Chapter Text
You would never describe yourself as a villain, and you certainly weren’t delusional enough to call yourself a hero. You were simply balancing the scales between good and evil, bringing karma to those that the universe was taking slightly longer for. But, SDN loves to point out anything different to their black and white worldview, so you had police called on you, superheroes hunting you down at every turn. It eventually got tiresome enough that you handed yourself in, wondering why they would go at such lengths for someone like you when villains like Shroud were still active and around.
So you were put on the Phoenix program, and quickly rose to another team when the dispatcher realised that you were far more cooperative than the others, only speaking when being told what to do. Your moral compass was slightly askew, as others would whisper behind your back, with casualties rarely crossing your mind. In your mind, if a job needed to be done, then it would be done, no matter the cost. So the higher ups moved you to be a dispatcher, your analytical skills helping things run smoothly.
You had made your mind up to be a middle of the pack performer, not noticed by other dispatchers and certainly not invited to one of SDN’s work parties, and never once had you regretted that. Well, until the new hire came in. A guy who looked like he had never once had a proper night sleep in his life, stumbling around and looking far too invested in his team’s outcome. But he was pretty to look at, brown hair and soft eyes that seemed to care about anything. So you kept looking and you toyed with the idea of talking to him, asking him out, seeing his house, living together. Overall, you hoped your vibe was casual, mysterious, attractive, and definitely not ‘hey I might be in love with you even though we have never talked do you want to get married?’
You weren’t stupid. You knew he was cute, and while you may have set your eyes on him first, you certainly would not be the only one in the building. You just didn’t expect Blonde fucking Blazer to be into him. Your boss. His boss. America’s sweetheart. The pinnacle of perfection. He was laughing along with her as well, eyes crinkled in a smile that made him seem softer, younger, happier. Great. The one day you ‘accidentally’ timed your break to line up exactly with his and you end up interrupting what could be a very intimate moment. You pad softly into the room, mind focused on eating your lunch and leaving before you could be roped into any conversation. You may have psyched yourself up to talk to ‘kind eyes’, but a conversation with him and Blonde Blazer would be nerve wracking. They were seated close together, her hand lingering on his arm as she laughed with him. You tried to tell yourself you couldn’t care less, when she suddenly noticed you.
“Oh, hi there Trickshot! This is one of our newer hires that I don’t think you’ve met yet, and he could really benefit from an experienced dispatcher!” She beamed at you. Honestly, if they got together you may be happy to imagine being a third at this point.
‘Kind eyes’ raises an eyebrow at your slightly dazed expression and extends a hand towards you. “Robert,” he says in a voice that makes your toes curl and your brain to scream at you to ask him on a date immediately, “Robert Robertson.” All your thoughts screech to a halt. “Really?”, is all you can manage with the information he’s given you. An eloquent, sexy way to introduce yourself to the man you may or may not have a crush on. The name definitely made him a little unsexier. He pauses, and then laughs, showing you the same soft eyes. God, you had it bad.
You honestly hadn’t expected Blonde Blazer to notice you, to recognise your work. It was an average team you worked with, and you had intended to keep it that way. This was not good, because the next thing out of her mouth could be an invitation to a karaoke night that you’d much rather skip in favour of hanging out with friends you actually like. The only salvation granted is that she doesn’t know your actual name, using your ‘hero’ name. With one of your most dazzling smiles towards Blazer, you gestured to the fridge and walked off before she could ask anything more of you or before you could embarrass yourself further. Taking out your lunch, you move towards the staircase.
You weren’t tragically lonely despite how you acted at work. You had a healthy group of friends and went out partying with them whenever you could, but the issue between your friends and making new ones at SDN was their beliefs. See, when your friends found out you were a succubus, they held no animosity towards you and would toy with your powers on a night out, seeing you as no different from the person they befriended. SDN, however, likely wouldn’t hold that same belief. So you distance yourself, hide your powers behind another name and don’t care about what other people say at work. The rooftop was a perfect place to do that. Charming the janitor was easy enough, and only you had access to reach the roof, making it a perfect getaway from the mindless drones in the office. Chewing on the pasta your roommate made you, you set your alarm and take a short break.
The rest of your shift passes normally, a stolen car, a petty thief and smaller crimes to put out along the way. Your team is performing better than normal, but you assume it's because of the talks about someone getting cut from a team. When the clock hits 5, you quickly and silently pack up your things before moving the elevator, eager to get back home so you can start a hunt, your food supply running lower than usual. Robert pushes his chair out in front of you before you can make it all the way, blocking your path as you watch the elevator doors close behind him.
“Hey, just wanted to ask a couple of questions about the team I’m managing, and I was told you used to be on it by Chase.”
Fucking traitor. Of course the new guy would be told all the gossip by Chase. You simply smile back at him, however.
“Of course, what would you like to know?” Great, incredible. You sound competent at your job and willing to help, which you read that for whatever reason will translate as sexy in this guy’s mind.
“Just some questions on the team members themselves. I’ve had some issues with one person, and I was wondering if you knew what could motivate them.”
Ah, Invisigal was back to her shit again. Tucking a stray piece of hair behind your ear, you lean down and peer at the computer screen Robert is looking at. Speaking softer now, you slightly turn your head towards him.
“Invisigal has just always been like that, to be honest. I’ve heard she likes a good drink and sour patch kids if you want to try to bribe her to get her performance up.”
“Copy that”, he laughs softly.
You smile back, pat his shoulder and give him a thumbs up before walking away. The elevator doors close behind you when you hear
“What was your name aga-”