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Flambae was seething as he watched Robert from his seat on the other side of the bar. It was Friday night and to celebrate a full month of successful dispatches the z-team had decided to go out drinking at the sardine. Everything was great! That is until Flambae heard Mecha Bitch laughing across the room. The sound was surprisingly loud coming from the usually depressed man. His voice had taken on a slightly higher pitch than normal as he let out a full belly laugh at something wetwipe boy had said to him. Even from his seat by the karaoke machine he could tell that his nose had scrunched up just slightly from the size of his smile alone, not to mention the little dimple he just knew had popped up on Roberts cheek. That stupidly cute face dip always showed up when the Bitch managed an actual smile. It was annoying as fuck.
"What's got your panties up your ass?" Prism huffed as she sat down next to him, a drink in each hand.
Flambae did NOT flinch when she did. Of course he didn't, it's not like he was too distracted by wet fart boy making Robbo's eyes light up in a way he could only dream of doing himself. That would be ridiculous.
Prism followed his line of sight as she passed one of the drinks to Flambae, a smirk rising on her lips. "Jealous~" she sing songed. Flambae's head wiped around so fast she worried for a second he might break it.
"Why would I be jealous of that drippy little bitch! I'm just annoyed by how fucking loud they are. How am I suppose to hear my own beautiful voice with that going on?" Flambae huffed and took a big gulp of his drink, not even bothering to notice what it was.
Prism scoffed "Bitch please! You've eye fucking that twunk ever since he apologized for cutting your fingers off" Prism took a sip of her own drink before she continued "you ain't exactly subtle bae"
Flambae glanced off to the side with a slight huff "he's not my type. I prefer men who actually have an ass..." Flambae took another drink. Prism smirked again, they'd been drinking for a while now so Flambae was pretty tipsy at this point, meaning the firestarter was bound to be a bit loose lipped by now.
"True" she started "gotta admit though his waist is pretty snatched."
Hook
"Yeah..." Flambae's attention was back on Robert now "I guess he's got nice eyes too"
"Oh yeah, they got that sad kitten kinda look to them. Real big and soft"
Line
Flambae smiled a bit at that "they're so stupidly hopeful. Especially when he's giving one of his shitty pep talks"
Prism softened a bit at that. Her boo was down bad "kinda sweet, huh" she was glad she paid extra for the strong stuff.
Sinker
"It's fucking adorable" he sighs
"Oh hey! You guys talking about that clip of beef Bobert put in the group chat?" Sonar suddenly cut in "Didn't think such a fat dog could run that fast" he chuckled.
---
Mondays were the worst. On the bright side coffee existed. That's how Flambae sound himself wandering into the break room just as Robert had opened up a fresh pack of twinkies.
"Hey Chad, morning"
That was another thing that came about after Roberts apology. He had started calling him by name when they weren't out on shifts. It wasn't just him sure, he called everyone by name now but that didn't stop Flambae from wanting to combust Everytime he heard it. (Not from happiness! It was definitely cause he was angry NOT delighted).
Flambae gave a slight wave before making his way over to the coffee pot for the world's shittiest cup of caffeine. When he turned around he froze.
Robert had just polished off the first twinkie from the package, his tongue darting out for a brief moment to lick the remaining cream from the corner of his mouth and unknowingly missing about half of it. A satisfied hum quietly passing his lips as he took a bite of the other cake.
Before Flambae could even think he found himself in front of his dispatcher resting what was left of his right hand on the smaller man's cheek and using his thumb to wipe away the last of the cream.
The faintest dusting of pink appeared across Roberts cheeks. Chad couldn't help but notice how it made the light smattering of freckles on his face stand out "fuck that's cute." He whispered. Robert blinked those pretty brown eyes a few times at that "what?"
And just like that reality came crashing down around him. Flambae pulled his hand back like it was actually able to be burned before giving Robert a light shove and storming off. "You eat like a toddler bitch!" He shouted as he made his escape completely unaware of the mecha man shaped puddle he had left behind.
---
Lunch had come late today due to a fire that suddenly broke out near a preschool (one that he didn't start for once too) so Flambae was starved as he entered the break room and rifled around for his lunch. A decent sized tuppar ware containing a homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo. He had been craving Italian last night and of course had done a fantastic job making it.
He almost didn't bother to heat it up but he was glad he did when he finally noticed Robert sat down in the corner of the break room ignoring the half ham sandwich on the table in favor of his cow. The fat Chihuahua giving him big wet puppy dog eyes and glancing over at the aforementioned sandwich. Robert chuckled and without a second thought he set the sandwich on the floor and smiled with that stupid dimple as he watched his dog eat his lunch.
"No wonder you look like a fucking skeleton, your cow is eating all your meals for you."
Robert jumped a bit seemingly unaware of the other man's presence"he's not that fat." He said a bit defensively "Just a little chubby! Isn't that right my beefy boy! Yes you are!"
Flambae rolled his eyes fondly at the way Robert cooed at the little lard ball "please tell me that wasn't your entire lunch"
Robert stiffened a bit before offering a sheepish smile "I don't really eat as much since the coma..."
Flambae scoffed before sitting down next the him, pushing the others chair over a bit to make room (not because he wanted an excuse to touch him! It was just his back anyway!) Robert squeaked. Actually fucking squeaked as he held on to the sides of his chair in an effort to stay in it. Flambae only smiled a little at that. Then without another word he popped the top off the Tupperware and used the lid as makeshift plate. Scooping half of the pasta dish onto it before stabbing his fork into it and shoving in front of his Dispatcher
"You better not give any of it to that-" he pointed down at need who was once again begging for food at Robert feet "I make cuisine NOT dogfood!"
Robert looked up at Flambae surprise evident on his face "Chad no- I mean, you don't have to give me your lunch I'll be-"
"I'm not dragging your flat ass home because you passed out from hunger. Now eat!" Flambae gave a pointed look before turning back to his own pasta, watching the smaller man from the corner of his eye.
After a short pause a smile appeared on Roberts scruffy face "thanks Chad" he took a bite and immediately his eyes wided along with his smile "shit his is really good!" He exclaimed turning to look back at Chad.
Pride welled up in Flambae's chest at the reaction along with the aggressive urge to kiss his boss. "Of course it is! I made it after all!"
Robert let a pleased moan slip past his lips as he took another bite. His eyes closing and for a moment he looked like a little boy rather than a depressing thirty something year old man. The bite he took having been just a bit too big and therefore making his cheeks puff out in a way that made flambae wonder if he could keep them looking that soft and round if he fed Robert enough.
Flambae couldn't wipe the soft smile off his face as the two continued to eat together. Occasionally making conversation here and there.
---
Robert had called in sick. Robert NEVER called in sick. The team was besides themselves with worry the whole day. Mandy trying to ease there concerns and keep them focused on there missions
"It must be back if the lad isn't at work" Punch up spoke through the comm
"Right!" Invisigal weezed before they heard the tell tale sound of her inhaler "Robbie would rather kill over at his desk than admit he's sick!"
"I too am worried for the third Robertson. He is already quite frail given his tiny mortal body" Phenomenan added
"Give him some credit guys" Mandy cut in "he's been a lot better at the whole self preservation thing lately. Frankly I'm proud of him for calling in and knowing his limits"
That seemed to calm everyones concerns a bit but it was still decided that they would drop by Roberts apartment after the last shift just to be safe. Mostly just to make sure he was actually eating and taking some medicine instead of just rotting on his newly purchased mattress.
Which is exactly how they found him when Malevola portaled them into his bedroom. Curled up into a tight ball with a thin sheet pulled taught around his shivering form.
"You fucking moron!" Chad was the first to react. Quickly stepping over and sitting on the ground next to the twin mattress and rolling Robert onto his back to get a better look at him. His eyes were sunken in, face pale and a thin sheet of sweat coated his body. "Someone with a normal body temp come see if this bitch has a fever"
Coupe shuffled in beside flambae, giving a knowing look as she did and placed a hand on Roberts fore head. Immediately she grimaced at the heat practically rolling off of him. Flambae was not jealous of the way Robert leaned into her touch.
"He's burning up. We should probably get him some Tylenol."
"On it." Golem mumbled before turning to Mal. She caught on pretty quick, opening a portal big enough for the construct and following him through "we'll be right back" she said as the portal closed behind her.
"I'll see if he's got anything to eat besides twinks" sonar announced walking towards the kitchenette.
Coupe looked to her lover "Colum help me look for the spare blankets we bought him."
"Sure thing love" the strongman chirped and the two left toward the hall.
"I uh- I will- s-since he's so ho-sweat-sweaty. I'll run him a- I run a bath" waterboy stumbled out and left down the hall in the direction of the bathroom. Invisigal wander off behind him muttering something about dry towels and puddles.
That just left Robert, Flambae and Prism who sat down on the other side of the mattress. Noticing how worried her bestie looked she spoke "he"ll be fine bae. He's got us looking out for him after all."
Flambae looked up, not even bothering to try and hide his feelings from her anymore "I know, he's surprisingly sturdy too. Just wish he'd stop being such and self deppricating bitch and ask for help. S'not like we hate his guts anymore."
They sat in silence for a moment, then Robert blinked open his bleary eyes and seemed to focus them on the flame hero.
"Chad?" He croaked. Voice rough from irritation and disuse.
"Right here Robbo"
Robert smiled and his eyes began to loose focus as his fever took over again "I really like Chad..." He mumbled out, Prism giving Flambae a smug look as he did "told ya so" she said reaching over Robert to nudge the fellow ex-com.
"He's delirious" Flambae brushed off and Robert turned his head to the left catching sight of Prism. "Hey Alice.." he smiled a bit "don't tell Chad but..." He drifted off for a moment before seeming to remember what it was he was trying to say "...he's really pretty. N'hamsome..."
Alice laughed a bit despite her worry over the sick man between them "I won't tell him" she snickered watching as Flambae's shoulders caught fire for a brief moment at the compliment.
Robert frowned "head hurts..." He grumbled as his eyes closed again and soft snores escaped his stuffy nose.
Flambe, despite how fluster he had been moments before smiled fondly at his shivering friend and gave a soft laugh.
"Azizam, what are we to do with you?
Flambae placed a hand on Roberts head and practically coo'd at the way he snuggled into it. That night he fussed over the feverish man to his heart's content knowing Robert would remember almost none of it.
---
A few day later Robert was back on his feet and ready for a full day of listening to the many HR violations his team would no doubt assault him with (lovingly of course).
He stoped in his tracks when he noticed Chad pacing back and forth in front of his cubicle huffing and occasionally catching fire. Beef on the other hand only rushed forward upon noticing Flambae, wiggling his butt and yipping at bit for attention. When he saw the dog he turned abruptly to its owner pointing an acusitory finger at him "you!"
Robert stepped back a bit before steeling his nerves and preparing for a fight
Flambae stomped closer, towering over him in away that he definitely did not find incredible hot.
"Stop being so Fucking cute bitch!" Flambae huffed as the slightest of smiles tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Robert blinked in much the same way he had after the whole twinkie thing in the break room. "What?"
Flambae's smile spread "you heard me bitch, you got no right waltsing around acting all cute. You trying to show off or some shit?"
Roberts heart skipped a beat as he caught on to what was happening. Flirting. Chad was flirting with him. He smirked and leaned into Flambae just a bit craning his neck a bit to look at the taller man "and what if I am?" He challenged
Flambae slid his right hand over the small of Roberts back using the left to cup his cheek and pull him close enough that there noses were touching "I'll have to do something about it." And just like that he had kissed him, long and sweet tugging Roberts body till it was flush with his own. Robert melted into the kiss resting his arms on Flambae's shoulders as they kissed and leaving them there when they finally pulled apart. A bit breathless
"Don't go anywhere after work, I'm taking you out" Chad whispered
Robert just nodded a tiny smile on his face that Flambae couldn't help but find cute.