[ Neither of them have been particularly good with affection or emotional intimacy in the past it seems, but Robert feels more comfortable that way. If it was only him he'd feel even more foolish than he already does sometimes. That doesn't mean he gets any joy whatsoever out of seeing the other man in any emotional turmoil of course. He feels something fierce in his chest about it, wanting to go and find anyone or anything who made Flambae doubt himself like this.
It does get a smile out of him to hear that something might be on fire if he'd really fucked up so far. You know what, damn, that's so true. And crazy as that is, he's glad for it. Even huffs softly as he curls against Flambae for a moment.
Robert's the only one nearly burned, and Flambae lost his fingers... these insane instances really do seem to stick out as something significant. Maybe their romance is a dangerous one, or maybe it was meant to be?
Mind you he's not going to be that optimistic just yet. Robert isn't exactly a positive thinking sort of guy. He's just really trying his best to be with this, because he wants it. It feels good and alive and safe even when there are frightening moments and thoughts that try and get in the way.
So this... this is a good start. ]
To be fair, I did run into a burning building.
[ He jokes but it's soft, inconsequential. He regrets how that turned out but he doesn't regret the whole ordeal if it's what set them on the path to being together. So there is that. ]
Work doesn't count. Not with all those assholes around. [ Affectionately. But still. ]
So I'm gonna stay. You want to, I don't know, eat something? Or just lay down?
[ They can also hold each other like this, although Robert thinks he'd rather Flambae wear something softer than a mesh shirt (or wear nothing at all) and he'd like to get out of his jeans. ]
Maybe it's telling, how screwed up it is, to reframe it into something of that variety. It would do wonders for the already strange, uncomfortable feeling that has been impossible to shake since then, something that had seemed unrequited until recently.
He raises his eyebrows suggestively, whistling and clicking his tongue, the first sound ridiculous because of that missing tooth-]
Put it that way, and sounds pretty fucking romantic, Robbo.
[He looks down at the space between the two of them, which is nonexistent, honestly, so he's basically just staring down the tight line between Robert's pecs, which, hey, isn't a bad view.]
Are you hungry?
[Flambae has always wondered about straight or "straight" men and their jeans. He'd much rather Robert walk around in his underwear in their- Er, his- House.]
I do have a few ingredients, but I'd have to make you a salad.
[ He looks amused, even if that is a little screwed up. It kind of is weirdly romantic though, if you really put the pieces together. Weird how that is. Forunately (or not), that distracting whistle prevents Robert from pondering the whole thing too deeply.
They're here and now, and he's agreed to stay the weekend which feels pretty huge for him, but he's really happy about it. He's watching Flambae look down at his chest and he's feeling pretty good about it.
The smart thing would probably be to eat something too, after the long night and only some alcohol in his system since ... whatever he ate for lunch. But skipping straight to the part where he sheds his jeans and they lay down in bed together and cuddle actually sounds really nice too. Still, he can't just ignore the threat of a salad, and he raises his brow at Flambae almost in a challenge. ]
Can't tell if that was supposed to scare me or not.
[ He actually isn't allergic to healthy food, and he'd definitely eat it if Flambae made it for him (that's still such a weird, new thing. Someone cooking for you... ), but he can't help himself sometimes. Especially around his firestarting coworker-turned-boyfriend it seems.
After a moment though, he puts his hand on the other man's cheek, tries to lift his head so they're making eye contact again. ]
What about you though? I asked what you wanted to do.
[ Other than please Robert. He's already pleased, so Flambae has no excuse. After all the emotions, maybe he's worked up an appetite! Or maybe he also just wants to get cozy... ]
[Flambae's amber eyes dart this way and that, and for a few seconds, he finally allows himself to genuinely be happy. He can practically hear Prism's voice in his head, chiding him:
One week and you're already this dickmatized? 'Bae, I hope for your sake, this bitch isn't stealing your money.
He'd quip back with a diss about how if Robert was stealing his money, he'd maybe somehow be able to afford better clothes. Then again, there's no way this goody two-shoes would do anything of the sort, unless he was spiting Flambae for something shitty he'd done. It sounds a lot more like the kind of thing that would happen in Robert's first days at SDN, and Flambae would absolutely have been furious.
Instead, he gets to be quietly excited, excited and relieved that the interaction could have been tinged with a flicker of the embers that had been burning inside himself. It doesn't matter if it wasn't quite true, he's told worse lies to himself in relationships before.
His chin is tilted upwards, a move that's for the best. He's pulled out of his reverie, and as a result, is forced to react honestly:]
But you need food.
[laskdjflasjdfk]
You are so very terrible at remembering to eat dinner.
[Ah, right, the question...
He does that thing he did at night, where he short circuits, blinking. Look, thinking does not come easily to him, not after all the questionable fumes he's huffed from a variety of international and certainly not FDA-approved hair products, okay.]
I would like to make sure that you have had something to eat, and then...
Rip all of our sweaty clothes off, crawl into bed, still sweaty, probably...
[He nods, as if to confirm his own thoughts aloud.]
[ First of all, at this point, Robert may actually be wounded that Prism would accuse him of using Flambae for his money.
But since she's not here to mind her own gay business, he gets to focus on Flambae only, watching him quietly as he tries to figure out what emotions he sees in the flickering little flames of those eyes. Of course it ends up still being about Robert. That brings a pulse of gentle embarrassment back up into his ears, the concept of being cared about apparently so much still foreign and almost a bit uncomfortable for him. Almost, because when it's coming from his boyfriend it actually makes him rather happy.
He exhales and then shakes his head. ]
It didn't feel like a "dinner" sort of day.
[ Okay, he knows that the boyfriend in question is going to hate that answer. And Robert almost scolds him for not answering about himself again, but that dazed, buffering look in Flambae's eyes tells him that it's fine and he waits for the rest of the answer and he leans in close to kiss the man against one of his cheeks (face). ]
Okay. We're getting there. [ And that seems good enough for him. ] I'll let you make me a salad then. How's that?
[ He may put a step out of order and get more comfortable though. That means while he's eating either the shirt has to go back on for a few minutes, or the pants have to come off and he's going to eat it in his underwear. He hasn't decided which yet. ]
[The boyfriend in question does hate it, thanks, and it shows in how his thin lips twist into a familiar line. How many days did this unfabulous idiot go without eating?! Is he really sure he doesn't have some kind of superpower...
Flambae's own tryst with abject misery was not a pleasant one, although his unhappiness was louder and more destructive to himself and others, just like his abilities.
He chews the inside of his own mouth on one side, pressing a palm to Robert's bare chest less, as if signaling that it's okay for him to dismount... You know he should really learn to communicate with his actual words-]
Skipping dinner for the mere possibility of getting some [fiery] dick?
[He does yet another low whistle, okay, he's definitely doing this shit on purpose.]
Damn!
You are definitely gayer than I thought.
[come on robboob... connect the bottomy dots...]
That works for me.
[He huffs, and the words that follow are casually insistent.]
[ Robert probably doesn't even fully register why Flambae is making that face, it's just so normal for him. The fireball has his work cut out for him in a lot of ways, so maybe they're more evenly matched in that regard.
He's more paying attention to the hand at his chest giving him a little push. Yeah, ok, maybe actual words would have been good, but he understands the gesture well enough, rolling his eyes as he rolls himself up off of Flambae's lap. Also? Definitely doing that weird toothless whistle thing on purpose. He can't deny it at this point, okay. ]
No. That's not what I meant, thank you very much.
[ Just ... the going to the bar where he wasn't at his most comfortable, navigating around Flambae's feelings and hangups and his own feelings and hangups, being tipsy, getting sober, having something close to a boner, losing the boner ... it's a lot okay? Where does a salad factor into that!
Here, apparently. And it is for the best. He really should eat some greens and get some nutrients in that scrawny body of his.
Once he's up on his feet, he does just have to pause a moment and stare at the strange and casual command to take his pants off first. Never mind that Robert was thinking of doing that on his own anyway. ]
Yes, sir.
[ He turns to go to the bedroom to do that, since he'll probably want the pants in there in the morning. Ah, if he's staying the weekend, when they pick Beef up should he also pick up the only other pair of pants he probably owns? He should do that. These ones probably have glitter on them and also smell like a gay bar. ]
Just so we're clear, is this for gay reasons or not?
[ like is he actually getting a salad or has Flambae changed his mind again. JOKING, OF COURSE. He knows which one it is. ]
[It's strange to hear Robert calling him sir. On one hand, it's kind of sexy! On the other...
It doesn't feel quite right (who is really the boss here?!) Dear god, he will absolutely shut the fuck up about that one.]
The fit of those jeans is fucking unsightly, Robbo.
[So yes! The reason is gay. It's just not the kind of gay reason that Robert had hoped it would be. Flambae would much rather be greeted by the vision of Robert's junk tightly outlined in, what is it, cotton? Than whatever straight male monstrosity Robert had available.
Flambae changes out of his outfit too, in a manner that's so quick it would lead someone to suspect that he had simply engulfed himself in flames and burned straight through it, only the variety of zipping and shrugging noises that follow in tandem seem to prove otherwise. After neatly folding his top and bottoms and setting them aside on the couch, Flambae turns to wash his hands, wincing slightly as he for the first time in seemingly forever notes how the water washes differently over the lost fingers.
He dries those imperfect phalanges with towels, clad in a pair of burgundy boxer briefs, then opening the fridge to check on a few ingredients. There's some arugula, some tuna he could probably sear, carrots, tomatoes, sunflower seeds... And of course, a house dressing that he prepared with some added tomato extract and paprika.]
How do you feel about tuna?
[He calls out over his shoulder, seemingly unaware of all the misery he's put his poor boyfriend through tonight.]
Seared! Not the salad-y kind. Although it will be on the salad, you know?
[ Flambae shouldn't think about it too deeply. Robert is definitely still his boss.
And he's fine, really! He is no longer thinking horny thoughts. Well, not on the forefront of his mind anyway. Flambae's plan really does seem good to him, and he's fully on board. He isn't even disappointed they didn't do anything but kiss and touch a little, honest. As usual he just couldn't help one more silly quip.
Still a pretty gay reason though, he will agree with that.
It doesn't matter either way, since he pulls those unsightly jeans off after mumbling something like "I said I was sorry", and puts them carefully in Flambae's bedroom before he emerges again. Yes, he is wearing cotton now. It's comfortable, cheap, and it breathes nice on the goods. At least they're a slight step up in the cool department from "tightie whities" no matter what Malevola might have to say about it.
Unaware of the finger situation, he comes back out and sits himself down at the kitchen table obediently, twisting only slightly in his chair so he can watch Flambae at work. Not just because his yaoi body is good in those boxer briefs, to be honest, but because it genuinely does interest him to observe the man's process. It's another side to him that the dispatcher hasn't gotten to see, and he's so glad to have it now.
He even ends up smiling fondly as he answers. ]
I feel fine about it. I'm not that picky, you may have guessed.
[ he stopped being able to afford "picky" a long time ago. ]
[He states it plainly, beginning to dice a few of the vegetables at the kind of speed that would imply superhumanity. There's a pregnant pause between them, perhaps ironic for two individuals who could not get pregnant even if they tried, which brings up the question of... Is there an mpreg superhero?! Anyway, he looks over his shoulder at Robert, giving the dispatcher an obvious once over.
His thin lips curve slightly upwards at the sides.]
That pair of underwear is the only cute outfit you've got!
[He turns back to his work, slicing what looks to be tuna steak into pieces, pulling a brush from one of the drawers to pour olive oil on. Why is he painting raw flesh... Is this high culinary art-]
That and your birthday suit.
[While seasoning the tuna with some salt and pepper, he adds in an oddly calm, steady voice:]
So you don't eat on dinner on Fridays?
[The inquiry is deceptively casual. He is up to something, alright.]
[ i forgot about Mpreg Superhero and now i'm crying once more...
Robert sort of shrugs about the fish, since he doesn't happen to be one of those people (though you probably wouldn't catch him buying any for himself ever). At the once over though he gives a tilt of a brow. ]
I'll be sure to show up wearing only this from now on.
[ Since it's all that pleases him!!
Once Flambae turns back to cooking, Robert has a quiet chuckle to himself and shakes his head. ]
Or that.
[ Obviously he isn't going to go out in public in just his underwear or his birthday suit, but isn't it a nice little scenario he's just offered his boyfriend to imagine? Really, Robert is so generous.
As for the question, maybe he suspects that there's some nefarious plans going on here, but the dispatcher considers the answer seriously for a moment. It maybe won't do to answer it callously or sarcastically, even though that's the immediate urge. In reality he's not sure he has a good answer for it. It definitely isn't going to please Flambae no matter what, he's starting to understand. ]
Yeah, let's go with that. No-Dinner-Fridays.
sorry to everyone who cooks i got the order of the tuna searing bs wrong
[Flambae looks over his shoulder, sporting something of a flirtatious half-smile at the remark about "appropriate" attire. When he turns back to the tuna steak, he extends an index finger, flames spurting forth from the tip and over one side of the red, previously-blotted, flesh.
It turns white, and Flambae raises a furry eyebrow, his gaze darting back to Robert's skin.
Is that the same shade of pallor? Is he feeding Robert the meat of his people...
Ah.
Flambae registers that he's staring, although instead of backing down or seeming timid, he grins wickedly for the umpteenth time this evening. Once a supervillain, always incapable of smiling non-threateningly...]
I think I prefer you without the-
[He mimes the preening of a shirt collar.]
Stupid corporate gear! You know, considering how unbelievably gorgeous some of us are- [not him gassing up himself] you would think that they'd put you all something less hideous! To soothe your chatty little egos, or whatever.
[The fiery hothead takes a moment to oogle Robert's scars. God, they're sexy... Fuck!]
You were embarrassed about having your shirt off at the bar.
Why?
i've never tried cooking tuna... but i want to...except i'll be thinking of white people meat now
[ Thank god and all the heavens above and probably Zeus as well that Flambae didn't say the "meat of his people" thing out loud or Robert would not be interested in eating a salad any longer.
They're safe from that though, and he continues to sit peacefully and watch the man work his magic in the kitchen (it's all magic to Robert, who doesn't cook, probably).
He catches that threatening grin with a grin of his own in reply (a challenge??), though he shakes his head. ]
What's important is what I'm saying. We don't need to look pretty if we're not going out on the field.
[ Even their super identities are supposed to be kept on the downlow, after all! Robert doesn't really mind the blue collared shirt, personally. Then again it's probably the nicest shirt he's owned since whatever he wore to his dad's funeral.
As for the next part, he pauses briefly, wondering what he should say about it. It was stupid, feeling that way when normally he doesn't really give a shit what his body looks like (unless someone is making a dig about whether or not he takes care of it, apparently). He swallows and then shrugs. ]
Something about how ... public it was? I don't know. Just felt like maybe everyone shouldn't just get to look at me for whatever reason.
[ For the reason that he earned most of those scars and bruises by protecting a city that wasn't even going to thank him, maybe? Except Robert doesn't really think that way. He'd do it with or without any recognition. ] Or maybe I just wanted to make sure Visi wasn't around to get off on it or whatever.
1/2 this is like, muttered i guess but he's also screaming
[At the mention of Invisigal's lewd behavior, every muscle in his body tenses. Unconscious as the gesture may be, it's hardly subtle, seeing as he's somehow even more exposed than he usually is.
Looking down, he realizes he's already fixed Robert a plate. Did his hands move of their own accord? It's happened before, he's been so fixated on the intensity of his emotions that he's done dangerous things before actually registering that they've even occurred.
At least this time, it's just dinner.
He sets the salad on the table, unsure of exactly how to voice his feelings about the matter.]
So it does bother you.
[His three-fingered hand falters as it reaches out, stopping in midair and pulling back slightly before he decides to force himself to follow through, eventually managing to gently touch Robert's bare shoulder.
The villainous underbelly of Southern California is full of disgusting entities, with sexual harassment being a common tactic to get under one's skin. Flambae has never taken too kindly to it himself, but for whatever reason, Robert's situation seems worse.
Especially with the suit out of commission, it's not as though he has any abilities to defend himself.]
I'm sorry.
[Oh, look at that! Sincerity.]
There was some locker room talk that maybe you got off on it.
Even before we-
[He remembers hesitating to defend him.]
I did not think it was fair.
["Saying something about, so just because a woman said it, the guy wants that shit to happen? That's crazy. I know we are ex-supervillains, but. Come on, guys."]
If she makes you uncomfortable, I will defend you.
[is this ic ok gay]
But she has been awfully quiet lately.
I think she is a little embarrassed about having to "lose" to me or what the fuck ever, which is crazy! Because I think I give better blowjobs.
[ Robert endures that entire thing with the flattest, driest face possible for a man to make, only very slightly lifting a brow once he thinks that Flambae is finally finished.
Like damn okay he literally just said it's not his job to be on the field so none of that obviously matters to him but it's fine!! Flambae can just be a yucky carrot all he likes, then and ain't nobody stopping him. this is also a throw away tag ]
[ Robert blinks a couple of times. He's not sure but he doesn't think he expected this kind of reaction from what he more or less meant as a throw-away haha funny remark. Not that it was meaningless, but you know. When you say something and other people aren't supposed to see that you were sincere about it....
But of course Flambae would react to it. Loud and obnoxious as he can be, the man is observant and he spends just as much time being quiet and thoughtful. You'd miss that if you weren't paying attention, but Robert's been paying more and more of that as time has gone by.
Robert would like to say it doesn't bother him, when they're making blatantly inappropriate comments about him or his body. Unfortunately that would be a lie. His dad would probably scold him for having a thin skin or something, but... come on, isn't carrying the scars bad enough? They don't need weird commentary at every open opportunity either. And Invisigal isn't exactly ...tactful. To say the least. ]
A bit.
[ He admits quietly after a moment, sitting proper once the salad is in front of him. He just sort of picks up his fork and takes a bite of it. Naturally, it's delicious, which is totally fucked up. There's a pause then between anymore bites when he looks up to Flambae in response to that hand on his shoulder and gives a smile. It's appreciated, really. More than Robert thought, actually. ]
I'm sure there were plenty of things I don't need to know about that were said in the locker room. It's fine.
[ He can't really blame any of them. Some bigshot former superhero guy— and they weren't even allowed to know which superhero for the longest time — marching in there to tell a bunch of washed up villains what to do. He'd probably say a bunch of crass, awful shit in the locker room too. But he likes to think they're beyond that now.
Maybe. For the most part.
Robert lets out a quiet huff. ]
She's nothing I can't handle, I assure you. [ ... ] But thanks.
[ It really does mean a lot to him, someone coming to bat for him. Not that Blazer or Chase wouldn't, but you know. It's different like this.
The rest just sort of makes him snort a little. Sorry to say that with THIS particular Robert, Visi didn't stand a chance anyway. He likes her, but he'd never like her like that. ]
I'm afraid I have nothing to judge against yours, so we'll just have to assume that's true.
[ Also thanks to wild dialogue the devs just expected us to forget about, Robert is the king of blowing people. According to Robert. ]
[Possessiveness flows through his veins, overwhelming in its heat. It burns in the nerves of his face and at his fingertips, although he says nothing about it.
In place of pity, there's a thrilling sensation of novelty and wickedness that comes with hearing such a thing, especially when he had spent so many humiliating nights in a jail cell wondering if Mecha Man was sucking and fucking. Hours spent awake, furious, only to be followed by tidal wave of shame and interpersonal backpedaling the next morning. He'd had his series of strange dreams, ones that started out violent and ended in brawls that had leaned subtextually sexual, or even in something like a kiss.
Ooh. He stops himself in the midst of a full-body shiver, that is absolutely something he had repressed, intentionally or not.
So he focuses Robert at the center of his attention again, squeezing that bare shoulder once more before circling over it with that wanton hand and sliding a not-so-subtle warm-palmed rub over the back.]
You're right! She'll get over it.
[He really does mean that. She's not his favorite teammate, because of course, who could ever rival Prism in his heart? Golem is a a surprisingly close second, however, and Invisigal is his dearest companion.
Still, it doesn't make the very obvious sexual harassment okay.]
But this isn't about her.
I am asking about you.
[He leans his face in a little closer. Has he forgotten about his own morsel of fish, probably, glub glub...]
She's getting away with it because she's a girl.
[And she has superpowers, but he'll take this one thing at a time.]
Imagine if someone like me did anything of the sort?
[He huffs again, actually miffed.]
I'd just be another fucking stereotype, huh.
[Flambae growls.]
You're a guy, so you're supposed to be cool or into it.
[ Mecha Man might have had the occasional suck and fuck but none of it was with Invisigal and none of it meant anything. That possessiveness from Flambae might actually be pretty attractive to Robert's little freak of a mind, but he doesn't really have any read on it in this moment. He's just glad for the hand at his shoulder that's offering more comfort than he initially realized.
He does wish that Flambae would also get a bite to eat though. He probably needs nutrients too! Maybe not as much as Robert's malnourished little body, but a frame of such yaoi proportions also needs to be maintained.
Regardless, he turns his face toward the other man, blinking a few times as he gets closer. ]
Yeah, that would make a difference, unfortunately.
[ He doesn't like it either. Obviously, since he's on the receiving end of some unwanted female attention. But it also feels like it's not something that will change anytime soon.
Robert huffs softly, sitting back in his chair for a moment. Maybe he should be glad an attractive woman is giving him that kind of attention. But no, it just doesn't sit right with Robert. It wouldn't if he saw her doing it to some other guy either. With some luck, once she accepts that he's with Flambae, Invisigal will just lay off of it. Or go back to the more occasional attacks like Malevola or the others go for. Still annoying, but ... ]
I'm really okay. Promise. Guess I just got overwhelmed at the bar or something.
[If anyone tries to touch his boyfriend's junk again, especially since he never saw what happened at the party, Flambae would probably ensure that he was no longer the only member of the team with missing fingers. He inches closer with an harrowing sort of quickness, the way a predator would, like a cheetah or a panther. There's grace in a movement that seems too quick, abrupt even. Flambae is no speedster, but he's faster than the average human when it comes to his abilities by far.
He leans over Robert's shoulder with an intense furrowed brow, flaring his nostrils like he's thinking very aggressively hard about something, and-]
[ Robert manages a bite of salad or two before Flambae's sudden movements have him tensing up like maybe he should be in fight or flight mode. He even drops his fork, blinking a couple of times as suddenly the big, flaming man is leaning over his shoulder and oh so close to his face.
He's just about to ask him what's up when he is served a kiss on the cheek.
And he has to let out a laugh. But it's light and fond. His heart is doing that gay fluttering thing. It was such a strange way to go about the gesture, but it was so sweet?? ]
That tickles.
[ Not that he can really complain when he has chin accessories too. ]
You know, I never thought I'd say this but you can be really cute sometimes.
[Flambae's gaze does that thing again, where it darts quickly from Robert's eyes to his freckles to his lips and then back up to the eyes again. It's a sign of nervous, genuine excitement, even if it only lasts momentarily.
He leans back, grinning wickedly again, the smugness of his smile drawn upwards along with the fuzziness of his lips, revealing that missing tooth ever so slightly right of center.]
See? I can be nice sometimes.
I said I was gentle.
[He leans over again to cup Robert's cheek, moving closer to look deep into his eyes, as though he's juuuust about to kiss him, only to breathlessly utter the following words against the dispatcher's lips:]
You've got some fucking salad in your teeth, Robbo...
[He lowers the volume of his voice just a tad. Why is the accent suddenly more prominent...]
I can get it for you, if you'd like.
If you want, I can get it for you.
Edited (oh no this is going to get horny again, also is the salad real, um, idk) 2026-06-04 03:37 (UTC)
[ Robert returns easily, with a lopsided smile. The missing tooth is as ridiculous as ever, and yet he feels so charmed by it in this particular moment. And he continues to be charmed, as Flambae moves in for the kill, eyelashes fluttering in anticipation almost as he feels like he's just about to be kissed.
And then—
.... Well, shit. If he really does have salad stuck in his teeth, that's extremely unattractive and quite frankly embarrassing. But did it need to be pointed out?? At least, Robert is ready in those first nanoseconds, to complain about the bait and switch, except that Flambae keeps going. And he uses that soft voice-
Why is it kind of horny?
The dispatcher blinks a few times in rapid succession, his gaze lifting from his boyfriend's lips up to meet his eyes, and then they fall heavy-lidded again as he considers his options here. They really do have to stop doing this. Hadn't they decided they're not doing this tonight? A tough thing to say when neither of them are above the behavior of besotted high school boys experiencing their first make-out session. And damn he really wishes he'd been kissed just now. ]
Sure, if you want to take some responsibility.
[ He is the one who gave Robert the salad, after all. ]
no subject
It does get a smile out of him to hear that something might be on fire if he'd really fucked up so far. You know what, damn, that's so true. And crazy as that is, he's glad for it. Even huffs softly as he curls against Flambae for a moment.
Robert's the only one nearly burned, and Flambae lost his fingers... these insane instances really do seem to stick out as something significant. Maybe their romance is a dangerous one, or maybe it was meant to be?
Mind you he's not going to be that optimistic just yet. Robert isn't exactly a positive thinking sort of guy. He's just really trying his best to be with this, because he wants it. It feels good and alive and safe even when there are frightening moments and thoughts that try and get in the way.
So this... this is a good start. ]
To be fair, I did run into a burning building.
[ He jokes but it's soft, inconsequential. He regrets how that turned out but he doesn't regret the whole ordeal if it's what set them on the path to being together. So there is that. ]
Work doesn't count. Not with all those assholes around. [ Affectionately. But still. ]
So I'm gonna stay. You want to, I don't know, eat something? Or just lay down?
[ They can also hold each other like this, although Robert thinks he'd rather Flambae wear something softer than a mesh shirt (or wear nothing at all) and he'd like to get out of his jeans. ]
no subject
[Flambae likes the sound of that.
Maybe it's telling, how screwed up it is, to reframe it into something of that variety. It would do wonders for the already strange, uncomfortable feeling that has been impossible to shake since then, something that had seemed unrequited until recently.
He raises his eyebrows suggestively, whistling and clicking his tongue, the first sound ridiculous because of that missing tooth-]
Put it that way, and sounds pretty fucking romantic, Robbo.
[He looks down at the space between the two of them, which is nonexistent, honestly, so he's basically just staring down the tight line between Robert's pecs, which, hey, isn't a bad view.]
Are you hungry?
[Flambae has always wondered about straight or "straight" men and their jeans. He'd much rather Robert walk around in his underwear in their- Er, his- House.]
I do have a few ingredients, but I'd have to make you a salad.
no subject
[ He looks amused, even if that is a little screwed up. It kind of is weirdly romantic though, if you really put the pieces together. Weird how that is. Forunately (or not), that distracting whistle prevents Robert from pondering the whole thing too deeply.
They're here and now, and he's agreed to stay the weekend which feels pretty huge for him, but he's really happy about it. He's watching Flambae look down at his chest and he's feeling pretty good about it.
The smart thing would probably be to eat something too, after the long night and only some alcohol in his system since ... whatever he ate for lunch. But skipping straight to the part where he sheds his jeans and they lay down in bed together and cuddle actually sounds really nice too. Still, he can't just ignore the threat of a salad, and he raises his brow at Flambae almost in a challenge. ]
Can't tell if that was supposed to scare me or not.
[ He actually isn't allergic to healthy food, and he'd definitely eat it if Flambae made it for him (that's still such a weird, new thing. Someone cooking for you... ), but he can't help himself sometimes. Especially around his firestarting coworker-turned-boyfriend it seems.
After a moment though, he puts his hand on the other man's cheek, tries to lift his head so they're making eye contact again. ]
What about you though? I asked what you wanted to do.
[ Other than please Robert. He's already pleased, so Flambae has no excuse. After all the emotions, maybe he's worked up an appetite! Or maybe he also just wants to get cozy... ]
no subject
One week and you're already this dickmatized? 'Bae, I hope for your sake, this bitch isn't stealing your money.
He'd quip back with a diss about how if Robert was stealing his money, he'd maybe somehow be able to afford better clothes. Then again, there's no way this goody two-shoes would do anything of the sort, unless he was spiting Flambae for something shitty he'd done. It sounds a lot more like the kind of thing that would happen in Robert's first days at SDN, and Flambae would absolutely have been furious.
Instead, he gets to be quietly excited, excited and relieved that the interaction could have been tinged with a flicker of the embers that had been burning inside himself. It doesn't matter if it wasn't quite true, he's told worse lies to himself in relationships before.
His chin is tilted upwards, a move that's for the best. He's pulled out of his reverie, and as a result, is forced to react honestly:]
But you need food.
[laskdjflasjdfk]
You are so very terrible at remembering to eat dinner.
[Ah, right, the question...
He does that thing he did at night, where he short circuits, blinking. Look, thinking does not come easily to him, not after all the questionable fumes he's huffed from a variety of international and certainly not FDA-approved hair products, okay.]
I would like to make sure that you have had something to eat, and then...
Rip all of our sweaty clothes off, crawl into bed, still sweaty, probably...
[He nods, as if to confirm his own thoughts aloud.]
And go to sleep!
Yes.
no subject
But since she's not here to mind her own gay business, he gets to focus on Flambae only, watching him quietly as he tries to figure out what emotions he sees in the flickering little flames of those eyes. Of course it ends up still being about Robert. That brings a pulse of gentle embarrassment back up into his ears, the concept of being cared about apparently so much still foreign and almost a bit uncomfortable for him. Almost, because when it's coming from his boyfriend it actually makes him rather happy.
He exhales and then shakes his head. ]
It didn't feel like a "dinner" sort of day.
[ Okay, he knows that the boyfriend in question is going to hate that answer. And Robert almost scolds him for not answering about himself again, but that dazed, buffering look in Flambae's eyes tells him that it's fine and he waits for the rest of the answer and he leans in close to kiss the man against one of his cheeks (face). ]
Okay. We're getting there. [ And that seems good enough for him. ] I'll let you make me a salad then. How's that?
[ He may put a step out of order and get more comfortable though. That means while he's eating either the shirt has to go back on for a few minutes, or the pants have to come off and he's going to eat it in his underwear. He hasn't decided which yet. ]
no subject
Flambae's own tryst with abject misery was not a pleasant one, although his unhappiness was louder and more destructive to himself and others, just like his abilities.
He chews the inside of his own mouth on one side, pressing a palm to Robert's bare chest less, as if signaling that it's okay for him to dismount... You know he should really learn to communicate with his actual words-]
Skipping dinner for the mere possibility of getting some [fiery] dick?
[He does yet another low whistle, okay, he's definitely doing this shit on purpose.]
Damn!
You are definitely gayer than I thought.
[come on robboob... connect the bottomy dots...]
That works for me.
[He huffs, and the words that follow are casually insistent.]
Take off your pants and go sit in the kitchen.
no subject
He's more paying attention to the hand at his chest giving him a little push. Yeah, ok, maybe actual words would have been good, but he understands the gesture well enough, rolling his eyes as he rolls himself up off of Flambae's lap. Also? Definitely doing that weird toothless whistle thing on purpose. He can't deny it at this point, okay. ]
No. That's not what I meant, thank you very much.
[ Just ... the going to the bar where he wasn't at his most comfortable, navigating around Flambae's feelings and hangups and his own feelings and hangups, being tipsy, getting sober, having something close to a boner, losing the boner ... it's a lot okay? Where does a salad factor into that!
Here, apparently. And it is for the best. He really should eat some greens and get some nutrients in that scrawny body of his.
Once he's up on his feet, he does just have to pause a moment and stare at the strange and casual command to take his pants off first. Never mind that Robert was thinking of doing that on his own anyway. ]
Yes, sir.
[ He turns to go to the bedroom to do that, since he'll probably want the pants in there in the morning. Ah, if he's staying the weekend, when they pick Beef up should he also pick up the only other pair of pants he probably owns? He should do that. These ones probably have glitter on them and also smell like a gay bar. ]
Just so we're clear, is this for gay reasons or not?
[ like is he actually getting a salad or has Flambae changed his mind again. JOKING, OF COURSE. He knows which one it is. ]
no subject
It doesn't feel quite right (who is really the boss here?!) Dear god, he will absolutely shut the fuck up about that one.]
The fit of those jeans is fucking unsightly, Robbo.
[So yes! The reason is gay. It's just not the kind of gay reason that Robert had hoped it would be. Flambae would much rather be greeted by the vision of Robert's junk tightly outlined in, what is it, cotton? Than whatever straight male monstrosity Robert had available.
Flambae changes out of his outfit too, in a manner that's so quick it would lead someone to suspect that he had simply engulfed himself in flames and burned straight through it, only the variety of zipping and shrugging noises that follow in tandem seem to prove otherwise. After neatly folding his top and bottoms and setting them aside on the couch, Flambae turns to wash his hands, wincing slightly as he for the first time in seemingly forever notes how the water washes differently over the lost fingers.
He dries those imperfect phalanges with towels, clad in a pair of burgundy boxer briefs, then opening the fridge to check on a few ingredients. There's some arugula, some tuna he could probably sear, carrots, tomatoes, sunflower seeds... And of course, a house dressing that he prepared with some added tomato extract and paprika.]
How do you feel about tuna?
[He calls out over his shoulder, seemingly unaware of all the misery he's put his poor boyfriend through tonight.]
Seared! Not the salad-y kind. Although it will be on the salad, you know?
I don't know.
no subject
And he's fine, really! He is no longer thinking horny thoughts. Well, not on the forefront of his mind anyway. Flambae's plan really does seem good to him, and he's fully on board. He isn't even disappointed they didn't do anything but kiss and touch a little, honest. As usual he just couldn't help one more silly quip.
Still a pretty gay reason though, he will agree with that.
It doesn't matter either way, since he pulls those unsightly jeans off after mumbling something like "I said I was sorry", and puts them carefully in Flambae's bedroom before he emerges again. Yes, he is wearing cotton now. It's comfortable, cheap, and it breathes nice on the goods. At least they're a slight step up in the cool department from "tightie whities" no matter what Malevola might have to say about it.
Unaware of the finger situation, he comes back out and sits himself down at the kitchen table obediently, twisting only slightly in his chair so he can watch Flambae at work. Not just because his yaoi body is good in those boxer briefs, to be honest, but because it genuinely does interest him to observe the man's process. It's another side to him that the dispatcher hasn't gotten to see, and he's so glad to have it now.
He even ends up smiling fondly as he answers. ]
I feel fine about it. I'm not that picky, you may have guessed.
[ he stopped being able to afford "picky" a long time ago. ]
no subject
[He states it plainly, beginning to dice a few of the vegetables at the kind of speed that would imply superhumanity. There's a pregnant pause between them, perhaps ironic for two individuals who could not get pregnant even if they tried, which brings up the question of... Is there an mpreg superhero?! Anyway, he looks over his shoulder at Robert, giving the dispatcher an obvious once over.
His thin lips curve slightly upwards at the sides.]
That pair of underwear is the only cute outfit you've got!
[He turns back to his work, slicing what looks to be tuna steak into pieces, pulling a brush from one of the drawers to pour olive oil on. Why is he painting raw flesh... Is this high culinary art-]
That and your birthday suit.
[While seasoning the tuna with some salt and pepper, he adds in an oddly calm, steady voice:]
So you don't eat on dinner on Fridays?
[The inquiry is deceptively casual. He is up to something, alright.]
no subject
Robert sort of shrugs about the fish, since he doesn't happen to be one of those people (though you probably wouldn't catch him buying any for himself ever). At the once over though he gives a tilt of a brow. ]
I'll be sure to show up wearing only this from now on.
[ Since it's all that pleases him!!
Once Flambae turns back to cooking, Robert has a quiet chuckle to himself and shakes his head. ]
Or that.
[ Obviously he isn't going to go out in public in just his underwear or his birthday suit, but isn't it a nice little scenario he's just offered his boyfriend to imagine? Really, Robert is so generous.
As for the question, maybe he suspects that there's some nefarious plans going on here, but the dispatcher considers the answer seriously for a moment. It maybe won't do to answer it callously or sarcastically, even though that's the immediate urge. In reality he's not sure he has a good answer for it. It definitely isn't going to please Flambae no matter what, he's starting to understand. ]
Yeah, let's go with that. No-Dinner-Fridays.
sorry to everyone who cooks i got the order of the tuna searing bs wrong
It turns white, and Flambae raises a furry eyebrow, his gaze darting back to Robert's skin.
Is that the same shade of pallor? Is he feeding Robert the meat of his people...
Ah.
Flambae registers that he's staring, although instead of backing down or seeming timid, he grins wickedly for the umpteenth time this evening. Once a supervillain, always incapable of smiling non-threateningly...]
I think I prefer you without the-
[He mimes the preening of a shirt collar.]
Stupid corporate gear! You know, considering how unbelievably gorgeous some of us are- [not him gassing up himself] you would think that they'd put you all something less hideous! To soothe your chatty little egos, or whatever.
[The fiery hothead takes a moment to oogle Robert's scars. God, they're sexy... Fuck!]
You were embarrassed about having your shirt off at the bar.
Why?
i've never tried cooking tuna... but i want to...except i'll be thinking of white people meat now
They're safe from that though, and he continues to sit peacefully and watch the man work his magic in the kitchen (it's all magic to Robert, who doesn't cook, probably).
He catches that threatening grin with a grin of his own in reply (a challenge??), though he shakes his head. ]
What's important is what I'm saying. We don't need to look pretty if we're not going out on the field.
[ Even their super identities are supposed to be kept on the downlow, after all! Robert doesn't really mind the blue collared shirt, personally. Then again it's probably the nicest shirt he's owned since whatever he wore to his dad's funeral.
As for the next part, he pauses briefly, wondering what he should say about it. It was stupid, feeling that way when normally he doesn't really give a shit what his body looks like (unless someone is making a dig about whether or not he takes care of it, apparently). He swallows and then shrugs. ]
Something about how ... public it was? I don't know. Just felt like maybe everyone shouldn't just get to look at me for whatever reason.
[ For the reason that he earned most of those scars and bruises by protecting a city that wasn't even going to thank him, maybe? Except Robert doesn't really think that way. He'd do it with or without any recognition. ] Or maybe I just wanted to make sure Visi wasn't around to get off on it or whatever.
1/2 this is like, muttered i guess but he's also screaming
[this is a throwaway gag at the "we don't need to look pretty" comment leaf me alone]
We are so different.
[He shakes his head rigorously.
Why anyone would want to step out and look anything less than perfect is beyond him.]
The world is an ugly place! There's no need to pile dogshit on dogshit and make the thing even stinkier, like, what the hell...
Listen, me-
[this is too long this is not good writing i am sorry]
Being so very gorgeous, that is also so very fucking heroic.
[Uttered in complete seriousness:]
I am saving the eyes of the people.
Looking at me is probably, like, the equivalent of eating a fuckton of carrots or whatever-
[u know bc they are historically good 4 ur eyes]
2/2 this is the first time i have used this icon and he is not like. miffed at robert specifically
Looking down, he realizes he's already fixed Robert a plate. Did his hands move of their own accord? It's happened before, he's been so fixated on the intensity of his emotions that he's done dangerous things before actually registering that they've even occurred.
At least this time, it's just dinner.
He sets the salad on the table, unsure of exactly how to voice his feelings about the matter.]
So it does bother you.
[His three-fingered hand falters as it reaches out, stopping in midair and pulling back slightly before he decides to force himself to follow through, eventually managing to gently touch Robert's bare shoulder.
The villainous underbelly of Southern California is full of disgusting entities, with sexual harassment being a common tactic to get under one's skin. Flambae has never taken too kindly to it himself, but for whatever reason, Robert's situation seems worse.
Especially with the suit out of commission, it's not as though he has any abilities to defend himself.]
I'm sorry.
[Oh, look at that! Sincerity.]
There was some locker room talk that maybe you got off on it.
Even before we-
[He remembers hesitating to defend him.]
I did not think it was fair.
["Saying something about, so just because a woman said it, the guy wants that shit to happen? That's crazy. I know we are ex-supervillains, but. Come on, guys."]
If she makes you uncomfortable, I will defend you.
[is this ic ok gay]
But she has been awfully quiet lately.
I think she is a little embarrassed about having to "lose" to me or what the fuck ever, which is crazy! Because I think I give better blowjobs.
1/2 icki help...
Like damn okay he literally just said it's not his job to be on the field so none of that obviously matters to him but it's fine!! Flambae can just be a yucky carrot all he likes, then and ain't nobody stopping him. this is also a throw away tag ]
2/2
But of course Flambae would react to it. Loud and obnoxious as he can be, the man is observant and he spends just as much time being quiet and thoughtful. You'd miss that if you weren't paying attention, but Robert's been paying more and more of that as time has gone by.
Robert would like to say it doesn't bother him, when they're making blatantly inappropriate comments about him or his body. Unfortunately that would be a lie. His dad would probably scold him for having a thin skin or something, but... come on, isn't carrying the scars bad enough? They don't need weird commentary at every open opportunity either. And Invisigal isn't exactly ...tactful. To say the least. ]
A bit.
[ He admits quietly after a moment, sitting proper once the salad is in front of him. He just sort of picks up his fork and takes a bite of it. Naturally, it's delicious, which is totally fucked up. There's a pause then between anymore bites when he looks up to Flambae in response to that hand on his shoulder and gives a smile. It's appreciated, really. More than Robert thought, actually. ]
I'm sure there were plenty of things I don't need to know about that were said in the locker room. It's fine.
[ He can't really blame any of them. Some bigshot former superhero guy— and they weren't even allowed to know which superhero for the longest time — marching in there to tell a bunch of washed up villains what to do. He'd probably say a bunch of crass, awful shit in the locker room too. But he likes to think they're beyond that now.
Maybe. For the most part.
Robert lets out a quiet huff. ]
She's nothing I can't handle, I assure you. [ ... ] But thanks.
[ It really does mean a lot to him, someone coming to bat for him. Not that Blazer or Chase wouldn't, but you know. It's different like this.
The rest just sort of makes him snort a little. Sorry to say that with THIS particular Robert, Visi didn't stand a chance anyway. He likes her, but he'd never like her like that. ]
I'm afraid I have nothing to judge against yours, so we'll just have to assume that's true.
[ Also thanks to wild dialogue the devs just expected us to forget about, Robert is the king of blowing people. According to Robert. ]
Anyway, she's a big girl, she'll get over it.
1/?????
[LOUD YELLING SOUND EFFECTS]]
2/2
In place of pity, there's a thrilling sensation of novelty and wickedness that comes with hearing such a thing, especially when he had spent so many humiliating nights in a jail cell wondering if Mecha Man was sucking and fucking. Hours spent awake, furious, only to be followed by tidal wave of shame and interpersonal backpedaling the next morning. He'd had his series of strange dreams, ones that started out violent and ended in brawls that had leaned subtextually sexual, or even in something like a kiss.
Ooh. He stops himself in the midst of a full-body shiver, that is absolutely something he had repressed, intentionally or not.
So he focuses Robert at the center of his attention again, squeezing that bare shoulder once more before circling over it with that wanton hand and sliding a not-so-subtle warm-palmed rub over the back.]
You're right! She'll get over it.
[He really does mean that. She's not his favorite teammate, because of course, who could ever rival Prism in his heart? Golem is a a surprisingly close second, however, and Invisigal is his dearest companion.
Still, it doesn't make the very obvious sexual harassment okay.]
But this isn't about her.
I am asking about you.
[He leans his face in a little closer. Has he forgotten about his own morsel of fish, probably, glub glub...]
She's getting away with it because she's a girl.
[And she has superpowers, but he'll take this one thing at a time.]
Imagine if someone like me did anything of the sort?
[He huffs again, actually miffed.]
I'd just be another fucking stereotype, huh.
[Flambae growls.]
You're a guy, so you're supposed to be cool or into it.
That's fucking annoying.
You can be uncomfortable too!
no subject
He does wish that Flambae would also get a bite to eat though. He probably needs nutrients too! Maybe not as much as Robert's malnourished little body, but a frame of such yaoi proportions also needs to be maintained.
Regardless, he turns his face toward the other man, blinking a few times as he gets closer. ]
Yeah, that would make a difference, unfortunately.
[ He doesn't like it either. Obviously, since he's on the receiving end of some unwanted female attention. But it also feels like it's not something that will change anytime soon.
Robert huffs softly, sitting back in his chair for a moment. Maybe he should be glad an attractive woman is giving him that kind of attention. But no, it just doesn't sit right with Robert. It wouldn't if he saw her doing it to some other guy either. With some luck, once she accepts that he's with Flambae, Invisigal will just lay off of it. Or go back to the more occasional attacks like Malevola or the others go for. Still annoying, but ... ]
I'm really okay. Promise. Guess I just got overwhelmed at the bar or something.
sorry for all these part replies (1/2)
He leans over Robert's shoulder with an intense furrowed brow, flaring his nostrils like he's thinking very aggressively hard about something, and-]
no subject
like an idiot
scruffy. the beard is brustling. scrunch scrunch]
i love them i wish i did them more
He's just about to ask him what's up when he is served a kiss on the cheek.
And he has to let out a laugh. But it's light and fond. His heart is doing that gay fluttering thing. It was such a strange way to go about the gesture, but it was so sweet?? ]
That tickles.
[ Not that he can really complain when he has chin accessories too. ]
You know, I never thought I'd say this but you can be really cute sometimes.
i really need to icon the kissing thumbnail huh.
He leans back, grinning wickedly again, the smugness of his smile drawn upwards along with the fuzziness of his lips, revealing that missing tooth ever so slightly right of center.]
See? I can be nice sometimes.
I said I was gentle.
[He leans over again to cup Robert's cheek, moving closer to look deep into his eyes, as though he's juuuust about to kiss him, only to breathlessly utter the following words against the dispatcher's lips:]
You've got some fucking salad in your teeth, Robbo...
[He lowers the volume of his voice just a tad. Why is the accent suddenly more prominent...]
I can get it for you, if you'd like.
If you want, I can get it for you.
no subject
[ Robert returns easily, with a lopsided smile. The missing tooth is as ridiculous as ever, and yet he feels so charmed by it in this particular moment. And he continues to be charmed, as Flambae moves in for the kill, eyelashes fluttering in anticipation almost as he feels like he's just about to be kissed.
And then—
.... Well, shit. If he really does have salad stuck in his teeth, that's extremely unattractive and quite frankly embarrassing. But did it need to be pointed out?? At least, Robert is ready in those first nanoseconds, to complain about the bait and switch, except that Flambae keeps going. And he uses that soft voice-
Why is it kind of horny?
The dispatcher blinks a few times in rapid succession, his gaze lifting from his boyfriend's lips up to meet his eyes, and then they fall heavy-lidded again as he considers his options here. They really do have to stop doing this. Hadn't they decided they're not doing this tonight? A tough thing to say when neither of them are above the behavior of besotted high school boys experiencing their first make-out session. And damn he really wishes he'd been kissed just now. ]
Sure, if you want to take some responsibility.
[ He is the one who gave Robert the salad, after all. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
last part reply i swear
2/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)