Chapter Text
He knew what he was getting into when becoming a dispatcher for a bunch of fuck ups... Or did he really? Because the same fuck ups willingly helped him in the downfall of Shroud.
Yet, even after almost getting turned to ashes by Flambae, something had started blossoming between the two men.
Small smiles, Flambae making lunches for him, softer insults, even listening when on missions. Robert couldn't deny it, really. He loved having Flambae around- it was.. oddly comforting? He was a literal furnace- and every time he stood next to Robert, our poor touch starved dispatcher leaned into his warmth, dare he say, willingly.
It was true, the hothead captivated him. Every insult quipped out, every time they bickered over the littlest detail, Robert felt his heart clench.
He yearned for him, but he knew he had no chance- why would someone like Flambae, a villain he busted up no less, who is smoking hot and out of his league, even like a depressed dispatcher like himself?
The thought of it hurt him- not that he liked the man. Atleast, he convinced himself he didnt.
So then, why did hearing his accented voice say his name give him butterflies?
His thoughts were cut short as a familiar gruff voice perked up over his shoulder.
Right. His shift had ended 15 minutes ago.
"Hey, Bitch!" The heavy accented voice called out to him, undeniably making something warm up in his chest.
He turned around, keeping his sardonic tone altough his eyes softened for just a brief moment.
"Yes, Flambae? What is it?"
A short snarl emanated from the former villain, almost teasing. "You free tonight, BobBob?" He drawled out, leaning down towards the brunette, heat rolling off of him in waves.
"Yes, i am, actually. What, you trying to ask me out?" Robert spoke back, voice sardonic and filled with exhaustion.
"Yes, *bitch*, im asking you out, obviously." He spat back, annoyed and followed by a low growl.
He turned downright crimson red, voice wavering just barely, acting casual.
"Well, it's not like i have anything important planned, i might be able to squeeze you into my *very* busy schedule." He couldnt help but tease the taller man back, struggling to keep a straight face.
"Are you kidding me, Bobert? We both know you dont have shit on your agenda, since you're a depressive normie bitch and all."
"You got me, Flambae. My agenda is just soo empty because im depressed, my social life is ruined!~" Robert sighed dramatically, waving his hands around to amplify his words.
"Enough, Mecha dick. Just answer me, yes or no?"
"Fine, yes, i'll go out with you, im free tonight." Robert leaned back into his seat with a grunt.
"You didn't really have a choice. Wear something fancy, Bobert." Flambae said as he walked away, hips swaying perhaps purposely?
He stopped in the doorway, glancing over his shoulder one last time.
"I'll pick you up at 7."
Wether it was on purpose or not, it still caught Robert's attention- in his defense, who wouldn't stare at Flambae's ass? Sure, he was an ex villain, but that doesnt mean he cant be oggling the man.
With a sigh, Robert turned back to his computer, punching out, before grabbing his stuff(And Beef), starting on his way home.
Outside was pretty warm. It was around march, so it wasnt the warmest, but he could tough it out, he survived worse temperatures.
-----
*The mech suit had started overheating, it was becoming overwhelming. He could feel himself cook alive and his plasma shield wouldnt last longer. He panicked, pressing what he thought was the right button.*
*Wrong.*
*A painful scream errupted through the burning mall. He opened his eyes, before slowly realising that, to his horror, he had activated the plasma blade.*
*The villain's face was contorted in pain, his ring and pinky fingers gone, leaving behind a mangled hand.*
----
He winced at the memories. The day he fought Flambae in the mall. He hadn't meant to slice off his fingers, he was panicked- dying. And flight or fight kicked in.
Did Flambae hate him and wanted revenge? No.. he already tried to kill him once. Did he really like him? Did Flambae actually meant the fact he wanted to take him out? He wasn't sure. Actually, it scared him.
What if Flambae just wanted him alone to finally kill him?
----
He ran a hand through his messy hair as he arrived at his appartment, sighing as he flopped down onto his mattress.
"Fuck.. what did i get myself into..?" He groaned out, eyelids fluttering closed from exhaustion.
Soon enough, sleep had won over him. His features softened, leaving his face a peaceful expression. The freckles that dusted his cheeks were much more prominent against his pale skin.
--✓--
His alarm hadn't rung. He had planned to take a nap for an hour before his date, which turned into 2 hours and 37 missed calls from Flambae, including threats to burn his flat ass to ashes.
Oh god, he was sure done for. That much was clear when a sharp pounding against his door, startling him awake.
"Mm.. what? Come in..?" He called out, every single muscle in his body telling him to lay back down as he sat up dazed.
A second later- a certain fiery hero was in his appartment, steaming in anger.
"You fucking stupid bitch- you stood me up! How dare yo-" He stopped his ranting after seeing Robert still half asleep, staring at him cluelessly with thoses puppy eyes of his.
"M'sorry.. my alarm didnt ring.. didn't mean to leave you hanging, Flambae."
"It's.. whatever, bitch. I should've guessed you wouldn't show up."
"Chad- I didn't mean to. Seriously. I was thrilled to go out, i just overslept."
"It's Nahir."
"What?"
"My name's Nahir." He murmured out, leaning against the kitchen counter.
"Well, nice to meet you Nahir, im Robert." He held out his hand for him to shake. Wether he was joking or genuine, he didn't know.
Still, he shook his hand, cracking just the tiniest of smiles.
"So... Are we still on for that date?" He smiled.
"No. We have all night, we dont have work tomorrow, remember?"
"Thats great.. how about movie night? I dont feel like going out, really."
"Too bad, bobbob. We're going to the club."
"Sounds like the worst place for a first date."
"Pfft, it'll be fun. We'll just have to.. get you a new outfit."
"What's wrong with this one?" Robert whined.
"Bobbob, that's litteraly your work shirt." Flambae remarked
"Yeah? So? It's my only decent shirt." He shrugged
"Are you fucking kidding me?- Fine. Im sure theres some actual wearable clothes somewhere."
A second later, Flambae had started digging around, finally finding a box labeled "ClOthEs" and opening it to find a few shirts and two pairs of jeans.
He sorted out a black shirt and one of the pair of jeans, throwing them at Robert.
"Put this on.. thats the only decent thing i can find."
"Seriously? Ugh.." Robert groaned, changing into the clothes and looking in his bathroom mirror.
Nahir was right. It fit Robert like a glove. And he couldn't deny it himself- the jeans gave him nice legs and the shirt made him look bigger than he actually was.
But he wouldn't tell Nahir he was right. Not with the immense ego that guy had.
"It's.. fine, i guess. My uniform is much more comfortable, though." He lied with ease, huffing just slightly.
"Bobert, i will absolutely beat your flat normie ass if you dont stop lying right now."
Robert froze at the growl, letting out a sigh. "Fine, you got me. I like the outfit, it fits me just fine."
"Much better, bobbob." He said triumphantly as he grinned like a kid who just got candy. His missing tooth made him adorable like one, too.
"Now let's go. Im driving us."
"Do you even follow traffic laws?"
"Who do you think i am, bobert? Obviously not."
"Not surprising, not surprising at all."
"Suck it up, we'll be there in the next half hour"
"Great- just great."
-------------
The club wasn't as bad as he thought it would be- except for the part where Nahir forgot to mention it was a gay club.
Nahir had disappeared into the crowd of people, while he sat at the bar, ordering for himself.
"Hey cutie, Never seen you here before, you're new here?" The bartender asked. Robert wasnt sure if he was flirting or just fishing for tips.
"First time ever at a gay club, actually. My date wanted us to come here for some reason." Robert sighed, leaning against his hand and swirling his whiskey around the glass he held.
"Your date? Who is he?"
"Flambae, why? You know him?" Robert questioned.
"Of course i do! He always comes here to find a good fuck. Im not surprised he took you here, you must be his newest boy toy."
"Oh.. that's... Great to know, just the thing i needed to hear tonight."
He looked out into the crowd of people around the bar, immediately seeing Flambae leaning into a shorter man.
Freckles, brown hair- was he really flirting with a cheap copy of himself?
His heart felt heavy, pain flashing through his eyes for just a second, before paying his tab and leaving the club. Was that jealousy he felt? Impossible. He couldn't be jealous- he just couldn't.
What did he expect? It was Flambae of all people. Of course he wouldnt actually like the guy who took his fingers and threw him in jail.
"Great, im a boy toy, just what i wanted. How marvelous." He thought, walking back towards his appartment complex through the night.
His eyes stung and the tears stung, but he wouldnt cry. It was stupid, Mecha Man didnt cry. So he denied the tears and blamed it on the cold.
Within the next five minutes, heavy footsteps were right on his trail, practically yelling at him.
"Robert! What the fuck?! Why did you leave?!" Flambae yelled, finally catching up to him and spinning Robert around to face him.
Robert spoke, his tone sardonic. "Oh, i dont know. Maybe because you brought me to a gay club on a 'date' just to flirt with someone else?"
"You're ridiculous- i didn't mean to!"
"No, im not ridiculous. I just dont want to be a boy toy. You know what? Dont even. Just leave me alone."
Nahir hands shot out, gripping his arms and pulling him closer.
And for the first time, Robert could see the genuine shock and hurt in his eyes. He could even see the small blush forming on his cheeks, something that Nahir would never admit in a million years.
Taking a deep breath, he spoke, his voice shaky- uncharacteristically so.
"Robert- it's not what you think. I.. i like you, okay? I've rarely had more than hook ups and quick fucks, so im fucking sorry if im not the best date, i just.. havent been on any serious dates for years."
"Nahir- im-"
"No, let me finish. Im sorry about what you heard, but ive changed. Atleast, with you. I dont wanna mess this up, Robert. You made me a better person, even if you did throw me in jail for 5 years.. you still changed me."
"And i love you."
Robert felt like his head was spinning- did he really said he loved him? It sounded genuine, and to his dismay, he was blushing. Yet, he answered his words, his tone softer than usual.
"Thats- thats a lot, Nahir. But.. i do get it. I.. never had anything serious ever since i became mecha man, maybe a few hook ups, yes, but i.. i never could love someone. And.. you changed that. So, im saying this back. I love you, Nahir. I truly do."
His brain could barely register Nahir's reaction, before his mouth were on his, pulling them both into a searing kiss, stealing his breath away.
The hothead's right hand trailed to the small of his back, heat seeping into his bones. While his left hand carefully held Robert's cheek.
As they pulled away to catch their breaths, the both of them panting softly, bodies flush against eachoters, it was impossible for them to deny the tension anymore.
Their history be damned, they both loved eachoters, needed eachoters. Robert needed a stable routine, and Flambae? Well, he needed him like he needed air.
He could provide everything Robert needed. Proper meals, Pills for his chronic pain, An actual bed and extremely good sex(of course).