Based on this post by @falling-just-another-way-to-fly
I loved it so much. I cannot express to you how much I had to do this.
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"...You look upset."
"I'm in the infirmary."
"Yeah but... MORE upset that you usually do when you wind up in here." Riyo noted. She was leaning on Zanka's bed, smiling cutely as he was laid up. The cleaner groaned, trying not to look at her and think of his cirmcumstance. His boyfriend had kicked his ass again. A sentence that sounds like it should be followed by escaping an abusive relationship but no, it's an average Tuesday.
"I'm fine."
"He really did a number on ya this time. You put up a good fight though, I'm sure-"
"Don't patronize me. I ate shit and I know it." Zanka closed his eyes, frustrated with himself beyond belief. "He's just the most immaculate freaking fighter. I fault once, I CAN'T recover. It's killing me."
"Chin up, 'kay? He's probably had a vital instrument longer than you so it's completely understandable. You'll kick his ass one day and I can't wait to hear all about it."
"...Thanks." That was of some comfort and it did make Zanka smile, albeit weakly. "It's hard... especially since I'm dating the bastard... I feel like I should be beyond being jealous of him."
"Nah, you're within your right to be angry about it. I think you'd feel better if you beat him at something. Anything, really."
"...What?" Zanka couldn't understand what she meant and suddenly Riyo gasped, more confused her gestured for her to keep talking. "Well, don't stop. Tell me what's on your mind-"
"I have an idea!"
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Jabber strolled up to Cleaner HQ, whistling a happy tune. He loved being here. Since he and Zanka's relationship was made public the cleaner's boss gave him the okay to come and visit Zanka as he pleased. Jabber knew it was probably an olive branch to make him switch sides but he isn't interested... yet. For now, it's just a fun place to spend time with his boyfriend.
He loved the angry look on the other cleaner's faces when he wandered in. The lady at the front desk was pretty chill with him, always adjusting her glasses before talking to him, but most of the other cleaner just hated his guts. It was a thrill for him. As Jabber was headed to Zanka's room he paused.
"...Oh Right... he won't be in there....Heh, I made sure of that." Jabber sang, turning around dramatically and headed towards the infirmary. He snickered all the way there, making it and knocking playfully on the door.
"Come in!" Riyo's voice. Oh, he loved running into Bang Bang Braids. He entered that room fast, smiling wide the moment he saw Zanka in bed. "There he is. Semiu warned us you were headed up."
"Hey Red. Hey, Zankaaa~"
"Hey, Jabbs." Zanka sounded tired. Jabber clicked his tongue, a twinge of guilt biting at his throat. He loved pushing Zanka's limits but the failed attempts always made things weird between them for a few days.
"I got you something," Jabber mumbled, pulling a little box out of his pocket. Zanka sat up, seeing it and smiling weakly. "Figured some sweets would help since you're gonna be laid up for a bit."
"It's always so weird to see you freaks do normal couple stuff." Riyo commented. Zanka didn't take offense to that, taking the box with a quiet 'thanks'. There was a bit of silence that put the raider on edge and suddenly Zanka spoke up.
"Jabber, I'm bored."
"Huh?"
"You fucked up my leg pretty bad. I'm gonna be in bed for a few days and I'm bored."
"Uuuh... Sorry about that." Jabber offered, scratching the back of his head nervously. Where the hell is he going with this?
"How about we play some games... nice small simple competitions... y'know... keep me entertained."
"Oh uh... Sure. What were you thinking?"
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ROUND ONE: HOUSE OF CARDS.
"Alright, it's simple! Make a house of cards! Most cards used wins!" Riyo announced the rules. Jabber was shuffling his deck for who knows what reasons. Zanka took dep breaths. The patience and precision required for this was immense. There was no way Jabber could do it. "Aaaaaand.... Go!"
Zanka got to work immediately. Jabber took a few more seconds to start. Zanka's tray wobbled initially but he learned to work with it as he constructed the bottom layer of his tower. He barely breathed, fumbling a few cards as he started to get it off the ground. He had a few cards standing now, setting some on top to begin the second layer of his pyramid. As Zanka was hard at work, Riyo pursed her lips. She tried real hard to be quiet.
"...Okay, we're gonna call it early." She said suddenly. Zanka looked up, confused but then stunned. Jabber had Mankira out, her suppressed form. He was using the thin blade to precisely move cards. He had the cards stacked in a circle and was already on his 4th layer of the tower. The cylindrical tower mocked Zanka with it presentation. In his shock, Zanka knocked over his cards.
"...Huh... You know, this is kinda fun," Jabber mumbled, looking over his masterpiece. "I might start doing this."
"How did... but-"
"Uh... next round?" Riyo offered, shrugging nervously. Hopefully this wasn't a trend.
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ROUND 2: GINGERBREAD HOUSE
This round for sure, Zanka had it. There's no way his boyfriend could decorate a gingerbread house. They require love and care and skill. Riyo put the kits in front of them. Same ingredients. Same amount of candies. Rudo was in the infirmary now, watching and waiting. After all, Riyo said he could eat them when the contest is over.
"Okay... 20 minutes to build and decorate your gingerbread house." Riyo started, looking at Zanka. He had all his materials laid out already. Jabber was eating the jelly candies. It made her smirk. "Go!"
The curtain was drawn around the hospital bed so Zanka and Jabber couldn't see each other. Zanka laser focused. He put the house together in no time, proud of his craftmanship. He used the peppermints as shingles. He used the icing to draw the windows and doors. The jelly candies created the walkway to the house. He was nailing this. There's no way he wasn't.
Riyo peeked in the curtain and the way she immediately grew nervous made Zanka freeze.
"...Oh...kaaaaay... Times up."
"Good. I just finished."
"...You're going to hate this," She whispered, pulling the privacy curtain away. Zanka looked at Jabber's Gingerbread house and his face fell instantly.
Jabber at the side walls to make them shorter, which allowed him to make a more sloped roof. He chose to use the icing for his shingles. He carved off an opening for the door and used the spare gingerbread to make a steeple, turning the house into a church.
Zanka's eye twitched as Jabber turned the cardboard it was on, showing off the stained glass window he made on the back out of the little pieces left of the jelly candy. He stacked the peppermints, putting icing over them to make them look like little bushes and trees. Zanka only knows that because the time ran out and he can see a half finished one. The damn roof even had icicles.
"Man, I wanted to make more stuff." Jabber mumbled. There was icing on his cheek, proving he was probably nibbling at the thing the whole time. "What's next? I'm having fun."
"I have never been so angry in my life..."
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ROUND 3: PUZZLES
"In front of you, the two of you have the same jigsaw puzzle!" Riyo announced. As she did, Rudo was on another bed on the other side of the room, absolutely destroying the gingerbread houses. "Whoever solves it faster wins."
"Man, I was hoping for another one I could eat." Jabber's complaints were ignored. His boyfriend was beyond focused. He HAD to nail this. He couldn't fail anymore.
"GO!" Riyo shouted. Zanka opened the box lightning fast. Jabber didn't particularly care, dumping out the pieces lackadaisically. Zanka was scanning every single piece and referring back to the picture on the box.
He was able to identify which piece when where, making a grid in his mind and beginning to set up where he needs to start. it's a 30 piece puzzle. It could be solved easily. He started to arrange the corners, grinning as the picture was already coming together.
"Done." Jabber's voice took him out of it. Zanka stopped, looking over to see that Jabber already put the puzzle together. Granted, it was sideways but it was finished. The cleaner deflated and Riyo gave him a disgusting look of pity.
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Zanka just laid in bed after that. He shooed Riyo and Rudo out and Jabber left to get food for him. Zanka stared at his reflection in the window, unable to stomach it. He failed at every stage. No matter what, Jabber was just better. Worse, he hated him for it... but he loved the asshole. He couldn't quite articulate what he felt. He didn't even notice Jabber reentered the room with two full plates.
"Alright, Dinner!" The raider cheered. "I didn't know what I should get for ya."
"...Thanks."
"You alright?" Zanka just nodded, but that nonverbal answer made Jabber sigh. "...You can tell me what's buggin' you."
"No... I really can't." Zanka admitted. Jabber put the plate in front of him before sitting on the neighboring bed with his own. Zanka began to pick at his food. He liked a lot of the things on this plate but some were things he hated. He glanced at Jabber curiously. "Zodyl need you back soon?"
"He's not expecting me for a few days. That's why I was able to hang out for so long today." Jabber smiled, shoveling food in his face. Zanka couldn't help but smile too. "So uh... you wanna go out tomorrow?"
"Leg-"
"Right, Right... Damn, why do I have to fuck up everything." Jabber complained. That gave Zanka pause. He looked at Jabber and his raised brow must have been funny cause Jabber laughed. "What?"
"Everything like what? I mean, yeah we went a little crazy in our last fight but that's hardly 'everything'."
"Yeah but putting you in the infirmary screws other things up. Let's face it Zan Zan... You're the good boyfriend in this relationship." That surprised Zanka. His eyes widening by the second. "I mean. You always plan the best dates. You remember things like what I like, My birthday, things I've said. With you down for the count I gotta fill in the gaps and damn I suck at this relationship stuff."
"....You don't need me."
"Don't need- Man, what are you talking about?" Jabber scoffed, mouth full. "You remember our date last month? We didn't meet up beforehand so you wrote me the most detailed directions on how to get them myself. Every time you write me directions they're so easy to follow! Damn, I only remember the directions because you taught me 'Never Eat Soggy Waffles' for North East South and West."
"....Seriously?"
"Yeah... That's why I love ya, Zan Zan." Jabber smiled warmly, making sure to swallow so he didn't mumble anything. "Where I have cracks, You fill them in. Completing me, if you wanna get corny about it."
Zanka dwelled on that longer than he wanted to admit. Jabber could tell and got back to eating again. Zanka was eating his food more now.
"...Love ya too, Freak... You... fill in my cracks too..."
"What cracks?" Jabber smirked, "You're so put together. Mature. Smart. Intuitive. The hell do I add to you?" Zanka had to purse his lips to fight a wide grin. He couldn't even look at his boyfriend now.
"...You love me for me. Believe me, that's something I seem to have trouble doing."
I've seen people make Zanka the confident one and Jabber the meek one. Makes sense. Love it when I see it.
I've seen people make Jabber the confident one and Zanka the meek one. Makes sense. Love it when I see it.
What I see markedly less is both men having no idea what the hell they're doing. First date is an awkward mess and disaster. They don't know how to kiss. Sex? Guess. It's an awkward thing all around.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
For everyone wondering why I haven't been updating my other Janka stuff, I'm going to be updating this until it's finished. Then I'll turn to Picked Up In Store and do the same thing. Then just go down the list until all my stories are done.
My favorite phenomenon in Janka shipping is that people try so hard to stick to Jabber being a masochist that they think it's the only way he can experience pleasure.
It's so fascinating to me. I don't mind it when I see it, genuinely I think it's funny.
Don't fret about making him blush. Like, he can be multifaceted, my guy. Just cause he'd like being kicked in the stomach doesn't mean he can't like a kiss on the cheek too. Humans are complex.
I actually wrote this a long time ago but I was thinking about it today so I decided to cross post it for the people that refuse to click on links (Which is valid)
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To be honest, Zanka should have expected exactly this. His relationship with Jabber was discovered, the news spreading quickly through Cleaner HQ. No amount of vouching from Corvus or Semiu made the cleaners more accepting of it. The only thing that changed is now Jabber can show up in the middle of the day and walk right through the front door.
He walks through the halls with his head held high like he's allowed to be here... because he is now. Since the secret's out, Corvus gave him his blessing to visit Zanka whenever. The young cleaner had a feeling that it was so Jabber would get used to being here. He thinks his boss wants Jabber to join up... which Zanka can't decide if that's a good thing or not. That's neither here nor that. No, what IS here and is very much there though is Jabber. He was leaning in Zanka's doorway, grinning ear to ear like he didn't just disturb his boyfriends meditation. Zanka remained composed, opening one eye to spot the intruder.
"...Hey Zaaaanka."
"...What are you doing here?"
"Visiting you!" He teased. He came in without another word, closing the door, throwing himself on Zanka's bed on his stomach and looking at Zanka with a glow in his eyes. "Not happy to see me?"
"...Ugh," That sigh was all annoyance but the following smile was genuine, making Jabber smirk. "Actually... I am."
"Knew it~" Jabber sat up proper, sharing a nervous giggle with his boyfriend. The door opened suddenly. They both looked as Rudo entered. He coughed nervously. "Hey, Spherite~"
"Sorry, wrong room." Rudo excused, walking away and leaving the door open. Jabber shot Zanka a look, noting how he was confused as all hell.
"...I'm takin' it that's not normal."
"Hell, no." Zanka got up, heading to his door to close it. "Anyway, it's good to see you. Where'd you disappear to for the last week?" As Zanka pushed the door closed a hand caught it. He let go, letting Riyo peek in and push the door wide open. Stunned, Zanka took a step back. "R-Riyo?"
"Hey~" She cheered, she looked in the room, noting Jabber was sitting on the bed. "Sorry to bug ya, just... wondering if you want to get dinner with me and Enjin later?"
"Y-yeah sure. That sounds good." Zanka moved to close the door but her hold on it was strong. They were in a stalemate and Jabber started to snicker. "...So... yeah... dinner... Later."
"Got it!" Riyo didn't even try to let go of the door. When Jabber's laughing got louder Zanka finally paid more attention to him. He looked over, raising a brow.
"And what the hell's so funny."
"N-Nothing," Jabber tried to contain his giggles. Zanka let go of the door. Riyo opened it all the way, waved goodbye and wandered off. Zanka stood there for a second before he closed his bedroom door. "Oh, this is fun."
"No clue what that was about-"
"Zan Zan, really?" Jabber scoffed. Zanka joined him on the bed, leaning back on his hands. "My guy, they're tryin' to keep your door open."
"...Wait," Zanka stared at the door, confused and oddly offended. "F-For what?"
"Could be to eavesdrop. Could be to prevent us from gettin' it on. Who knows... but they want that door wide open."
"That's ridiculous-" Enjin opened the door with very little fanfare. No knocking, nothing. Jabber started to laugh again, poorly containing his amusement. Zanka was just embarrassed. "E-Enjin?"
"Uh hey... So... I was wondering if uh... You wanted to get dinner with me and Riyo later-"
"I already used that one!" Riyo was heard from down the hall. Jabber put his head in his hands, just unable to quite giggling like an idiot. "Think of something else-"
"Damn-"
"Okay, uh, later, alright?" Zanka got up, trying not to be annoyed. Whatever the reason for this was, it must be out of love. "I'm busy... Jabber is visiting."
"Yeah no, I know," Enjin mumbled, nervous about the topic. He started to scratch the side of his head. "I just uh... wanted to ask."
"Well, thank you. See you guys later." Zanka shut the door once more. This time he locked it. "Ugh, Okay, now that's over."
"You think so?" Jabber was having so much fun right now. That smile kept Zanka at ease. He made it back to his bed, pushing some of Jabber's dreads over his shoulder. "You think we're finally alone?"
"...As alone as we can be. So, where have you been?"
"Zodyl's got me doin' bullshit," The raider rolled his eyes, further softening the cleaner. "Had me out in Penta last week."
"Did you wear a damn mask this time? The only thing I want to kill you is me."
"Oh, that honor is earmarked for you, Zan Zan, trust me," He grinned, "Yeah, I masked up. Just for you."
"Good." Zanka gave his boyfriend a peck on the cheek but the smug look he got after begged for more. The cleaner let out a breathy laugh before he tenderly kissed Jabber's lips. The door handle rattled, but the door wouldn't budge. The raider giggled into the kiss, which kept Zanka distracted from the attempts at the door. Jabber held onto Zanka's shoulders, a move that got Zanka's arms wrapped around him. There was tinkering at the door, a small metallic sound that was lost in the light groans. Jabber hooked his finger through the loop on Zanka's zipper, the cleaner digging his fingers more forcefully into his back as a result. Unfortunately, the door burst opened. The men immediately panicked and separated, turning to the door to see a very nonchalant Tamsy.
"Sorry to bother you, Zanka. I was looking for Semiu. Have you seen her, she isn't answering her choker." A seemingly normal excuse... if you didn't think about it too hard. Zanka was completely flushed, He pulled his zipper up, despite the fact Jabber hadn't gotten a chance to pull it down. "Am I interrupting?"
"You know, A little bit," Zanka couldn't keep the attitude out of his voice, especially since even Jabber didn't find this as hilarious as the last time. "No, I haven't seen Semiu."
"Pity. Well, thank you anyway." Tamsy made himself scarce but left the door wide open. Jabber and Zanka shared a look.
"...Shit's not funny anymore." Jabber mumbled. Zanka agreed but that pout almost made him chuckle. Jabber noticed, shooting him a bemused look. "Pfft, what are YOU laughing at."
"Aw, are you disappointed your kisses stopped?" Zanka teased. He got up, determined to block the door this time. He closed it and locked it. "Ugh, let's see... I guess I could move my dresser."
"Yo, you're gonna block it? And that will work?"
"Probably not but what choice do I have? They're going to keep coming in here."
"I mean... we could just leave the door open."
"...I don't know."
"Hey, if they hear us fucking it's their fault at this point."
"Shut up, I'm not sleeping with you with the door open-" Almost on cue, the door was slammed open, scaring Zanka who was still standing next to it. Delmon was standing there, casual in his normal intense way.
"Hello Zanka!" He greeted. "I was wondering if you wanted to get dinner with Riyo and Enjin later-"
"I already used that!"
"Alright, That's it!" Zanka stormed out of his room to a sight he very much wasn't prepared for. Pretty much everyone. With the exception of the children, the cleaners were crowding the hall outside Zanka's room. He blinked a few times and then sighed. "...What the hell is going on here?"
"We uh..." Bro started, the man scratching his chin nervously. "..It's a funny story-"
"Yo, Zanka?" Jabber popped his head out of the room, startling a few of the cleaners. He didn't even mind. "..We could just keep the door open. I don't exactly have a whole lot of time for this visit."
"I-I... but... are you sure?"
"Yeah, just forget about it okay." Jabber smiled, dipping back into Zanka's room. He could hear him take a seat at his desk this time. Zanka took a sweep of all the cleaners at least once before going back into his room and leaving the door open. He sat on his bed, nervously watching the opening now that he knew what was out there. Jabber didn't seem to care. "You alright, Zan Zan."
"...You're really okay with this?"
"...You're lucky to have so many people care about you." That caught the cleaner off guard. Hell, it caught them all off guard. Jabber leaned back in the chair, teetering it on it's two back legs. He grinned. "You got a good group of friends Zan Zan... So, did I tell you what went down in Penta?"
"No, we didn't get into it-"
"Zodyl sent me to look for some guy. I don't know the reason. Since we started datin' he doesn't tell me shit anymore. Anyway, I find the guy and after gettin' some work done I got this." Jabber dug in his pocket, immediately tossing some things to the cleaner. He panicked but ended up catching the pair after some fumbling. Earrings. They were rather heavy bronze, shaped like... Zanka froze. That was the reaction the raider wanted. "You like 'em~?"
"...They look like Lovely." Zanka ran his thumb over the Heavy earrings. Shamelessly, a few cleaners peeked into the room. Riyo and Tamsy specifically. Enjin pulled Riyo back out of the door but no one stopped Tamsy from being nosy. "...Where did you-"
"They were originally flowers... but when I noticed how the base they were built with was shaped I thought 'Oh, it would take so little effort to make this look like Lovely'."
"I-I love them... T-Thanks..." Zanka peeked at the door. When he spotted Tamsy that finally made the older cleaner retreat. Zanka just sighed. "...Sorry I can't spend any alone time with you."
"Hey, no worries... It was worth it to see that look on your face." Jabber put the chair flat on the floor before standing up. "I should get goin'. I stopped by cause this was on the way to something Zodyl asked me to do. Again, I don't know what. Just like your people, Raiders don't really trust me since you and I were exposed." Zanka felt that sting. He wasn't the only one. A few cleaners in the hall were affected by that statement. "Anyway, Gotta get to Hole Town... Which is... Never Eat Soggy Waffles- west from here, right?" Zanka couldn't help but snicker hearing Jabber have to remind himself of the cardinal directions.
"...Please get directions from Semiu before you leave here-"
"Yeah, I will. No promises that will help." Zanka stood, meeting Jabber halfway for a rough but chaste kiss. "Later, Zan Zan."
"Later Jabbs." The raider shot him a wink, showing himself out.
"Bye, Everyone else~" He heard Jabber in the hall and couldn't help but smile. Zanka sighed, going to close his door only for it to be caught again. Enjin held the door open, a somber look on his face.
"Hey, Zanka... can we talk?"
"...What's up?"
"It's not that we don't trust you," Enjin started, rubbing his neck as he spoke. "We're all just... trying to get used to this..."
"I know... I don't blame you guys. I know it's a lot to get used to."
"But we don't want to be handling this the same way the raiders are," Enjin said seriously. "They're icing Jabber out, treating him like they can't trust him... and that made me realize that we've been doing the same thing. We don't want to do that. We trust you completely Zanka. Always have. Always will." That made him smile. Enjin couldn't help but return it. "I don't know what brought you two together. Maybe one day I'll be mature enough to get an answer and accept it. That day ain't here yet... but.. for now... at least I can let you and your boyfriend have some privacy next time he comes over."
"...Thank you Enjin. That means a lot... Do... you and Riyo want to go get some dinner?"
"You know what, that sounds great."
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I'm slowly growing irrelevant to this fandom, just let me have this
Guys, you'll never guess who the cleaners escort is... What do you mean you already guessed?!
New story is up Check Out My Melody
I have wanted to write this for a LONG time. I haven't been able to because I doubted my ability to make the concept work. People don't like Jukebox musical movies: like Trolls or Sing. And I'm supposed to make a compelling jukebox musical FIC?!
I really hope I can pull this off for you guys. I'm still nervous about the idea
Kicking around that fic idea still I wrote about a long time ago. I deleted it, so maybe one or two of you remember it.
It was the Jukebox musical fic that took place in a town that mostly communicates in song. Jabber was from there and cleaners had to visit for an unrelated matter.
Instead of picking the songs myself id just heavily imply the themes of the songs I'm thinking of and you could put whatever song you want that fits in that spot in a sort of choose your own adventure way.
I've been thinking REAL hard about it for a WHILE and I think I'm ready to write it soon. I've always loved jukebox musicals. For the uninitiated, that's a musical where none of the songs are original.
I wrote this based on this post by the lovely @sweetsangel
I came across it and you guys KNOW I love shennanigans.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
The moment the door slide open Zanka felt his patience wearing down. They had stepped into the store, the air conditioning breathing more energy into them compared to the relentless heat beating down just outside. The store was bustling, disorganized shoppers walking around and blocking aisles as they looked at products and cared little for others around them. Zanka got a cart first. He pulled it from the row and his company decided to hop inside almost instantly. Zanka began to grind his teeth, looking down at the back of his boyfriends head and practically burning a hole in it.
"Shopping time!"
"Jabber, get out of the fucking cart."
"It's more efficient this way." He defended. Zanka pursed his lips. No, he's not going to yell... yet. They hadn't even grabbed anything yet. Besides, he just needed enough to make dinner tonight. He wouldn't be TOO in the way. Zanka began to push the cart, headed to the produce section first. After all, it's right by the entrance. People were picking up and putting down fruits, pretending they knew what they were doing. Zanka didn't even know why he started in this section. He didn't need any of this. He needed garlic, but he usually bought that pre minced in the jar. As he was busy thinking, Jabber reached out of the cart, grabbing a few ears of corn and throwing them in there with him. No bag, just in the cart. Zanka stopped, staring at him like he was an idiot. Not that he could see him. His back was to him.
"What are you doing?"
"Grabbing corn."
"Yeah, I saw that but WHY are you grabbing corn?"
"I want corn." Jabber picked the corn up and then turned himself around. He wanted to make sure Zanka could see the shit eating grin on his face. Zanka puffed up his cheeks, barely holding back his temper. Zanka reached to the bag dispenser, throwing a couple plastic bags and Jabber. He didn't mean to grab so many.
"At least put it in a bag. Fine. I'll make you corn." As Jabber cheered, struggling to open the little transparent bag, Zanka made his way quickly through the rest of produce. He didn't want Jabber putting his grubby hands on more stuff. The section bled into the bakery section. Cakes and donuts lines shelves and walls. There was a display case with a bored employee waiting behind it. He knew this section would be a hassle.
Zanka expected Jabber to stare at the glass case of big cakes and be distracted by that but he was surprised when Jabber reached out of the cart and grabbed a box of donuts. He put them in his lap and Zanka stopped the cart yet again.
"Seriously?"
"...What? You like donuts." Zanka didn't even respond to that. He had to walk around to take the box out of the car, very pointedly putting it back and glaring at his boyfriend. "So no donuts?"
"It's like taking a toddler to the store. You're such a pain in the ass."
"I'm your pain in the ass." That defense, albeit cute, did nothing to quell Zanka's growing anger. He continued his trip through the store, foreseeing a trend.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
"Alright, I got the Heavy whipping cream," Zanka thought aloud, going through his recipe for alfredo in his mind. He tapped his chin in though, leaving the aisle of cooler slowly. "...Do I have cream cheese at home? Do I need more?"
"Uh huh." Jabber mumbled. He didn't know for sure, he was just guessing. As they passed the breakfast meats Jabber grabbed a pack of bacon. Zanka, used to this after the past 20 minutes, just took it back and threw it where it went. "I needed that-"
"Shut up. I'm going to get more cream cheese just in case. I'd rather get it and not need it than need it and not get it." Zanka course corrected, turning back towards the coolers. As he passed the bacon again, Jabber grabbed it. "You fucking menace! Knock it off!"
"Aw, are you yelling at me in the grocery store? In public?" Jabber teased. It made the young man tense. He looked around. No one was looking at him... or maybe they were just pretending not to look at him. He was paranoid now. He met one lady's eyes and blushed terribly, unable to determine that look on her face. It could have been neutral or maybe judgement. He just kept walking, pushing Jabber along.
"J-Just behave. Okay?"
"You gonna spank me if I don't?"
"I can't with you. You're such a pest. You're a pest and I'm the moron that fell in love with you." Zanka made it to the dairy section, grabbing the small pack of cream cheese. As he did, Jabber grabbed a giant tub of banana yogurt. Zanka stared at him, his face contorted with a mix of disgust and rage. "Really!?"
"I want it-"
"No you fucking don't! You're allergic to bananas, Dipshit!"
"...It might be worth it to try it-"
"And why did you grab the biggest fucking tub of it- Give me that!" Zanka snatched the tub, putting it back as he mumbled to himself. Jabber couldn't help but snicker. Zanka's face flushed terribly when he realized he raised his voice in this relatively quiet store. He looked around the aisle, noting a few older people here near him. He hurried out of the aisle, ducking into a nearby one.
"You seem stressed."
"Yes. Contantly... Do we need trash bags?"
"No," Jabber said before grabbing a box of them anyway. Zanka took in a deep breath, reaching over to snatch it back. "Hey, I wanted those-"
"I am going to leave you in the car next time. This isn't even the size trash can we have at home!"
"Don't yell at me," Jabber whined, playing up the bit as a couple passed by. "I don't know these things."
"You little-" Zanka bit his tongue, offering a friendly smile as the people passed. He dropped it, continuing down the aisle. He didn't need anything here. He went down the next one and Jabber perked up. He reach up, grabbing a colorful package off the shelves. Zanka stopped the cart and buried his face in his hands. Jabber laugh snickered. "....Why do you need that?"
"...You know.... just to have around the house."
"Why the fuck would we need menstrual pads around the house!?" Zanka couldn't keep his voice down. When he yelled that someone a few aisles away began loudly laughing and Zanka realized he was too loud. Jabber smiled, fighting his own laughter. He held the package tight.
"....I need 'em."
"I want to strangle you right now."
"Sounds hot."
"Fine, whatever. We'll buy the pads." The continued on the aisle. Zanka was walking a little slower, a headache slowly creeping in. In his moment of distraction Jabber reached up yet again. Zanka didn't notice initially but before they left the aisle he saw it. He couldn't take it. "YOU WANNA TELL ME WHY YOU GRABBED A PREGNANCY TEST!?"
"Why? You don't know what they're for?"
"YOU HAVE A DICK, GENIUS!" Zanka didn't care about passerby's anymore. Jabber busted out laughing, kicking his feet cutely in the basket and jumbling up the items. "PUT IT BACK!"
"Hang on. That's awfully intolerant of you. For all you know I could have a womb-"
"Oh no! You are not doing this. Put the pregnancy test back on the shelf or the next thing I'm buying is a casket!" Jabber grabbed the box, throwing it out of the cart at a nearby shelf. It missed and hit the floor. Zanka rolled his eyes before grabbing it to put it back where it actually goes. It wasn't a long walk but Jabber made the most of it. When Zanka returned to the cart, Jabber had grabbed about six other things.
"Welcome back!"
"Seriously!? Adult diapers?"
"What? I'm an adult-"
"You are such a bastard!" Zanka took the diapers back, putting them on the shelf and quickly hurrying out of that aisle.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
Despite Zanka's best efforts, he spent at least two times what he wanted to spend in there. Jabber loaded the bag into the trunk as Zanka sat in the drivers seat with his head laying on the steering wheel. Jabber got into the passangers seat, sitting there with a content smile as he waited for Zanka to notice. It was like his boyfriend refused to acknowledge him.
"....We goin'?"
"...I am NEVER taking you to the store again!" The silence ended with the beginning of an explosive rant. Jabber actually flinched when Zanka yelled. "EVERY DAMN AISLE. Do you HAVE to keep TOUCHIN' STUFF!? What the hell is your problem! You're worse than a kid! I went in there for 6 items! I spent a hundred and fifty bucks! Do you have any idea how obnoxious you are!?" Zanka put the car in reverse, taking care to pull out of his spot despite his angry rant. He continued on, chewing Jabber out for every little transgression. Through it all, his boyfriend just smiled. After all, this is what he wanted. He loves when his boyfriend gets angry.
The world was a blur when he was wrapped in the raider's arms. Zanka kept his boyfriend firmly pinned to his bed. Jabber's hands gripped his back a little tighter as the passion climbed. Their intense make outs were Zanka's favorite way to spend an afternoon. His smile was persistent, his hands switching between being on Jabber's sides or on his stomach. Jabber broke the kiss for a second to bite Zanka's lip, earning a cute laugh. Zanka stole his lips back and Jabber's groan was his prize. The raider moved one hand lowers and when he grabbed the hem of Zanka's shirt the cleaner paused. He pulled off and Jabber blinked a few times, obviously surprised. Jabber tugged at Zanka's shirt but the cleaner slapped his hand away. He embraced Jabber again, kissing his cheek.
"Let's just... keep doing this okay?"
"Fine." Jabber grumbled. Zanka was in one of THOSE moods. No sex. He just wants to get as close to it as possible without doing anything. Sometimes the raider didn't mind but today it was annoying. He went back to making out with Zanka though. Just as intense and sloppy. Jabber broke away again to nibble at Zanka's jaw. The cleaner giggled, which morphed into a groan when Jabber went for his ears. The raider ran his tongue piercing against the shell of Zanka's ear. His hand's were rough on Zanka's stomach.
"Jabber, stop-"
"Babe, Chill. Just trying to be close to you."
"You're trying to make this sexual."
"We're in my bed making out. It started sexual." Jabber defended, breathing hard as Zanka pulled back. The cleaner looked down on him, annoyance obvious on his face. "Look, when we get cozy like this I get worked up, okay? It's natural-"
"Could you just ignore it? I really just want to make out. Okay? No expectations just... this. Please?"
"Man, I hate when you get like this," Jabber groaned. The cleaners patience immediately wore off, his glare sharp. "I mean, I get you like it and I do to but you gotta understand it gets me rock hard rolling around with you Zanka. You want me to just ignore it?"
"I just want to be able to kiss you without you expecting it to end with sex. I don't think I'm asking for too much. You can do this for me."
"I could, I just don't want to. I want you too much, I guess," The raider flexed his brow and a light pink dusted Zanka's face but the anger was very much present. Jabber clicked his tongue. "Fine. I get it. Whatever gets you off... or I guess doesn't get you off. Cool."
"Promise me this won't devolve into sex."
"I promise." Jabber sighed, oddly serious as he did. "You have my word. No fooling around. Just kissing."
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Jabber played nice. The intense kissing never went over Zanka's boundaries. For a while, Zanka was loving the embrace and attention. However, a problem arose. Well, a problem was slowly rising. The friction between them had Zanka breathing heavier, feeling hotter and wanting more. The cleaner let out an obscene moan, hoping to get Jabber to pounce more forcefully... but no. The making out continued. Zanka waited but Jabber's hands remained firmly on his hips. Zanka broke their kiss and Jabber occupied his lips by kissing his jaw, no more bites.
"J-Jabbs... please."
"...Please what?" Oh that tone. He knew. That smirk on his face said as much, too. Jabber stopped his playing, licking his lips slow as he made eye contact with Zanka. "Aren't you having fun?"
"Yeah...I... was just... Maybe we could..." Zanka trailed off, running his hand down Jabber's chest. Jabber got the message. Unfortunately, he chuckled.
"Can't."
"...Excuse me?"
"Can't. You made me promise." Jabber grinned, too happy to shut his boyfriend down. The cleaner was hoping that he had forgotten about that. They had been at this for a while after all. "No sex."
"I didn't...I mean... Don't be an asshole, Jabber."
"Oh, so now because YOU'RE riled up I have to help you?" Jabber pulled Zanka back, stealing a kiss between talking. "Sorry Zanka~. I'm actually enjoying just making out. No expectations. Sounds nice, don't it?"
"You bastard-" Jabber cut him off with a kiss. The cleaner should have bit the tongue out of his mouth but every bit of friction and contact fueled him. He couldn't stop. He melted into the raider. Jabber's patience was immediately tested by his boyfriends rutting. He's getting desperate. Good. Jabber broke their kiss, his forehead against Zanka's. "...Jabbs, come on..."
"I'm just doing what you asked~"
"I changed my mind, Okay-"
"Nah, you're testing me," Jabber nuzzled his nose against his, snickering maliciously. "Don't worry Zanka. I'll behave. Just like you wanted. No sex-"
"I will strangle you with my bare hands-!"
"Not falling for your dirty talk, Zan Zan! I made a promise and I intend to keep it... So, you want to keep this up or nah? Are we done?" Zanka just stared at him. That smug smile on his face. This wasn't going to be simple. Zanka stared down at the man beneath him who currently held all the power right now. Zanka couldn't even focus. He wanted him. He needs him.
"...Name your price." The cleaner spat, his eyes narrowing. That smug grin only got wider.
"If you use Lovely, I'll fold-" That's all he had to say. Zanka reached for her in an instant. She was just leaning on the wall beside the bed, after all. Before Jabber could even finished his sentence the wood was hard pressed to his throat, cutting his oxygen. His eyes met Zanka's before rolling back. "T-That's i-it-"
"If you get anything on her I'll kill you."
"T-there you go talking d-dirty again."
"Shut up," Zanka pressed her town a little harder. Jabber bit his tongue as a result. "Since you wanted her so bad, let's see if you can handle her."
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