Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Eishia stared at the piece of paper in her hands. She wished she could go back in time and choose another. With a longing glance at the bowl being passed around to the rest of Team Akuta, Eishia re-folded the paper and crunched it in her hands.

It was Christmas. Snow had fallen over Cleaners HQ and with it Enjin's great idea of introducing Rudo to the Ground's traditions. That meant Secret Santa, even though they had never celebrated it before.

And that's why Team Akuta was now all gathered in one of the unused lounges, passing a bowl filled with folded papers with names hidden inside. It's how she had gotten hers. But instead of it being someone that she was confident with like Riyo, who would have been happy with anything related to hair-styling. Or even Rudo, who probably would have been happy with anything.

But she hadn't gotten someone easy. She had gotten Zanka. Eishia didn't know Zanka, least of all what kind of things he liked. Plus he was probably used to crazy expensive presents from his family, the Nijikus. These were her only spiralling thoughts until the bowl had finished circling.

“Alright, now that everyone has a name let me specify the rules.” Enjin spoke from his reclined pose on a couch where he sat beside Shikage. “Nothing expensive, keep it cool. Make sure it's personalized and not just a gift card or something. And when we do the exchange on Christmas day, don't get petty if it's not what you wanted. Zanka, I'm looking at you.”

Zanka just rolled his eyes, sending Eishia's heart to her gut. This was going to end horribly, she just knew it.

“Any questions, Rudo?” Sitting straight, Enjin looked at the sphereite.

The boy shook his head, “I don't think so. The game feels pretty straight forward.”

A nod, “Good, then I think we're done here.” With that Enjin stood up, “Get back to work you lazy kids.”

Riyo jumped up from the floor, “You're one to talk.” The man just shrugged.

From Eishia's left, Zanka stood up from his chair and left the room without saying anything. He hadn't really spoken before or during the bowl passing. She did overhear him complain to Riyo about how this was going to make him late for something though.

She slowly stood up as well, the hand clenched around the paper, squeezing with nerves. But before she could leave, Riyo stopped her at the door.

“Hey, you happy with your luck?” The red-headed girl leaned against the wall, a neutral expression on her face.

Never had Eishia been good at lying, so she just nodded, mustering up a hopefully convincing smile.

Riyo nodded back, “I'm super excited about mine. They're not gonna know what hit them with my idea-.”

“Hey! You better not be spilling who got who!” It was Enjin's retort that made Riyo giggle and dash out of the lounge. Enjin followed after her, leaving Eishia with Rudo and Shikage.

Rudo was still sat on the floor, staring into his hands where she presumed his paper was. He had a very serious look on his face and was mumbling to himself.

Thankfully, Eishia was saved from making conversation with either of them when a nurse came charging in. Both Rudo and Shikage’s heads whipped up in alarm. “Miss Eishia! We need you in the emergency room now!” And without a thought, Eishia ran out of there.

It wasn't that she was glad that someone was hurt. In fact every time she was needed, her stomach’s insides threatened to expel. It was just that the nerves she suffered using her vital instrument were much less stressful than trying to think of a present for Zanka, and she'd welcome any distraction.

However, as soon as she did get into the emergency room, she was reevaluating her previous thinking. This was just as bad as thinking of Zanka's gift.

***

Only thirty minutes later was Eishia taking off her gloves in a washroom off the med wing. She ran the water, and washed her hands. Once done she stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a mess and she looked exhausted, probably the stress. After a quick pep talk she put back on her gloves and left the safety of the washroom, facing her demons.

Walking through the med wing, she saw all the patients waiting to be treated for minor things. She went up to a Cleaner and read the paper at the end of their cot.

“Just a scratch on your left arm?” Eishia went for a shelf full of bandages then to a cabinet with antiseptic. Bringing them over she raised an eyebrow at the man.

He seemed to come back to it and nodded, “Yeah, here.” Lifting his sleeve, he revealed the cut.

Without wasting a second, Eishia wiped the wound clean and wrapped it. The two didn't exchange words, but after she was done he thanked her. Eishia looked around the room again, other nurses had come in and no patient was without help.

“Hey, Miss Eishia. I think we're all good here.” A male nurse saw her standing there and spoke up from where he was just about to give a needle to a patient. “Feel free to take your break.”

“Oh, okay. But call me if something comes up!” He nodded and went back to work.

After waiting around for another second, Eishia made her way out of the med wing slowly. If she stayed she would end up being in the way, but at the same time she really didn't want to leave. In the med wing she was in a place where she knew what to do. Even if it was anxiety-inducing it was something she had spent her life doing.

Outside in the halls of Cleaner HQ, you never knew what might happen. Like if Zanka would be out for a walk and she had to act like she hadn't drawn his name? With quick movements she pulled the paper from her pocket, checking it again. Nope, it still said Zanka.

The sound of her thoughts and footsteps were the only thing she heard walking to her room. A good night’s sleep sounded like heaven right now. Her room was on the second floor and climbing up the staircase had her seeing out the window on the landing. The night sky made her suddenly understand why they didn't need her in the med wing.

It wasn't often Cleaners ran night operations. Still, it did happen occasionally. She had even been woken up in the dark of midnight to heal someone once. She shivered, that was a night she tried to forget. Hopefully nothing too bad would happen that they’d need her for. Now that she was decompressing, her tired-ness washed over her.

She eventually got to her room. Searching her pockets for the key, Eishia stood out there for a minute.

“Oh hey, Eishia.”

His voice made her scream and whirl around, her back slamming against her door.

“Woah, didn't mean to scare ya.” Zanka smiled warmly at her. He was in the same clothes he had worn most of the time while in recovery. She shook the memory away.

“Zanka! No, you didn't scare-.” Hearing her pathetic attempt at a lie when he very obviously did scare her, stopped her. “It's okay, just wasn't expecting anyone up this late.”

He nodded, his smile fading, “I just got out of a meeting that's why I’m up.” Taking a second to stare at her with a look that had her squirming, he then looked away, “I saw a nurse run to the lounge we were in earlier, was everything ok?”

Eishia blinked. He cared about that? “Yeah, the Cleaners fine.”

He hummed, “Was it serious?”

Clearing her throat, Eishia stood up from leaning on the door, “Not too bad, just a gash in her side.”

“You say it so casually, yet no one else could do what you do.” His voice was genuine, like he really did think that.

Eishia lowered her head, trying to hide the blush on her cheeks, “Thanks, Zanka.” A thought came to her, and she looked up at him earnestly, “But I would never be able to do what you do. Fighting trash beasts, I mean, I'd probably pass out before even lifting a finger…”

He just stared at her, again. Eishia had heard it too, the self-deprecating that for some reason Zanka didn't seem to like. Just like after she'd barely been able to save him from the hole in his chest. He had complimented her abilities after she had criticized herself.

It just made it harder to think of a gift for someone who had always been so nice to her.

“You happy with who you got for the Secret Santa?” Zanka's change in topic almost made her spit out the truth.

Like how she answered Riyo, Eishia just nodded.

Zanka crossed his arms, “I saw Riyo earlier with a big stupid grin on her face. Looked like she was going to go out shopping. I haven't even thought about what I'm going to get my person yet.”

She didn't say anything, couldn't say anything. Knowing her, she'd spill it without even having to say it. Her reply was a weak, thin lip up-turn.

With a head tilt and a rare warm smile, Zanka started walking down the hall again. He called back over his shoulder, “Don't think yourself into a rut about it, Eishia. The whole game is a waste of time anyway.” Then he disappeared around a corner.

Not waiting for a minute, Eishia finished unlocking her door, threw it open and slammed it behind her. Then she collapsed against it and slid to the carpeted floor. What was she going to get him? Maybe more importantly, how was she going to hide the truth till Christmas? She looked up from her position on the floor, up to the cute cats calendar August had gotten for her one time. It was just two weeks till the exchange.

A wry smile crept onto her lips. She would just have to avoid him and any other Akuta cleaners for two weeks.

Chapter Text

Zanka stared up at the ceiling like it owed him something. Perhaps there was a way out of this. Maybe if he asked Semiu for a long distance mission? Maybe he could ask the Boss for a transfer. No, Enjin would sniff out those plans easily.

He sighed and rolled over onto his side, looking at the dreaded paper currently resting on his nightstand. Maybe he could burn it and say he forgot who he pulled? Again, Enjin knew he had a better memory than that.

Eishia. He had drawn Eishia's name.

What was he supposed to get for someone like her? Zanka had rarely ever given gifts to anybody, his family just wasn’t the type. So that was already annoying, but then he had to find something for Eishia?

He barely knew her. He had seen her in the hall and tried to make conversation, but he wasn't an idiot. She hadn't been feeling it. In fact she had been basically sweating the whole talk. Maybe he was too forward with asking about the Secret Santa. Hopefully she wasn’t suspicious.

What he did know of her, was that she was a kind soul with little confidence. Her Giver powers were insanely powerful, but she worked hard to get to the level she is. He respected her immensely. But that told him nothing.

A glance out his window had him tucking properly into the bed. This could be a problem for Tomorrow-Zanka. He fell asleep with a scowl.

***

Tomorrow-Zanka, in fact, has no more ideas than last night Zanka. It was already noon, and as Zanka finished off a trash beast, nothing had sparked any ideas.

He landed in the snow and Gris ran up to him, “You good?”

Zanka glanced around the abandoned city streets, a new layer of trash dust tainting the serene white. “Yeah, it was good.”

The Supporter's smile smiled, how did Gris always manage to look so wholesome? “You looked a little distracted up there.”

This had Zanka sharpening. He had been what? Was this Eishia situation messing with his flow? The fact that his first thought was Eishia's present was proof. That wasn't acceptable. “Yeah. I guess.” Even more so, the idea that Gris was able to see it so easily made his skin crawl.

“Right, well you managed to beat the trash beast either way. Good job!” Gris turned back to the other Supports that came along. Started talking about heading back, but Zanka was already half way to the vehicle.

Once Gris and the others hopped in, Zanka eyed the trash as it whizzed by. He probably wouldn't get ideas for Eishia like this, Rudo definitely, not a sweet person like Eishia. She was so soft spoken. Trash definitely wasn't gonna spark something.

The Cleaner HQ garage opened, and Gris parked the vehicle. Zanka didn't wait around and started in the direction of the med wing. He wanted to get this over with. If it was affecting his abilities to take down beats, then he had to.

Zanka pushed open the door to the main medical room, nurses flitted about but he didn't see Eishia. He went up to a short nurse writing something down on a clipboard, “Is Eishia here?”

The nurse looked up, then swept him up and down with bug-like eyes, “You dying?”

The woman's tone made him bristle, “No.”

“Then why you looking for our Eishia?” She went back to her paper.

Taking a deep breath and releasing the tension in his eyebrows, Zanka leaned back, “It's a need to know basis.”

This had the nurse pinning him with a glare, “Then I can't tell you where she is. It's a need to know basis.”

Zanka stared at the woman. Was she new or something? He was on the same team as Eishia! This was reminding him of when he first met Rudo. But before his blood could boil even more he decided to be the bigger person. So he put on a smile, spun and left the room. Hearing the nurse scoff at his back almost made him snap back.

As soon as he opened the door and turned down the hall though, something collided with his chest. Instinctively he reached out and grabbed the person’s shoulders to steady himself and them. After a second of reorienting, he was face to face with the bane of his Christmas joy. Eishia.

But before they even exchange a ‘Hello!’ she jumped from his hands and leapt to the other side of the hall, hunching and holding whatever was in her hands tighter, “Zanka! Your face!” Immediately after she said it she turned pink and slapped a hand over her mouth.

His face? Lifting a hand, Zanka felt his face. Oh. His smile. That snarky old nurse had triggered one of those smiles that even freaked Riyo out. With his hand he pulled his face down, attempting to go back to ‘normal’.

“Sorry. Don't know how that happened.” A small lie like that had never been difficult for Zanka, and she apparently believed him. She stood straight and his eyes went to the box she held, “Is there an emergency?”

Eishia blinked and looked where he was pointing, she shook her head, “Oh, no. We were just out of a certain type of bandage and I was getting some from storage.”

“They're not kept in the med wing?” He felt his eyebrow raise, realized he was making another face, and focused to pull it back down.

A cute red hue swept her ears and Eishia moved from one foot to the other, “I know, you'd think. It's very inconvenient.”

He didn't say anything else, and they ended up in an awkward silence.

What should he say? Something to reveal what she likes and dislikes? He was finding it more and more frustrating how ill he was at stuff like this, “Do you like being a nurse?” Wow, real subtle, Zanka.

She blinked silently at his question, “Yeah, I suppose.”

Of course she likes the job she's been doing her whole life, dumbass. Zanka hurriedly tried to come up with something smarter.

“I need to get to the…I need to get this to the nurse who requested these…” Eishia scooted farther down the hall sideways like a crab.

“Yeah, sorry for keeping you.” Zanka waved at her as she left. She returned it with her hand from beneath the small package of bandages, giving him a smile that lit the hall even though he had been weird.

When she managed to open the door and left his eye, Zanka let out a groan and fell against the wall. Why was this affecting him? He had never had trouble talking with her before, but now suddenly because of this Secret Santa he got all clumsy? This was a pain.

He dug a finger into the turtleneck around his throat, causing the zipper to undo down to his collarbone. Even though it was winter, it felt hot in here. He needed a distraction. Zanka went in the direction of the lobby. Maybe Semiu had a short job ready for someone.

***

Semiu did not have a small job for him. What she did have was a concerned look at his ‘disheveled’ state, as she called it. His zipper. So he left the lobby.

Now he was in the cafeteria. It was the time he usually had his supper, even if he didn't feel a lick of hunger. Here was no better however. Everytime someone looked at him, their eyes widened when they saw his open neckline, as if it was some scandalous thing. Had these people never seen a collarbone before?

But then Enjin had to walk in. And he didn't look upset about this Secret Santa thing at all. He moved through the room, walking up to Gris with a smile, a couple other guys and then he came up and sat across from Zanka.

“Woah, who threw you into a dumpster?” The leader of Team Akuta leaned back in his seat and gestured at Zanka's zipper.

Defeated, Zanka pulled it back up, “Better?”

“Ooo, someone is in a mood.” This guy really knew just what to say. But really, the attentiveness made him feel slightly better. “What’s up? I heard you were off your game today with that trash beast.”

Zanka sent a look at Gris's back, “Yeah. I'll pick up though. It's just an off day.”

A nod, “I get it. Everyone gets them.”

Slowly feeling the stress of the day wash away, Zanka avoided eye contact with his mentor, “I-. I don't know how to give gifts.” He prepared for a bark of laughter.

Instead he heard Enjin hum, “Okay..? What part of it do you find difficult?” The man reached in his pocket, then seemingly thinking better of it, put his hand on the table and tapped a rhythm instead.

“If I talk about it, I'd have to say who I got in the game.”

Enjin ‘oh-ed’. “I see. Well then, that’s tough.”

A growl surprised Zanka, and he realized he had made the sound, “I've never given a gift to someone before like this. It needs to be something the person will obviously like.” He stopped himself there, he almost let Eishia's name slip.

Enjin sat straight, “If it's really bothering ya, try just taking a day to window shop. It's what I do and I eventually find something that reminds me of the person.” A smirk, “Or take the person on the trip with you and see what they like. Then the next day, go buy it.”

Thinking about it, Zanka frowned, “Well now I can't. You'll know who I got.”

“Nah. I'm going to be…gone tomorrow.” Enjin didn't elaborate and Zanka didn't push it. Then the suddenly sneaky Enjin stood up, “Tell me how it goes, though.” Then he left, a stupid grin on his face.

Zanka considered. Would it be suspicious if he asked Eishia to go to town with him? He had never asked someone that before, let alone someone he didn't have a deep connection with. But she could use the time to shop for whoever she had got too. Unless she got him, but what are those chances?

Chapter Text

Eishia woke to banging on her door. She croaking-ly called out to wait a moment. It was probably a nurse. Although they usually just yelled and didn't waste time being polite. Still, she hurried to wrap her blanket around her pajama self and stumbled half asleep to the door.

She fumbled once with the lock, and opened the door. Then instantly slammed it shut.

What was Zanka Nijiku doing outside her door at–she looked out the window–wait. It was already so late into the morning, she had overslept. But anways–why was he making it so hard to avoid him? Just yesterday she had bumped into him outside the med wing!

“Eishia?” His voice didn't have an ounce of sleep in it, as if he'd been up for hours.

Eishia cleared her throat, “YeS?” Oh dear–her voice cracked.

Pressing her ear to the door, Eishia heard shuffling. “Sorry if I woke you up. Are you free today?” …Huh? What did that mean!? Did he figure out that she had his name and come to taunt her? No, of course not. So what?

“Well, I'd have to check my schedule. Also if there are any big missions happening today in case they need my vital instrument.” She leaned her forehead against the door. “But why do you ask?”

He didn't reply for a while and Eishia wondered if he left. She had almost opened the door again when his voice came out quickly, “Would you join me to town?”

Now she didn't reply for a while. He wanted her to come with him to town? Her? Why not Riyo or Rudo? She didn't even know he considered her close like that. But no! She couldn't go to town with him! She needed to avoid him and the rest of Team Akuta at all costs so she wouldn’t let her secret spill.

She opened her mouth to say no, but then another idea came to her. Just yesterday Enjin had stopped her in the hall and told her to window-shop if she didn't have any ideas. It had felt random then–partly because he was grinning like a cat who got the cream–but now she thanked Team Akuta's leader. “Like to do what?”

A sigh, “I don't know. Window-shop? Just needed to get out and no one else was free.”

Oh. So she was his last resort. Why did that send a pang to her heart? She herself had wondered why he hadn't asked another.

Eishia shook herself, this was perfect. He wanted to window shop and going with him meant that she could see what he liked. Would she let an opportunity like this slip through her fingers?

“Ok. I'm down…” Then when she forgot, “If I'm free, I mean.”

She heard him inhale then exhale, “Cool. Okay. Find me around if you are. I can go whenever.”

“Ok.”

With that, she heard his footsteps retreat.

Quickly going through her morning routine, Eishia slipped out of her room and booked it to the med wing. She wore her uniform to seem professional, but she found that she was really hoping that they didn't need her.

She pushed open the door and spotted Cindy, the nurse that took care of everyone's schedules, among the other nurses. Walking up to the short woman, Eishia put on her sweetest smile, “Hello!”

Cindy smiled back at her, “Hello, Miss Eishia. How are you today?”

“So far so good. I have a request, though.” Swaying back and forth, Eishia tried to appear casual even as her heart beat fast. If Cindy noticed that she had slept in longer than usual, she didn't point it out.

Cindy paused and put down the papers she had been holding, “What is it?”

“I know it's last minute, but could I take today off? A…friend invited me out.” Was using the word friend lying? Did that count? It hadn't been hard to say.

Going to a desk, Cindy opened a drawer and pulled out a schedule, “There aren't any big missions today, so assuming there aren't any major injuries I can't see why not.” The woman spun back to her, “Must be really a real special friend to pull a workaholic like you away.”

Eishia felt her face heat,“It's nothing like that.” Then with an eager grin, she confirmed, “So I can go?”

“Go have fun. I'll tell August if he comes looking for you.” With a twinkle in her eye, the nurse went back to the paper she had set down.

“I'll work all day tomorrow or cover someone else's shift as well if you need me!” Eishia was already running back down to the door.

“Have fun, Eishia!”

Responding with a positive yelp, she opened the door and charged for her room.

Wait, should she change? What was Zanka wearing? She tried to recall before she slammed the door in his face. Was it his uniform, or was his shirt just grey?

No worries, she rarely got to dress up and August had recently made her a new dress and she had a sweater that matched adorably. Perfect time to use it.

***

Eishia trotted through the HQ, her boots occasionally squeaking. Zanka hadn't specified where to find him, and the HQ seemed large when trying to find just one person. So she turned to the lobby, Semiu might know where he is, if not, she might know where Enjin is, who might know where Zanka is. A loop, but still.

Pulling up to the secretary desk, she saw someone standing with Semiu. Zanka! Amazing timing. A quick scan down at her long sleeved dress–perfect to be cute but also to be warm–Eishia sped up.

“Zanka,” She called out for him, and he looked over. “I was able to take the day off if you still…want to go…” Her voice trailed off when his jaw fell open slightly. Did he no longer want to go with her?

Eishia kept walking up till she stood in front of Semiu's desk. And even as she came up, Zanka didn't lift his jaw, and his eyes looked her up and down. Not in an uncomfortable way, it just made her think he regretted asking her.

“Or, did you not feel like it anymore?” Cringing at her failed attempt to hide the disappointment in her voice, Eishia fiddled with the strap of her small backpack.

Zanka’s head snapped back like someone slapped him, then he stumbled over his next words. Zanka stumbled, “No. I mean, yes. Yes I still feel like it. No, I-I still want to go.” An uncharacteristic red bloomed across his ears.

Lifting a hand, Eishia suppressed a laugh behind it. That was so cute. Her laughing abruptly stopped. What? Had she heard herself right?

It was Semiu's chuckling that had them both redirecting their attention, “Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to ruin the mood.”

Eishia's cheeks matched Zanka’s ears. What did that mean? Had they made a mood? What was a mood? She glanced at Zanka. Then her eyes fell down to his outfit. He had been wearing something different. Still a grey turtleneck, so she didn't blame herself too badly for not remembering properly.

The outfit suited him, the grey of his shirt with the cardigan he often wore with some loose jeans. Nothing over the top. Comfort over stiffness. It was very Zanka. Eishie tore her eyes away.

“Let's get going before the stores close.” He didn't react to Semiu's…whatever and moved to the front doors.

Eishia said a quiet good morning and goodbye to Semiu then followed him, “We're walking?”

A quick look back, “We'll take one of the smaller vehicles. Semiu said it's fine.”

“But they're in the garage?” Eishia slowed down in case he had somehow forgotten this and would turn around.

Instead he reached into his pocket and pulled out car keys. Spinning them on his finger, he smirked, “I pulled it ‘round already.”

She opened her mouth and sputtered, “But you didn't even know I was free today? Is there somewhere else you're planning to go?” Eishia sped up to walk beside him. They left the HQ and started up the parking lot.

Zanka turned his head but she caught a glimpse of a grin, “Not really. Just wanted to be ready in case.”

***

Suddenly this felt awkward. Should this be awkward? Was it only her feeling this as the two walked side by side? They had left the car only half an hour ago and she was already feeling anxious.

Looking up at Zanka didn't quell her fears. His face was neutral as they passed by the other city go-ers. And every time she thought she felt his gaze, when she checked, his eyes were fixed on the windows they passed.

A cold breeze blew through the air and Eishia pulled her thick sweater tighter around herself.

“Wanna stop and get something warm to drink?” Zanka pointed to a coffee shop she'd never seen before, tucked in between two tall buildings.

“Has that always been there? I was out with August last week shopping for fabrics and I…didn't see it.” What would Zanka care what she did with her brother?

“I don't know. First time I've been in town in a while.” He hadn't seemed too bothered by it.

Eishia nodded, hoping her embarrassed blush wasn't too obvious and that he'd just chalk it up to her being cold, “But yeah, I could go for a warm hot chocolate or something.”

Together they pushed open the door, a bell rang above them. It was small and they were the only customers currently inside. The place was quaint and the walls were painted a soft yellow, matching the deep brown of the few tables. Zanka walked up to the self-serve counter and ordered first, then motioned her to order as well.

She was already pulling her wallet out of her backpack when Zanka smoothly pushed her hand away. “I can pay for my own.”

“I invited you out. I'll pay.” The tone in his voice had her accepting without much fight. She got a small hot chocolate.

They moved to the pickup counter and waited. Zanka watched the barista make their drinks with a critical eye. Eishia grinned and his look switched to her.

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Eishia dipped her head down and rang her fingers.

A sigh came from her teammate and her mind spiralled. He was regretting bringing her along, she just knew it.

“Do you always order hot chocolate?”

Her head whipped up but his face gave nothing away. “No. Sometimes I’ll order a cappuccino.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, but he heard it.

“Why not here?”

“I've never been here before. Their cappuccinos might not be good.”

This answer must have amused him, or caught him off guard cause he smiled oddly, “I see.” With a huff, Zanka then changed the subject. “What about sewing? Or whatever it is August does…you into that too?”

She thought about it. What she and August did were very different but they always made sure to have a fundamental knowing of each other's interests. “I'm not as into it as August, obviously. But I'm able to appreciate his work.”

Zanka nodded, then their drinks were done.

Chapter Text

Zanka was going to throw himself into an all nighter of training after today. His mind was not his own and rogue thoughts plagued him. Most of them revolving around a certain girl walking beside him.

She looked so…something in her cozy sweater and mid-length dress. Then the way she held her cup of hot chocolate with both hands to warm them? The sudden urge to just wrap his arms around her and help the drink in its task alerted him of his--one again--wandering thoughts.

Apparently she saw something in his expression when she finally caught him staring. “Is the coffee not good? Her rose-coloured eyes looking up at him, lighter than normal with the sun shining, caused him to burn his tongue on a sip of his drink.

When he didn't reply right away--composing himself so he didn't say something he'd regret--her own face fell. “I'ts fine. The instant coffee at HQ tastes just as bland.” This brightened her face and he felt some tension fall from his shoulders.

What he had discovered so far wasn't much to go off of. She liked hot chocolate, but preferred cappuccinos if she trusted the shop. She was also able to appreciate fashion. He supposed he had to start somewhere, although he did chastise himself for not getting to know her sooner. So far they actually seemed pretty compatible, much to his surprise.

“That’s a nice snowglobe.” Zanka said randomly, pointing at the window they strode by.

Her eyebrows rose, “Do you like snowglobes?” She seemingly wanted to say more but cut herself off by taking a swig of her drink.

“I've never paid particular attention to them before,” I just need you to reveal what kinda things you like. “Was just pointing it out.”

She stared at the snowglobe then looked up at the shop's sign, “I see.”

So was that a yes to the snowglobe? Zanka hated this.

They continued to walk down the city streets while Zanka randomly opened his mouth up about the most peculiar things he saw in the windows. Eishia probably thought him similar to Rudo in taste by now, but it didn't matter. She hadn't shown any more interest in one thing than any other. Just stared at it, then a quizzical peek at him, then up at the shop's sign.

That was the pattern for a whole slow hour before Eishia's snow speckled boots abruptly stopped. She sped up to a window and pressed her face against it. Coming up beside her, Zanka had to step into her space. The window was narrow and whatever she was looking at, she stood right in front of so he couldn't get a good look.

“What?” His side bumped hers but she didn't jump away like he expected.

Eishia's breath against the glass fogged but she wiped it away when she moved for him to see, “It’s a limited edition of my favourite book.”

This had Zanka’s attention. “You like reading?” When he turned his eyes away from the book and back to her, his breath caught. Her eyes were wide and her smile showcased her teeth. His cold cheeks inexplicably thawed.

Has she always been so beautiful?

“Yeah, although I don't have much time for it.” Eishia moved back against him to inspect the book display again, “Do you see a price anywhere?”

Wait, what? He couldn't let her buy it! It was the perfect Christmas present and the only thing she had shown interest in. “No. Maybe that means it's not for sale?”

Eishia's smile closed, “Why would they have it in the window then?”

Cringing, Zanka tried again. “It’s getting late, maybe it's a sign we should be heading back.” That was a reach, it was barely three. He had told Semiu they could be gone till six at the latest.

She tore her gaze from the book, “Are you itching to get back?” Her voice wasn't loud, it never was. Nonetheless Zanka heard the dripping disappointment…and for some reason it made his heart ache.

“Not particularly.” Reaching up, Zanka put a hand on his neck and rested his arm, “I don't know how long Enjin will be gone, “ Like that matters. Smooth, Zanka. “And August might bite my head off if I bring you back late.” He mentally slapped himself.

This made Eishia snicker, “August? I highly doubt he cares how long I’m out, especially if a Cleaner is with me.” Her head tilted and Zanka's heart skipped a beat for some reason. It's not like her head was falling off. “Enjin isn't at HQ?”

“He's gone for the day, don't know where. You know how he is.” Perhaps if he started walking away, she’d follow, “Also, I don't think August likes me a whole lot. He'd probably make my next uniform one size too small on purpose if you got home late.”

“August doesn't--wait!” Eishia suddenly reached out and grabbed his arm when he made it a few steps. His cardigan slipped slightly and his eyes locked with hers. “Can I just quick step in to check if they’re selling the book? It won't take long.”

His mind tested a million different dialogue options, all of them making him out to be an asshole. Suppressing his frustration at the fact that he just lost the perfect gift, Zanka shrugged and reached out to take her to-go cup. They had both finished their drinks and he saw a trash can a few feet away.

“Let me just get rid of these first.” The smile she gave him surprisingly extinguished the rest of his flames.

***

Inside was just as small as Zanka guessed from the outside. It probably would be bigger it it weren't for the books literally everywhere. Stacks of them on the floor, overcrowded shelves, there were even books in cardboard boxes crammed into corners.

When the door shut behind him and Eishia, he noticed something else. It was so quiet here. He hadn't even realized how loud the city had gotten. He was able to hear his own thoughts clearly, something he immediately wished he couldn't.

Now when he watched as Eishia's head was on a swivel, soaking in the store, he heard every observation he made about her. Her eyes are sparkling. I didn't know eyes could do that. Her hair looks so soft. She looks so comfortable in here. Her smile is doing that thing again.

Eishia glanced at him, her smile goofy, “This might take longer than I thought.”

And he didn't care if it took all night, but he didn't say that. He feigned nonchalance, “Whatever. I'll have a look around too,” He went and lazily looked over the shelves, always keeping Eishia in his peripheral. Maybe she would show interest in another book that would be a good present if not a perfect one.

The duo ended up spending way more time than originally planned. Eventually Eishia seemed to remember why they came in the first place and went to the back counter, Zanka following on her heels.

An older, kind looking woman was behind the desk and looked up from her own book when Eishia cleared her throat. “Hello, Ma'am. I was wondering if the book in the window is for sale?”

“Oh you'll have to tell me the name of it, dearie. My grandson recently changed it and I haven't had the chance to ask which one he put up.” With a crooked but warm smile the woman waved a hand in the air.

“Warrior of the Trash. It's a limited edition.” Eishia leaned forward just a smidge, looking intensely into the eyes of the woman.

The sight made Zanka huff with amusement. It wouldn't magically make the book for sale, but he did find it endearing.

“Oh! The one in the window isn't, but there is another copy of the same edition in the fantasy aisle. It might be in a top shelf, not a very popular book. If you need help, I can fetch the stepladder.” The old woman sent a knowing grin at Zanka, he presumed it was about his height.

Eishia thanked her then went to the directed aisle. It felt as though she had memorized the layout as she didn't miss a beat in finding it. She spent a second looking for the book, and when she did pointed up.

“It's on the top shelf.” She stood on her tiptoes and her finger just grazed the bottom shelf. Dropping back to her soles, she sent a look to Zanka, “Could you reach it?”

Her voice compelled him and he drifted behind her to see where she remained pointing up. Lining up her finger with the book on the top shelf, Zanka saw it. ‘Warrior of the Trash’, the title made him smirk and he lifted an arm to grab it.

He was too far away, he took one step closer. The book was shoved farther in than the others and Zanka had to put his other hand against the wooden shelf to brace himself to lean over Eishia. However, he miscalculated how close this would put them to each other. He ended up driving her into the shelf causing her to squeak.

Refusing to look down--meaning he'd be letting her see his surely tomato red face--Zanka quickly grabbed the book and pulled it out. Putting one foot back, he now took a peek down at her. It was that one look that halted him, and now he had one hand beside her head and his other arm up, still holding the book. He had accidently pinned Eishia between him and the shelf.

Their faces were so close. Her head tilted up slightly to see him and her sidelocks fell back with the motion. The bottom of her lip quivered and he saw her swallow. Zanka’s arm holding the book slowly fell down, the inside of his wrist brushing her shoulder.

He could hear his obnoxious heart beat echoing in the space between them. If he were to tilt his head a bit closer, they would-.

“Dearies? Did you find the book?”

Zanka reversed into the opposing wall with a thud, clutching Eishia's book tightly in his hand. When he looked up to see the old woman, her face was scrunched into a grin that sent a chill down his spine.

“Oh my, I didn't mean to ruin your mood~. Just come to the counter whenever you're ready.” With a chuckle the woman retreated.

Their mood? Had they made a mood? What had just happened? He was just retrieving the book for her, why did he stop and just stand there like a fool? It was uncouth and inappropriate, he should know better.

“Thankyou,” Zanka's head whipped to Eishia. “For getting the book for me! I meant for getting the book!” Her face grew redder and redder, and she rang her hands looking everywhere but him.

After clearing his throat and gaining composure, he spoke quietly, “Yeah, sure.” He stood straight and put out his arm with the book for her to take. When she reached out and grasped it, he added, “Sorry about popping your personal bubble.” Is that something you apologize for? With her looking so uncomfortable, he felt like it was the proper thing to do.

Her neck was even starting to get red and Zanka wondered if it was too hot in here for her when she replied, “It's no problem! I didn't mind-. I mean it didn't bother me! Really!” She pulled the book close to her chest, her eyes glued to the carpeted floor beneath them.

Blinking a few times and Zanka's mind was blank. This was so weird.

Chapter Text

August didn't have a routine. Routines tied people down and the last thing he needed was a ball and chain. However, there was one thing he always made it a point to do. Visit Eishia at least twice a week and just check in–well, and maybe ask for her opinion on a new stitch he wanted to use.

His little sister wasn't as passionate about this sort of thing but her takes were sometimes pretty good. So that's what he was going to do right now, trotting down the hall of the infirmary in Cleaner's HQ.

But when he got there and made a grand entrance by throwing the door open with a ‘Huzzah!’, waving a scrap piece of fabric with the new stitch around like a flag. The only reaction he got was startled nurses and a red-faced Cindy.

“August! How many times do I have to ask you to stop doing that!” The old crow's voice was high and her eyes were bugged.

August put a hand against his forehead and glanced around dramatically, “I don't see Eishia anywhere, Doc.” Then he walked up to her and put an elbow on her shoulder, “Know where I could find her?”

With a grunt, Cindy knocked his lanky arms off, "She's out with a friend today.” At his shocked face she quickly continued, “I don't know the details.”

August tapped his chin as his mind flew through the possibilities. As far as he knew, Eishia had never really gone out with friends. He was ninety percent sure she was close to most of the Team Akuta fellows, maybe it was a group thing?

“Any idea who might know who she went with?” Not that he was worried, Eishia might seem skittish but she could hold her own. Still, it didn't hurt to know who his little DNA-sharer was with.

“Like I said, I don't know. Semiu might know, she probably saw them leave.” Cindy levelled a glare that even he could read.

So before he could waste another second, August swivelled on one foot and bounded out of the room. He heard the woman scoff behind him, but truly it didn't affect him.

Once in the hall and on the way to the front desk, his thoughts travelled to his sister's well-being. Had she eaten yet? If she was somewhere in town chances are she had gotten lunch. Had she dressed warm enough for this weather? He had made sure her wardrobe was outfitted for the temperature change, but what if?

That made him laugh out loud. What silly worries, Eishia was perfectly capable. She wasn't a little girl anymore. Evident by the fact that she left without telling him. And if something truly terrible were to happen, he could always call her. He shoved the fabric scrap into his pocket when he caught himself fiddling with it.

The lobby came into view and he sped up. An echoing ‘Semiu!’ announced him and he skid to a stop in front of her.

“August.” Semiu's countenance was as collected as ever, no matter what he did it never phased her. He'd get her one day.

“I've lost my little womb-mate. Any chance you might know where she is?” He leaned down and rested his elbows on her desk, then dropped his head in his hands.

If Semiu was bothered by the position she didn't show it--she clearly wasn't, she didn't even blink. “Eishia went to town with Zanka earlier this afternoon.” She didn't even look up at him.

Zanka, ey? August went through what he knew of the guy. A Nijiku, cut from the rest of the cloth. Another member from Enjin's team. A smile came over his features and he wagged his eyebrows at the secretary. “Any idea why he would take my dearest sister out?”

This made her look up over her glasses, making a look into his eyes. “No. Zanka only asked me for the keys to one of the smaller vehicles. He didn't-.”

“BINGO!” August pushed off the desk and spun around, “Did you hear of the Secret Santa thing Enjin's team was doing this year? I suppose the dude got Eishia's name and didn't know what to get her!” He finished with a flourish, “That sly dog.”

“Right.” Her delivery was less than enthusiastic, but August barley heard her anyway.

“She can be hard to shop for. Her taste mostly being, ‘Oh! You really don't have to get me anything!’.” August pitched his voice and lowered to a whisper, trying and failing to recreate Eishia's voice. He just couldn't get the shyness thing down.

“I see.”

Although, there could be some other reason the teen boy took his sweet little sister out. He squashed the train of thought.

Another twist and August's eye happened to swing to the clock, it made him halt in his half jump and yapping. “Oh man! Semiu, I'm sorry to cut our convo short but I need to get back to work.” He winked at her under his sunglasses, “I'm halfway through Follo's full-face and it might be my best work yet.”

“Later.”

He turned and made to walk back to his workshop, he called one more thing over his shoulder, “When Eishia gets back, tell her I was looking for her!”

“Got it.”

As August made the turn away from the lobby, he had another wonder. Was Eishia enjoying her time out with Zanka?

Chapter Text

Eishia tried to focus on her breathing rather than the vivid picture of Zanka that floated in her mind. In and out. In and out. He had gone outside after the whole fiasco, leaving her inside to pay. It made breathing a bit easier but still, it didn't stop the woman behind the counter from looking concerned.

“You look pale, dear. Are you feeling okay?” The woman's question made Eishia drop her wallet.

No. Zanka Nijiku just stared into my soul not five minutes ago and my heart is still thundering!
“Yeah, I'm fine.” Is what she said instead of realizing her thoughts.

The woman's face warmed and she took the payment Eishia managed to put out. With a practiced grace, she wrapped the book in paper, “It seems your boyfriend really likes you, reminds me of my late husband…”

Eishia short-circuited and she fumbled with the book just handed to her, “He isn't my boyfriend. I mean he's just a friend who just so happens to be a boy.” The awkward laugh that came from her soul pained her.

“I apologize. I didn't mean to assume,” The woman leaned against the counter, a wistful expression in her eyes, “I simply saw a twinkle in his eyes that took me right back.”

Not really needing to hear this, Eishia tried nodding while backing up. She didn't need a recap when she had been on the receiving end of this so-called ‘twinkle’. Now was not the time to have an introspective session on that when she still had to go outside again and drive home with him.

And she still had his gift to think about! That is what she should be brainstorming about, not how the feeling of Zanka's soft breaths had hit her cheeks or how his face had turned onto a lovely pink hue--Eishia nodded more aggressively at the woman.

“Well…I hope the rest of your day is well. But just know, that boy was staring at you the whole time as far as I could tell.” A twinkle of her own hit the woman's eyes, “Don't tell him I told you though.”

All Eishia managed was a sputtering goodbye and a bow. She hadn't needed to know that at all actually, and she did not want to stick around to hear what else the woman had seen. So she sped-walked to the door with a last smile to the store-runner.

The bell atop the door rang when she opened it. The chill, feeling much worse now that she had warmed up inside, breathed against her and she tugged her sweater with a free hand.

“The weather is gettin’ worse.” Zanka materialized beside her and she yelped, “Sorry, thought you'd seen me.” They both stood beneath the awning, barely big enough for them to even slightly stretch their arms without touching. It was too close, too close and too soon.

In the corner of her eye she noticed how red Zanka’s ears had gotten. The cold, she guessed. She must have spent longer paying than she thought.

“It's fine.” She busied herself with juggling her book between her hands instead of him. “But you're right. It feels colder than before. How long did we end up spending in there?”

“Two hours. It's five now.”

“Oh.” Guilt creeped into her heart, “I'm sorry. You wanted to window-shop and we ended up spending half the time in a bookstore.” Eishia looked down at the snowy ground and tried to subtly take a step away.

“Why? I enjoyed it.” His voice sounded genuine but Eishia had never heard or seen him with a book.

“Really, I didn't mind, Eishia. If anything, believe that it was fun seeing you have so much fun.” A breathy laugh came from her companion and it had her looking up, “You looked like a kid in a candy store.”

Eishia clutched the book against her. Why had that made her stomach flip?

“We should get going though, I don't want to end up stuck here in a snow squall.”

“Yeah…” It wasn't really freedom she felt however, as they walked back down the street. Was she disappointed that this day was ending?

***

The hall was quiet in front of August's workshop as it usually was. Not often did anyone dare ruin the work flow of her old brother, including her. But Semiu had told her he'd been looking for her. So with a deep breath and a weary fist, Eishia knocked on the tall steel doors.

Clink. Clink.

She waited a moment. When no tall blonde man whipped open the doors, she tentatively put her ear against the crack between where the doors met. Perhaps he had his headphones on and simply was in his own world. But she didn't hear anything, which was odd. August was barely ever not making noise, be it just nonsensical sounds or humming a tune.

Grabbing one of the handles she started to pull the door open, it was unlocked at least.

Oh how she wished she could turn invisible. Why had August wanted to see her today of all days? The one day where she had felt illogical pressure to hurry up and not waste a second to tell August what she was doing? What did he assume her and Zanka had been doing?

‘Yes, I saw Eishia and Zanka go out to town! Just the two of them,” An exaggerated version of Semiu's voice floated through her head when she imagined what she had told August, ‘Even took one of the vehicles! Who knows what they have planned!’

Ok, Semiu wouldn't say that, but would it be wrong to say that's what happened? Zanka's eyes above hers flashed in her mind and she inhaled. No, that had not been what happened. It was simply an outing between associates turned friends.

Quickening her pace, Eishia tugged the handle harder and the door flew open with suspicious speed.

“Eishia! You're back!” August's face appeared where the door had just been and his loud voice echoed in the empty hall, “I have something I want your opinion on.” He seized her arm and yanked her into the shop.

It looked the same as always in here. Bolts of fabric leaning while loose pieces lay haphazardly on the floor. Sketches and pictures from fashion magazines were taped high and low on the walls with colour-coded stickers on some of them. There was even still the halfcut pattern August had abandoned a year ago still crunched into a corner, a partially dressed mannequin had been rolled on top. The stool that he had put in here for her when she came was placed beside his rolling chair.

“It's a new stitch and I think it will look amazing for a prototype I'm designing.” Jumping over a pile of fabric samples, August went to his sewing table and grabbed something small off of it. He leaped back to her and shoved it in her face.

Reaching up, Eishia took the small red square and held it up the light, “It's nice. Depends on the shape-.”

“Of the silhouette! I knew it!” August ripped it from her hands and dashed to his sewing table, plopping into his chair. “Now.” He spun once then crossed one leg over the other, intertwining his fingers while resting his elbows on the armrests. “About this secret outing with…Zanka, was it?”

Oh no, here it comes. The cliche older brother interrogation. Might as well get it over with. “I'm sorry, August. I didn't mean for you not to know, it was just a last minute thing. Zanka was wanting to get out of HQ and no one else was available.”

August held up a finger and shook it, “And you felt non-existent insistence to hurry and not keep him waiting.” He swung his legs down and turned his back to her, swivelling to face his sewing machine. “You're sorry is unneeded but appreciated.” He glanced back at her, “Did you have fun?”

Drifting to the small stool beside August, Eishia sat down and swung her legs mindlessly, “We mostly window-shopped, stopped at a new coffee shop to warm up. I got a hot chocolate, wasn't that good. Zanka got a coffee, he said his tasted as good as HQ's. He paid for me actually, which was nice of him.

“We passed a bookstore and I saw a limited edition of my favourite book so I had to stop and get it. Zanka came in with me, ended up spending two hours there. He didn't buy anything but…” Eishia stopped before she would accidentally spill that Zanka had helped her reach the book. Not that anything happened…so why did she feel like keeping it to herself? As if it was some bashful secret?

Glancing up at her over his sunglasses and wagging his eyebrows, August grinned, “Sounds like someone had a good time.”

“Auggie!” Eishia pushed him and he played into it.

“Oh but Eishia, he sounds like such a gentleman! Why, you even said that he paid for you!” He held a hand to his forehead and rested his head back.

“Stop! Me and Zanka aren’t like that! He's just a friend.” But now she was smiling as well and August won, “I've gone to town with Riyo before, but that was different.” At her brother's face, “Not like that.”

August blinked at her innocently before picking up a pair of scissors and started cutting a piece of fabric. “I'm glad you had fun. And about Zanka…”

Her eyes widened at his suddenly quieter voice. Eishia could probably count on her hand how many times he had lowered his tone so she focused on him as he cut fabric.

“It's totally normal to feel…you know.” August waved a hand in the air then paused. He stood quickly and opened a drawer in his desk, rummaging through it, “I completely forgot! I need to retake Follo's waist measurements for his second uniform!”

Watching as August lifted a measuring-tape proudly in the air before slamming the drawer shut, Eishia tilted her head.

“Sorry, Eishia. I'll see you tomorrow.” He was already skipping out of the workshop, snapping his fingers. “Don't stay up too late thinking about him!”

“Hey!”

“Love you, sis!”

Eishia stood carefully from her stool. What was August going to say though? It's normal to feel…what? And she did not appreciate how her mind filled in the blank with things like, ‘feel butterflies in your stomach when you think about Zanka.’. Because even if she did, which she didn't, Eishia did not have the time or desire to dive into why she might be feeling that way.

Really, before today she’d barely even thought about him. Well, Eishia had always been able to admire him for his hard work and talents, but outside of that? There was the time when he spent a few days in the infirmary bed-ridden after that fight with the Raider.

With her new knowledge of Zanka, her memories of that time seemed to shine brighter in her collection. He had complimented back then, on her ability to heal the hole in his chest.

Fanning her cheeks, Eishia made her way back to her room.

***

The next day she managed to wake up at her normal time and got through her normal routine. She got changed and ready for the day, stopped in at the cafeteria for a small breakfast, then headed to the med room for a full day of stressful work.

And her day went quite well. No branches called her in and no major injuries at HQ either, August popped in once to inform her that he would not be using that new stitch for some aesthetic reason she didn't get, and even Cindy seemed to be in a good mood.

At the end of the day Eishia made her way outside and sat on one of the benches in the courtyard. The sun was starting to slowly go down and it cast orange rays to light the area, it was very calming.

She hadn't seen Zanka at all, not shocking news, she barely ever saw him during work hours unless he came in with a wound. But it meant that her mind hadn't had the opportunity to fire off the bookstore scene again. Wait.

She hadn't found a gift when they were walking back, she had tried to see if he would show interest in anything else but he didn't. He actually didn't talk at all on the way back and remained a studious gap between them. Eishia groaned.

What was she going to do now?

Chapter Text

Two days had gone by since Zanka had taken Eishia out to town. He'd made sure Semiu wouldn't spill to Enjin who'd he'd taken and made sure to avoid August's workshop especially--not that he was scared or anything, and pushed himself further in training than he usually would. Everything was going okay, he even had Eishia's present picked out and was ready to go buy it tomorrow. Life was good.

Expect that night, when Zanka lay down and felt the exhaustion of the day creep in, he just couldn't sleep. And it was not because he wanted to see Eishia again, it had only been forty-eight hours and not seeing her for that long was normal. One day with her didn't change that, did it?

But it did. He found he wanted to see her face again. He'd even briefly considered dropping in at her work to check in.

That is so creepy, me. He thought as he laid an arm over his eyes, Get a grip.

Still, he felt his mouth turn upward at the slim chance of seeing her in the hall at any time. It was the light she created when she smiled, so friendly and quite frankly…adorable.

A small airy laugh escaped him. What was he thinking?

***

Zanka made sure to wake up early enough to run through his morning training with his Lovely Assistaff before heading to town. He didn't see Eishia.

When out, he noted that the streets were just as full but there were more stressed faces and rushing pedestrians. He presumed it was because Christmas was getting closer. And obviously, he didn't see Eishia here either.

The bookstore came into view and Zanka went in. There was no older woman behind the counter this time, instead a young man. The experience of purchasing the present was dulled by the man's barely heard whispers of complaint about a ‘Co-dependent’ being in the store, and with how Zanka was basically shoved out the door.

Oh, also Eishia was not in there. Zanka didn't quite understand why he seemed to hope to see her with every turn he made, but he did. The hopeful feeling was also accompanied by a cozy feeling in his chest that he wasn't ready to look into yet, that didn't mean he disliked it though.

After walking down the side-walk, snow crunching under his full-coverage boots, Zanka recognized the shop just ahead. The coffee shop he and Eishia had gone to.

He walked in.

There were actually customers this time. A middle aged woman sat at one of the tables and two teenage girls sat at another. The barista was the same as last time and she looked over-worked.

Zanka shuffled to the kiosk and stalled, his finger hovering above the cappuccino option. With a sigh at himself he pressed it and selected a medium. Then he moved to the other end of the counter and waited.

A chirping came from his wrist and he accepted the call, “Hello?” Feeling eyes on his back he peeked behind him to see the girls not so subtly eavesdropping, once caught they quickly looked away.

“Oh! Umm, hi Zanka! You picked up so quickly…” A whispery voice floated to his ears and he lifted his wrist closer to his ear.

“Eishia?

“Hi, Zanka!” Her voice became a little more confident.

“What's up?” The barista slid his drink to him. With a nod and polite smile he took it and stepped back outside but not before challenging the gossip girls with a glare that made them roll their eyes.

The fresh air swept over him and he walked on with his wrist slightly raised with a drink in the other.

“Is this a bad time? You sound busy…”

“No, you're good.” The sound of the street wasn't crazy loud but it definitely would be going through. Zanka turned into an alley and drifted in a few feet, both of them would be able to hear each other better this way.

“Oh ok. So…I just wanted to ask something.” She sounded so flustered and an image of her blushing came unbidden.

“Ask away.”

“Did you mean what you said about snowglobes, or do you actually like them?”

He choked on his first sip of the cappuccino. One because it tasted horrible, second because of Eishia's question. “Huh? No, I really don't care about them. I mean they're kinda pretty?”

She didn't reply for a moment and Zanka took a gulp of the mediocre drink, “Oh ok then.”

Does she want me to like snowglobes?

“Do you like them?” Maybe he'd read her disinterest wrong the other day and he'd missed a prime gift.

“No! Well, like you said, they're pretty but I don't have any.”

Zanka hummed. “Is that the only reason you called me?” He was regretting ordering a medium of this waste of a coffee, what if he accidently spilled half of it?

“Not really, I wanted to…” Her voice trailed for a second, "Thank you again for paying for me at the coffee shop!”

“It was no problem, really.” He tried his best to convey that with just his voice, but he wished he could offer her a reassuring look.

“Yeah…” Her reply was so soft and the way she had said it echoed in his ears.

She’s such a sweet person. Glad I took her out to find a gift, it was worth it.

A commotion came from her end, “Hmm? Oh, my break is over. I should get going.”

“Sure,” Zanka grinned and his tone told of it, “Hope you find someone someday that loves snowglobes as much as you do.”

A huff that sounded amused rewarded him, “I don't lovesnowglobes! It was just-.”

“I know, Eishia. I was kidding.” He managed through laughter, “Hope the rest of your shift is good.”

“See you, Zanka.”

“See you.”

The call ended and Zanka downed the last drop of his drink. At least he knew now to never bring her back to that coffee shop.

***

He didn't see Eishia the rest of that day either, which was fine. Zanka occasionally went days without seeing Riyo or Rudo, the same will have to apply to Eishia too.

So, the next day, instead of dwelling on it like a fool, Zanka was heading to Semiu's desk. He wanted his name to be put on the available Cleaners list, maybe even sign up for emergency call.

The HQ was oddly quiet this afternoon, another reason Zanka was ready to get out of here. His freshly washed uniform swished around his arms and his Lovely Assistaff felt solid against his back. A catchy song played in his head and he whistled along with the tune. Up ahead the hall that lead right to the lobby had him wondering how long it'd take to get a mission, as well if Enjin was active today-.

Time slowed as Eishia came flying around that very corner and dash around him. He swivelled and saw her take another turn at the same speed. Well, that wasn't how he expected to see her again, where was she going in such a hurry?

Curiosity with a mix of worry drove him to follow her. But there was also…longing?..was that the right word?

When he got to the corner he saw her skirt flowing behind her as she raced to wherever. The silhouette made her look oddly gorgeous. He quickened his pace.

Really, he had underestimated Eishia's athletic ability. Since when could someone run so fast in sandals?

As if on cue, her foot caught on the tile floor and Zanka's heart dropped with her, “Eishia!”

It took only a heartbeat for him to skid to a stop beside her. He dropped to his knees and put a gentle hand on her shoulder, “Eishia?”

She got her hands under her and pushed up to sit. She made a pained sound and brought a trembling hand to her nose. Blood came forth and Zanka gasped when Eishia applied pressure to the bridge.

“Your nose is broken.” He said it as a fact even if Eishia's reaction was a side-eye. Regardless, her eyes watered and she started to stand. Without a thought, Zanka wrapped his arm around hers and helped her up, “The infirmary is close.”

A tiny nod was her only reply. What could have been important enough for this? For her to risk injury? Her hand was still on her nose, and while Zanka knew that she knew what she was doing, the action still looked painful.

They made it to the door of the infirmary and Zanka barged in, “We need a nurse!” He yelled, his tone anything but patient and it instantly got the attention of the whole room.

Three people flooded to them and took Eishia out of his arm. One turned to him and Zanka spoke before she could, “Her sandal caught in the tile and she fell face first. I think her nose is broken.” The lady nodded and went to the cot the others had deposited Eishia.

Her hand went to Eishia's face and she spoke quietly under her breath. She grabbed something off a shelf and called out some medical name Zanka wouldn't be able to copy if he tried. Other nurses stood attentive but out of the way. He felt much better with how they all acted with the care that Eishia deserved.

Because she was the only Healer Giver.

But that wasn't his first reason. As he stood there uselessly in the middle of the room, Zanka was thinking about how the care she received wasn't because of that. It was because she was Eishia, and it was only right that she got the best nurses and medical attention simply for being her.

“If you're going to wait in here, would you mind sitting in the chairs by the door? Just in case someone else comes in.” A familiar voice shook him from his revelations and he glanced down. It was the same nurse he'd talked to at the beginning of the week when he had been looking for Eishia.

“Yeah, sure.” He didn't have the desire to start something when Eishia was still bleeding, so he obediently went and sat down in the uncomfortable chairs. From here he was only able to see the nurse's back who attended Eishia.

It was only a few minutes later that the nurse moved to the end of the cot and pulled a clipboard out to write something. Zanka looked Eishia over as well as he could from the distance. She was holding an icepack that someone had given her to her face but otherwise she looked fine. Maybe the fall wasn't as bad as it had looked.

Really, she looked fine. The same shine in her eyes, the same silky looking texture to her hair that Zanka wanted to feel to see if it really was, and even the same blushy that took over her face quite often. That was when he was caught staring.

Eishia sheepishly waved him over and he stood with a rush of heat to his neck. “You good?” He settled beside the cot and faced her sideways.

She blinked, seemingly taken back by his question, “Oh yeah, it wasn't misaligned so I just need to take some painkillers and put ice packs on every fifteen minutes for the next two days. It didn't break at all.” She delivered casually before, “Sorry if I worried you.”

At the sudden yet not surprising apology, Zanka sighed. “I would've stayed either way.” Also, was it weird that he was impressed with her nonchalant doctor talk of what was actually wrong with her nose? Even if she didn't use any big words, it sounded cool. “But I'm glad it wasn't anything more serious.”

And for a split second, as Zanka looked at Eishia--eye-level now with her on the cot--the scene from the bookstore flashed in his mind. She had the same look on her face now that she'd had when he'd pinned her to the shelf--shocked with that iconic red dusting that complimented her eyes too well.

“Thanks, Zanka.” Her words startled him.

“For what?” His left hand came up and rested on the white sheets. Now it was close enough that if he just reached out, he'd graze her fingers. He pulled it back slightly.

She let out a breathy sound, “For staying.”

Suddenly his hand gripped the sheets and Zanka couldn't seem to think of what to say. So instead of some nice heartfelt words to her, “Should I go get your other sandal? I left it in the hall.”

“If you wouldn't mind. We're Cleaners but I don't actually know how often the floors are mopped and I don't want to walk around bare-foot again.” A smirk he'd never seen before graced her face and her eyes crinkled.

“I don't mind.” And he really didn't.

He also didn't mind the sudden awareness he had of Eishia, or that the cozy feeling came back twice as cozy.