Heyyy diva so I was a big big fan of your Robert’s dick ex feat Poly!Z and it got my gears turning in a way any series or work I like does
Consider the following, Robert has another ex, around the time right before he fully became Mecha Man (pre-Trevor). They were a nice couple, but as Robert lose himself more and more to MM, forgetting dates, neglecting his health, busy schedules in a world where Superhero is more like a paid 9-5, they just sort of…slowly simmered away. The break up wasn’t even messy or volatile, just a sad atmosphere and quiet words.
Some time after the Trevor incident, maybe while Robert’s either walking home with Beef and he runs into them incidentally. It’s been years since the break up, they’re both in happier places, but Robert can’t help but feel those pangs of sadness when they see each other again. Their ex smiles kindly at him and invites him to catch up if he has time. (Bonus points if Beef remembers this ex and brings some levity into the situation)
Fast forward to after the dispatch and he makes an offhand comment about how he’s not going to get back to anyone tonight cause he’s hanging out with another ex. Immediately they’re all on guard remembering Trevor. Robert specifies it’s not Trevor. Some of the Z teamers follow him anyways. Hijinks ensue.
(Btw this was just me rambling you don’t have to like or be on board with this, I just like to consider it a thank you for inspiring me w your poly!z❤️)
Nonnie I reallyyyyy freakin love this. Love the idea of them catching up at some small cafe. Beef on the exes lap and they just ask Robert how he’s been. If he’s gotten more sleep— and honestly at this point Robert has. Maybe he’s not exactly in the polycule yet but the feelings are certainly there. Moments of softness from the team you genuinely cares and looks out for him.
So maybe he appears more rested, well fed, that lost haunted look in his eyes lessened just a bit. And his ex smiles at him with genuine happiness.
They talk abit more, mostly on how the ex is doing. How they’re happy and fulfilled and what new adventures they’ve been on (now that Robert isn’t dragging them down Robert doesn’t say but thinks. )
Mei smiled over her mug. “You look more-- awake? Last time I saw you, I’m pretty sure you were held together by coffee and the suit”
Robert snorted. “There was also my spite. Don’t undersell my range.”
She laughed“You look better. Really. Are you sleeping more?”
“Marginally,” he said. “There’s a… very loud support system now. Kind of hard to ignore.”
“Good.” She scratched behind Beef’s ear. that made the dog wiggle more enthusiastically on her lap. “I worried about you, after. For a long time.”
Robert stared into his coffee. Silence settled, not sharp, just heavy.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “For how I was. The distant, dick boyfriend thing. I was... going through it.”
“I know.” Mei's voice was gentle but not pitying. “I’ve made peace with it. With how it ended. With not being able to reach you.”
Part of Robert wishes he could hear anger, he hears none. He thinks she deserves that.
She watched him for a moment, then smiled, softer this time. “But I’m glad someone else has. You really do look… lighter. They must be very special. Whoever’s got you looking like this.”
He huffed out a breath. “They’re special alright, yeah. I don’t know if it’s anything. I’m not exactly easy to love.”
“Mm, see, that’s where you’re wrong.” Mei smiled. “You’re very easy to love,Robert Robertson. It’s just a fucking nightmare getting you to take care of yourself. You practically need a whole team for that.”