[ Robert may sigh and mumble something about "here we go" once Flambae starts going on about his throne and his shitty apartment and everything. But on the plus side, he doesn't have to go further into why he doesn't really want to have a kid or why his childhood was bad actually. So he just lets the man go on about it until he offers the drink.
Of course, he doesn't get the connotations of the request at all either but. Whatever, it's fine. ]
Uh-huh.
[ He rolls his eyes as he takes a sip of the daiquiri. He does have to take his hand away from Flambae in order to do so, but they're still close enough that he's probably going to start sweating from the heat the firestarter gives off anyway.
It is fruity, but since when has Robert not appreciated something sweet? ]
Hm. It's not bad.
[ Strawberry maybe isn't his flavor of choice, but honestly who can't enjoy a strawberry daiquiri? Weaklings, that's who. ]
And it's Care Bears you're thinking of, by the way.
[ Might as well help the guy out even if he didn't get Robert's attempt to be cute with him at all. When the bartender glances at them, he also lifts his hand up to signal another beer. If he keeps it light, he probably won't get drunk and silly no matter how many he drinks! Okay, he knows that's not how it works but he's still kind of nervous about all this. So it's still the safest choice. ]
[He watches Robert's lips on his glass with the hunger of an impatient predator, only belatedly understanding what the unfortunate, touch-starved man was meaning to do. Sometimes it feels like torture to gaze upon Robert's lips, knowing just how eager he was to be kissed when they had finally gotten down to becoming more intimately physical with one another.
Care Bears... He will remember that. Mostly because if a caring bear had looked his way seven or eight-ish years ago, he probably wouldn't still be single.
Well, in this moment, Flambae isn't single anymore.
It delights him.]
Not bad?
[He cocks his head to the side. Okay, so Robert isn't as partial to strawberry-flavored things as Flambae is. All the fire-based hero has got to go off of is the shorter man's wretched love of Twinkies, which has addled his empty brain enough. When his niece visited his week, he had scoured the internet for gourmand roll-on perfumes before shutting his laptop and cursing himself.
Musks and citrus-y scents work better for him. Vanilla reminds Flambae of all the bathroom hookups he had with college-aged twinks around that age.]
I thought you liked it when I spit in things.
[He raises a furry eyebrow, attempting to make eye contact with Robert if he can. Is the little wretch drunk already...]
[ Maybe he's not a caring bear but he is, indeed, the current cause of Flambae's lack of singleness. And maybe his flirt diversion failed a little bit, but it was still a diversion from the kid thing and he's still having a good enough time that it doesn't really matter. Another attempt can present itself at any moment.
Or Flambae could say something raunchy (and not completely untrue).
Robert huffs out a laugh, eventually turning himself so he's facing Flambae completely. He's careful to try not to knock those large yaoi arms away from him too so that his boyfriend doesn't think he doesn't like or want it anymore. It's just easier when he can look right at him, even if it makes him a target for his own expressions or the color of his complexion to betray him. ]
You might have to spit in it a little more, I could only taste the strawberry.
[ He raises a brow slowly and it might even come off as a bit coy. Has another opportunity already presented itself? If he's not drunk, he's certainly a little loosey-goosey compared to usual.
He leans in to deliver a sexy-whisper close to Flambae's ear (he can't reach the best). Although if it actually ends up being sexy, well. That'd probably be dumb luck. ]
Clearly, that stupid line has had an effect on him. His complexion is a little deeper than Robert's, but not deep enough to hide that he's definitely blushing.]
You fucking lightweight. You...
[To make matters even worse, he humiliates himself further by jumping the gun.]
[ Oh shit, it worked. Not that Robert had any doubts, because in his currently tipsy state of mind, he's very confident about his moves. Or at least, he's getting more confident and less in his head about whether he's doing or saying the right things because all this dating and caring and falling in love stuff is ridiculously out of his wheelhouse. ]
I'm not drunk.
[ which is what drunk people say, but he's not! He's not wasted, he is still aware of what's going on!
And as if it's going to win the argument, he picks up his new beer for a couple of drinks of it. He puts his other hand on one of Flambae's pecs as he does. ]
You taste like... well, something spicy, obviously. [ Good spicy. Not 3am tacos spicy, you know? That's still good but in a completely different context and strictly at 3am. ]
[Flambae feels a touch humiliated. He despises how, in this moment, he knows just how pathetic he seems, yearning for what is one of the stupidest not-pickup lines he's heard in a while.
It doesn't matter how vulgar the words are- Or corny. It's just nice that Robert bothered to say anything at all, and it's not lost on the former supervillain that it might've taken some booze to get any of that to happen.
He looks down at the hand on his chest, his drink that's been set back down on the bar, and finally Robert's face. He leans forward, challenging the other man, although he's trying to get close enough to see if the dispatcher's breath reeks of liquor already.]
Robert.
[Flambae sounds more concerned than angry.]
You are drunk.
[and if it's physically possible he will caress Robert with the hand that isn't carrying his stupid sdn shirt, imagine, the sensation of having your face caressed by three fucking fingers-]
I can't kiss you if you're shitfaced and I'm not, you know?
[ It wasn't a stealthy boob grab, but Robert doesn't even have a shirt to hide behind, it only seemed fair. And maybe he just feels better about this weird foreign place (even if Prism's music is blaring in the background) when he's got a hand on Flambae, familiar and warm.
He blinks a couple of times as Flambae leans in closer and he doesn't give Robert what he wants. Then he almost looks sad. The truth is, he didn't just say these stupid things because of the alcohol, he just feels less stupid about it. ]
I told you I'm not. Maybe by the end of the second one.
[ His cheeks are still a burning shade of red, perhaps even a little darker now as he looks away. Kind of a childish sulk. The critical success in his pick-up attempts seems to have died as quickly as it lived. ]
Thought that was only the rule for people you aren't already dating.
[ He doesn't move to pick up his drink again though. ]
[The sadness in Robert's eyes cuts at Flambae instantly. He winces as the other man's eyes fall, and he speaks before thinking-]
Baby, your face is red.
[What was three fingers and maybe two nubs becomes a palm, tender and flat against the side of a roughed up face. Looking at Robert in this moment feels like a little bit of a relief, weirdly enough, seeing as he's so used to seeing the man with various injuries. A fat lip, a bloody nose, various bruises...
Sure, he's tipsy at the very least, but his stupid, pouty face is in one piece.
Flambae leans inwards to press a soft kiss to Robert's temple.]
I dunno if that's a good rule, actually.
[His voice is soft, wholly sincere amidst the insane lyrics that are probably being rapped over a sick beat right now.]
I can't tell if you're just buzzed, or...
[Flambae tilts his head to the side, observing Robert keenly.]
It takes a lot of drinks for me to get where you are, usually.
[ Robert blinks a couple of times, his mouth shrinking into a sort of "o" expression, though his lips are still closed. Sort of like the icon but a little more pursed together and closed-lipped in a way I can't describe any better...
Anyway, his cheeks were kind of a "I'm getting tipsy" shade of rogue but they soften into the flustered pink of a blush.
Sometimes he wonders though, if he'd want to be like Blazer and Flambae who have to drink a lot or something ridiculously strong to even feel a tingle or if that just sounds like it kind of sucks. ]
So you are starting to do the things that I want, now? So you're into pet names, cool... I learned something new about you.
[He tilts his head further.
Flambae isn't used to being this nice, not in public, and certainly not without the ever-looming threat of losing the person he is addressing in earnest. It's a privilege that has been primarily earned by friends thus far, as all his past loves have been a bit tumultuous, ending up in flames nearly every time.
Robert can be so unpredictable. Maybe there's a sense of relatability to it- How the dispatcher can seem like he feels so on top of the world one second and so irrefutably dismayed the next. For all his pesky nagging over the intercomms at work, it would seem that he isn't so perfect, so stoic, when he actually bothers to listen to the thrumming of his own heart.
This time when he sees Robert's face color, the freckles mixing in with hues of red and pink, Flambae doesn't feel any hesitation or humiliation about the tingle he experiences himself.
He's lived long enough to know his own biology by now- It's not the fruity cocktail that's making him feel this way.]
Do places like this make you feel uncomfortable?
[Clubs or bars with raucous crowds, the kind that isn't seedy or violent.
In some ways, the chaotic atmosphere creates a unique pressure to be or feel happy, which isn't always for the best.]
[ Is he protesting doing things that Flambae wants, or the pet names? ]
It just felt like you wanted me to slow down on the alcohol, that's all.
[ Ironic that Flambae is being so sincere and Robert is having trouble with it at the moment. But his head is starting to feel fuzzy around the edges from the alcohol buzz, and he's got a lot of thoughts churning around in there. Like how he doesn't want to embarrass himself or disappoint Chad by getting drunk too fast and he's already almost blown it. And how it made his heart flutter when he was called "baby" even though that's never something he'd considered before. Or how he notices how intently he's being stared at and he doesn't know what it's for or how to feel about it.
Obviously he likes being looked at by Flambae. ]
Huh? Oh...well.
[ He glances around almost cautiously at their surroundings for a brief moment. Prism's music is amazing, they all know that, but the rest of the scene? Flambae is right to guess that it's not really Robert's.
Not because he isn't fun, mind you!! ]
It's not the kind of bar I usually hang around in. [ Flambae knows this, obviously. He's just saying it for posterity or something. ] And I wasn't expecting to just get rid of my shirt in the first half of the night, either.
[ Robert has never really been self-conscious about his body, so why start now? Maybe it's just a combination of many factors tonight, but it feels weird. More than once he's had little thoughts of "I only want Flambae to look at me like this" stab his brain. ]
You know, you can go dance or catch up with people- well, Prism's probably not coming back anytime soon- or whatever. I won't disappear or anything. Or get shitfaced. [ He holds up his hands. ] Promise.
[ Suddenly he just feels like, since he asked that question, maybe Flambae is a little disappointed they're not partying like it's 1999. Maybe he's staring at Robert so much because he wishes his boyfriend was better at this. Ugh. ]
Flambae can't help but think that this isn't quite what he imagined from Mecha Man, although that's a thought he's had at least fifty times over by now, but he's grateful for it. Robert's shyness is cute, a word that Flambae knows the dispatcher will protest if he utters it aloud.
He's never really had to deal with anything like this, as Robert is the only normie he's even bothered to get to know in a coital context. Sure, Flambae has often observed that non-superpowered beings are affected by alcohol more quickly, but he's never really been made to think about it.
If he kisses Robert, would it be the same as someone kissing a drunk person who had no capacity to say no? That's his primary worry.]
And why would I want to dance with anyone but you?
[His head moves to either side slightly. The words are spoken plainly in earnest, without the onslaught of relentless swears or typical flashy drama.]
[ that's because they're in a gay bar and there's TONS of people around and he hardly even wants to be shirtless, let alone blowing Flambae here! Back at his apartment, however....
Anyway, Robert thinks about it too sometimes, that he probably isn't what Flambae imagined Mecha Man to be, especially after holding such antagonist feelings about him for so long. He wonders if it's disappointing, or if he should even care whether it is or not. After all, they're still here, together. He called Robert "baby" ... so he must not be a complete let down. Never meet your heroes (or your enemies??) they say, but he's probably doing alright.
Saying something like he only wants to dance with Robert also makes the dispatcher just really want to kiss Flambae all the more. Of course he gets it, doing anything to people who are under the influence can be sketchy... but he knows for a fact that he would feel the same in any state of sobriety (or lack thereof).
He can wait though. He can be good and patient and enjoy their public date.
Feeling both humbled and pleased though about the dancing, he nods a couple of times, looking down at the drink that he hasn't touched since he said he wouldn't. ]
I don't know. Just making sure you knew that.
[ He won't hold him back from having fun. He will, however, hold him back from sharing all the details of Prism's personal sex life. ]
Okay, TMI. Let her have her fun, I don't need to know.
[He looks at Robert knowingly, whatever's left of Flambae's own drink sitting at the bar, remaining untouched.
He wraps an arm around Robert as if to shield him in a way, feeling a little guilty for making the man undress, somehow having foolishly believed that things would have been alright either way. The states of undress that Robert has been in have all been due to violence, how could he fucking forget? Other than what's happened between them in the apartment, and when the Z-team ambushed Robert in his home, has this wet noodle of a former hero even gone to the beach within the past year?
God, what is he even talking about. Look at how pale the guy is, the answer is no.]
Okay, then.
[He makes no effort to hide the once-over he gives Robert. Flambae does genuinely feel bad for making him uncomfortable, but damn, does the dispatcher look good in his arms.]
Now I know.
I get that you don't exactly want to raise the motherfucking roof when I tell you this, but-
[His voice dips, wavering into more sultry territory, and he leans in to give Robert another kiss on the cheek.]
I think you're at your cutest when you're nervous, BobBob. ❤︎
[Flambae is quiet for a few seconds, letting that thought sit, once-again intensely observing the other man for his potential reaction.]
[ Despite not feeling particularly ashamed of his body, Robert does appear to be pretty private about it if he can help it. He was willing, though, to make up for his fashion blunder if he could! It isn't the most comfortable but having Flambae's arms around him really does help. Somehow the PDA is less harrowing than the idea of his privacy invaded by strangers' gazes.
When in the world would he ever have had time to go to the beach? Maybe they can find some now. Or maybe it's for the best that Robert's pale white body just stays away.
Having Flambae lean so close to him and use that voice has him suppressing a shudder, trying to keep it together as his ears flare up in betrayal and his heart dips as the kiss to his cheek leaves him longing for one to his mouth instead. Can't believe this guy has this kind of power over him.
He huffs, glancing off to the side in protest. ]
Ass.
[ Unfortunately he can hardly be actually annoyed when he's so smitten with the fireball in front of him and the alcohol in him only seems to make it worse, so he looks back at Flambae in defeat, brows scrunched as he smiles at him. ]
I thought you didn't want me to finish my drink.
[ And what if Flambae definitely won't kiss him if he does? It already feels kind of lame that he'd rather go home than stay here and party. But Prism isn't even around anyway, sooo... ]
[Flambae snorts again, although the sound is notably triumphant this time.
As much as he loves to party, he's been doing his best to ignore the hollow echoes that seem to follow all these fun nights out. Make no mistake, Flambae is an adventurer through and through, and is grateful that his strength carries him through the night in ways that would render mere mortals tired and hunkering down several hours earlier...
But he's found himself longing for a companion as of late, even before Robert showed up at SDN.
Flambae had beat himself up about it quietly. In some ways, it's been difficult to admit, a sign that he's getting old.]
It's not that I don't want you to have fun, Robert.
[Ooh. That cheeky, nearly sadistic tone he's using indicates that tormenting Robert is all sorts of fun- For Flambae, anyway.]
I thought I could tolerate taking you out for a night on the town, but boozing around in front of, what is this... This peanut gallery of twinks-
[LKSDLKF]
Is making me realize I prefer having you all to myself.
[It's here where he taps Robert's cheek with a thumb, then guiding it so that they are finally face to face.]
I know how much you like to be kissed.
[laying it on thick, huh, hot cheeto yaoi]
But, before I do that for that you, I need to make sure you're sober enough for me. So~! You tell me!
How many fingers am I holding up?
[And then, like a goddamn curse... He holds up the three remaining fingers on the altered hand, then folding all of them down except the middle one.]
[ He answers flatly, finally reaching for his beer for a sip. It's just a tiny one though. Honestly, alcohol hasn't consistently been something he's turned to for "fun", so it really hasn't been such a big deal not to chug beer after beer down. But being subjected to being referred to as cute (and for being a nervous idiot at that) earned a sip.
And really, he's about to retort to that cheeky tone of Flambae's voice as he explains, but the man keeps going and admits to wanting Robert to himself, and if that doesn't send his heartbeat skyrocketing into space he doesn't know what will. He doesn't even know why it has such an effect on him, so his eyes are a little wider than normal and his expression one of subtly dazed twitterpation when his face is tilted back to Flambae's.
It's just. Sure, the Z-team constantly teases him and tries to touch him and other HR nightmares, but some part of him (that he didn't even consciously know of) just really wants to be wanted that badly. It's nice to see someone being selfish about him. ]
Obviously twinks aren't really my type, so you're good.
[ Twinkies maybe, but look at this guy holding him. He can't be classified as a twink, and Robert's pupils have teeny tiny little hearts in them right this very second. Not that you'd be able to see them, with how his lids get a little heavy with want. He likes to be kissed. He wants to kiss Flambae so badly. There was no choice but to deflect all of the feelings with dry wit.
Then his eyes narrow a hair as his gaze slides over to the three-fingered hand. That's almost his answer— again, he's keenly aware of how many he's got and why that's the case — but thankfully, he has time to amend it before he opens his mouth. Flipping him off...really mature!!! ]
One. And the feeling is mutual.
[ So just kiss him already, he wants it so bad it's stupid. ]
in place of this icon imagine the ai thumbnail kiss but maybe without the ai
[The answer is correct enough for him, someone who's been holding back on two accounts, a thing he is not used to doing for anybody, himself most of all.
He leans in, grabbing the side of Robert's face with his free hand, unaware of how its lack of fingers seems to be something that his boyfriend is often thinking about.]
Mmmm...
[He kisses Robert aggressively, possessively, having come to understand that for some reason the little freak seems to like being consumed, to feel as though he's being devoured carnally or sexually, and when left to his own devices, that's how Flambae likes to enjoy his men.
He pulls away for a second, then going back in to hold Robert's lower lip and suck any drops of alcohol remaining right out of it, leaning back and panting heavily.
His eyes are half-lidded too, orange and fiery as ever, although he waits for Robert to speak fist, daring him to break the silence.]
[ Of course he thinks about it, he's the whole reason there's only three fingers left.
But he's not thinking too hard about it now that they've finally made it here and suddenly he's not just fuzzy drunk in the head, it's all over his body. His heart is fluttering and his stomach tightening as he savors every second of the possessive kiss. Without even really paying attention to himself, he gives that little half groan half growl of his up against their lips, almost straight up knocking their drinks right over as he slaps a hand out on the bar like he's got to hold on.
Sometimes he really is a little freak.
It's almost enough to forget where they are and all the people and noises, but when Flambae pulls back that last time, he's forced to remember. Damn. His ears are practically glowing and he looks more properly intoxicated now. ]
[Getting drunk of alcohol may be a difficult task, but a man?
That's not difficult for Flambae at all- Or Chad either, for that matter.
Robert's enthusiasm for the fire-starter's affection is delicious in a way that feels like it should be transgressive. Perhaps it's due to Flambae's own affinity for men who are starved for affection, stoic in the streets but desperate in the sheets, in part because he feels they are the ones who really do appreciate him. They way their eyes can't help but marvel at a physique that is not at all natural, completely obtuse to all the effort it takes to get it to look that way, right down to the hair on his body that's been neatly trimmed and cared for, like his skin and everything else.
When you've photographed yourself from every flattering angle that exists, nude or nearly, it's a specific kind of treat to be with someone who finally grabs at that same body like they've gotten the opportunity to touch a treasured work of art.]
Yeah.
[Robert isn't different in this regard, but in all the others, he feels like such a stark contrast. They shouldn't get on and yet it is the push and pull that makes things interesting.
The dispatcher's quietness isn't just from withholding, it's fascinating. Like the kind of puzzle that Flambae would actually like to work out, instead of something frustrating, redundant, and physically unappealing like a Rubix cube.]
Yeah, I can fly you.
[Finally, Flambae unfurls the arm that holds Robert's SDN button-up.
Not before glancing at the spot on the bar Robert gripped onto, however.]
I am assuming you want to put this fugly shit back on?
[ For Robert it's probably the other way around. Getting drunk on alcohol is easy, but getting drunk on a man? He didn't even really think about it until it happened with Chad. Now he feels like he's on a constant rollercoaster ride of varying feelings. Moments like that kiss make it all so worth it though. Bit by bit, he's probably also going to figure out just how lonely he's been for most of his life, and how incredibly this former nemesis of his is changing that. ]
Okay.
[ That's good enough for him, and he nods.
But when the shirt comes back into the picture, he pauses and thinks about it, before shaking his head. He thinks about commenting how he has nothing to do with that particular fashion choice too but then decides against it. ]
If we're leaving then it doesn't matter anymore.
[ Because it will eventually be coming off. Even if they don't get their hands all over each other, he's probably not going to sleep in the work shirt. Probably. ]
Oh, but I can take it anyway. Thanks for holding it...
[ He swings that hand of his back away from the bar and up against Flambae's chest again (it's not his fault that that's what's in reach all the time). Just a gentle little "I'm ready to go" sort of touch. ]
no subject
Of course, he doesn't get the connotations of the request at all either but. Whatever, it's fine. ]
Uh-huh.
[ He rolls his eyes as he takes a sip of the daiquiri. He does have to take his hand away from Flambae in order to do so, but they're still close enough that he's probably going to start sweating from the heat the firestarter gives off anyway.
It is fruity, but since when has Robert not appreciated something sweet? ]
Hm. It's not bad.
[ Strawberry maybe isn't his flavor of choice, but honestly who can't enjoy a strawberry daiquiri? Weaklings, that's who. ]
And it's Care Bears you're thinking of, by the way.
[ Might as well help the guy out even if he didn't get Robert's attempt to be cute with him at all. When the bartender glances at them, he also lifts his hand up to signal another beer. If he keeps it light, he probably won't get drunk and silly no matter how many he drinks! Okay, he knows that's not how it works but he's still kind of nervous about all this. So it's still the safest choice. ]
no subject
Care Bears... He will remember that. Mostly because if a caring bear had looked his way seven or eight-ish years ago, he probably wouldn't still be single.
Well, in this moment, Flambae isn't single anymore.
It delights him.]
Not bad?
[He cocks his head to the side. Okay, so Robert isn't as partial to strawberry-flavored things as Flambae is. All the fire-based hero has got to go off of is the shorter man's wretched love of Twinkies, which has addled his empty brain enough. When his niece visited his week, he had scoured the internet for gourmand roll-on perfumes before shutting his laptop and cursing himself.
Musks and citrus-y scents work better for him. Vanilla reminds Flambae of all the bathroom hookups he had with college-aged twinks around that age.]
I thought you liked it when I spit in things.
[He raises a furry eyebrow, attempting to make eye contact with Robert if he can. Is the little wretch drunk already...]
Or on them.
no subject
Or Flambae could say something raunchy (and not completely untrue).
Robert huffs out a laugh, eventually turning himself so he's facing Flambae completely. He's careful to try not to knock those
large yaoiarms away from him too so that his boyfriend doesn't think he doesn't like or want it anymore. It's just easier when he can look right at him, even if it makes him a target for his own expressions or the color of his complexion to betray him. ]You might have to spit in it a little more, I could only taste the strawberry.
[ He raises a brow slowly and it might even come off as a bit coy. Has another opportunity already presented itself? If he's not drunk, he's certainly a little loosey-goosey compared to usual.
He leans in to deliver a sexy-whisper close to Flambae's ear (he can't reach the best). Although if it actually ends up being sexy, well. That'd probably be dumb luck. ]
And you don't taste like strawberries.
1/?
2/?
3/3
Clearly, that stupid line has had an effect on him. His complexion is a little deeper than Robert's, but not deep enough to hide that he's definitely blushing.]
You fucking lightweight. You...
[To make matters even worse, he humiliates himself further by jumping the gun.]
Then what do I taste like?
[Flambae snorts.]
Idiot.
no subject
I'm not drunk.
[ which is what drunk people say, but he's not! He's not wasted, he is still aware of what's going on!
And as if it's going to win the argument, he picks up his new beer for a couple of drinks of it. He puts his other hand on one of Flambae's pecs as he does. ]
You taste like... well, something spicy, obviously. [ Good spicy. Not 3am tacos spicy, you know? That's still good but in a completely different context and strictly at 3am. ]
You might need to remind me.
1/2
Flambae stands up a little straighter-]
no subject
It doesn't matter how vulgar the words are- Or corny. It's just nice that Robert bothered to say anything at all, and it's not lost on the former supervillain that it might've taken some booze to get any of that to happen.
He looks down at the hand on his chest, his drink that's been set back down on the bar, and finally Robert's face. He leans forward, challenging the other man, although he's trying to get close enough to see if the dispatcher's breath reeks of liquor already.]
Robert.
[Flambae sounds more concerned than angry.]
You are drunk.
[and if it's physically possible he will caress Robert with the hand that isn't carrying his stupid sdn shirt, imagine, the sensation of having your face caressed by three fucking fingers-]
I can't kiss you if you're shitfaced and I'm not, you know?
It wouldn't be right.
no subject
He blinks a couple of times as Flambae leans in closer and he doesn't give Robert what he wants. Then he almost looks sad. The truth is, he didn't just say these stupid things because of the alcohol, he just feels less stupid about it. ]
I told you I'm not. Maybe by the end of the second one.
[ His cheeks are still a burning shade of red, perhaps even a little darker now as he looks away. Kind of a childish sulk. The critical success in his pick-up attempts seems to have died as quickly as it lived. ]
Thought that was only the rule for people you aren't already dating.
[ He doesn't move to pick up his drink again though. ]
no subject
Baby, your face is red.
[What was three fingers and maybe two nubs becomes a palm, tender and flat against the side of a roughed up face. Looking at Robert in this moment feels like a little bit of a relief, weirdly enough, seeing as he's so used to seeing the man with various injuries. A fat lip, a bloody nose, various bruises...
Sure, he's tipsy at the very least, but his stupid, pouty face is in one piece.
Flambae leans inwards to press a soft kiss to Robert's temple.]
I dunno if that's a good rule, actually.
[His voice is soft, wholly sincere amidst the insane lyrics that are probably being rapped over a sick beat right now.]
I can't tell if you're just buzzed, or...
[Flambae tilts his head to the side, observing Robert keenly.]
It takes a lot of drinks for me to get where you are, usually.
[A beat passes.]
And a little molly. Or some E.
1/2
Anyway, his cheeks were kind of a "I'm getting tipsy" shade of rogue but they soften into the flustered pink of a blush.
He called him baby ....?
///// ]
no subject
[ he shakes his head quickly. ]
I'm just buzzed. You don't have to worry.
[ He's not that bad.
Sometimes he wonders though, if he'd want to be like Blazer and Flambae who have to drink a lot or something ridiculously strong to even feel a tingle or if that just sounds like it kind of sucks. ]
I'll slow down, if you want me to.
no subject
So you are starting to do the things that I want, now? So you're into pet names, cool... I learned something new about you.
[He tilts his head further.
Flambae isn't used to being this nice, not in public, and certainly not without the ever-looming threat of losing the person he is addressing in earnest. It's a privilege that has been primarily earned by friends thus far, as all his past loves have been a bit tumultuous, ending up in flames nearly every time.
Robert can be so unpredictable. Maybe there's a sense of relatability to it- How the dispatcher can seem like he feels so on top of the world one second and so irrefutably dismayed the next. For all his pesky nagging over the intercomms at work, it would seem that he isn't so perfect, so stoic, when he actually bothers to listen to the thrumming of his own heart.
This time when he sees Robert's face color, the freckles mixing in with hues of red and pink, Flambae doesn't feel any hesitation or humiliation about the tingle he experiences himself.
He's lived long enough to know his own biology by now- It's not the fruity cocktail that's making him feel this way.]
Do places like this make you feel uncomfortable?
[Clubs or bars with raucous crowds, the kind that isn't seedy or violent.
In some ways, the chaotic atmosphere creates a unique pressure to be or feel happy, which isn't always for the best.]
Not the gay part, but the, uh...
Loudness, fun-ness...? All the silly people?
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[ Is he protesting doing things that Flambae wants, or the pet names? ]
It just felt like you wanted me to slow down on the alcohol, that's all.
[ Ironic that Flambae is being so sincere and Robert is having trouble with it at the moment. But his head is starting to feel fuzzy around the edges from the alcohol buzz, and he's got a lot of thoughts churning around in there. Like how he doesn't want to embarrass himself or disappoint Chad by getting drunk too fast and he's already almost blown it. And how it made his heart flutter when he was called "baby" even though that's never something he'd considered before. Or how he notices how intently he's being stared at and he doesn't know what it's for or how to feel about it.
Obviously he likes being looked at by Flambae. ]
Huh? Oh...well.
[ He glances around almost cautiously at their surroundings for a brief moment. Prism's music is amazing, they all know that, but the rest of the scene? Flambae is right to guess that it's not really Robert's.
Not because he isn't fun, mind you!! ]
It's not the kind of bar I usually hang around in. [ Flambae knows this, obviously. He's just saying it for posterity or something. ] And I wasn't expecting to just get rid of my shirt in the first half of the night, either.
[ Robert has never really been self-conscious about his body, so why start now? Maybe it's just a combination of many factors tonight, but it feels weird. More than once he's had little thoughts of "I only want Flambae to look at me like this" stab his brain. ]
You know, you can go dance or catch up with people- well, Prism's probably not coming back anytime soon- or whatever. I won't disappear or anything. Or get shitfaced. [ He holds up his hands. ] Promise.
[ Suddenly he just feels like, since he asked that question, maybe Flambae is a little disappointed they're not partying like it's 1999. Maybe he's staring at Robert so much because he wishes his boyfriend was better at this. Ugh. ]
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Flambae can't help but think that this isn't quite what he imagined from Mecha Man, although that's a thought he's had at least fifty times over by now, but he's grateful for it. Robert's shyness is cute, a word that Flambae knows the dispatcher will protest if he utters it aloud.
He's never really had to deal with anything like this, as Robert is the only normie he's even bothered to get to know in a coital context. Sure, Flambae has often observed that non-superpowered beings are affected by alcohol more quickly, but he's never really been made to think about it.
If he kisses Robert, would it be the same as someone kissing a drunk person who had no capacity to say no? That's his primary worry.]
And why would I want to dance with anyone but you?
[His head moves to either side slightly. The words are spoken plainly in earnest, without the onslaught of relentless swears or typical flashy drama.]
And Prism! But...
I think she's getting fucked or something.
[ASLKDFJASKDJFSKDJF]
Good for her, honestly! I know it's been a while.
[bestie ur oversharing...1!!!!]
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Anyway, Robert thinks about it too sometimes, that he probably isn't what Flambae imagined Mecha Man to be, especially after holding such antagonist feelings about him for so long. He wonders if it's disappointing, or if he should even care whether it is or not. After all, they're still here, together. He called Robert "baby" ... so he must not be a complete let down. Never meet your heroes (or your enemies??) they say, but he's probably doing alright.
Saying something like he only wants to dance with Robert also makes the dispatcher just really want to kiss Flambae all the more. Of course he gets it, doing anything to people who are under the influence can be sketchy... but he knows for a fact that he would feel the same in any state of sobriety (or lack thereof).
He can wait though. He can be good and patient and enjoy their public date.
Feeling both humbled and pleased though about the dancing, he nods a couple of times, looking down at the drink that he hasn't touched since he said he wouldn't. ]
I don't know. Just making sure you knew that.
[ He won't hold him back from having fun. He will, however, hold him back from sharing all the details of Prism's personal sex life. ]
Okay, TMI. Let her have her fun, I don't need to know.
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He wraps an arm around Robert as if to shield him in a way, feeling a little guilty for making the man undress, somehow having foolishly believed that things would have been alright either way. The states of undress that Robert has been in have all been due to violence, how could he fucking forget? Other than what's happened between them in the apartment, and when the Z-team ambushed Robert in his home, has this wet noodle of a former hero even gone to the beach within the past year?
God, what is he even talking about. Look at how pale the guy is, the answer is no.]
Okay, then.
[He makes no effort to hide the once-over he gives Robert. Flambae does genuinely feel bad for making him uncomfortable, but damn, does the dispatcher look good in his arms.]
Now I know.
I get that you don't exactly want to raise the motherfucking roof when I tell you this, but-
[His voice dips, wavering into more sultry territory, and he leans in to give Robert another kiss on the cheek.]
I think you're at your cutest when you're nervous, BobBob. ❤︎
[Flambae is quiet for a few seconds, letting that thought sit, once-again intensely observing the other man for his potential reaction.]
Do you wanna go back to my place?
You seemed more comfortable there.
Maybe finish your drink first?
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When in the world would he ever have had time to go to the beach? Maybe they can find some now. Or maybe it's for the best that Robert's pale white body just stays away.
Having Flambae lean so close to him and use that voice has him suppressing a shudder, trying to keep it together as his ears flare up in betrayal and his heart dips as the kiss to his cheek leaves him longing for one to his mouth instead. Can't believe this guy has this kind of power over him.
He huffs, glancing off to the side in protest. ]
Ass.
[ Unfortunately he can hardly be actually annoyed when he's so smitten with the fireball in front of him and the alcohol in him only seems to make it worse, so he looks back at Flambae in defeat, brows scrunched as he smiles at him. ]
I thought you didn't want me to finish my drink.
[ And what if Flambae definitely won't kiss him if he does? It already feels kind of lame that he'd rather go home than stay here and party. But Prism isn't even around anyway, sooo... ]
I think I'd rather go, yeah.
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[Flambae snorts again, although the sound is notably triumphant this time.
As much as he loves to party, he's been doing his best to ignore the hollow echoes that seem to follow all these fun nights out. Make no mistake, Flambae is an adventurer through and through, and is grateful that his strength carries him through the night in ways that would render mere mortals tired and hunkering down several hours earlier...
But he's found himself longing for a companion as of late, even before Robert showed up at SDN.
Flambae had beat himself up about it quietly. In some ways, it's been difficult to admit, a sign that he's getting old.]
It's not that I don't want you to have fun, Robert.
[Ooh. That cheeky, nearly sadistic tone he's using indicates that tormenting Robert is all sorts of fun- For Flambae, anyway.]
I thought I could tolerate taking you out for a night on the town, but boozing around in front of, what is this... This peanut gallery of twinks-
[LKSDLKF]
Is making me realize I prefer having you all to myself.
[It's here where he taps Robert's cheek with a thumb, then guiding it so that they are finally face to face.]
I know how much you like to be kissed.
[laying it on thick, huh, hot cheeto yaoi]
But, before I do that for that you, I need to make sure you're sober enough for me. So~! You tell me!
How many fingers am I holding up?
[And then, like a goddamn curse... He holds up the three remaining fingers on the altered hand, then folding all of them down except the middle one.]
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[ He answers flatly, finally reaching for his beer for a sip. It's just a tiny one though. Honestly, alcohol hasn't consistently been something he's turned to for "fun", so it really hasn't been such a big deal not to chug beer after beer down. But being subjected to being referred to as cute (and for being a nervous idiot at that) earned a sip.
And really, he's about to retort to that cheeky tone of Flambae's voice as he explains, but the man keeps going and admits to wanting Robert to himself, and if that doesn't send his heartbeat skyrocketing into space he doesn't know what will. He doesn't even know why it has such an effect on him, so his eyes are a little wider than normal and his expression one of subtly dazed twitterpation when his face is tilted back to Flambae's.
It's just. Sure, the Z-team constantly teases him and tries to touch him and other HR nightmares, but some part of him (that he didn't even consciously know of) just really wants to be wanted that badly. It's nice to see someone being selfish about him. ]
Obviously twinks aren't really my type, so you're good.
[ Twinkies maybe, but look at this guy holding him. He can't be classified as a twink, and Robert's pupils have teeny tiny little hearts in them right this very second. Not that you'd be able to see them, with how his lids get a little heavy with want. He likes to be kissed. He wants to kiss Flambae so badly. There was no choice but to deflect all of the feelings with dry wit.
Then his eyes narrow a hair as his gaze slides over to the three-fingered hand. That's almost his answer— again, he's keenly aware of how many he's got and why that's the case — but thankfully, he has time to amend it before he opens his mouth. Flipping him off...really mature!!! ]
One. And the feeling is mutual.
[ So just kiss him already, he wants it so bad it's stupid. ]
in place of this icon imagine the ai thumbnail kiss but maybe without the ai
He leans in, grabbing the side of Robert's face with his free hand, unaware of how its lack of fingers seems to be something that his boyfriend is often thinking about.]
Mmmm...
[He kisses Robert aggressively, possessively, having come to understand that for some reason the little freak seems to like being consumed, to feel as though he's being devoured carnally or sexually, and when left to his own devices, that's how Flambae likes to enjoy his men.
He pulls away for a second, then going back in to hold Robert's lower lip and suck any drops of alcohol remaining right out of it, leaning back and panting heavily.
His eyes are half-lidded too, orange and fiery as ever, although he waits for Robert to speak fist, daring him to break the silence.]
ALWKJFKJ yes
But he's not thinking too hard about it now that they've finally made it here and suddenly he's not just fuzzy drunk in the head, it's all over his body. His heart is fluttering and his stomach tightening as he savors every second of the possessive kiss. Without even really paying attention to himself, he gives that little half groan half growl of his up against their lips, almost straight up knocking their drinks right over as he slaps a hand out on the bar like he's got to hold on.
Sometimes he really is a little freak.
It's almost enough to forget where they are and all the people and noises, but when Flambae pulls back that last time, he's forced to remember. Damn. His ears are practically glowing and he looks more properly intoxicated now. ]
So ... we can go, right?
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That's not difficult for Flambae at all- Or Chad either, for that matter.
Robert's enthusiasm for the fire-starter's affection is delicious in a way that feels like it should be transgressive. Perhaps it's due to Flambae's own affinity for men who are starved for affection, stoic in the streets but desperate in the sheets, in part because he feels they are the ones who really do appreciate him. They way their eyes can't help but marvel at a physique that is not at all natural, completely obtuse to all the effort it takes to get it to look that way, right down to the hair on his body that's been neatly trimmed and cared for, like his skin and everything else.
When you've photographed yourself from every flattering angle that exists, nude or nearly, it's a specific kind of treat to be with someone who finally grabs at that same body like they've gotten the opportunity to touch a treasured work of art.]
Yeah.
[Robert isn't different in this regard, but in all the others, he feels like such a stark contrast. They shouldn't get on and yet it is the push and pull that makes things interesting.
The dispatcher's quietness isn't just from withholding, it's fascinating. Like the kind of puzzle that Flambae would actually like to work out, instead of something frustrating, redundant, and physically unappealing like a Rubix cube.]
Yeah, I can fly you.
[Finally, Flambae unfurls the arm that holds Robert's SDN button-up.
Not before glancing at the spot on the bar Robert gripped onto, however.]
I am assuming you want to put this fugly shit back on?
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Okay.
[ That's good enough for him, and he nods.
But when the shirt comes back into the picture, he pauses and thinks about it, before shaking his head. He thinks about commenting how he has nothing to do with that particular fashion choice too but then decides against it. ]
If we're leaving then it doesn't matter anymore.
[ Because it will eventually be coming off. Even if they don't get their hands all over each other, he's probably not going to sleep in the work shirt. Probably. ]
Oh, but I can take it anyway. Thanks for holding it...
[ He swings that hand of his back away from the bar and up against Flambae's chest again (it's not his fault that that's what's in reach all the time). Just a gentle little "I'm ready to go" sort of touch. ]
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using these icons when he is feeling horny and triumphant is so funny to me
it's sooo funny
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sorry to everyone who cooks i got the order of the tuna searing bs wrong
i've never tried cooking tuna... but i want to...except i'll be thinking of white people meat now
1/2 this is like, muttered i guess but he's also screaming
2/2 this is the first time i have used this icon and he is not like. miffed at robert specifically
1/2 icki help...
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sorry for all these part replies (1/2)
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i love them i wish i did them more
i really need to icon the kissing thumbnail huh.
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last part reply i swear
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