Work Text:
Fu wasn’t sure how long it had been since his last meal.
He lay on the stiff bed that the Cleaners had recently provided him, clutching Hii tightly to his chest as his stomach growled against his will.
He liked the Cleaners, liked that they provided him not just a bed, but an entire room to himself. It was luxurious compared to anything he had experienced before, even if the wallpaper was peeling and the room had a strange, stale smell.
His small room became his sanctuary. He knew he was an outsider, that no one trusted him yet, so he had no qualms about hiding all day, only leaving when directly instructed to. Even as his stomach clenched painfully and his body began to shake from hunger, he stayed put.
After all, no one had told him he could use the cafeteria.
“You’re going to kill us,” Hii’s disappointed voice seethed in the back of his mind. “You can’t even feed yourself. Just how worthless can you get?”
Fu whined, curling in on himself and clutching Hii in his trembling grip. “M-Master Hii…”
How many times have they had this conversation since joining the Cleaners? It became a part of their daily routine at this point.
“Be grateful that I’m even here,” Hii continued, voice an honest but grounding echo in his head. “You’d be dead without me.”
A small sound escaped Fu’s dry lips, something akin to a delirious laugh and a sigh. He lifted Hii to his eye level, faintly smiling at the doll.
“Of course, Master Hii… You’re right – you’re completely right…”
In their shared headspace, Fu could feel Hii itching to pilot the body. His green eyes stared blankly at the wall in front of him as that familiar feeling of dissociation began to overtake his consciousness.
“If you’re not going to get us food, then I will,” Hii announced, just like he did every other day.
The wave of anima coursing through their body was comforting as Fu began to feel himself drift away from reality. Hii would take care of him; he always did. Before fully succumbing, Fu softly mumbled to the doll, “thank you, Master Hii…” as his consciousness went black.
The cafeteria was dead by the time Hii arrived. He was often lucky that people weren’t lurking around whenever he decided to prowl at night, something he was grateful for because most of the Cleaners didn’t know of his existence yet. It wasn’t like he was hiding himself out of shame, but instead because he knew not everyone would understand the pact they shared.
And if they did, they liked to take advantage of it – take advantage of Fu.
He swung the freezer door open, his glowing green eyes scanning the shelves to see if they had his usual go-to meal. Whenever Hii was in control, he tried his best to eat healthily since Fu couldn’t be bothered to. Seriously, without him, Fu would be rotting away in a filthy ditch.
A grin split his lips as he found what he was looking for. It wasn’t much, but these microwave meals were just what they needed. He was quick to grab one of the packs so he could retreat to their room without anyone spotting him. Finding healthy food on the Ground was a rarity as is, so he wasn’t going to be picky about what the Cleaners had in their kitchen.
Hii used his claws to poke a hole in the lid and popped it into the microwave, closing the door as gently as possible – a lesson he learnt after he accidentally broke one a few weeks ago. Sometimes he couldn’t help it; being confined in a small doll all day made him pent up. The Cleaners managed to replace the microwave he smashed, but no one knew who had done it yet. Hii intended on keeping it that way.
He watched the dish slowly spin, the hum of the microwave being the only sound in the empty cafeteria.
But then, the distant sound of shuffling down the hall had him tense. He whipped his head around, searching for any signs of life. The shuffling continued, growing closer and closer with voices travelling down what was supposed to be an empty hallway.
“Shit,” he cursed aloud, turning back to the microwave, hoping it would hurry up.
Instead, Hii growled in frustration. The mocking, glowing light told him he’d be stuck there for another four minutes. He glared at the timer, as if it would scare the microwave into hurrying the fuck up. Hii didn’t have four minutes. He had to be in and out without anyone spotting him.
“That’s what I was trying to tell him! Why won’t he just listen to me?” one of the voices, a male, said as he entered the cafeteria. Hii refused to turn around and acknowledge them, standing rigidly in front of the counter with his back turned to the entrance.
Don’t engage with them, and they won't engage with you.
“You know how he is,” the other voice, another male, drawled. “It’s hard to reason with him, y’know?”
“I know! But no matter what I tell him, he always– oh,” the voice paused. Hii could feel his skin begin to crawl as he felt eyes on him. “There’s someone in here,” the man said in a pathetic attempt at a whisper.
“Oh shit,” the other voice said in a hushed breath. “Wait a minute… Isn’t that guy the ex-Raider?”
If Hii wasn’t so annoyed at the moment, he would have spun around and mocked these morons for how lame their attempt at secrecy was.
“Ehh, I dunno, man. I remember hearing that he looks like a kicked puppy. This guy seems tough.”
Hii clenched his fists, his nails digging into his skin at the restraint he was enduring. He couldn’t lash out, knowing his actions would directly impact how the Cleaners saw them.
Then again, if Fu had been the one fronting, he’d start bawling at that man’s comment. He was grateful that Fu lost full consciousness whenever Hii took over. The last thing Hii needed was for Fu to keep him up all night again as he cried and whined about how worthless he was.
Hii would be happy to remind him of that anyway.
“But that totally looks like the description I heard of him! He has the same red and white hair!” Now it seemed like they completely forgoed trying to be subtle as the man practically yelled at his friend.
“It could be someone else–”
“How many people here have red and white hair, man?”
“Good point…”
Veins popped on Hii’s forehead, impatience and annoyance making his eye twitch. He was half tempted to rip the microwave out of the wall and haul it to his room. He’d already broken one before and got away scot-free; he was certain he could steal one this time around.
Just as he was about to put his plan into motion, the shrill sound of the microwave beeping pulled him from his thoughts. He was quick as he flung the door open and grabbed the unbearably hot meal out with his bare hands. The burn was agonising, but he didn’t have time to wait for it to cool down.
With the meal securely in his hold, Hii stalked out of the cafeteria, brushing past the two men who jumped away from him with pitiful squeaks.
Dumbasses.
Thankfully, Hii didn’t run into any more trouble on his walk back to their room. He slammed the door behind him, mouth watering as the savoury smell of the meal filled the air, his stomach growling in excitement. He slid down the door, landing on his butt and prepared to open the lid, only to stop in devastating realization.
He had forgotten a fork.
When Fu came to, he was in bed. Faint sunshine filtered through the sheer curtains, barely illuminating the room. Fu blinked slowly, trying to process how much time had passed since Hii took over. He rolled over in bed, a small groan of effort passing his lips. Hii’s doll was perched on the dresser next to him, carefully watching over him as he slept through the night.
A small smile crept on Fu’s lips. “Master Hii… Good morning,” he murmured groggily.
“Are you gonna drag your sorry ass to the cafeteria for breakfast today?” Hii asked, cutting straight to the chase.
Immediately, Fu’s smile vanished as an uncomfortable weight settled in his heart. That familiar feeling of anxiety nipped at him, making his stomach swirl with nerves. Not from Hii’s harsh words, but because…
“...I… I can’t. I don’t have orders to go…”
A silence settled in the room, in their headspace, and Fu could practically feel Hii’s disappointment radiating off the doll in waves.
“Just as I thought. Fine. I’ll grab us dinner again later.”
A wide and genuine smile graced Fu’s lips. He pushed himself up and out of bed and hugged Hii in his arms.
“Thank you… I feel a lot better than I did yesterday,” he breathed, his stomach feeling full. “What did you get for us this time?” He made his way to the connected bathroom of his dorm and grabbed a towel. Gently, he placed Hii on the counter and stripped out of his oversized hoodie, sweatpants, and underwear. The morning chill made him shudder, and he quickly rushed to hop under the scorching water.
Showering was one of his favourite parts of the day. The Cleaners had some luxurious soaps that he gratefully lathered all over his body. And not only that, but the first day he arrived, Enjin ordered him to take a shower, so Fu knew he was allowed to.
“Just a frozen dinner.”
Fu let out an airy laugh as the water poured on him. “You seem to really like those things, Master Hii.”
“As if.”
Their morning continued like that, peacefully quiet but uneventful as Fu got dressed and ready for the day. Though it wasn’t like he was even going to leave his room, not unless someone came knocking on his door–
Knock! Knock!
Fu jumped out of his skin with a high-pitched yelp. He wasn’t used to getting visitors – what was the proper procedure?! How should he greet whoever was there?! What if it was Corvus coming to kick him out?! What if Zodyl was let in and was here to kill him for being a traitor?!
“Go answer the door, you useless worm.”
“Ah! Right!”
Nervously, Fu cracked the door open. He half expected to see an angry mob waiting for him, but to his surprise and relief, it was Semiu.
“M-M-Miss Semiu!” Fu stuttered, voice cracking with nerves as he opened the door wider.
The white-haired woman had her arms crossed, a neutral expression on her face. Fu held back a sigh of relief as she didn’t seem like she was angry at him.
Semiu was one of the few people in the Cleaners that Fu wasn’t scared of. Yes, she was intimidating, especially at first, but she was direct and precise with her words, something Fu greatly appreciated.
“Fu,” she spoke, eyes briefly flickering down to Hii, who was poking out of his hoodie pocket. “I hope you’ve had a good morning.”
“U-um, yeah! It’s, uh, it’s been fine,” he mumbled awkwardly.
What’s going on?!
“Relax. You’re making yourself look like a fool.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” she smiled faintly, a sight that was rare for Fu. She always looked so professionally composed with her poker face, so it took him by surprise. “Mind coming with me for a bit?”
Fu’s eyes widened slightly. Was that an order…? Or…?
“Sorry, my bad,” Semiu continued, sensing the boy’s confusion. “I need you to come with me, Fu” she corrected.
Like a switch had been flipped, Fu perked up immediately, a large and excited smile on his face. “Of course! I’m happy to follow any order, ma’am!”
In his glee, Fu missed the way Semiu’s brown eyes softened ever so slightly. “Follow me, then.”
The two walked through the headquarters in silence. Fu was still trying to get a proper layout of the large, expansive building. He’d been here for a few weeks and still only really knew how to get to and from his dorm.
He pulled Hii out of his pocket, holding him in front of him. “Where do you think we’re going?” he asked the doll quietly.
Before Hii could reply, Semiu’s smooth voice cut through the silence.
“If you are to become an official Cleaner, we’re going to need your measurements,” she explained. “We have to go see August.”
“Oh… okay,” Fu replied, going along with it despite not knowing who August was.
They continued to walk for a few moments before realization came crashing down on him. He let out a gasp and looked up at the woman with sparkling, green eyes. “W-Wait! Does that… Does that mean I’m…” he trailed off, his intended question clear as day.
“Not quite yet. As far as I’m aware, you’re still on a trial basis with us. But having your measurements in advance helps August a lot.”
A wobbly smile stretched his lips as a rare feeling of hopeful optimism settled warmly inside him.
“Hear that? Looks like we’re not doing so bad,” Hii mused in his mind, sounding confident. Fu nodded, holding the doll close to his chest as he let out an airy giggle to himself.
The Raiders were cool, but I’m happy the Cleaners gave us a chance.
“Tch, you didn’t have to endure the boss’s beatings,” Hii huffed. “Cleaners haven’t laid a finger on ya.”
They’re really nice…
“They are, but if they try anything, I’ll give ‘em hell.”
The Cleaner’s Headquarters was a lot bigger than Fu initially thought – sure, he didn’t leave his room ever, but the hallways just didn’t stop winding, twisting and turning as they made their way through. Fu was certain he never would have known this part of the building even existed if Semiu hadn’t shown him.
His eyes darted around as they walked, taking in the colourful graffiti that seemed to decorate every wall.
“You know,” Semiu started, pulling Fu’s attention to her. “I never see you around. Do you ever leave your room?” Her question wasn’t one of judgment, but of observation. Despite that, Fu curled in on himself in shame.
“Um, n-no, ma’am…”
“And why's that?”
Fu gulped. He always felt embarrassed explaining his situation to others. Semiu already knew he relied on orders and guidance, but it seemed like she didn’t know how far it went.
“Well, uh… No one told me I could…” he admitted, lowering his head.
The confession stopped Semiu in her tracks, and Fu nearly bumped into her.
“Fu.” Her voice was a soft command, drawing the boy’s eyes up to her own. “This whole time you’ve locked yourself in your room because no one told you that you’re allowed to come out?” She sounded confused, as if she was spelling it out for herself in order for it to make sense. But again, it wasn’t judgmental. Rather, was she concerned?
“Yes, ma’am.”
Semiu sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose with a shake of her head. Fu could have sworn he heard her mumbling something about Enjin being an idiot under her breath.
“Okay, from here on, come out of your room whenever you feel like it or need to, okay?” She paused before adding, “that’s an order.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
With a newfound pep in his step, Fu followed closely behind Semiu as they began walking again. Though as they continued, Fu thought he was imagining the way the ground began to rumble slightly. But the further they went, the rumbling was accompanied by what must have been the loudest music Fu had ever heard in his life.
It pounded in his head, making his ears ring, and he fought the urge to cover them to drown it out. And– what was that? Was there someone screaming?
“Who’s the asshole blaring this shit?!” Hii growled.
Finally, they stopped in front of a large door where the metal music was at its peak volume. Fu was sure that if they opened the door, he’d go deaf.
“This is August’s room!” Semiu yelled over the deafening sound of drums and guitars. No wonder this room was so far away from everything else. “He can be a bit intense if we interrupt him when he’s working!” she warned, before standing in front of the boy, essentially blocking him from view.
She balled her hand into a fist and pounded on the door, the sound jolting Fu with every strike. He barely had time to process what was happening before the music was suddenly cut, and the door was ripped open, revealing a very pissed-off man.
“August–”
“What gives?! Huh? HUH? How many times do I gotta tell you Cleaners to leave me alone when I’m in the groove?!” August loudly interrupted, pointing an accusing finger at the woman.
“Why’s this guy still yelling? The music’s off!”
Fu ignored Hii’s annoyance, suddenly fearing for his own safety at August’s intensity. He shifted, subtly sliding behind Semiu even further.
Unfortunately for him, that was exactly what caught the man’s attention.
“Oh! Hey! Who’s this little guy?!” August exclaimed, suddenly pushing past Semiu and getting all up in Fu’s personal space. “I didn’t know we had so many children here! What are you, 7?”
Fu’s face heated up in humiliation. Did he really look 10 whole years younger than he actually was?!
“Um, n-no–”
“And what’s with these drab clothes, huh?!” the blond yelled, suddenly looking offended. He gripped Fu’s hoodie, inspecting it thoroughly, mumbling to himself before circling the boy to get an even better view of him. “OH! Oh, I see!” he yelled from behind Fu, making him jump with a pathetic squawk. “That’s why you're here to see me, isn't it?! Isn't it?! It totally is, isn't it?!”
Fu looked helplessly over to Semiu, silently pleading for her to step in.
Before Semiu could even think about helping, August’s hands were on Fu’s back, not so gently pushing him inside his room. “That won’t do! Not at all! You’re lucky I’m not that busy!” He leaned down, wrapping an arm around Fu’s shoulder and leaned in close as if conspiring with him. “They got me overworked in here! So many deadlines! All! The! Time!” he complained, as if Semiu wasn’t right there. Fu’s ears rang. Why was he still shouting when he was right next to him?!
August ripped away to spin around in front of him. He pointed a gloved finger at Fu and smirked, orange glasses gleaming under his lighting setup.
“No need to worry, little guy! I’m gonna cook up something hella fresh for you!” The man shaped his hands into a frame, observing Fu through the gap between his fingers as if he were a professional model.
“Ahem,” Semiu finally interrupted and closed the door behind her.
“Hah?! You’re still there?” August hollered.
“Of course. Fu’s an ex-Raider, I have to keep an eye on him,” she explained, but Fu had a feeling she just didn’t want to leave him alone with August’s intensity. “We just need his measurements today.”
“That’s all?! I can do that! Yeah!”
August spun on his heel, long blond hair flying around, and began rummaging through a box on his workdesk, mumbling loudly to himself as he searched for what he needed.
“Aha! I found it, I got it!”
Fu blinked, and suddenly August was in his space again, leaning in close to show what he had found. It was a roll of tailor’s tape, which looked like it had been through a lot.
“Okay, now strip!”
“H-huh?”
In an instant, Fu felt lightheaded. Hii’s presence – protective and hostile – was close to fronting, just simmering beneath his consciousness.
“That son of a bitch!”
Fu gulped and began doing as ordered, ignoring the way his heart hammered in his chest as Hii screamed at him in his mind.
With shaky hands, Fu removed Hii from his pocket and set him on a shelf. He then pulled his hoodie over his head, trying to avoid the fabric smudging his black makeup. He felt exposed under August’s observant gaze, and even worse when the man started to smirk at what he saw.
“Fu,” Semiu’s voice cut through his swirling mind. He shot her a fearful glance. “We just need to measure you so we can make a uniform when the time comes,” she reassured, as if she could tell he was thinking of worst-case scenarios.
Usually, when people ordered him to strip, unpleasant things ended up happening to him.
“O-oh, okay.”
With Semiu’s comforting words, Fu could feel Hii retreating into his mind. His heart stopped pounding in his chest, but the residual anxiety still shook him slightly.
Next, Fu removed his pants, leaving him in only his boxers. Slowly, Fu reached to his boxer’s waistband, fully intending on removing them just like August had requested.
“Not that!” August interrupted his movement. “Keep that on! I don’t wanna see all that! Yuck!”
“Y-yes, sir!”
“But take off your shoes, ‘kay! I can’t get a good read on your height with them on!”
Fu was quick to kick them off, not wanting the man to become impatient or annoyed with him.
Finally, Fu stood before them practically naked. Goosebumps rose on his skin, not just from the cold, but also from discomfort.
“Hmm,” August hummed, eyes trailing his body up and down. “Ha! You’re smaller than I thought! Are you 5?!”
“Wha–”
“And look at you!” August continued, poking at Fu’s stomach. “You’re made of skin and bones! What– are you eating once every 10 years?!” Despite his harsh, yet truthful words, August never showed any signs of mockery. He was merely making a brutally honest observation. “So small, but you’re the perfect canvas for what I have in mind! And you’re so quiet, too! Just like my little sister! You must hide all your insecurities under big, baggy clothing, huh?! Right?!” He reached up and pinched at Fu’s cheek, the boy trying to recoil away to no success. “So cute, just like my baby sis, Eisha! Have you met her? She’s the nurse!”
From there, the measurements began as August continued talking about his sister, and anything else that came to mind (which was a lot of things, apparently). Fu quickly got used to August’s eccentricities and found himself beginning to relax. If he tried hard enough, he could pretend he was back in the Raiders and hanging out with Jabber again (just without all the poison and sharp claws, thankfully).
August was quick and efficient in his work, clearly very experienced. He never once ceased his onslaught of commentary, but managed to multitask as he wrote down every measurement he got while openly brainstorming ideas.
Once August declared he was finished, Fu let out a sigh of relief but made no move to grab his clothes as he awaited further orders.
“You can get dressed now, Fu,” Semiu helpfully supplied.
“Yes, ma’am!”
Now fully clothed and comfortable, Fu thought it was finally over. He was ready to head back to his room and decompress.
“Are you a Giver?” August asked, snapping him from his thoughts.
“Yes, sir.”
“Lemme see your Vital Instrument! I gotta know what it is, then!” he demanded, leaning close as if Fu was hiding it on his person.
“He’s, uh– he’s over there,” Fu explained, breaking away from August to collect Hii off the shelf.
Having Hii back in his arms brought a smile to his face. Gently, he rubbed circles into the doll’s wooden back, the familiar texture comforting him. He presented Hii to August.
“This is Hii,” he explained and noticed even Semiu looking slightly interested. “He’s very important to me.”
“A doll?!” August exclaimed, fingers wiggling as if he were resisting the urge to rip Hii from him. “Hey, I’ve never seen someone with a doll as a Vital Instrument before! How does it work, huh?!”
“We have a pact…” He was curt with his explanation as he knew it could confuse people. “He uses my body to fight.”
“Ehh?! So under all those bones, you gotta be hella shredded!” August called out with a brazen grin. He squeezed at Fu’s bicep to search for the hidden muscles, only to curl his lips in a disappointed frown. “Boney!”
Fu could only let out an awkward laugh as he shied away from the man’s touch. “Y-yeah… I’d be nothing without Hii.”
August switched his attention back to the doll for a moment, before abruptly turning away, seemingly over the whole interaction. “‘Kaaaay,” he drawled. “I’m getting back into the grove so you better give me my space back, ya hear?!”
Semiu sighed, in what Fu thought may have been of relief, and patted Fu on the shoulder to grab his attention. “Let’s go… before he gets weird.”
Fu didn’t need to be told twice. As much as he had gotten used to August in that half hour they spent together, he definitely needed a break. He followed closely behind Semiu as they left and nearly jumped when that blaring music started playing once again.
Semiu stayed with Fu for the entirety of the walk back to his room, something Fu was grateful for as he was sure he’d get lost. As he was about to say his thanks and his goodbyes, Semiu stopped him.
“I expect to see you outside of your room more often now, okay?”
Immediately, Fu’s back straightened and eyes went wide. She was talking about the order from earlier.
“You’re allowed to be here,” she reminded him with a faint softness to her eyes. “We wouldn’t have let you in otherwise.”
Suddenly feeling shy, Fu ducked his head and nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
A small, teasing smile grew on her face as she continued. “Besides, don’t you think people would find it suspicious that the ex-Raider was hiding in his room all the time? Come out and prove yourself to us.”
The implications had his blood run cold as he snapped his head up to look at her in horror. Had he really been unintentionally making a bad image for himself this whole time?!
“Y-yes, ma’am! I’ll be sure to leave my room from now on!”
Pleased, Semiu nodded. “Good. I’ll see you around then.” And with that, she turned and left, leaving Fu standing in the middle of the hallway in devastating silence.
“You dumbass.”
Leaving his room sounded easy, but actually pulling it off was harder than Fu expected. It was now midday, and Fu’s stomach started its familiar routine of grumbling insistantly.
He had managed to step outside his room and close the door behind him, standing where he and Semiu had been only hours earlier. She had told him he was allowed to leave his room but…
…What now?
Aimlessly, Fu began to wander around the building, looking for someone to give him orders. He had followed Enjin to the Cleaners, and yet he didn’t even know where the man’s room was. He wasn’t sure if the man was currently here or not – he could be on a mission for all Fu knew.
The more he stumbled around, the more anxious he became. “Master Hii…” he whined.
“I can’t take over, someone might see me.”
Fu’s lip wobbled as the familiar feeling of tears stung his eyes. “Miss Semiu told me to come out, b-but what am I supposed to do?”
“I don’t know. Go see if you can find her.”
“Ah, Master Hii, what a good idea!” Fu exclaimed. “I’ll prove to her that I followed her orders!”
“Whatever.”
With a newfound pep in his step, he headed towards the Headquarter’s lobby with the hopes of seeing that familiar head of white hair sitting at the receptionist’s desk.
“Miss Semiu, I– huh?” As Fu rounded the corner, his heart sank at the sight of a completely empty lobby. “She… She’s not here.”
Fu swivelled around, trying to get a better look at the lobby as if it would make her appear out of thin air. He was tempted to take a peak behind her desk to see if she was hiding, but quickly pushed the thought away as panic set in.
At once, his heart started to beat rapidly. “Orders… Orders… I need someone to give me orders,” he mumbled to himself in a frenzy. With nothing else to do and nowhere to go, Fu sat down on the cold floor of the lobby and pulled his knees up to his chest for comfort. Maybe waiting for her to come back was the best option.
He wasn’t sure how long he sat there for – all he knew was that his butt was getting numb and Hii was getting impatient. But eventually, someone finally entered the lobby, and Fu nearly cried at who it was.
“Mr. Enjin!” Fu squawked as relief flooded through him. He could finally ask his host for orders.
But surely, the sight of Fu sitting in the middle of an empty room was a pathetic one. And by the way Enjin raised an eyebrow at him, he must have been right about that, too.
“Fu? What are you doing?” Enjin asked skeptically.
Fu didn’t hesitate as he crawled over to the man on all fours before bowing before him, nearly smashing his skull against the floor. “Please give me orders!” he cried, voice shrill and desperate.
There was a beat of silence before he heard Enjin let out a long and annoyed sigh from above him.
“I just wanted a quick smoke,” the man grumbled to himself. “Shoulda gone to the courtyard instead.”
“Please allow your minion to help you! I’ll do anything you ask!” Fu shouted, still bowing at Enjin’s feet.
“I still haven’t agreed to the whole ‘minion’ thing, y’know? What are you even doing out here anyway?”
“Miss Semiu ordered me to leave my room more often, sir! So I came to prove that I left, but she wasn’t here, sir!”
A puff of air that sounded akin to a laugh left Enjin’s lips. “Well no kidding. She’s in the cafeteria with everyone else. It’s lunchtime.”
At the mention of lunch, Fu’s stomach let out a loud and humiliating growl. He clambered to his feet and held his stomach in a desperate attempt to make it stop grumbling as his face burned.
“Looks like you could use some food too, huh?” Enjin observed with a smirk. ”Haven’t eaten yet?”
“I was waiting until nighttime, sir…”
Enjin’s face immediately fell. “Hey, don’t tell me you’re starving yourself. Why would you do that?”
“I can’t go to the cafeteria, sir…”
“Explain.”
“U-Um, well, no one gave me any orders to, Mr. Enjin… A-And when Miss Semiu told me I could leave my room, she didn’t specify where I could go… So, yeah,” he finished lamely. His hands dipped into the pocket of his hoodie, fingers anxiously running through the soft fur of Hii’s doll.
How many times was he going to have this conversation today?
Enjin sighed before muttering, “no wonder I never see you there.” He turned around and gestured for Fu to follow him. “C’mon, let’s get you something to eat, yeah?”
“R-Really?!”
“Yes ‘really.’ Now hurry up before I change my mind.”
“Right away, sir!” Fu scrambled to follow and kept a respectful distance between himself and Enjin as they walked. He couldn’t believe it – he was finally being allowed into the cafeteria after all this time! It had been so long since he had a proper meal since Hii had been the one eating for them over the last couple of weeks. He almost forgot what food tasted and felt like.
Against his will, his mouth began to salivate as he imagined what their cafeteria had to offer. Surely, their food selection must be better than the Raider’s since they were often left to fend for themselves most days. If it hadn’t been for Jabber forcefully dragging him around to local fast food joints, Fu was sure he would have starved back then.
Not before long, the cafeteria’s doors loomed before them. The muffled sound of people conversing flowed through the doors and Fu felt his stomach spin with nerves. He hadn’t been in front of this many Cleaners before. What would they think of him?
“I’ll help you grab a bite. Just follow me,” Enjin instructed as he pushed open the doors.
Fu’s greatest nightmares were telling him that the second he stepped past those doors, everyone would cease their conversations to glare at him as if he didn’t belong.
But to his pleasant surprise, and internal relief, nothing even remotely similar happened as everyone continued about their business as usual. He stuck close to Enjin as they weaved through the crowded room, practically clinging to the man’s jacket in a desperate attempt at comfort. Enjin didn’t seem to mind, but Fu couldn’t help but notice some of the weird looks he got from others. Maybe it was because he was an ex-Raider?
Against the furthest wall of the room, a grand assortment of food was set on a large table. The aroma was savory and divine, and Fu had to wipe away the drool that trickled down his chin. There was so much to choose from, and Fu’s heart began to race.
“Pick whatever you want,” Enjin’s voice cut into his turmoil as if he could tell what Fu was thinking. “No big deal.”
“Get the pizza!”
Hii had a point… The pizza looked really delicious. The cheese was so gooey that he was sure he’d get a perfect cheese pull from it. And the smell. The second he walked into the cafeteria, it was the most overwhelming aroma and he knew he wanted to get his hands on it.
He grabbed two slices for his plate and glanced up at Enjin for further instructions. “Want a drink?” the man asked.
Fu nodded eagerly, his lips suddenly feeling very dry. “Can I have some water, please, sir?”
“Just a water? We got some way cooler drinks, y’know?” Enjin teased with a grin. “Don’t even think about getting a beer though.”
“That shit’s nasty anyway,” Hii scoffed.
“I just want water,” Fu repeated.
“Okay, okay,” Enjin gave in and filled a small cup for him. “Grab some vegetables and we’ll go sit down.”
The sight of veggies on the Ground was a rare one, and Fu couldn’t help but wonder where the Cleaners got their supply from. He scooped a hearty amount onto his plate and was rewarded with a proud smile from Enjin.
The man led them to the table that Semiu was sitting at. Along with her was a lady with long brown hair that Fu didn’t recognize, and a large man that Fu remembered being named Gris.
“Fu,” Semiu greeted as they approached. Her eyebrows were raised slightly, but she quickly shoved her surprise away. “I’m glad you decided to join us for lunch today.”
“I had to force him to come,” Enjin explained with a small huff. “He would’ve never came on his own. Come on, kid, take a seat. Wherever’s fine.”
Green eyes darted around the table before finally settling on the open spot next to Gris. Fu hesitantly nodded but said nothing as he slid in next to him, trying to make himself as small as possible, fully aware that they may not want him there.
“The pizza is incredible,” Gris said all of the sudden, and it took a few moments for Fu to realize the man was actually talking to him. “Have you tried it before?”
“Um, no, sir.”
“You’ll love it. I heard it was a recipe Tomme told the chefs about. Isn’t that right?” Gris asked the brown-haired lady.
The lady, Tomme, smiled and nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! It’s a recipe my friend made. Best pizza ever; I had to share it with everyone.”
Gris and Tomme began chatting, seemingly forgetting about Fu’s existence, which the boy didn’t mind. Wordlessly, he pulled Hii out from his pocket and set the doll on the table next to his plate.
“Holy shit that pizza looks awesome,” Hii groaned and Fu could feel how jealous he was through their shared headspace.
I can save you a slice for later if you want.
“You better!”
Smiling to himself, Fu reached for a slice of pizza on his plate. But, out of nowhere, his smile abruptly fell and he ripped his hand away as if it had been burned. His skin felt sticky with sweat and he couldn’t control the way his heart began hammering excruciatingly in his chest.
The action made everyone at the table pause and look at him in confusion and the stares only made him fall deeper into his spiraling mind.
Enjin’s voice was the first to speak, “Fu, what’s–”
“I’m sorry!” he cried, voice shrill as he attempted to bow in his seated position. “I’m sorry, please forgive me!”
Everyone exchanged a glance. “For… what exactly?” Semiu asked.
Fu finally raised his head to look at everyone as he waved his hands about. “Y-You– I– y’know!” he stammered as nerves fully took over, making him only able to cry out small, pitiful noises. Tears sprang to his eyes and he tried to frantically wipe them away, not even considering the way it would smudge his makeup. Then, a large hand pressed against his back, and all Fu could do was let out a sharp and wet sob.
“Hey, now,” Gris interrupted, gently rubbing a soothing circle on his trembling back. “Take a deep breath.”
And Fu did just that. He inhaled, exhaled, and repeated. It didn’t help much with his anxiety, but he felt like he could finally speak again.
“I’m so sorry…” he tried again, voice soft and almost unintelligible under the chatter of the cafeteria. “I-I almost had some pizza… It looks really good a-and I didn’t even think before I reached for some… I’m sorry, please forgive me…”
Tomme frowned and tilted her head. “Huh? What makes you think you can’t have any? It’s for everyone.”
Fu grimaced and curled in on himself slightly. Was he about to explain this for the third time today? He should have never left his room. It was too much of a hassle to expect everyone to understand his burdens.
“Fu needs to be ordered around to do anything,” Enjin cut in much to Fu’s relief, though it didn’t quell the embarrassment he felt. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. I didn’t even consider that something as natural as eating was impossible for you.”
Fu shrunk further. “I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize. We just aren’t used to… behaviour like this, is all,” Semiu replied gently.
“Right,” Gris said as he pat Fu’s back reassuringly. “As long as you’re here with us, we’ll try to accommodate you as best as we can.”
“Wouldn’t hurt the kid to learn some independence, though,” Enjin grumbled to himself, which everyone ignored.
“Well!” Tomme chirped. “Eat as much as you want, Fu!” she smiled warmly. “And you know what else?”
“...What?”
“Come hang out more often, we’d all love to get to know you. And also use anything you want in this building, you don’t need to ask for permission.”
Fu’s eyes sparkled as he perked up. “Okay!”
“Do you want to decorate your room? Do it if you want to,” Gris said.
“Try going to the courtyard, too,” Semiu added.
“Join us for training!”
“Cook yourself a meal.”
“Come to the next party, it's this weekend.”
“Take a bath if you ever need to relax.”
“Talk to the other kids your age. Make some friends.”
“There’s a laundry room on every floor. Use it when you need to.”
“Like candy? We have some that you can eat whenever you want.”
Fu’s head spun at the onslaught of orders, the three adults not stopping in their barrage as Enjin watched on with a raised brow. Fu was overwhelmed, but he couldn't help the wobbly smile that grew on his face and the tears that welled in his eyes. He nodded enthusiastically at each new order as he finally felt a sense of belonging in the Cleaners.
What was he so afraid of? These people were so kind. He almost felt bad for doubting them.
At that moment, as he sat with everyone with a smile on his face and a warm feeling in his chest, Fu knew he didn’t ever want to leave this place.
“Got it?” Gris’ voice pulled him from his thoughts. “If you ever have questions, don’t be afraid to ask us.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Now eat up before your food gets cold,” Tomme said.
The first bite of pizza was far better than he ever expected it to be. Maybe it was because he hadn’t eaten in weeks, but he was certain it was the best food he ever had in his 17 years of life. The cheese melted on his tongue, and he couldn’t help but giggle at the large cheese string he was rewarded with when he pulled the pizza away.
“Good, huh?” Gris grinned.
“Very good, sir!”
He ravaged the pizza, taking large, messy bites as reality actually set in. This was his first meal in weeks. His body acted accordingly, greedily eating as much as it could in any way it could. He barely paid attention to how much of a mess he was making, just happy to finally eat again.
“Hey! That’s mine you, moron!” Hii shouted when Fu began eating the second slice. For once, Fu ignored his insistent shouting. He’d grab Hii another slice later.
For now, he just wanted to enjoy the moment.
Weeks passed and Fu was now officially a cleaner. He was embarrassed to admit it, but he definitely cried when he received his uniform. It was perfect too, and fit him in the exact way he liked. August had really outdone himself.
But, his body was exhausted from the recent Doll Festival. Despite that, he still made time to leave his room more often. He found himself in the main common room, doodling with Dear, Guita, and Rudo.
He wasn’t exactly sure what had happened to Rudo during the festival, but it seemed like something was bothering the Sphereite. He hoped drawing together could help take the boy’s mind off of things.
“Fuuu! Lemme see what you’re drawing! Lemme, lemme!” Guita interrupted his thoughts and leaned in close to his paper. “Oh, it’s Hii!”
Fu knew he wasn’t the best artist – he was terrible if he was being realistic – but a surge of pride ran through him since Guita could at least recognize what he drew. “Yeah!”
“Tch. Looks nothing like me,” Hii seethed.
“Sooo cool! Look what I drew!” Guita proudly presented her piece with a wide, toothy grin. “Kaiju battle!”
“Ehh, wow!” he said in genuine awe. She was a few years younger than him, but was clearly more skilled at art. The piece was simple, but he was sure that in a few years, her art could rival that of Remlin’s.
Just as he was going to continue his praise, the door to the common room was unexpectedly kicked open and August barreled through with a howl. Fu jolted, the movement accidentally making him draw a dark, thick line through his drawing of Hii. Oops.
Dear glared at the man and suckled on his pacifier in annoyance. Fu gulped and suddenly wished he was anywhere else. Maybe he’d give the boy some candy later to stay on his good side.
“Yo! Fuuu! You’ve been hiding from me, huh?!” August exclaimed, stomping over to him.
Fu blinked. August was looking for him?
“Um…”
“I just finished up something for you! You’ll never, ever, ever, ever guess what I made!”
Fu tilted his head and frowned. August had already given him his uniform and mask, so he wasn’t sure what else to expect.
“Uh–”
“Guess!”
“I don’t know! I’m sorry!”
“See?! I told you you’d never, ever, ever, ever guess!” August cackled wildly as he leaned in close. “‘Kay, now close your eyes!”
He squeezed them shut.
“Hold out your hands!”
Fu held them out. And then a moment later, something soft and light was placed in them. Some kind of fabric? From beside him, he could hear Guita letting out small “ooohs” and “ahhs.” He resisted the urge to peek at his hands, the curiosity eating him alive – though he didn’t have to wait long.
“Come on, open your eyes!”
Fu blinked a few times as his eyes adjusted to the light, before finally realizing what he was holding. He gasped and pulled the item close to his face to inspect it. It was perfect! So small and so cute!
“Mr. August! This… This is–”
“A work of art! Right?!”
“Yes! It really is!”
“That’s not what I think it is, is it?” Hii deadpanned in his mind.
August smirked and nodded his head vigorously. “I thought your little friend could use a uniform, too! It’s so totally genius! The best idea I’ve had in years!"
In Fu’s hands was a replica of his uniform – only this one was Hii-sized. The idea of it made Fu oddly emotional and tears quickly rushed to his eyes.
“Can I put it on him?”
“Whaddya think?! Hurry and put it on!”
Fu didn’t need to be told twice as he pulled Hii into his arms. He giddily ignored Hii’s annoyed groans as he dressed the doll up, giggling when the outfit finally came together. He couldn’t help but admire August’s skills as he turned the doll around to examine every inch of it. Wait, August hadn’t even measured Hii that day he went to visit him. How did he manage to make this outfit fit so flawlessly? Was he just that good at this that he could get Hii’s measurements from a single glance?
“You totally match!” Guita exclaimed with sparkling eyes.
With a smile, Fu pulled Hii against his chest and crushed him in a hug. “I love it, Mr. August! We love it!”
“I don’t.”
August laughed wildly as he aggressively ruffled Fu’s hair, the feeling more painful than comforting, but it was the thought that mattered. “I used to make my baby sis clothes for her dolls all the time! I wanna dress your little guy up now, too!”
“Please do! Anything you make will look so cute on him!”
Fu’s heart felt full knowing that he and Hii were now fully accepted into the Cleaners. They no longer had to hide Hii’s existence, no one even batted an eye at him or found their dynamic strange. They knew of Hii’s overwhelming strength, but saw no need in using it to their advantage. They were simply a member of the Cleaners, without any caveats.
There were moments where Fu missed his companionship with the Raiders– he often wondered how they were doing and wondered if they missed him, too (though he wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t). The idea of running into them and having to fight them again put him on edge, but for now he was happy to live in this faux sense of peace that he created.
He knew he could rely on his fellow Cleaners when the time came.