Chapter Text
Flambae wasn't supposed to be at the office this late. In fact, no one was. But surely, Robert fucking Robertson the third wasn't like any other normal person. So, as expected, he was still at his cubicle, hunched over some shit only he cared about at this hour.
Why was Flambae standing there, holding a glittery birthday invitation with his hands trembling like it was a damned bomb? Why was he getting so nervous over a fucking question?
Because he hated asking for favors. He hated needing people, he hated needing /him/.
And yet, here he was, watching Robert's silhouette, illuminated by the dim light of the computer on his desk. The man was clearly tired; his shoulders were tense, his brows were furrowed and he had dark circles under his eyes.
He... almost felt bad for him.
Flambae stiffened when Robert stood up to pick up Beef. His eyes met the other man's, who flinched and then looked at him with a confused look.
"Flambae, what are you doing here?"
Robert said, holding Beef in his arms.
"Huh, hey Mechabitch"
Robert blinked twice, clearly too exhausted to deal with this.
"The shift is over. What do you want?"
Flambae hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. This made the other man sight.
"Look, if you're here to ask for a raise, you should go with Blonde Blazer: she's in charge of that. Now, if you excuse me, I have better things to do than stay in an empty office.
"First of all, It's not about a raise. And second... I seriously doubt you're rushing off to your exciting nightlife"
"Well, if it's not about a raise, what is it about?"
Flambae didn't say anything. God, why was he acting like this?
Robert looked at him with a sort of disappointed look and started walking out of the room.
"Wait! Uh, I just needed a favor"
The shorter man looked at him, expectantly. Flambae handed him the pink birthday invitation card and Robert, after a few seconds of confusion, burst out laughing. And there went the last drops of dignity he had left...
"Are you... inviting me to your birthday?"
"Not my birthday!"
Flambae snapped, stuttering. He was starting to sound like Waterboy.
He cleared his throat.
"Tomorrow is my niece's birthday. She's, uh... She's a huge Mechaman fan. I was wondering if, you know..."
Flambae was mortified. He was badly considering jumping out the window.
"If what, Flambae?"
Robert said with an amused smirk. The bitch found it funny! Flambae was about to have a stroke and Robert thought it was fucking hilarious.
"C'mon, don't make me say it, Bob Bob"
"I'm sorry, I don't think I understand what you want"
Flambae let out a heavy breath
"I was wondering if you could come to her birthday party. That's it. Are you happy now?"
Robert chuckled and Flambae's anger seemed to fade a little, softening his gaze.
"Yes, yes I am. And yeah, sure, I guess I could pass by"
"Thank you, Mechabitch"
And with that, Flambae patted Robert's head and left the building.
This man was going to be the death of him.