one or two people that walked past them as they waited for the car Riyo ordered, didn't even bother to hide their admiration for her handiwork.

“We haven't even gotten to our destination yet and you're already drawing eyes towards you. Shoulda done this a long time ago”

If his pride weren't swelling from the way passers-by openly admired him, he'd probably have his hands round her neck.

That's right. Zanka felt as fabulous as he looked. In truth, he sometimes enjoyed being dressed up, and right now, he felt fucking fantastic.

The car finally arrived after a few more minutes and they were off.

When they finally got to the party's destination, Zanka began to panic. What if he actually looked terrible? What if he didn't look as confident as he felt?

Riyo noticed him slowly self-destructing and took his hand in hers. Giving it a light squeeze, she looked up at him and smiled. No words needed to be shared between them. Zanka's confidence was back.

The moment they stepped into the already very lively party, Zanka could feel that he drew a lot of attention.

Eyes raked over him in admiration, some in hunger, all making his confidence soar.

Before he knew it, Riyo vanished into the crowd as usual and he was left to his own devices.

He just walked over to the bar and was about to order, but the bartender slid him a drink.

“Courtesy of the gentleman over there, and a little something extra from yours truly”. The bartender nodded towards some guy a few seats away and winked at Zanka, before going to serve other people's drinks.

Zanka smiled at the gentleman and walked over to him, drink in hand. The glammed up semi blonde took a seat beside the stranger like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Zanka wasn't exactly sure who spoke first, all he knew was that the conversation was more pleasant than he expected, and he actually found himself enjoying the gentleman’s company.

Eventually, they both, somehow, drifted away from each other and towards other people.

Zanka had a few more shots before he was finally tipsy enough to hit the dance floor, and when he did… almost everyone wanted a slice, but the Zanka Nijiku did not dance with just anyone and definitely did not allow just anyone to dance with him. Only those worthy enough could dance with him.

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“Don't want nothin’ too eye-catching, Momo”

Momoa’s hands stopped rummaging through his wardrobe as her head snapped towards him.

“You don't want anything eye-catching? Are you sure you're okay, Jab?”

He just shrugged his shoulders.

“Just don't wanna look like I put in effort, y'know? I just wanna look… chill”

She squinted her eyes at him then went back to what she was doing.

“You really need to get your roommate back. This version of you is starting to piss me off and creep me out at the same time”

Eventually, she picked out a baggy crop top and a pair of low sitting baggy jorts, along with simple jewelry for him. Anyone that knew Jabber would think he got robbed.

Momoa styled his dreads and they were off, or at least they were supposed to be.

Jabber, genius that he was, decided that he needed some chow before getting to the party, so they had to stop at some random fast food place, then both their cards declined, so they had to call Cthoni to get them out of their mess.

When they were finally on their way, Jabber begged Momoa to forgive him.

“ ‘M sorry, Momo. I really am. I didn't know gurl. Please forgive me”

Momoa just increased the volume of the music blasting through her headphones.

When they finally arrived, the party was well underway. Noerde was waiting for them close to the entrance.

“Where have you guys been? And what's up with Jabber? You look naked in that fit”. She handed them each a cup of drinks that she'd been holding.

“Gee, thanks for the compliment. And fyi, we decided to eat first, but both our cards declined so we had to call Thoni”. Jabber downed the drink instantly. It hit just right, but it wasn't what he needed right now.

“Correction, he decided to eat first. And Jabber, isn't that your roommate?”

“That's ridiculous, Momo. Zanka doesn't attend these types of…”.

The rest of his sentence died in his mouth as he looked followed Momoa's

He'd recognize that ass anywhere, but seeing it covered in denim fabric drawn almost taut, with dermal piercing sitting right above it, was a whole different sight from the one he was used to, and when he turned around…. DAMN!

Jabber had never seen Zanka this dressed up, and he would've dutifully appreciated the view if not for the current situation.

Zanka. Zanka, who didn't like unfamiliar people all up in his personal space, was dancing really close to some random guy who seemed pretty smug about dancing with Jabber's roommate.

“Damn! He cleans up good. But I thought you guys were sleeping together. Why does he look like he's tryna bag someone to take home with him tonight?”

Oh, that's right! Noerde didn't know about their fight.

“He looks like he's having a lot of fun”. Momoa said thoughtfully.

Jabber's jaw tightened on instinct. Every single nerve in his body, every thought in his head screamed at him to go up to Zanka and yank him out of the party and all the way back to their dorm, but he reigned himself in.

He'd just do what he did best. He'd drown himself in alcohol and, if he was lucky enough, some weed or edibles and forget Zanka and everything about him, besides the fact that they were roommates.

That was what Jabber was going to do, but after a few shots, he had a better idea.

After a few strategic actions, he finally got Zanka to notice him, and the latter did not look pleased.

Jabber stayed far enough to make it almost unnoticeable, but close enough that Zanka could always spot him.

And so it began. Jabber started it, letting some rando dance all up on him, while maintaining eye contact with Zanka.

Jabber knew it pissed him off and that was exactly what he wanted, but what he didn't expect was for Zanka to retaliate. And when Zanka Nijiku wanted revenge, he went all out.

For the first time that night, Zanka let someone place their hands on him. He couldn't tell if it was the alcohol or the need to beat Jabber at his own game, but whatever it was, it was making him bold.

He only let the person keep their hands on his waist as he danced against them, rocking his hips from side to side in tune with the music.

Zanka could practically feel the heat of Jabber's stare, or more accurately glare, against his skin. He knew that he was winning this silly little game, and he loved it.

It went on and on, both of them trying to outdo the other in a game of Who can get who more jealous. It was ridiculous, they both knew this, but seeing the absolute rage on each other's faces fueled their pettiness.

All hell broke loose when the lights dimmed and the music slowed.

Zanka was getting tired and decided to rest at the bar, while getting something to drink. The moment he lifted his eyes to the dance floor, he felt his blood boil.

Jabber was standing in front of someone whose hand was on his waist. They were too close, and were sharing a cigarette?!

Zanka's eyes widened in horror, anger and something more terrible, as he watched Jabber share a cigarette with a stranger, both blowing the smoke into each other's faces.

He was done. Zanka was so done with this, but then a familiar voice broke through the raging storm inside of him.

“Didn't think I'd see you again”.

It was the gentleman from earlier. He took a seat beside Zanka, his back resting against the bar’s counter.

Zanka hadn't really looked at him earlier, but now that he did, he realized that the gentleman was really cute.

“Didn't think I'd see yer ass either, but here we are”.

Zanka felt guilty for the slight bite in his voice, but the gentleman didn't seem to mind.

“That's a nice accent you've got. Suits you”

Zanka was instantly flustered, his cheeks and the tips of his ears turning a light shade of pink.

“Do ya always flatter people like this?”

“Only people I'm interested in”

He had Zanka's attention.

Zanka wasn't sure how they went from talking to dancing, but what he did know was that he was somehow right where he wanted to be and not where he was supposed to be, or rather, in the arms he was supposed to be in, at the same time.

Follo, the gentleman was so… Zanka didn't have any way to describe it. The way his hands traveled Zanka's body, from his back to his waist, to his hips, faintly brushing over his piercings before finally resting on his ass, made Zanka's body react in ways he couldn't put into words.

Was it the alcohol? Was it the atmosphere? Zanka didn't know, but whatever it was, it gave Follo a lot of free reign, but of course the gentleman remained respectful, simply dancing with Zanka and caressing his mesmerizing body, never being too forward.

Zanka was so in the flow that he barely noticed that Follo was trying to tell him something until he felt a pair of soft lips brushing against his jaw and trailing soft, barely there kisses till they stopped right under his earlobe.

Zanka's breath hitched in his throat as he felt Follo’s fingers against his neck.

“Can I?”

The heat of his breath made Zanka shiver. He didn't trust his voice so he just moved his neck to the side, giving Follo free access.

Zanka could almost feel himself melt as Follo's lips landed on the sensitive skin of his neck. He had to suppress a shiver when he felt a slight brush of tongue.

He didn't worry about anyone seeing them, the corner they were in was dark enough to partially obscure them.

He thought they had enough privacy, that is, until he felt himself getting harshly yanked out of Follo's arms.

He didn't really put his mind to it, or rather, he couldn't bring himself to focus. The alcohol and the tingling sensation on his neck made it necessary for his brain to need a few seconds to boot up.

Follo felt downright offended by the interruption.

“Hey, you jerk! Why did you–”. His words died in his throat as he saw the look in the perpetrator’s eyes.

“Sorry”. He scurried off with his tail between his legs.

Zanka's brain finally caught up. He knew exactly who had yanked him down from the high he was on.

“What the fuck Jabber?! Let g–”

The words were forced to die in Zanka's throat as Jabber pulled him harshly through the crowd of bodies.

They got to a bathroom and Jabber shoved Zanka into a stall before going in himself and locking the door.

Before Zanka could say a word, Jabber's lips were on his. Like most of, if not all of, their kisses, it held no tenderness. It was all teeth and tongue against each other. One of them or both of them, neither were sure, bit the other and blood was added to the kiss.

This kiss felt different, it wasn't just their usual roughness, there was something else to it… a strong emotion. Was it from one of them? Maybe. Was it from both? Probably. But whatever it was, it was dragging Zanka in, caging him, and he knew he had to escape.

So he gathered all the strength he could and shoved Jabber away from him, and didn't allow the youth a moment of recovery before landing a punch to the side of his face.

“What the fuck, Jabber?! What the actual fuck?! Why're ya bein’ such an asshole?”

Jabber didn't reply. Zanka saw his tongue poking at the inside of his punched cheek, his eyes dark and predatory.

Jabber still didn't say a word as he unlocked the stall door and dragged Zanka out of it. He merely brought the latter close to the bathroom mirror.

Zanka didn't understand what Jabber wanted at first, but then he took a closer look at his reflection.

It was clear as day for anyone to see, a bright red hickey on the pale skin of his neck.

Zanka sneered.

“And? What's yer deal? We ain't tagether anyway, so I don't see how this is any ‘a yer concern”

No, no, no! This isn't what you're supposed to do! Apologize! Communicate, just like Amo said. Stop being such a pain in the ass.

Zanka knew that this was the exact opposite of what he was supposed to be doing, but he couldn't help it. Jabber was the one who said they weren't together and that their relationship had no meaning, so why was he acting so… jealous now?

Wait a minute! Jealous? Jealous?! Jabber, Jabber was acting jealous?! Realization dawned on Zanka. He'd won. He'd won the stupid game. He'd won the stupid game that Jabber had started.

“I won, didn't I ? I fuckin’ won!”. He let out a sort of cocky laugh. “Ya started it yet I won. Ha! Now yer jealous because ya couldn't handle what ya started. How pathetic”

Pride and alcohol will be the death of Zanka.

Jabber didn't say a single word. He just watched Zanka through dark, narrowed eyes, his face devoid of any trace of a grin, mirthless or no.

Jabber's silence unnerved Zanka, but at the same time, his expression kinda turned him on too.

Zanka let out a small yelp as his arm was suddenly grabbed and he was yanked out of the party, all the way to a sidewalk to wait for a ride that Jabber was currently ordering.

Zanka had enough sense to keep his mouth shut as they waited, texting Riyo to let her know that he had left.

They were silent as they waited for the ride. They were silent the entire drive. They were silent as they walked up the stairs. But the moment they stepped into their dorm, they were all over each other before the door even fully closed.

Jabber kissed Zanka like he wanted to devour him, his tongue exploring every inch of the other's mouth, before biting down harshly on his lower lip. He eagerly swallowed Zanka's resulting moan.

Zanka's hand was on Jabber's cheek, pressing into the bruise and making him groan, a pleasant sound which Zanka happily drank up.

Jabber's hands roamed Zanka's body ravenously, moving from the upper part of his back to his waist, slowly caressing his way to Zanka's hips. His fingers brushed against Zanka's piercings and pressed in.

The sound that left Zanka's lips was nothing short of pathetic and had both of them freezing.

Zanka's face flushed a deep shade of red.

A sharp grin finally graced Jabber's handsome face as he pressed into Zanka's piercings again, the same wrecked sound clawing its way through his throat with a slightly pleading undertone.

Jabber's teeth grazed the shell of his ear, sending a sharp shiver down his spine.

“Who knew that Zanka’s pretty little piercings could let him make such beautiful sounds”

Zanka felt a strange pang in his chest hearing Jabber say his name in full, but the magenta eyed man didn't give him any time to dwell on it.

Jabber brought Zanka's hips to meet his, grinding against him as his fingers continued to press into Zanka's piercings.

“You really let his arms roam all over you? How did it feel to have him touch you, you slut?”. Jabber pressed into the piercings even harder.

Zanka whined as his head swam from the assault of pleasure that wrecked his body. He didn't even care about the embarrassing noises that left his mouth and echoed through the dorm.

“Were you planning to sleep with him? Have your dick up his ass or his up your's? You're such a bitch in heat. Just because you no longer have little ole Jabber to yourself, you decided to seek pleasure elsewhere. How greedy of you”

A shiver ran down Zanka's spine and choked moans escaped his lips as Jabber spoke. His pleasure and arousal didn't come from the words that were spoken. They came from the jealousy and anger in Jabber's voice, emotions that he had caused.

Zanka wasn't sure when or how, but eventually they’d ended up in Jabber's bedroom, and only then did the dread head let him go, much to his displeasure.

“Take it off. All of it”

Zanka saw the hunger and impatience in Jabber's eyes. He knew better than to tease him in any way, but since when did Zanka Nijiku ever let anyone fully have their way with him.

Zanka did as he was told… just, in his own way. He took off all his accessories first, slowly sliding the bangles and rings off his hands, never breaking eye contact with Jabber, whose eyes seemed to be getting darker by the second.

Rationally, Zanka knew that strip teasing right now was the worst course of action he could possibly take, but it felt so good to see Jabber so angry.

Usually it was the other way around. Jabber would piss Zanka off, delighting in his anger and getting an erection from it. But at this moment, Zanka could see why he did it. Jabber looked fucking gorgeous.

Zanka crossed his arms, hooked his fingers on the hem of his top and slowly lifted it over his head, revealing the rest of his well toned upper body and the pert pink nipples on his chest.

Eventually, Jabber lost his patience as Zanka sensually unzipped his jeans. He pushed the semiblonde roughly onto the bed and caged him between his arms.

“Fuck you”

Jabber wasted no time stripping Zanka of the rest of his clothes. When he finally lay bare beneath him, Jabber let his eyes roam over every single inch of the alluring body beneath him, but his eyes narrowed as they landed on the very obvious hickey on his neck, the only mar on his flawless skin.

Zanka's back arched off the bed as Jabber bit into his neck. The initial high whine that left his lips slowly devolved into a soft, pained whimper as the force of the bite increased.

Jabber leaned back to admire his work. Satisfied by the bloody ring now encircling the offending hickey, he leaned down again to lick away the blood, before turning his attention to other parts of Zanka's body.

Jabber was by no means gentle in his sucking or biting, leaving purple and red bruises and bites every where his mouth touched as he grinded against Zanka, still fully clothed.

Zanka moaned and whined as Jabber pinched, scratched, bit and sucked almost every inch of his body, thoroughly abusing his neck and chest.

His hips moved on their own, meeting Jabber's in grinds that sent static straight to his brain, nails digging into his back and arm, scratching angry red lines into beautiful brown skin.

Jabber's patience was thinning quickly, his dick begging to be set free from the torturous confines of his jeans and underwear.

He wanted to make Zanka pay. Wanted to make him regret letting another man touch him like that, kiss his neck that way. He wanted Zanka to regret letting another man leave such a mark on his neck.

Zanka let out a surprised squawk as he felt the dry heat of Jabber's hand wrap around his twitching cock.

“Ahhhh~ Jabber…”

Jabber stroked him at a merciless pace that left Zanka almost breathless.

Before Zanka knew it, heat was pooling in his stomach and he was pushed over the brink of pleasure. He came with a high whine.

He was a mess, mind reeling from the orgasm, still trying to catch his breath, when he felt his arms fall from Jabber's body before he was harshly flipped around, one hand pressing his head down against the mattress, and the other raising his hips high.

“Jabber, wait! I just–”

The rest of his sentence turned into a ragged moan as Jabber pressed two cum coated fingers into his tight entrance. The stretch was sudden and painful, the not so effective improvised lube also did little to help, but Jabber didn't seem to care.

Jabber's fingers pounded into Zanka at a merciless pace, stretching him out harshly. The hand that previously held Zanka's upper body down, now moved towards his lower back, pressing into his piercings, making a high cry claw its way out of his chest.

The stimulation was too much, painfully so. It was too much, too much.

“Jabber”

Jabber's fingers didn't stop. They didn't stop thrusting in and out of his entrance, they didn't stop pressing into his piercings.

“Jabber”. Zanka's voice was more desperate this time, almost pleading.

He didn't slow down.

“Jabber!”. His voice came out as a sob.

Jabber's fingers finally paused. He pulled them out fully as he flipped Zanka over.

His expression seemed to soften as he looked at Zanka's face and saw the tears glistening in his eyes.

Jabber leaned down and planted soft kisses at the corners of his eyes, his fingers returning inside him with softer, slower thrusts that had Zanka letting out soft moans.

Jabber left soft kisses all over Zanka's face and neck, his other hand rubbing his nipples slowly.

Zanka could feel himself climbing to the peak of pleasure once more, and just as he was about to reach it, Jabber's fingers pulled out of him, leaving him empty, his entrance clenching around nothing.

A small whine of dissatisfaction left his lips, but he quickly fixed his attitude as he watched Jabber strip.

He'd never be able to stop admiring this Greek god of a man.

They both let out loud groans as Jabber finally entered Zanka, bottoming out with a deep, hard thrust that had them both gasping for air.

Jabber let out soft, pleased sighs as he relished the feeling of tight heat around his dick. He slid out, then went back in slowly in an experimental thrust that had them both moaning from the pleasurably painful drag of Zanka's not so lubricated hole.

Jabber's thrusts were slow and deep. Seeing Zanka's expression earlier must have flipped some sort of switch in him. Or he was just trying to punish Zanka.

Zanka let out soft sighs as Jabber's thrusts hit just right, but it wasn't enough. He needed speed, he needed force. He wrapped his arms around Jabber's neck and pulled him down until their chests were flush against each other. This was always Zanka's sign to show that he wanted an increase in pace.

Jabber let out a low chuckle, a wicked sound. He began to move his hips at an even slower speed.

Anger and dissatisfaction flared up in Zanka, but the moment he opened his mouth to protest, Jabber rammed into him with enough strength to turn the words that were about to come out of his mouth into a high pitched scream of pure pleasure.

Zanka's hands scrambled for anything that could ground him, ultimately ending up wrapped around Jabber. He sank his nails into soft skin and dug deep enough to draw blood, before dragging them down.

Jabber moaned loudly as his hips stuttered.

With the speed and strength of Jabber's thrusts, Zanka could already feel himself hurling over the edge again.

He instinctively wrapped his hands around Jabber's neck, the latter letting out a wheezy groan as Zanka felt his cock twitch inside him.

Jabber, despite Zanka's grip on his throat, leaned down as whispered into his ear.

“You were right, Zanka. You did win the game”

Zanka's back arched off the bed as a high-pitched moan escaped his lips. His hands squeezed Jabber's neck tighter, cutting off his air circulation even more and sending him over the edge with what would have been a scream if he had more air in his lungs.

Jabber left him to soak in the tub as the former changed the bedsheets, before coming to join him.

Zanka felt drowsy, curled up under the blanket in a shirt that he borrowed from Jabber, despite his own bedroom being right down the hall.

Jabber sat on the edge of the bed, topless in the matching pants for the shirt that Zanka had on. His back was turned towards him.

For a few minutes, neither of them said a word.

“The things I said on Sunday, I didn't mean them. I was just being a dick. I shouldn't have called you a bitch”

Zanka was stunned. This had never happened before. Jabber admitting that he was wrong seemed like something straight out of a fantasy movie.

A minute or two passed before he finally said something.

“I…. I should've told ya that I felt upset instead ‘a givin’ ya the silent treatment. Ya were right. I was being a spoiled brat”

Jabber turned to face him, slight astonishment in his expression. He eventually laid down beside Zanka.

Another moment of silence passed between them.

“So…. We good, Zan-zan?”

Zanka didn't know how much he'd missed hearing Jabber calling him that till he heard it. He moved towards Jabber and pulled him close, burying his face into the space between his neck and shoulder, much to the other's surprise.

“Yeah. We're good”

Zanka felt Jabber relax into his touch and snuggle closer.

They didn't apologize to each other, not quite, but for those two, it was a really big step in the right direction.

A few minutes of comfortable silence passed, before Zanka spoke again.

“I'm goin’ home later today fer a little get tagether with my family. Would ya like ta come with me?”

Zanka knew he was overstepping. He felt Jabber tense in his arms, but then he heard him sigh.

“Sure. You sure they ain't gonna be pissed that you brought a plus one?”

“Nah. My dads are chill”

Another few minutes of silence. Then Jabber's teasing voice broke it.

“So…. When were you gonna tell me about your cute little piercings?”

Zanka went red instantly. “Shut up an’ go ta bed, ya idiot”

Jabber giggled as Zanka punched his side weakly.

After a few more minutes of giggling, they both let the inviting arms of sleep pull them under.

××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××

“Thoni?!”

“Jabber?!”

Zanka stood like by the side like a statue as he watched Jabber point an accusatory finger at the short, muscular, blue haired woman that Semiu brought over.

They'd gotten to Zanka's dads’ house some time in the early afternoon, but only Gris was home.

“Enjin's out getting some last minute groceries. Riyo said she'd be running a bit late. Semiu and Rudo each said that they're on their way”

Gris explained why they were the only ones present and formally got introduced to Jabber. Not like he didn't know about Zanka's roommate before, but he couldn't exactly expose his son now could he. That was Enjin's job.

“Nice to meet you, Jabber. I'm Gris one of Zanka's foster fathers. And I just want to tell you before hand, please don't let a guy with golden blonde hair and tattoos scare you off. He's just very protective when it comes to the kids and the people around them. I just hope you'll never do anything to hurt Zanka”

Jabber was silent for a few seconds, and Zanka was about to dig a well to fall into, when he smiled. A small, barely there one.

“Don't worry, sir. I'll do my best”

Zanka could barely believe his ears or his eyes.

Back to the present, Semiu had arrived just a few minutes after they did, and the first thing Jabber did was gasp at the sight of the woman at her side.

“You didn't tell me you were seeing someone, Thoni! Am I gonna have a sister-in-law? Does Momo know?”

The woman looked so done with Jabber.

“Well, you didn't tell me you were seeing someone either “

Zanka and Jabber looked at each other at the same time.

“It's complicated”, Zanka said before Jabber could give her an answer.

Zanka saw Semiu narrow her eyes, curiosity flickering in them. Why was she so perceptive?

Rudo and Riyo both arrived at the same time, and both with a companion. Rudo came with Amo—as always—and Riyo came with a shy looking blonde girl that seemed to go red at every single thing.

The house became lively instantly. Rudo was being rage baited by Jabber, Gris was chatting with Cthoni—getting to know her, Riyo and Semiu were gossiping about whatever lesbians gossip about, and Zanka somehow found himself in a conversation with Amo and Eishia—the girl that Riyo brought along.

Everyone was getting along until Enjin came back.

Amo and Enjin have never really seen eye to eye, so the moment he stepped into the house, they both shot nasty glares at each other.

Enjin took one look round the room and his expression morphed into what seemed like a smirk and a frown at the same time.

“Didn't know everyone was bringing their significant other over today”

“C'mon, dad. Why're you being so prissy?”

Riyo asked with a playful roll of her eyes.

“Well maybe it's because I didn't budget for four extra people”

“We'll make it work. I'll go back to the store if we need anything extra”

Gris, ever the peacemaker, did his best to calm his, not so happy, husband down.

“He really is scary”. Jabber whispered in Zanka's ear, making him jump. When did he get behind him?

“Yer such a pain in the ass”

“I'm your pain in the ass, babe”

Zanka hated him.