Archive of Our Own

It's been quite some time since the incident he experienced. Shroud was defeated, and Robert Robertson's life as a dispatcher continued with an exception. Occasionally, Robert himself would go out into the field and replace the Blonde Blazer, as Chase was still borrowing her amulet.

It wasn't often that the SDN needed a hero that much after all the red ring damage had been dealt with for months, Z-Team could always handle everything themselves, Robert knew they were doing it on purpose. Because they felt he hadn't fully recovered besides, everyone's life had returned to normal - bodyguard work, helping people cross the street, finding lost pets. Always handled with heart… half-heartedly? Preferably by the willing Z-Team.

Still in his cubicle, Robert had just finished the dispatcher tasks that would continue after his lunch break. The incessant noise in his head felt lessened when he thought about his break, and his body would surely thank him if he stretched a little. Before all that, he didn't forget to thank his Team.

"Good work, everyone, as usual. Time for a break," Robert said into the microphone on his headset, and all the Z-Team members echoed their tired voices.

"Yups, good- great... great job, everyone!" said waterboy who still sometimes had trouble choosing the sentences he wanted to say.

"Sure, sure, wetfartboy. Nice you don't make a puddle here and there now." Flambae's voice sounded quite convincing.

"So, everyone got a plan? Lunch together-" Even before Sonar tried to invite the crew to lunch together, a voice of rejection was heard: "Nah, man, don't want to see you eating rat for lunch. Ew." Invisigal always said things bluntly, just like her.

"I'm not inviting you, duh. Mal, you want to?"

"Sorry, Sonar, already got a plan with Prism."

A sound of surprise was heard, none other than from Flambae. "Huh, thought we gonna eat lunch together? You abandoning me, bitch?"

"Aww, you miss me already? Sorry, boo. You should probably eat lunch with our lonely-ass dispatcher." "Aye lad, make sure he don't eat those twinkies again. That's unhealthy" punch up add

Okay, that was uncalled for, Robert thought. "First of all, just so you know. I'm not lonely; it's better eating alone in a quiet place and Twinkies definetly have some protein"

Now the channel was silent. "That's actually so sad. You right bae, gonna waste my lunch time with you, Bob Bob, be grateful, yeah?" Now Robert was being pitied. Oh good.

"Yeah, I feel sorry for you, Robbie, I'm gonna have lunch with you guys." Sonar was also joining in on having lunch with them. He had even planned to just buy Twinkies from the vending machine with coffee and return to his cubicle like usual and maybe strecthing up a little.

"Excuse me, who said I'm gonna eat lunch with you, batboner?" Flambae's voice shrieked in disbelief.

"And who said you could call me that?"

"And Robert could?"

"Well, that's a special nickname from him; I don't feel offended at all, honestly."

"Fucker."

Besides... if the owner of the fire power realized that he sometimes subtly kept his distance, it wasn't because Robert was afraid Flambae would suddenly ask for his monthly quota to punch him. But it was because of Flambae's body odor that smelled like a campfire on a cold night, his body temperature that could sometimes feel hot even without touching, those damn eyes glaring Robert like he wants to kill him - okay that one weird enough.

Several minutes had passed now, and they were all still active in the channel. Robert took a deep breath before feeling that he was having trouble taking a breath without feeling pain in his lungs that been happening in the past months but didn't feel too important. He closed his mouth to stifle the coughs that were coming out. Robert felt like his body had returned to normal; besides, he was resilient. The feeling of air not going further into his lungs was quite familiar in his case.

"You okay there?" Sonar asked first, and of course, he was fine, so Robert answered as usual, "If you guys still want to bicker, suit yourselves. I'm gonna grab lunch now."

Robert immediately muted the channel so that his voice and their voices could no longer be heard, but just before Robert took off his headset, the computer in front of him flashed red. Robert sighed immediately. Was the system malfunctioning? It was clearly their break time now.

But of course, trouble wouldn't stop just because it was his break time; inevitably, Robert's heroic spirit told him to press the distress signal.

"Call received, this is Robert Robertson from SDN Z-Team, how can I help you?"

"Oh, thank goodness someone answered. Please help my child! someone just took my car. My daughter Grace is in there. Please, I beg you."

Oh, shit, a real emergency call. All the Z-Team crew members were inactive now, of course the channel's been clear when he's gone. Of course, who would want to stay active at lunchtime? Robert's mind was now noisy. But now he had to calm the caller down so she could explain the location in more detail and which direction her car went.

"Of course, of course... Now calm down first. Which way did the car go?"

Fortunately, the caller could still be talked to, she immediately explained the location in sufficient detail. Now it was just a matter of how he could help. However, Robert's body always moved before his mind. He ran to where his Mecha Man suit was located. With that suit, he could quickly fly and catch the fast-moving car and save the child inside.

Blonde Blazer specially gave Robert a room for his Mecha Man suit, he's grateful of course. In front of the room, Robert had to identify himself with a special remote that could only be used by a few people, like Robert, Blonde Blazer, Royd, and Chase. He went inside and immediately messed with turning it on as easily as flipping his hand.

Then he pressed another button on the remote to easily open the roof of the room without having to go through the too-narrow room corridor. As he flew his suit, he immediately ran into Flambae, who flew past his suit.

"What the fuck, Mecha Man. Hey Robert Bitch," shouted Flambae, who almost got hit by Robert's Mecha suit, adding to his PTSD list. Sighing, Robert didn't want to waste time stopping for a moment and answering his colleague's insults. He only managed to say, "Yeah yeah Flambae, just grab lunch first," before pressing the boost faster button, which sped up his flight time.

Leaving Flambae still confused.

"Did that bitch serious?" Of course, Flambae followed him. There was no way he would let his lunch buddy leave him alone again. No fucking way.

"Oh fuck, where you guys going? What about lunch!" Sonar, who had returned to his normal form, could be seen walking below. "Follow Mecha Dick, you Rabies Fucker!"

Being inside the Mecha suit felt very comfortable and familiar, it felt like his bones were fused into the control pit. After all, half of his life was spent inside that suit. It was like returning to using a shell after being naked for a few months. He held the controller, which sat comfortably in his scarred hand. He searched for the location where the disturbance was definitely occurring.

"Okay... where are you, villain?"

Just as he expected, the screen in front of him, which had been zoomed in, showed him aiming at a car that was speeding. Now, how could Robert catch and stop the car without causing any damage? First, as a hero and also a dispatcher of former super villains, he had to give the villain a chance to redeem themselves and perhaps surrender.

"You, yes... the villain who stole the car and is now panicking because you didn't expect another passenger in the car, you can still calmly surrender and stop the car peacefully."

Instead of stopping, the driver of the stolen car actually increased the speed of the car. Sighing, Robert also followed his tempo. Observing the highway that was squeezed by tall office buildings with roads that were luckily not crowded, but if left unchecked, the driver would definitely crash and break through something and make the situation worse. If he tried to block the car, he definitely still wouldn't stop. His experience as a hero and dispatcher forced him to be naive. "Okay buddy, my mecha man suit. I hope you can be flown without a captain."

Still holding the previous remote, Robert released his seat belt, pressed several buttons and pulled a lever to open his cockpit slowly when it was balanced above the perpetrator's car. "I got this."

Landing on the car was truly laughable, almost slipping before he had time to hold on. In a crouched position, trying to stay calm, he peeked at the car window. Robert spoke again, "Hey, can you just stop this shit. I got lunch to eat-" Before Robert finished his sentence, the car door opened and Robert avoided it, luckily.

But unexpectedly, the person came out with his body hanging onto the car while still driving, with 2 extra hands. He took out a gun, the end of which could now hit his vital area. "Oh Fuck."

Robert couldn't blink, he had to at least let the bullet get away from his vital area. 'But his life has been good enough, hasn't it? Shroud is also in prison. He at least now has someone who will attend his funeral.' "ROBERT"

Flambae flew and smacked down the villain, but the bullet had already been fired, the edge of Robert's shoulder covered in blood. But he couldn't think about the pain at the moment, now he was on top of the driverless car. Robert jumped into the car, then stopped the car swiftly. Then he looked at the back seat, where Grace was. "Grace are you here? It's okay, the villain already got caught.. I'm Mecha Man"

Behind the seat, a little girl with curly hair peeked out to look at Robert with her eyes already wet with tears. Robert felt very sorry for the child. He opened his arms to guide her so she could hold him to get out. But she slowly and tremblingly pointed towards the hole in his shoulder. "You're hurt..."

"I'm fin-"

"Fine my ass, You just got shot Robert. Normies like you shouldn't do that!" Robert was pulled out by Flambae, who for some reason looked worried and didn't stop staring at his wound.

Luckily, Grace's mother had arrived at the location and she immediately opened the back door and carried Grace, looking at Mecha Man and Flambae, bowing in gratitude. She also looked worried about Robert's injury. But of course she was comforted because it was indeed a hero's consequence.

Robert now felt that his eyes were blurry and seeing stars, he pressed the button on the remote and made his Mecha suit come down. Walking slowly towards it, "What the fuck are you doing mecha bitch" Holding the blood coming out of his shoulder, Robert looked towards the owner of the voice. "Going back to SDN, duh?" His sarcasm was really felt.

He suddenly felt like he was floating, Flambae was carrying him. "Leave the suit, I'm faster. The team gonna be here in a minute. The villain is already in some other hero's hand"

Robert didn't stop staring at Flambae, as he was flown to the nearest hospital. The warm weather made Robert even more sleepy. He felt very light, and Flambae's body scent and temperature also calmed him. His body stopped freezing and began to relax in his arms. But for some reason, his chest felt more and more painful when he heard Flambae's heartbeat, which sounded as fast as his.

Robert felt very sleepy, maybe he was losing a lot of blood. That's not a good sign. Flambae kept saying something to him... maybe his usual cursing and nicknames but his voice sounded like it was fading away. Before Robert's consciousness slipped, he felt his body being lowered onto a bed being rushed, probably to the Emergency Room. Flambae was still with him, he felt warm hands still holding his head. Feels nice.

The first thing he saw was a white ceiling that felt like his second home, his shoulders felt numb, and looking to his side, Robert was surprised, Flambae was still there... Chad was still there. Asleep on the hospital sofa. Maybe he was unconscious longer than usual. Seeing that scene, Robert imagined some of the guys that Chad often mentioned while on duty. Was he allowed to stay here accompanying Robert who, in his opinion, just had a minor accident. Thinking about that made Robert short of breath again, he felt something stuck in his throat, immediately followed by a cough that he covered with his hand. Feeling his hand wet with something, Robert opened his hand

"Flower petals?... what the fuck"

A yawn was heard, followed by a voice "Just woke up and already cursing, still hurt bob bob. That cough sounded intense." Chad raised an eyebrow, his eyes staring at Robert who currently felt quite fragile. Robert didn't want whatever flower petals that suddenly came out of his mouth to be questioned, hiding his hand which also had blood on it.

"What are you still in here Chad?"

"Oh, is that how it is, I'm not allowed to visit an asshole who's sick huh?" Chad got up from the sofa and walked towards Robert's bed which was still surrounded by tubes and IVs. "It's not like that, i'm fine. Nothing to worry about. You should go back doing your job and help peoples" Of course Chad laughed at Robert's words, as if he didn't believe it. "Shut up, you should sleep more you sicko. Is not like I canceled my date to watch your sorry ass still alive"

'Date' Robert's chest tightened, what's wrong with him? It should be his shoulder that hurts. His whole body was used to wincing in pain, but this time it was different. Somehow, maybe because of paranoia. Robert felt something moving inside him. Maybe he really needed to sleep more, ignoring Chad who was still standing staring at him. Robert tried to make himself as comfortable as possible before closing his eyes. "I'm going to sleep" a humming sound was heard as if agreeing, Robert was still conscious for a few minutes... until he finally heard "Good Night Robert" and the touch on the edge of his lips as if wiping something away 'fuck, maybe the blood is still there,' Robert's brain reminded him, the touch lingered long enough that Robert was afraid his heart rate would increase and be visible on the heart rate monitor next to him. "Tch what the fuck am i doing" - the touch stopped - "Don't act tough, you idiot." then the sound of footsteps moving away.

When the door creaked open, Robert could hear Beef and Chase's voices before they became inaudible again when the door probably closed. The quiet and lonely room felt familiar to Robert and he fell asleep shortly after.

The second time Robert woke up, Chase was by his side along with Beef still in his blonde form with Mandy's amulet. It must have been the next day by now. The doctor came directly to Robert's room to explain the problem and how long he might have to stay in the hospital, or whether he could have outpatient care as usual. Staying in the hospital too long could make Robert even more depressed, thinking about how useless he was at the moment as a Hero or a Dispatcher trusted by his Team. However, after a fairly detailed explanation about the bullet not hitting any vital areas, the doctor seemed at a loss for words.

"Do you have any other thing to say Doc?" Robert asked because it was getting uneasy. Chase was holding Beef, who was happy to be there with his tongue out.

"So Mr. Robert, we took your CT scan to do your surgery, but there's something not normal in both of your lungs. It's small, but it's still in both of them. Looks like some kind of plant or flowers. We cannot do procedures on that when we doing your gunshot wound. We wanted to ask if maybe you accidentally inhaled it? Or it grew inside. I've never seen lungs like that."

Robert was silent, not believing what his doctor was saying. Was he still under the influence of anesthesia? Plants... flowers? In his lungs. Maybe the Z-Team hired a con doctor to make all this seem like a joke, well, if this were the Z-Team when Robert first met them, maybe. But they had now become true heroes and they wouldn't do that to him, hopefully.

The doctor in front of Robert with the diagnosis in his hands could only assume that Robert didn't know about it either. "So I assumed you don't know about this, it seems like a joke. But it is not. I'm also contacting my other doctor friends while looking for similar cases of the disease. But before that, Mr. Robert, do you feel any pain? Didn't you feel anything before? If you have any complaints and feel pain, we can try to give you-" The doctor hadn't finished the diagnosis, but Robert already knew what was going to happen. He would definitely be forced to stay in the hospital longer than he needed. Everyone needs his help more than himself.

"No, Doctor, I'm completely fine, maybe it's just there and it's gonna go away eventually, if it's really a flower or some sort it will definitely wither." Robert tried to find a logical reason, a white lie is always good for heroes to tell.

For the first time, Chase spoke, touching one of Robert's unbandaged shoulders, looking at him with understanding as if he knew what Robert was thinking. "Hey kid, it's okay." Robert held back the ache that was right behind his eyes, trying not to even tear up.

Robert moved the hand on his shoulder to his own two hands and squeezed it, "I'm okay, don't worry."

Chase looked at him for a few moments, as if he knew it was just some bullshit he spit out cause don't worry is always a sign to be worry. But he tried not to overstep Robert's comfort zone.

"Okay then, if that's the case. You'll likely be able to leave the hospital in just a few days, I don't see any complications."

"Then, tomorrow it is. Doctor, I need to do my job."

"Let's see your conditions tomorrow then." Then the doctor immediately left the room.

"Are you fucked up, kid? Do you have some other fucking concussion in your head? You just got shot. Don't need to think about the motherfucking job, you dumbfuck." Chase sounded angry now, lecturing Robert like a worried older brother. Robert could only laugh at him because he knew that no matter what, Robert would insist on doing what he wanted.

Chase could only sigh deeply, "If you really want to come back tomorrow, suit yourself. Now it's time for me to take care of your circus crew," and directed Beef, who was in his arms, towards Robert, "Say goodbye to papa." As if understanding, he immediately licked Robert's face excitedly. Robert petted Beef while laughing. "See you, Beef."

Robert, who was once again left alone, had just decided to sleep when a nurse brought him hospital food, which was definitely a step up from Robert's usual Twinkies diet. He thanked the nurse who delivered it. Robert ate his meal, while reaching for his cell phone on the table next to him that Chase had brought yesterday when he fell asleep.

Seeing the Z-Team Group Chat full of unread messages, he only looked at a few chats that he thought were still readable and not full of dirty jokes and betting about him.

Robert chuckled at his Team's interaction, unfortunately, contrary to what they expected, Robert would be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. He was actually quite looking forward to what absurd items they might bring. After scrolling for quite some time to the latest chats in the group, his lungs felt tighter and more constricted.

'Date' oh so Flambae, after finishing accompanying him at the hospital, just went on a date with someone else. Robert wasn't expecting anything, as his friend- hopefully Flambae considered him a friend at least- is being treated, and he doesn't care. It's none of his business. 'None,' Robert repeated the words in his mind. Great, his mind is now his enemy again, though it's nothing new. Robert felt like he couldn't breathe now. He pressed his chest hard, trying to take in oxygen through his mouth. His ears were ringing, he had to calm down, he had to get back to normal before someone came.

He hit the area of his chest that was still connected to the IV tubes, causing them to come loose, resulting in drops of blood. Robert again felt something stuck in his throat, feeling like it was burning. Robert tried to grab whatever was blocking his airway. When he reached for it, it felt quite sore and he tried not to gag. As Robert imagined, but this time it wasn't just flower petals but a flower stalk that should have been white, but was colored with blood, causing it to be red. Breathing felt easier now.

"A fresh flower stalk"-Robert felt hypnotized when he saw the flower coming out of his body, sad when he saw it for some reason.

"Is it maybe my karma? I don't even feel like I've done anything that could be considered karma. Suck, I guess."

He put the flower stalk on the table and tried to call the nurse to bandage the small wound on his hand, maybe even remove all the equipment around him. So he could sleep more peacefully without anything. 

When the nurse came in and saw the state of the equipment now moved and the IV needle almost detached, Robert could only smile awkwardly while holding the back of his head. "Can you help me?"

The nurse had already received permission from the doctor that if Robert felt recovered enough, when all the doctor's equipment attached to him was like a lifeline, he felt free. Robert never liked a single second of himself lying unconscious in a coma.

"The fact that in less than a year I escaped death, death will come again to take my life as if I owe the Grim Reaper, damn it." Robert stretched his arms out on the bed, feeling sleepiness take him away to the underworld.

The hospital shower felt so comfortable and better than the one at his place, where the hot water didn't work, even though he was really craving heat that could burn away his body aches. If only he was Flambae's partner, maybe he would be kind enough to embrace him when he wanted warmth without getting wet.

Changing back into the uniform he had previously worn felt disgusting, his shoulder still felt quite sore, and not forgetting the bloody wound that soaked most of his shoulder, now black in color. The bullet hole was clearly visible. He forgot to ask Chase to bring his change of clothes.

"Fuck it."

Robert tried to put on his work uniform with the SDN logo slowly by himself, it was quite difficult. But he could do it without help

He was used to being alone.

Reaching for the flower stalk that came out of him yesterday, "If I had more flower stalks... maybe I could make a flower bucket for..." Of Fucking Course the fire user popped out in his mind.

"Ahh, never mind, feels creepy." He walked towards the trash can, trying to throw away the stalk of flower, but his hand seemed unwilling to let go. Well, his body speaks more than his mind nowadays, he had to follow its will. He decided to keep the flower safely in his pocket.

"What are you trying to throw away?"

Chase's voice came from behind him, followed by the sound of Beef running over to him and circling his papa as if asking to be petted. Robert tried to act like it was nothing, petting Beef's white belly, which made him happy.

"Don't lie again, you fucker, Robert. I see that flower. Did someone give you just one flower? Let me give that motherfucker a lesson, You should have been given a huge bouquet of flowers." Chase defended Robert like his own younger sibling; if only Robert could be honest. Of course, he could, but he wouldn't.

"No one important."

Seeing that he wanted to pick up Beef, Chase immediately snatched Beef first and carried him. "How dare you try holding my son while wearing those filthy clothes." Chase gave him a head-to-toe look and made a disgusted face. "I didn't bring another work uniform, and forgot to tell you to bring me one."

"You have a spare one at work, right kid, at least?"

Robert nodded and smiled, "No more problem, right? Let's get to work, Chase."

"Fresh out of the hospital and straight to work, fucking Robert Overwork Robertson The Third."

"Easy there, unc, don't call my full government name," Robert added with a smirk. Chase could only roll his eyes and point to where his car was.

"We're using the car, what a waste. I wanted to be carried again, though," Robert complained. Chase laughed when he heard that, "Maybe later, yeah, you big fucking baby."

Arriving at the SDN office branch, which had almost always been the place where Robert poured out everything ever since he was recruited. He parted ways with Chase, and Robert went inside to immediately change clothes in the locker room. Robert felt more refreshed, even though he had to struggle to change his clothes again.

Back at his cubicle, Robert decided to put the flowers he was still carrying into his pencil holder there. "Nice decoration."

Putting on his headset and adjusting the connected microphone, he took a deep breath- 'ugh,' it hurt; he couldn't take too deep a breath right now.

Turning on the computer and seeing that all of his team's radar were active, he turned off the mute. They wouldn't realize Robert was back to work if he didn't make a sound, He tried to eavesdrop on his crew's conversation for a bit.

"So, everyone's already here?" Malevola asked, and everyone answered 'yes,' 'present,' and so on. "Don't you think-supposed to ask permission now-before," Waterboy spoke up.

"Nuuh."

"We should," Coupe said.

"So… you hear it, right, Track Star or Blonde Blazer?"

"Mecha Man, actually" Robert answered.

Instantly, his eardrums felt like they would burst from hearing the various shouts of his name from Z-Team.

"Hey lad, don't ya need to be on a hospital bed?"

"He needs to be in a freaking coffin after all that, holy shit."

"Dude, you wasted a free day off."

"Sir-Robert! Are-you are here!"

"Greetings Robert Robertson, glad to hear you're so well."

"He's not well, you damn Alien. Tell me, Bob Bob, why are you already on a job!" Flambae sounded quite angry, as usual, Robert thought.

"One by one, please, yes, I am fine."

The sound of a red portal was heard, which of course must belong to Malevola, who brought all the crew members to Robert's location. Now he was going to be scolded for bringing chaos to his workplace.

"You are lying" 

"You look like one of those walking corpses, what are they called again?"

"Zombie." After Invisigal answered Prism's question, she immediately draped her arm over Robert's shoulder. Robert winced in pain, but before he could warn Visi about his shoulder, Chase had already walked over and pulled Visi away from Robert.

"Are you a dumb bitch? Didn't you hear the fucking news?!" Chase tugged on Visi's jacket. Visi didn't try to break free or provoke Chase's anger any further, and only said, "What??"

"The lad got shot in his shoulder, didn't he?" Coupe walked alongside his partner, Punch Up. Hearing this, Invisigal immediately looked at Robert, who returned her gaze with an 'it's fine' expression.

Chase finally released Invisigal, but she still decided to sit quietly on the floor. "W-well... I don't know where he got shot."

"Look, it's fine. You guys are cluttering the room. Just get to work." Robert decided that that was the last thing he would say to his crew and turned his chair back towards the computer.

"But - " Sonar wanted to interrupt Robert, seemingly desperate for a free day, for whatever reason the bat wanted one.

"Now get the fuck away, as your beloved Robert said."

Without complaining, everyone slowly went back out through Malevola's portal. Except for one person, Robert knew who was staring at him like that - only one person, pretending not to address the elephant in the room so he kept quiet.

"Hey Bitch"

Flambae called from behind, but Robert decided to ignore him. All of the Z-Team were already in their respective positions, except for the guy behind him. When the familiar SOS sound and exclamation mark rang out, Robert pressed it and listened to the subscriber's request on SDN, then told Prism to do it.

"Prism, you think you can handle that?" A confident voice immediately replied, "Who do you think I am? I can easily entertain people. Tip for you, Roberto: you should probably entertain my bae over there."

"Yeah... yeah."

As soon as he took off his headset with both hands, Flambae forcibly spun Robert's chair around to face him, cornering Robert with both hands and forcing them to look at each other.

Flambae's chest was right in front of him, and Robert couldn't turn his face away. Only his eyes felt like they could burn away all of Robert's worries right now, if he wasn't careful about what he said, he might blurt out 'you have pretty eyes.' Those eyes looked like they were analyzing Robert's expression. His lips, which he wanted to taste, made him wonder how many men luckier than him had tasted them because they might fit Flambae's type. Huff, not him.

"S-stop Flam," A cough prevented Robert from continuing, it hurt even more. He could feel something moving in his chest again. He couldn't breathe again. His nose couldn't take in any oxygen at all, his mouth felt like it wanted to throw up something again. He closed his mouth before something came out again. He didn't want to - not in front of someone who had already seen all versions of him.

"Are you ok - " Robert forcefully pushed Flambae away and ran straight to one of the toilet stalls, sweat pouring from his forehead, his eyes already unable to focus. His heart was beating fast. He closed the toilet seat, sat on it, leaned forward, and clasped his hands in front of his mouth. Blood soaked his hands along with some flowers that were stuck together, tears came out because it all felt so painful, his stomach spasming. He tried to breathe again, when he began to find a breathing pattern.

inhale-exhale-inhale-exhale-

"Good, Robert... you're fine, you're okay." Robert tried to convince himself with a whispered voice that even sounded hoarse.

He realized that the door had been pounded on all this time by none other than Flambae. Why did he follow him? Go away... Robert pleaded in his mind, hoping maybe Flambae would understand.

But after that, the sound of a crash was heard, the door almost coming off with one push. Robert panicked, he didn't want Flambae to see the blood-soaked flowers in his hands. He tried to hold the door "Wait! stop. stop... Flambae."

"Yeah No Fucking way Robert, you need help. Open the door."

"No... just stop Flambae, listen to your dispatcher."

"No! should I just break and grab your flat ass to the hospital?!"

"Please... just leave me alone."

Robert no longer felt the pushing, there was no sound after a few minutes. When he believed he was alone, Robert unlocked the stall and came out directly facing the mirror that showed how pale his face was. Walking towards the sink, Robert didn't even dare to look at his eyes. Don't most people want to look good when they are about to die? He didn't want his current reflection to be the last thing he remembered about himself. It would be better if the last thing he saw in himself was when the reflection of his face was reflected in Flambae's eyes.

The more he thought about it, the more his mind was filled with emotions for Flambae, for Chad. He didn't know when it started, but the familiar feeling and the unchanging situation had always been Robert's most comfortable point. After Shroud, he searched for something from his past that could replace his obsession. He didn't expect that person to insert himself into Robert's daily life, accompanying him when the Z-Team was having fun together, standing beside him without saying a word, he always found the comfort in the silence between them until he realized he was starting to fall for that man.

Washing the flowers in his hand, trying as much as possible to gently wipe the blood from the petals, as well as his face which must look unpleasant, Robert smiled with satisfaction. Coming out of the restroom, he began to make some lists in his mind.

His first destination was Blonde Blazer's office, he knocked on the door a few times before a voice said, "Come in."

"It's Robert."

"Oh Rob-" Mandy, with her brunette hair in a high ponytail, turned around, her face looking shocked. She immediately approached him before Robert could reach her. "Robert, if you need any medical attention, just go ahead, no need to ask me, oh god, just look at you. Is the shot wound that bad?" Mandy looked very worried but tried to maintain her boundaries. "Yeah, about that..." Robert completely forgot about the pain from the gunshot wound in his shoulder. "Can I get a day off?"

"Of course, Robert! I already filed your leave. No need to worry." Mandy tried to open the door again, telling Robert to quickly leave her office and rest immediately. But Robert remained silent, looking at Mandy and smiling at her.

"Wait wait... I'm starting to feel like you're kicking me out." Robert said it jokingly, of course, but Mandy took it seriously and closed the door again. "No! Of course not." Before Mandy could feel even more guilty, Robert expressed his feelings first.

"I know, Mandy, I can't thank you enough for this, and Chase too, yeah. Before I go, I just want to say something about Z-Team." Robert started speaking at length, but each word came out softer, the sound of his breathing audible to his own ears. "What makes you say that? I'm the one who should thank you for bringing the Phoenix Program to this level of success, they are all heroes now, like you."

Robert was touched to hear this, he had been working hard for Z-Team indeed. He had even considered quitting being a Mecha Man for the sake of his friends, but fate now dictated that he couldn't even be a hero, or a dispatcher. "You're right, they're all heroes now, with a temper of course. You should try to understand them as their own person and don't give up on them... that's what I did for them anyway. I think I should go now." Robert then opened the door to leave, but Mandy held his hand.

"Robert, I don't know why... but be okay, yeah. You can call me or your Team if you need anything."

Robert nodded and left Mandy with an unreadable expression. Now he walked towards Chase, who had of course taken over his dispatcher job. Before he even got there, Chase immediately took off the headset and grabbed Robert's arms when he saw him. "Robert, you look worse than before, kid, I can take you to the hospital."

Before he could speak, Beef ran towards him and climbed on his legs as if asking to be picked up. Robert picked up his beloved smart dog, who immediately gave him a wet kiss with his licks. "There you are, Beef, let me take you for a walk." Hearing this, Beef immediately wagged his tail quickly. Chase felt strange instead. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Letting Beef spend time with his actual Papa, I'll be back later. Already asked Mandy for a day off."

Robert immediately ran away quickly because he was afraid of being questioned further, Beef barked happily seeing his Papa laugh. Robert went to his locker first to get Beef's Leash, while also seeing what was in his locker. Pretty empty, his locker was filled with some photos that his team members forced him to put up. He closed his locker and immediately put on Beef's leash, which he wore easily. Robert had already thought about where he wanted to take Beef, he hoped he could still breathe enough for a while.

"Let's go Beef."

Robert and Beef went around the route that Robert usually took Beef around, like his usual daily routine. Not forgetting to stop by the supermarket to buy treats for Beef and himself, he also bought something else that made him think of something, Twinkies in his left hand and the Leash handle in his right hand. Robert felt very calm and comfortable. He just hoped not to meet anyone-

But he already jinxed it when he think about it.

"Sir- Rob! I hear that you get sick..." Waterboy wore goggles on his eyes, he looked wetter than usual and was not stuttering over his word. Maybe he was also worried. oh well, since he met him, Robert could say hello to him. "Hey Herman, Already a pro doing hero job."

Waterboy shook his head quickly as if he strongly opposed Robert's words. "No-no no no.. I'm not a pro, we- I just fail doing my job with Flambae." Waterboy stared at his fingers that he was playing with. Robert finished the last piece of his twinkies and put the used wrap in a different pocket from where he put his flowers. Then he placed Herman's hand on top of his hand and pressed it gently. "You and the others are doing fine on your own already, I believe in you." Robert said it while making sure Herman looked into his eyes, seeing how sure he was.

"Now, say see you, Beef." As if understanding, Beef barked at Water Boy. He patted the tall Water Boy on the shoulder while saying perhaps his last farewell to Herman, "Goodbye, Herman." They immediately continued their walk as Robert had planned in his oxygen-deficient brain. 

"See you again-later! Robert" 

Robert waved his hand, continuing to walk. He felt himself growing weaker, but at least he had to put on a strong face in front of his team; he could do it.

When he reached a crossroads in the alley, he headed straight there and leaned against a wall covered in graffiti, close to a trash can, but he didn't care. Leaning weakly against the wall, he slumped to the asphalt, unable to hold Beef's leash, who fortunately climbed onto Robert's lap and leaned against his chest, feeling warm and comfortable. His body felt cold. He could only take slow breaths because his chest felt so full, his emotions a mess, and he wanted to cry.

His mind was filled with moments of interaction with Flambae, even when he was beaten to the ground in his room, the moment when he took the older one's fingers, his face when he lost a part of his body. Beef whined in his arms, his big eyes fixed on Robert. Robert stroked his head slowly, "Hey buddy... sorry, just a minute, yeah."

Robert finally tried to look at his phone, unable to believe that the moment that felt like 15 years of being Mecha Man had only happened for a few hours, it should be lunchtime at work. His notifications were quite full, but he always kept his phone on DO NOT DISTURB mode unless it's from Chase.

"Let's go Beef. We should take you to your new father, yeah. Papa's tired now."

Robert gripped the leash as tightly as he could, walking in the direction he had come from earlier. 

Once there, he avoided everyone. Fortunately, his workplace felt deserted during break time. Visiting his cubicles, Beef immediately ran to Chase's spot and devoured the remaining kibble. Robert smiled, looking at the computer that had witnessed his struggles from the beginning. He had so much fun.

He grabbed the flowers he had bundled into a small bouquet and left a thank you card on his desk.He put his handphone in the drawer on top of a photo of himself and his old man. 

As he walked towards the place he anticipated would be his final resting place, he tripped because Beef decided to chase after him. He chuckled, "I almost stepped on you, hey Beef." Luckily, he had prepared a treat for Beef, placing it in the bowl Chase provided. "I'm glad you're easily bribed."

Now, Robert tried jogging towards where his Mecha Suit was. As the door opened, the Mecha Suit stood neatly there. Robert was pleased that his coffin looked shiny.Ready with the clothes he wants to wear as his last outfit, his mechaman suit with its mask, However, his stomach started acting up. He vomited everything he had eaten, but not only did that disgusting liquid come out, but also blood and flowers that looked even fresher instead.

It felt very cold, and he shivered. His body trembled, and as he climbed into the cockpit of his Mecha Suit, his vision began to darken. God, whoever is up there, please at least let him choose where he wanted to die. They say only strong people can choose where they die. But let Robert choose.

Closing the cockpit, he activated the Mecha Suit, which immediately powered on as he wanted. The light from within stimulated Robert's vision, making him more focused. He opened the roof and launched his Mecha Suit. He passed by that place a few times.

The weather looked bright, just as he had hoped. "There you go." He drove his suit until he reached the place where he first met Chad. The burning mall had now been renovated and was back in operation, even with a banner the Mall Owner put up to thank Mecha Man. He landed on its empty and spacious roof and hoped it would be enough for him to die peacefully without being disturbed.

Meanwhile, at the SDN office branch, Chase, who had just returned from his lunch trip, was surprised to see Beef approaching him. "Beef, why you here boy?" Scooping Beef into his hand, Chase noticed a bouquet of flowers on Robert's desk. "Bucket?" At first, Chase didn't even consider that something bad had happened. "Let's call your papa, yeah?"

As a ringing tone became audible, Chase heard a familiar vibration and phone ringing sound. "Wait here, yeah Beef." Chase put Beef down and checked where the sound was coming from. It was clearly coming from one of Robert's drawers. The first drawer he opened revealed a handphone ringing, with the caller ID showing 'Unc Chase.'

At the same time, Royd called out to Chase. "Chase, Yu must see this."

Chase felt his heart sink into his stomach. He picked up Beef again and flew towards where Royd was calling from. The door to the mecha man's room was open, revealing blood splatters and other colored fluids, with flowers scattered on the floor.

"There's blood all over, man... and the suit mecha's gone."

All Chase could think about was that the flowers were the same color as the ones Robert had received. Is someone threatening him? or is it the one... on his lungs-. Where the fuck is he.

Chase's handphone rang again, displaying an unknown number. He answered immediately, hoping it was Robert, but when he answered, he heard the sound of someone flipping through papers and pacing back and forth. "Hello, is this Chase, Robert's guardian? I'm his doctor from back then. So, I finally found what the flower is!" The doctor sounded excited but tried to remain professional and control his tone. "Flower? Is that the diagnosis about Robert's lungs? That one?"

"Yeah! That one. So basically, as I know, he's a Mecha Man because he needs to claim the insurance for being a hero that's provided by the SDN, yeah. I've been researching, and there are actually quite a few people who have this sickness. and it's usually someone who doesn't have power, which is powerless, but they often come into direct contact with the power of people who do have it. Most of the people who get this sickness are usually already sick and weak most of the time, making their metabolism even weaker."

"Fuck, just get to the point. Robert is missing. He already looked like a living fucking corpse the last time I saw him." Chase tried not to lash out at the doctor, who was supposed to be providing clues as to why Robert was acting that way.

"He's missing? but the news is Robert actually can be cured if he just tells what's on his mind and heart. and if the disease has only reached the early stages, which is just shortness of breath... if he has reached the stage - " The sound of paper being flipped could be heard again. " - where he's producing flowers that even come out with the stems... it's too late."

fuck

fuckfuckfuckfuck

"Call the Z-Team, we need to search for him."

"What's this about? I just took a bite at that new restaurant. And boom emergency call." Prism complained. "Yeah, we basically get called overtime now, the payment not including our break time," Invisigal chimed in.

All Z-Team members were able to arrive quickly because Malevola was forced to open a portal for them all one by one, causing the hell goddess to be quite exhausted and lean back on the bench. Sonar came and brought Malevola some cold water. "Thanks, Vic."

"I got you."

Flambae stood silently in the corner of the room, folding his arms and looking worried. Prism, seeing her bestie acting like that, immediately approached and lowered her voice. "Hey bae, you okay there? Don't worry too much, Robert's gonna be good after a few days off."

Flambae forced himself to chuckle, not wanting Alice to worry about him. "Pfft yeah, that bitch is tough. Besides, he's the one who dropped me to prison."

"That's the spirit, but you know, what's the call about? Blonde Blazer sounded panicked on the phone too."

Flambae just shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, but fuck this shit makes me shivering and I'm a flame, it's disturbing."

The meeting room door burst open, revealing a panicked Chase, Blonde Blazer, and Royd. Seeing their expressions, Chad knew that he and the rest of Z-Team were wearing the same looks.

In a minute, everyone's already on their way, not just Z-Team. There's no time to stop and think about helping others; if they're part of Z-Team, it's what allows them to even try to help others instead of just helping themselves. They wouldn't be called heroes without their Dispatcher.

Everyone's trying to search places Robert might have gone with his Mecha suit, but most think Robert would go far away. However, Flambae thinks otherwise. Prism starts her live stream to ask if maybe her followers saw the blue armor flying in the sky. "Guys, I need your help, yeah, it's so important for me and all my friends. Do you guys see the Hero Mecha Man flying to somewhere - shit, I don't know?"

The chat is pouring in; Prism's trying to read the helpful ones, but it's useless. Most of them are just trying to catch her mere attention until "The rooftop at the side Mall? Bitch, more specific, please. Thank you."

Mall?

Flambae immediately flies off without waiting for the full name of the mall; he knows which one the chat meant. "But why is he there?" Flambae wonders. Flying so fast, to the average person, he probably looks like a meteor streaking across the earth, burning up.

"There's no fucking way."

Sure enough, he's there. The Mecha Man suit might look different from the first time they met in this place too. But it's him. "ROBERT!" Flambae tries to open the cockpit area where Robert is, but Mechaman is sitting silently, as if not hearing instructions. Like Robert's toy that's run out of batteries, not moving even a little bit.

"Please, Robert, I beg you. Be okay."

But no matter what, Flambae fails to open the machine; he doesn't see any openings at all. Maybe he could try burning it, but he's afraid that would have a bad impact, but Robert -

Before Flambae can think twice, a portal opens, and out comes Royd holding the same remote that Flambae often sees Robert holding. However, as the cockpit opens just a little, with smoke coming out from inside, blood gushes out... The lower area looks full of blood and white flowers; the first thing visible is his legs. Flambae is afraid to look further.

His heart is pounding for the umpteenth time today, and he's increasingly sick and confused about what else Robert has to take from him. His fingers? Chad's no longer angry about that, he's used to his eight fingers. His phantom pain has actually felt better these past few days when he's with the one who took them, but now it hurts again. His teeth? He quite likes the whistle that comes out every time he says something. Besides, Robert once complimented him, saying he looks good with one front tooth missing. His heart? Robert already got it, and maybe he'll take it to its final resting place.

Alice is holding Chad's hand tightly, as if trying to give him her remaining energy. Even all of Z-Team doesn't dare say anything. They don't dare look at Robert, who's still supported by the Mecha Suit's safety belts, with his eyes looking extinguished and downcast inside. Only Chase walks closer to Robert's unalived body.

He approaches him, walking slowly, as if each step feels weighed down. He closes Robert's still-open eyes.

"Good Night, Kid."

As Chase tries to step away, he accidentally presses a button, causing a projection to appear, and there's Robert, with the light of life still there, but he doesn't look better. His clothes are full of flowers, looking beautiful on him. Robert smiles. Everyone watches.

Robert covers his mouth with his hand. "I... can't talk without vomiting blood - " Robert looks like he's trying to swallow it back, "Don't be sad, I always wanted to die as Mecha Man, continuing the fucking legacy until it stops in me. Thank goodness." Robert again looks like he's trying to swallow and furrows his brow. Some of the Z-Team cannot watch this anymore, and some of them turn their backs.

But Chad is still there, watching him clearly without blinking. Alice is still holding his hand, but she turns away, unable to force herself to watch.

"Cause... I- don't want Robert to be like this, Robert is still out there somewhere. Maybe still watching Z-Team the way he wants to, loving and be reciprocated as he deserves. Not me." Robert hasn't even dared to look directly at the camera all this time, but now his eyes are right on the lens, making the projection seem like he's looking at them clearly, smiling as his eyes soften. "Mecha Man Blue - sign off." Ending with Robert unable to hold back the vomit of flowers and blood coming out of his mouth before forcibly turning off the recording.

Chad can see clearly from Robert's eyes, the brownish eyes he always steals glances at, Robert wants to say more than that. Maybe he's delusional. But maybe - Robert wants to say 'I Love You.'

"I Love You too."