Chapter Text
Soon enough, about a week had passed since they discovered they were doing Romeo & Juliet. Jabber and Zanka had met up multiple times to practice combinations given to them by Corvus so they could hopefully both get the lead roles. Last week, when he announced the ballet, he explained how it would work and how he would choose the lead roles.
"We'll have about three weeks of trial and error where we will practice pas de deux sequences as well as other choreography!"
That was fine. In fact, the two boys expected something like that to be said, so they weren't really too intrigued. What did intrigue them, however, was what he said next.
"One thing to mention… I already have a list of four dancers I want for the main roles. The rest of you will begin to learn your parts with Gris and Tamsy!"
After Corvus said that he revealed a small sheet of paper that had four names written in point form. Without his glasses, Zanka had to squint, but Jabber seemed to be excited.
The names on the list were: Jabber—Shocker… Eishia—Oh wow good for her! Follo—Kay.
And… Zanka.
In that moment, he felt himself take a sigh of relief at seeing his name. But he was also nervous. What if he didn't meet Corvus's expectations and disappointed him? What if he disappointed his family? What if he disappointed the town? What if—
What if he disappointed Jabber?
He tried to not think so lowly of himself, but it was hard. Especially since it's all he'd known his whole life due to the Nijikus.
Luckily in that moment, he had someone there with him. His friend. His maybe slightly little teensy tiny itty bitty crush…
Zanka didn't forget the way Jabber leeched onto him, gripping him securely around his shoulders and tightly compressing his chest. He couldnt ignore the way his face flushed whenever he saw Jabber, let alone when he touched him. But, he had to think logically. The two of them had just become friends again after, what, like four years of conflict? He couldnt move that fast. He didnt want to lose the boy again.
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Friday. Zanka groaned internally, Supposed to be practicin' and my dumbass brother needs a ride…Ugh.
Unfortunately for Zanka, he cannot say no to Enjin. He was in Enjin's red convertible ford mustang that he bought himself for his 40th birthday since he apparently was having a mid-life crisis. Shockingly, Gris let him. Anyway, he was in Enjin's pimp-mobile, driving a few towns over to grab Rudo from high school. Their town was way too small to support a school, so the teens went to Hole Town for school. Zanka liked to drive, but he'd rather be doing something else: like practicing or y'know… seeing a certain someone…
He shook his head at that, adjusting his sunglasses.
Soon enough, thankfully for Zanka, he was about five minutes away from the school. He sighed, twisting the knob to lower his music and then pressing on a part of the wheel to call the boy. It rang four times before Rudo picked up, the wind from outside blowing on his microphone.
"I'll be there in five. Be ready or I'm abandoning you."
Rudo grumbled on the other end, "Asshole! I'll be out front. Do NOT leave me behind!"
Zanka tsked at his brothers response, immediately putting his music all the way up. He was listening to Jeff Buckley, specifically 'Everybody Here Wants You', a personal favourite song of his. He continued to drive, bopping his head along with the beat. Whenever he listened to this song in particular it always made him think of Jabber. He was zoned out when the music abruptly stopped and his ringtone started to play. Confused and also at a red light, he stopped and lifted up his sunglasses to see who could be calling him. Speak of the devil, it was Jabber. His contact name on Zanka's phone—Jabs—flashed at him. He was honestly mad at himself for taking so long to accept the call.
"Hello?" Zanka spoke, "Whatchu callin' me for?" Smooth.
Jabber giggled on the other end. Zanka brought a hand up to his mouth to cover the exhale he was about to let out over the sound of Jabber's laugh. He didn't realize, but his face was flushed as well.
"That aint how you talk to me," Jabber teased, "Hmm, you're cute though, so I'll allow it."
CUTE? Zanka literally could not stand how he had a crush on the fucking tease lord 9000.
The ashy blonde scoffed, "Yeah, yeah, now answer my question if I'm so 'cute'."
Why the fuck did I just fucking say that what the FUCK what the FUCKKK ZANKA WHAT
Jabber seemed amused on the other end, "Oh? Well, I was callin' to ask if I could come over… you feelin' okay?" There was a pinch of worry in Jabber's tone, which made Zanka a little annoyed. Obviously he was fine.
"Oh, uh yeah. That sounds good. And yeah I feel perfectly fine. 'M just pickin' Rudo up from school, so maybe in 15 minutes?" Yes, yes good save…
A satisfied hum came from the other end, "Mm… I missed ya today in class," he mumbled, going silent for a few seconds, letting Zanka fill in the silence awkwardly. "..I—"
"I missed ya too. Wish I could work with just you, even though Eishia 'nd me seem t'work good together." Zanka blurted out, not really sure what the hell he was saying. He really wanted to shut the fuck up, but that would be awkward…
"Not the same as workin' with you… Hopefully we'll be together monday."
OKAY THATS ENOUGH TALKING.
Zanka felt his face flush in embarassment after he realized what he just said. Clearly Jabber was a bit stunend too, because he was quiet. Zanka began to panic, placing his free hand on his forehead, turning the car into Rudo's school parking lot.
"..Zanny—"
"Haha! Look at that, woah, yeah uh so uhm—Rudo. I am picking up Rudo! Gotta go. Bye."
Smoothest guy to ever exist. Wow. 10/10. No notes.
He whined in embarrassment, pulling up to the sidewalk where he saw Rudo standing around trying to look cool. He was failing. Frankly, Zanka thought he looked cooler with Amo by his side..but he would be killed if he said that to his brother. Rudo's at that age where he is just raging 24/7. He's also in his finals week. Needless to say he was on thin fucking ice.
Zanka unlocked the car, nodding at Rudo to get in the car. Once they were situated, Zanka pulled up a bit into an actual parking spot, and let out a harsh exhale, whining into his hands.
"Dude." Rudo deadpanned, "Whats wrong with you? Did Jabber dump you or what?"
Zanka sputtered at that, "What?! Rudo, we're not even—! Ugh, fuck off!"
The white haired boy shrugged, sinking down further into the seat of Enjin's stupid pimp-mobile.
"Whats got your panties in a twist then?"
Zanka groaned at the analogy, knowing he learned that from Enjin. "It is Jabber. Just…yeah."
For the first time possibly ever, Rudo sighed, pulling himself back up and removing his seatbelt, turning to face Zanka. The older boy raised an eyebrow as his younger brother placed a gloved hand on his shoulder.
"Listen, man. I know you and Riyo tease me about being dumb and shit, but I ain't fucking stupid," he began, "I'm gonna say this in the most blunt way possible—You need to stop being a little bitch and put your goddamn big boy pants on and fucking tell Jabber how you feel before I do it for you! I'm so damn sick of you idiots fucking each other verbally!"
Did he just give Zanka relationship advice—???
He pulled back, wrapping his arms around himself and making a mocking voice, "Oooh, Zan-Zan, you're soooo talented! I'm sooooo into you but you're a fucking dumb turd who can't read social cues! Oooo….! I want youuuu so baddd babyyy ooooo!"
At that, Zanka shoved him, his face more red than Enjin's pimp-mobile. Rudo cackled as Zanka yelled at him.
"GET THE FUCK OUTTA MY CAR."
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After finally getting home and seperating himself from the little shit known as his brother, Zanka parked the car in Semiu and Corvus's garage (since they don't have one and Enjin doesnt want his precious baby getting damaged), and walked inside. He waved at Gris who was sitting on the couch.
"Oh, Zan—"
He was pretty exhausted from the day he was having, so he didn't acknowledge Gris trying to get his attention.
"Well he'll figure it out once he's upstairs…" He heard Gris say from downstairs, not really sure what that meant.
Zanka shrugged before stomping up the stairs into the hallway, grunting with relief as he twisted the doorknob. He couldn't wait to finally lay in his bed.
Rubbing his fist over his eyes he groaned, eyes already closed. He needed a fucking nap.
Meandering over to his bed blindly, he flopped down onto it. He fell right on top of a big lump, head resting on something soft. Something…breathing?. He lifted his head…and Jabber was right fucking there. He had fallen right into Jabber's stomach.
Why was the devil himself (Jabber) on his bed.
Was that what Dad was gonna tell me? Holy fuckballs…
Jabber's eyes lit up in an annoyingly adorable way, and he pat his head. The older boy was laying on his bed and Zanka actually thought in this moment that suicide would be better than whatever situation he just put himself in. However he did not end up killing himself as he was too entranced viewing of Jabber's strangely pretty oddly handsome face grinning down at him. Fuck.
For a moment he didn't move, but then he realized he was laying between Jabber's legs with his chin on his belly staring at his beautiful face—
He immediately leapt out of bed, stumbling back, face hot with embarrassment.
Jabber snorted a laugh, leaning back into the pillows. He was wearing a loose but well fitted pair of shorts, and a skin-tight baby tee. And he looked… way too good.
"Zan! Hey!" Jabber gleamed, tossing one leg over the other. "Sorry if I scared ya, your papi let me in!"
"What the…fuck…" he whined, covering his face.
"Don't worry about it, dude. Didn't mean to jump into my arms, I get it. Next time it would be better if you just asked to hug me though, Zan."
Zanka grimaced but when Jabber pat the bed next to him, telling Zanka to sit, he sat almost immediately, nodding at Jabber like an idiot. Apparently he was a dumb fuckin' puppy.
"…Was gonna take a nap."
Jabber's eyes widened in concern, "I can go if you wanna rest I know you've had a long day…"
"No. It's…fine," he said, strained.
"So you wanna cuddle or what?" Jabber joked, opening his arms. Zanka gave him the finger.
Jabber's mouth opened a few times before he spoke again, "Okay, then how about this? I stay like you want, but you have to rest while I work, kay?"
What? Zanka questioned in his mind, "I..What? Dude no, I'm here I should work with ya—"
Jabbber shook his head, placing a hand on Zanka's shoulder to stand himself up, "You can watch the show while you get your energy back. Don't worry."
Watch the show? Zanka repeated internally, blinking at the older boy in front of him. What show—? Oh. Jabber's show. He wasn't entirely sure how to take this. What does he mean by that? He doesn't think he wants to know for his own sanity. It's not like Jabber isn't always on his mind anyway.
Haha…
Zanka was snapped out of his thoughts when Jabber stepped away from him and over to the practice barre set up next to the window. His eyes were glued to Jabber's hands sitting delicately against the plastic barre. Zanka hadn't realized, but Jabber already had his flats on, so he started to stretch out his body while using the barre. He placed his ankle on it, turning his body to the side and leaning towards his leg. Zanka's eyes trailed down to every part of Jabber's fit build, staring extra long at the shape of his thighs and stomach. He couldn't lie, Jabber looked absolutely fucking delectable.
Jabber eventually turned to do the same stretch, but facing the other way, so that Zanka had a cinematic shot of his ass. Great. Zanka sighed sarcastically in his thoughts, but he also was somewhat serious. He couldn't complain over the view, because he was honestly enjoying it. Maybe a little too much.
"How was the drive home?" Jabber questioned, trying to make some small talk, his body now facing away from the barre but with his leg still stretching on it. Zanka felt his body shoot up, blinking a few times before answering.
"Fine. I mean, nothin' really special about it," Zanka mumbled, sitting up and resting his head against his bedframe. Jabber seemed amused by his comment as he switched positions again, now pulling out a yoga mat to do a series of split stretches. Zanka was a little perplexed. Did he even need to work his split? Once again, he was absolutely not complaining.
The boy honestly felt like a bit of a pervert. Watching Jabber bend over, touching his nose to his knees and rocking back and forth for a deeper stretch was actually doing more for him than a shitty porno ever could. Zanka wasn't really sure when this crush on his friend started, to be honest, he could have always had it but now its just starting to resurface itself. Maybe that was why his friends were always teasing him. He couldn't lie, he loved looking at Jabber as much as he loved hearing him. Embarassingly so, he also loved being with him. That more than anything.
"Ungh… Man, my back feels like ass…" Jabber gasped from his new lunge position on the ground, his back facing Zanka. He rocked himself from a runner's lunge into a leaned back postion, allowing Zanka to get a very nice view of his lower regions…
"Yeah..ass…"
Jabber's head turned to the side at that, giving him a look. Zanka was confused. What was he looking at? Did he make a noise? What could possibly be wrong?
"What was that?" Jabber bantered, a slight laugh in his words.
The blonde raised an eyebrow. Wait.
Did I fucking say that out loud oh my god someone kill me I'm actually so serious oh my god FUCK.
He did not realize he said that comment out loud! Zanka felt his face heat up, trying his best to maintain his non-chalant attitude. He coughed into his hand, adjusting his hair.
"Uh—Nope, I didnt say nothin'…" God can somebody just fucking kill me—!
Jabber grinned, sliding into his split, reaching forwards and then arching his back, winking at Zanka since he had no bones in his back and could arch pretty far. Zanka may die and it MAY be because of Jabber. Just a warning…
He decided to try his best and remain silent for awhile. He thought that was probably the best idea for his sanity right now. He didn't really want to embarrass himself further.
Zanka watched as Jabber repeated the same stretches on his other side, enjoying the presence of the other boy. He admired watching him practice. It made him happy knowing he wasn't perfect without trying. The thought felt selfish, but he tried to ignore that. Zanka always thought that the way Jabber moved was fascinating, especially when he danced. The boy didn't know anyone else who could jump nearly as high as Jabber could, nor did he know anyone with quite the same stage presence, because to be honest, nobody else at ACDA or UGTDC could compare. Including Zanka. Jabber's technique was beautiful, his face was beautiful, his stage presence beautiful, his ass was beautiful, to be honest everything about him was beautiful. Zanka wasn't in love with him. He swears. On god trust.
When he zoned back in to what Jabber was doing, he was now doing a first arabesque using the barre. His leg was beautifully extended into the air, his foot pointed to perfection, and his standing leg was perfectly straight. The arabesque wasn't usually a male position, but Jabber and Zanka tended to do it anyway. Jabber was basically perfect in his position, but Zanka noticed there was one small error when he pulled his leg back to retire. His hips were ever so slightly tilted so his form was off, which could be spotted a mile away by a ballet instructor, or in this case, Zanka's gay ass who happened to be looking at Jabber's (probably gay) ass. Without thinking, Zanka sat up swinging his legs off of bed and walked towards Jabber.
"Zan?" Jabber muttered, looking behind him to see the boy standing closely, hovering his hands over Jabber's sides. He sucked in a breath by biting his lip, placing his own hands over Zanka's, allowing him to place them on his waist.
"Your form needs some work…Hips are tilted too far back, holdin' ya back…" Zanka mumbled into Jabber's neck. "..Let me help."
Jabber snickered, allowing Zanka adjust the position of his hips, "What's gotten into you?"
"Don't push your luck." Zanka huffed, "Let me help you."
"Your pelvis is tilted. Tamsy would smack you for this," Zanka grumbled, refusing to make eye contact. "You should know this."
Harsh. Typical Zanka… Jabber laughed silently to himself.
Zanka watched as Jabber brought his leg back down to adjust his position, before bringing it back up in excellent form. Jabber raised an eyebrow, seeking approval. Zanka smiled, nodding slightly.
"Good. Beautiful as always."
Jabber bit his lip at that, deciding he was done stretching for now.
He stared at Zanka with a humoured look, "What's up with you today? Butterin' me up, 'n shit…"
Zanka rolled his eyes, "Ya want me t'stop?"
Jabber shook his head, stepping closer to the other boy.
Jabber rested his forehead against Zanka's, "Not really," he muttered, bringing his arms up to rest on Zanka's shoulders. Surprisingly, Zanka didn't freeze up, and he wrapped his arms around Jabber. Neither of them could explain their relationship at this point, but it was probably painfully obvious to everybody but them.
They stood like that for a comfortable amount of time. The sun was starting to set, but very slowly, it was golden hour, the rays flashing through Zanka's window and painting their faces. Zanka wasn't really sure what took over him to make him do all that, but part of him is kind of glad he did. Maybe he was too exhausted to care… Or maybe he'd been wanting to hold and touch Jabber like this for a long time. He still couldn't fully believe that he and Jabber were friends again, even if they made up some time ago and their relationship was as if they never had any trouble.
"Hey…" Zanka spoke up, effectively breaking their silence. This time though it wasn't awkward.
"Hm?"
"Do you…actually like me?" He rasped, blabbing before Jabber could reply, "What I mean is…uh, I feel like 'm not really the greatest dude—like there's so much better for ya out there. Better than me."
Jabber stared at him, his expression unreadable, before he snorted and started laughing. This close, Zanka could smell his breath, minty from gum or maybe brushing his teeth.
"What's so damn funny…" Zanka mumbled, turning his head to the side to avoid his eyes.
Jabber kept their bodies close, but brought one hand up to cover his mouth, "Zan, you kill me, man…" He shook his head, "I ain't interested in nobody but you. No person out there is better for me than you are."
Zanka felt his face flush at the honest compliment. He groaned, hugging Jabber tight to him, shoving his face into the crook of Jabber's neck. He felt Jabber hum, holding him securely.
"…Thank you." Zanka muttered incoherently into Jabber's neck, making Jabber giggle.
"Never a problem, Zanka."
Zanka pushed the two backwards until they were laying together on his bed, (this time on purpose,) their limbs intertwined. Jabber had his eyes closed, looking surprisngly solemn in the warmth of Zanka's bed with the added atmosphere of the golden sunrays hitting his locs and face. Zanka found himself lifting one of Jabber's locs out of his face, cupping a hand around Jabber's cheek, rubbing it with his thumb. Jabber smiled, leaning into it, snuggling closer.
"..Jabs."
"'Sup, Zan?"
Zanka adjusted them, pulling the two further up in the bed.
"Wanna stay the night? Like maybe…? I get it if ya don't wanna. Kinda sudden, 'n shit..."
"Oh, yeah! That'd be great," the older boy gleamed, pulling away from their position to grab his phone from his bag on the floor, "Just gotta text my siblings so they dont think 'm dead or somethin'…"
Zanka nodded, taking off his jeans while Jabber wasn't looking so he was only in his boxers and his hoodie. He felt kind of embarrassed, since y'know, he was in fact taking off his pants in front of somebody (Jabber of all people), but he was sure the other wouldn't mind.
"Aight, Cthoni knows I'm alive and well, so we're good—" Jabber announced, taking off his ballet flats and throwing his phone back in his bag, when he turned around, seeing Zanka sitting in only his boxers and hoodie. "—Holy shit…"
Zanka's eyes widened, realizing how stupid he must have looked, "God, fuck, sorry. I usually sleep in just my boxers and I just wanted t'be comfy and shit— uhm. Well… but if you're not cool with that… I'll put my pants back on."
Jabber snorted, taking off his baby tee and tossing it to the side, climbing back up to lay with Zanka, crawling under the covers with him. Zanka blinked, his face was probably beet red by now. It didn't help how Jabber looked up at him from where he was laying down and picked Zanka's glasses off of his face by the bridge, folding them gently and placing them on his nightstand. Zanka eased into it, laying with him, trying his best not to look at Jabber's very well built chest. He thanked every god/deity ever that Jabber was at least covered by his duvet.
"Zan, you're starin', dude."
Zanka needed to lock in. Like, he really needed to lock in.
"Sorry. Not on purpose…"
Jabber chuckled, scooching closer to the other boy, wrapping his arms back around his neck. He stared at him for a moment, when his face went from bliss to panic.
"Oh, shit. Ugh…" Jabber groaned, patting at his hair, rolling onto his back. Zanka, confused, sat up, resting on his elbow.
"You good?"
Jabber grunted, dragging his palms down his face, "Nah, I didn't bring my bonnet…" Ah. Zanka nodded in understanding.
"You want me t'see if Semiu got one? She lives next door so I can go grab one…" Zanka suggested.
Jabber shook his head, "No, its good. I dont wanna make ya do allat for me…" Zanka scoffed at that, rolling his eyes. "Dude, I'm being forreal! That's way too much work and you're always exhausted…"
Zanka ignored his words, grabbing his phone and going to text Semiu.
zanka nijiku: semiu
Semiu Grier: ? whats up zan??
zanka nijiku: do u happen to have an extra bonnet?
Semiu Grier: yeah? jabber need one?
zanka nijiku: uh…yeah actually. could i borrow it? i'll return it in the morning.
Semiu Grier: yep no problem kid. i'm giving it to enjin and telling him to bring it to you.
zanka nijiku: oh tysm semiu youre the best
Semiu Grier: i know :)
Semiu Grier: i expect all the details later btw. bye kid, have a good night💕
"Zanka, ima beat your ass." Jabber sighed, seeing that he was texting her anyway. Zanka flicked his forehead.
"Chill. Semiu said yes, and Enjin's bringing it up."
Jabber smiled at that. Zanka swore his cheeks were tinted a slight pink shade. He was so cute when he wanted to be. No homo though. They both got socks on.
"Thanks, Zan. I actually cannot sleep without one, I'm so sorry." Jabber laughed, sitting up and letting the duvet fall off his chest, allowing Zanka to stare at his pierced belly button and…nipples… I need a fuckin' lobotomy dude…
A few minutes passed when Enjin came knocking on his door, throwing the bonnet in for Jabber. Zanka thanked him profusely.
The two boys ended up sitting and talking for an hour before they were called down for dinner by Gris. Jabber put one of Zanka's hoodies on, which made Zanka feel the need to run ten laps around his room. After dinner they were finally freed, and the two made their way back upstairs.
Zanka dipped into the washroom and Jabber followed. Letting him borrow his face wash, they both cleaned up over the sink and brushed their teeth. Luckily Zanka had an extra toothbrush in the drawer.
He watched as Jabber gargled some water and spat it out in the sink, leaving his lips wet, thinking 'damn that should be me'. He absently wiped his face with his sleeve, and Jabber grinned at him.
Once they were done getting ready for bed, they curled up together under Zanka's soft covers.
"G'night," Zanka said.
Jabber hummed, wiggling closer so his head was on Zanka's chest, "Sweet dreams, Zan-Zan. Nighty night."
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