THE BUBBLEESSSSSSSSS

His cousins are like, "dude, what are you doing, you're gonna get arrested," but he brushed them off. When Thorin comes back in, they think that Bilbo is about to be killed. Instead, this big ass dwarf starts arguing with Bilbo about how that's "his seat" while Bilbo is giving him mock pity until eventually he just picks Bilbo up and sets the hobbit in his lap.

a boy, and his bike...

robert has had the motorcycle since he was eighteen.

it was a graduation present to himself. robbie would be furious with him, if he were still around. killed just months prior to the purchase by his not–quite uncle, not–quite second father.

it wasn't an impulse purchase, as some might believe: not one made solely because he was a teenage boy with enough money, or even out of some weird grieving, hell not even due to teenage rebellion when his old man was still around. no, he had been carefully planning for it since he first hit drivers education and learned that while he liked driving; he couldn't stand the traffic. plus a multitude of other more logical reasons, such as: maintenance costs, the need to get around fast even without the suit, et cetera.

(one could possibly lay some blame on robbie: always insisting his son stay active and always on the move. though it could also be said that heroism naturally drew adrenaline junkies.)

he started getting the lessons to ride as soon as he could, working on getting the motorcycle license in secret. it's not that he liked lying to his dad— he didn't! but it was something he'd been planning out carefully and thoughtfully; something he knew and understood the risks of. but he also knew his dad would see riding a motorcycle as a million times more dangerous than the mecha man suit. which in some ways, yes. but on the other hand, as he saw the injuries slowly racked up their score on his dad... robert wasn't so sure.

and honestly? it was just... so much easier to lie to him, sometimes. well not really, not if you were robert. but lies of omission were a trained skill in robert, by then. it kind of had to be, to have any amount of breathing room. and he was so rarely home that frankly it didn't come up often.

(how he managed to be both absent and overbearing, robert could barely figure out.)

so when he buys the bike, he already knows which one he is buying. the salesman seemed simultaneously relieved to have an easy client and bummed he couldn't up-sell the teenager. he already had the license, the lessons and then some more lessons since he hadn’t needed to hide them from his father after his death.

in his time as mecha man, the only thing maintained as well as the suit is the bike. it is, truthfully, his pride and joy.

it's the only thing he's ever had that has felt like was his, and his alone.

money starts to get tight, around ten years in. so he starts to downsize. money gets tighter, so he downsizes more.

but there are a few things that never get touched to downsize or get rid of: the suit (obviously), the nice private storage unit, his bike, and his tools.

the storage unit was a treasure trove: everything left of the robertson family home he sold a while back, from furniture to heirlooms; spare parts and old parts for the suit and the bike; his spare tools; and a work bench. robert no longer had a garage, so the storage unit acted as his when repairs for either machine were too much for a parking lot, living room, or balcony.

which is where he leaves the bike. because i part went bad, beyond anything just a quick tune up could fix. but the part he needed was on the more expensive side, and had a longer wait time since it was a much older bike.

he wasn't quite as broke as what one would imagine; but he certainly was compared to the millions he started out with. besides, he wasn't a corporate super or anything, it's not like he was paid; and he didn't have a group like the brave brigade to help him out. hell he didn't even have a civilian job to help supplement his meals let alone the suit or bike. so he did try to be relatively conservative with his money when he could. even if it just means hoofing it for a week or two while the part he needed came in.

then he falls. and his bike is left safely in the storage unit, patiently waiting for it's new part.

and then he ends up at SDN, and he finally finishes his business with shroud.

mandy is able to help convince the same folks at HQ who wanted to help fix up his suit; to help with the medical costs from the fall. or at least all the physical therapy he needs, and a few extra things that isn't normally covered by SDN insurance. which helps robert out a lot, since even after getting an itemized list and reducing the costs as much as he can... he can't change that he was in a coma, or that this is the united states, and he didn't exactly have insurance at the time.

which means, his months of hitching a ride on ol' reliable (public transit) or the other ol' reliable (walking) could finally be over once he got a few paychecks under his belt.

AKA "Danny Fenton is living the Wayne family as an emergency foster. He's trying to be lowkey and Totally Normal, cue the misunderstandings and shenanigans." DPxDC prompt idea loosely inspired by this post by dcxdpdrabbles

The first time is, unfortunately, the most embarrassing. Danny's only lived with the Waynes for maybe four months but he's gotten comfortable enough to establish a routine. Danny waits until they go to bed around 10pm and then facetimes Tucker and Sam to practice his Phantom powers. It's a Thursday night and Sam's at a gala with her parents, so it's just Tucker and Danny - they're trying to figure out if Danny could grow an extra limb while in human form.

Danny's got Tucker on his laptop on the bed, shirt off and trying to focus on growing an extra arm. It's difficult and he's groaning about not being able to do it, Tucker encouraging him from the speakers.

And then there's a knock on his door. And then it opens, right as an arm sprouts from Danny's side (thankfully the side facing away from the door). He briefly hears Tim's concerned voice ask, "Danny? Are you-" while Tucker's still talking, but Danny is already shrieking in surprise. He's throwing a pillow at the door, slamming his laptop closed, scrambling under the covers, meanwhile Tim is apologizing profusely behind the closed door.

The next morning, Danny's third arm is gone and a sick sense of dread replaces it. (This is it. He's going to be kicked out, he's going to be turned in, experimented and dissected-) Tim hesitantly approaches him after Mr. Wayne and Damian finished breakfast.

"Uh, I-um. Just wanted to say that... it's okay, y'know? If you're... I mean, I'm bi and Bruce is really supportive. So, you don't need to hide your... friend. From us. If-" Tim stumbles, face flushed and looking anywhere but at Danny. And it dawns on him that Tim thinks he and Tucker were doing something else last night. He's so relieved that Tim didn't see his mild body horror episode that he just dumbly nods and thanks him. (The family don't treat him differently after that, exactly, but they share cheesy looks whenever Danny mentions Tucker in passing.)

The second and third time actually happen because Mr. Pennyworth is catching Danny as he's leaving the manor. It's a Saturday night and Danny is going to the movies with Danielle (and crimefighting after. Dani wanted to go soup some scary clown and Danny is super down). Mr. Pennyworth embodies the quintessential Disappointed Father as he asked, "Master Danny, I presume you discussed your late night escapade with Master Bruce?"

Danny's "uh, yeah" is super convincing but somehow Mr. Pennyworth doesn't fall for it. The British gentleman gently chides, "Young man, I have lived through several generations of children sneaking out of the manor to attend parties, tussle, and meet their paramours. These old man's eyes do occasionally still see."

Danny sheepishly apologizes and spends the next 10 minutes trying to convince Mr. Pennyworth that he really is just going to the movies with Dani, then the next 20 after that refusing the suddenly ecstatic older gentlemen's offers of snacks, rides, and a spare room for Danny's "cousin". He smiles shakily when Mr. Pennyworth gives an approving nod and says, very good, sir. It's good to see a boy enjoy such normal hobbies.

(Danny doesn't feel too bad since it doesn't sound like anybody figured out what he and Dani did. Apparently, the Wayne family groan about somebody named Jason when they find out the killer clown was hospitalized.) The second time went similarly, albeit it was Sam who wanted to visit Dr. Pamela Isley's home to discuss some kind of eco-friendly business. Danny was too busy talking with Dr. Isley's wife, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, to pay attention.

Danny keeps trying to Act Normal. Hides his exhaustion, his late night practice with Sam and Tucker (who he's still pretending to be in a relationship, much to Sam's glee), and his crimefighting. He doesn't go out as Phantom - he's changed his MO, his suit, and keeps mostly invisible. He patrols areas that are really, really bad, like Crime Alley, that he knows the bats tend to avoid. He's earned the (unfortunately, very astute) moniker as Gotham's new meta vigilante, Casper.

So far, he's had to make excuses to the Wayne family for his recent bout of exhaustion such as: low iron (which Mr. Pennyworth immediately force fed him about 8 pounds of spinach with every meal), insomnia (Tim sympathized with and gave him what might actually be an illegal dose of melatonin gummies), and as a last ditch effort... he's apparently doing drugs. Mr. Wayne pulled him aside and gave him an extremely uncomfortable DARE lecture that resulted in Danny practically melting through the floor.

It's fine. Danny's making it work, doing his best, and his foster family is thankfully super oblivious.

Dpxdc

Danny is in Gotham (yes, that Gotham, different universe, long story) to finish his education before moving on with his life—or afterlife—and eventually ascending to High King status. It’s a good reveal AU. He still has his parents. He still has his friends. Clockwork just strongly suggested that if he wanted to rule the Infinite Realms one day, maybe he should get some cross-dimensional academic experience first.

So now he’s here.

The problem? Everyone is rich. Not “my dad owns a company” rich. More like “we have generational trauma and private islands” rich. Danny tries being friendly. Smiles. Makes conversation. Offers help with homework. It does absolutely nothing. These people only care about connections.

Which would be funny—if it weren’t so isolating—because they have no idea he is, objectively, the single most powerful networking opportunity in the multiverse.

So yeah. He’s a little lonely.

Enter Damian.

One of Damian’s brothers (who will not be named but absolutely thinks he’s hilarious) jokes that Damian has never had a normal civilian friendship in his life. That if he had to, he wouldn’t even know where to start. He offhandedly gestures at Danny like, there, that one looks harmless.

It’s a joke.

Unfortunately, Damian takes it as a challenge.

Not because Danny is a “target.” He isn’t. Damian just fully decides he will prove he can form a normal, healthy, civilian friendship. Out of spite.

There are misunderstandings, but somehow, despite everything, they start… getting along.

And Damian, internally victorious, decides to present Danny to his family as evidence that he can, in fact, maintain a normal friendship.

Danny is delightful.

He charms Alfred. He debates with Tim. He listens to Bruce. He somehow gets Jason to laugh. He and Dick vibe immediately. He treats Damian like an equal without even trying.

For months, the consensus is clear:

Danny is the only normal person at this table.

And then they find his admission essay.

Titled:

“Why Clowns Are Not to Be Given Human Rights.”

I've seen a lot of scenarios where Flambae visits Robert while he was in the hospital during his coma. Robert who had no one, no family, nor friends come visit, maybe avid fans but all they know is that he's in this specific hospital, the medical staff are not allowed to disclose which room he's in.

There comes Flambae, who knows Robert is Mecha Man, who comes nearly every day just to make sure he's still breathing. Who thought about ending his life, how easy that would be—to end it all here.

Of course he doesn't, because even now, Flambae finds Robert so incredibly beautiful, lying there. He longs to see his eyes, since he never was able to get a good look at them. He wants to feel the weight of his gaze, wants to see the recognition in them.

When Robert is finally discharged, Flambae goes to meet him immediately at Crypto Night. His eyes are so incredibly lovely, warm and alive, Robert is right here, breathing and speaking. Flambae can barely contain his excitement, his desperation at standing in front of him properly for the first time.

But of course, things don't go the way he planned. He never thought he'd lose his tooth, but it hurt more to be called a shitty villain, it hurt so much to see that Robert didn't even recognize him at first. It feels like his organs are on fire, it burns so agonizingly.

And maybe he finds Robert stuck on the billboard catwalk, that night. He grins, his mouth having just stopped bleeding. Coming back was a good choice.

He lands beside Robert, cocky, sneering, "Need some help, Mechabitch?"

Robert gives him a haughty look—god he loves it so much— "I'm fine, thanks."

Flambae scoffs, wincing a little at the pain in his mouth. "As if, you're clearly stuck. If you say 'please Mr. amazing and hot Flambae, please help me down,' I'll consider it."

Robert gives him an unimpressed look. "Right. And Flambae is a dumbass name."

"Like—" Flambae barely catches himself from saying "like Robert Robertson isn't." But he's not supposed to know that yet. "Like you'd know what a good name is, Mechabitch."

And maybe Robert cracks a grin. Heat bursts across Flambae's skin, just shy of setting him alight. "So you want help or not?"

Robert mulls over this for a moment, finally giving in. "Fine."

Flambae doesn't move, just stares at him with arms crossed and waits.

Robert huffs. "Please."

Flambae raises a brow.

Robert's smile turns into a scowl. "I'm not saying all that shit to stroke your dick."

Flambae gives a toothy smirk. "Who knows? You might want to one day."

Like when Robert initiated an impromptu make out session in the SDN's shower room only to tell Chad he had to work overtime for a while because papers needed to be done, so their weekly dinner had to be cancelled, or when Robert dragged Chad to the couch to give him mind blowing head only for Robert to tell him after that he had to work as Mechaman for two weeks in a different city and the team had to deal with Mandy as the new dispatcher.

So yes, while Chad very much enjoy these surprise sexy times, he still tenses a bit, waiting for the other shoe to fall.

Imagine how panicked he got when he entered their apartment to Beef missing (probably at Chase's), Robert naked on their bed, and a couple of new toys next to him for "testing".

------

In one of the clubs, Robert meets a strikingly hot man, called Chad. He's got the build of a swimmer and eyes that glow like molten gold under the neon lights.

A smirk, a laugh, a dance, a grind.

Long story short, Chad ends up being Robert's first in many an experience, over a period of a few months. Robert falls in love. He starts taking more and more breaks from the suit to hang out with his lover, soon boyfriend.

And then a call comes through for a fire at a mall. He goes to answer and who does he see burning it down but his hot headed idiot of a partner? Robert doesn't think he's ever been this mad in his life.

“Hey, so, remember the Astral Pulse? Turns out, it’s actually a star-alien-thing’s heart. When Shroud put it in his head, that sent out a universe-wide pulse. This other star-alien-thing showed up. Says that the pulse is her father’s heart and that if she felt the pulse, she’d return to him. So, she’s here. Looks like a child on the younger side. Apparently, the Astral Pulse told her this age and gender have the least likely chance of being rejected by me in a parental sense. I don’t know. But she’s staying with me, I guess, since I technically have her dad’s heart. I’ll figure it out. I’m just telling you in case you wanna break up. I know you didn’t sign up for a kid. You don’t have to call back. We’ll just go back to how it was before. Anyway, nice chatting. See you at work.”

*Beep! You have [zero] new voicemails*

Robert has to make ends meet, he can swim, has a decent body pre-explosion, and a highschool buddy that's retiring one of his tails. He also recommends Robert to the place, because they were both on the swim team. So our boy shrugs, applies to the restaurant and with a good word put in for him by the friend, gets the job. He can't see shit while swimming around in the tank, just vague shapes.

Flambae, however, can't pull his eyes away from the prettiest damn merman he's ever seen. His got the most gorgeous brown eyes that shimmer in the water, a body covered in scars, and some warrior like accessories that were a part of the backstory that the owner came up with.

After he comes with Moska, who is absolutely delighted to see a real merman, Flambae keeps coming back by himself. It's a guilty pleasure. He pays extra to get the experience of having the merman blow some bubble rings for him and also get an autographed picture. It's signed with an illegible scrawl that sorta looks like Bobby. Could be Bubbly, he's not sure.

The fun lasts a few months of intermittent visits, and then the merman is replaced by another, and Bubbly Bobby is not seen again. Flambae is devastated, he was planning on actually waiting for the guy at the back and getting to know him.

Imagine his surprise when he sees the Z Team newest dispatcher walking into the conference room. He's skinnier, not wet this time, but still has those gorgeous brown eyes. Flambae is a stuttering mess for the rest of the shift.

And Flambae gets it. He sees his younger self in Phenomaman, except Phenomaman, despite everything, was actively trying to do good. That's the incredible part about it.

Chad does a 180 and started defending the guy to the others and trying to help him understand things because he knows what it was like. He knew how difficult it was to learn the language, to learn the social norms, to be looked at like a freak for not knowing something that was "so obvious to everyone else".

Phenomaman was receptive to this and called him his friend, though there was that awkward moment where Phenomaman thought Flambae was trying to cheat on Robert with him because he was "acting out of character" and the only time that happened was when he was busting his ass trying to impress Robert.

it was humiliating when Phenomaman, instead of clarifying it him, when straight to Robert to "inform him of Flambae's misdemeanors". That was an awkward few moments where he was seriously thinking of burning the big guy to ash because if he is going ot lose one of the ONLY good things in his life he will go back to villainy. Thank fuck Robert had been in the receiving end of Phenomaman's poor choice of words and misunderstandings, because he asked Chad to explain it, which he did. He likes the fact it made Robert's eyes go soft and was very much loving the impromptu make out session. He almost lost it when Phenomaman walked in on them, but he kept his cool. He is going to be a nice, good hero. No, he did not set off the smoke alarms again, Alice.

After both of them explained it to Phenomaman, the concept of newfound understanding and actually striving to be better, he became a much nicer man to Chad, and even apologized for causing troubles with Robert. Chad just let bygones be bygones. He's a good man like that.

There are a couple of things Chad gets pissed at, like he still gets a bit pissed when Katon Ur calls him hugging Robert as "Making love," despite trying to explain how the words had a different meaning. No, he also did not like how he said he say it as "sharing body heat" or "offering physical love". They finally settled on tight embrace.

Only Chad could ever say he was making love to Robert. Or sleeping with Robert. Or fucking Robert. They are boyfriends dammit, no one else. He's possessive like that.

Any one else is fair game though. It was fucking hilarious watching Wetbitc- Waterboy stammering more than usual when Phenomaman told the others they kept making love in the janitor's closet. He finally got Phenoma-Katon Ur to use the words embrace, which greatly relieved a lot of the people he does hug.

Chad became his unofficial interpreter of sorts, and his surprising friendship with the guy did manage to push the others to be more open to the guy. They started teaching him new things, and he is pretty much part of the team despite upper management wanting him back in the A-team now he was "less depressed".

Blue who may not be in the Brave Brigade like Astral, but does work with others when necessary! He's always friendly, a great team player, natural leader... there is a reason super groups have always tried recruiting him for their teams. But he prefers solo work, largely, and his work is also for LA; cant help his city if he's always forced to go fly off somewhere else, can he?

Blue who, upon returning, is seen working with other heroes more often. Like, way more often. And its consistently the same set of heroes, even if in different combinations. Folks will hear him give quick, decisive orders and the heroes follow them. They've never seen him work with them, before his return, and while Torrance has become more familiar with them; the greater LA area hasn't til they start appearing on the news alongside Mecha Man.

And here's the thing the phoenix program is about mentorship, on the dispatcher/hero side. Robert is mentoring them, whether from his desk or the suit. That's quickly noticed and remarked upon is they seem not subservient to Blue but they keep clearly looking to him for guidance when in the field.

One day, Flambae and Prism are leaving their favorite café when someone runs up to them— phone up and recording. They don't mind the limelight at all, and hey they've even been given some very basic PR training. But they still don't expect the questions.

"What is it like being Mecha Man's first ever protégés?"

"His... Protégés?" (Flambae blue screens for a half second and Prism quickly has to answer for them)

"Does your team that [Blue] leads have a name?"

"We're the Z Team of the Phoenix Program at SDN" (The PR mandated answer)

"What is it like working alongside him? There are few who have ever had the honor of even once getting to work with MM, let alone Blue. But you two and a few others consistently do."

"Yeah its not so bad."

"We love it!"

Et cetera

It's weird because yeah Robert is Mecha Man Blue, but he's also their dispatcher. They knew him first as just Some Guy. Mentor too, sure, but that's not the first thing that enters their mind when they think of him.

But it's also the first realization that they're quickly becoming associated with Mecha Man. A real, actual hero that even other real actual heroes admire.

When they get back, Mandy praises their handling of it, even if Prism spent a whole seven minutes just promoting her latest album (famously titled "TFYMTBYBF"). Robert also gives a light praise, though followed with the cautionary warning that these sorts of things will probably be picking up more, so they should all be prepared. Most won't be asking such casual questions.

"Between actual good journalists and the vultures, your pasts will be dug up. You will be bombarded with questions about it all of the blue. But it's important to stay level headed and calm when it does."

"So, don't crash out and beat up a shitty reporter at a press conference like you did?" (mal)

"Exactly! You're learning already."

SDN's higher ups are a mixed bag, walking the delicate line. They want to use the popularity boom and association with Blue to their advantage, but don't want everyone to solely associate them with him to the point SDN's name is left out. Robert doesn't really care either way, so long as the teams work is acknowledged for all the good they're doing.

They start considering moving some teams around to bring them to the DLA branch because of how popular they are.

One night, while hanging out at Robert's place (slowly but surely getting furnished); someone asks the hypothetical: "Would you ever want that? To have a hero team and lead it?" Robert isn't sure how to answer at first, shrugging.

"Not sure, I think it would depend on who was on it."

"Laaammee answer." (visi)

"Not sure if I'd be the best leader for that sort of thing anyways."

"Nonsense. You already have the skills and experience. Also, you already functionally do with us, as our dispatcher." (coop)

"True... Is this you saying SDN isn't enough, you want to be a superhero group?" (he teases, smiling and chuckling; but they also know they'd follow him anywhere)

Still, the Z-Team (now affectionately dubbed The Phoenixes by the public because "Z-Team" isn't as snappy) is quickly associated with Mecha Man [Blue]. Many wanted to also make a real name for themselves, but honestly there are worse shadows to be under. And Robert always does his best to make sure they're beside him, not behind him; so they're still able to shine on their own as much as desired.

But this is Mecha Man, a legacy hero, who in some form or another has been protecting LA for half a century. The suit alone is an icon, even the most oblivious knows of him. It's LA 101. Even if you didn't know about him and you moved to LA you know everything there is to know about Mecha Man within a week (whether you like it or not). Mecha Man is part of pop culture (in and outside of LA) referenced even in song from and even the occasional movie or show as some throwaway reference or as characters walk by one of many notable murals featuring or centered on Mecha Man.

In an interview, Blue is asked about them. He smiles, big and fond (and its a shake he wears a mask because his freckles deserve to be seen in full when he smiles like that). "In all my years of experience, I cannot imagine a better set of heroes i would rather work with," he says and the admiration is palpable. "I might have taken them under my wing, so to speak, but they were already heroes in their own right. And, I am an even better hero and person now, because of them. They have taught me just as much, if not more." (And imagine you're an ex-con, given a second chance, to work with one of the greatest heroes to ever grace the planet and he says that about you? You'd be ride or die too.)

They get folded slowly into that immense legacy. Robert worries about it, worries it will crush them like it has done to him. But instead what it means is they can help shoulder the burden of it— sharing the load and spreading the weight so its not so oppressive. It's a lot and its a lot in a short time, but they make it work.

Internally, among the team, it's an unspoken acceptance. They're never not going to be a team, in some way. SDN could cancel the program and they'd still stay together. And especially, once it's clear Robert has no intention of leaving SDN (of leaving them) behind once he has his suit back? They know that where he leads, they will follow.

The public though, the public loves them. Fan accounts for the team and individuals pop up (everyone but Robert is surprised by the number made for Waterboy, but none more surprised than Waterboy himself). Even solo ones post on the relationships they've noticed— especially the pairs that have synergy. But also, of course, with Mecha Man. There are more Mecha Man fan accounts than ever before (and there were already a lot); and most of them thirsty as hell and always have been. Robert is fairly numb to that aspect, whenever he see's it (though will get a little flustered if it's brought up).

The court of public opinion quickly decides that, by and large:

They are inspiring;

They are Blue's team and you don't fuck with his team.

That last bit especially shown when they sometimes go out to a job and upon sight the (minor leagues) villain/criminal will just surrender.

"And have fucking Mecha Man on my ass if I fuck with one of you? Nah." — Actual thing said to Punch Up (who still punched him in the dick at some point, but did commend him on the smart choice)

Fans (and critics) openly speculate on relationships. Blue seems particularly fond of a certain charismatic pyrokinetic; Prism and Waterboy sure look cute together whenever they team up, don't they? It takes like a single week for people to realize Punch Up and Coop used to be an Item (there are unofficial bets on if they're still dating). Everyone loves how brotherly Blue and this new Star Blazer act. (Blue, on his seldom used official social media account, will outright fight anyone who tries to talk shit about Star Blazer. 'that's literally my big brother how dare you talk badly about him'; he has gone on a multi-part rant against The Bone Zone).

And yes, at some point #mechafam becomes a thing.

(and yeah this is my headcanon for sure but whatever my rant my headcanons) It's never been a secret, of Blue's personality. He's done the most of all three generations. He's even more of the people and in the thick of it than the others before him. Prime was an inspiration, Astral was a figure head and leader, but Blue? Blue has been called the Mecha Man of the modern day, but in truth he is the Mecha Man of The People. And it shows even more, as his team slowly pick up to do the same, even though it clearly feels foreign to most of them.

The public loves it, loves seeing these still-kinda-assholes interact, with the public and amongst themselves. At any given point there is a solid 10% chance that two of them are having a public slap fight like annoying siblings somewhere in the streets of Torrance. The public quickly learns their tastes and what they like to give gifts; but also when to just back off.

MM Blue is not even a new design, it's some kid using his dad's mech. So he should be a shadow, maybe a ghost. But he's gotten both popular and loved, because he's Robert, kind and selfless Robert. Robert acts a lot outside of his suit (because he doesn't want to ruin the mech or because it's too big for the mission), to the point that nickname 'Blue' = 'Mecha Man Blue' (No other hero could use it because LA citizens just associate it to MM Blue.)

Anyway, back to the topic. The Phoenix Program is fragile, higher ups could easily cut the entire program anytime. Robert, who learns about it from Mandy... decided to just use his name to support the program.

(Still WIP but they find out that there's a fundraising scam on Blue's coma, in the end Robert got the money. There are some money left and Blue donates it to Phoenix Program, specifically)

[Some reporter and hero talk shit about the program and what a saint Blue is for taking them under his care.]

"That's where you're wrong. The program saved me, in a way. It changed my perspective about heroism, about second chances, that you are never too broken to try to be better, to do better, and that you are never too high and perfect to make a mistake and fall. Ironically, those ex-villains? taught me to be human again.

'SDN rebuilt the physical suit, yes. But it was Blazer, their dispatchers, and Z-team that help rebuilt me, from a short 'Healthcare Check' to a bunch of Z-teamers babysitting me since they didn't want to find a corpse the next day. You know what's the best part was? They did it when they thought i am just some depressed normie civvie, just a nobody. By that point only, they are already better than you."

Blue laughs, wide and bright, something rare before his coma. Z-team are nonchalant when asked about Blue's depression, but will bite you the moment someone insult him for it.

Kingsley couldn't leave his home for a while after that. Blue's fans that tolerates Z-team now at least respect them, for taking care of their hero when no one did. (It's also become easier to find Blue, he has become more social. It's clear Z-team is the cause.)

SDN couldn't exactly cut the program without reason now that it's out in the public. With both Blond Blazer & Mecha Man Blue, the program soared. They end up making Robert/Blue mentor other Z-teams, other newbies, other burnt out heroes.

As Z-team becomes an actual Hero Team. Blue and Blazer focus more on the program. They doesn't fight on the field as often, but he changes their city in a deeper longer term. Better mental health awareness. Lowering crime rate. Helping those who has issue with their powers. Preventing heroes from switching sides. Helping ex-con get a new clean life.

Robert would just have Flambae 'sit' on him while piloting the mech because he didn't have enough time to bring Flambae into the police station for another arrest. And he didn't want to just let him go, right. So now Flambae is just 'warming' Robert up and conveniently has a chance to maybe earn a release if he does a good job?

It's an arrangement that has unspoken rules, regulations and regularly scheduled occurrences. They have a safe word and a tap system. Favorite spots to do stuff at, as well as a few recurring scenarios that both find insanely hot. Robert fully thinks of this as his relationship, and is very content with his partner who's as down bad for him and his shit as he is for Flambae's. Flambe thinks this is the hottest situationship of his life and has started dodging his usual hookups. He turned off his Grindr

Imagine the devastation that Flambae feels when he comes across a new interview with Mecha Man who is asked about his love life??? And the hero just starts waxing poetics about his wonderful partner?? Who is very passionate, handsome, devoted to his family and who Robert is very proud of??

Danny: I know! I underestimated big city cons. I went way over budget.

Sam: How much did you spend?

Danny: four hundred

Sam: FOUR HUNDRED!?

Danny: I'm including the hotel room.

Tucker: Oh thats not too bad.

Danny: Might be easy for you to say. Both of you guys have money to spare. My extracurricular activities make it impossible to keep a steady job. I need a sugar Daddy. Anybody on this escalator want to be my Sugar Daddy?

Jason turning around: Sure

Danny: *Gasp*

Jason: How much you need, gorgeous?

Danny:...I dont know. I was joking.

Jason: If you want, we can go back down the escalator to the con, and I can buy you whatever you want, then you join me for dinner in the nerd theme bar.

Danny dazed: Okay

Sam: What's happening?

Tucker: I think we're witnessing the beginning of a Rom-con.

Sam: While cosplaying Pride and Prejudice?

Jason: Your cosplay was why I noticed you, actually. I always wanted to romance Mr.Darcy.

Danny: And I always found Red Hood really attractive. Your costume is perfect.

Jason: Thank you, gorgeous.