Chapter Text
"I'll still need to punch you from time to time...-"
That's how it all started, it made sense, Flambae did hate Mechaman for cutting his fingers and knocking his tooth out... even if that one wasn't directly from him but because of the water he threw...
He hated Mechaman, but did he hate Robert? That was what eventually led him to try to warm up to him. He somewhat respected Robert for telling the truth and telling the team his identity, even when he knew that would probably make Chad react. He felt humiliated after the whole team held him back from burning him to a crisp, but it was fair.
So after the whole deal of hitting him and letting Coupé back into the team, everything went back to how it was before any of the mess started, yet his jokes weren't as cruel anymore, he still would tease Robert about being weak and offering to 'babysit' him in the gym or how he could only put up a fight in his suite, but nothing too out of the ordinary or full on cursing his whole bloodline.
It was a slow morning, a Monday. Flambae had been partying at his favourite gay bar, and he had a massive hangover because some dick had made him mix alcohols, and now he felt as if his head was about to burst. Yet, he came early into the SDN building, but not as early as Robert apparently. When did he arrive? Flambae hadn't seen him come in; he must have arrived almost TOO early today.
R.- Damn, you look like shit today.―
F.- At least it's just today, you look like shit everyday. ― Robert rolled his eyes, of course, why did he think he could make small talk with the walking fire hazzard.
F.- How are you here so early, don't you sleep Robo?―
R.- Uh, well, technically I do, but I end up waking up a bunch of times and tend to give up and come in early.―
F.- How early?―
R.- Today... An hour early.―
For once, Flambae didn't make a snarky comment about what Robert said, and just handed him over the coffee he was making for himself, which caught him off guard slightly, and just grabbed the cup with his usual tried smirk.
R.- Wow, did you spike it or something, are you actually being nice on purpose?
F.- Shut up, I'm not a monster y'know...― He say annoyed because of his snarky response, he hated how he always called him out.
R.- Thanks then.― An akward silence follows before Flambae clears his throat, clearly uncomfortable with the akwardness.
F.- So, don't you take pills for that or...―
R.- They don't do much anymore, I went to the doctor to raise my dosage but, he said it couldn't go higher, that my body sadly got used to them and they don't work anymore.―
F.- Damn, that must suck, how long has it been?―
R.- Probably since my dad died.―
And even uglier silence fills the room. He wasnt good at this, the deep sentimental talk, so with Robert's dad's death topic coming up, he just blocked and stopped in front of the coffee maker. Robert notices it and just leans on the counter next to him as he gently touches his arm with the coffee mug, the action grounding, bringing Flambae out of his thoughts, yet Flambae couldn't shake off a weird feeling.
R.- Hey, it's fine, I already mourned him and I'm good now. Well the best I can for now I guess.―
F.- Still, I'm sorry for your old man, If it was mine... I don't know how long it would take me to recover.― After all, Flambae really cared for his family, his dad and his niece.
R.- Thanks, that's... Really nice coming from you...- Are you sure you're okay? You're being awfully nice, it's creepy.― Robert chuckled softly, trying to lighten up the mood from the gloomy atmosphre.
F.- Fuck you. You really bring out the worst in people you know Robo. You just can't help it but want me to bully you, are you into that or what.― He rolls his eyes as he grabs his coffee and just steps back from the counter where Robert was leaning as he laughed at his comment.
The mood went back to usual, and as Flambae finished waking up with his coffee, everyone started arriving. First, it was Blond Blazer along with Invisigal. After the whole mess with sproud they started living together. There were rumors of them being together since they sometimes would be found alone at the break area awfully close, but they didn't admit it for now, though Iniviga'sattentions to Robert had shifted to her. Another unconfirmed couple was Coupé and Punch up, but everyone could see it already. After taking her back to the team, he was especially happy and would appear with a smudged black lipstick on his cheek; they had a story behind them anyway, so it wasn't that surprising. The team was slowly filling with couples; it was slightly annoying to Flambae.
F.- Man, everyone seems to have a partner now, what in the trauma-bonding is that? this is a workplace, not love island.―
I.- Are you jelous because you're not hitting it and everyone else has someone?.―
F.- Fuck you Invisibitch, I would be hitting it alright if there was more Gay men in the company, I can't hit it if they don't like men.―
I.- I heard Robert is Bi.― Flambae paused on his tracks and turned to Courtney.
F.- Wh- The fuck do you mean?.―
I.- What else is there to mean, I asked him once if he was gay when he didn't seemed interested on me when I hitted on him and he said he liked men and women equally.―
F.- Why... Why the fuck would I care that Robert is Bi anyway, just because he likes men doesn't mean I'll try hitting on that idiot.―
I.- Calm down, I didn't say you had to, just commenting.―
F.- So you fumbled and went with the only other person that stands you.― He mumbled talking about Blonde, the person that invited her to the team in the first place.
I.- Blondie and I aren't together... Yet, she doesn't realize how much she loves me.― Flambae snorts.
F.- Yeah sure, good luck.― Before Invisi could complain, they got called for a mission by Robert.
Nothing was too out of the ordinary, some burglaries, cats on trees, bar fights... As always, Robert would guide them along the way and tell them the best ways to handle it. With Robert's guiding... and the whole shroud situation..., the team started to get known by civilians, getting stopped by grateful people. Which only inflated Flambae's ego.
F.- You hear that Robbo? The people love me.— A soft chuckle came from the channel.
R.- You know what, yeah, they love you, and you deserve it. You all deserve it team. Great work.— Flambae smiled smugly at the praise and just went on his work more motivated than usual thanks to it.
After the first shift, everyone went into the building to take a break, eat something, and do everything. Robert came back with his usual inspiring speech for the next shift to finish the day, and Flambae just called him out for it, teasing him.
After closing without any problems apart from rookie mistakes from Waterboy or mischief from Invisigal. Robert greets everyone and invites them to the bar to celebrate the great shift, paying for a round of drinks for everyone on the team, even Golem, who was waiting outside like always, since he still couldn't drink, an usual routine at this point, at least Invisigal would walk out to check on him and don't leave him alone all night.
R.- Great work today team, I'm starting to not being embarrassed of dispatching this team.— He joked making everyone chuckle with complice looks.
F.- For a not embarrassing team.— He brings up his glass to cheer with everyone else. Phenomaman raised his arm.
P.- I wanted to thank Robert the 3rd and the rest of the team for this, all of this, this family not linked by blood.
R.- Sweet words big guy.—
Everyone paired up as always, as Robert walked around handing over their drinks, leaving Flambae last.
F.- Took your time, give me mine.—
R.- Usually here's where a normal person says thank you.—
F.- You know I'm no regular person Robo.—
R.- Yeah I noticed, I noticed.— Robert chuckled before deciding to settle down and sit with him as he looked at the rest of the team around. Flambae bringing him back to where they were.
F.- So, when are you going to go back to being Mecha Bitch?—
R.- Honestly, I'm not so sure.- A brief moment to think as he looks around again.- I really like what we have.—
F.- You're starting to sound like my exes.— A scoff comes out of Robert.
R.- So funny. No, I really mean it, I liked being Mechaman because... that was what made me useful and what my dad would've wanted... But I'm starting to think this is what I want, I still feel useful ordering you little missfits and helping everyone, even if its from the shadows.—
F.- You're going soft for us, huh?.— Robert chuckles softly before taking a sip and looking at him.
R.- Yeah, I guess I am. I really like you all, even you.— Flambae looks at him as he took a sip of his drink, raising his eyebrows slightly. Those words made him feel something, but neither he knew what, nor he wanted to know.
F.- Man Robert, you know how to make things akward.—
R.-Haha, seriously? I was trying to be nice.—
F.- I don't like youi being nice, it's weird.—
R.- Guess its mutual.—
A comfortable silence built between the two as they drank together and looked around. Flambae wasn't especially against it, but he also didn't like being this comfortable with Robert, so he started teasing him as usual to get him to be annoyed so they could exchange snappy comments between the two.
But eventually, what ended up happening was Robert making the wrong comment, which made Flambae get actually annoyed and punch him in the middle of his face before taking the whole drink in one gulp and getting off the seat.
F.- That's my monthly punch, you can go back to your things.—
Roberts looks at him from the floor, holding his nose. It wasn't too bad, no blood, no fractured nose, but it was still annoying. Anytime Robert thought he was warming up with him, something would happen that made him feel like they were going 20 steps back. If anything, it could always go worse, so he just stood up and did the same, finishing his drink before calling it a night, saying goodbye to everyone, and giving Flambae a gentle punch on his shoulder for his punch in the face before saying goodbye to him as well and leaving, going back to his place.
As he arrived, Beef came to his feet and panted, looking up at him. Robert smiled gently before squating down to hold his head and give him good scratches before picking him up as he walked through his sad apartment filled with different kinds of weird lighting that the team gifted him. He hadn't really bought any more new furniture, though the team did put money together to buy him a bed since Robert said he didnt had one and didn't think it was important. Ironically enough, it was Flambae's idea, saying he didn't want him sleeping badly and performing badly at work. As he thought of that, he eventually went back to that morning's conversation where Flambae seemed to actually care for him; he knew he did, he just didn't show it directly often, he only did it through teasing.
He lays Beef on his small dog bed before sitting on the edge of his and lying down, turning Flambae's lamp off and looking at the ceiling.
He closed his eyes as he tried to go to sleep, but only ended up stirring under the sheets, turning to the sides, and changing positions. His mind was a mess like always; he couldn't sleep without flashbacks coming to his head about the dangerous positions he had put his loved ones in. His father's death, Chase almost dying, his team getting into danger because of his decisions, and any little time they got hurt because of his leadership.
Eventually, he opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling again before sitting up and looking through the window, lost in thought, before looking to his side, staring at the lamp, and eventually picking up his phone and sending a text.
Fire hazard (3:45 am)
Robert: "Are you awake?"
Fire hazard: "Was, what do you want?"
Robert: "Ah, sorry then. Nothing much, just bored."
Fire Hazard: "Can't sleep?"
Robert: "No can do."
Fire hazard: "And what do you want me to do? Call you and sing you a lullaby?"
Robert: "That would probably knock me out, yes."
Fire hazard: "Fuck you"
Fire hazard: "What's going on in that mind of yours?"
...
Robert: "you want"
Robert: "to listen to my problems?"
Fire hazard: "You already woke me up, maybe if I read your whiny problems I can fall asleep again"
Robert: "Of course."
Fire hazard: "Just tell me."
Robert: "Its"
Robert: "A lot of things"
Robert: "Trauma mostly, I guess, flashbacks come up, guilt eats me alive."
Robert: "Feels like, no matter what I do right, it can't seem to compensate for what I do wrong."
Fire hazard: "What the hell do YOU do wrong? What kind of nonsense is that?"
Robert: "Thanks, but there are many things, Flambae."
Robert: "Making wrong choices, everyone that gets hurt because of those choices, not living up to the Mechaman name."
Fire hazard: "Mechaman was lame. You"
Fire hazard: "Are a bit less lame"
Robert: "Truly touching."
Fire hazard: "Fuck off, I'm not good at feelings shit"
Robert: "Thank you still, really"
Fire hazard: "Don't I don't like your thank yous, I just do this because you woke me up"
Fire hazard: "I should go there and kick your butt to sleep"
Robert: "Tempting offer, but it's pretty late to invite you here."
Fire hazard: "Not like these few hours of sleep are going to save me from being tired in the morning."
Robert: "You"
Robert: "Want to come over?"
Flambae checks the time, 4:15 am. Have they really been talking for half an hour? That doesn't matter. Did he want to go see him? Why did he want to go see him?
MechaBitch (4:20 am)
MechaBitch: "You're still there?"
Flambae: "Yesyes"
Flambae: "I was just getting my shoes on."
MechaBitch: "You're actually coming over?"
Flambae: "Shut it, just wanna see your shitty face, maybe punch you."
MechaBitch: "You already used your monthly punch."
Flambae: "Doesn't matter."
After a while, a knock sounds on Robert's apartment door. Flambae didn't take much to arrive, probably used his powers. He wasn't using his suit, well, why would he? They weren't working.
Flambae was wearing a V-neck t-shirt and shorts, which looked like sleepwear.
R.- You came just like how you were sleeping I'm guessing.— Flambae rolls his eyes and walks in without waiting for Robert to invite him in.
F.- Your appartment looks as depressing as always.— He walks up and pets gently the sleeping Beef and leans against the wall.
F.- Don't even have a couch? Where I'll be sleeping?—
R.- Excuse me?—
F.- Well you invited me in, so I came, and it's late to go anywhere.— Robert looks at him as he closes the main door and walks up to him dumbfounded.
R.- Well I didn't invite you in, I asked if you wanted to come.—
F.- Which is the same as inviting.— Robert roll his eyes.
R.- Also if it's so late, why did you come? I wasn't expecting you to stay the night, you're more annoying than a hookup.—
F.- A hookup would at least imply making out or having fun, with you I don't do any of those.— Robert scoffs and just smirks.
R.- Do you want that with me?— Flambae seems caught off guard, uncrossing his arms as he shoves him.
F.- Fuck off, don't play with me, I was just joking.—
R.- Haha, sorry, you should've seen your face.—
F.- The same you would've if I said that, do YOU want to make out with me?— Robert actually takes a moment to think about it.
F.- Don't fucking look like you're thinking about it, I wasn't being serious!—
R.- Aw, so sad.— He smirks as he sits on the edge of his bed.—
R.- Well, you can sleep with me.—
F.- No way, you made it weird now.—
R.- Rather sleep on the floor?—
F.- ... — Ugh, fine, just because I don't feel like sleeping on the floor, but put a pillow or something between us, if you fucking touch me, you're a dead man.—
R.- I feel like you think too highly of yourself, why would I want to touch you.—
They slowly got into bed, putting pillows between them before lying down. Flambae felt weird sharing a bed with Robert. Why did he come here? What was he thinking?.
Meanwhile Robert simply closes his eyes, yawning as he closes his eyes, falling asleep surprisingly fast.
F.- Fucking dick, didn't he struggle to sleep?
Flambae sat up, staring at him for a while, the soft moonlight casting light over his face, making him keep looking for a bit longer before he caught himself. Man, he was being super weird. What was up with him? Staring Robert like that, his dumb short auburn hair, his chestnut eyes... peach skin... and the dumb freckles across his face that reminded him of constellations, he had to stop himself before tracing the lines between them. Eventually, he lay back down, frowning, and just went to sleep, being the one who was struggling to do so.