You mean it?

Three months, that was how long it took for SDN's building to be rebuilt. Superheroing, however, couldn't wait. Robert was then introduced to the wonders of remote working. It meant he didn't have to commute every day and got to wear his pajamas all day long. On the downside, he didn't exactly have a work setup, nor did he have a vending machine stocked with Twinkies. So what if he worked hunched on his couch with his flimsy work laptop on his lap, wearing an old Mecha-Man t-shirt and his underwear. At least he didn't have to take the subway.

As much as he didn't want to admit, he did miss seeing the Z-team, Royd and Galen in person. The feeling quickly went away as he logged into the dispatch system and heard them shouting at each other. Sonar had been re-admitted into the team and was certainly a mouthful. The team treated him as if nothing had happened. Good for him, Robert thought.

===

ROBERT R.: Okay guys, let's focus a bit, alright?

INVISIGAL: Oh, what do you think he's wearing?

ROBERT R.: Invisigal I fail to see how that's relevant to the robbery I sent you and Coupé to bust on the 5th Avenue.

PRISM: I bet he's in his pajamas.

FLAMBAE: I thought Mecha-Bitch slept in his SDN shirt.

PUNCH UP: I can practically see it lad! Robert sleeping in that damn chair with the SDN shirt on.

ROBERT R.: Very funny guys. But I don't sleep in my work attire.

PRISM: So you don't deny wearing pajamas right now?

Robert sighed.

ROBERT R.: I guess.

INVISIGAL: Are you in your underwear right now?

He pinched his nose bridge.

ROBERT R.: No.

INVISIGAL: Going commando? I salute you for it Robert Robertson, didn't think you had it in you.

SONAR: Dick out, best way to work.

ROBERT R.: Invisigal, Sonar, shut up and focus on your jobs.

( ! ) BUILDING ON FIRE ( ! )

Robert clicked on the notification, the dispatch windows popping up. Fires were a no-brainer.

ROBERT R.: Waterboy? Can you deal with this one?

WATERBOY: Ye-Yes Sir- Robert- Sir!

===

5 PM. Time to clock out. Finally. Robert bid his farewell to the Z-team and was ready to hit the hay when he got a request for a private call from Waterboy. That was unusual. Invisigal was usually the one to demand his attention in the after hours. He put his headphones back on and accepted the request.

-Hey Waterboy, what's wrong?

-Uh, hi! Not- Nothing wrong, I uh just wanted to ask you- invite you to this m-movie.

Robert's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

-Waterboy, are you inviting me on a date?

-Wha-What?! Uh-Uh…

-Relax, I'm messing with you. I'd love to. When?

-Sweet! I mean- uh- cool! I was thinking about this Saturday? At-At 3 PM?

-Alright by me. Text me the details later okay? You do have my number, right?

-I-I don't.

Robert gave him his number and hung up after saying good night. He was delightfully surprised. He had hung out with members of the Z-team before, going to bars with Punch Up and Coupé, the mall with Invisigal, hell he even played Magic the Gathering with Phenomaman (with the little knowledge he had about the game), but never with Waterboy. He always assumed Herman was too anxious to ask or simply didn't have any interest in spending time with him outside of a professional setting, so he never pushed him.

Now, a selfish part of him was particularly happy to go to the movies with Herman. Truth be told, he had developed a bit of a crush on him. It was inappropriate, he told himself. Herman was his subordinate, a couple years younger than him and looked up to him, as Mecha-Man. But damn he was cute. His clumsy and anxious ways had bewitched Robert.

Robert wondered if he had been wrong by accepting, considering his feelings in regards to Herman. God was he a creep? Was he committing an HR violation?!

He shook his head. It was simply an innocent hangout, the fact he had feelings for Herman was secondary. He was merely spending time with his co-worker.

Beef, who had been napping, woke up and demanded his attention, stopping his line of thought. Right. It was time for his walk. Robert went to his room to search for a pair of pants that didn't have a hole in them.

The days leading up to Saturday were uneventful for the most part. He did his job to the best of his abilities, managing to fail at only two jobs. A personal record. Waterboy on the other hand, was a mess. He stuttered heavily, almost missed his attacks and was overall jumpy. Robert wondered if he was nervous about their date. Hangout. Their hangout. If he was to be honest that was probably wishful thinking on his behalf. Waterboy most likely was having a rough week.

As Saturday came, so did many funny thoughts, for a lack of a better word. He wondered if he could convince Herman to spend more time with him. Wondered if he would blush if he held his face. If he would whimper with a kiss. Woah. Hold your horses Robert Robertson the third. Getting too ahead of yourself there. It was a friendly hangout, nothing more. It would be better if it stayed that way anyways, he didn't want HR on his ass. Although, Invisigal crossed many lines and nothing ever happened to her, Sonar also literally did some lines in the men's bathroom and nothing happened to him either.

His phone vibrated on his lap, a message from Herman.

<Herm> I am outside your building

<Herm> Should we go?

Robert answered he was going and put on his shoes. He gave one last pet to Beef and a kiss before unlocking his door.

Herman was waiting for him just outside his building. He was wearing his wetsuit underneath a button up white shirt and jeans. The pants were damp and so was the shirt, allowing the yellow of the wetsuit to shine through. He wasn’t wearing his goggles for once and he brought a backpack. Cute.

-Hey -Hi sir- Robert.

-Hey Herm. Lead the way.

Herman gave him the double thumbs up awkwardly.

They walked for a bit to the nearest movie theater in silence. Robert didn't know exactly what to say. Should he ask about his grandma? Probably right? It'd be the most polite thing to do.

-So, Herm, how's your grandma?

-Uh? Ah, yes, haha, she's fine. She asked me where I was going, all dressed up. I-I usually just wear the suit.

-Did you dress up for me? -Robert joked.

Herman didn't answer, instead avoided his gaze. Oh. He did.

-Geez Herm you didn't have to. I'm not worth all that effort.

-No! I mean- Of course you are sir-

-Just call me Robert, kid, it's fine.

-I-I was trying to at least seem p-put together.

-Well, I think you look fantastic, Herm.

-T-Thanks. -He blushed.

Whatever tension they had going on was thick in the air. It wasn't usually this awkward going out with the members of the Z-team, although Robert didn't have feelings for any of them so maybe that was why. As they reached the movie theater, Herman pulled a plastic zip lock bag from his backpack. Inside were two slightly damp movie tickets.

-I already bought our- our tickets, I hope- hope that's ok.

-Let me at least buy the popcorn then.

-Al-Alright.

Robert picked the biggest size for the popcorn and two sodas. Herman held the drinks for him as he carried the bucket full of popcorn. The movie he had picked for them was a comedy with a cameo by one of SDN's A-team heroes.

After they entered the room and looked for their seats, Herman got out three towels from his backpack. He gently placed them over his seat.

-I-I already got kicked out of one movie theater before. Not taking any risks! Haha.

-It must be tough. Not being able to control your powers I mean.

-It's -It is alright. I'm used to it by n-now. It's just a hassle sometimes…

Robert sat down with the popcorn bucket on his lap. The advertisements started playing as the lights were dimmed. Herman reached out to grab some popcorn.

The movie was overall funny, although sometimes forced. Robert found himself oftentimes having his attention diverted to Herman, who was chuckling at the jokes. He looked relaxed for once and it was a beautiful sight.

It was almost 5PM by the time the movie ended. Herman grabbed his drenched towels and put them in a plastic bag before putting them in his backpack.

They left the movie theater side by side, talking about the movie and sharing a few laughs. It felt good, too good. Robert didn't want it to end so soon. He shouldn't but he did it anyway.

-I was thinking Herm, do you wanna stop by my house? Maybe order something to eat, play some cards.

-R-Really? Oh, I'd love -like that. -He grinned, it pulled on Robert's heartstrings.

They made their way back to Robert's apartment chatting about work and their coworkers. Herman held his teammates to high regards despite them treating him somewhat badly (mostly Flambae). Robert shared a few stories from his time as Mecha-Man, including the one where he busted Flambae.

As soon as he unlocked the door, Beef came to greet him, wagging his tails and barking. Herman crouched to talk to him and give him pets. The sight was pretty cute. It was then that reality dawned upon him. He had brought Herman to his apartment, just the two of them. Robert cursed himself under his breath. He felt like a wolf preying on a sheep. But, at the same time, he couldn't help himself.

-Make yourself at home. Want something to drink?

-W-Water would be fine.

-Huh. I thought you didn't have to drink water for some reason.

-I-I do haha.

Robert poured him a cup and grabbed a beer for himself. Herman was standing still in the middle of his living room, looking uncertain.

-Something's wrong?

-I don't want to uh get your couch moist- wet.

-Don't worry about that, it's fine.

Herman didn't seem too convinced.

-You know what? Let me grab a towel for you then.

He grabbed two clean towels from his bathroom's cabinet and spread them out over his gifted couch. Robert realized he didn't have a television or much to do in that tiny apartment of his apart from his work laptop and some cards. Not much to do apart from each other.

-Robert, I just uh- thought about it. I don't think we should play cards. I'd get them all wet.

Damn that was true. His throat seemed dry. He looked at Herman, who was flushed and avoiding his gaze. They could watch something on his laptop, he supposed. But he didn't have a table to place it on, only his lap. Cursed be past Robert's minimalist-broke decisions. He took a sip of his beer, deep in thought.

-Uh- Robert. Can- Can I talk to you about something?

-Sure Herm. What is it?

-Do you promise not- not to be angry- mad?

-Why would I be mad? Did you do something? Should I be concerned?

-N-No! I just uhm. -He looked down at his hands. He seemed to be producing more water than usual. -Ihavefeelingsforyou.

Robert blinked once. Then again. Herman seemed to have contracted upon himself. He laughed nervously.

-You? Have feelings for me?

Herman squeaked. Robert couldn't believe his own ears. Well, he supposed it made sense after all, taking all things into consideration. His silence seemed to have been enough of an answer, Herman stood up and apologized. He turned his back to leave. Robert stood after him and hugged him from behind.

-R-Robert?

-Don't leave yet. I do too. Have feelings for you.

Complete and utter silence. Had he done something wrong? It couldn't be.

Herman slowly turned around, red in the face. His face was inches away from Robert's own.