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Zanka knew Lovely was a miracle in his life. She cut through trash beasts like butter and would shine through their skin. She had gotten him out of that well and she was why he would never return. She hummed whenever he cleaned her and never judged Zanka for loving her so deeply. He knew he was an outlier even in the world of the “codependent” givers. He was the very stereotype used against 'em. His team was kind about it regardless. Enjin even seemed to view it as a strength— but he had never met 'nother giver like him.
Till he met Jabber.
He could tell from their first altercation, the way he spoke about and to her— that Jabber and Mankira's bond was deep and old. Part of him ached at that, no matter how much he cared for Lovely, he can't make up for the years he hadn't spent with her. Jabber didn't have that problem. He and Mankira moved as one, as if they were joined at the seams. He despised to admit that the first thing he felt after their fight was not anger at being defeated, but jealousy at their compatibility. He wanted to know more— no, he needed to.
He came across his chance just a week later. He had been in a nearby town for a supply run, resting on the roof of a building when he spotted a flash of purple with long locs runnin' through the street below. Zanka chased after him without thinking, jumpin' between buildings to keep up. He wants to say he was doing it to make sure Jabber wasn't here for raider business, but the way Lovely sat unactivated on his back said something else.
He leaps to the next building and ducks behind the edges of a roof when Jabber's head turns. The hell guard had drilled tracking skills deep into his bones. He was careful to keep his footsteps quiet even when far above. Their route twists and Jabber enters a shop— a jewelry supply store. Not exactly ground breakin', seems they're both here for similar reasons.
He kneels, watching from across the street. Jabber seems to know the clerk well, they talk for a while before he leaves again. Zanka widens the distance between them as they leave the main streets— trying to lower any chances of drawing his attention. He ducks into the shadow of a billboard when Jabber suddenly turns, entering an alley and jumping up. He grabs onto the fire escape of a half collapsed building.
Zanka freezes.
Did he notice?
Why didn't he say anything?
His thoughts are interrupted when Jabber reaches a window a few floors up and slides inside. Zanka can't see into the room from his place on the roof, so jumps across again cautiously, focusing on keeping his landing quiet. He slides down the fire escape, settling by the window Jabber had entered from. He can see the inside now, it's filled with plants and Jabber walks through it like he's familiar.
Oh, shit.
Was this Jabber's place?
It feels strange seeing him in a home, not quite the mad scientist lab he expected. It's messy but clearly cared for— the plants are healthy and abundant, which is an unusual sight on the ground. Jabber walks around watering a few of them, before sitting on the small couch in what must be his living room. Zanka watches as he fiddles with Mankira, mouth moving as he talks to her. He can just barely make out his voice.
“Gotcha' somethin' new today. I been neglectin' ya' for too long.” His voice is soft as he speaks to her, pressing a kiss to each ring as he slides her off his fingers. Zanka feels wrong watching it— the bond between a giver and their jinki is personal, but he can't bring himself to leave. Jabber takes out whatever he had gotten at the shop and a cloth. He watches as he cleans each ring with careful hands— going over each one twice before moving on to the next. He can practically see Mankira humming and Jabber smiles gently at her before grabbing the polish.
Zanka feels Lovely humming against him, probably hoping for similar treatment when they get back to cleaner hq. He lets a hand brush her wood and Jabber stills. Mankira is vibrating on the table and his head snaps towards the window. Zanka ducks barely fast enough, quickly sliding off the fire escape and dropping into the shadows of the alley.
Later, Zanka seethed not at his inaction but at the fact he and Jabber had anything in common.
Weeks passed, their fight and encounter lingered in his mind. They didn't just affect him; Lovely grew more active. She sought out training more often, would slam into trash beasts ruthlessly and would stay humming against his hands even when the danger was long gone. It didn't feel right to refuse her, so he practiced— trained longer, hit harder, polished her until she shined.
He had noticed some worried looks from his team, mostly Enjin and Riyo. The face they would give him when he left for training again, how Riyo would call him if he took too long to come back— but Lovely had started asking for something for the first time and he couldn't bring himself to stop listening.
Then they fought again.
The loss was devastating— not only had he been the only one of the cleaners injured but Jabber had been holding back. He and Mankira's bond was even deeper than he knew. He couldn't stand it. Couldn't stand the idea that he wasn't able to give that to Lovely. That he had no other form to give his girl. The images of Jabber and Mankira stuck in his mind. They moved together so flawlessly, despite her immense growth. The way she had felt when she clashed with Lovely, the cool metal on his skin and between his teeth. The phantom sensation lasted for days— the sharp blades one slip away from cutting right through him. She had been beautiful.
Zanka and Lovely's routine continued with more intensity than ever. Even with no hidden power, he would claw Jabber down from his pedestal. He had to— Lovely had asked for it. She had grown even more erratic after the second fight, becoming active at strange times of day. Even alone in his room after a full day of training her humming would continue. He would worry, hold her and try whatever he could to settle her and then— she would just stop. No connection to whatever he did. For the first time, he felt like he couldn't understand her.
Zanka's sitting in his room, his incense lit and Lovely in his hands. He can feel how she's changed under his fingers— her wood stronger, the surface smoother. He can't help but smile at the difference and she glows in his hands in response.
“Lookin' real pretty lately, ain't ya'?” She hums as he rests his head on the split of her wood.
-knock knock-
When he looks up, Riyo is peaking in from behind his door.
“Yoo~ Seimu needs someone to pick up her mags but I've got a job. Can you do it?” She clasps her hands together and bows her head. Zanka's eyebrows draw together.
“Ain't it Enjin's turn after you? Just go ask him.”
She looks up, “Tried, he's already on a job!”
Damn.
The town Seimu had sent him to was familiar— he'd picked up Lovely's bandages here more than once. She had given him a list which made the pickup easy— he was rereading it to make sure he hadn't missed anything when someone slammed into his shoulder.
His head turned towards the mystery asshole, “Hey! Watch it-”
“Oh! It's Mr. bad attitude!"
Fuck.
He could see him properly now. Mankira glinted as the sun hit her metal, but it was no surprise Zanka didn't register him a first— he wasn't in raider gear and had a hood pulled over his locs.
His eyebrows furrow— a frown settling on his face. Jabber's grin widens at the look.
“Man still got that pretty look on your face! Does anyone who bumps into you get that or am I just special?”
Zanka grits his teeth but avoids grabbing Lovely from where she hums on his back— itching to scrape against Mankira. He'd rather not start something in the middle of the street.
Jabber peaks at the bag in his hand and he moves it closer to himself on instinct, but he's too slow.
“Oh shit!” Jabber's arm lands on his shoulder. What the fuck.
“Didn't know ya' were into that kinda thing~ guess even Mr. bad attitude's got his vices!”
For some reason, he doesn't shove him off but still grabs the hand heading towards the mags. Prolly' with more strength than necessary.
“Ain't for me. Now get offa' me I don't have time for yer' shit.” Jabber's eyebrows raise and he leans further into Zanka's space.
“Hey man, there's no shame from me! Can't blame me for bein' curious~ it's unfair ya' know all about what gets me goin'!”
“Freak.” Zanka finally lets go of Jabber's arm and he shifts to face him properly. “Ain't exactly hard to figure out.”
Jabber giggles and tries to make 'nother grab for the bag. Zanka pulls it out of his reach and Jabber whines trying to reach around him.
“Cmon man, lemme' see~ I've been keepin an eye on ya' for so long and haven't seen ya' jerk off or nothin'.”
What.
Did Jabber just admit to stalking him.
Did he just say he wanted to catch him jerking off??
“What the fuck.” The shock from Jabber's admission gave him enough time to pull the bag from his hands. He looks through it with way too much interest 'fore his face pulls into a frown.
“Aww man, ya' weren't lying, these ain't for ya' huh. Lame.” Jabber is pouting at the revelation. What.
“I told ya' they weren't?? Why'd ya' even give a shit?” He snatches the mags back— Seimu would eat him alive if he didn't come back with them.
“Told ya', wanna know more about you! Been followin' ya' around but ya' spend alotta time where I can't see ya'.” He says it so casually it almost sounds normal, but Zanka should know better. Lovely's humming against his back gets stronger and suddenly things click into place. Lovely. The strange behavior when they had been on the fire escape and after their second fight. She had felt him- felt Mankira nearby.
Jabber's grin widens when he watches Zanka's face change as he puts the pieces together.
“Best part 'bout it was seeing the way ya' treat this lovely lady.” His eyes have shifted to Lovely on his back. Zanka tenses.
“Knew we were similar~ Gotta treat our girls right yeah?” Jabber tilts his head and wraps his arm around his shoulder this time. Mankira glints on his fingers. He can really see her with him this close. It gives him an opportunity to 'preciate all the details he can't usually see. The grooves are smooth— there are few scratches on her, but she's otherwise impeccable. Jabber really does take care of her well.
Jabber's hands move again, Mankira's cool metal slides against his neck before making their way to Lovely. Zanka can hear them both humming now.
“Our girls really like each other, huh?” Jabber grins back at him. “We should schedule a play date!”
“Wha-” Is all he manages to get out before he's shoved into a nearby alleyway.
He loses the grip on the bag and it tumbles to the floor with him. He can see the signature pink glow of Mankira and barely has enough time to pull Lovely out as Jabber jumps forward. Their jinkis meet and the humming grows louder. Lovely transforms as he slides back from the impact. His movement is stunted in the narrow alley— not exactly ideal for a full out brawl. Thankfully, Jabber seems ta' have a similar problem; Mankira stuck in her smaller form.
They both rush forward— Jabber goes to swipe at Zanka's stomach, but he shifts on his feet and Mankira cuts through the air instead. He uses the momentum to bring Lovely roughly against Jabber's ribs. Despite the short swing, it hits hard and Jabber slams into the other side of the alley, smiling as he rises again.
“Damn! All that training you do is finally payin' off!” He charges forward again and this time Zanka is forced to block. Makira's blades are inches from his face and he finds himself wishin' he got to admire her in this form too. He manages to shove Jabber away and pulls Lovely in close. Jabber's hoppin' back— like he tends to before rushing in again, so he waits.
Then—
Right there.
Jabber spends a second too long on one foot and Lovely's blunt end rushes forward, slamming into his knee.
“Fuck!” Jabber's eyes roll back into his head as he tries to move further back and Zanka kicks his leg out from under him. Jabber collapses to the ground and he spins Lovely around— shoving her into the floor, trapping him by his neck. The spikes are grazing against his throat and—
He's caught.
Jabber's never been one to go down without a fight though. He tries another swing at him with Mankira, but his reach is too limited and Zanka steps out of the way easily. He shoves Lovely deeper into the dirt and blood wells on Jabber's neck where the spikes scrape his skin.
A moan escapes Jabber's throat— his head slamming into the ground beneath him. Mankira deactivates as he grabs at Lovely's edge.
Zanka grimaces at the sound his head makes against the floor but takes the opportunity to pin him fully— placing a leg between Jabber's to keep him from getting kicked off. Thankfully, Mankira seems happy to say as rings for now. He can feel her resonating with Lovely. Their anima blend well together— mixin' like they'll never have ta' separate.
Jabber looks towards him, his teeth are leavin' bloody indents on his lip and Zanka wants to lick them away.
“Told ya' they'd get along.” Jabber finally lets go of his lip, his focus having drifted to their jinkis. The way he was caressing Lovely made him want to pull away or drive her deeper— whatever would stop him the fastest. He does neither.
“She's too good for ya'.”
Jabber giggles, “ Ya sure you two are on the same page?” He tilts his head; the motion scratches lines into his skin where her spikes still haven't retracted. Zanka watches as his fingers slide across Lovely's curve— the places where Mankira sits fill with their mixed anima.
“'Cause your girl seems to like us a wholeee lot.”
Zanka's teeth click together. He wants to argue— tell Jabber he's got no clue what his girl wants, but Lovely is quiet for the first time in months. She's happy right where she's at and Zanka can't bring himself to take this away from her.
So he doesn't.
Jabber's grin widens.
“Knew ya'd come around, Mr. bad attitude!” The comment makes his hands tighten around Lovely instinctively and Jabber makes another sound. Zanka notices him shift and then he can feel him press against his leg.
Right. Masochist.
He starts to move away, but the motion drags his knee across Jabber's crotch and the other's hips buck upward, tightenin' his legs to trap him.
“Where ya' goin?” Jabber's hands drop from Lovely, wrapping around his waist instead. “Was just startin' to get good.”
His ears redden, but the embarrassment is interrupted by the feeling of the cold metal against his skin. Jabber has slid his hands under his shirt now and seems determined to stamp Mankira's patterns onto Zanka with how hard he's gripping him. The feeling is a stark reminder of the position he's put himself in— hands that could grow into blades at any time, brushing over where his most vital organs rest.
He still doesn't pull away.
He presses forward instead— knee pushing harder against Jabber. His own dick meeting his hip.
Jabber giggles again, “Knew ya' were like me~”
Zanka doesn't respond— just lets Jabber pull him even closer, desperately seeking friction.
“Always actin' all prim and proper, but ya' aint really like that, huh?” Jabber's nails claw into his skin, “Ya' a freak just like me!”
Zanka grits his teeth, “Ain't nothin' like ya'.” He pulls Lovely out of the ground and she deactivates; satisfied for now. He uses his new access to grab Jabber's face with his hand, fingers gripping harder than necessary. His thumb rubs at one of the marks left by Lovely, the blood spreads on his skin and the muscles of Jabber's neck pull tight at the pressure.
Jabber's hips roll forward, meetin' Zanka's thigh with a rough drag of cloth. The sound that leaves him makes Zanka want to eat him alive, he settles for dragging his teeth across the meeting point of his neck and shoulder. They nick the skin and Jabber shudders, tilting his head further to let him.
“C'monnn~ ya' don't gotta hold back on me! Bite me harder, yeah?” He's still grinning wide— like he's getting everything he wants. Zanka wants to rip his teeth out. He moves his face back up and bites at Jabber's lip, digging into the indents left by his own teeth. He licks at the drops of blood as he pulls away and Jabber freezes for a moment before slamming their mouths together.
Their teeth clash together as they lick and bite at each other. Jabber's hips grind upwards, rubbing against the fabric on his thigh. Jabber's hands leave his shirt, trailing them towards his collar. His mouth leaves Zanka's to nip at his earring as he drags the zipper of his jacket down. He shifts his mouth down to his neck, sucking at the skin till it's red. Zanka's breathing hard into his shoulder, hips rolling in tandem with Jabber's.
He can't help himself— he digs his teeth in till' they break skin. One of the hands Zanka was using to support himself snaps up to his hair, pullin' at the locs to drag him off. Jabber unlatches and Zanka uses the grip on his hair to slam his head into the floor.
“When'd I say ya' could bite me?” Jabber whines again as he tugs on the locs to prompt an answer. Zanka moves his knee away from his dick and Jabber tries to chase it, but he just pulls at his hair once more.
“Quit squirmin’” Zanka huffs at him before letting go of his locs, hands tracing down to his legs— pullin' them up and around his hips. Jabber latches his feet behind his back but clearly ain't happy about the lack of friction.
“How long ya' gonna keep teasin' me zan-zan? Ya' bein real mean ta' me.” Jabber sighs exaggeratedly like Zanka didn't just have to pull him off his neck like a leech.
Zanka frowns down at him and moves his hands off his thighs, leaning over him again. The new position presses their dicks together through the layers of clothes. Jabber seems to realize this and grins, tightening his legs around his hips— ignorin' the way his knee aches at the movement.
He grinds upwards and Zanka drops his head down to his neck, digging his teeth in, aiming to give him a matching mark. One of his teeth press into the wound left by Lovely and Jabber moans. Zanka breaks through the rest of his skin and his hips buck up roughly.
“Fuckk!” The movement drags their clothed cocks against each other and Zanka barely holds in his own sound. Only prevented by the meat of Jabber's neck between his teeth. He pulls his teeth out of the skin, grinding his hips down— as one of his hands moves to grab the thigh of Jabber's injured leg. Zanka pushes it forward to get a better angle and Jabber's head slams against the ground again. He can't bring himself to care this time, just presses into him harder.
Jabber is breathless from the pain of his almost definitely broken knee being manhandled, the feeling making him drip in his pants. Zanka feels the wet patch between them grow bigger and he digs his fingers further into sensitive injury.
Jabber's lets out a shout and his arms wrap around his neck, nails scratching at Zanka's back—determined to tear through the fabric. Their hips continue to meet, the wet drag of fabric growing harsher. It feels hard to breathe, the air having grown warm and heavy around them in the small alley. Jabber's hips stutter 'gainst his as Zanka once again increases the grip on his leg.
He's staring at Jabber's mouth, red and swollen from the way they had both torn at the skin. He leans forward, breath hitting Jabber's face.
Jabber grins at whatever look is on his face, “Ya' gonna kiss me or eat me alive?” His lips are stretched across his teeth and Zanka can't bring himself to look away. “'Cause 'm fine with either.”
He slams their mouths back together. The taste of blood sits in the back of his throat, but he can't bring himself to be disgusted like he should. Jabber bites at his lip whenever he pulls away for air and Zanka wants him to tear it off. They settle for exchanging blood and saliva, only separating to trail their mouths lower— returning soon after. One of Jabber's hands run through his hair, grabbing at whatever he can to pull him closer. If he had the chance, he would almost definitely be inside his skin. Zanka can't find it in himself to mind.
Jabber pulls away panting, rolling his hips up and Zanka can't stop himself fast enough. He groans loudly, his body chasing the pleasure and another one of Jabber's grins form on his face.
“Yeahh there we go~” Zanka's red up to ears, but Jabber won't let him pull away, so he digs his fingers deep into his injury. He can feel Jabber's dick twitch against his.
“Oh shit!” His breathing is growing heavier, “Damn zan-zan ya' perfect for me ain't ya'?”
Fuck.
Zanka hides his face in his neck, focusing instead on the feeling of their hips pressing together. Jabber busies himself with making marks on whatever skin he can reach. Shuddering when Zanka rolls his hips down harder. The mess between them grows and Jabber whines when he doesn't let up. His hands move to push at Zanka's chest, his hips pressing against his already spent cock. The wet drag of the fabric driving him further into overstimulation.
Zanka wants to drag it out— watch him fall apart from the feelin'. Unfortunately, he's not far behind and stopping for the sake of his fantasy seems impossible— so he shifts his hands, grabbing Jabber by the hips and draggin' him closer. Jabber's hands tighten around the fabric of his jacket and he bites at his already abused bottom lip.
“Man ya'-” He's interrupted by another sound forced out of his throat from overstimulation.”Ya' can really toss me around, huh?”
Zanka still doesn't let up, “'Cause ya' don't weigh nothin'. Yer' all skin and bones.” He moves his hand, digging into Jabber's ribs to prove his point. He lets out a breathy laugh and Zanka grinds back down. He lets out a groan, hips stuttering through the final drags of his hips. He nearly collapses on top of Jabber, both panting heavily in each other's necks.
The hands that were intertwined in his jacket let go of the fabric drifting back down to his waist as he gains the strength to lean back on his knees. Jabber's locs are spread around him, his lips are covered in drying blood— already flaking off at the edges. He looks too smug for a guy who just came in an alley and Zanka already wants to punch him. He seems more sedated than usual though, breathing starting to slow and he's looking up at him with half-lidded eyes. Jabber's fingers are tracing circles on his hips and he's shockingly quiet.
"Sooo… wanna' exchange chokers?"
He spoke too soon.
That grin is back on his face and Zanka sighs; he knows damn well it would be a terrible idea but he feels to tired to fight it. Jabber takes his silence as a yes and gathers some of the blood on his face to spread across his wrist. Doing the same to him before swiping it on his choker. They make a sound as they connect and Zanka starts adjusting his clothes, hopin' to leave looking somewhat presentable. He still has to bring back Seimu's mags after all.
Jabber sits up tuggin' off his hoodie to tie around his waist, the movement draws Zanka's attention to his neck. The bite mark and scratches are on full display, not that he seems to mind. He stumbles as he tries to stand.
"Ya' should get yer' manhole lady to pick ya' up."
Jabber cocks his head at him, "Why would I? Gonna' hurt real good to walk on, 'specially after ya' messed with it!"
Why does he even try.
"Freak." He mumbles, grabbing Lovely before standing and dusting himself off. He chooses to follow Jabber's lead in wrapping his jacket around himself, praying that his undershirt has a high enough collar.
"Hmmm~ guess we're the same then zan-zan." Jabber finally manages to get up, running a hand over his locs.
Before he has a chance to respond, the choker on his wrist rings and Jabber drapes himself over his shoulders. A voice calls out from it a second later.
"Zanka, are you there? Did you manage to grab everything I asked?"
Seimu.
Jabber snickers at him when he looks frantically around the alley for the mags. Thankfully, they're by the wall undisturbed.
"Yeah I got 'em— just took a detour to get some stuff for Lovely."
"Alright make sure to head back soon, and tell your little friend goodbye." She disconnects and Zanka freezes— his head whips around and Jabber leaps off him, his hands up surrenderin'.
"Oops~ my bad."
"Yer' such an asshole." Jabber laughs at him again and starts to walk (more like limp) further down the alley.
He waves at Zanka as he leaves, "Make sure to visit, yeah? I know ya' got the address."
Fuck.