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It was a foggy and damp day on the ground. There wasn't much to do for the cleaners, some were on break, others slacking. Corvus wasn’t there to tell people off, so why not slack off? Alot of different cleaners were in the mess hall. Friends from canvas town, others from the neighboring towns here just to say hi. Enjiin and a few others from team Akuta, were lounging around the mess hall aswell, watching to see how many sweets Rudo can pound back before he passes out.
”I say at least 2 pounds more.” Enjiin said with confidence, a smug grin in his face. He was leant forward, a hand against his face and propped up on his elbow. He was sitting across from Rudo watching him intently.
”Don't say that. You'll make him want to choke down more,” Riyo said scolding Enjins nonsense, frowning. She’s sitting next to Rudo, eating a few pieces herself. “But I say maybe 20 more pieces.” She whispered across the table, adding onto the bit.
“Hrggmm?” Rudo turned to the two, his mouth full. He had sticky candy residue on his face, his hands not much better. He kept trying to speak, the candy muffling what he was saying. Nonetheless he kept stuffing his face with candy, was he even letting himself breathe?
”Didn't your elders teach you its rude to talk with your mouth full?” Enjins scoffed, he hit the back of Rudos head playfully. It was a clean slap, and he was confused when Rudo didn’t reply back. No scramble to find something snarky to say, not even a hit back. He heard a small choking noise before looking back at him. Rudo was teary-eyed clawing at his throat. He was making a gagging coughing noise. “Oh shit he’s choking!” Enjin was confused on what to do, but looking at Rudo he knew he needed to something or the poor boy would choke to death. “Riyo do you know the Heimlich??” Enjin asked Riyo as he got up behind Rudo, confused where to put his hands.
”Nope. Better hurry he's turning purple.” She said pointing to Rudo again, who was clawing at Enjin. “Just hit his back.”
”Right!” Enjin Agreed. He pulled up Rudo, hitting his back over and over before the candy piece finally gave in. Enjiin let go of Rudo as he fell to the ground, panting.
”You son of a bitch Enjin! Ill fucking kill you!” Rudo spat out after his coughing fit. He had trouble catching his breath, coughing like crazy. Saliva was pooling out of his mouth onto the ground. He looked up slightly to curse out Enjin once more, but only to see a pair of black and sliver boots. Those weren't Enjins? He looked up further and saw Blonde and blue hair, along with yellow eyes staring him down with a confused look.
“Rudo? Why are you drooling on the ground?” Tamsy asked, confused. Rudo quickly scrambled to wipe the saliva from his mouth and stand up. A slight flush on his face from being embarrassed.
“Enjiin made me choke, and then decided to beat me till it came unstuck.” Rudo angrily answered, turning his head to find Enjin. All he saw though, was Riyo, and where Enjin should be. That stupid old man!
“He ran away, probably hiding in Gris's room.” Riyo shrugged, tossing an open piece of candy into her mouth.
“Of course he is!” Rudo cursed, walking off to go find him.
“Don't beat him too bad, I'm sure he can take it, I'm not too sure about his ego though.” Riyo remarked, watching Rudo wave her off, acknowledging he heard her. Not that Rudo would actually listen to her, but hey a girl can try. “What brings you here Tamsy?” Riyo asked, tilting her head towards the man.
"Semiu had called me up to her desk, I thought I'd make a few rounds before making my way up there." He said, looking towards the sweets Rudo was just choking on.
"Shouldn't keep her waiting, she's a busy woman you know." Riyo said, twirling a piece of candy between her fingers. She eyed Tamsy for a little longer, which didn't go unnoticed. Tamsy kept his gaze on Riyo, just as hers was on him.
"As is. Are you not busy?" Tamsy asked, curiously.
"Not at the moment, I probably will be once Gris gets ahold of Rudo and Enjin." She sighed, letting her head hang low. She loved them like family, but jeez were they a lot to handle. Rudo just cant seem to keep his mouth shut once he gets going, and Enjin just feeds into it. Suddenly They both heard a crash and loud bang, causing them to look in the direction it came from. "Speak of the devil." Riyo said dryly. She stood up, waving Tamsy off as she went.
Now it was just Tamsy, and the disgustingly sweet scent the candy was giving off. He usually loved sweets, but combined with drying saliva from Rudo it couldn't look any less appealing. He shook his head, turning away to go meet Semiu. He doesn't really know why she had called just him, she usually calls Delmon too. Its odd its just himself this time. He kept his stride graceful with each step he took, picking up the pace to not keep Semiu waiting.
He passed Augusts room on the way, hearing loud music blaring. Some type of pop-metal mix. The boy had his taste in music, even if not appealing to everyone. It was loud enough to give someone a headache as soon as they walked into the room. How does he not go deaf? Tamsy wonders. Guess its where he gets his creative tendencies. He does thank August for making them outfits and clothes. Things would look alot less stylish without him around. Tamsy always does try to uphold a status. His attention is suddenly drawn outside, looking out through the windows. Zanka was practicing with his jinki. Looks like the fight with that raider, Jabber, really gave him the motivation he needed.
He kept swinging it, over and over. Correcting his form, shifting his weight, changing his stance. Throwing the staff and pulling it back, it looked like he was making improvements. As much as he can. The boy just isn't very strong. It's not his fault either, he was just born that way. Pathetic, sad, there's a reason he couldn't join the Hell Guard. The weak by birth tend to die the fastest. I wonder how long he'll last. Tamsy tilts his head, watching Zanka closely. He tore his gaze from the boy, knowing he had places to be and continued his walk to Semiu, his hands behind his back.
A little bit later he finally arrives to see a very distasteful Semiu staring him down. How frightening.
"What took you so long? I called an hour ago." Semiu pointed her finger at him, she didn't look very happy.
"I got lost. Something about Rudo choking. This place is very big you know." Tamsy said shrugging, a small grin tugging at his lips. He truly didn't mean to take so long, things just caught his eye. And he can never ignore a good conversation. Especially one involving Rudo.
"Rudo choking? Nevermind," She waved that off, and continued, "Its at least a 30 minute walk. Enjin gets here faster than you." Semiu sighed, sitting back down.
"I see, I should get here sooner when you call. Is it really that urgent?" Tamsy asked, his interest not piqued. "And without Delmon?"
"I thought Delmon would make it a bigger deal than it is. You know how he gets, don't you?" Semiu looked back down to her book, raising her eyebrows.
"Yes..." Tamsy grimaced. He liked Delmon sure, they were partners after all. He just... gets excited. It's hard to keep a secret once he knows it, and he's just very loud in general. "What is it you wanted to me tell me? You've been keeping me on my toes all this time." Tamsy let a small grin creep onto his lips. Something about the raiders? Maybe Amo? Or maybe something about Rudo...
"if you want me to be blunt," Semiu trailed off, "I'm adding a new cleaner to your team." She looked up to see Tamsys reaction, only to be met with a blank face. It wasnt the biggest change, but compared to his sly grin from before it was a little shocking. He wasn't angry, annoyed, happy, or sad. He was neutral. Not all cleaners like having new members added, Semiu always had to be precise with who went on what team. She felt uneasy looking at Tamsys blank face.
"Why?" Is all he asked, tilting his head once more. "Arent Delmon and I enough?" The sentence was worded defensive, but his tone sounded genuinely curious. Maybe a hint of annoyance and anger, but not defensiveness. Tamsy knew his worth, and what he offers.
"You and Delmon are a great team no doubt," Semiu went on, "But I have a trainee that I think would make the team better. I was thinking..."
"Im no trainer." Tamsy butt in quickly, trying to shut down her wide eye ideas.
"Not yet, you will be once you meet her."
"Her?"
"Yes her." Semiu looked annoyed at the question of the new trainee being a girl.
"You can't be serious about me training someone, Delmon is enough on his own." Tamsys tone never wavered, keeping a steady voice. "Why not add her to team child? Or team danger?" He was getting annoyed by the second with this conversation. He didn't want more responsibilities. He wouldn't have time for his... hobbies. He wanted to add Akuta, but they do seem to have their hands full with the new members.
"Team child is currently working with Akuta, and the twins are enough for one team. This will be good for you, you need more teammates besides Delmon. And she's too strong to not have on the front lines." Semiu went on, and on, and on. An ear piercing voice, one so unpleasant Tamsy would rather shoot his own foot than keep listening. Somewhere along the lines he blurred her out, and stopped listening. What was the point of this? He didn't want a new trainee. Why not just make another team full of trainee,weak cleaners? He wouldn't put any effort into her, he would let Delmon do it. He's enthusiastic enough as it is.
He walked away after Semiu was done talking. Apparently he would meet the trainee tomorrow. God he really didn't want to do this. Like more than he's ever not wanted to do something ever. He ended up walking outside to see Zanka still practicing. It had only been less than an hour, but you'd think the boy would've given up by now. It was still a sad sight. Nothing had changed from when Tamsy first saw him through the window. He gracefully passed him, letting his hand fall onto Zankas shoulder, correcting him swiftly. They both made eye contact as Tamsy smiled, he couldn't help put pity the weak. It was in his nature. Zanka nodded, turning away from Tamsy.
Tamsy did the same, and turned away. His smile dropped into a scowl, his day just kept getting worse.
Its fine. He's fine. its all gonna be fine. He'll meet the trainee put on his facade, and ignore them for the rest of the time. It will work out just fine. He let out a hefty sigh, letting his head hang low. He dusted off his clothes, walking off from the cleaners HQ. He needed some fresh air.
Tamsy didn't return that night, nor the night after that. When day 3 hit, Enjin was sent into town to go find him. Per request of one very annoyed Semiu. She knew he was avoiding showing up because of the new trainee. And she was half right, he didn't return for that reason, among others as well. He had indulged a little too hard the night he left. In both his hobbies and alcohol. Who wouldn't want a good drink after one dreadfully slow, agonizing, day? He's an adult, it harms no one. Certainly less than smoking. He had taken his original hair style out, and did something much more comfortable. It was a small low ponytail with a couple of loops to keep it from getting too long. He has the front of his hair out of the ponytail, occasionally brushing it out of his face, and behind his ear. He had also changed into something more casual. A baggy t-shirt resembling his even more baggy uniform, and baggy jeans that reached his lower knee.
"Mhmmm," Tamsy hummed, walking down the street. His hair swung behind him in rhythm. He closed his eyes, taking in the small quiet and peace he has now before the cleaners would drag him back.
"I don't think i've ever seen you out of your uniform, Birdy." Enjin grinned, standing behind him. He was wearing his uniform, it seemed he was on duty. Was his mission to drag Tamsy back to HQ? This was annoying.
"Did Semiu send you? Doing the grunt work hmm?" Tamsy answered, turning around, spinning on his heels. "I thought you were above that, Enjin." He tilted his head to the side, something he tends to do a lot. His ponytail lent with him, swinging to the side. Enjin and Tamsy have their moments, nothing more, nothing less. Its not any different now.
"How could I resist the opportunity to drag back our prized bird back to the nest?" Enjin smirked, leaning onto umabreaker. How did that thing not break?
"What is with you and the bird analogies?" Tamsy grimaced, confused if he should take it as a compliment or not. "Im able to come back when I want, I'm an adult you know." His once soft face, with a sly smile turned into one of a natural blank face. Not completely frowning, but not smiling either.
"Not when your under a contract mister, Semiu told you about your trainee. Its rude to keep people waiting, you know." Enjiin clasped his hands together, "And back to HQ we go!" He said enthusiastically. He walked up to Tamsy closing the distance, grabbing him gently by the arm. It was different compared to how he handles others. How nice.
"I didn't know you were a gentleman," Tamsy said smoothly. Walking with Enjin, giving in. He hated when people treated him gently, but it was just how things had to go.
"You don't know a lot about me," Enjin replied, letting go now that Tamsy was complying. He looked exhausted, eye bags very prominent. Just to confirm Tamsys theory he let out a big yawn, one that looked like he tried to suppress it.
"Tired from your mission with team child?" Tamsy asked, trying to fill the silence as they walked.