There's No Love In the Deathzone (BL)

"It’s been a while," Zein said, leaning against the pillar as he watched the other member of Trinity dispersing.

Radia had told him to ’catch up’ with his old acquaintances, although Zein had no idea if it was just a consideration or if the man wanted him to make a talk about working together.

Rina had dragged Bassena off to avoid a bloodbath, although the esper didn’t look like he was about to jump someone--but, precaution. And while Zein was supposed to talk with them both, Alma actually went out of her way to follow Dheera and the others because she wanted to know what Zein had been up to this whole time.

So it left Zein standing there with Zach, in the corner of the hall among the pillars and railing that separated them from the main lounge--of course, Jock was there to guard him, but he always made his presence to be as little as possible, so he might as well a thin air.

"It sure is," the Scarlet Moon’s leader answered briefly.

Their conversation sounded flat and awkward, especially comparing it with the way Alma greeted Zein earlier. It had nothing to do with the fact that they used to have a fling, but because they were both naturally reserved people. It also had nothing to do with the fact that they hadn’t seen each other in five years, or that Zein had left the red-zone without even saying goodbye to the esper. After all, going away and disappearing without a warning was something common in the red-zone.

"I heard you guys are the landlord, now."

Zach chuckled at that--he could see that the guide had changed. In the past, the man would never be the one to start a conversation unless he wanted something first.

So it wasn’t his appearance that had turned better.

"Don’t worry about that orphanage you’re making, we’ll be sure to guard its process well,"

"Just the process?" Zein raised his brow.