Hi! Can you write a Zanka fic where Reader and Zanka are close with each other and comfortable that they haven’t realized that they have feelings for each other/are lowkey dating and together. Bonus if Rudo notices before Zanka and adores reader! Ty <3
Hi love, here is your request:
💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 0 · ʚ ═══･୨I'm an Astronaut, You're the Moon୧･═══ ɞ · ( Zanka x Reader )
♡ A/N: I'm so proud of this work, I started it last n
♡ Content: Written in Rudo's POV, fluff, Reader and Zanka are not aware that they act like a couple, Injuries are mentioned, cussing.
♡ Synopsis: "I howl for you, I sing to you, I circle you." -Noah Kahan
Rudo noticed it before anyone else did.
And that’s what confused the fifteen year old the most.
Were all cleaners just blind as shit? Or did they really not seem to care that you and Zanka were practically sitting down on top of one another at the lunch table?
Just the sight alone of seeing his mentor practically on top of you was enough to ruin Rudo’s appetite.
A scowl appeared on his face, beady red eyes moving around towards Enjin, Riyo, Gris, Dear, etc…Just watching. Did nobody see this shit?!
Dropping his slop sandwich, Rudo slammed a fist on the table, glaring towards Zanka and you.
“Is nobody noticing this shit?!”
Enjin raised a brow, taking a puff from his cigarette as he looked towards Rudo. “Notice what, brat?” he smirked just a bit– eyebrows raising as his golden orbs moved to look towards yourself and Zanka.
You were practically squished against Zanka’s lap–head leaning just against his shoulder as you slurped on your chicken broth in your soup bowl–Zanka had an arm placed around your back–keeping you balanced up as he looked down at his plate–his other arm was wrapped around lovely assistaff as he stared at his food–as if just staring at it would make the slop disappear.
“You know!” Rudo puffed up his cheeks, pointing between you and Zanka.
This seemed to grab Zanka’s attention, for his eyebrows raised as blue orbs moved to look towards Rudo. “What are ya talkin’ ‘bout, dumbass?” Rudo scowled. “You’ve practically got Y/n straddling your lap!” Enjin screamed in laughter, head tossing back as everyone in the cafeteria turned their heads–staring towards you and Zanka for just a moment, before looking away at their own things once again.
You blinked, eyes gazing down between your legs and Zanka’s legs, eyebrows raising just a bit before you turned your head back up, gazing towards Rudo. “We’re just sitting together, Rudo..” Zanka scowled. “Yea, there an issue with me sitting by Y/n?”
Rudo’s mouth gawked open in shock. “You guys are sitting like a couple!” He pointed an accusing finger towards you and Zanka both; white brows furrowed in a wrinkle of frustration.
Enjin continued to laugh, holding his gut as he leaned forward in his chair–god, Rudo was killing him!
“What do you mean is there an issue?! Obviously there is if you’re holding Y/n like she's your girl if you two ain’t even together!” Zanka narrowed his eyes right at Rudo, moving to reach over the table and grab at him. “Can I not sit with my friend?! We ain’t together, you dipshit!” His face was bright red as he scowled at Rudo, flailing an arm towards the boy.
“Yea, Rudo–you’re being very, very accusing right now!” You puffed out your cheeks, crossing your arms in frustration. “Me and Zanka are just friends!”
Rudo turned, staring at Enjin with a look of pure disbelief. “Are you seeing this shit?!” Enjin couldn’t stop laughing.
-
It was hours later after that little incident in the dining hall. Currently, Rudo was walking around HQ–a piece of licorice in his gloved hand as he chomped away at it. The boy was minding his own business, humming softly in thought as he marched down the halls and towards the living quarter of HQ.
It seemed as though Rudo had forgotten all about the Zanka and Y/n situation from earlier–that is until he noticed the two sitting on the couch together. Y/n sitting on one of the poorly cushioned seats–Zanka sitting on the floor between her thighs as Y/n pulled his hair back into two clips–pinning his bangs from his forehead as he worked on waxing his Lovely Assistaff. Just the physical touch between the two seemed to be much like a couple.
Rudo scowled. He looked towards Riyo who sat right by you, trimming at a few strands of her hair as she idly made conversation between you and Zanka. Did she not see how weird this was?!
In an instant, Rudo found himself walking towards you guys–he moved, standing right in front of you and Zanka, pointing his piece of licorice right at Zanka. “Dude! Seriously?!” Zanka raised a brow, looking up and gazing right at Rudo. “What?” His tone was rude–as if Rudo had just interrupted his peace–which, in a way he did.
“You’re literally sitting between Y/n’s legs!”
“...So?” Zanka turned his attention back to his Lovely Assistaff, humming a bit as he wiped a cloth over the wooden stick. Rudo’s mouth dropped. He turned towards Riyo, red eyes pleading for her to catch onto what Rudo was trying to say.
Riyo smiled, green eyes looking towards you and Zanka. “I think Rudo is trying to say that you two are acting like boyfriend and girlfriend, Zanka…Y/n.”
You felt heat rise to your cheeks, your hands dropped from Zanka’s hair, and in an instant you pouted–looking at Riyo. “Zanka and I don’t even like each other like that! We told you and Enjin both this before, Riyo!” Your tone held embarrassment.
Rudo frowned. “Okay but if you don’t like each other why are you guys always either on top of each other, touching each other, or even holding hands in the jeep!”
Zanka shrugged. “Because we can?” His brows raised up, almost as if he were saying “Duh” to Rudo’s stupid question.
A loud groan left Rudo’s lips.
-
A cleaning had gone south. All Rudo could recall was that Jagger had shown up, and completely ruined Y/n. The poor girl had been paralyzed by his poision–hallucinating and everything. And Zanka–poor Zanka was a mess, screaming at Jagger to leave Y/n alone.
“Leave her the hell alone, dread-head!”
“Touch her again with those claws and yer done for!”
“Rudo–Help her!”
Now–the two boys sat in the infirmary, staring off at Y/n as she laid in the bed–unconscious, and still very much bloody from the battle. Zanka looked distant–blue eyes staring off into space as his hand covered Y/n’s, which rested just over her blanket. Rudo sat–head between his knees as he listened to Y/n’s heavy breathing.
God–Zanka looked a mess.
“I never want anything to happen to Y/n..” Rudo lifted his head up, looking towards Zanka with surprise at his words.
“What do you mean?” Rudo was soft with his words–brows knitting together as he leaned forwards towards Zanka. He watched as the teen bit his lower lip–gnawing at a piece of dried up skin on it. Zanka looked like a wreck.
“I just…It’s always been Y/n, Rudo.” Zanka was quiet as he spoke; eyes moving to look into Rudo’s own red ones. “She makes me feel safe–like I belong. I don’t feel average when I am with her..” Zanka leaned back, bringing your hand into his lap as he held it gently. As if it were the one thing of his that would break with just one rough grab.
“She makes me feel like home..and yea, with every hand holding, every touch of skin, every nap we take together…Everytime she does my hair…Maybe there is something between us, Rudo.”
Red eyes gleamed–Rudo could feel his stomach flip. He was right this whole time?
“I do love her..I love Y/n more than anything. If she were a jinki, she would be mine. She makes me feel good enough. And I just hope that maybe one day, I will make her feel good enough.”
Rudo smiled.
“I’ve been waiting for your dumbass to see that there is obviously something between the two of you.”
Zanka smiled softly. “I think I always sorta knew…just, didn’t want to accept it just yet. I guess I was scared that she wouldn’t want me.” Zanka turned, gazing at your form as you laid in the bed–sleeping. Your breathing had steadied just a bit. Jabber’s hallucinogen must be leaving your system. Carefully, Zanka moved up, leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your head, before he moved to sit up.
-
Rudo hummed to himself as he walked into the lunch room–it was breakfast time. Many of the other cleaners grumbled in annoyance–rubbing the sleep out of their eyes as they sat in groups, trays of slop in front of them as they ate, hardly muttering a word to each other.
Quickly, Rudo spotted his table–and quickly, he moved to sit down–sitting right in front of Zanka and Y/n, who–were leaning against one another. Zanka’s arm was wrapped carefully around Y/n, who rested her head against his shoulder, carefully biting down on a piece of toast as they muttered to one another.
Rudo felt happy for Zanka. And Rudo felt happy for Y/n. And inside, that made Rudo smile.
Finishing up her toast, Y/n moved up, pressing a gentle kiss to Zanka’s cheek, before she moved to get up. “Gotta go meet with Semiu for a minute, I’ll see you in a bit, Zan!” Zanka grinned, waving you off as you rushed off to Semiu’s desk. “I’ll see ya..”
Enjin snickered–And Zanka felt his ears turn red. He glared towards his idol; watching as Enjin took a sip of his water. “Who woulda ever thought that we were all right about you and Y/n liking each other, Zanka?”
♡ A/N: TYSM for 13 followers, and all of the love on my first two Gatchiakuta fics! It means so much for the support. Please don't forget that my inbox is open for any fic requests, or even headcanons!
♡ Word Count: 1.5k
♡ Content: Enjin is fatherly towards reader and brotherly towards Zanka, Cursing, Reader is gender neutral, fic if based off of the song Hey Jude by the Beatles.
♡ Synopsis: “You have found her, now go and get her.”
Zanka Nijiku was not a lover boy. That much was certain. He was tough, a growing man who wanted to be the best of the best inside of the cleaners. He wanted to be strong, to earn praise, and to most of all, make Enjin proud.
Some would say that Zanka has done most of that, but to Zanka, he hasn’t done any of what he strived to do with his life.
He was always hard on himself, lacked the confidence that he needed to up his strengths–and, most of all, he never believed in himself.
Maybe that is why Zanka undermined his feelings for Y/n. The cleaner whom he had always felt weird in the chest around.
In Zanka’s eyes, Y/n was everything that he could not be. They were strong, confident, and almost always had Enjin beaming at them with a smile of a proud father-figure. Zanka was utterly infatuated with Y/n.
“Ya know you’re starin’ don’t ya, Zanka?” A voice shattered every thought out of Zanka’s mind–, he felt his heart drop as he turned his head, coming face-to-face with none other than Enjin himself.
A cheeky smile grew on Enjin’s face at the flustered sight of the teen, slowly, he turned his gaze, looking over towards whatever–or, whoever it was that had Zanka’s attention the way that they did.
When his eyes met none other than Y/n, his grin only grew wider.
“Y/n, huh…?” Realization crept up in Enjin’s head as he turned to gaze once more at Zanka.
And boy, was Zanka flustered.
“It is not what it looks like, Enjin, I swea-” Zanka was cut off by Enjin holding one finger up in response, ultimately silencing Zanka.
“I have been waitin’ for this day forever– Honestly Zanka, I really thought you weren’t interested in anyone! Now, for it to be Y/n of all people? Makes me happier.” Zanka’s heart sped up at Enjin’s implications.
“Now wait just one second-,” Zanka pursed his lips, crossing his arms over lovey Assistaff as he scooted away slightly from Enjin. “I am not interested in anyone, certainly aint Y/n either.” God, he wished his heart would stop racing anytime he heard their name.
Enjin raised a blonde eyebrow at Zanka in response. “You really gonna deny it?”
“Yes.”
Rolling his eyes, Enjin turned in his seat so that he faced Zanka directly. He crossed his own arms over his chest, puffing it out to seem more mature–and more intimidating to Zanka.
“Ya gotta let people into your heart Zanka. Then, you can make yourself feel better, ya know? Less lonely, less distant from everyone else. Hell, maybe you’ll be even nicer to Rudo if you got yourself a partner, especially one as sweet as Y/n.”
Zanka could feel his brow twitch slightly in annoyance. Blue eyes looked away from Enjin’s golden orbs, instead moving to gaze over to where you sat between Rudo and Riyo. The three of you were eating true delicacy from the slums, laughing over your plates as you guys joked between one another.
“Y/n, Y/n, look at this!” Zanka scowled just a bit in jealousy, watching as Rudo held up his pretend pizza he had made out of his table scraps. He scowled even more once he watched you laugh just a little bit. “That’s funny, Rudo.”
“I can be funny…” Enjin laughed quite loudly at Zanka, who had not even realized that he had said his thoughts out loud.
Pale cheeks turned red in response, god Zanka was a mess.
He hung his head in shame. “Maybe you’re right, Enjin..”
A large hand clamped over Zanka’s shoulder, Enjin smiled as he gently rubbed it. “I’m always right, Zanka. Maybe you should go talk to them about how ya feel, maybe they like ya too. Ya never know.” Enjin pulled his hand away, shrugging his shoulders as he spoke.
“How would I even go about speakin’ to them, I mean, I can hardly hold a conversation with them as it is, Enjin. And plus, I hardly even speak to them anyways…I’d probably get rejected.” Zanka knew deep down that if you had rejected him, he probably would never love again. And, he did not want to fail at getting the one thing that he wanted–as much as he did not want to admit it. You.
Humming softly, Enjin lit a cigarette, balancing it between his lips as he placed a hand on his knee, manspreading as he leaned back.
“Y/n talks about ya an awful lot.” Zanka felt his heart skip a beat. “But I don’t even talk to her really…What do they have to talk about regardin’ me?” He gazed down at the table, placing his palm flat down on it and scratching gently at the surface.
“How cool they think you are, and how strong they think you are.” Enjin shrugged, taking a drag off of his cigarette, before offering it to Zanka. Zanka curled his lips in disgust, almost offended that Enjin even offered him a drag off of that thing.
“They think I’m cool?”
Enjin nodded, blowing out smoke as he took another drag. “In their opinion, you’re the coolest. Plus they love your hair, always askin’ me how you get it the way you do.” Zanka’s cheeks flushed as he reached a hand back, gently smoothing the back of his mullet down just a bit. “My hair…?” Enjin smiled and nodded.
“So, in my opinion, I think maybe they have a little thing goin’ on for you too, Zanka. Go and get them.”
Hours seemed to have passed before Zanka could get Y/n alone inside of HQ. but once he did, boy, he was determined not to get interrupted. So, that is how Zanka found himself inside of Y/n’s own room, fiddling with his Lovely Assistaff as he stood practically centimeters from where Y/n sat on the edge of their.
“What did you want to talk about, Zanka?” God, your voice practically reduced Zanka to mush.
Zanka could feel his heart rate pick up. Was he really going to do this? It was now or never.
“...Like you-” His voice came out barely above a whisper. Y/n furrowed their brows in concern, getting up to move closer to Zanka. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear what you said, Zan…” God, you were calling him Zan? Cute.
Clearing his throat, Zanka gazed down, bashfully hiding his face behind Lovely Assistaff. A few minutes passed of Zanka gathering his thoughts, and in a second, he had moved his head to now gaze right at you.
“I like you, Y/n. And if you don’t like me back, that’s fine. But I hope that you highly take into account the way that I feel abou-” He was cut off by the feeling of arms wrapping tightly around him. If Zanka were clumsy, he would have lost his balance, but swiftly, his arms wrapped around Y/n and his Assistaff, bringing them close to his chest in an instant.
“You like me?!” Y/n’s face was flushed with absolute happiness. Zanka was surprised.
“I didn’t realize ‘till today…Enjin was talkin’ to me bout it and i don’t know…It made me realize that I don’t want you with anyone else but me, Y/n, maybe that is selfish..but I don't give a damn.”
Zanka swore he could see tears brimming your eyes. In an instant, he reached up, cupping your face and wiping at them, brows furrowed in worry. “Don’t cry…Hey, hey…If you don’t like me back Y/n, you don’t gotta force yourself too…Just don’t cry, okay?” His voice was soft, his little accented drawl coming out softly as he carefully pulled Y/n close to him.
“I love you too, Zanka! I didn’t think you liked me at all, and–” Y/n paused to hiccup, sobbing as they wiped at their tears themself. “I just…It made me sad, and I told Enjin about how I felt, and I guess maybe that’s why he talked to you today–, but god, I spent so long awake at night thinking about what to say to you, how to make conversation–but, I didn’t think that you could ever love someone as plain as me.”
Zanka felt offended by their own words about themselves. In a second, he tilted Y/n’s chin up, and ever so gently, Zanka left the sweetest little kiss upon their lips. His eyes fluttered shut, as did Y/n’s as they melted into the kiss.
Slowly pulling away, Zanka rested his forehead against Y/n’s own. “I could never love someone as much as I love you…”
Y/n’s bottom lip trembled, and gently, they buried their face into Zanka’s chest, hugging him impossibly tight to them as they cried.
maybe it was how gentle zanka was, or maybe it was how he often let you sneak in his room to sleep when you could not. you knew there was something there.
warnings: cursing, fluff, reader is g/n, but described as underweight and smaller than usual (reader has an unspecified illness.)
( Zanka x Reader )
the first time you had ever met zanka, you were sixteen, he, just shy of turning seventeen.
you still remember the fall like it was yesterday—being caught going through trash that had been thrown away, and punished for repurposing what you had found.
you remember the panic you felt as you had fell—the bile that rose up in your throat at the stench of the dumps under ground.
you remember the vivid image of a man—enjin coming to your rescue, holding your smaller form close to him as he saved you from a trash monster with the use of umbreaker.
“eh…? what’s a tiny one like you doin’ in this dump?”
tears flowed down your face, arms reaching out to grasp enjin’s jacket as you cried and cried. cried for your parents, who couldn’t do a thing, and cried for your home.
despite hating kids, it broke enjin’s heart to see someone so young so, so broken hearted. so, he took you back to HQ…sure, you didn’t have a special object, but perhaps August could use your help.
enjin showed you around the building with the utmost care; and once he settled in taking you into the bar—that’s when you had met him…zanka.
tall, skinny, and absolutely beautiful in so many ways.
“you two play nice together, kay zanka?” you remember enjin pushing you towards zanka, smiling widely as he gently patted your shoulder.
blue eyes widened, in an instant pale hands reached out to steady you—zanka was about to scowl at enjin in embarrassment, before he looked at you—mouth gaping open slightly before ultimately shutting—was he blushing?
“i suppose you heard the big man..i’m zanka…could i get your name?”
his voice was smooth, beautiful and everything so many people could only wish for.
“y/n…”
ever since then, you had been inseparable from zanka. whether that includes spending time with him while he’s back from missions, eating with him at the bar, patching up his uniform with august as he stands by the door frame, watching with absolute adoration in his gaze, only to look away in embarrassment when he was caught by august—or worse, enjin.
you suppose the comfort and closeness from zanka is how you found yourself in this predicament now—standing in front of his bedroom door, clad in a sleep shirt that was way too big for you, and wrapped up in a thin throw blanket. your teeth bit down on your bottom lip, thoughts running a million miles in your head as you decided whether or not to go through with sneaking into zanka’s bed tonight once more.
sure, you had done this before.
but, lately things have seemed to change.
you noticed immediately when your lips quirked up in a little smile when you saw zanka walk in for breakfast—or even heard the faint sound of his voice as he spoke to enjin and the others.
you also noticed when your heart began to leap in your chest over every little interaction with the boy.
you also noticed how much you stared at him.
as if zanka had hung the stars and the moon, just for you.
with a release of a breath, you opened the door gently, wincing as it creaked just a little bit on the hinges.
upon entering the neat and tidy room—filled with nothing but darkness, you carefully shut the door, walking towards the familiar area of zanka’s bed.
you could vaguely see a lump under the covers, and with that, you felt around for a free space. soft snores left the teens mouth; breathing in and out in a deep sleep as you carefully moved to lay down beside him—your body curling up against his in an instant.
it seemed as though you had gotten away with sneaking in zanka’s bed, and slowly your eyes began to close.
that is, until you heard a soft hum.
“y/n..?” a blanketed arm moved up, wrapping around your tinier form and bringing your body close to zanka’s. you could feel the huff of his breath on your neck—reminding you just how close you were to the boy.
your heart hammered in your chest.
zanka never held you like this before.
a loud yawn left zanka’s throat as he gently reached his free hand up, beginning to rub circles into your head as he waited for you to answer.
minutes seemed to pass.
seconds ticking as you swallowed the lump in your throat.
“i don’t think i can sleep alone tonight, zanka..” your voice trembled just a bit, eyes staring at the wall in front of you.
“i figured as much.” Zanka moved to sit up, stretching just a bit before he moved over on the bed some more, gently placing a hand on your shoulder and coaxing you to turn over on your side, to face him.
he reached another hand over, turning the bedside lamp on—a soft yellow glow now cascading over his features.
Zanka looked so gentle like this.
“it’s beena boutta year since you fell, huh?” he voice was a little low with sleep, but still, he sat up, making sure you were comfortable on your side before he moved to lay back down—on his side as well and facing you.
blue eyes stared right into your e/c orbs.
“today makes a year..”
zanka hummed at that. the left corner of his mouth lifted up just a bit in a lazy smile, before he carefully placed an arm around your waist once more. “then today makes a year since i met you..”
his voice held nothing but love in it.
“a whole year of staring…
a whole year of my heart skipping a beat anytime i see you,
and a whole year of wondering how your lips would feel on mine..” he stroked your side as he spoke, his words making heat rush to your cheeks.
surely zanka didn’t mean that..?
“are you just saying that to make me feel better about today, zanka..?” your voice quivered.
leaning down, zanka placed a gentle kiss to your forehead; he could feel his own face flushing just a bit at your close proximity.
perhaps if he wasn’t so incredible down bad, as enjin says, zanka would not have even said anything to you tonight.
but, zanka knew that you needed to hear this.
“enjin was wanting to teach me how to quit starin’ at you…said i’d scare ya off..but, i couldn’t help myself…your just so mesmerizing, y/n…always thought that, ever since i first saw you.”
“so no, i am not sayin’ that just to make you feel better..”
Lowk...how would Zanka deal with a depressed reader? Maybe hcs or just a small story of Zanka with a reader that spends most of their time in their room and doesn't get up and out as much as the other cleaners. Little stuff like washing their hair for them, checking up on them, bringing them food or water or snacks, cuddling them in silence and playing with their hair at night. I'm thinking of a reader that's very quiet/shy, kinda shuts themselves in from others when they get depressed.🥹🩷
Flowkirkenuienly inspired by the song my girlfriend-TV girl
Eat what you can
Pairing: zanka nijiku x reader
Genre: fluff
Summary: headcanons and a small snippet of zanka taking care of reader when they’re going through depressive states.
Wc: idk, not long tho
A/n: im too lazy to check the wc lowk, srry not srry. I listen to tv girl but never heard that song before, yikes.
Enjoy!
Zanka would be quietly, steadfastly supportive. He’s not the loud, overly affectionate type who forces you out of your shell with big gestures, but he’s incredibly attentive and consistent in his own measured way—especially with someone shy and quiet who tends to withdraw completely when depression hits. He understands pressure and the weight of expectations (given his own background with the Nijiku family), so he’d never push you to “just get over it” or perform for the team.
Headcanons
• Checking in without overwhelming you: Zanka is observant as hell. He’d notice right away if you’re skipping meals, not leaving your room much, or if your usual quiet demeanor has gone even more inward. He wouldn’t knock loudly or demand entry—he’d send a soft message or just quietly appear at your door with something small (water, a snack you like, or even just a report that gives him an excuse to linger). “You haven’t been out much. Need anything?” delivered in that calm, low voice.
• Bringing necessities: Food and water are non-negotiable for him. He’d bring balanced, easy-to-eat stuff—maybe things he knows you tolerate even when appetite is gone. Nothing flashy, just reliable. If you’re really deep in it, he might sit on the edge of your bed or the floor nearby, eating with you in comfortable silence so you don’t feel watched or pressured to talk.
• Hair washing and gentle care: This feels very in-character for Zanka’s precise, caring side. If you let him, he’d help with practical self-care that feels impossible when depressed. He’d run a warm bath or bring a basin, handling your hair with surprising gentleness—fingers careful not to tug, massaging your scalp slowly while the room stays quiet except for the water. “Relax. I’ve got it.” He’d dry it thoroughly afterward too, almost methodically, like it’s another task he refuses to half-do when it comes to you.
• Nighttime cuddling and hair play: Evenings are when he’d be most present. After missions or training, he’d slip into your room (if you share space or he has access), kick off his boots, and just pull you against his chest without a word. One arm around you, the other slowly carding through your hair—long, soothing strokes that help ground you. No forced conversation. He might murmur occasional low reassurances like “You’re not alone in this” or “Take the time you need,” but mostly it’s silent comfort. His presence is steady and warm, a quiet anchor.
• Respecting your shyness/isolation: He gets that you shut down around others when low, so he’d run interference with the rest of Team Akuta if needed—subtly steering people away or covering for you without making it obvious. He’d never shame you for not being as active as the others. To him, you’re still valuable and worthy even when you’re quiet and withdrawn.
• Long-term approach: Zanka might gently encourage tiny steps when you seem ready (a short walk together, fresh air), but only if you signal it’s okay. He’d research or recall what helps with low moods in his own analytical way, applying it patiently.
Short scene
The room was dim, the usual bustle of the Cleaner quarters far away. You hadn’t left much in days, curled under the blanket with that heavy fog pressing in, the kind that made even simple words feel too loud.
A soft knock—barely there—then the door eased open. Zanka stepped in, carrying a tray with water, some rice balls, and sliced fruit. His two-toned hair was still neatly styled despite the long day, navy eyes scanning you quietly.
“You’re still in here,” he said, not accusatory, just stating fact. He set the tray down and sat on the edge of the bed. “Eat a little if you can.”
You managed a few bites in silence while he waited, patient as ever. When you finished, he didn’t leave. Instead, he shifted closer. “Come here.”
You hesitated, but let him pull you into his lap, your back against his chest. His arms wrapped around you securely, one hand finding its way to your hair. Slow, rhythmic strokes—fingers gentle through the strands, untangling knots with care. The silence stretched, comfortable and safe. No questions about why you were like this, no pressure to rejoin the others.
Minutes bled into longer. His breathing was even, grounding. Occasionally his thumb brushed your temple, or he’d lean down to press a light kiss to the top of your head.
“Whatever’s weighing on you… you don’t have to carry it alone tonight,” he murmured eventually, voice low. His hand never stopped its soothing path through your hair. “I’m right here.”
In the quiet dark of your room, with Zanka’s steady warmth behind you and his fingers still playing gently with your hair, the weight felt just a fraction lighter. He’d stay as long as you needed—no rush, no expectations. Just him, solid and unwavering.
can we have a REVERSE of 'deserving this softness' and it's zanka pampering reader instead?
Deserving This Softness (Reverse)
Pairing: Zanka Nijiku x Reader
Genre: Fluff
Summary: After a brutal mission leaves you exhausted and sore, Zanka takes care of you with a gentle massage and quiet affection. Pure softness.
WC: 720 i think, idk
A/n: sorry if it’s bad, I’ve been writing a lot cause i got a few more requests than expected. Ty all for the requests tho.
The door to your quarters clicked shut behind you, the sound echoing louder than it should in the quiet space. Every muscle in your body screamed in protest as you shrugged off your jacket, the fabric catching on bruised shoulders. Today’s mission had been relentless — trash beasts that just wouldn’t quit, combined with bad footing and one too many close calls. You were bruised, drained, and the knot between your shoulder blades felt like it had taken up permanent residence.
You didn’t even hear him enter at first.
Zanka moved like he always did — silent, purposeful, but today there was an extra gentleness in his steps. He’d been waiting for you, of course. Word traveled fast among the Cleaners.
“Sit,” he said softly, voice low and steady. No room for argument, but no command either. Just quiet care.
You turned to look at him. His usual intense expression had softened around the edges, those sharp eyes scanning you for injuries. He’d already changed out of his combat gear into something looser, sleeves rolled up, revealing the toned forearms you loved.
“I’m fine, Zanka. Just tired.”
“You’re not fine.” He stepped closer, warm hands settling on your waist, guiding you toward the edge of the bed. “You’re favoring your left side. And your shoulders are up by your ears.”
Before you could protest, he was behind you, large hands pressing lightly into your upper back. The heat of his palms seeped through your shirt immediately, and you let out an involuntary sigh.
“Off,” he murmured, tugging at the hem of your shirt. You lifted your arms with a wince, and he helped you out of it carefully, tossing the garment aside. Then came the oil — something faintly herbal he must’ve gotten from one of the supporters. The scent filled the room as he warmed it between his hands.
You melted the second his fingers met your skin.
Zanka was surprisingly gentle for someone whose fighting style was all precision and power. He started at the base of your neck, thumbs working in slow, firm circles that melted the tension away knot by knot. Every stroke was deliberate, like he was memorizing the map of your aches and erasing them one by one.
“Right here?” he asked when you hissed at a particularly sore spot.
“Mhm… yeah. That’s the one.”
He hummed in acknowledgment, leaning in so his chest brushed your back. His breath was warm against your ear. “You did well today. Pushed harder than anyone. But you don’t have to carry it all alone.”
His hands moved lower, working along your spine, then out across your shoulders and down your arms. The calluses on his palms added a perfect texture — rough enough to work out the deep knots, but never too hard. When he reached a bad bruise on your side, he paused, pressing a soft kiss just above it before continuing the massage.
You felt yourself sinking deeper into the bed, eyelids heavy. “Zanka… you don’t have to do all this.”
“I want to.” His voice was quieter now, almost reverent. “You take care of everyone else. Let me take care of you for once.”
He shifted so he was straddling your thighs (careful not to put too much weight on you), and continued down your back. Long, sweeping strokes that left your skin tingling and warm. Every so often he’d lean down to press a kiss to your shoulder blade, the nape of your neck, the top of your spine — little anchors of affection that made your chest feel too full.
When he finally finished, you were boneless, floating in that hazy space between sleep and awake. Zanka wiped his hands and lay down beside you, pulling you gently into his arms so your head rested on his chest.
“You deserve this,” he whispered, fingers threading through your hair. One hand continued slow, soothing strokes along your back. “All the softness. All the rest. You fight like hell out there… but here, with me? You get to be soft.”
You nuzzled closer, inhaling the familiar scent of him — clean sweat, faint metal from his vital instrument, and that comforting warmth that was just Zanka.
“Thank you,” you mumbled against his shirt.
He pressed another kiss to the top of your head. “Always.”
The room grew quiet except for the steady beat of his heart under your ear and the occasional soft murmur of praise as his fingers kept tracing lazy patterns on your skin. For once, the weight of the day felt distant. Safe. Handled.
In Zanka’s arms, you let yourself deserve every bit of this softness.
