Chapter Text
The aftermath of the whole Shroud debacle was a hectic one. They had to remake and remodel the destroyed SDN building. Of course they were still partly operational as they had salvaged what equipment they can. What they didn’t expect was the public’s greater interest in the SDN along with increased adoration for the Z-Team.
Higher officials saw this as an opportunity and so with creative minds and the cooperation of the SDN, merchandise was made and there was an influx of demand once the test items were introduced. From standard merch of T-shirts, caps, keychains and posters, there’s also action figures, toys and plushes that coincided with a member of the SDN.
There were Action figures of Malevola, Blazer and Phenomaman and the others. Prism glow wands and Flambae’s signature shades along with Prisms visor. Punch Up boxing gloves and Waterboy water guns. Various plushies were also made of Golem, Sonar (much to the hybrids chagrin) and even Beef. There was also a multitude of Mecha Man merchandise that have sold to a great degree.
Proceeds mostly went to the SDN but the heroes also received bonuses and small royalties. It was a really good way to earn additional funds and introduce the heroes to a larger fan base.
Robert Robertson was on a mission. He really wanted one of the larger Sonar plushies being sold at the Torrance mall. The team had received free merchandise as well much to the dismay of their inflated egos but he saw this one while doom scrolling through his phone and saw the selection of large plushies that were to be sold at that particular location. The Sonar one was adorable and he just had to get it for himself, inconspicuously.
So he was attracted to the bat hybrid, sue him. Beneath all that crypto-bro, Harvard graduating, asshole personality is a gold mine of adorable bravado.
Donning his hoodie and shades Flambae had got him along with a face mask, he set off on his mission. It was the weekend so the likelihood of coming into contact with anyone from the SDN was less likely. He just had to go in, get the plushie and get out, easy enough right?
Well there were a lot of people that came for the new drop of merchandise that a line started forming outside the store. A sign that read about a limit on what you can buy and stuff was at the front of the store. As long as he got the Sonar plush he didn’t need anything else. What he didn't expect were a few members of the Z team to make an appearance....well shit.
Prism, Flambae, Malevola and Sonar came to promote the new merchandise. He wasn't aware of this...well maybe he didn't check his emails. This throws a wrench in his plans but maybe he could use it to his advantage. While the Z-team promoted in the little area infront of the store, he snuck in, located the large Sonar plush and rushed to the register. Not lingering too long he exited the store without even a glance from his subordinates...well except maybe Sonar who spotted him as he left and was vaguely recognized.
"Hey Mal? that guy leaving with the massive bag...He feels familiar to some degree" He questioned sending out sound waves to get a better read on the guy but they already had gotten a good distance away.
"Ya think he shoplifted?" Malevola asked looking at the the direction Sonar was facing
"Nah, just familiar even a little suspicious but eh we have to promote the heck out of the new merch, we deserve the royalties" Sonar shrugged sparing the retreating figure another glance.
Mission accomplished! Robert breathed a sigh of relief as he got into his car and drove off. That was a little too close for comfort. Their team had gotten close but they were relentless. If they found out he had a plush of Sonar...well let's just say he'd rather go back to being a solo hero.
Robert got home and beef greeted him with a happy yip. He was was spoiled with toys and merchandise from the SDN. The other items Chase bought them for the chonky boy. He finally got a bed again after some generous donations from the team and a certain hybrid, so he headed straight for it. Removing his hoodie and shoes. He deposited the bag on the bed and excitedly took out the plush. He didn't really had enough time to admire in the store but it really did look adorable once you look at the details.
The head was made from a fluffy material that looked like fur, White felt eyes and a cute smirking mouth with his fangs protruding mad from felt as well. The ears were upright with pink inner linings to show the inside of his ears. They were wearing a suit and a red tied along with black blobby shoes and two peach colored hands. He wasted no time as he plopped on his bed, plush in his arms. He'd never get the real Sonar to cuddle with him so this was the better alternative. Beef had jumped on the bed carrying his own little plush toy of Golem as he lied down to join his owner for a nap.
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"I don't think this is a good Idea Mal, I mean what if he's busy?" Sonar said trying to talk his friend from going to Robert's to hang. It's not like it's something they hadn't done before but still they could've gave the man a heads up.
"Nah, we got most of the stuff, we just need the place to hang for a few hours. We deserve it after Overtime for today's event. I didn't expect other adults to be s excited for the little ankle biters for our merch, I mean there was almost a brawl for the last Mecha Man figure" Mal recalled opening a portal. Flambae and Prism ad already left to do their own stiff and the other two didn't really have much else to do today and Robert's place was the closest they can go to.
"Besides, it'll give you the chance to see him outside the office again" She teased with a knowing grin.
Sonar huffed crossing his arms as he gave her a flat glare. Telling your roommate you have a crush on your boss wasn't the best thing he could have ever done but he appreciated her support except the constant teasing.
She opened a portal and gestured for the hybrid to go in first and he dd, he stepped foot in a familiar apartment as Malevola followed closing the portal. Robert wasn't in the living area but they heard the little pitter patter of feet that had came from the bed room to greet them. The duo greeted and pet the good boy as he re-entered the bedroom leaving it open. Sonar used his echolocation and saw the man they were looking for was asleep.
"He's taking a nap, told ya we should've called first" Sonar chided but was ignored as the demoness quietly crept to the bedroom. The hybrid tried to pull her away but she was faster when she wanted to. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"Mal, not cool! Let the man sleep" He whisper scolded as he tried to pull her away but he was the one that ended up being pulled as she pointed to the man on the bed.
"Look!" She said with a mischievous grin. Sonar did so and was also surprised by what he saw. Their dispatcher/boss was sleeping soundly cuddling a plush of himself. He felt his face heat up either from embarrassment, flattery or jealousy. "I gotta take a pic!" Mal said taking out her phone and snapping a few pictures of the slumbering man.
"Not cool Mal, Let's go. We should let him rest" He pulled her away as he gently closed the door behind them. "Let's go, we'll come back when he's awake...and can I have one of those?" Sonar asked sheepishly.
"Of course babes, why'd ya think I took them...well maybe to send to the team but look. Out of all plushies available it's yours that he's cuddling" Mal gushed as she opened a portal to get them back to their apartment. Victor quietly feeling he should take that plushie's place in Robert's arms.