Chapter Text
You never thought that a desperate phone call could make such a difference in your life, but here you are. Sitting in front of a desk, with an old looking computer that could be considered ancient.
For context, you were minding your business, juggling three separate jobs to pay your ridiculous high rent. And at one point, you got so desperate that you had to reach out to an old friend for help.
You’ve never spoken to her in a very long time, there were hints of surprise in her voice when you rang up her number.
“Hello?” Nostalgia almost hits you when you hear her voice again.
“Hey, it's me.” You say, your voice starting to sound unsteady.
“—is that you?” Your name rolls off her tongue perfectly, maybe too perfect.
“Mhm, how are things going for you?” Asking questions is definitely the move here! Or at least you think so.
“How am—!? Why are you calling me now?” She stumbled a bit with her words, but still managed to sound angry, hurt even. But you didn't really give a shit. You couldn't afford to, anyways.
So, to hell with it, you never were the type to dance around the subject any longer.
“Just wondering how you were and also because I'm in dire need of a job that can actually pay me enough.” Silence was all you heard from the other line.
Then you heard her sigh.
“I'm gonna send you a location, meet me there tomorrow morning if you can.”
Then, she hung up.
Good to know that she hasn't changed.
‘But hey! Mission accomplished, am I right?’ You think, as you stare at your phone.
You had time to mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow.
Probably.
You walk beside Blonde Blazer, as she yaps on about corporate jokes that you likely won't understand any time soon.
But she did mention that you were gonna be partnered up with this one guy named ‘Robert’.
Whoever he was, probably was just as miserable as you are.
Later on, Robert joined you both on the tour, and introductions were done.
“Robert, this is—” Blonde Blazer gestures over to you, saying your name with ease.
“Hello,” you greet, offering up a handshake.
Robert takes your hand in his, accepting the handshake with no difficulty whatsoever.
“Nice to meet you.” He simply says, and you nod.
“Nice to meet you too, Robert.”
The sentiment was appreciated, and you decided that you fuck with Robert and his energy.
Seemed like a chill guy.
“Now that's over, let's go on with the introductions of your guys team!” Blonde Blazer cuts in shortly after, making a gesture for you two to follow her.
You and Robert looked at each other, and shrugged.
Weird. But not something to worry over, you both mindlessly move alongside her.
Snapping back to the present, you stare at the computer without a single thought in your mind.
You were placed with Robert, so you could probably gossip with him whenever.
Which was rather comforting to say the least.
It has been a rough first day, and there were already bets on when you two were gonna quit! And you were half tempted to leave already.
But, you didn't, cause you're pretty sure Robert was gonna stay.
And you kind of thought he was cute.
Crazy development, since you two just met an hour ago. But a lot can happen in an hour, or so.
But sue you, he was charming and had humor! Humor is very crucial in a man.
But nevermind that! You literally have a crush on your co-worker!
The horror! The tragedy! But you couldn't help it! It just happened out of nowhere!
Okay, maybe not out of nowhere but still!
“You okay?” You hear Robert's voice, making you snap out of your daze.
“Huh? Uh, yeah,” you answered, “I'm okay.”
He didn't look too convinced, but didn't push any further.
“What'd you think of the team today?” You find yourself asking, curious to what he had to say.
Robert scoffed a little, before responding.
“A bunch of little shits, but I find that I don't really mind that.” He sips on his coffee, “how about you?”
You chuckled a little, “I think they're great, not so bad so far.”
Robert nods, as simple as that.
You don't say much after that, the muffled noises from your other co-workers were the only source of comfort for the silence between you two.
“Why are you here?” He asks, breaking the tranquility that you were both sharing.
You decided that it couldn't hurt to admit that you were dirt broke.
“I was desperate, in need of some money ‘cause my other jobs were just not cutting it.” You explained, doing hand gestures while you were at it.
Robert lets out a thoughtful hum, “I get that, rent has been undeniably high lately.” Which is rather unfortunate, because you're broke as fuck.
“You got any plans after work? Going out with friends?” It felt appropriate enough for you to ask questions too, can't leave a man trying to start a conversation alone.
“Probably, I'm not sure honestly.” You looked at him with curiosity, “really?” Your voice sang out.
“Yeah.” He says in response.
Wow, you really wanted to hang out with this guy.
“Well, if you don't have any other plans…how about we grab a bite after work? I know this insanely cheap but good cafe nearby.” You suggested, basically shooting your shot.
Robert looked at you for a moment, a quick up and down was done, though you pretended not to notice that.
“You know what? Sure, I don't see why not.”
Yes! Success.
“Sweet, now we should probably get back to work now.” You remind not just him, but yourself as well.
He hummed, and looked back at his own computer.
Nice, you scored a possible hangout with him! You felt rather giddy.
An hour or so later, both your guys' shifts ended and it was time to clock out. You walked alongside Robert to leave, and what was more surprising was Blonde Blazer was leaving with you two.
But uh, you beginning to think there was some sort of tension between the two.
You narrowed your eyes at how their gazes in each other lingered with something that was definitely not platonic.
Oh wait a minute, were they sleeping with each other?
But that question was debunked the moment Phenomaman flew in.
The tension between the two broke, and when Blonde Blazer said that Phenomaman was her boyfriend, you almost let out a sigh of relief.
But that changed when you looked at Robert’s face, his expression had a layer of disbelief and hurt.
Oh shit. They were fucking!
This was officially the worst day of your life.
“Ah, sorry, maybe next time. I'm going out with a friend right now, right—” He turns to you, and you freeze up before smiling out of instinct.
“Yeah, that's right, I was gonna take you to my favorite cafe.”
Holy shit, you almost stuttered.
“Really? That's quite wonderful, a bit disappointing that you can't come with.” The way Phenomaman spoke gave you goosebumps. “But perhaps another time, indeed.”
Blonde Blazer gave Robert a look, to which he ignored and nodded over to you.
That was your guys’ cue to get the fuck away from them.
So with a short goodbye, you and Robert leave before Blonde Blazer could even process your guys’ goodbye's.
Serves her right. But you gotta ask what's happening between them, you're kind of curious.
“So, what's happening between the both of you and Blondie?” You ask.
Robert seemed taken aback from the question.
“Nothing, nothing's going on.” He denies, as best as he could.
“Dude, it's obvious that there is.” You looked at him with suspicion, “you looked hurt back there, like you got betrayed or something.”
Robert felt defeated upon hearing your observation.
“Okay, fine, there is something going on.”
You make a quiet cheer in your mind before listening.
“I didn't know she was in a relationship, I guess I should've seen it coming.” Okay, you know that he's talking about something serious but you couldn't help but think his voice was so…attractive.
You wondered what it'd sound like when he's praising you.
“—ve thought this through…” You snapped back to the conversation, before giving a nod.
“Well, I'd say end whatever you both had going on, it's not any good if you let this thing continue.” Robert stares at you, waiting for you to continue. “Plus, ending it early would help you immensely, later down the line.”
If he ended the relationship between them too late, he'd suffer consequences that will ultimately end with him losing his job as a dispatcher, and maybe access to his suit.
“That's…true.” God, his voice was really distracting, you almost let out a sound because of it.
“But that's just my advice, take it as you will.” You shrugged, “just be careful.”
Robert laughs a little, “I will, probably.” And after he said that, you both arrived at the cafe.
The two of you headed in, and were seated near a window.
“What do you wanna order?” You asked, taking a look at your menu.
“How about you recommend something? I'm not really familiar with the stuff on the menu.” He looked at it with curiosity.
“Oh, sure! I'd say that the ‘prosperous peace’ would be perfect for you, seeing that you really need peace at the moment.” You made a light hearted joke, and Robert chuckled a little.
He chuckled! You smiled.
Soon, a waiter came by to your guys’ table and you ordered.
“Also, don't worry about paying anything, this one's on me.” You winked at him, and he smirked.
“Wow, getting the whole princess treatment.” You make a finger gun gesture to him.
You were beginning to think that it was a successful first day on the job, maybe it wasn't gonna be so bad working as a dispatcher.
Maybe this was a fresh start.
One that you desperately needed.
You looked out the window, and saw the sun slowly disappearing further and further.
‘I think everything's gonna be okay now..’