Chapter Text
“And this is Jabber. Jabber Wonger” Enjin introduced the newly arrived spherite, Rudo. The kid with the white, faded black hair looked up at the new face he just got to know.
“He's insane. A little bit fucked in the head, but he'll be a great teacher. He knows his vital object better than anyone else, and could help you understand yours” the older one explained. Rudo was still too quiet, not able to trust anyone fully, especially not a cleaner with the face of a psychopath.
“So you're the spherite~ I've never seen one alive” Jabber squatted to be at his height, which Rudo found kind of insulting, and Enjin kind of endearing.
“Don't scare him, Jab. He's already been through enough. I'll leave you two to bond like teacher and student. Have fun” Enjin left, and Rudo looked back at the guy with the long dreads and red eyes.
“Show me, kiddo. Your vital object. Enjin mentioned something about a “diamond in the rough””
Rudo extended his hands, covered in thick leather gloves that seemed too big for his thin arms. Jabber wanted to grab them to take a better look, but Rudo refused, taking them away immediately.
“Ah, I see. Still don't trust me… Fine. I'll show you my vital object first” Jabber said proudly, and Rudo watched amused as his ten rings transformed into long, metal claws. This was supposed to help him trust more…? It just made him seem more threatening.
“See? Nothing to worry about. Now it's your turn”
Rudo took a step back, and looked at the older one with a frown. Jabber raised an eyebrow and then sighed. He would have to put in more effort to connect with this kid. Neither of them were especially eager to bond.
“Go rest, kid. Tomorrow you'll come with me to your first mission as my student.”
(...)
“So? How'd it go?” Enjin asked when he walked into the room. Jabber was sitting on the floor with his legs crossed, while Riyo was sitting on the sofa, playing with his hair. She really enjoyed doing hairstyles with his long dreadlocks. Putting jewelry on them, tying them up in buns, re-twisting them. And it didn't bother him at all. It took so long for him to get used to this kind of friendly contact.
“The kid don't like me, and I don't really like him either,” he answered, without even looking.
“Oh, come on, Jab. You still have a chance to be friends with him tomorrow. He could also gain some confidence by fighting some easy trash beasts.”
Jabber sighed, and finally looked at Enjin when he sat by his side on the floor.
“He's just like you when you first came here”
Jabber looked confused. And they sat in silence for a couple of seconds.
“What do you mean?”
“When the boss offered that you stay here and work with us as a cleaner, you also didn't trust anyone. You couldn't open up for months. Hiding in your room as soon as the mission was over, refusing to eat with us, to come to parties… And look at you now. You have this adorable haircare ritual with Riyo” Enjin explained, and Jabber finally understood what he meant. He was right. It could take a couple of months for the newbie to get along with everyone else, but it would be worthwhile.
“I get it… I'll try harder. There's gotta be some way to make him trust me.”
Enjin pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and Jabber hesitated before taking one out. Enjin made a little signal with his hand, and they both got up.
“Ow~ You're gonna leave me to go smoke with him?” Riyo complained, sad about not finishing his hairstyle. Now Jabber was rocking a half-up, even if it wasn't “finished”.
“Yeah, sorry, I'll be back.”
They walked outside and sat on a bench together. Jabber took out a lighter from one of the pockets in his cleaner uniform, and they both lit up their cigarettes in the small flame.
“You know I don't smoke if it's not with you” Jabber said with a smile. It was different from his usual bloodthirsty smile.
“You should show Rudo this smile. It's nice” Enjin said, and Jabber got shy, a little bit flustered.
“Smoking isn't enough… I want to fight.”
“I can't fight right now, Jab. Let's just enjoy this moment and go to sleep. You need to be well-rested for tomorrow”
Jabber whined, sad that Enjin refused his proposal. Fighting him was always so much fun, he didn't hold back. Everyone in the team knew just how much Jabber could take, so none of them ever held back during training, fighting like they were trying to kill each other.
“Don't get grumpy. Tomorrow could be fun.” Enjin encouraged him. Jabber slowly exhaled the smoke through his mouth, relaxing.
“You're right. I'm gonna show Rudo what I can do” Jabber said determined, and put out the cigarette by pressing it against his hand.
“Jesus Christ, dude” Enjin laughed.