S-Creations @s-creations - Tumblr Blog

Jun 6

Echo Location - Chapter 8: Decide

Fandom: Dispatch (Video Game) Rating: Mature Relationships: Robert Robertson / Sonar Warnings/Additional Tags: All characters are here, Retelling, Hurt/Comfort, Finding Yourself, Found family, Slow Burn, or at least I'm gonna try to make it slow burn, Building Trust, a lot of heart to hearts and soul searching, Finding your place, named and unnamed background characters, further exploration with the main characters, would building, no Invisigal bashing!, Not Beta Read.

“Whoever wished for something to happen, you got it and you’re a piece of shit.”

Sonar frowned, the cigarette paused just before reaching his lips. His internal question to Robert’s announcement was vocalized when Flambae asked, “What the fuck are you on about now?”

“We just got a call, a cave-in at one of the tourist mines. Not a clear number as to how many are trapped. But there’s at least a class of grade schoolers there.”

“What a way to go.” Invisigal unhelpfully added.

“We’re going to do our best to try and prevent that. A team from that location is already at the scene, but they need all available hands on deck to get this all sorted out. Malevola, think you could get a portal there?”

“Just give me an address and I’ll see what I can do.” The female demon answered. Already pulling her phone from her pocket as she moved a few steps away from Sonar.

“Sending the information now. Golem, you have enough room to absorb some rubble?”

“You know it,” the construct answered, “Sizing might be an issue. But nothing that I haven’t worried about before.”

“Good. Punch Up, Sonar, you’re rounding out this team.”

“Aye, loud ‘n clear.”

“Wait, what?” Sonar tried not to look too nervous as Malevola looked back at him with raised brows. “You sure about that, boss man? I’m not exactly equipped to help out in a situation involving heavy lifting things.”

“You worried you’re gonna break a nail?” Prism asked, tone trying to be teasing but it was clear she was worried.

Robert gave a verbal reprimand to her before answering Sonar’s concern. “You have echo location. We don’t have a good number on how many could be trapped inside. You’ll need to find as many people as you can with that ability.”

“Sure, that sounds good on paper, but…” The hybrid’s ear twitched as his ear piece beeped softly. Indicating that Robert had switched over the private line with Sonar.

“We don’t really have a lot of time to argue about this, so spill. What’s going on in that crypto head of yours?”

“I’m the brains guy, not the brawn guy. You send me on missions that rely on quick wit and paperwork. Especially when I’m in my more ‘normal’ mode,” Sonar started with his words hushed, “Plus, I’ve never used my echo location on a grand scale like you’re suggesting I do. I don’t know how far I’m able to see. It could only be a few feet, a few inches even. That’s not a reliable ability.”

“Sonar, I get that you’re nervous about this. But we really don’t have time to argue. Even if you’re not able to get far with your echo location, you are the last logical person for this job. Prism is already ruffed up from a previous fight and she can’t make copies. Flambae would just want to melt everything. Invisigal is fast and we don’t need speed for this. And Coupé would just stand there. If you can’t move anything, you can at least put in a good word to keep nerves down and everyone calm. Use those sweet talking lawyer skills that you learned in Harvard.”

Sonar held back a groan as he rubbed his temple. “Okay, the logic is there… But I think you’re forgetting one, kind of big thing.”

“Which would be?”

“People are already going to be in a panic. A giant bat guy would just add fuel to the already crazy fire. This vision does not exactly instill comfort.”

“I’m not going to sit here and lie to you, saying that no one will freak out. But you need to know that comfort comes from action. When people see that you’re doing what you can to help them, they’ll look past your…well, looks.”

“What if I just make it worse?” Sonar’s worry slipped from his mouth before he could stop himself. Wincing slightly as he turned his back towards Malevola. Who no doubt had heard him and was casting a worried glance his way.

“I don’t think that’ll be possible.”

“Bobert, I’m being serious here-”

“As am I. Are you going to do your damndest to resolve the situation?”

“I…well, yeah.”

“Then that’s all you have to focus on right now. Whatever happens afterward, we’ll deal with it. But now is the time for action so that we can have that kind of conversation.”

“But-”

“I’d rather have to defend your sorry ass because you did your best, not because you stood around to worry about ‘what ifs’.”

Sonar let out a low growl, hating how quickly Robert had swayed him into thinking this was a good idea. Guess being a hero for years came with powerful motivational speeches. “Yeah, fine already, I get it. I’ll go.”

“Fantastic, great to hear,” the line beeped once more as Robert could be heard by everyone once more, “Malevola, give me some good news.”

“I can drop us right in the parking lot. We just need the rest to get here.” The demon easily replied back.

“I’ll send you their coordinates. Just grab them before heading to the parking lot. I’m going dark for now on your end, let you all concentrate. Call over if you need anything. And I mean it. Good luck.”

Malevola cast a short glance at her phone hearing it ping, Robert’s message appearing, before looking over to her friend. “You alright? Not gonna pass out on me, are you?”

“No,” Sonar grumbled, “Bobert was just treating me to some sage advice to kick my ass into gear.”

“Good to know someone else can help with that as well. Just take a deep breath, big guy, we’re practically just there for backup.”

The hybrid merely nodded, following Malevola into the newly created portal. Picking up the other two to round out their team took no time at all. The scene they arrived at was nothing more than a visual representation of a ‘panic attack’.

A barrier was erected, cutting off the parking lot from the mouth of the cave entrance. Which was blocked in its own way with the pile of large boulders filling in the space. Those in the parking lots ranged from curious, worried onlookers, to frenzied individuals who were no doubt family and friends of those currently trapped. All being held back by a large number of officers and ‘Do Not Cross’ tape. In the main traffic area were a number of heroes. Some healing those who’d been removed from the early parts of the rubble. With the majority of them unhelpfully standing around the entrance as it was clear there wasn’t a plan in place yet on how to proceed.

Overall, it was a tense and static scene that the group arrived at.

“Who do we talk to?” Golem asked, hunching over as if trying to make himself appear smaller.

“Need ta find whoever’s in charge.” Punch Up replied, eyeing the crowd nervously. “Surprised nothin’s happened yet.”

“We’re not going to get anywhere by standing around like these idiots, come on.” Malevola took the initiative and made her way over to the cave entrance. The rest of the group followed close behind.

Sonar’s ears twitched, picking up harsh and fearful whispers as the group passed the parking lot.

A few feet away from the entrance was when they were finally noticed by the heroes. Particularly the only one whose back was towards the pile of rubble. At first glance, they could have been mistaken for a construction worker, as their uniform was heavily based around the design. However, closer inspection would have proven that wrong. Not only were the colors of the hardhat, vest, and overall outfit a garish color combination. But the markings that would normally be used to identify which company this person worked for was nothing more than the hero’s own name plastered everywhere. Eyes that had been scrunched in worry quickly changed to one of relief as the four approached.

“I’ve never seen someone that happy to see me.” Sonar remarked.

Punch up snorted and teasingly added, “Not even your dealer?”

“Fair point, I’ll need to rethink that comment.”

“Straighten up you two, he’s heading our way.” Malevola hissed as the other hero stepped away from his group.

Said hero was in front of them in no time, shaking each set of hands he could and offering a small fist bump to Golem. “I was told we’d be receiving extra back up from the southern section, I didn’t think you’d get here so fast. Name’s Hardhat, I’m head of this operation.”

“I’m assuming we’re still in the planning phases?” Malevola asked.

“Unfortunately, yes. Whatever caused the cave in also made the foundation and remaining structure unsound. One bad move and we could cause more damage than intended. From everyone here, we don’t have a good enough power to just erase the damage we have here.” Before Hardhat could continue, Golem stepped forward.

The construct paid no mind to the dozen of eyes that watched his every movement. He was more interested in the rubble. Ignore the small calls of ‘Don’t!’ as he reached for the closest boulder. All watched on as the piece disappeared within Golem’s form and instead of allowing the space to be filled back in, made a pocket of space with his own being. Deciding it was sturdy enough, Golem turned back to the awaiting crowd. “Got it.”

Hardhat shook his head in disbelief, “I’m sorry, what do you have?”

“I can make a tunnel, it’s easy.”

Punch Up approached next, looking over the construct’s work before addressing him directly. “Ya won’t be stretched ta thin?”

“Shouldn’t be. The more I take in, the bigger I am.”

“Equal distribution, brilliant!” Hardhat said as he joined, looking positively gleeful. “I’ll connect with your ear piece so I can direct you on your support placements. We’ll need a few more in there to help with this, since we’ll have a lot of paths to go down.”

With Golem’s first step in action, a plan was quickly formed. More of the heavy lifters, including Punch Up, would remain outside, supplying Golem with more debris to make sure he had enough of himself to help in creating clear paths. For the actual extraction portion, small teams were formed with those with some kind of structure power leading the way. Having direct communication with Golem to help lead him, since he was basically going in blind. The rest of the teams were filled out with heroes that could lead and carry civilians out once found.

“And it was…Sonar, right?” Hardhat addressed the hybrid, who only nodded back, “You’ll be on my team. We’ll be in the center portion of the cave. But your Echo Location should be powerful enough to scan any part of the cave from where you are. You’ll be in charge of locating and directing others if they need to go deeper.”

Sonar’s ear twitched. “I…don’t know if it’ll be that wide of a range.”

“You’d be surprised how much feedback you’ll get when you’re in there. Alright everyone, we have our positions, we’re moving in!”

His body seemed to tense up at Hardhat’s call, Sonar moving rather stiffly as he followed the other hero and Malevola in. The only light being provided came from the hero’s own hat and the small lights mounted on Sonar and Malevola’s shoulder. They were only a few paces in when Hardhat turned back, giving the signal to Sonar. Nerves still running high, they hybrid allowed the familiar screech to escape his mouth. While he saw the flinches of those around him, Sonar also picked up something new. Something he’d not fully been expecting.

He could see. His own voice reverberated off of every available surface. In the dark, the forms of every person became an outline of a silver shimmer. And he meant every person.

Without a second thought, Sonar activated his link to the network linking the rescue teams. “Team A, it looks like you only have a few, about a few feet from where you are. They’re all apparently huddled together. Team B, you’ll have the longer path to deal with, but I’m seeing only 2 people about 10 feet from your location.”

There were replies of ‘Roger!’ and ‘Understood!’ as Sonar turned to his own team. “I’m pretty sure we’re with the school kids.”

“Think you could give a guess on distance?” Hardhat asked.

“The deepest portion yet. About 15 feet.”

Malevola cursed, “They must have just been making their way back up when this all happened.”

“Let’s not waste any more time,” Hardhat remarked, “they’re on limited air. Follow me and stick close.”

Even with Golem doing a fantastic job on clearing the way and providing a path forward, the progress was slow. Sonar was thankful he’d had the foresight to remove his blazer and roll up the sleeves to his button up before entering. But knew the sweat stains that were continuously growing were going to render this outfit trash bin worthy. As well as his shoes. Sonar made a mental note to get a pair that were fashionable and functional.

“Think you could give us another echo call?” Hardhat requested.

“Sure.” Sonar replied. It only took a few seconds to get feedback, “Good news, we’re really close.”

“Prefect. Malevola, think you can give us an easy portal out?”

“It’ll be small, probably only one at a time, but doable.” The demon answered back.

“Hey team.” Golem’s voice suddenly sounded.

“What’s up big guy?” Hardhat answered.

“Not to make this more stressful, but I’m spreading myself pretty thin. Think you could do a rush job?”

“We’ll move as fast as we can. Just hold out a little longer.”

Sonar could just make out Malevola’s frown, “I thought Golem would have enough to go around.”

“Even with what’s being consumed, there might be limits to what can be put out,” Hardhat argued, “He still has to maintain his original form, or close enough to it, to act as a solid base point. He’s also making the tunnels temporarily stable. If something feels harder to hold up, that’s going to take more of his focus. Regardless, if he’s saying he’s reaching a limit, we need to move quicker than we planned.”

There was only a few feet left between the group and the trapped civilians. Who were currently being surrounded by a pale blue shell of some kind. Grade schoolers staring out at the party of heroes while the lone adult had their eyes shut tight. No doubt doing their best to keep the barrier up.

“Golem, we’re going to move fast,” Hardhat quickly said over the comm, “You’ll need to spread out to 2.5 feet in front of you. There’s an energy field power that’s currently encasing the trapped civilians. Move around it as best you can.”

Sonar’s attention flickers up as he watches the thin lines of moving mud slowly inch forward. Instead of absorbing the fallen rock, it acted more of a mortar between solid forms. Solidifying fast enough so that when the barrier suddenly fell away, nothing fell from its place. With some rather awkward maneuvering, Malevola and Sonar were able to trade places in the tunnel. Allowing the demon to create her portal while Sonar and Hardhat shepherd the group out.

As he flipped the adult around, Sonar’s stomach sank a little reading the shirt the other was wearing. One that was only worn by those working with mines. “Shit, I think this is just the tour guide.”

Hardhat paused in his movements as he took in what the hybrid had said. “Meaning we’re missing the teacher, at least.”

In a split second, both heroes covered the ears of those remaining to be rescued as Sonar used his ability. Showing that, not even a foot away, sat two more children, with some human-like structure shielding them.

“Fuck, they’re back here,” Sonar activated his comm, “Golem, I need you to spread a few more feet back.”

“I…don’t know if that’s possible.”

“Come on man, we’re close to the last people being pulled out. But I need a clear opening. You gotta give me something to work with.”

“...Okay, just…gimme a few seconds…”

Sonar held his breath as he waited for the line to move again. His ear twitches as he picks up movement from Hardhat, the hero getting closer. No doubt waiting anxiously as Sonar was, waiting for the moment to act. Longer than wanted, but truthfully no more than a few seconds, the lines of mud twitches. Every so slowly moving downwards, solidifying around the top most portion of the wall they were currently facing. Sonar could see the creation of an archway, but one they would clearly have to carve out.

“Gave ya…what I could…” Golem’s voice strained over the comm link.

“Better than nothing big guy, we’ll take it from here, just hold on.” Sonar followed Hardhat’s lead in pushing and moving the rocks that weren’t currently held in place to the side. A small moment of relief hit when they reached the pocket where the other two children were being held.

Hardhat, instead of looking at the children, looked up to whatever was helping keep the students safe. Something Sonar believed to just be a large piece of conveniently placed metal. “Would you happen to be Mr. Rasler?”

The smooth surface suddenly caught the light coming from Hardhat to show an exhausted but relieved looking face. “Y-Yes.”

“Don’t worry sir, we’ll be getting you all out of here in no time. Sonar, help me with the kids.” Hardhat instantly reached in and pulled one of the boys out, silently nodding to Sonar to get the other one.

A little against his better judgment, Sonar reached a hand in, tentatively offering it to the other student. “Come on, we’re getting you out of here.”

While the child was hesitant, the clambered out the moment then had a hold of Sonar’s hand. Practically melding to the hybrid the instant he could. Sonar, not minding the sudden weight hanging off of him, leaned back in for the teacher. “You okay to try and climb out?”

“Y-Yeah, just…let me…” It was another part of tense seconds as Mr. Rasler slowly made his way out. Only powering down his powers when he entered into the safety pocket. Practically collapsing, just as the tour guide had, once he wasn’t needed to hold the structure up any longer. Providing zero complaint as Hardhat practically dragged him out.

On his part, Sonar carefully shifted, being mindful of the child still clinging to him, and started to slowly make his way to the portal. Only to pause when the rocks above began to shift.

“Fuck- guys! You need to-” Whatever Golem was about to say was cut off when the archway suddenly collapsed. Sonar being in the unfortunate position of having his left leg trapped under the twice fallen rubble.

“Fu- Shit!” Sonar huffed, trying to ignore the pain coming from his now trapped body part. Brought back to the current situation of how he was still holding a child close. “H-Hey, kid, listen to me. You see my friend over there? She’s made a fun and colorful doorway that’ll take you outside. But I’ll need you to crawl over, okay?”

The child shook his head, eyes wide.

“I need you to be brave for me, okay? Here, my friend will even come over to help.” Unsure if that was even an option of help, Sonar looked up to find Malevola had already made her way in to collect. But still, the child would not move.

“Come on kid, I need you out so I can help Sonar here,” Malevola said softly, “But I can’t do that if you’re still clinging to him. We’ll just take a quick trip outside, yeah?”

That seemed to be enough to convince as Sonar felt the grip around him fall lax as the child shifted over to hold onto Malevola. There was a silent ‘I’ll be back, don’t die’ from the demon to the hybrid before she turned and disappeared through the portal. While it was only a few seconds he was there, the fact that Sonar was left alone in an enclosed area with only a small light as a way to see, it felt as if he’d been stuck there for hours. His throbbing leg and ankle an unfriendly reminder that this was not some elaborate dream he’d achieved through drugs. Thankfully, both Malevola and Hardhat appeared once more, both utilizing the minimal space as best they could to see the damage that had occurred.

“Okay, it’s not that bad,” Hardhat said, “We’ll just need to move to get enough space to slide you out Sonar. Malevola, get ready to pull out when I say so.”

“Kinky.” Sonar winced, unable to put up the filter that reminded him to be professional. Thankfully, the hero didn’t seem to notice or mind.

It was quick work, with Hardhat moving the rocks he could before giving Malevola the go ahead to slowly pull Sonar free. Which turned into Malevola just pulling Sonar completely through the portal and back outside. A rather blinding experience that had Sonar hissing in pain from it for one moment, then from the feeling of hands on his swollen ankle.

“It’s just a sprain, thankfully,” a paramedic said as they continuously felt around the inflamed area. Sonar hissed when his ankle suddenly felt as if it was plunged into an ice bath. The sensation only lasted a few seconds before the paramedic pulled away. “I would suggest light activity even for a while. It’s healed, but don’t do anything crazy.”

“Think I could spin this in a way where I have a few days off?” Sonar asked Malevola as the paramedic continued their round.

The demon just shook her head before wrapping her arms around him. “You’re a fucking idiot.”

“Hey-”

“You do realize you could have died in there?”

“From a sprained ankle?” Sonar winced as one of his ears was flicked, “Hey-”

“I mean it, if you were in there for a few seconds longer, the tunnel would have fully collapsed on you. Golem worked double time to make sure it didn’t. But it got uncomfortably close.”

Hearing the construct’s name, Sonar swiveled his head around until finding the large living mass. Golem, who was far smaller than what he was when this endeavor started, was cautiously consuming whatever was supposed being handed to him. Punch Up positioned nearby as some kind of actual support system. Eyeing everyone with a glare that clearly read he would ruin anyone’s day of Golem was handed something harmful.

“What happened?” Sonar asked.

Malevola crossed her arms, “Kind of what Hardhat said in the tunnel, Golem was just stretched too thin. None of the other groups had a demon who could make portals. Meaning they all had to come back out the way they went in. And even with you confirming the number of people to save, there was a call to double just.”

“So they made Golem’s work twice as hard because they didn’t trust me.”

“You didn’t trust your ability either. So, yeah, there was a worry of possibly leaving someone behind unintentionally. But I guess now we just need to look at the positive side of everything. We all made it out and you learned that echo thing isn’t just for finding your lost lunch.”

Sonar huffed, but did nod at Malevola’s comment. “Yeah, I guess so-”

The hybrid was suddenly knocked off balance. Only kept up due to Malevola being right behind him. Slight panic turned into confusion as the child he’d saved before hugged him tighter. Sonar cautiously returned the action as he looked up toward the demon. Who merely shrugged back, but was clearly enjoying the situation if her wide smile was any indication.

“H-Hey buddy,” Sonar started, voice low and even, “Good to see you’re still in one piece. You feeling okay?”

The child nodded, and Sonar couldn’t feel bothered by the fact that his fur was being messed up.

The single child suddenly turned into the classroom surrounding both Sonar and Malevola. Each child practically screaming, trying to get their appreciation heard over the others as they marveled at the heroes before them. Sonar felt a little overwhelmed, as sitting down almost made him the same height as them. But he couldn’t keep the smile off his face as he was thanked for saving their lives.

Hardhat joined them, picking a few kids up as he was now part of the ‘thank you’ swarm. “Their teacher is heading to the hospital and their parents have been contacted. My team and I will stay here to make sure everyone gets handed off accordingly. Once your friend has recovered, I would say you are free to head back to your station. I’m sure you lot deserve a break after this.”

Sonar slowly stood up, doing his best to avoid elbowing any small forms accidentally, and dusted himself off. “Thanks for getting me out of there.”

“Thank you for the assistance. That ability of yours is amazing, I might be calling on you in the future. You’d be surprised how many cave in like situations that arise in California.” Hardhat held out a hand, one that Sonar shook without a second thought. The hero turned to Malevola next. “And that portal making ability. Goddamn, where have you been all my life?”

“In seedy places that you don’t want to think about.” The demon responded.

Hardhat merely laughed and shook Malevola’s hand. “Fair. Get back safely, okay? If you’re looking for any references, call me up.”

With that, Hardhat shepherds the group of now loud and overly energized students away. Allowing Sonar and Malevola to check on the rest of their team. Golem only required a few more minutes of consuming before he determined he was fit enough to move on his own. Arrival back to their headquarters was met with a medical team, Golem and Sonar both pushed down to the lower levels of the building to be evaluated. Even with the hybrid protesting, saying he’d already been looked at on site and that Golem needed the most attention. Not that anyone took his complaints seriously as he was rather forcefully sat onto one of the many medical beds.

The two heroes in training were down for the rest of the day. Sonar unhappy that he had to be waited on while covered in dust and small pieces of debris as he was looked over. Only gaining clearance when there was only about an hour of the work day left. Which led to Sonar deciding to just call an early lunch. Eating his meal while making his way to the locker room. His fur now crusty from the solidified rubble.

Just in and out. A nice, quick, wash off before going home to just collapse.

What Sonar was not expecting, however, was Robert’s sudden appearance. The hybrid practically cornered in the locker room as the dispatcher rushed over to him. “I was told about your injury on the job.”

Sonar was a little taken aback with how closer the other had gotten. His mind taking a few seconds to catch up with the fact that Robert was there. Standing in front of him. All the while, Sonar didn’t have a shirt on. Even with all of this, all he could respond with was. “You’re out of your seat.”

It was Robert’s turn to falter. The worry on his face flickering to a small moment of confusion before pushing that aside. “Yeah.”

“You didn’t comm because…”

“I kind of panicked when I was told you were hurt. Couple that with your location… Being trapped underground with only a small barrier of something protecting you…it’s not a comforting situation to be in. I just…need to see you were okay in person.”

Sonar bit his tongue to stop himself from saying anything immediately. He’d recalled the situation Mecha Man had gone through that was eerily similar to his. Having been buried under so much rubble after a rescue mission that it took rescuers days to dig the mecha and the man out. The hybrid swallowed that comment down before actually responding with, “Yeah, that wasn’t…enjoyable. But I’m still confused as to why you had to actually be here?”

Robert rubbed the back of his neck, eyes flickering to the side before addressing the question. “This…dispatcher job… It’s harder than I realized.”

“Sitting on a chair in front of a computer all day is hard?” It was meant to be a teasing remark. Key words ‘meant to’, which Sonar regretted saying as he watched Robert deflate further.

“In a way. Sure, physically it’s the most low maintenance position I could ever have. But…it’s stressful. Seeing you all out in the field, risking your lives in a job that I have done for years. Even more so in knowing that I’m the one who sent you out.”

“Wait…are you blaming yourself for my injury?”

“I’m trying not to. It’s especially difficult knowing I gave you that ‘pep talk’ before you went, convincing you it would be okay. I just…really hope I didn’t sour your idea of becoming a full hero.” Robert’s look of worry shifted to a small smile. One that seemed to pierce Sonar directly through his heart. “You did an amazing job out there today, Sonar.”

“I…t-thank you. I think if anything, this was the push I really needed. I mean, it’s still not something I’m super melding with but…”

“But nothing, you listened to direction, stepped up when you needed to, and made sure you finished the job. You were also working in a situation that, you even remarked, was an area of focus outside of your expertise. You may doubt yourself and all that you’re doing. I would say you’re off to a great start in becoming a hero.”

It took every fiber of self-control to not have his fur puff up from the comments. Sonar cleared his throat in an attempt to ward off the choked up feeling rising. “I…I mean… That’s just…”

“Just take the compliment Sonar.”

“Right, sorry, thank you.”

Robert gave a small laugh (which did not cause Sonar’s heart to leap) as he shook his head. “You know, for a lawyer type person, you’re really bad with words sometimes.”

“I can be a silver tongued individual when I need to be,” Sonar argued back, “But I normally get to prepare for my comebacks…and I’m not used to…compliments.”

“You know what, that’s fair. I guess that means I’ll have to make sure I hand them out more frequently.”

“Don’t overdo it, or else they’ll lose their effectiveness.”

“Alright, then it’ll be a one per day kind of remark.”

“Let’s not be too hasty now, don’t hold back your feelings on my account.”

The back and forth continued for some time, small remarks that held little to no heat behind them were swapped easily. Sonar made a mental note that talking with Robert felt as something so casual that, if a stranger passed by, they could have been seen as old friends. The hybrid only had this level of ease with Malevola. It also struck a chord that Sonar wasn’t worried over the fact he was trading jokes with Mecha Man, that a hero was giving him the time of day. Maybe it was easier to not worry fixate on that when Robert did not carry himself like his hero persona.

Mecha Man was always back straight, eyes wide with a super hero smile plastered on as he addressed with an intense focus. The perfect and no doubt rehearsed version that citizens saw. But Robert was the opposite. Sure, he was just as witty. The biggest difference was that Robert seemed more at ease, more relaxed. The now dispatcher even took to leaning against the wall of locker doors as he waited for Sonar to finish getting ready. It was overall a more casual feel, something that Sonar appreciated seeing.

He was almost giddy with the idea that practically no one could make the claim they’d been able to see Mecha Man so easy going. A private moment that only he was allowed to witness.

Closing his locker door, Sonar properly faced Robert. “Willing to be seen walking out of the building with me?”

“You make it sound like I’m marking myself into being a social pariah.” Robert laughed.

“I mean, kind of-”

“I just spent the better part of twenty minutes trying to hype you up. Don’t undo my hard work like that.”

“Right, sorry.”

“I don’t mind walking out with you.”

Sonar swallowed down the bubble of excitement at that. “Great. Do you need to stop by your desk?”

“I do need to pick up Beef.”

“You…have meat at your desk? Or is that an innuendo I don’t know about?”

“If there’s anyone who would be out of touch on new sexual lingo, that would be me,” Robert argued, “And no, that would be my dog. You’re not afraid of pets, are you?”

“That depends, is Beef a hunting dog?”

“No…and now I’m worried about the specification of that.”

Sonar gave, what he hoped, was a casual shrug. “Just childhood trauma, nothing to major. Let’s go see this little dog of yours.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on, there’s a story behind that. You have me curious now, what happened?”

“Well…I had a ‘friend’ that decided it would be fun to play the game of ‘hunting party’.”

“I hate this already.”

“Yeah, the game turned out to be nothing more than me being released onto the family’s private grounds while their actual hunting dogs chased after me. Thankfully, I had gotten my wings the summer before and was able to get up a tree before any real damage had happened. But, yeah, fun childhood memories.” Sonar’s laugh was cut short seeing the look of actual anger that Robert was giving him.

“That’s…not funny.”

“I know…it’s just easier to laugh sometimes.”

Robert frown deepened, “Still…I’m sorry that happened to you. Please tell me you stopped talking to that kid.”

“...Well.”

“Sonar.”

“Not right away, and I can see my mistakes on that now. But it was hard to make friends, or at least have people somewhat tolerate me, when I was younger. I was kind of desperate.”

“That’s a fair point. You still don’t do that, right?”

“Do what? Let dogs chase me down?”

“Put yourself in dangerous situations just to have someone look at you.”

“No.” Sonar hated how quickly he’d answered Robert’s question. But the other didn’t push further as they arrived at the dispatcher’s desk. Where Sonar was able to see the dog in question and gave a snort upon seeing how chunky the animal was. “Does this guy eat better than you? The weight distribution is crazy.”

Robert merely rolled his eyes at that, easily lifting the chunky dog up. “Yeah, well, I can always explain my small meals to myself. Can’t explain that to Beef.”

“Suppose so. But seriously, when do you eat?”

“You saw me order my meal just the other day.”

It took Sonar a few seconds to realize Robert was referring to their first interaction. “Are you talking about those twinks you got from the vending machine?”

“I thought I told you, that’s not what they’re called.” Robert mumbled weakly.

“I don’t care! I’ll call them whatever I want if that’s how you eat!”

“Sonar, it’s fine. I’ve gone for long stretches of time without eating, it’s-”

“When was the last actual meal that you had? As is, ‘sat down and had a plate full of food in front of you’ meal.” Sonar crossed his arms in clear defiance from whatever Robert was going to say.

“...We should get you home. You’re still expected to work tomorrow.” Without wasting a second, Robert turned and made for the entrance of the building.

The sudden actions caused Sonar to trip over his feet in an attempt to quickly catch up. Soon matching pace with his dispatcher. “You’re not getting out of this conversation that easily. Seriously, when?”

“A while ago.”

“Dude-”

“Don’t even. I’m a grown man with grown man responsibilities. I think I know my body and its tolerances better than you.”

“...That still doesn’t change the fact that you need to have an actual meal.”

“Sonar-”

“At least once a week, at least!”

Robert laughed softly at the hybrid’s assistance. “Only if you’re paying.”

It was meant to be something to put the other off. Which clearly didn’t work when Sonar replied with a fast, “Friday this week, I’m free after work.”

That got Robert to freeze in his motions, holding Beef a little closer as a look of surprise fell over him. Facing the hybrid, who looked determined in his words and stared back. It was a small moment of connection that fell away just as fast. Robert’s neutral face slipping on. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

“Thirdston, come on-”

“You don’t know me.”

“Then this would be the perfect time to get to know you!”

“You don’t want to know me.”

Sonar frowned at that, “That’s presumptuous for you to assume.”

Robert’s own frown deepened. Lips pursed in a way that Sonar read as being pushed too far. “It’s not… Just trust me when I say, it’s better off this way.”

“With a wide gap between us?”

“Yes.” With that, Robert turned to their destination and headed off. Not waiting to see if Sonar would catch up. Which the hybrid eventually did.

The front entrance was rather quiet, a stark difference between the chaos that is the early morning rush. Since this dispatch was low in ranks, there weren’t as many heroes that called this building their outpost. Just a few that could keep the building safe and respond to any nearby events if extra hands were available. Meaning the only people Sonar really saw were the overnight front desk workers and Malevola. The demon looked up when the duo drew closer.

Her cheer greeting fell away when she saw how tense the two were. Opening the door for Robert to step through, who did so with only a nod of recognition towards Malevola, before turning back to her flatmate.

“So, what happened to him?” Malevola asked in a low voice, which Sonar heard perfectly.

The hybrid looked a little sheepish before responding with, “I…think I tried to ask him out on a date and it backfired… Kind of horribly.”

“Do I need to kill him?”

“No, just… Let’s just go home.”

Malevola nodded as the duo finally left the building. Robert had already made his way down the long walkway towards the parking lot. Fully focused on his phone as he looked for a ride home and, more pointedly, tried to tune out the two approaching him from behind.

“Need a ride, Robert?” Malevola asked, trying to sound casual.

“No.”

“You sure? I mean, I don’t know a lot of people who would turn down a free ride.”

“I don’t want you knowing where I live.” Robert replied back shortly.

“We could drop you off somewhere close.” Sonar offered.

“How do you know I don’t live close by and I’m just waiting around for people to leave so I can just walk home?”

“...Are you?”

“I’m not answering that.”

Malevole tired again, “It’ll be quick and we’ll keep our lips sealed. Nothing to worry about. Come on Robertson.”

Robert’s phone suddenly let out a ping to notify that his ride request had been placed. With that taken care of, the dispatcher turned and walked further into the parking lot. Namely to where the street entrance was, no doubt going there to wait for his ride to arrive. “Have a good night you two.”

“You just confirmed for us that you don’t live near here!”

“See you tomorrow!”

Malevola huffed as they watched Robert’s form get smaller. Turning back to Sonar once their dispatcher found a place near the road to wait. “Think we need to stick around, just in case someone tries to jump him?”

Sonar’s stomach swooped unpleasantly at the scenario Malevola had just created. But ultimately shook his head. “I think that’ll lose use points on Robo’s good side if we do that. Let’s just go home. I think I missed a few spots while cleaning and I would like to crack open that ice cream.”

“Sure…we’ll have a hero’s meal for you. To celebrate your victory today.” With a wave of her hand, a portal appeared right next to Malevola. The demon stepped through first and disappeared with a small ‘swoosh’.

As Sonar made to leave, he gave one more glance behind him. A little surprised to find Robert staring at him. Both holding eye contact for a few seconds, with Robert breaking it by turning back towards the road. Trying not to read anything into that, Sonar gave a small sigh and passed through the portal as well. The area fell silent as the entrance disappeared into nothing.

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