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The dark atmosphere of the empty office always threw Robert off. It was just strange being there nearly alone with most of the lights off. Mandy is still there at least, but besides that it's pretty much barren. Sipping on the last of his tenth coffee of the day, Robert strides back over to his desk and sets the cup down. As he's about to shut the old piece of junk down for the night, Robert’s eyes catch on a lit icon. The shift ended almost an hour ago, Robert only stayed late to finish some paper work. He didn’t expect anyone to be within range, let alone still have their ear piece.
Robert sits down and stretches, mentally preparing himself for this conversation if the other even responds. He takes his headset, puts it on and sends it to a private line.
“Everything alright, Flambae?” Robert says with a tired expression. “Work ended a bit ago.” A few seconds of silence follows, he nearly just calls it at that and gets ready to take the headset off when he finally gets a response back.
“Robbo? You still at work? Bitch.” Robert can hear the other man scoff out a laugh.
“Was that really necessary?” He shakes his head, leaning back into his chair as he crosses his arms. He could access the cameras wherever the ex-villain is, but truly he doesn’t care enough to do so. Instead, he just stares at Flambae’s icon.
“Calling you a bitch? Of course.” Flambae scoffs out yet another laugh, “Why the fuck you still at work?”
Robert sighs, “Paperwork. Why do you still have your earpiece?”
“I’m at my niece’s dance practice. Shararah had to work late so I got to kidnap the kid.” The hero finishes with an audible chuckle, Robert can tell he’s grinning. “That's why I left a bit early, dumbass. Went straight from work.”
“Ah, gotcha.” Robert grabs his cup and downs the last of the disgusting office coffee. He really needs to stop drinking so much of it. “Just make sure you don’t forget it tomorrow.”
“Yeah yeah.” Flambae speaks with a dismissive tone. “We’re getting dinner afterwards. Wanna come?” If his voice sounds a bit hopeful, Robert chooses to not pick up on it.
“Woah, the Flambae asking me of all people to dinner?” He chuckles to himself, “Thought I wasn’t your type.”
“Oh shut up.” The scoff he lets out gets cut off as he mutes the mic for a second. When he turns it back on, “Moska is a fan of you, okay? It’s her asking, not me.”
Robert hums to himself, he doesn’t have anything going on. Chase done took his dog without giving Robert a choice in the matter. It’s not for Flambae anyway, it’s for his niece. “Sure.”
“Uber your poor ass over here, we’ll go together.” Flambae’s words end with a ping on Robert’s phone.
Bringing the device out of his pocket, Robert is greeted with a text message and small money transfer. “Wow, look at you being nice.” He speaks with sarcasm. “I can pay for my own uber, jackass.”
“Oh please. You’re as broke as a homeless person.” Flambae laughs aloud. “Even then, they probably have more money than you.”
Robert rolls his eyes, accepting the money with a sigh. He quickly opens the app and does what he needs to, an uber already gets sent his way. “Cya soon then.” He doesn’t wait for a response, he simply shuts it all down, grabs his things and leaves for the night.
In all honesty, Robert had no clue there was even a dance place around this area. Shit, and he’s lived here for how long? Upon entering the place, his eyes are violently assaulted with bright lights paired with even brighter posters. He can feel a headache forming that is totally just from the lights and not his terrible eating habits. Definitely not from his ten coffees a day paired with twenty twinkies. No way.
He looks down both halls, seeing more people to the left, he heads that way hoping it’s correct. Robert should be able to find Flambae pretty easily. The man is tall as fuck after all and very recognizable. He’s quickly proven right as he sees the man sitting on a bench doing fuckall on his phone. There’s more people around then Robert initially thought, must be pretty popular of a thing.
“Hey.” Flambae’s head perks up, eyes quickly giving Robert an up-and-down look.
“The fuck? Couldn’t even change?”
Robert deadpans. “I came straight from work. Unlike you, I don’t have spare clothes there.”
“Eh, fair enough I guess.” Flambae scoots to his left, giving enough space for Robert to claim.
After sitting, he takes in the other man’s appearance. He looks damn good. His hair is down for once, he’s in a black button up shirt with way too many buttons left undone. The sleeves are rolled up a bit, and fuck, does it look good. He has nice dress pants paired with a belt and a large flame looking belt buckle. “You clean up nice.”
“Obiviously.” Flambae gives a coy smirk. “Gotta impress the hot single dads here.”
“Of course, of course.” Robert snorts out a laugh as he leans back against the wall. He looks around a bit at the other people. God damn does he feel underdressed. Why does everyone look so fancy?
“She doesn’t know that you are him yet, by the way.” The other man speaks without looking away from his phone. “You get to do the honors of surprising her.”
“Good thing I brought along a piece of proof then.” Flambae looks up with a raised brow at Robert’s words. With a small chuckle, “My mask. Best kind of proof to let her know I’m not lying.”
“Hm. True.”
“Does she even know that you know me?” Robert asks, looking through the glass across the hall in front of him. He doesn’t know what Flambae’s niece looks like, but maybe he can find her unassisted.
“I’ve told her I’m Mecha-Man’s acquaintance. She has taken that and told her friends that I am Mecha-Man’s best friend.” The man says a bit bashfully for some reason.
Robert can’t help the loud laugh that escapes him upon hearing that. “Best friends, huh?” He elbows the man next to him playfully.
Flambae rolls his eyes but smiles nonetheless. “My best friend that sliced two fingers and knocked out a tooth.”
“The tooth is your fault. The floor was obviously wet.” Robert crosses his arms over his chest, giving Flambae a small and challenging grin. “Or did you need a wet floor sign for that?”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. I’ve already punched someone here once, I’ll get banned if I do it again.” The ex-villain scoffs with irritation before elbowing him back.
Robert’s grin goes soft, getting replaced with a small, caring, smile. “I already said sorry, okay? You’re the one who said you were tired of me apologizing.”
“I am.” Flambae bites back, irritation gone from his face just like that. He looks over at Robert to say something, but quickly cuts himself off at seeing that smile. He gulps and looks away, if the tips of his ears are red, that’s his business.
The other man raises a brow at the lack of fight but writes it off as the sound of laughing children fill the air. Both men look over at the studio’s doors as a sea of little girls in different colored tutus get let loose. Robert doesn’t have to try to guess which one is Flambae’s niece, as the question gets answered for him with a girl in light pink speed walking towards them.
“Uncle!” The girl cheers with a big smile. All Robert has time to notice is that the girl is missing a tooth before Flambae stands and picks the girl up.
He raises her high in the air, giving a small spin before placing her back on the ground. “Went well?” Flambae speaks with a kind smile, one Robert has never seen before.
The girl giggles with a huge grin, “Yup! That girl didn’t pick on me this time!!”
“Pick on you?” Robert can’t help but speak up, “If you’re getting picked on, punch her. Respectfully.”
Flambae snorts aloud, he has to slap a hand over his mouth to not be louder. “That’s what he said to do!” The girl grins Robert’s way, “But mama didn’t like that idea.”
“Some lil girl keeps making fun of her.” Flambae speaks after regaining composure. “I’ve taught her weak spots just in case.”
Robert chuckles as he stands, “Aim for the throat. Just… don’t tell anyone I said that.”
The girl laughs again, “I’m Moska by the way! Are you the Robert that uncle is always talking about!?” She speaks fast like her uncle but lacks as strong of an accent. Likely picked up her American-like accent from her school peers. Honestly, she’s a split imagine of Flambae. Guess the genes are strong.
Flambae slightly flushes at that, lips pulled into a thin line while his ears only get redder.
“He talks about me? How sweet.” Robert can’t help but tease. Flambae only glares in response. “Anyway, this next thing I tell you,” He lowers his tone slightly, “keep quiet, yeah?”
Moska’s eyes shine in anticipation, she nods quickly with a toothy smile. Flambae gives a small pat on the girl’s head as Robert brings out something from his back pocket.
“Believing words is hard. This should tell you who I am, though.” He smiles, handing the girl his mask. Truthfully, this isn’t the best place to do an identity reveal. But oh well, you win some you lose some.
It only takes a second upon seeing it in her hands before she's clutching it to her chest. “Uncle, may I say a curse word?”
He snorts, “Sure.”
“No fucking way…” Moska gasps with wide eyes. Robert wants to laugh at the phrase but seeing the girl so happy and shocked is too adorable. “You’re… actually?”
With a nod, “Yup. You can keep that by the way, I have another.” It’s Robert’s turn to pat the girl’s head. He can’t help but feel happy at the girl’s giddiness.
“I’m totally going to freak out later but this is a secret and I must keep it…” A smile never leaves Moska’s face. She’s quick to hand it to her uncle, “Can you hold on to it until I change?”
“Obviously.” Flambae takes it with a grin. The girl’s happiness is so infectious. “Now go go, dinner is your choice.”
“OKAY!” Moska speaks a bit loudly before dashing towards what Robert assumes to be the changing room. With that, it leaves just the two of them again.
“You know.” Flambae gives him a sly smirk. “I could do the eviliest thing.”
“I’ll genuinely hang myself tonight.” He meant to say it as a joke, but his past suicidalness creeps in a bit too much. Robert has never seen Flambae go so pale.
The ex-villain gulps before hiding the mask in his pants pocket. He drops the idea, that he truly wasn’t going to do, immediately. Flambae averts his eyes as a single bead of sweat rolls past his brow.
“I’m joking… chill out…” Robert slowly brings a hand up to the other’s shoulder, giving a small pat of reassurance. The fact of Flambae caring about his death gets swept under the rug. For now.
“Uncccleeee.” Moska makes her return known as he grabs Flambae’s left wrist. “I want McDonald’s.”
Robert holds back a laugh as Flambae softly groans. “I said dinner, not terrible fast food.”
“Hamburger…” She’s practically drooling. Then it hits her, she’s not alone. Moska stares at Robert for help.
Who is he to say no? “Hamburger.”
“Not you too!” Steam escapes the flame hero’s mouth before he grits his teeth. “Ugh! You two need better taste!” Moska puts her free hand up, Robert gives the girl a high five. Both grin at each other in victory.
To Robert’s surprise, Flambae is a decently safe driver. At least with Moska in the car. But still, that’s a good thing, it shows his care for the girl. The drive wasn’t long but he sure learned a lot about their family tree. The “Shararah” Flambae had mentioned is his sister, which Robert assumed but it’s good to have it clarified, not only that but apparently –in Moska’s words– her grandma’s genes didn’t even try. Which Robert can so far confirm, because shit, Moska looks nearly identical to Flambae, well, to Chad.
Prism ratted out Flambae's real name not long after Robert woke up from his little explosion. And truthfully, he didn’t believe her. Chad? Seriously? Robert knows he's named like a god damn background character but shit. When Flambae outright said his name once they got in the car, Robert had to hold back everything to not laugh. His name is no better afterall.
“I want to play, eat, then play again.” My is she demanding. It’s the first words she says once they enter.
“Well you have until eight so do as you like.” Chad pats the girl’s head with his right hand. “Usual?”
“Yup!” Moska grins before dashing off to the playplace. Gotta love McDonald’s and their sanitary playhouse.
“She always chooses here, doesn’t she?” Robert chuckles as he and Chad walk side by side to the counter.
“Unfortunately. It doesn’t even matter if I offer to take her to a fancy ass restaurant." The man sighs, he’s not mad, just a bit disappointed. Not at all surprised though. Chad quickly gestures for him to order first.
“Kids will be kids.” Robert shrugs before stepping up. Fast food was his get go nearly everyday being Mecha-Man, it’s a bit nostalgic. He orders a double with a soda, at least it’s a better meal than eating twinkies all damn day. Before he can bring his wallet from his back pocket, Chad pushes his ass out of the way and orders for himself and Moska.
Robert blinks in confusion.
“Chad-”
“You’re practically homeless, let me pity the poor.” The older man speaks all too bluntly as he pays and grabs his receipt. “Let’s go, riches to rags.” Chad walks off, leaving Robert to be completely dumbfounded.
“What the fuck did you just call me??”
Chad takes a seat at a booth, setting the receipt on the table for the number to show. With a somewhat bashful looking expression, he pats the empty spot next to him. “I invited you, it’s only right I pay.”
Robert reluctantly takes his seat, “That only applies to dates. I think?”
“And?” The man scoffs in mock irritation as he looks up at Moska playing around in the god awful, germ filled, plastic play area. “My point stands.”
Huh. Seriously…?
A loud laugh erupts from Robert, good thing the place is practically empty or he’d be given some weird looks. He has to hold his stomach for a moment until he calms. Chad can only stare, his face growing red out of bashfulness and embarrassment.
“Chad.” Robert turns enough to nearly fully face the man. “I’ll never speak to you ever again if this is considered our first date.”
The ex-villain slaps a hand over his own face to hide his flush. “I- Uh.”
“Hell, I might just fire you too.”
“Hold on!” Chad removes the hand and instead places it on Robert’s shoulder. His face is as bright as his flames. “I didn’t mean it… ugh, like that.” Robert finds it funny how Chad looks away in shame. He’s so going to tease him about this.
Just as Chad is about to say something else, a worker yells out their order number. Since Robert didn’t get to pay, he’s quick to stand and retrieve their food.
“Moska!” Chad hollers, not too loud, but just enough to gain the kid’s attention.
Robert places the tray on the table just as Moska comes rushing back with a huge grin. “Foooood!” She says as she slides in across from the two. “Oh and uh… the very small scorch mark on the slide is totally not my fault.”
Both men raise a brow.
Moska sweats, pausing her food claiming. “Or maybe… it was me… if you swear to not be mad…”
Chad laughs aloud, not bothering to pretend to be stern. “Burn the whole thing down for all I care. Ronald McDonald can burn with it.” Robert would not be a good father, as he down right finds the situation hilarious.
Then it kinda hits him, “You have powers too?”
Moska turns her attention before grabbing her burger. “Yup! Not as cool of ones as uncle but I can control very small flames!”
“Ooo.” Robert smiles softly, “You said your genes come from your grandpa, right?”
“Yup!”
“Huh. Fire powers through generations.”
“Mhm.” Chad nods as he devours his lovely and greasy McDonald’s burger. “Though I’m the only one who can be completely covered in flames.”
“And fly!”
“And fly.” Chad confirms Moska’s words.
“Can I ask what kind of powers your mom has?” Robert asks with his interest piqued.
“Uhhh, ya know. I can’t remember.” Chad furrows his brows, glaring at his fries as if they wronged him. “You know?”
“Um…” Moska scratches her cheek, narrowing her gaze to try to bring the memory back. “Oh!” She snaps her fingers, “She’s heat resistant.”
“Ah, that’s right.” He nods, “Her body is immune to heat but very acceptable to the cold.”
“Shit, y’all got some good genes since those powers are genetic.” Robert says after finishing his burger.
Moska brightens as something important comes back to her. “Right! Mecha-Man…” She whispers his name. “You’re so cool…”
Chad groans, “Here we go.”
The dam breaks, Moska abandons her food in favor of ranting and raving about how cool and awesome Mecha-Man is. Telling all of her favorite villain busts and goes on and on about all the merch she’s gotten to show support. Then, the part Chad was dreading, Moska enlightened Robert about how she did in fact know he was the one who busted her uncle. She said that it was meant to happen, a “canon event” whatever that means.
Before it can get even slightly sappy, Moska then brings up a drawing she made once. The face of embarrassment on Chad’s face slightly worries Robert but he’s too curious to now want to know.
“I drew Mecha-Man kissing unclebae! It’s the best way to make up after a big fight!!”
It takes everything in Robert to not laugh. He can feel Chad’s glare, an act to tell him not to laugh and to not encourage the action.
“It works too! Why be enemies when you can be lovers!” The ever so bright grin on her face is enough to temporarily blind someone.
Robert understands a bit more now. Chad lied a little bit, she doesn’t see Flambae and Mecha-Man as best friends… Now sure, she could’ve told her friends that story but, let’s be real. “Well, that could be true if your uncle decides to ask me out properly.” He throws the bait out. The two have basically been verbally fucking over team comms for weeks, surely Chad will bite.
Moska turns her attention to her own blood, Robert can’t tell what the look means but he does see the result of it. Chad’s face is so incredibly red.
“Watch it uncle, your hair is down!! Hehehe! Don’t go balddddd!”
Robert slides his cup forward and away from the table’s ledge before turning his body more towards the other man. “Your skin may not burn but your hair surely will, right?” He grins to match Moska, what a damn teasing duo.
“Okay, okay!” Chad waves his hands in front of him momentarily. “I’ll find a good place and then ask you out… properly. Shit.” If the blush wasn’t enough, the steam literally coming from the man’s ears surely is.
Moska clasps her hands together as her eyes shine so incredibly bright. “My OTP is canon!!”
Robert gives the girl a small, but decently confused at the choice of words, smile before keeping his attention on the other man. Chad finally meets his eyes, “Fuck you, Mechabitch.” There’s no real bite behind it.
“Later.”
Chad’s face blazes, “SHUT UP.” Moska laughs, whether she knows what Robert was implying goes unsaid but knowing who her uncle is, she probably knows way more than what a ten year old should know.
-
“Enjoy your day?” Shararah asks her daughter with a tired, but sweet smile.
“Why have one uncle,” Moska grins up at her mom who looks at her curiously, “when I can have two.”