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Rhodes was standing outside the locker rooms, making sure the kids didn’t dawdle as they got changed.
“A date? Really?” He heard someone say, making him tilt his head a little. He didn’t overly care about who the kids were dating, but it was fun to listen to teenagers gossip. They were funny.
“Yeah, Kevin said he heard Mr Bunny ask Doctor C out while batting his eyes and that Doctor C said yes.”
“And Clark overhead them organising a meeting point.”
…
Teenagers were no longer funny.
What the fuck.
“I don’t believe it, isn’t he, like, obsessed with Mr Runner?” Thank you! Was that Leonardo?
“I’m pretty sure the whole debate has been about deciding if they love or hate each other, and hate is one of those options.” That was Donnie. He had to find a way to give that kid detention.
“He was really chill while on duty yesterday.”
“Doctor Coyote has never been chill a day in his life.” Wrong, but whatever. He loved that he was one of the only people who could see what his darling was really like.
“But he was chill with Mr Bunny!”
Rhodes took a deep breath and walked far enough away to not be able to hear the kids so he didn’t lose his fucking mind. How could they think Wile wanted Bennett?
“Not to mention Doctor C said his nickname!”
That’s it. They were running the mile today.
—
Rhodes brought his coffee up to his face and breathed in the smell, smiling softly before taking a sip. He sat back at the lunch table across from Daffy and Speedy.
“You chosen the musical for next semester, Daf?” He asked, starting to unbox his lunch.
“Almost. I’ve narrowed it down to three, at least.”
“Better than last time I asked.” He laughed.
Bennett entered the room, looking around and giving everyone a friendly wave. Now, he knew what was happening this weekend. His husband told him about the offer to show Bennett around town, and he didn’t mind. Sure, he’d had a small flash of jealousy when realising that Bennett was his angels only other serious relationship, but he was a grown man. People could be friends and exes at the same time, look at him and Matilda!
Then he overheard the children. Evil, evil children who thought his beloved Wile E Coyote would actually take this Bennett on a date. Ha!
“Bennett, hi! Why don’t you come and join us?” Rhodes called with a smile. Bennett seemed to stall for a moment, before smiling back.
“Aw, thanks doc. ‘Preciate it.” He said as he took a seat.
“Of course! Are you settling in okay?” He asked sweetly.
“Yeah, this place already runs smoother than the last place I worked.” He laughed, and the sound grated on his ears.
“You’ll have to thank Granny for that, runs a tight ship, she does.” Rhodes chuckled. “How about the town? You like it here?”
“Haven’t gotten around much yet, but Wile offered to show me the sights this weekend.”
“Oh, he did?” Rhodes pretended to be surprised. “Huh, he doesn’t normally warm up to people that quickly.”
“We actually met back in college.”
“Really? What was he like back then?” Daffy asked before Rhodes could, taking him out of his own head. Pull it together, Runner. He’s your boss now. Just because they dated in college doesn’t mean he wants to date Wile now. He was taking some teenage gossip too seriously, the whole ‘keep the kids guessing’ was their game. And besides, Wile was the only person in town that Bennett knew, of course he’d lean into that before settling down roots.
“To be honest, he was a total smoke show.”
Never mind. Rhodes was going to kill him.
“Was?” Daffy prompted.
“Well, not to disparage how he looks now, he’s still a tall drink’a water. Actually, can I say that?” No, because that’s HIS GODDAMN HUSBAND YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT- “But really, it was loud. For a guy who don’t speak much he’s got such a presence. Plus he was a total klutz back then, bumping into things and falling over his own feet.” Bennett laughed. This stupid bastard was MAKING FUN OF HIS HUSBAND HOW DARE HE-
“So smart, always inventing some device or tinkering with what we had lyin’ around. The amount of burn cream we went through.” The man shook his head with a smile. “I’d almost have thought he’d calmed down from how chaotic he was back then if it weren’t for that first day in the gym with you, Rhodes.”
“Meep-meep?” Rhodes blinked in shock, then cursed himself internally for working himself up so much. He held up a finger and took a deep breath.
“Really?” He tried again.
“Oh yeah. Running around with traps and stuff- that might even be more chaotic than what I knew him capable of.”
Rhodes preened internally. Of course it was, he was the only one who could truly bring out his baby girls true free self.
“What’s the deal with that anyway?” Bennett asked.
“Oh, it’s all just a bit of fun. Friendly rivalry for the kids to cheer over.” He dismissed. Even if they weren’t playing the game, it wasn’t a good idea to admit to his new boss that they were flirting at work in front of their students.
“Eh, alright then. What are you all up to anyway?”
“Daffy’s trying to pick the musical for next semester.” Speedy said.
“Oh yeah? I like Bye Bye Birdie.”
“Bye- are you- bye bye birdie?! Bye bye birdie?! Are you nuts?!” Daffy started sputtering. Rhodes and Speedy shared a look and had to stifle laughter. Bennett held up his hands in mock surrender.
“Hey, I didn’t say ya had to put it on, just that I liked it.”
Daffy started on his usual tirade whenever someone brought up an old racist or sexist show. Rhodes let him quack on, starting to actually eat his food. Bennett just sat there and listened, an amused look on his face.
Bastard.
—
Speedy shuddered as Rhodes left, running a hand through his hair.
“Did you see the way Road was looking at Bugs, man?” He whistled. Daffy huffed, still hyped on his rant to the new guy.
“Yeesh. Like he wanted to claw the guys eyes out.”
“I think he overheard the children talking about the date.”
“God save Bug’s soul. He’s toast.”