#dispatch series

“Mmh…fuck…” Robert mumbled between kisses, “I need…you…” 

It’s been months. The last time you both made love was before the Mecha suit's destruction. Which meant it was over 4 months since the two of you had gotten intimate.

Your relationship was more than sex. It truly was. It was just a bonus to an already fulfilling relationship. 

But he missed the way you felt. Your body against his.

Your clothes were abandoned, scattered around the apartment floor. Both of you were naked, kissing and caressing like two starcrossed lovers who have been apart for years. 

“Shit.” He hissed, becoming very, very aware that he didn’t have the stamina he used to. Every touch, no matter how ghostly, had him already teetering close to the edge. Clearly he was pent up, and sensitive. His hard erection already hurt, begging for attention.

He clawed back control, moving away from your lips to your neck. The gasp you released was enough to spur him on. His mouth trailed downward, leaving behind soft pecks. He pecked your breast, drawing a lazy circle around the nipple as his hand pinched your other. 

You moaned in delight, back bowing to feel more of his touch. 

Robert couldn’t help but let out a husky chuckle. 

God damn. He needed you like a man needed water. 

With your breathy moans energizing him, he moved down your body. His thumbs drew circles into your hips as he kissed a path over your naval and to your inner thighs. 

“Oh fuck, Robert.” Your breath hitched, head tilting back to moan. Your nails tangled themselves in his brown hair, trying to pull him where you wanted.

He smirked, slipping his palm under your left knee to bend your left. His brown eyes met yours as he hovered over your intimate lips. 

A shiver ran up your spine as you watched him, “Fuck you’re…” You moaned, “Fuck me, you’re so hot.” 

Like gifting you a reward, Robert immediately dove his face between your legs. Immediately his tongue went to your clit, blessing his ears with your squeals and keens of pleasure. Each noise that escaped you, sent shockwaves through him. He shifted, trying to get some slight friction against his dick. 

Your voice was divine. Heavenly. He needed to hear more. He was desperate to hear more.

His free hand roamed up your body, locking his fingers with yours. 

“Robert!” You gasped his name, tensing. Your back arched as you threw your head back to moan, “gonna cum! Oh fuck, please!”

Damn. Were you as desperate as he was? He knew when your voice hit that pitch, he was doing something right and you were building to orgasm. He hummed, rather pleased to still have enough skill to make you cum so quickly. Still, he wanted to hear more from you. He sucked and licked, focusing on the bundle of nerves that had you begging for him. 

Your words broke into pleasured moans. Your muscles tensed under him, and your back arched, crying out. 

You came under his tongue, trembling as he kept going. Robert wanted you satisfied. He needed to have you orgasm again from his mouth. Your hips bucked as he overstimulated you. His palm laid flat on your pelvis, holding you down as he kept going. 

He wanted more. More. More. 

Robert brought you to pure ecstasy again, lapping at your clit to prolong your second orgasm. He only stopped when you pulled his hair, indicating to him that you hit your limit. 

“Oh…fuck…” You gasped, mouth open as you panted. Your eyes were half-open and dazed with pleasure. The muscles in your legs twitched and trembled as you came down from your second high. 

You looked absolutely beautiful.

The former hero licked his lips, unable to hide his smirk. He kissed his way back up to your face, covering your sweat glistened skin in pecks.

You gathered yourself enough to wrap your arms around his neck and bring him down for another kiss. Despite the fact that he was the one over you, you were quickly taking control. Your fingers carded through his hair and he moaned into your mouth. 

He felt your legs hook themselves at his lower back and he breathed, “Now what are you-Woah!” 

With a surprising amount of skill, you swiftly tilted your hips and flipped the both of you. Robert’s back hit the mattress with an ‘oof’ and you settled yourself on his hips. Your hands caged his face and you leaned over to smirk down at him. 

“Oh fuck me.” He gasped, unable to hold back his smirk. His eyes were wide, looking up at you in excitement. 

Holy shit you were so beautiful. 

“Thats the idea.” You responded, lowered your face to kiss him again. 

His hands went to your hips, fingers burying themselves into your skin. You moved one hand down, reaching back and drawing a line from the base of his erection to the head. 

Robert jerked, “Fuck,” He moaned, closing his eyes tightly, “Shit. Fuck.” His words failed him. Already he felt like he was teetering close to his own climax. You barely touched him, and he was a tight coil ready to break.

It’d be embarrassing for him to cum so quickly. The way you laughed softly, however, told him that ruining him so easily was your fucking goal.

No shit, were you planning to break him tonight? 

He was about to speak, but was cut off by your hand wrapping around his hard dick. He gasped, biting back a desperate whine. His grip on your hips squeezed, “Babe…” He breathed, “Someone's having fun…”

“Oh I am.” You answered, roaming your hand over the head of his length. You dirtied your palm with his precum, using it as lube to begin stroking him from base to tip, “Can I…?”

“Babe, if you don’t keep going, I will lose my mind,” Robert grit his teeth, moaning again. He breathed through his nose, trying to maintain his quickly failing composure. 

You were too good at knowing how to drive him crazy. Your hand pumped his dick a few more times before you raised hips. You positioned yourself over his cock and lowered down, taking him into your wet entrance. 

Robert and you moaned out at the same time at the feeling. His eyes rolled back slightly feeling your warm walls on his aching dick. 

Your palms were on his chest, stabilizing yourself before you rolled your hips. You began to move, riding him at a pace you found pleasing.

The whine he let out was downright pathetic. Only you could do that to him. Make him a mess so quickly. 

And you, judging by the pleasured smile on your face, had a hell of a lot of fun doing it. You bounced up and down, earning moans and swears from your boyfriend. 

He squeezed your hips, “Fuck…I’m gonna-” The former hero warned, already reaching his peak. Pleasure ran through his entire body, sending him to the edge of orgasm. 

“Good.” You didn’t stop. Instead you picked up your pace. 

Robert tilted his head back and moaned out your name. His muscles tensed, and he came. He released inside you, hips thrusting up slightly. 

Your hands were on his chest, continuing to roll your hips. Every bounce on his oversensitive cock earned more pathetic noises from your boyfriend below you.

He gave no indication to stop. Instead, you could feel his hands shift to your waist, following your body as your body moved. 

His nails dug into the skin of sides, “Fuck! Please…keep…fuck, please!” Robert babbled incoherently as you kept going, “Gonna…cum again,” He breathed, eyes rolling back. 

You threw him over the edge again. White hot ecstasy ran up his spine like lightning. His vision was filled with stars, flooding every nerve with ecstasy. The pleasure rolled over him like waves. Whenever he thought he was finished, another rise of euphoria would hit him hard. 

You stopped when his hands slipped from your waist. He breathed heavily, chest rising and falling at the same pace as yours. His eyes were closed, looking entirely fucked out. 

With a pleased chuckle, you leaned down and took his lips in a gentle kiss. That seemed to rouse him slightly as he returned the simple moment of affection. 

“Fuck…” He groaned as you slipped off of him and onto the mattress, “You’re amazing.” His voice was rough and tired, but happy. He turned to lay on his side, reaching to stroke your cheek with his knuckles.

You let out a breathy laugh before turning to face him, “And you are wonderful, Robert.” 

Your boyfriend gave you a small smile, moving to kiss you again. You both basked in the afterglow, simply enjoying each other's presence in the silence.

You could have dozed off if Beef wasn’t stretching at the bathroom door. 

Poor pup.

With a groan, Robert got to his feet, “Take it easy, boy.” He grumbled.

You giggled softly as you got up yourself, “I’ll get the shower going.” You informed him, “Please join me when you can, Mr.Dispatcher.” 

Warm…So warm…

It was warm in the Mecha man suite.

Robert gasped, hands trying to find some sort of purchase to ground him. Grabbing the controls was a bad idea, so he uselessly clawed the seat cushion. 

Your lips were everywhere. On his neck, his cheeks, his lips. Every peck and kiss sent his mind spiraling.

“Babe…please,” He breathed as you licked a fresh hickey on his shoulder, “You’re…driving me crazy.” 

You giggled softly, grinding your hips ever so slightly. Despite him still wearing his hero uniform, he could feel every touch from you through the material. 

His raging hard-on was damn near painful. 

You’ve been at this for what felt like hours.

He just came back from stopping some petty bank robbers. The Mechaman suite was damaged, but not dangerously so. Just a few bullet holes. He landed inside the garage and opened the suit to step out when you pushed him back into the seat and began to fondle him. Things got so heated, you already pulled the zipper of his uniform halfway down his chest. 

And damn did he enjoy this. 

He groaned, “I’m losing my mind…”

“Shhh,” You pulled back to silence him before attacking his neck again. You kept rolling your hips, rubbing his erection through his uniform. His skin was raw at this point but he couldn’t care. 

He felt so…so good. 

“Babe…Can I…?” He begged, “I need to touch you…please…” His shaking hands were at your hips, but you pulled them off, forcing them back onto the seat. 

Only you could do this. Turn him into some yearning, begging mess. 

Your tongue swiped just under his jaw and his eyes rolled back. Your fingers danced over his belt. With skill, you undid the buckle and the thing fell open giving his aching dick some freedom. 

The moan he let out was downright undignified. 

Your laugh at his pathetic noises told him everything. You had a plan. Some way to make him more of a desperate disaster than he already was. 

He didn’t realize you had pulled the zipper of his uniform the rest of the way down. Air hit his naval, sending shivers up his back. One of your hands drew lazy circles down his chest and stomach. 

Your dancing fingers went lower, sipping under the end of the zipper and finally pulling out his aching dick. The head was angry red and already weeping precum. Just from your touches alone. 

A pleased giggle slipped past your lips, “So you were just happy to see me.” You teased, running your thumb on the underside of his cock.

Robert hung his head back, breathing heavily. His fingers flexed, so desperate to touch you. His mind tried to string together some form of coherent thoughts, “Please…please…You’re driving me crazy…”

“Hm…” You hummed, planting soft kisses on his exposed collar, “You have been a good boy…”

The way his dick jerked in your hand at being called a ‘good boy’ was very telling. 

You were going to absolutely abuse that little weakness of his later.

Your kisses continued downward, moving from his collar to his chest. One hand snaked upwards until you ran your fingers through the hair on the back of his neck. You gave the slightest of tugs, earning a breathy moan. 

Holy fuck.

Robert learned so much about himself in the last 2 minutes simply because of you. 

Your mouth continued downward, trailing soft pecks from his chest to his stomach. With each kiss you got closer and closer to his aching erection. His body pulsed with anticipation, the excitement only driving him even more mad. 

You’ve barely touched him and he already felt dangerously close to cumming.

“Babe-”

“Shhh.” You hushed him again, running your hand from the back of his head down his chest to lay flat on his abdomen. 

There wasn’t a lot of room inside the Mecha Man suit. Yet, you managed to move your body to be comfortable between his legs. As if on instinct, he reached down and stroked a shaky hand against your cheek. You tilted your head into the gentle touch for a moment before planting an even softer kiss to the head of his dick. 

Robert leaned his head back with a moan. 

Your tongue ran a line from the base to the tip, tantalizing him even more. One hand began to play with his balls, and the other one on his abs moved down to join your mouth in toying with his shaft. 

He mumbled lowly, taking a deep breath to enjoy the building pleasure, “Fuck…yes…” His fingers returned to their grip on the seat cushion. 

Your happy little laugh sent a spike up his back.

His brown eyes met yours as he watched you slowly wrap your lips around his throbbing tip. Your warm, wet tongue ran over the underside, ripping a husky whine out of his throat. 

You lowered your head further, taking in more of his length. His breath hitched in response, “Babe…” He moaned when you began to bob your head up and down. Whatever you couldn’t swallow, your hand tended to. 

The coil at Robert’s center was already tightly wound up. He knew he wasn’t going to last long at all. And judging by how you took your time to slowly suck him off, you understood and enjoyed that fact. 

“Oh fuck-” He whimpered when your tongue swiped his slit. 

Shit. Fuck. 

You hummed and a shock of pleasure hit him. 

His hands reached for you, finding purchase on your shoulders. His nails dug into the cloth of your shirt. If he went too deep into your skin, you gave no indication of it. 

“I’m gonna-” He warned, chest feeling tight. He was breathless as he moaned and swore in pleasure. He was just at the brink of ecstasy, sending his mind spiralling. 

It wasn’t long after when he came. Stars burst in his vision as euphoria flooded his entire body. The muscles in his legs locked as you continued to lick and suck his cock. Waves of pure pleasure rolled over every cell in his body. You only stopped when he whined at the overstimulation. 

Robert rested his head back, trying to get his breath under control. 

It was warm in the Mecha Man suit…Almost too warm. Sweat dotted his temple. His hero suit even felt a little tight…

He slowly opened his eyes, waking up from his pleasant dream.

The first thing he saw was the ceiling of your apartment. When he tried to sit up, the blanket tangled around his body prohibited it. By the time he managed to throw it off, he noticed your empty side of the floor mattress.

You must’ve left for a photo shoot early that morning.

He groaned, rubbing his face in his hands, “Oh...fuck...”

Well…a shower could help him with his morning wood…

What a fucking disaster…

His first shift started off well enough. Sonar randomly transformed into a beast. Coop managed to cut a bystander. But overall, most calls were successful. 

Until Invisigal’s call into the Granny’s Donuts. 

Not to mention you got a job in a fucking villain bar. 

Robert sighed, putting a dollar into the vending machine. He pressed ‘09’ for a twinkie and knelt to grab it. 

The employee lounge was mostly empty except for him and Sonar. Which would be fine, if Sonar hadn’t let out a random scream, startling the retired hero. He flitched, squeezing his snack and ruining it in its packaging. 

With a sigh, Robert took another dollar from his wallet and got another twinkie. 

Only to have Invisigal to appear beside him, startling him again.

“Hey.” She had a smirk, giving a quick glance at his second ruined snack, “What kind of superhero flinches?” 

He didn’t respond. He glared, turned and walked away. 

Not in the fucking mood.

He had to find a way to convince you to work anywhere else except a fucking villain bar. He tossed the crushed twinkies on the plastic table in the lounge and sat down. Immediately his head was in his hand, trying to keep a headache in check. 

“I didn't say which superhero. Chill out.” Visi let out an exasperated breath, following him. She sat down in the chair across from where he was seated. 

“If you had people trying to kill you for the last 15 years, you'd be jumpy, too.” He snapped, not even looking at her. 

She scoffed, “What makes you think my life has been any different? You think growing up surrounded by a bunch of shitbag villains, I didn't need to watch my back?” One arm was draped over the back of her chair. She was nonchalant about…everything.

How could she be so relaxed after the disaster at Granny’s?!

Robert finally looked at her, purely irritated, “I can't just disappear. Okay. I actually have to face my problems.” He responded, venom in his tone.

“What the fuck?” Offense was clearly taken, judging by her surprised and slightly hurt expression. 

“You can’t just go around-Ow!” The retired hero was cut off by another screech from Sonar, “Why does he keep screaming!?”

Visi rolled her eyes, “His names Sonar.”

“Yeah, I know what Sonar means.” Robert snapped.

Finally, the Harvard graduate acknowledged his name being said, “Whats up?” He released a slight burp and looked back at the two of them. 

“Then why are you asking why he keeps screaming?” Visi, annoying still didn’t answer the question. 

“Uh, she was just explaining your um…” Robert turned to face him. This was the first time he’d actually come face-to-face with the former villain. 

Looking at him, the screaming suddenly made sense. Sonar had the body of a human, but the head of a bat. Meaning, Sonar’s eyes were totally white, indicating poor eyesight that was common with bat species. So, he most likely relied on echolocation in order to navigate the world. 

“You know what? Never mind. Good shift.” Robert abandoned the idea to question him. If this was how the Harvard grad had to ‘see’ in the world, then so be it. 

Sonar raised a brow, “This guy's weird.” He turned back to whatever he was doing. 

“Yeah, he is,” Visi straightened her back, looking Robert dead in the eye, “Look, I actually just came by to celebrate the mission going well. Didn't mean to interrupt your little snack,” She was clearly angry at him, putting a fist down on the white table, “What? Do you need it pre-chewed like a little baby bird bitch?”

Oh fuck that!

“Look at me,” The former hero snapped back, though he tried to keep his volume low, “You disobeyed a direct order. How can you think it went well?” He counted on his fingers the amount of times she had fucked up, “You trashed the place. The suspect got away and you got the client hurt. I don't think when he called us he thought he'd be ending the day wanking it lefty cuz you turned his other arm into a pork rind.”

The younger woman wasn’t going to take anything Robert was saying, “Granny would be fine if Granny didn't pick that fucking thing up in the first place,” She leaned back for a second, “He's just some dumbass trying to be a hero! And don't fucking say it. I know where you're going.” She hissed the last part, leaning forward again. 

“Fact of the matter is that shit didn't need to happen,” Mecha Man put his foot down on the conversation, “We could have had an outcome where the client doesn't get fried and we get the perp if you had just fucking listened to me.” He snapped back at her insubordination, “You ask for help, then I can-” His irritated words were cut off by a mechanical grinding, “What now!?”

Sonar had started to grind some coffee, blissfully unaware of the heated argument between dispatcher and hero.

“I make the calls, not you.” Robert practically snarled at her. It felt like Visi was being purposely difficult. Like some hotheaded teenager who didn’t like authority. 

Invisigal seethed, disdain in her words, “Here's some advice. You're right at home behind that desk cuz you're no hero!” She snapped, shoving a finger in his face, “You are a nerd playing a video game in a suit your daddy built. Now you're a twitchy little bitch turtle without a shell.”

The dispatcher flicked his eyes to Sonar, who still didn’t seem to be paying attention to the duo. 

Thank fuck. 

Robert really didn’t need someone else knowing he was Mecha Man.

“A real hero puts their ass on the line!” Visi continued, “A real hero can't just press a button and make their problems disappear!” She took a breath, finishing what she was saying. 

“The suit isn't what made me a superhero. It was how I did my fucking job that made me Mecha Man,” He argued, “Based on what I saw today, you wouldn't last a day as Mecha Man, cuz there isn't a mech suit in the universe that'll keep you from being a selfish fucking asshole.” 

As soon as he finished his insult, the grinding came to an abrupt stop. Nothing but silence filled the employee lounge as Robert and Invisigal glared at each other. 

The former villain slammed her hands on the table and stood. She kicked her leg back, knocking the cheap plastic chair to the ground before using her powers to disappear. Her steps were near silent as she yanked the door open, indicating she left. 

Robert sighed, rubbing his temple. 

Perhaps he went too far…

Before he could do anything, Visi appeared beside him, letting out a shout. She purposely startled him again, as she followed up her act with, “Feel bad? Good! Fuck you!” Her fist hit him square in the face, sending him out of his seat and onto the floor. 

He hit the tile with a thump, knocking the air from his lungs. He took a breath, opening his eyes to see Sonar standing over him. 

“You gonna eat those twinks?” The Harvard grad asked.

He didn't bother to argue, “That's not what they're…you know what? Help yourself.”

As it turns out, Visi gave him a hell of a bloody nose. He was trying to clean up when Blonde Blazer called him and Chase into her office for a meeting. When she was him, she looked surprised, “what…happened to your nose?”

“Hm?” He had tried not to call attention to it. 

Chase scoffed, “Here we go.” He knew what happened. Of course he did.

“You have a tissue hanging from your nose, Robert.” Blazer pointed it out. She was clearly concerned, “I was trying to ignore it, but that became impossible when it started soaking in blood…”

Fuck…Well…

“uh…I get nosebleeds when it's this dry.” He thought of an excuse as quickly as he could, “The air…In the office. It’s uh…on the dry side.” Mecha Man should feel bad about lying, but frankly, he did kind of ask Visi to punch him with what he said. 

Blazer was too nice, “Is it on the dry side? I'll have facilities look into it.”

Chase laughed slightly beside him, giving a friendly shove on his shoulder. Robert shoved back, hoping he wouldn’t rat out Visi. 

“Alright boys,” the blonde hero got them on the topic of why the meeting was called, “All right, boys. We're here to assess Robert's first shift. And aside from…whatever happened here, I thought it was pretty good!”

Pretty good!?

“What!?” Robert’s confusion was clear. He assumed that the disaster that was Visi’s last mission would have ruined the entire shift. 

Blazer had a proud smile  on her face, “I was watching on the monitor. The work you did dispatching, I don't think the Z-team has ever had a better shift than that.”

Chase chimed in after her, “We just might need to confront the fact that it might be the best they can do.” He gave their boss a nod, “Especially the way the granny thing went.”

Her smile faded, “Yeah, now the granny situation…that wasn't ideal, but I've seen so much worse with Invisigal…”

“Let's be real. She ain't going to make it.” The dark-skinned former hero mumbled. 

Blazer rested her elbows on her fine wooden desk, “She's difficult to work with. Sure, but I see a lot of promise in her.” She had her slight smile back, “Even the other Z-teamers respect her.”

“They're afraid of her.” Trackstar snorted. 

It was unbelievable to him that this went well. 

“The perp got away.” He let out a very confused laugh, “How is that an acceptable outcome?” 

That villain would go to harm someone else. Potentially kill them. 

How the fuck is that acceptable in any way shape or form?

The retired hero beside him didn’t seem totally concerned, “Eh shit happens.” 

“Look Robert.” Blonde Blazer held his hands in her own, “You should be proud. The bar is very low for this group.”

Well….Shit. It’s low for him. But he doesn’t hold anyone else to that standard. 

“Well, It's not low for me,” Robert reached up and pulled the tissue from his nose, “Look, I like to make a joke and keep things light as much as the next person. But when it comes to work, I'm not fucking around here. If you want the Phoenix program to survive, the bar needs to go up.” 

“And how would we do that?” Blonde Blazer leaned forward slightly, interest in her blue eyes. 

Already Robert was forming plans in his head, “By treating the Z-team like what they are, a bunch of villains. And leading a supervillain team takes a different approach than a superhero team. I need to be around them. I need them to see I'm all in and they need to match that energy.”

He saw the potential. 

Trackstar had a serious look on his face, “Some tough love.”

“the only kind I know.” Robert nodded, “And based on what I've seen, the only version they'll respond to. I'm not saying everyone will make it. They won't. I'm not saying it won't get spicy. It will,” He continued on, hoping to convince the two others in the room that he could do this job, “But when it does, I also need you to trust me to handle it. I don't want you stepping in. They need to respect me. Even if I don't have powers.”

Blonde Blazer shared a look with Chase before taking a breath, “Okay, we'll do it your way. Monday, we'll get them in a room and introduce them to their new super villain leader.” She seemed optimistic now. 

Robert hoped he wouldn't let her down, “I can't promise it'll work. I can only promise that I'll do my best.” He stood from the chair. 

The older man beside him let out a huff, “No fuckin’ way is going to work, but it'll be way more fun to watch.”

“Chase, some optimism, please.” Blazer shut down his sarcastic remarks. 

He threw his hands up, “God damn it. I also promise to do my best.” He sighed, resigned to Robert’s plan to get the Z-team in shape. 

The meeting ended after that, as the work day was over. The low sun streamed inside the building, bathing everything in a warm orange glow. He checked his phone, seeing one notification from you. 

-I have a surprise once we get home.

Robert got to his desk and immediately noticed Waterboy rummaging around. 

“Hey, kid.” He called, startling the poor guy. 

He practically jumped out of his skin, “W-what!?”

The retired hero stepped forward, more curious than angry, “What are you doing?”

“I..yeah. No, no, no, no, no.” The ginger started stumbling over his words, “I…I didn't do this. It's…It's weird cuz Yeah, I saw this lady…smiling lady person put a donut on your…um desk…earlier…previously…”

Robert looked at the mess. It had been a donut, though it had been smashed all over his computer keyboard. The cream inside had been squished in between the keys, clearly intended to make cleaning up a headache. 

Waterboy was still explaining, as if afraid he would have been blamed for this, “and it was nice…nicely on a napkin, but then she just comes back and she just went…crazy! like an evil mode and hit…smash! the same donut.”

With a sigh, he grabbed the moist towel in the younger man's hand and began to wipe up the mess. The dough had become soggy, making the clean up even more difficult, “What a mess.” He grumbled. 

Fucking Visi…

“I..I will clean it!” Waterboy perked up, though he cut off Robert when he tried to argue, “See, I'm SDN's newest he…he…Helpful janitor! Helpful janitor.”

Oh…Well he seemed happy enough to have the job. 

He was young. Plus, in corporate, everyone starts somewhere. Robert couldn’t help but give a friendly smile, “Ok…Cool.” 

“it's my pleasure and my…it’s my job. which you helped me get,” Waterboy had such a kind and appreciative look on his face, “So, thank…thank you. Thank you so much.” 

That’s…rather sweet. All Robert did was tie his tie for him. Maybe give a few encouraging words. There wasn’t anything major that he had done to help the kid. 

“Happy to help.” Was all he responded with before Blonde Blazer had stepped up behind him. 

She looked confused and even concerned, “That's…” She shook her head, “It's Friday. I'm not going to ask. You headed out?” Her question was directly at the former Mecha Man. 

He nodded before turning back to the new janitor, “Oh, yeah. Um, great…Thanks, kid.” He appreciated Waterboy going out of his way to clean the mess Visi had made. Once he handed the towel back to him, Robert grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. 

Blonde Blazer gave a polite farewell to the younger guy before following Robert out. She matched his pace, and exited the SDN building. 

“Hey, I wanted you to know that fixing your suit is not contingent on you fixing the Z team,” She looked at him as they walked and talked, “I wouldn't do that to you.”

Once outside, Robert spotted you in the parking lot, leaning against your shared car. You were looking out at the road, lost in thought, and didn’t hear them approach. Once he called your name with a smile, you turned and approached. 

“Babe, this is Blonde Blazer. I think you two have met before.” Robert gave brief introductions. 

Since she knew he was Mecha Man, and his relationship with you, she also knew your stage name. Reintroductions were not entirely necessary. 

You nodded, perking up and taking Blazer’s hand in your own for a polite handshake, “oh yea! There was that photo shoot in LA…I think a year ago? Fes a Avici and their new line.”

“Yea, I remember! It’s good to see you again.” The blonde hero smiled, returning your polite and friendly energy, “We should get coffee sometime. I’d love to catch-”

“Blonde Blazer!” Another voice sounded loudly above them. All three of you looked up and blocking the bright sun was another hero. 

He was muscular, with a red, yellow and blue uniform. His cape was blowing slightly in the breeze as he flew down and landed on his feet beside Blazer, “Are you ready to go?” He gave a quick peck on the blondes’ cheek, “Who is this?” He looked over at both of you with an inquisitive gaze, “I thought I'd cataloged all of your work companions.” 

Phenomaman.

He was the type someone thinks of when someone says ‘hero.’ He had slicked back brown hair. A bright smile. A friendly personality. 

Robert, nor Mecha Man had ever met him. Neither have you. 

“This is my boyfriend, Phenomaman.” Blonde Blazer introduced you both to him properly, “This is our new dispatcher I was telling you about and his girlfriend.” She motioned to Robert before turning and pointing to you, “She and I were planning to get some coffee sometime soon.”

Phenomaman had his hands on his hips, “The third Robert Robertson? The leader of the phoenixes? Blonde Blazer told me about you.” 

Your boyfriend nodded, “Really? Did she…um say what came up in that talk?” He sounded nervous suddenly. As if the larger hero would have been angry that the two had gotten drunk and friendly with one another. 

Robert had told you the details of what happened that night. He admitted they got close, but everything was innocent. There were no handsy actions, or drunken kisses. Nothing crossed any lines in your opinion, but everyone had different boundaries. 

He was allowed to have friends of a different gender the same way you were. Trust was a critical building block in your relationship, and you trusted each other inexplicably.

“She said you're a capable, honorable man that truly cares for others,” Phenomaman said, taking a small step forward. He still had a smile under his bushy mustache, “Why are you so small?” He asked suddenly, as if he had no mental filter to such a question. 

“Hey, come on. You got to stop asking people that.” Blazer put a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder. 

He, however, sounded confused, “The way you spoke of him made him sound impressive. I only seek to understand,” The muscular hero put a polite hand on his chest, to show his apology, “I apologize. How was his first day? Was his lack of size and strength an issue?”

Blazer answered for Robert, “No, he was great. It was great. It was a great first day.”

“That is phenomenal!” The larger hero straightened and put his hands back on his hips, “We should celebrate! Blonde Blazer and I have reservations in Tokyo at a restaurant where the owner dreams of sushi. You two should join us!” 

Behind him, the blonde hero shook her head and signaled with her hands a very clear ‘no.’

You got the signal instantly, whereas Robert needed a second, “Actually, Robert and I had plans tonight,” Your hand grabbed his, interlocking your fingers, “We were gonna go on our own date. Celebrate a good first day with just him and I.”

Blazer mouthed a very relieved ‘thank you’ in response. 

He looked over to see you give an understanding smile to his boss. 

“That is wonderful too! I hope your date is as romantic as ours!” He beamed happily for you and your boyfriend. He reached back and grabbed Blazer's hand. She did a small twirl into his arms and he lifted her bridal style. 

You and Robert shared a look before she gave a small explanation, “He flies a little faster.”

Oh. Ok. makes sense. 

“It was very nice to meet you both,” Phenomaman said, taking a few steps away from the two of you, “Now, could you step back? The power of my launch has been known to stun small beings.” You and your boyfriend did as instructed, and once you were clear, he spoke again, “Phenomenal.”

Without waiting any longer, the larger hero launched himself upwards, towards the sky. He and Blazer both became blurs and were quickly out of sight. 

After a second of you two staring up at the sky, Robert mumbled, “What a fuckin’ day.”

You snorted, “How was it?”

“I’ll tell you on the way home. First,” He sighed, and turned to face you. He raised his hand to hold your cheek, “A fucking villain bar?”

Yea, he hadn’t forgotten that detail.

“We need the money. They were hiring.” You explained, “At least for a little while. Until I pay back my manager and we can save up a bit after-” You cut yourself off, but Robert knew your thoughts. 

The financial ruin he put you both in.

You didn’t have to blame him. He blamed himself.

“Villain. Bar.” He grit his teeth, “A bar. Full of villains.”

“I am aware.” You responded, putting your hand over his, “I’ll be careful. My first shift is Sunday night. It’ll be slow enough I can learn and get the hang of it. ”

He sighed, and leaned forward to kiss your forehead, “...Okay…Okay. But if one of them even gives a slight hint they know who you are, you leave, ok? You…go home. Or find me. ”

Your lips couldn’t hold back the small smile, “I promise.” 

Robert pulled back, following you to your car, “Now about this surprise?” 

You laughed softly, “Come on.”

He told you about his day. The rundown of his job. The Z-team. He ranted about someone named ‘Invisigal.’ There was also ‘Flambae’, a villain he put down a long time ago who was gunning to kick Mecha Man's ass. 

However despite how frustrated he was, you could tell he wanted to do a good job. He was determined to try his best and make them actual heroes instead of the ‘chaotic band of fuck-ups’ your boyfriend described them as. 

The name Prism specifically caught your ear. You and her followed each other on Instagram, and it was pure happenstance she was on the team that Robert now led. 

Small world. 

You parked beside your apartment building and made your way to the apartment.

“Ok, close your eyes.” You instructed your boyfriend. 

He raised a brow but didn't ask any questions. Once you unlocked the door, you led him inside.

“Open them.” 

He did as you commanded, perking up at what he saw. 

Near the corner of the apartment was a dining set. It was a simple metal pedestal table with three matching cushioned chairs. The top of the table was scratched to all hell, and the chairs were in a similar state with the added torn cushions. The entire set looked to be from some 60’s diner, and extremely outdated. However, it looked clean and sturdy enough.

And you looked so…proud.

“One of the places I applied to was renovating. They were going to toss it, but I offered to take it off their hands.” You explained, looking at him with such an excited look. He could see how you tried not to get your hopes up, as if prepared to toss the entire set if he didn’t like it. 

Christ…you truly were too good for him. 

Robert couldn't help but laugh. He walked over to the table and put a hand on it. It wobbled slightly on its pedestal, both otherwise held up. 

“I like it.” He nodded, looking over to you, “Yea…I like it.” 

It was beat up. Scratched. Damaged. But you got it anyway. 

He should have known through the years of your relationship, you liked damaged things. Despite everything, you had his back. 

And his heart. Which was currently doing flips in his chest looking at you. 

“Fuck.” He whispered to himself. 

“Robert?”

“I love you.” Robert stood, and held your face in his hands. His brown eyes roamed over your face for any hesitancy, “Can I…”

You smiled and nodded. Without waiting, he pulled you into a deep kiss. One of his hands drifted down to hold your waist, pulling you close. He closed his eyes, falling into the feeling. 

He swallowed when your knee brushed up in between his legs. He hissed, pulling back. 

Oh shit. 

It’s been months since he’s been intimate with you. He’d been overworked, hospitalized, recovering, then depressed, and you never pushed the issue. Robert was under no delusion you hadn’t played with yourself to tide you over. 

Embarrassingly, he probably wouldn’t last long. 

“Robert?” You spoke his name softly. 

He swallowed, “uh..yea…I’m good.”

You moved your knee against him again and he shot his eyes open to look at you. You had a sly smile with nothing but want in your eyes. You bit your lip, looking him up and down, “You good enough to…continue?” 

Oh. Fuck. Yes. 

SDN

Superhero Dispatch Network.

An organization that dispatches superheroes to help subscribers who call in for assistance.

They had offices scattered around the country, especially in large cities. Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Vegas, and Washington D.C.

There were a few in less populated areas such as Torrence, the office Mecha Man was currently seated inside. He was watching one of the many SDN commercials that looped on the T.V screen in the reception area. 

“She's definitely not making it to band practice.” He mumbled to himself, bored out of his mind as he waited. 

A voice spoke up, knocking him from his thoughts, “Yeah. Well, yeah. Wait…what's that?”

Robert looked up, brown eyes meeting the tall, lanky form of a young guy. He was in a bright yellow and blue diving suit, paired with matching goggles on his face. His dark ginger hair was wet and clung to his face. The stranger looked shy and unsure, even holding his head low as he spoke. 

Was there a sudden downpour that Robert missed?

The soaking wet stranger seemed friendly enough, “hm? Oh, just the-uh…the commercial. It was weird.” He clarified. 

“Weird…right.” The newcomer nodded. Instead of walking around the couch to sit down, he strangely stepped over the back to plop himself down, “Phen-oma-men-man, he’s like a rockstar.” 

Mecha Man stared at him, dumbfounded.

“It's uh…I'm joking because of the rock…roll,” He stuttered, trying to explain, “Cool…Cool commercial. I’m a…Phenomafan you…you might say.” 

Robert decided to play along, clearly this kid was nervous, “He seems cool. Phenomenal even and quite the salesman.” He gave a small smile, hoping to help this stranger relax even slightly. Afterall, this kid looked fresh out of college or something.

The poor kid stumbled out a nervous response, “Oh yeah. I mean he could sell snowballs to an esk- Is that not cool to say? Snowman! He…he could sell snowballs to a snow person. Anyone made of snow! Any color of snow doesn't have to be white.”

Oh boy…

After a few moments of awkward silence, the wet stranger began to fumble with his tie. After a few unsuccessful tries, Robert decided to help. He sat down and grabbed the tie in his gloved hands.

“It's soaked.” The former hero looked at the wet material before tying the tie for him, “You nervous? Big job interview?” He smiled, hoping to give some encouragement to this clearly overwhelmed adult.

The stumbled stranger stuttered out a response, “No, I mean yes, but yes… it's more my powers.They make everything we-Moist. Waterboy is how they call me..But yes, I am.”

Before Robert could respond, the glass doors to the SDN building swung open. Despite the glare from the sun, he could instantly tell who just stepped inside. 

It was Dr. Don’t Do Shit. Flambae. 

He held his head high, but very subtly, Robert could see him move his tongue over where his missing tooth was supposed to be. He also had a very mean look in his bright eyes, causing the retired hero to lower himself behind Waterboy. 

Thankfully, the fire-based former villain walked past them without incident. 

Finally, Waterboy said something that tuned him back into the conversation.

“You’re Mecha Man,” The younger man sounded excited, “i…y-you’re dead…At least I thought you were…”

“Just on the inside.” He responded rather bluntly. 

“You…uh…look small or different in person…”

Robert couldn’t help but laugh slightly, “Never meet your heroes, kid.” As soon as he properly tied Waterboy’s tie, another person stepped inside the building.

“Oh, I wasn't sure you'd show up!’ Blonde Blazer called to him with a smile. She wore her standard superhero suit, but slung over her shoulder was a cream bag.

Waterboy shot to his feet, looking starstruck all over again, “Wow! Blonde! I…Uh..Blazer! A real hero!”

She gave him a small wave but bent slightly to grab Mecha Man’s upper arm, “Sorry, but I need him for something,” She effortlessly pulled him to his feet and began to lead him to the building's office doors, “Follow me.”

The two of them walked down a hall before Blazer made a sharp left. She practically shoved him into a conference room and shut the door. Before Robert could get his bearings, she closed the blinds and gave a command, “Take off your clothes.” 

“Woah, uh…No? What's happening right now?” He swallowed, eyeing the door as an escape if there wasn’t an explanation to the sudden request. 

Sounds like an H.R Violation…

“We don't want too many people knowing you're Mecha Man,” She picked up on his sudden nervousness, “A lot of our dispatchers are former heroes, but it's better if you keep your identity a secret.” The blonde hero dug through the bag on her shoulder and pulled out a collared blue shirt, “We've had incidents in the past. Here.” She tossed him the SDN uniform. 

Oh.

There was a wave of disappointment that hit him in the chest. He supposed it made sense, keeping his identity hidden. His hopes had gotten too high too quickly. 

Robert wouldn’t be Mecha Man again just yet. 

He raised a brow, looking at the shirt. It was bigger than he needed. Maybe he could have fit before the coma-induced-muscle deterioration, but now? He had gotten rather thin and needed smaller shirts. 

“I remember you being bigger.” Blazer inspected the shirt before snorting, “I was a little drunk…listen! Its gonna be great.”

He pulled off his mask, revealing his hair and face. His gaze was down, staring at the material in his hand, “I've never felt silly wearing this.”

“Until now?”

“Yeah, I was trying to imply that with the silence.” He raised a brow at her but didn’t comment further. 

She nodded, "It worked. Get dressed.” The blonde pointed to the other side of the room, “I have somebody I need you to meet.”

He shrugged and stepped towards the other end of the conference room. Once his back was turned, he pulled the zipper of his suit down. 

“Oh! Sorry!” Blonde Blazer sounded startled that he already began to strip, “Should I turn around or what? Do you uh should I close my eyes? Maybe if that makes you more comfortable…” 

Truthfully, changing in front of others never truly bothered him. He knew it didn’t bother you either, as you both had to have a discussion about it at the beginning of your relationship. Your job required you to strip and change countless times in front of your coworkers. And as long as no inappropriate touching or ogling was involved, It was a part of life. 

Robert saw no reason to care, “It’s fine. I don’t mind.” He unbuckled his uniform belt and dropped it to the floor, “I mean, don't stare at me straight in the eyes or anything cuz then it'd be weird and I’d have to tell my girlfriend.” 

Blazer stumbled over her words for a few moments, “Yeah, I'll actually Yeah, I'm just going…” He could hear her turn, looking away from him, “There. And…if you tell your girlfriend, let her know it was strictly professional.”

“Don’t worry, she does similar stuff with her modeling gigs,” He slipped the bottom half of his suit off and got the pants on quickly. His hands worked efficiently and he clipped his belt around his waist. 

“I…I want to say again, I'm sorry about last night,” She changed the topic, “I regret the way I conducted myself. It was a mistake. A complicated…mistake…”

She made it seem like something scandalous happened.

Sure they got close, but Robert didn’t read into anything further. He set his boundaries and she listened without any issues, “Look, we were both a little tipsy, neither of us were very professional.” He shrugged it off, as if talking to a friend, “You know it's totally understandable. It was a nice night, nothing more than that. And my girlfriend says hi, by the way.” He added that last bit to help ease the superhero. 

“Oh! Tell her I said hi back,” Blonde Blazer turned to face him, with a relieved smile, “Going forward, I’d like to keep things more professional.”

“Right, that's why you brought me to this conference room to strip down in front of you,” Robert teased, deciding that she needed a joke to lighten up her anxiety. He tossed his Mecha Man uniform to the side, “Profesh-”

His suit was floating.

The blonde hero sighed and sounded frustrated, “Are you serious?”

His suit, or the person under his suit, ran forward. They hit the doors with a groan and stumbled to the ground. 

Blazer knelt, picking up his suit, just as the unknown third-party appeared with a brief shift of light. Underneath was a young woman in a purple jacket and black pants. She had olive tanned skin, and short dark hair. She swore and sat up mumbling, “Who locks a conference room?” 

I should keep count on stuff like this…

H.R Violation count: 2

Robert raised a brow but didn’t say anything. Blonde Blazer put a hand on her hip. 

“So uh…” The newcomer dug through her pocket and revealed an inhaler, “you two fuck or what?”

“I have a girlfriend,” The former hero held his uniform in front of his scarred chest, “And even if I didn't, no professional lines were crossed.” He confirmed.

“All right. All right. So, just like grinding? Clothes on stuff?”

Robert can handle jokes. He can handle insults. That's fine. Maybe if he wasn’t in a relationship, he’d roll this childish stuff off his back. 

But this…felt uncomfortable.

Of course he was secure in his relationship for you. The two of you held each other to the same level of love and respect. So any jokes with the punchline being ‘Yea, Robert cheated. Hahaha, so funny right?’ rubbed him the wrong way. 

Just as he was about to retort, Blonde Blazer shook her head in disapproval, “Visi, knock it off,” She stamped out any more comments from the newcomer, “I just got a little tipsy at our meeting.”

“It was a very relaxed job interview, sure.” He wanted to do away with any potential rumors quickly, “But it was friendly and professional.” He knows work places, especially offices, talk. 

“Robert,” Blazer turned and took her hand off her hip, “This…is Invisigal.” She introduced the woman in purple just as she was standing, “She is part of the Phoenix Program.”

Invisigal gave a quick up down with her eyes before looking away. She had a very subtle pout on her face as she did so.

The blonde superhero continued to explain, “We take former supervillains, such as herself, and rehabilitate them to reenter society to use their powers and- are those my earrings?” 

Hidden behind Invisigal’s short hair were small golden hoop earrings. Blonde Blazer held up an open palm silently waiting. 

“They look better on me.” The thieving woman quickly took them off and dropped them into Blazer’s hand. 

Oh that would have gotten her killed in your agency. 

Robert remembered the time you told him two of your coworkers got into a literal boxing match over a necklace. Hair was pulled. Heels were broken. And you made 50 bucks that night winning the bet of who was victorious. 

Models were feisty. 

“Invisigal, this is Robert,” Blazer properly introduced him, getting his attention back to the present, “He'll be your team's dispatcher.”

“A washed up dad bod superhero with no superpowers,” Invisigal crossed her arms, “Can't wait.” she sassed. 

“His identity, all of this,” Blazer motioned between the three of them, “that's staying between us. He's still Mecha Man, but that can't get out. And if it does, I'll know who it came from.” Her tone shifted for that last part, clearly threatening the former villain. 

“You think I want to tell people our dispatcher is a fuckin’ loser?”

What the fuck? 

Even for a former villain she was so…hostile. 

“Having superpowers doesn’t automatically make you a superhero.” Robert met her bite head on, “You’re born with one…you have to earn the other.” 

Invisigal looked entirely uninterested in his words, “Well, I’m wet.” She rolled her eyes, “I can see why you like him. Look at that drip. What is that look? Best buy fight club?” She used her inhaler again before continuing to be sarcastic, “Fuckin’ hot.”

She shoved the doors open before using her powers to disappear from sight. 

Blonde Blazer sighed, “We have a weekly ranking list for all the heroes in the company…”

Ah, that explains it. 

“And she’s always at the bottom.”

“She called herself Invisibitch when she was a villain…” The blonde superhero turned to face him, “We’re trying to rebrand her.” 

“Yeah, I thought Invisigal felt…kinda corny for her.” Robert shrugged off the former villain's previous hostilities. She had a bad attitude, he’s dealt with worse. 

“Oh yea? The name was my idea.” Blazer had sass to her voice as she turned around, “Just get your shirt on, dad bod.” She took the easy potshot at him, though there wasn’t any real malice to it.

Once he was dressed and presentable, the blonde superhero showed him around the office. 

“We're not the highest profile branch in the network, but we've got what makes the real difference,” the blonde superhero explained, smiling with pride, “Great people! Some of them aren't even people, and they're still great!”

Her tour led him around the office where he was introduced to several employees. There was Lana in the mailroom, Galen was another dispatcher, and Mr.Whiskey…

Robert had no idea what Mr.Whiskey does.

Blazer also explained the 3 D’s of SDN. Dispatching, Documentation and Diversity. 

It certainly was a corporate office. 

He excused himself to the restroom for a quick break. Blonde Blazer said to meet him at the Records Room when he was done. 

As he did his business, a tall, muscular man with long curly hair rushed to the urinal beside him, “Oh…Brah, almos’ went in my pants.” He sighed in relief. 

Ok…awkward…

“Aye, you dis Robert people are talkin’ about?” The taller stranger turned to look at him, “Wassup bruddah, my auntie name me Roy but people call me Royd.” He held up a large fist in a friendly greeting. His eyes were a friendly brown and he had Hawaiian facial features. 

You know what? Fuck it. 

Robert returned the bro-fist with a smirk.

“Aurite. Good to meet you, brah.” Royd seemed happy with the return.

“Likewise.” Robert couldn’t find it in him to point out how awkward it was for them to share a bro-fist after having touched their dicks. Instead, he finished up his business and washed his hands, “So Royd…like steroid?” 

“Huh?” He was genuinely surprised at such a suggestion, “Hell no, bruddah. No, no, no, cuz listen, They’re tree uddah guys here go by the name Roy. So, I tink it's like, you know, we go scrap, we go ground, I buss you up, and then you know, you got Roy’d.”

After a stretch of silence, Royd sounded like he was frowning, “Aye, you think that's why they call me Royd? Like I’m on steroids? Cause they think I’m some kinna juice head? They think I’m not natty bro?”

The retired hero turned on the hand dryer, “No, I'm just kidding, man…Just making jokes about your name…in the shitter.”

Royd finished up and approached him, “Whateva. Ainokea.” 

Ainokea? 

“Thats…yea…Nokia…ing is probably the best.” Robert wiped his damp hands on his shirt, “Nice meeting you, Royd. Even if it was while we were both holding our dicks.”

He laughed, putting a muscular hand on his shoulder, “Haha! You one funny bugga…Mecha Man.” He whispered the name lowly.

Robert quickly shoved his hand off and looked around the restroom. Once it was confirmed no one was listening, he hissed, “Okay. So, I was worried about your unwashed hand, but now I'm worried that everyone here knows who I am.”

Royd shrugged off Mecha Man’s worries, “Nah bruddah, it's kapu.” He put his hands on his hips, “Need to know basis and Royd need to know. I da one who come pick up yo suit for fix on for da SDN.” 

“Cool, you gonna wash before you do that?” 

The larger man still had his smirk, “Nah bro, I neva touch nothin’.” He explained, still relaxed and friendly, “Just touch my pants, underwear only. Even fo shake. I just do like dis.” He demonstrated by shaking his hips while holding his belt. 

A hero in a black and green jumpsuit walked between the two, giving them the strangest look. Robert left the restroom quickly after that. thankfully finding the records room was easy. Once the door was opened, he was greeted by an old man with a gruff voice. 

“Holy shit, whose this freckled faced fuck?” He stepped down from the shelf and quickly grabbed him in a hug, “How are ya!?” He squeezed him tightly. 

“Thats an aggressive way to greet someone-!”

“Look at this skinny latte prick. Your bones, kid.” the old man sassed, pulling back, “You here to whip these assholes into shape or what?” 

“That’s the idea,” Blonde Blazer chimed in from her place in the doorway. 

Mecha Man pulled back , looking more and more confused, “uh, I’m sorry…Do I know you?” 

The old man frowned, “Why are you all tense?” He put his hands on his hips and snapped, “What? It's a hug, not a handjob. Lighten up.” 

“Be that as it may, I’m still confused.”

“Oh right, cuz I’m old as shit,” He rolled his eyes, “How about this? This jog your memory?”

The very old man jumped into a familiar pose. He had one arm straight behind him and another bent in front of his face. His feet were apart, looking as if he was about to sprint for a race. 

Oh!

“Track Star!?” Robert gasped, feeling his heart leap in his chest, “Holy shit!” He quickly grabbed his old friend into another tight hug. 

“Yea, you fucker!” Track Star snapped, though his voice was laced with brotherly love, “Why're you accepting hugs from old men you don’t know?” Once they pulled away, he lowered his voice, “Oh, and hey, they call me Chase around here, so keep it, you know.”

“Sure. Yea, right. Chase.” The retired hero confirmed, “It's been what, 10, 15 years? You finally grow the balls to ask out that girl from your neighborhood?” 

Mecha Man rolled his eyes, “She’s been my girlfriend for years.” 

“And now you gotta grow some balls and propose if it's been that long.” 

“Chase, please…” 

The older man laughed, putting his shoulder in encouragement. 

Blazer had a warm smile on her face, “Has it really been that long?”

Chase nodded, “Yea, I reached out to this pissant when his dad passed.” He lightly shoved Robert, “Then he got to duckin’ me like he owed me money.”

“I was in a weird place.” He mumbled, looking away. 

“I understand, kid. It was tough on all of us.” There was nothing but sympathy on Chase’s face, “So I can’t imagine what you went through.”

Robert appreciated it. He truly did, but frankly, he didn’t want to talk about his dad anymore, “Yeah, so what’s up? You goin’ to tell me why you look like Black Einstein?”

Blonde Blazer laughed before clearing her throat, “Sorry, I never noticed.”

“Fucker. It’s the powers.” Chase deadpanned, turning away to dig through a box on the shelf, “I can move 50 times faster than the average person, but I didn't realize until it was too late that I was aging 50 times faster when I used my powers.” He put on his glasses and searched through some files, after a moment, he pulled out a disk, “Nowadays, I'm moving slower than frozen piss to keep the old ticker from popping on me.”

Guilt and shame stung Robert’s chest. Christ…How often did he make Trackstar run around when he was younger? How many years did he take from Chase’s life?

“I had no idea. I'm so sorry, Chase.” Mecha Man whispered, looking mournfully at his old friend. 

Chase, however, snapped, “Hey, if I feel another ounce of pity from you, I will run you over in a parking lot and say it was an accident.” He threatened, earning a laugh from those around him, “They'll believe me cuz it looks like I'm wearing diapers.”

The guilt hurt less, but there was still one thing the former hero wanted to say, “So, I guess this means you're the one person I can't complain to about losing my suit…”

The older man put his hands on his hips, “You better not. I would resurrect then rekill your fuckin’ father in front of you if it meant being able to use my powers again.” He sassed, though his bluntness cause Blazer to gasp. 

“Jesus Chase!” She looked offended on behalf of Robert. 

“What? Obviously, I'd let Robert have one last ‘I love you’ before I…before I…extinguished the light from his eyes.” He laughed alongside Robert.

Mecha Man wasn’t offended in the slightest. This was their humor. It was how they dealt with their trauma. 

Now Blazer sounded more confused rather than upset, “Was he always like this?”

Robert nodded, “Yes, actually.” 

Chase chimed in, “We joke, we laugh, we suppress our trauma.” Without waiting, he turned to a computer that was against the wall in the records room, “All right, enough of this feelings shit. Let's introduce you to your team of losers.”

Once Robert sat down, his team was explained to him.

First was Sonar. Harvard graduate. Body of a human, head of a gray bat. White collar criminal. Imbezzlement, crypto scams, forgery, fraud…

Something noteworthy was how he could turn into a large, feral bat. He loses intelligence, but gains strength. 

Next was Flambae. Controls fire without getting burnt. Crimes involved arson, assault and vandalism. They have already met…several times now.

Invisigal came up on the screen. She was a mystery, even to Blazer. Turned herself in months ago. Crimes were robbery, assault and larceny. 

Add peeping tammy to that list…

The next entry was Coupè. She was the woman in black that night at the bar when Flambae lost his tooth. Though, she was the first villain in the list with actual bodies. Her crimes involved kidnapping, stalking and first degree murder. Former assassin for the mob. Her nickname is Coop.

The second of Flamebae’s friends was Punch Up. The short man with the mustache. Irish. Super human strength. Apparently made a deal with a witch for the strength of 10 men. The only cost was his height shrunk to three feet. Battery, assault, and second degree murder. 

Third to last was Malevola. She looked like a literal demon with her flexible tail, magic sword, horns and bright red skin. Crimes involved assault, battery and forgery. Interestingly enough, she was Sonar’s sponsor for Narcotics Anonymous. 

Must have a history there.

Second to last was Golem. A construct made of clay, mud and some metal parts. The most serious crime was vandalism. He was also 20 years old. Rather young for a villain. He should be in college or something. A second chance would do this guy some good.

The last entry was Prism. A popstar, and rather familiar. Didn’t you two follow each other on instagram? He’d have to ask you about her later. Her crimes involved assault, DUI, tax evasion. Seemed pretty standard for someone in the music industry. 

Hell, Robert could name several singers that have done much worse than Prism. 

They were his team, the Z-team. All and all…A wide range of reformed villains to work with. He had hope for several of them. Though, he has severe concerns about those with actual blood on their hands. 

Thankfully none of them were truly vile. None of their crimes involved children. None of them were sex offenders. No human trafficking…Murder was the only crime that would be hard to reform from. 

But…If Blonde Blazer could see redemption for them, then the retired hero had to try and get them into shape. 

Chase showed him to his desk. It was rather sparse, but had everything he needed. Computer. Keyboard. Pretty standard for an office desk. Though just to add some life, Robert pulled out his wallet and took out a photo he had of you. 

His older friend laughed once he pinned the picture to the cork board.

“You romantic sap.” 

The former hero rolled his eyes, “You're just jealous that I’m getting laid by the most beautiful woman in existence.”

“Fucker.”

Robert sat down and adjusted his seat, “This computer's older than you look.” He took the easy potshot. However, his smile faded when the PC turned on and began to load, “Wait, so we're doing this? I haven't even met the team yet.”

Chase peaked up from his desk, “We did the slideshow.”

“First of all, that wasn't a slideshow,” He put on his headset and made sure it fit him properly.

“Look, we like to start slow. Most people don't make it past the first dispatch, and this is better for everybody's safety.”

Safety!?

Chase explained very quickly the map on his screen. After a brief rundown of the calls, Robert sighed and unmuted his microphone to speak.

“Hey team, this is your dispatcher, Robertson. I'm starting my first shift-”

Immediately he was cut off by everyone speaking. There were laughs, insults and sarcastic remarks thrown his way. 

“Tell me that's not your real fuckin’ name!”

“You stuttering bitch? You can't be this shook on your first day. Come on!”

“Robert. Roberts. Robertson. Roberts. Roberto. Bobert.”

“Can we clear the channel? There's a lot of overlap…”

“I saw him in his underwear,” That was Invisigal laughing in her mic. 

“Who!? Roberto Robertoson?” Prism’s photo lit up on the screen, indicating that she was speaking. 

With another giggle, Invisigal repeated herself, “I saw him in his underwear…”

Rude.

“Was he packing!?” 

“he's got a lot of bruises, which I'm into-”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Chase’s voice sliced through the channel, silencing the entire Z-team, “Let me remind you, these calls are fuckin’ recorded for training fuckin’ purposes. So, keep the fuckin’ line clear before we send your stupid fuckin’ asses back to whatever fuckin’ cell we pulled your stupid fuckin’ asses out of!”

Thankfully that worked. For the first shift, everyone cooperated. Robert learned that Sonar was a fanboy of Willem Vanderstenk. That there was a bet at how long he’d last as their dispatcher. Coop and Punch Up thought Mecha Man did a great job kicking Flambae’s ass…

Oh and Malevola was working with Sonar to control his monster form. 

During the shift, Galen cut in to explain his team's strengths and weaknesses. He gave a good summary of the database and what to do when someone on the team performed exceptionally well. 

Finally, near the end of the shift, there was a call from a donut shop on South street. But there was nothing but silence on the other end.

Chase let him know about the control SDN had on member security cameras. 

“Is that even legal?” Robert asked, more confused than anything. 

“Don’t ask questions. Just always make sure to read the fine print.”

After a quick press of the button, the screen popped up with the interior view of the shop. On the tile floors was the body of an elderly man in an apron. Around him were tipped over chairs and tables, indicating a fight.

Invisigal appeared with a shift of her powers, “I didn't do this.” She said, turning to look directly into the security camera.

“Right. I feel like you've said that a lot in your life. What happened?” He deadpanned, waiting for an explanation. 

“This is how I found the place,” She said, walking over to the display of donuts, “The old guy, who I assume is Granny, was laying here when I walked in.” After a brief moment, she turned to look into the glass containers, “What’s your favorite donut?”

“Well, can you just focus? What? You got ADHD or something?”

“Yea, fucker.” Invisigal snapped, “Is it that obvious?”

“Yes, fucker. It is.”

He could see her roll her eyes through the camera, “Well, then answer the question. I don't want to sit here and fixate on it when we're supposed to be doing…whatever. Superhero shit.”

What a headache…

“Those uh…long ones. With the cream inside." He gave an answer, not really putting much thought into it.

Invisigal took such glee in his answer, “Oh, you like a dick donut?”

“Thats not what they’re…”

“You love big long cream filled dick donuts. I got it, dude,” She ran with the inappropriate joke, “You like your dick donuts up in your throat…in your ass…both.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, giving up on fighting her sense of crude humor, “Yep, you got me. I love gobbling on hot, sloppy donuts. Love them from my mouth to my butt-” Robert shut his mouth when he noticed a trio of coworkers stare at him in confusion. 

“Thanks for asking me that so you could get all your funny funny jokes out,” He lowered his voice so no one else got the wrong idea, “Now, can we maybe address the body in the room?”

Invisigal stood straight and knelt by the old man. Though, she stopped, as if unsure what else to do.

“What are you doing? Are you going to poke it with a stick? Check his pulse.” Robert commanded, fed up with her attitude. 

After a few moments with her fingers on his neck, she responded, “Granny's alive. Thank Christ. I don't want to have to lip this guy,” She turned to look back at the security camera, “So, can I go now?”

What the fuck was her deal…

“No. This isn't a wellness check. It's a B&E. Let's figure out if the perp is still there.” He snapped, trying to end this shift on a good note. After some more ribbing from the former villain, Chase helped him figure out how to switch cameras.

There was another delay due to Robert needing to hack the other camera system. However, he made quick work of it.

//>>CAMERA FEED: [OVERRIDDEN] //

Easy enough.

The retired hero took control, shifting the camera to look around. The camera was in the kitchen, judging by the metal counters, pots and pans. By the back wall, was someone trying to break into a locked case. Each of his hands were electrified by powered blasters. The battery system was attached to his back.

Robert focused, trying to figure out the specs. There was too much, and his screen blinked red.

HAZARD DETECTED.

“He's coming your way. Armed. You need to disappear,” He warned his team member who was still trying to find new ways to insult him.

Invisigal disappeared as soon as the perpetrator opened the door to the front of the shop. His blasters were armed and ready as he stepped slowly around the room. He was on the hunt, potentially looking for anyone else in the building.

She, still invisible, lifted a pan of donuts from the display case and threw it directly at him. The surprise of the attack caused him to toss his blaster to the side. It clattered to the floor, right beside an unconscious Granny. 

A scuffle began between the hero and villain. Invisigal did well on her own. She hit him with a baking sheet rather hard, causing his blood to splatter her face. Every time he tried to strike, she turned invisible and took the chance to hit him.

The robber fired his only blaster wildly, shattering windows and doing substantial property damage. 

As a way to help her, Robert managed to hack into the overhead sprinkler system. It was the only thing he could think to do in order to short out the blasters. 

//>>SPRINKLER SYSTEM: [OVERRIDDEN] //

As soon as the override was successful, the sprinklers went off. Water poured over the entire shop, soaking everyone and everything inside. Including the inner workings of the electric weapons. Robert’s plan worked. The villain’s weapon burst into sparks, becoming nonfunctional. 

Now, Invisigal was able to get a few more good hits on him. 

The fight looked to be  a stalemate before Granny managed to get to his feet. He fired the second blaster, hitting the wall and causing a cloud of dust to rise up.

Both hero and villain froze. The perp, however, raised his weapon, now working again after the sprinklers have stopped.

Invisigal raised her arms up and tried to calm the shop owner, “Granny, I don't think you know how to use that thing. So, why don't you-”

“Shut the fuck up!” He shouted, looking more and more unsteady on his feet.

“I'm one of the good guys!”

“You!?” Granny spat, “Yeah, right. Don't fuck with me. Okay!? Nobody fucks Granny. Nobody fucks with Granny!”

Robert didn’t know what else to do, “Invisigal, stay calm.” He advised, “Disarm Granny before the thing blows his face off. It looks super unstable.”

She didn’t seem pleased with the idea, “So, your expert opinion is to attack the client? Fuck that! I did things your way and it turned to shit. I'm taking the guy trying to kill me.”

“That wasn't a suggestion. It's a direct-” He watched her pull out her ear piece and disappear. Almost immediately she began to throw punch after punch at the villain. During the fight, his blaster went off, nearly hitting Granny across the room. 

Granny flinched and leapt back, losing control of the charged weapon in his own hands. 

After a burst of energy and dust, Invisigal was left standing over Granny, who had passed out. 

His right arm was bright red from the burns. His entire skin looked to have been seared off. 

“Smells like bacon a little. It's gross, but it's also kind of not bad,” She looked back at the camera before using her inhaler.

“Yeah, great. Okay. Where's the perp!?”

When she didn't answer, that's all Robert needed.

God damnit.

The retired hero took off his headset and threw it on his desk. He rubbed his face, and closed his eyes to breathe. 

“That was…pretty good for a first day. Sometimes people, you know, get electrical burns.” Chase stood over the desk divider, trying to make him feel better. 

Robert was about to answer when his phone dinged. A text from you. 

-We need to talk.

Robert’s heart dropped. His mind immediately ran to every worst case scenario before you texted again. Were you breaking up with him? What did he do? Could he fix this?

-I got a job as a bartender. 

Oh. Thank god.

-Babe, I love you but please lead with that next time. 

-Your still not going to like it. It's the Sardine.

I’m going after him. Love you. 

Be careful. Love you too.

You looked down at your phone with a sigh. Despite the energy around you, you couldn’t help but worry. It’s been a good few hours since your boyfriend Robert had texted. His silence didn't surprise you in the slightest, even if it caused you more anxiety than your manager would like. 

He was Mecha Man. Oftentimes he would disappear for hours at night to fight crime. Protect people. And…Be a superhero.

He was one of the good ones. He did it to help people. Feed the homeless. Walk old ladies across the street. Visit make-a-wish kids…

He was amazing. As a hero and as a boyfriend.

He'd been searching for Shroud for years now. And tonight was the night Mecha Man would finally stop the villain who murdered his father.

Your phone, modified to wipe itself of all data at the press of a button, pinged the location of his mecha suit. Robbie seemed to be in the outskirts of the city, towards the industrial compounds. 

And you? Well you were a model for one of LA’s top agencies. While superheroes had masks and helmets, you had wigs, make up, and colored contacts. 

It worked to both your advantages. In public, he was Mecha Man and you had your own stage name. Which allowed for a safety net for the both of you, as tabloids and gossip blogs were very much invested in your lives.

There were a few noteworthy tweets and posts through the years you've been with Robert.

-MASKS AND MAKEUP: Mecha Man SPOTTED WITH LA MODEL AFTER CHARITY FASHION SHOW

-BROOO Mecha Man saves lives and gets professional grade top from a super model #imfine #heslivingthedream #whycantthatbeme

-Don't let YA novel authors know the next romance trope is gonna be 'Superhero x model' romance because of Mecha Mans relationship

Tonight, while Mecha Man was fighting crime, you’d be strutting down a catwalk for a fundraising fashion show. VAND-CO held these practically every 3 months for tax write-offs and this show’s donations would be going towards motivating  little girls to go into STEM.

Because nothing says ‘learn the sciences!’ like watching elaborately dressed women wear make-up and heels to walk down a catwalk…

You’ve learned to keep your mouth shut about these things. The agency already takes 40% of your earnings as ‘booking fees’. If you act out, they could take more.

Not to mention the 20% client fee. 

And any damage to clothing, shoes or jewelry is taken from your paycheck too. 

Needless to say, you needed the money. So it was easier to remain quiet, do your job, and go home. You tried not to bring up your frustrations over your job with your boyfriend. After all, Robert did warn you to read the fine print before you signed another 8 year contract…

How many years ago was that?

“Hey! Eye’s up!” Your manager snapped your attention from your phone back to the makeup artist assigned to you, “We have 4 minutes bitches, get moving!” She was an older woman. A veteran of the industry, which gave her an ego the size of the moon.

‘Ass.’ You rolled your eyes and tilted your head up to let the artists do their job. They worked quickly and diligently to cover your flaws. Your lipstick was paired with your eyeshadow, both colors meticulously chosen to match your skin tone. 

Swiftly, you checked your phone for any indication of Robbie's wellbeing. 

Still nothing. 

It didn’t help that you had the worst feeling. 

“Get up ladies! We have 30 seconds!” 

“Shoes on! Hair done! No resting! And don’t even think about eating any-!” 

The building shook around you, cutting off your screaming manager. The lights flickered briefly, and some of the other models screamed or panicked. As quickly as it started, it ended as if nothing happened. 

You could hear the confused and scared chatter from the audience outside. Your hands flew to your phone, and checked Robert’s location again. 

He was no longer in the industrial area. He wasn’t anywhere. 

CURRENT LOCATION: DISCONNECTED

Terror rose through your blood, tightening your throat. The world around you melted. 

Your ears were ringing. Your vision was blurry. Someone was calling your name. Someone else put a hand to your shoulder.

You checked where he was before the disconnection.

SUNSET AVE AND EAST WAY

As if on autopilot, your fingers went to your modified settings. 

Safety Delete? Yes. No.

YES.

Your screen flashed once before being wiped entirely of all data connected to your boyfriend. It was for your safety in case anything happened to him. 

And you think something happened to him.

“Get your shit together! If you fuck this up, I will dock your fucking pay.” Your manager snapped at you, “I’m serious-”

You stared at her, mind not entirely comprehending her priorities. Her words didn’t make sense to you at the moment.

Robert might need you. He could be hurt. The suit might have been severely damaged, and he could be clinging to life somewhere on the street!

Wordlessly, you got in line. The music blared out around the catwalk. Cameras were flashing.

Your manager was ushering everyone along. They had to time this perfectly. Every piece of clothing had to be shown off to the rich and famous. 

By the time it was your turn…

You had already left. 

It was stupid of you, in hindsight. You should have changed your clothes. Removed your wig. Washed the makeup off. If you did, maybe you wouldn’t have seen your smudged eyeshadow and mascara stained tears on instagram as you waited in the hospital. 

Your phone blew up.Texts and DMs from your fellow models and other industry friends. However, the call from your manager was the most terrifying. She was enraged, as you shakily held up your cell to your ear.

“You may be Mecha Man’s sweetheart, but you still have a contract!” She seethed, “You need to reimburse me for the dress, the makeup and your slot in the show! You think just because your some hero’s side piece you can-”

You hung up and couldn’t remember anything else. Honestly, that phone call was the last thing you remembered in detail. Everything else became a blur for 4 months.

Surgery after surgery. Procedure after procedure. Physical therapy sessions. Nothing truly remained clear in your head. Your parents called to check up on you and Robert after two weeks of silence. All you could really explain was ‘he had an accident’. 

4 months of fuzzy memories, angry calls and texts from your manager, and sleeping on a cot in the hospital room. By month 2, your boyfriend woke up. Month 3 physical therapy began. 

By the end of the last month, Mecha Man was discharged. He relied on you to get the journalists together. Thankfully you hadn’t burned your connections in your 4 months absence from the catwalk. 

Now, behind the dark curtains and away from the prying eyes of the gossiping tabloids and cameras you faced your boyfriend. Gently, your hands fixed his mask, making sure it wasn’t crooked. You double checked the tightness of the sling holding his still healing arm. 

“Thanks…” He murmured softly, brown eyes looking at you with appreciation, “For…yea…”

You smiled softly, “Of course, Mecha Man.” Your fingers dusted off some lint from his shoulder, “You're going to do great.” Gently, you gave him a soft kiss on the cheek, “I’m right here.”

Robert nodded, taking a deep breath and turning to walk to the podium. Despite his head held high and his squared shoulders, he was…smaller than the media last saw him. His muscles had atrophied greatly while he laid in that hospital bed. As soon as he got into view, cameras flashed. 

Ever so slightly you saw him flinch from the barrage of bright lights. 

Your boyfriend took a deep breath and spoke evenly, “There’s been a lot of speculation about my health and the state of the Mecha Man suit, and I’m here to put that speculation to rest,” he sighed, reading from the practiced script you and him put together, “The suit is beyond my ability to repair, so I will be stepping back from superhero work…effective immediately.”

As soon as he finished his statement, the flashes began again. Among them, questions were shouted in a hurried tone. 

“Does this mean you're finished?”

“Can you repair the suit?”

“What's next for Mecha man?”

“Does this mean your career is over?”

“How badly were you hurt?”

“What about your relationship? Have you two broken up?” 

You heard that last one and raised a brow. You were currently out of sight, but the question was still out of left field. What stupid priorities. 

Mecha Man quieted the never ending questions by raising his hand, “One at a time, please.”

A blonde reporter stood up, holding a microphone up towards your boyfriend, “Ashley Rhiness. San Pedro Daily. Do you have anything to say to your fans? The public outpouring, the vigils, a lot of them were worried you wouldn't wake up.”

Robert nodded solemnly. You had shown him the endless reports, posts and videos of support, and he appreciated every single thing, “I suppose I want them to know I did my best. I worked as long as I could, as hard as I could, and that's all anyone can do,” He answered, “Next question.”

A male report stood up suddenly, “Chris Stratton, Torrance Tribune. “ He wore all black and spoke with a sharp tone, “Does this mean you're retiring as Mecha Man? Word on the street is, you're dunzo.”

Robert briefly looked over to you, mirroring your confused look before he responded, “Are you 100 years old? Why are you talking like that?” His words caused several laughs and snickers through the crowd.

Chris Stratton didn’t enjoy that answer, as he snapped, “Answer the question, buddy boy. Are you retiring? My readers need the skinny and I aim to deliver.”

How old was this jackass?

“Look, I'm not retiring. Not yet, at least.” Robert’s response caused your heart to leap into your throat. He had no suit. No powers. He was trained in combat, but that only could only get him so far.

What did he plan to do?

“Any idea what you can do without the Mechaman suit?” The reporter sounded less hostile now, which was much better than his original tone. 

Your boyfriend’s eyes flicked downward before he sighed, “Not yet…Alright, just one more please, I gotta get back to um…just…just one more please. Preferably someone from this century.”

A murmur broke through the crowd. Above it all, an older reporter stood, “Charles Kingsley, South Bay Signal.” He wore glasses, and lacked a phone or microphone. He only held a journal and a pencil.

Your heart dropped. How did he get into the meeting!? The journalists here were all supposed to be sympathetic to Mecha Man! Why was he here!?

“So, Shroud kills your father, goes to jail for 15 years, breaks out, and immediately dupes you into a trap where he destroys the Mechaman suit and puts you in a coma for months.” Charles waved his pencil slightly at your boyfriend.

There was a stretch of time before Robert spoke up, “I didn’t hear a question in there.”

“Two-parter. First, why didn't Shroud kill you?” Charles asked, tone that of someone trying to push buttons instead of genuine curiosity, “You haven't been conscious for months. It'd be easy money taking you out.”

“Okay…for starters, Okay. Shroud wanted the Astral Pulse and Mechaman gone. He got both. I'm not sure I mattered much.” Mecha man answered cooly, refusing to give into the clear provocation, “Even if I did matter to him, my girlfriend was by my side in the hospital every minute of every day. If Shroud wanted to take me out, he’d have been stopped or slowed down by her.”

The older reporter had a snide smirk, “Right. You're unimportant. Which leads

me to my next question. Most heroes avenge their family. You did the opposite. You killed their legacy.” He taunted, “How disappointed would your dad be if he were here right now? Your father, your grandfather, they must be rolling over in their graves.”

Your hand flew to your mouth to cover the gasp.

Thankfully, Mecha man didn’t take the bait. He gave the front of patience, though you could see the hurt and unresolved trauma in his eyes. “I think he’d be proud…cause I’m alive. Which, you so sensitively pointed out, he isn’t.” His words were measured and steady, only helping gain sympathy, “I think he knows that I sacrificed everything and that I did my best. Being Mecha Man, protecting my community was the greatest honor I'll ever have. Now I have to live knowing that.” 

You could tell from your hidden position that Robert had hit his limit. He was tired. More so than ever. 

“Thank you for coming.” He ended the press meeting, walking out of view as the barrage of camera flashes started again. 

He approached you, and quickly grabbed you into a one armed hug. His masked face was buried into your shoulder as he took a shaky breath. 

Your arms wrapped around him, holding him tightly in a protective embrace, “You did great,” You reassured him gently, voice barely above a whisper, “You did amazing, Robert.” 

He didn’t speak, not immediately. After a few minutes of quiet solitude between the two of you, he murmured, “I need a drink.” 

“Robert…”

“Alone, please.” 

You pulled back to cup his face. You didn’t need to say anything, your worry was clear.

He shook his head and stepped past you. Your boyfriend turned down the hall and was out of your sight. A part of you wanted to chase him. Make sure he wasn’t alone, but you knew it's what he needed. Just for tonight.

The next time you saw him, he was opening the door to the apartment, “Sorry I’m late.” He announced, rousing you from where you slept with Beef on the mattress on the floor. After your modeling agency started garnishing your wages to make up for your screw up, you had to sell a majority of the furniture to make rent. 

You groaned and opened your eyes, sitting up, “Hm? You…didn’t answer your phone.” You mumbled, rubbing the light sleep from your eyes, “I got worried…”

Beef responded to you sitting up by whining slightly. The fat chihuahua turned his head to face Robert and immediately started wagging his tail. Your boyfriend rubbed his dog’s head, “I think things are going to be all right.” He didn’t exactly answer you, “I met a nice lady. She wants to help us out.” 

Nice lady?

“Robert?”

He sat down beside the remains of the Mecha Man suit, “Everything is going to be alright.” He repeated himself with the first smile you’ve seen on his face in a long time, “I can make up for everything.” Robert set up his phone, playing videos about SDN.

You got up, carrying the blanket with you, to sit next to him. He helped drape the material over the both of you as you snuggled into his side. Beef settled between the two of you, adding to the warmth. 

As soon as you were settled, Robert interlocked his fingers with yours.

Robert knew it was an asshole move to leave you after the press conference. He should have reassured you that he’d be back. But he didn’t. 

After all you sacrificed these last few months, you deserved an explanation. 

Scratch that. 

You deserved better than him entirely.

Even when he was Mecha Man, Robert wasn't the best boyfriend. He would forget dates to fight crime. He’d come home late, seeing you awake and waiting for him. He had no money, as he poured everything into maintaining the suit to the point sometimes he couldn’t afford simple flowers. 

And yet you stayed. What in the ever living fuck was wrong with you?

He got some booze. A flask and now wandered the city that he used to protect. 

What the fuck was he supposed to do now?

A display TV blared its broadcast at full volume, “Is Mecha Man a Mecha quitter?” 

Robert paused and turned, hoping to get a better idea of how the press conference went. You were better at reading public perception than he was. Truthfully, he never cared until tonight. 

The news channel had the image of some skinny teenager with brown hair, “Yeah, I mean, it seems like it’d be better if he died than be a mecha coward, you know? I mean, what kind of example is he setting?”

Ouch…

“Stay tuned to find out.” The news anchor turned to face the camera. Before the broadcast could fully finish, the glass of the window shattered. 

Robert turned, brow raised to watch a group of masked men break into the store. One of them had a crowbar and swung it at another window, shattering it. Two more opened the back of the box truck that the fourth was loading TV’s and electronics into. 

Robbers and petty criminals. Lovely. 

He stared at the mask in his hand, debating on what to do. He told the press he wasn’t giving up. And he intended to keep that promise. Silently, he slipped it over his head and called, “Hey assholes.” Mecha Man straightened his back and faced them, “Yeah, just put the TV’s back and you can leave. I won’t say anything to the cops and this doesn’t need to escalate.” 

The goon in the red mask scoffed, “Hey, who you callin’ asshole, asshole!” 

The criminal in an orange mask, the leader, Robert presumed, raised his crowbar, "I'll handle this idiot. Keep loading. We're out of here in 30.” He finally turned to face Robert, “And who the fuck are you?”

The retired hero responded lowly, “Right now, I'm someone with nothing to lose, which is probably bad news for you.” 

You’d hate that answer. 

“Well, with nothing you have, you're about to lose again,” The leader of the goon squad rested his crowbar on his shoulder.”

Christ…

“Whatever the case, I’m enough to deal with a pack of fuckin’ skittles idiots like you.” He challenged, though he didn’t hide the sigh in his voice.

Orange mask lowered his weapon and sighed, “Goddamnit…look, you're hurt.” He took a few steps closer to Robert, “Your not thinkin’ straight-”

As soon as the gang leader got close enough, Robert swallowed his pain and immediately swung with his left fist. His entire arm screamed at him in agony as soon as his knuckles made contact with the goons cheek. 

That was the opening they needed. The rest of them pounced, getting the former hero on the ground easily. Robert, however, didn’t give up fighting. He kicked and punched, getting some pretty good hits on the petty criminals. 

The barrage of fists and hits to his face lessened. One of the goons disappeared. A shadow flew by, grabbing another and throwing him into the broken window of the TV store. Another one was thrown into a nearby fire hydrant. 

The last of the criminals was lifted, and tossed away like trash. 

Once he got his bearings, Robert carefully opened his eyes. 

Floating above him was the impressive form of the famous hero Blonde Blazer. The glow from the streetlight surrounded her head like a halo. Her long blonde hair shifted with the slight breeze. 

“That guy I threw.” She smiled softly, “He landed on the roof, right?” 

“All good!” The criminal called distantly. 

“Phew.” Blazer gently lowered to the ground, putting her hands on her hips, “Hi. I’m Blonde Blazer. I work over at Superhero Dispatch Network.” 

“Hey. Hi. Yeah, I know who you are,” He looked up at her, holding his injured arm, “You’ve met my girlfriend. She told me about how awesome you are.”

“Oh, I don't know about that. I'm just a corporate hero for hire,” She immediately seemed flustered, “ You're the real deal. You’re the awesome one.” She reached a hand down, which Robert took, “But tell your girlfriend I appreciate the compliment.”

As soon as he was standing, Blonde Blazer gasped, “Oh god, your arm.” 

Oh that's not a good reaction…

He hissed and looked at his left shoulder. It had been dislocated, forcing itself upward instead of downward. His elbow was bent, and his hand hung uselessly, “Oh yea, that's gross.”

Blazer gave a friendly smile, “you look like some kind of mime DJ. Let me see it. I'll help you.” She joked, stepping towards him and inspecting his shoulder, “It usually dislocates the other way…”

“Ok but have you done this before? Cause maybe-OW!” 

The former hero couldn’t finish his sentence, as the woman in front of him pushed down. The bones in his shoulder locked back into their original places, fixing his mobility. 

“Yea, that's oh. Okay. Yeah, thank you.” He gave a few shoulder rotations just to test his muscles before kneeling to pick up his jacket. 

Blonde Blazer spoke to the cops briefly before she turned to look back at him, “You look like you could use a drink.” 

No shit…

“What makes you say that?”

 Despite the pain from getting his ass kicked, the two of them managed to get to Crypto Night, a superhero bar. It was rich, suave and bled nothing but ‘you can’t afford the drinks here.’

Blonde Blazer seemed happy enough to pay. 

They chatted about…alot. Though, the current conversation was on the rainbow masked goons they encountered. 

“Oh shit,” She giggled, “They were all skittles colors. I didn’t even realize.” 

Robert sassed before taking a sip of his drink, “Yea well, you know what? They can taste the rainbow in jail.” 

“Wh-what do you mean? Like different colored dicks?” 

They both broke out into soft laughter. A part of Robert wished you were here with him. So you could join in on the relaxed atmosphere and laugh with them.

“I'm a little buzzed. I don't really make jokes like that,” The superhero mumbled, “I think Visi’s rubbing off on me.”

Robert raised a brow, “Who?” He sipped his beer again, letting Blazer explain.

“Uh, someone I work with. It's Yeah…” She tipped back, downing the rest of her own drink. 

Yeesh…Probably a complicated relationship there…

“I can't tell which one of us had the rough day.” He responded to her rather impressive display. She definitely has a better tolerance than Mecha Man ever did. 

“Hmm? Oh, no. I had a great day!” She tapped his shoulder in a friendly manner, “Well, that's not totally true.” Her words faded slightly, “Oh, you're joking. Sorry.”

Now Robert really wished you were here. The hero next to him was nervous about something and you could probably read her better than he could. 

Blonde Blazer flagged the bartender for refill, “It’s fine. Don’t worry about keeping up. Something to do with the powers…” She leaned forward, resting her arms against the bar, “It takes a lot for me to feel anything.” She confirmed Roberts' earlier thought about alcohol tolerance. 

“What a sad sentence,” the retired hero teased softly before sipping his beer again.

She leaned closer to him, “Hey, you should give yourself more credit. To do what you did for as long as you did, especially without superpowers.”

Her proximity to him didn’t raise any red flags. Blonde Blazer clearly isn’t flirting or trying to make a move. Still…Robert hoped that one of your model friends weren't here to report this to you. 

“Not true.” Mecha Man put his drink down and raised his double jointed thumb, “What do you call this?”

“can fix that one for you, too.” She offered.

“No thanks, I like this one.” 

The bartender put down Blazer’s fresh drink before moving on to another patron. There was a comfortable silence between them for a few moments before she spoke up again. 

“So, how did you afford all that?” The blonde hero asked, “You must’ve spent hundreds of thousands-”

“Millions.” He corrected, looking down at his glass, “You’ll understand when the check comes.” 

Blonde Blazer flinched, “You're serious? Millions?”

Robert nodded, confirming the amount, “Yeah, I basically burned through my entire inheritance keeping it going. Last couple years have just been duct tape and sheer termination.” He didn’t admit the fact that he also borrowed a good few thousand from you too. 

Well…technically he never asked you for money. Whenever the screen or keyboards of the Mecha Man suit became fried, You just so happened to have ‘found some computer parts on sale,’ and ‘oh what a coincidence, those are the exact parts he needed.’

Blazer sounded speechless at that, “Why did you do it?”

“Do what?” He took a swing of his beer, letting her explain.

She continued, “Sacrifice everything to be a superhero to the point of financial…”

“Ruin?” Mecha Man finished her sentence. 

Blonde Blazer was truly a corporate superhero, as she nodded politely, “I was going to say hardship, but ruin was the first word that came to mind. Yeah…” Clearly, she knew what she wanted to say, but was too nice to be truthful about it unless someone prompted her, “you must be completely broke at this point.”

The former hero shrugged, but gave her a friendly smile, “I don't know. I guess I just like helping people.” He raised his glass slightly before taking another sip.

For him, it was always about helping people. Protecting the community. He was proud to have done it, but a part of him feared what would happen if Mecha Man wasn’t there to stop criminals and villains. 

The two of you started dating because it was Mecha Man that saved you from a knife-wielding stranger following you home. What would have happened if he wasn’t there? Would you have been left dead in a gutter? Worse?

Crimes like that happen far too frequently. 

Robert shudders to think about it. 

“So…” Blonde Blazer turned on the bar stool to face him, “Are you drunk yet or what?”

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, I should probably be switching to water.” He admitted, lowering his glass. 

The blonde superhero nodded, “Good, cuz I was hoping after some drinks to loosen you up, I could learn a little more about you,” She smiled, “And uh if all that went well, present you with a proposition.”

Oh no…

“Uh…I’m all for talking and being friends but I’m a loyal man,” He responded quickly, “Look. you’re great, but I love my girlfriend I would never…”

“Oh!” She perked up, “No no, not that kind of proposition. I mean…a professional proposition. Did I come across that way?”

Robert up the glass of water, “Yea, a little. But since it's not the proposition I was thinking of-” He took a sip and immediately gagged. 

Not water!

Pure alcohol hit his tongue, burning his mouth. He spit it out accidentally hitting Blazer. In between his coughing, he wheezed, “Ah! This is like pure alcohol!” 

The blonde hero beside him, brushed some wet hair from her face, "It's not like alcohol. It is alcohol. I know because you spit it directly into my open mouth,” She pointed to a different glass on the wooden bar table, “That's water. That. See how it has ice in it?”

The fuck was her liver made of? Pure titanium?!

“You drink hard liquor from a pint glass?” Her alcohol tolerance continued to amaze him. 

She looked away, as if embarrassed, “Actually, I usually just drink it straight from the bottle, but I thought that would be embarrassing…” Her blue eyes met his and the both of them laughed. 

“I’m gonna get cleaned up.” She stood up from the bar after a few giggles between them.

Robert shook his head and laughed softly at himself, “I am so sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.” One of her gloved hands gently clasped his shoulder, “I will be right back.” Without another word she quickly stepped away to the restroom.

Once she was gone, he sipped his water, hoping to get a little more sober before going home. The silence was comfortable for him. While glamorous bars weren’t typically his preferred choice, it was still a warm and fine atmosphere. 

…until it was shattered by yelling.

“Hey! Bitch!”

Robert tried to ignore the shouting but it continued.

“Hey, I'm talkin’ to you, bitch!”

With a sigh, Robert turned to find the source of the yelling. It was a man with dark hair pulled back into a low ponytail. Sunglasses covered his face, but his flame-patterned body suit exposed his chest and ab muscles. Behind him was a woman wearing all black covered in metal plating and a short man with a mustache. 

The guy seemed familiar…but the former hero couldn’t place how or why.

“All right, just so you know, I only turned around cuz someone yelled, not because I'm a bitch or anything.” Mecha man mumbled, raising his glass and drinking more water. 

“Don't you watch the news? This is a superhero bar.” Ponytail was clearly looking for a fight, but Robert wasn’t taking the bait.

He sassed back, just wanted these people to leave him alone, “Oh, wow. Are you a superhero? That's so cool,” He tone of amazement was obviously a lie, “This is your power? You're like ‘Tell people obvious shit guy?’”

The woman behind him snickered but quickly went silent when Ponytail glared back at her, “Are you really going to act like you don't remember me?” He took a step closer, clearly trying to intimidate the former hero. 

Robert rolled his eyes with a sigh, “Yeah, it's coming back to me. Oh, wait, wait. I…Oh, I know it!” He turned in his seat to fully face the aggressive man, “Oh, wait. You were Dr. Don’t Do Shit.” Sass laced his answer, “Your deal is you walk up to people, look threatening, talk a big game, then don't do shit about it.” With his final words, he turned to face the bar again, “Also, you're not a real doctor cuz you're a fuckin’ idiot.”

The mysterious woman laughed again before cutting herself off, “Sorry…Choked on my spit.”

Ponytail took off his sunglasses and got closer to Robert, “No, Mecha Bitch. I control the fire. The fire and the flame and my skin does not burn.” He held out a fist, and immediately it was swallowed by bright orange flames, “I am Flambe and you-.”

Memories hit him like a train, “Oh shit I do remember you! You're that shitty villain I busted up!” The former hero took the chance to insult him. 

“Not anymore, Mecha Dick,” Flambae huffed, stepping back and extinguishing the fire in his hand, “As I literally just said, I am Flambae, real superhero,” To punctuate his point again, he held flames in his fist yet again, “And you are not Mecha Man anymore. So you need to get the fuck out of here. Now we can do this the easy way-”

Without speaking, Mecha Man grabbed his glass of water and tossed it over his shoulder. 

Like a pathetic birthday candle, Flambae’s fire went out. 

“There. Easy way.” Robert spun in his stool to face the former villain with his retort, “You gonna hit me now, right?”

Flambae wiped the water from his eyes and seethed, “I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”Just as expected, he dashed forward, fist raised to punch the retired hero. In a stroke of luck, he slipped and slammed face first into the bar. The force bounced him up and he fell backwards, leaving a tooth embedded into the wood of the bar. 

“Holy shite!” The short man with the mustache gasped, looking over at Robert in awe and fear. 

The woman in black knelt down and grabbed Flambae’s face as he was mumbling, “Your mouth.” She murmured, “It’s whistling.” After inspecting more of his face, she continued, “Come on, we should get you to a hospital.”

Mustache man shook his head, “No Coop,” He rushed over to the bar and grabbed a glass of water and the tooth, “Fucking guy needs a dentist!” He dropped Flambae’s tooth into the cold glass, and shuffled to where the woman was getting their friend on his feet, “I got it on ice. Should be able to reattach it.” 

“Teeth don't work that way. You're thinking of fingers and dicks,” Mecha Man chimed in as they quickly exited the bar, “You know what? Give it a shot.”

The bartender quickly threw him out after that. Thankfully, he must’ve told Blazer that Robert was waiting outside, as she stepped out holding two drinks. She smiled once she saw him, “Hey, I couldn't find you.”

“Uh, it's cool. I was just admiring the art in this dumpster.” He responded flatly, staring directly at the graffiti in front of him. 

In glorious white paint on the dumpster were the words FART BARF.

“Can't tell why anyone would put those words together.” Robert mumbled before looking over to her, “Why are you holding two drinks?”

“Night cap?” Blazer raised a glass.

“You’re trouble.” He snarked. 

The blonde hero giggled, “Actually, according to the bartender, that's exactly what you are. What happened in there?” 

Mecha Man shrugged, “Little flare up with some guy, but it, you know, extinguished pretty quick.”

“A flare up?” She raised a brow, but didn’t ask any more questions. Instead, she handed him the drinks, “Hold these. I know a place.” She grabbed his arm.

Even in Robert's drunken mind, this felt…wrong. Like he was somehow betraying you by going with her, “This is still a…professional proposition, right?”

“Stritcly professional.” She gave him a reassuring smile, as if knowing his concern, “I promise.”

He nodded, and tensed. Without another word, Blonde Blazer took to the sky. They flew up and over Torrence, taking in the buildings, the streets and the lights. She carried him effortlessly through the air, going over the hills that lead to LA proper. 

They went between the tall skyscrapers, flying through each and every one of them with ease. Some patrons were at a rooftop party and they stopped their dancing and waved at the duo. Robert raised a glass back with a smile. 

It was too soon when they lowered onto the edge of a billboard, facing LA’s famous Hollywood sign.

“I actually thought you were taking us to sit on it.” The retired hero mused, staring at the pure white letters. 

Blazer nodded, “yeah. That would have been cool. eh…Yeah, this is better cuz you can see it.”

Robert rested his elbows on his knees with a sigh, “all this has been pretty overwhelming. You know, I don't get out often even with my girlfriend, and I think I really needed this.” He truly was appreciative of the night to just…forget everything, “So, thank you for bringing me out.”

Blazer smiled again, “Don't you worry about it, Robert Robertson.”

For a brief moment, he tensed. You were the only other person in the world who knew his true identity.

“How do you know my name?” He asked, desperately hoping he didn’t fall into a trap. 

“Whoops.”

He swallowed, "What's going on?”

“Okay, I'll tell you,” The blonde teased, “but only after you tell me how you ended up with a name like that.”

“Oh, you mean a name like Robert Robertson III?” He poked fun at himself. He knew his name was ridiculous, so he played along. 

“The third? Three times this has happened.” She seemed genuinely surprised to learn that he was a 3rd. 

Robert gave her a rundown of his family. From his grandfather, then to his father, then to him. 

Blazer nodded along, listening intently, “A family tradition.”

“in more ways than one,” He continued, leaning backwards on his hands, “Gramps was the first Mecha Man. He died in the suit before I was born. Dad was killed fighting Shroud. That's when I took over. There was a little inheritance and the life insurance money.”

The look on Blonde Blazer’s face was nothing but sympathetic, "I'm so sorry. I didn’t realize.”

The former hero shrugged, still feeling the alcohol, “just your run-of-the-mill sad superhero

origin story. The family tradition, if there is one, is dying in that suit,” He knew you would absolutely hate the way he was speaking right now, “which I guess I don't have to worry about anymore.”

He looked at the woman beside him and her expression had changed. She had a soft smile that held no malice or ill intent. She was clearly thinking of something.

“What is it?” He asked, raising a brow.

“I'm not quite drunk enough to share my origin story just yet, but remind me to tell you someday,” She scooched over to be closer to him. 

Alarm bells were going off. Not because of her, but because of him. This felt too intimate. Too close. Was he cheating on you right now? This felt like cheating. 

When she reached for his mask, he stopped her. Instead of her, he pulled it off to reveal his face. Thankfully, she seemed to understand his hesitancy to let her touch him. 

“She’s beautiful.” Blonde Blazer spoke of you fondly, “We worked together a few times. Her lock screen at the time was a picture of you. It was kinda cute.” 

Robert couldn’t help but smile, “She’s…been with me from the very beginning.”

“I can tell you love her.” 

“Yea…” 

She had a distant look on her face, as if truly thinking deeply about something, “How’d you two meet?”

“Hm?” He perked up, “We grew up together. I threw myself into Mecha Man. She went to modeling school so we drifted,” He ran through your relationship history quickly, counting on his fingers as he did so, “One day, I saved her from getting stabbed and she knew it was me under the mask almost instantly.” Robert summarized things broadly. There was more. Definitely more, but they’d be here all night if he continued.

Blazer listened, seemingly really interested in his relationship, “How’d you know you loved her?”

“We’ve been together for a while now. And even though I’m a coward who hasn’t proposed yet, I can’t picture anyone else in my life.” Robert answered with a shrug. Having you with him felt natural as breathing. Without you, he probably would have suffocated under the weight of Mecha Man long ago. 

Was she asking for relationship advice? Vaguely he knew she had some sort of partnership with someone. 

After his explanation, she nodded to herself, “Thank you, Robert. You’ve just helped me settle something.” Blonde Blazer rubbed the back of her neck, “But, we got entirely off topic. I’m actually here with a purpose.” Her tone was dripping with an apology, “The way I went about things tonight…I’m sorry. It was all a little loose. A little unprofessional.” 

Her words startled him. The atmosphere around them shifted, "Unprofessional? I'm not sure that that applies to this…”

“I'm actually here on official business,” She interjected quickly, “How I know your name. The proposition I mentioned…right before you spit in my mouth.”

…and like that, he was embarrassed all over again, “Still mortified about that.”

“It’s fine.” Blazer moved on from that particular topic quickly, “Do you remember a superhero named Trackstar?”

That name brought back so many memories, “Remember? Of course! He's like family…” Robert’s words faded from excited to ashamed, “...that I haven't talked to in a while. What about him?” 

She continued, “I work with him at SDN. He recommended you. Mentioned that he worked with your father?”

Robert nodded, explaining, “Yeah, he was the youngest member of the Brave Brigade, so he was kind of my babysitter for a while. How's he doing?” Was he sick? Hurt? He hoped Trackstar was alright.

“He’s doing great! He's…He's why I'm here,” Her smile was contagious as she continued with her proposition, “Robert, I would like to make you an offer. In exchange for dispatching and mentoring some of our rookie heroes. SDN can make you Mecha Man again. but this time with all the resources that a company as big as ours has at their disposal.”

Robert’s heart leapt into his throat. He could be Mecha Man again? The idea was too good to be true. He almost accepted immediately, but there was one massive issue. 

“My suit…was totally destroyed.” It was in pieces, with scorched metal and missing parts. How could they ever repair it?

“I saw the report, studied the footage. It's not totally destroyed, just mostly.” Blonde Blazer seemed excited. Genuinely happy to make him this offer, “It's a big investment. It'll take considerable time and money to get the suit repaired and the missing pieces replaced,” She clearly wasn’t blind to the challenges of what she offered, “Plenty of time to learn how to dispatch and level up some of the heroes on our roster. Your experience, your work ethic, your perspective, it's all invaluable.” She put one gloved hand on his shoulder. Hope was everywhere in her blue eyes.

Damn…What a sales pitch. He’d be an idiot to say no.

“So, when do we get started?” Robert accepted without thinking much further. Job security until his suit was fixed? It sounded like a dream However, he needed clarification, “Wait, so you want me dispatching? What's that even mean?”

Blonde Blazer beamed, happy that he accepted so quickly, “Oh, right. I was supposed to test you at the bar.” She reached back, digging into a pocket in her suit before pulling out a small metal and plastic box, “here.” She tossed the unknown object right at him. 

Surprisingly, he managed to catch the thing in his hands before it fell over the side of the billboard. Though, he nearly fell himself once he had it in his grip, “The drunk people shouldn't be throwing things at drunk people.” He teased her as soon as he was stable. 

“Noted.”

He stared down at what she gave him. It was white and grey, and looked like it opened somehow. Though, nothing happened immediately. 

“Am I waiting or are you waiting? What's going on?” He looked over at her for clarification. 

Blazer tilted her head, “It was supposed to open up when I threw it to you,” Just as she spoke, the metal box popped open, taking the shape of glasses. It looked like some type of VR headset. “Okay, there. Pop it on!” She encouraged, "This is part of the assessment. And don't move too much in there. You're sitting on the edge of the billboard…”

Robert put the glasses over his eyes and they lit up to life. The screen showed a map of Torrence, and below that was a roster of heroes. He recognized a few of them from the news, social media and billboard advertisements. Once the demo began, he adapted quickly. Missions and tasks would pop up on the map, and he’d have to pick the best hero suited for it. 

Seemed easy enough. 

He breezed through the demo, and once he was finished, Phenomaman bid him an automated ‘goodbye!’ 

The glasses flicked off and he removed them from his eyes, “That felt pretty natural to me…” the former hero nodded with a small grin, “And that it's natural for me to end up mid tier…That said, for the first time, it feels pretty…” 

His words trailed off, looking down at Blazer. She had fallen asleep on his shoulder, breathing softly. It was flattering to know that she trusted him enough to fall asleep, you’ve done so many times.

Still…she wasn’t you. 

After a gentle nudge, the hero woke up and rubbed her eyes, “Did I drool on you?”

He shook his head with a small laugh, “Uh, I don't think so.” He handed her back the demo glasses and she took them. 

“Well, you see why we thought of…Well, Trackstar thought of you.”

Robert nodded again, “It makes sense…yea..”

Blonde Blazer gave him another friendly smile before she slipped off the billboard. She floated gracefully forward, turning to give him one last nod, “Meet me at the SDN offices tomorrow. I'm not done saving you yet.” She bid her farewell and flew up and away. 

For the first time in a long time, Robert felt hope. Hope and excitement for the future. He’d be a dispatcher at SDN… He can work with that. At least until he got his suit back. 

After scrambling down the side of the billboard and navigating his drunken ass back home, he walked into the apartment. 

In the late night darkness, you were asleep on the mattress with Beef. Ever since your modeling agency started cutting your paycheck, you had to sell the furniture just to keep the lights on. He also took note of the multiple job applications you were filling out.

God…you did so much just for him. 

“Sorry I’m late.” He announced quietly rousing you from your slumber. 

You shifted and blinked open your eyes. After a few moments, you sat up, waking Beef. The dog wasn’t happy to have been moved, so he whined and instead focused on Robert’s arrival. 

“Hm? You…didn’t answer your phone.” You mumbled, rubbing your eyes, “I got worried…”

Ah shit. He hadn’t even bothered to check his phone.

Alcohol still affected his thoughts, all he managed to slur was, “I think things are going to be all right.” He hoped you understood him well enough, “I met a nice lady. She wants to help us out.” His hand rubbed Beef’s head in greeting before he pulled his phone from his pocket.

“Robert?” You probably clocked him as drunk immediately. 

He brought up a video about SDN and started playing it as soon as he sat down beside the destroyed remnants of the Mecha Man suit, “Everything is going to be alright.” He repeated, regretfully not giving you a proper explanation, “I can make up for everything.”

Despite the clear concern and confusion, you got up from the bare mattress and snuggled up to his side. On instinct, he wrapped an arm around you, pulling your body closer to his. 

-Early shoot today. Will be home late. P.S I hope you had good dreams

Robert read the note you left before he got ready for the day. While the coffee brewed, he showered, shaved and brushed his teeth. When he was ready, he picked up Beef in his arm and left the apartment. 

All routine. Mundane. It’s been about a month since Robert had been hired at SDN, so he was used to the monotony of it all. 

Though, the mornings with you not beside him did suck more. 

The sun was bright as he walked into the SDN building. His steps lead him past Blonde Blazers office. Her door was open, and he was about to greet her when he noticed her on the phone. 

“No. No.” She answered whoever was on the other end of her cell, “I don’t regret it, that’s for sure.” She looked relaxed and casual as she spoke. 

Robert continued onto his desk. He put Beef down at the foot of his desk before typing in the password onto the computer. 

Only to be immediately blasted by porn. 

The first pop up was of a brown haired woman getting fucked by a red monster. It was followed quickly by many many more. 

A large breasted ginger woman. A zoomed in gif of someone fingering someone's pussy. A man in blue getting fucked in a line by duplicates of himself. 

All the while loud moaning, dirty talk and Irish bag pipes blasted through the speakers. 

Robert spit out his coffee. He scrambled, trying to shut down his computer. When that failed he tried to find the volume control. 

Meanwhile, the office area echoed with the noise of provocative porno sounds. 

OH YEA OH YEA

FUCK ME

THIS IS THE LUCKY END OF THE RAINBOW

The noise finally stopped after he X’ed out of every single popup on his screen. By that point his coworkers had all turned to look at what the hell was going on. 

It wasn’t hard to figure out who pulled this embarrassing prank. In front of the leaderboard, Malevola, Flambae and Punch Up were standing. The two taller individuals were laughing and pointing, but the shorter man had his arms crossed as he glared. 

Robert sat down getting out of his line of light. The dispatcher began to clean up his desk, straightening out everything he knocked over in his scramble to shut down Punch Up’s little ‘prank.’

“Coop was a friend of his,” Chase had stood up from his desk and leaned against the divider between them, “They used to date…You know my last girlfriend was taller than me. She used to kiss me on my forehead a lot. It was nice,” He rambled slightly before getting back on topic, “What are we talking about? Oh right, watch out for that salty little nutcracking motherfucker. The problem with only cutting one of them is now you got to deal with their pissy friends poisoning the rest of the team.”

He laughed slightly, “Come on, Chase. It's harmless. Who doesn't love an office prank?”

“Me motherfucker, Don't even think about it,” He glared, “That's why I would have cut them all. Starting with that asshole.” Chase snapped back, motioning to Invisigal, who was standing by the copier. 

She was staring directly at Robert with a furrowed brow. 

He met her look with his own. Though, he was definitely more confused and slightly more irritated. 

“Why is she staring at you?” the former Trackerstar asked before finally addressing her, “Don't you got some work to do?”

“Don’t you got some dementia to onset?” She retorted before grabbing a paper from the copier machine and walking away.

“That one stung a little….” Chase nodded to himself before remembering something, “Hey, uh Blazer is looking at back filling your open spot with Phenomaman or Water Boy. You should think about who you'd want.” 

The fuck kind of choice is that?

“Uh one of them is the poster boy of SDN and the other guy pukes water,” Robert raised a brow, “What am I missing?”

Wordlessly, the older man looked up at one of the TV’s hanging on the wall of the office. The screen showed a rather…dire situation. 

 It was an aerial view of the interstate. Phenomaman was walking slowly on the highway, blocking all lanes of traffic. When a car tried to pass, he raised a fist as if to punch but stopped himself. Even from a distance he looked sad. Depressed even.

“Shit…He looks rough.”

The screen suddenly became blurred by a splash of water and the sound of Waterboy gagging. The poor kid scrambled to try and wipe off the TV, only to earn the ire of the other SDN employees.

Robert watched the poor scene for a moment before he deadpanned, “Looks like there is no wrong answer.”

“Well, sometimes it's more about the person than the powers.” Chase responded before nudging him, “And good thing, cuz it's the only reason anyone gave your sorry ass a job.” He laughed slightly before sitting down to deal with his own team. 

With an eye roll, the former Mecha Man leaned down to scratch at Beef's ears, “All right. It wasn't that funny.” He mumbled before standing from his desk and making his way to SDN’s inner workshop. 

When Robert got over there, Royd was already busy. The room had scattered metal pieces, tools and wires all over the tile floor. The lights were off, but it seemed like the dark-skinned engineer didn’t entirely notice or care. He was bent over a workshop table, working meticulously on the proto-pulse. 

The only indication that he knew the former hero walked in was when he shouted, “Got it, Mecha Man!” Royd held up a small capsule. The light within was a soft blue, and it looked almost exactly like the original astral pulse, “Lets fire it up!”

Huh…Royd seemed certain about this one.

They were already 6 tests deep into the rebuilt Mecha Man. So far, each one has reached failure. But this next test seemed promising.

Robert was handed the pulse and seated inside the suit. With a press of a few buttons and the flicking of switches, power ran through the wires of the metal body. He clicked the proto-pulse into place, kick starting the main system. 

“Proto-pulse test seven. Pilote ready. We good out there?” The former hero spoke clearly. He toyed with one of the screens and Royd’s live image came up.

He had a smirk and a thumbs up. 

“You can talk. I can hear you.” Robert informed him. 

“Oh. We good. All you Mecha Man.” 

With the engineer watching over his external systems, Robert began to turn the Mecha Man suit on fully. He slipped into his routine as a hero. It was muscle memory that he followed, powering up the controls and internal aspects, as if he had never left. 

Once everything was alight and ready, Robert gripped the controls and pushed a large metal hand outward, “Simple locomotion.” He called out so Royd could keep an eye for glitches or problems. 

With no indication of anything wrong, he continued. “Complex locomotion.”

Royd had an excited smile as his brown eyes roamed over the tablet in his hands, “levels are stable. We on to something, brah. This is it.”

After a brief moment to think about how to move, Robert brought the suit into a boxing position. He threw a few heavy punches while shifting the massive feet. He even managed to put in an uppercut as the metal frame followed his commands. So far, everything held up…giving both of them hope that this could be the test that everything works. 

“In da super dupah heavyweight division…” Royd’s excitement was clear, “Da Mecha Man!” 

Robert pushed the controls, raising his arms above his head and hopping up and down a few times, “And the crowd goes mild.” The robot voice came through the speakers in the suit's helmet clearly. 

Everything was running smoothly.

Until it didn’t. All screens flashed red. Electricity sparked through the wires. The Mecha Man suit locked and its pilot lost control. Its large metal body fell backwards with a loud, heavy clatter. Through the smoke and the stress, Robert managed to rip the proto-pulse from its casing. 

The door opened with a struggle, and Royd stood over him with a fire extinguisher. 

With a deep breath, the former hero sighed, “Proto-pulse test seven: failure.”

The man standing over him tried to reassure, “No worries. We’ll get der.”

After a few remaining sparks and an entire fire extinguisher, Robert was pulled out of the failed suit and the both of them looked over schematics. 

What went wrong this time?

 The former hero flipped through the schematics Royd had drawn up. However, as his eyes roamed the pages, things started looking less and less familiar. 

“Royd, what is all this stuff?” Robert’s brow was furrowed as he looked over one page that had the plans for a ‘central-power turbine’.

Certainly more high-tech than his dads schematics…

The larger man was working behind him as he explained, “whole network expect me for process all de confiscated stuff,” He said, “Cus we da bottom branch fo SDN, we catch all kine shit work, brah.”

Before Robert could respond, he was interrupted by a familiar noise behind him. The noise of light shifting to reveal someone invisible. He looked back, eyes meeting Invisigal’s. 

She had her arms crossed, inspecting him. Well…more like inspecting his ass.

“Did you just give me an up-down?” His tone was more confused than accusatory. He’s caught you, his girlfriend, staring at his ass multiple times. But you're his girlfriend. He’s okay with you staring at him. 

It’s uncomfortable when someone else does it.

Invisigal didn’t respond, instead Royd walked between the two of them as he continued to explain. 

“we take one bad guy stuffs, and use dem for catch uddah bad guy. Only good ting? Lotta upgrade possibilities." He pressed a button and the hologram of the Mecha Man suit came into view. 

While Robert inspected more of the plans, Invisigal had walked over to the actual Mecha Man suit. Her critical eyes roamed over the entire interior before she finally spoke, “You ever jerk off in this thing?”

Royd seemed caught off guard, “You lolo, Visi.” he scoffed. 

The former hero turned to look at her with a raised brow, “Never jerked off, but my girlfriend and I would fuck all the time.” He deadpanned, “I like to bust after every big bust, and she was always willing to help me out. And even though I was the hero, I made sure she always enjoyed my wins more than I did.” 

Visi turned, arms still crossed to smirk at him, “Sounds like loads of fun.” 

Strangely enough, it sounded like there was a hint of jealousy in her voice. 

Royd looked between the two of them before speaking, “Uh, you two got one weird energy going on, huh? Can you handle this HR violation some uddah place? I got work.”

The HR violation count was up to…3…possibly 4 at this point.

“Robert was just leaving.” She approached him, keeping her sly smirk. She leaned closer, but he still didn’t back down.

Whatever game she was playing, it didn’t phase him.

“I can do this all day.” He responded lowly. 

Visi stepped even closer, “That's going to be tough cuz Blazer sent me to get you like…half an hour ago. So…”

Shit…

She won this time. Robert turned and quickly left the workshop. His steps were somewhat hurried, nearly running into someone as he walked out of the elevator. 

Like an idiot, he didn’t even knock. 

Blonde Blazer turned when he opened the door. She was pulling up a dark blue dress when he burst into her office, looking somewhat startled.

Immediately he shut his eyes and turned away, “Shit, Blazer–sorry, uh you know what? I can come back.”

The little intrusion rolled off her back easily, “Oh, no. Don't worry,” She shrugged, “I got this thing tonight and they were supposed to send the dress yesterday…this isn’t why you’re here but can you zip me up?” She turned, moving her golden hair out of the way. 

Robert closed the door and stepped over to her.

“It's uh It's not mine, by the way….They make me wear it, then it's back in the bag by midnight,” Blazer explained further.

“What is happening today?” he mumbled, fiddling with the back of the dress.

“Hm?”

“What's happening today? The thing you're going to.” He spoke up, sounding more clear. 

The blonde hero answered with a shrug, “SDN’s sponsoring a dinner…gala thing. Radiant Valor: a night of triumph.”

Yeesh…

“Why does that sound like a propaganda rally there?” After a brief moment of tugging the zipper, it finally gave way and Robert was able to fully zip the back of her dress. He stepped back to give her space.

“Yeah, it does kind of sound like some sort of fascist themed prom.” She straightened the long skirt of the dress before turning to face him, “What do you think? They were making alterations all morning.”

Robert wanted to compliment her politely but his brown gaze landed on her chest. Not in a oggling way, but in the ‘your nipple is out and someone should tell you’ sort of way. 

Because…her nipple was out. 

Robert was well aware these types of clothing malfunctions could cause an uproar. You told him as much when you came home from a show where a coworker's ass cheeks were very very visible from a poorly constructed skirt. You warned your coworker then, allowing them to find a proper cover. Without you, photos would have been…scandalous, to say the least. 

Figured he should do the same. 

“No cause for alarm, but a little bit of your uh…areola is out.” He pointed to the offending breast, "It's like a slight hue shift.” 

Blazer looked down, “Oh, I don't think I've heard someone say Areola out loud before.” She tucked herself in properly and walked to her desk. 

“It doesn’t come up a ton, no.” Robert admitted with a slight shrug. 

Once her clothes were corrected, she put a hand on her hip, “All right, for real now. How do I look?”

Blonde Blazer was definitely a beautiful woman. Her long hair was straight and healthy looking. Her red and gold necklace gave a bit of contrast to the dark blue material of the dress. It hugged her body in a way that accented her natural curves.

If she decided to date in the future, her next partner would be a lucky person.

“Well, you look fully tucked in, which I think we can agree is the most important thing.” He said, giving her a thumbs up, “And you do look nice.”

He’s seen you wear similar things. And every time it took his breath away. Granted, you could wear a plastic bag and he’d think you were the most attractive person on Earth. 

“Better it happened here than on the red carpet.” She agreed, putting her earrings in, “And thank you, Robert.” She gave an appreciative smile, “I was supposed to be going with him, but I don't think he's going to be making it. The downtown branch dropped him…indefinite suspension.” 

There was a loud thump from the outside. Robert walked over to the window, looking out into the parking lot. Phenomaman, the subject of the conversation, was there, lying down on the hood of a silver car. The frame buckled under the super hero's weight. Its alarms blared rather tragically.

“Is that your car?” He asked as Blazer approached. 

She looked confused, “I don't have a car.”

“That's going to be a weird insurance claim…”

“I’d like for you to talk to him.” She suggested, straightening out one of her earrings. She looked at the mess in the parking lot for a moment before facing him. 

Roberts' confusion was apparent, “Me? Why me?”

“You're the pep talk guy,” The blonde nudged him in a friendly way, “You've been through a transition recently yourself. I think he could use some perspective.” 

“Like perspective to join the Z team?” He continued when she looked surprised, “Chase mentioned it.”

She sighed, “Yeah. The only candidates that make sense are him or Water Boy. And at the moment, it's close,” She turned to walk to her desk, “Mostly, I'd like you to get him out of the parking lot. Oh, and tell him to stop with the edible arrangements. He keeps sending them but with all melon….”

Say no more….

“That's disgusting. I'll see what I can do.”

He left Blonde Blazers office, making his way into the parking lot. The day was clear, and the sun was bright, hopefully helping the emotional hero feel even slightly better.

Robert put his hands in his pockets as he approached the wrecked car, “Heya, Phenomaman. How you doin’ bud?” 

The hero was sprawled out on the car, “I have been better Robert Robertson.” He answered, tone clearly depressed, “The Blonde Blazer and I have ended our relationship.”

“Yeah, I uh…I heard about that,” He gave what sympathy he could, “I'm sorry for your, you know, your loss…”

He felt entirely out of his element here. Is that what someone says after a breakup? 

Maybe he should have called you before coming outside…

“It was very abrupt…” He mumbled, “One moment we were savoring uni straight from the urchin, the next moment…I’m contemplating flying into the sun, absorbing all its energy and casting this planet into infinite darkness so that I never have to see her or anyone else ever again…”

Oh that's not good. 

“Maybe then I would be free of the torment in my soul…and maybe then I could quiet my mind to these destructive thoughts…”

Oh that's even worse.

Robert sighed, “Have you considered talking to someone? Maybe seeing a therapist?”

“No.” Was the hero's blunt response. 

“Do you feel better after saying how you feel outloud?” 

“Yes.”

“Thats therapy.”

“I now see there is value in that.” Phenomaman mumbled. However, before anything else could be said, his eyes widened and he sat up with the speed of a bullet.

The former Mecha Man quickly crossed his arms over his face to protect himself from the broken glass.

“Do you think there is someone else?” He asked, not even bothering to ask Robert if he was okay, “Perhaps another lover could be the cause of all this. Maybe she met a person. An actual person. I am not a person. I just resemble one anatomically.” 

The dispatcher was about to respond when he suddenly remembered something. The night he met Blonde Blazer…On the billboard…

Blazer listened before she asked, “How’d you know you loved her?”

“We’ve been together for a while now. And even though I’m a coward who hasn’t proposed yet, I can’t picture anyone else in my life.” Robert answered with a shrug.

After his explanation, she nodded to herself, “Thank you, Robert. You’ve just helped me settle something.” 

Did his words have a hand in the break-up?

“Look, I’m just going to be honest, Blazer and I talked about my relationship and I think I accidentally played a part in her decision.” Robert decided to be honest, “Before you incinerate me, it's worth noting she was the one who asked about my girlfriend first.” 

“Your relationship? Why would she ask about your girlfriend? Was she jealous? This keeps getting worse.”

Back peddle. Back peddle!

“Now hold on, All she asked was how I met my girlfriend and how I knew I loved her,” He tried to ease the hero's questions, “I gave her a rundown of everything. I guess she compared my relationship to yours and realized she wanted to break-up. I think it’s something she’s been thinking about for a while.”

Phenomaman’s eyes were unsettlingly unblinking, “And how do you know you love your girlfriend?”

“Being with her is as easy as breathing,” He tried to explain, “When I kissed her for the first time, I guess I felt a spark and…it never went away. I’m happy with her.”

The emotionally exhausted hero slowly stood from the wrecked car. His muscled form towered over the dispatcher in a terrifying way. He grabbed Robert’s upper arms and lifted him with ease.

Alarm bells ran in his head. If Phenomaman decided that he was the reason for his break-up, the alien could smash his skull in easily. 

He closed his eyes and braced himself, hoping it would be quick. 

Instead…rough, yet warm lips were planted on his own in a gentle kiss. 

The former Mecha Man’s eyes shot open just as the larger hero pulled away.

“I believe our relationship did not have that ‘spark’ you had spoken about.” Phenomaman put him down carefully, and patted his shoulder, “I have much to think about.”

Robert could give him nothing but an awkward, confused smile.

“It seems the velocity with which I sat up has shot shards of glass into your chest.” The taller hero stated, voice sounding a bit less sad than it did a minute ago. 

The dispatcher looked down, noticing the spots of blood on his shirt, “Well…shit.”

That’ll worry you…

Phenomaman stepped back, and bent his knees as if to jump. However, after a second, he let out a soft whine and instead began to walk away with his head hanging low. 

Robert watched him as he crossed the parking lot. 

Was that an HR violation? It has to be right? What was the count? 5 now?

“Faka!” 

You flinched at the loud, thunderous clatter that came from Royd trying to put the Mecha Suit’s right leg inside the moving truck. You were helping your boyfriend and his coworker move schematics and parts right before you had to go into your agency for a fashion shoot. Once this was done, you’d take your car and go. 

“Woah woah woah!” Robert called down from the apartment porch, “What are you doing?” You could see the concern and anger even from three floors up. 

Effortlessly, Royd picked up the blue mechanical leg, “Bruddah…your warranty…already void.” He tossed the poor limb deeper into the truck. 

You stepped beside him and put down a box labeled “Wiring.” Of course you didn’t do any of the heavy lifting…Royd seemed to have that covered.

“How can you just toss it around like that?” Your boyfriend had rushed to the ground floor in his socks. He was clearly focused on his coworkers' treatment of the Mecha suit. 

“No worries!” Royd turned, giving Robert a nonchalant smile, “I pretty strong.”

He, however, shook his head, placing the box he was carrying into the truck, "That's not what I’m saying.”

“How you got dis ting inside your apartment anyway? Supah heavy da buggah.”

Robert made sure some smaller items and boxes were secure before turning to respond, “My girlfriend and I disassembled it and took it in little pieces. Which is what I thought you’d be doing.”

You frowned at the memory. Robert had just been cleared to leave the hospital temporarily, and instead of resting, he and you worked to disassemble the suit. Thankfully it had been taken and kept out of the public eye by the authorities. They only gave it back under the condition you two did all the work. 

Royd crossed his arms with a knowing smile, “And how long did that take you?”

“Three days,” You answered for your boyfriend, “Robert did a lot of it, but when he had to return to the hospital, I did what I could.”

You didn’t miss Robert’s appreciative yet guilty smile.

“Which, I was happy to do.” You approached him and gave a peck to his cheek in reassurance. 

Royd however, began walking back into the apartment, “I got 20 minutes.” He sassed slightly. 

The two of you followed him inside and up the stairs, Robert chastising slightly, “I just feel like you could be a little gentler with it. It is, you know, my whole fucking life.”

The larger man paused, looking over your home with a frown. Clearly he wasn't listening. After a moment he spoke, “Evy time I walk in dis place, I get sad.” He commented about the apartment, “That not happen to you?”

Hey! It’s not that bad!

Robert snapped, clearly at his wits end, “We’re poor, Royd. That what you want to hear?”

“Even with your modeling gigs?” His question was directed at you. 

“Half my paycheck goes to ‘booking fees’ and a quarter of what 's left gets garnished to ‘running out mid show with a gown made of diamonds because my boyfriend exploded.’" You sassed him, kneeling to carry another box. 

“Brah, you both not poor if you can keep this suit going.” Your boyfriends coworker seemed to shrug off what you had said, “Like you sleep on a mattress on the floor? Das how you get mold.” Royd took the box you were carrying from your arms, “All you got is dat bubblegum chair and scratched up dining set.” 

“I like the dining set.” You mumbled, crossing your arms. 

“This da type of apartment you see, when da detective kick da door in, you know?” He put the box on the kitchen counter and started to dig through it, “Shine da flashlight? serial killah shit.”

It's not that bad!

Sure, the wall was cracked, and the floor was stained. Maybe you had an occasional cockroach scuttle in. And half the outlets didn’t work, but it was your home!

It just needed some love and care. 

And money…

You could save up for a bed frame. It’s been a couple of weeks since you got the job at the Sardine, and villains tipped decently well. It would take a lot of time, but you and Robert could get the apartment presentable. 

“Where da Astral Pulse at?” Royd interrupted your thoughts. 

Robert answered for you, “Lost it in the blast while I was flying. No clue where it landed.” He said, “My girlfriend spent two weeks after it happened trying to track it down.”

“I looked everywhere. Even considered hiring a diving team in case it somehow ended up in the ocean.” You said, kneeling to pet Beef. The dog had been a good boy, staying inside while everyone went back and forth through the apartment, “No trace of it.”

“It power da whole suit!” Robert’s coworker closed the box and looked at him. 

“Yeah, it’s the only part of the suit my dad didn’t have schematics for.” Robert responded, “Is that gonna be a problem?” 

Royd looked down, thinking for a moment. His thick eyebrows furrowed slightly, “Eh, minor.” He shrugged, picking the box easily in his hands, “we figure em out.”

Your phone buzzed with your alarm and you checked the time, “Shoot. Gotta go.” You got to your feet and quickly gave Robert a loving kiss on the cheek, “I’ll pick you up later. Love you.” 

Your boyfriend grabbed your arm to give a proper kiss to your lips, “Love you too, be safe.” He nodded with a small smile. 

You returned the smile and rushed out of the apartment to get to your agency.

“I tell you,” Royd gave Robert a look once you were out of sight, “Love like dat, only comes rarely.” 

“I know,” He rubbed the back of his neck, “She deserves better.” 

His colleague shrugged, “Maybe. Maybe not. You aren’t the one in charge of dat.” Without another word, he walked out of the apartment to put the last box inside the trunk.

Robert grabbed Beef and followed, remaining silent. Royd talked on and on about the suit, and the mechanics behind it. But there was still one question on his mind…

“How’d you know about the Astral Pulse?” Mecha Man didn’t ever speak about it. It was such a critical part of the suit, and an easy exploitation for villains. The damn thing was the never ending battery of the entire legacy. 

“Hoooo, bruddah. Everybody know about da pulse.” Royd answered once the truck was parked in SDN’s garage. He began to unload, grabbing one of the suit's legs and dragging it out, “It actually two wicked pieces of tech, yeah?” He hoisted the mechanical limb over his shoulder, “First you get the Astral Pulse, dis genius design energy cell, but inside ‘em you got the Stellar Core.”

Robert watched Royd effortlessly carry the thing. Despite offering to help, his coworker kept talking about the Astral Pulse.

“Wus crazy is when you mix da control fusion reactions wit da plasma containment? Hoooo bruddah, You gotta core one supah crazy energized plasma state.” He kept going, walking through the halls of SDN’s back rooms, “unreal stuffs. Like you caught one small star and trap em in a bottle.” 

I have no idea what he’s talking about…

Robert knew hacking. He knew fighting crime. He knew the mechanics of his Astral Suit He did NOT know anything about energy reactions or trapping stars in bottles.

“So, you can just make me a new one, right?” He looked to Royd as they walked, “Which is why it's not a problem.”

“Da Astral Pulse supah awesome, but uhh…we’ll be alright!” The taller man reassured with a smile.

The two of them walked through glass double doors, into SDN’s engineering lab. Pieces of the Mecha Suit, tools and small machinery were scattered throughout the area. Beef sniffed the air, taking in the scent of metal and oil. 

“Phew. Damn.” Royd walked further into the lab before putting the leg down next to a metal table, “Maybe we go for lightah metals dis time, eh?” He knelt, looking over the piece briefly, “You know, I actually met your dad one time, long time ago.” He said.

The former hero perked up. He looked to Royd before gazing back up at what remains of the Mecha Man suit.

“First time I come mainland,” his coworker explained, “He wen catch me tryin’ fo’ steal stuff from Radio Shack,” He admitted, keeping a nostalgic smile, “Den we talk tech stuff fo’ like one whole hour. Den he wen take me jail.” He turned, looking over at him, "That's how I ended up in the Phoenix program.”

Robert approached, kneeling to put Beef down. It was nice to know Royd’s past and how he moved on from it, “That's longer than any conversation I ever had with him.” He admittedly quietly, rubbing his dogs head. 

There was a stretch of silence before the other man broke it. 

“Bummahs.”

They both laughed and stood. Royd approached a working table and began to press buttons and straighten tools. 

“Guess when you're building Astral Pulses, there's not much time for talking to your son,” The former hero watched his colleague work. 

Royd’s brow furrowed, “Hmmm…not so sure bout dat.” 

What?

“I don’t understand.”

He continued to explain, “You see, there's gearheads, then there's science nerds. One kind garage, the other kind lab, you know?” His fingers pressed more buttons on a keyboard before moving around the lab, “Yo faddah a good gearhead but I just can't see how he make something like da Pulse. He no science nerd.”

Robert followed him along, “How would you know this from talking to him once?”

“Cuz, I’m both. I’m da one gon fix yo suit.”

Royd hit a button and the lights faded off. Once the room darkened, some panels on the wall lifted, revealing a higher tech lab. Screens lit up the area in a blue light. Mechanical arms moved about the area. The entire place looked like it was pulled from a sci-fi film. 

“Dat one ovah der.” Royd pointed to the scrapped Mecha Man suit, “dat your faddah suit.” He leaned over a counter, typing away on some keys, “We gonna make dis one da Robert suit.”

As soon as he explained, a hologram beamed up from the counter. It revealed the model for the future Mecha Man suit. There were detailed pop ups containing information and schematics. 

Robert was in awe, approaching with eyes wide, “This…is incredible, Royd.” He reached up, as if to touch the suit. The hologram spun the model, giving the both of them a 360° view of everything. He could see the structure, the wiring and each individual screw. 

Holy fuck, Royd was amazing!

“We make da man mecha again,” The taller man held up a bro-fist. 

Robert returned it with a smile. 

This was an absolute dream!

As soon as he was in the elevator to get upstairs to the SDN offices, he pulled out his phone, seeing that he had a text from you. Beef remained obediently in the box he was carrying as he typed with one hand. 

-BABE, ITS TIME FOR TEA

IMG Attached

You sent him a screen shot of some text messages you exchanged with another model. The person you were texting sent ‘I just finished my shift. Girl, I think Blonde Blazer and Phenomaman broke up.’ with you following up with a key smash and ‘WTF’

Your stage name allowed you to keep an eye and ear to the latest gossip. Usually he wasn’t interested, but he figured you sent him this because it was his boss and her (potentially ex) boyfriend.

Robert typed a response but he didn’t entirely watch where he was going. As he walked down the hall, a large….being shoulder checked him. His phone slipped from his hand and landed in an empty trash bin. 

“Kobe.” The stranger mumbled, not even bothering to look back. 

He knelt and picked up his phone, not even bothering to say anything to the passerby. Instead, he looked at his loyal pup, “Think he did that on purpose?”

Beef responded by licking his face. 

He made it to his desk without further incident and set Beef’s box down on top of the filing cabinet. Once his dog was secured, he finished typing.

-I can try to confirm for you.

- Thank you for enjoying tea time <3

He smiled softly before picking up Beef's pillow from the box. He was about to get to work but a note on his keyboard caught his eye. 

The paper was wet. Black ink was smudged and running down the page. It was difficult to make out any words, but he did read ‘To Robert’ and ‘Waterboy’ followed by a smiley face. He checked the back of it for anything else, and put the note to the side to dry. 

“Hey Chase,” He called to his old friend in the cubicle beside him, “I need a favor.” He put the pillow under his desk, out of the way of his feet. 

Chase popped his head over the divider, “A favor? It’s not enough of a favor gettin’ you this job workin’ with those stupid ass-Oh! Whose this, huh? Whose this little guy?” The older man immediately stopped his rant to coo over Beef. 

“His names Beef and he’s the favor.” Robert answered, straightening the dog's pillow. You mind keeping an eye out? I feel bad leaving him at home alone since my girlfriend has a shoot-” He stopped, looking up to see Chase already holding his dog close. 

In a full serious tone, his old friend spoke, “Robert, I would let everyone here melt in eternal hell, including you, before anything happens to this dog.” 

Before the former hero could respond, Blonde Blazer approached curiously, "What's your name, little guy?” Her voice immediately took the tone of baby talk as she rubbed the chihuahua’s belly. 

Robert covered his mouth and spoke in a strange muppet voice, “My names Beef and I’m naked.” he joked. 

“Oh no,” Blazer snorted, “I refuse to believe that's what he sounds like.” She gave Beef one more belly rub before straightening, “Robert, you got a sec?”

“Sure, yeah.”He shared a look with Chase before following the blonde hero to her office. Once in the doorway, he looked at her in concern, “What’s up?”

She closed the door behind him, “About the other day…with Phenomaman…”

He perked up, “Oh yea, how was dinner?” 

Figured he’d ask since he knew you’d be curious to confirm.

“Oh it was awkward…” She admitted, “It's why I didn’t want you to come. Phenomaman and I broke up.”

Oh shit you were right. 

“Over Tokyo dream sushi?”

She looked away, “Yeah, it’s just…The timing felt right.” She explained, sounding sure in her decision, “Sometimes you gotta shake shit up. And frankly…I just realized something about the relationship.”

He remembered the night they met. She asked about his relationship with you. After his explanation, she said the words, “You’ve just helped me settle something.”

This sounded like something she was planning for a while. 

“Hey…I’m really sorry to hear that.” Robert offered some sympathy. Breakups were hard, even if they were a long time coming. 

Blazer gave him a small smile. Appreciation was written all over her face before she turned to her desk, “It is what it is.” She said sitting down, “But that's actually not what I wanted to talk to you about. I was thinking about it over the weekend and…I’m going to cut someone from the Z-team.”

Robert sat down across from her. He stayed quiet, letting her finish. 

“Or, you are, rather.” She rested her hands on her large wooden desk, “Maybe I’m just looking to shake things up all over the place.” 

“...You sure about that?” The move was sudden. It felt somewhat…impulsive. 

“Well, less sure now. You think it's a bad idea?”

He admitted, “I’m just not sure how it’ll play out.”

The blonde hero explained further, hoping to quell any doubts, “The reality is cutting someone towards the bottom of the leaderboards will show everyone we're serious.”

Robert looked down in thought for a moment. The team would most likely be upset at such a revelation, “I’ll let the team know.” He moved to stand. 

“Oh, I already did.” She responded. 

Oh boy…

“I suppose it'll be an interesting shift…”

As soon as the former hero stepped out of the office, he pulled out his phone and texted you. 

-Babe, you were right, they broke up. 

Sent. Unread.

You were most likely busy at the shoot today. It would probably be hours before you could check your phone. Hours of back-to-back photos, makeup touch ups and whatever else your agency put you through.

Once he had a cup of coffee, Robert paused in front of the leader board. The names and points were listed in order of place. 

Flambae 81

Malevola 78

Punch Up 72

Golem 66

Prism 52

Coupé 44

Sonar 41

Invisigal 25

Well, if she didn’t get some more points soon, it looked like Invisigal would be cut from the Z-team. 

“Cut day, huh?” Chase had joined him, still holding Beef securely in his arms, “Eh, she ain’t bad,” He pointed to Malevola’s name before pointing lower, “Those three ain't shit.”

“Did you come over here to tell me that?” Robert sassed, “Cuz it's almost exactly the information a leaderboard gives you.”

“Actually, smartass,” His old friend snapped, “I came over to tell you that one of your team members is in need of assistance.”

With a sigh, he walked to his desk. On the screen of the computer, a red outline was blinking over Sonar’s photo. 

“Sonar, you all right?” Robert quickly viewed the security camera feed around the Harvard graduates location, “Why are you sending a distress call when you haven't left the building?”

He was in the gym, handcuffed to a squat rack. The rack itself was loaded with all of the weights. Clearly he wouldn’t have been able to lift the bar. 

“Could you send a locksmith downstairs?” Sonar sounded embarrassed. 

“What happened?” Robert could already feel the headache at his temples. 

He sighed, tugging the handcuffs, “Coop seduced me…”

Coop laughed slightly over the call, “No, I said, "Hey, want to say something cool?" and then handcuffed you to a squat rack.” 

“But you said it with a hot voice, so I assumed you meant boobs!”

There's the headache…

“Okay, team. I know Blazer mentioned someone's getting cut, but don't let that distract you from doing a good job out there. That's what you'll be judged on.”

Malevola grumbled immediately, “What a bunch of bullshit…”

“Sorry. What's bullshit?” The dispatcher challenged her attitude. 

“The judgey bullshit.” 

Prism chimed in, “Yeah, only God can judge me.”

He sipped his coffee, “Okay, false. I am judging you right now.”

Malevola spoke up again, her frustration clear, "It's bullshit cuz it's not like you got to deal with this kind of bullshit.”

Robert let out a bitter snort, “Uh, also false. Of course, I'm being judged along with the rest of you. Are you–Do you not know what a job is? What the hell is going on?” 

This team acted like fucking clowns. 

Invisigal spoke up, “None of us have had real jobs, dude. How is this a surprise to you?”

Son of a bitch…

“All right, fine. Just ignore the pressure and do your jobs.” He was at his wits-end and the shift just started, “You don't need to be first. You just can't be last.”

Sonar mumbled, “What about me?”

God damnit.

“Can somebody go down to the gym and help Bat Boner?” Robert stood to ask anyone near his desk to help the stupid former villain. 

Silently, Chase stood to stare at him with a raised brow.

“Don’t ask.”

Focus on the shift. Focus on the shift. Get through the day. You can do this Robert.

For the first few calls, things seemed…fine. Normal. As normal as could be with the Z-team. 

Until…

“Oh…Lord above.” Punch Up groaned, “I set me coffee down for two fucking seconds…”

“Punch ups gonna be taking a shit.” Golem answered in response to the smaller man’s sudden pain. 

…Did…Golem put laxatives in Punch Up’s coffee?!

“Uh-huh. You know, this is uh…really fucking immature, guys…” Robert pinched the bridge of his nose. 

Sabotage…great…

“Serves them right,” Coop mumbled, “You let your guard down, you perish.”

“That's a pretty fucked way to live.”

“Emphasis on ‘live.’” She responded coldly. 

The former hero tried to stamp out this bullshit quickly, “Oh my god. You do realize that sabotaging each other isn't going to guarantee you a spot on the team, right? Fucking idiots…”

He sent Sonar on a drug bust, and Malevola to break up a tailgate fight. 

…Until Coupé led the devil-woman to a cult that worships her. 

“They keep trying to touch me with their weird fuckin’ clammy hands!” She growled, clearly set back by the sabotage. 

Coop had no shame, “Being worshiped should only be a minor inconvenience.”

The drug bust was successful, thankfully. That was until he heard Sonar over the call, “I'll…uh…be right back. Just got to go…powder my…cocaine.”

“Been awhile since I had to call in a coke related favor.” Prism sounded proud of herself over the call, “but this shit was worth it for sure.”

Get the bat high. Great plan…

More sabotage occurred over the shift. 

Golem managed to put Flambae into a sensory deprivation tank. 

Sonar got revenge by pushing Coupé into a water aerobics class. They then refused to let her leave.

Prism blasted a loud pitch noise at Sonar. 

It was a mess. 

He sent Malevola on one more call, but Invisigal followed. 

“What are you doing, Invisigal!?” Robert demanded. He immediately got into the security camera at her location, getting eyes on her. 

“Not getting cut,” She responded nonchalantly, wrapping a long chain around the handle of a dumpster, “It's like you said, the way to win this leaderboard game is to not lose, right?” She tugged the chain to make sure it was secure. 

“Yeah, that's not what I said.” He grumbled, watching her closely. 

Great. She was planning to sabotage too. 

“I'm pretty sure that's what you said.” She sassed, taking the chain and stepping to the other end of the alleyway. Invisigal knelt and took a breath from her inhaler, preparing her plan.

Which came into fruition when the villain he sent Malevola to stop rounded the corner. He sprinted, something in his arms as he ran. Behind him, Malevola had opened a portal and leapt through, chasing him. 

She had gotten decently close until Invisigal pulled the chain, tripping her. 

The demon-woman hit the ground and growled, “Bitch!” Without thinking, she swung her sword at the smaller hero. 

Invisigal disappeared, narrowly avoiding the potentially lethal strike. 

Malevola looked around, large blade ready. 

Robert looked through the cameras. The villain seemed familiar and he needed to double check something…

Once the perpetrator was in view, he checked. 

Lightningstruck

Legal Name: Kellen Sebastian

Abilities: Electricity Blasters

Affiliation: Red Ring

This was the villain that Invisigal faced off at Granny’s Donuts.

“Yeah. So, the perp that just ran by was Lightningstruck. This is now the second time that you let him get away.” The former hero deadpanned, informed her exactly who they were dealing with. 

“No shit?” She came into view, "That's crazy.”

Malevola took the chance to try and swing at her. She, rather swiftly, ducked, “Whoah! Bro! Chill out!” 

The taller woman didn’t listen, continuing to try and hit her. She swung her weapon around a few more times as Invisigal side stepped and dodged. She leapt up onto a fire escape, and narrowly avoided getting stabbed. 

All Robert could do was stare at his screen in irritation.

Beside him, Chase watched this nonsense, “I'd normally say cut her, but the way things are going, I'd cut the whole damn team,” He advised, mirroring his friend's frustration, “You need a reset, Robbie.”

He needed more than a reset. 

“All Z-team back to base and in the conference room in 20 minutes,” the former Mecha Man snapped, yanking off his headset and throwing it to the side. 

His phone dinged and he looked. It was a text from you. 

-Thank you for the confirmation, babe <3