wc: 578
summary: Your cat scratched your face, now your coworker's worried.
warnings: minor injury on face, brief mention of blood, no y/n used
a/n: my cat scratched my face badly today and instantly gave me an idea. love my cat.
»Fuck– that was my face, you dickhead!« You hiss after your cat decided to be more rough during playtime, paw aiming at your face even though you poked at him with your hands. Without wasting any time, you quickly scramble off the floor to your bathroom, trying to asses the damage. Looking into the mirror, your eyes widen briefly.
There‘s a long scratch going vertically along the side of your chin, your bottom lip is bleeding more than it hurts, and you‘re starting to feel the pain only now. An annoyed groan leaves you as you place a fresh piece of cotton against you bleeding lip, while searching for a med kit in the cabinet beside the sink.
After spraying some desinfectant on it, you realise something gruesome.
There will be questions at work tomorrow, unless you don‘t show up. Of course you are going to work anyway, your story isn‘t as embarrassing as it sounds in your head… hopefully.
»Uh, yeah, my cat decided to see how sharp his claws are and I was the test object.«
»No, I wasn't in a fight— I also didn't fall down. I was just being... clumsy?«
The more you think of possible answer for possible questions, you start to lose hope in trying to save yourself from embarrassment. At least it'll leave a cool scar, you hope.
As soon as you step foot into the building, you feel a big wave of self-consciousness hit you. So far no one is looking directly at your face and asking thousands of questions.
Right, why would anyone ever do that? You are at work for God's sake, no one cares about stuff like that—
»Rough night?« A soft rumble comes from the side of your cubicle, making you straighten in your chair from the unexpected attention.
»Uh... well,« You start sheepishly, finally looking up at him to see Robert's more concerned gaze. He always has these expressive eyes, it's unfair. »Just annoyed my cat too much.«
He raises an eyebrow at your brief explanation, not buying it for a moment. Then he scoffs softly, tilting his head in curiousity.
»That so? Have a picture of your cat?«
The way he asks makes it seem like he expects you to lie more and come up with an excuse for not having evidence of having a cat picture in your phone. But much to his surprise, you show him a recent picture of the culprit, looking far too innocent and soft to be accused of such.
»Did that seriously attack you? How the hell did that happen?« He moves closer to lean against your desk, crossing his arms casually while he studies your face.
»Oh, you know how cats are. Being all playful and adorable, and a murder the next second.«
You wave it off and stay seated on your office chair, starting to think of why he might have been so skeptical at first.
»Well, lucky you, since I was about to report a case of domestic abuse. You sure it was just your cat?« Robert teases now, leaning in ever so slightly to emphasize his little joke.
Your eyes widen briefly before a snort escapes you, surprised with his blunt humor.
After a few more joking around and letting him asses the scratch up close, he finally decides you are telling the truth and goes back to his own cubicle.
Who could've guessed Robert would be worried, almost protective over his favourite coworker?
Eventual Poly!Buddie, Evan Buckley x Reader x Eddie Diaz
Synopsis: After hearing your boyfriend complain about the idea of someone else winning a date with Eddie at the LAFD Auction, you get a very expensive idea.
Reader works at dispatch with Maddie.
When the Los Angeles Firefighter auction was first announced you were kind of excited. Not because you were going to buy a date with anyone, but because your boyfriend of four years, LOVED that auction.
An you? You’re anything but jealous so you genuinely didn’t mind the idea of someone winning a date with him. It’s for charity! Not only that but Evan Buckley was hot. It was a fact, one you’d be blind not to admit. So when Maddie told you the auction was coming up in a few weeks, well you assumed Buck would sign up. You pictured walking into your shared house after shift and finding him probably working out in that backyard like he normally did in the middle of a 48 off.
Only when you got home, Buck wasn’t in the backyard, or the kitchen, or the living room. Nope he was in your bedroom lying under the covers.
“Buck?” You asked softly from the doorway, not wanting to disturb him if he’d been sleeping. He immediately sat up with a look of pure distress on his face so you rushed over to sit on the edge of the bed, reaching for his hand.
“What’s wrong? Is your leg bothering you? Your back still hurting you?” You asked knowing he’d hurt his back a few days ago. He only groaned in frustration.
“God that makes me sound so old.” He practically whined and you couldn’t help but laugh.
“You’re in your 30’s Buck, that’s not old. You are a career long firefighter who got hurt. I think that’s warrants pain from time to time. Even though you refuse to tell me how you hurt your back.” You remind with an amused smirk. He glared at you through his lashes but there was no real heat behind it. Then he sighed relaxing his shoulders as he gently squeezed your hand in his.
“Something else bothering you?” You asked knowingly and he looked at you for a few seconds before laying back down and staring at the ceiling. His hand never leaving yours.
“It’s Eddie.” He admitted his tone soft and hesitant.
“I don’t think he wants to do the auction and I don’t want him to have to go on a date when he doesn’t want to. You know he’s not exactly good with strangers and I-“ Buck continued to talk about Eddie and the probability of a date with a woman for an hour that night.
Then that hour turned into days. Buck complained about Eddie going on a date for the entirety of his 48 hours off shift. His stress for his best friend seemed genuine and honestly half way through you had to admit to yourself that you also weren’t fond of the idea.
Not that Eddie’s never dated before. You’d known him for years, in fact Eddie was the one who introduced you to Buck. The two of you had become fast friends when he worked at dispatch and at the time…
Well you sort of believed Buck and Eddie were dating. They were practically a ready made family and they were co-parenting Eddie’s son. But then Buck asked you out. You remember panicking to Maddie or all people and telling her that you didn’t know what to do. You adored Eddie and you didn’t want to date his boyfriend.
Maddie had assured you that even though she also thought they were dating, they very much were not. So you agreed to go on the date. Then the next, and then the next. And three dates later Buck asked you to be his girlfriend. In truth you sort of had a crush on Eddie at the time, feelings that you thought faded when your feelings for Buck grew.
But apparently they’d just been dormant because now you found yourself fully agreeing with Buck. It felt wrong to be possessive over a man who was A: Not your boyfriend and B: Your boyfriend’s best friend.
So what did you do? You went to Maddie.
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“I honestly don’t know what to do.” You groaned as you both stood in her kitchen holding cups of coffee.
“I’m mean would it be so crazy to have feelings for both of them?” Maddie asked with that knowing look that all big sisters seem to know exactly how to do. The look that makes you want to tell them everything.
“What like, feelings for Eddie? While dating Buck. Maddie I would never cheat on your brother I-“
“I didn’t say you would. Buck is…on his own journey. I’m asking you if you like Eddie. Outside of your relationship. Ignoring how much you love my brother. How do you feel about Eddie?” She asked seriously while resting a hand on your arm.
“I used to. Before Buck asked me out, I used to have, I guess a crush on Eddie. But I had feelings for Buck too. It’s not like I’m dating him because I can’t have Eddie or anything. I genuinely have always liked Buck. So when things got serious for us…I guess I just put it to the side.” You struggled to explain. Even though you knew you didn’t really have to, it was never a question in anyone’s mind how you felt about Buck. The 118 kids literally saw you as an Aunt because of how much you loved Buck. And if this auction didn’t stir up this weird sense of possessiveness over Eddie? You would have ignored those feelings forever, because you were with Buck. Buck who has made you endlessly happy for four years.
“But the auction is bringing it back to the table?” Maddie had said it like a question but there was no denying it. You had feelings for Evan Buckley and Eddie Diaz.
“God, this must make me like a terrible person or something.” You grimaced setting your coffee on the counter.
“It doesn’t. Not even a little bit. We don’t get to choose who we fall in love with. And honestly you could do a lot worse than Buck and Eddie. The question is…what are you gonna do about it?” Maddie smiled reassuringly you studied her expression for a moment before laughing.
“Why do you look like you already have a plan?” You asked amused
“I might.” She laughed.
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“I’m sorry, you want me to what?” You asked standing in the lobby of the auction venue with your phone pressed to your ear.
“Bid on me. I’ll pay the money just…bid on me. If you bid $2,500 I can’t imagine anyone would go higher then I don’t actually have to go on a random date.” Eddie begged and you couldn’t help but laugh. In truth you were sort of planning to bid on Eddie anyway but having him call you in a panic moments before the auction was set to start.
“Why are you asking me?” You couldn’t help but wonder out loud as you looked around you. Waving when you noticed Athena and May walk in.
“Why not you? I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather ask…well except maybe Buck but he probably won’t do it.” Eddie laughed his words putting a warm feeling in your chest.
“Fine, I’ll bid on you.” You agreed
“I owe you my life.” Eddie was quick to reply before hanging up the phone. You couldn’t help but laugh to yourself as you walked into the room and looked around for your table.
Your eyes scanned the wide array of people before landing on Maddie who was waving you over.
“You okay?” She asked once you go to the table and you nodded.
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The auction had begun and you watched as firefighters from all over the city, walked down the runway. Most of them showing off their muscles. A few swung an axe as a prop. Some were shirtless and covered in a glittering sheen of body oil.
It was honestly one big glamour shot but it was working. People were bidding thousands of dollars to go on these dates.
The table was shocked at May’s $1600 bid on Ravi, and amused at Athena’s bid on Harry. But now it was Eddie’s turn.
“I’ll uh, be right back.” You whispered to Maddie who looked at you concerned but let you go anyway.
You walked over to the doorway hidden from view as the bidding started. The jump from $100 to $1000 was almost instantaneous so you quickly dialed the phone number to place anonymous bid.
“I wanna bid 2,500.” You said over the phone and the announcer was quick to share it with the room. You peaked over the edge of the door frame looking around.
“$2,500 dollars from our mystery phone bidder, is anyone willing to bid higher?” He asked looking around. You glared daggers at a woman who stood holding up her paddle.
“3,000!” She yelled
“Would you like to bid higher?” The woman on the phone asked you. You took a second to think about it before mentally cursing yourself. Buck was either gonna really love you at the end of the night or hate that you spent money from your savings for this.
“6,500 please.” You muttered waiting patiently as she told the announcer whose eyes widened.
“Highest bid of the night from our mysterious phone bidder! We have 6,500! Can anyone do higher than that?!” He asked causing Eddie’s eyes to widen in shock while he looked around.
“6,500 going once…going twice…sold! To our mystery bidder!” The man yelled into the microphone. You thanked the woman on the phone before ending the call. You took a moment to calm yourself down as your entire body practically felt like it was on fire. Then you sent a quick text to Eddie.
I just won a bid war for you Diaz. You owe me $2,500 and a ‘date’. You’re welcome ❤️🔥🔥🧯
Once the text sent you went back to your seat, smiling reassuringly at Maddie.
“Everything okay?” She asked and you nodded.
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Eddie came to join your table just before it was Buck’s turn to take the stage.
“Highest bid of the night. Congrats Diaz!” Chimney clapped purposely saying the man’s last name wrong.
“Yeah, I’ll send you the money.” Eddie winked at you causing everyone else at the table to turn to you in shock.
“You bid on yourself?” Athena laughed looking at Eddie who shrugged before replying.
“Worth every penny.”
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“He has a multi media presentation? Nobody told me we were allowed to have a multi-media presentation.” Harry complained gesturing to the slideshow that played as Buck pranced down the runway.
You put your fingers in your mouth to whistle when Buck ripped his shirt open. Everyone clapping and cheering for him as the announcer talked about Buck’s baking, him being an uncle, Buck’s slideshow even had a picture of the two of you together. The announcer being sure to mention that even though Buck was in a committed relationship he’d do anything for charity.
You laughed at the wording of the sentence, because anything is probably not the best word to use. But Buck was willing to spend a platonic evening with someone for the sake of charity. In fact the two of you had a lengthy discussion about it and you promised him it was fine.
You cheered catching his shirt when he threw it towards you with a wink.
“That man and his ego.” Maddie laughed looking up at her brother but you just smiled. Buck was hot and he knew it. Hell everyone in this room knew it.
When the bidding started it was insane. People were chomping at the bit to have the highest price.
The table around you was shocked when you stopped after 6,500.
“Look, I’m not made of money here. He comes home to me and that’s all that matters.” You laughed leaning back in your chair and sipping your drink. Watching as the number continued to climb.
“You seem really sure of yourself right now.” Eddie whispered in your ear after moving to sit right next to you.
“Should I not be?” You joked, turning your head to look at him. His brown eyes studying you for a moment as if he was finally letting himself actually look at you for the first time in forever.
“No, I just…confidence looks good on you.” He murmured the two of you stared into each other’s eyes for what felt like forever. The only thing breaking your trance was the announcement of a new auction record.
$8,002
“Holy shit.” You and Eddie whispered in unison before looking over at who won the date. You noticed Eddie’s shoulders seemed to relax in the same way yours did when you saw the table full of five elderly people. The look of recognition on Buck’s face was enough to help you assume they were the people he’d told you about from when a car drove into a book club.
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“Wait, you bid on Eddie?!” Buck asked shocked as he sat up in bed waiting for you to join him.
“Yes. He asked me too. He didn’t want to go on a strange date and well…I kinda didn’t want him to do it either.” You admitted while putting lotion on your legs. Buck didn’t respond for a moment so you looked up to see him just staring off into space. Thinking about something.
“Is it weird that that makes me feel relieved? I mean I know I told him he should get out there and start dating again but…for some reason I don’t think I actually wanted him too.” Buck admitted in a soft whisper. Then his eyes found yours and he suddenly looked panicked.
“It’s not like I don’t want him to find happiness! Because I do! If anyone deserves happiness it’s Eddie…and you! Of course you too. But-“
“Do you often think of me and Eddie in the same way?” You asked. The words falling out of your mouth because you could stop them. Buck’s face showed a rang of emotions as he tried to think of a response. First was annoyance, then fear, then defeat, before his face settled on an expression he normally had when talking about his past relationships.
“I’m not in love with him.” He said before you had the chance to speak. His tone felt almost robotic, as if he’d said this before or maybe he was trying to convince himself.
“I don’t remember saying you are.” You shrugged getting up and moving to crawl into the bed next to him.
“It’s just, this is like the longest relationship I’ve ever had and after I met Eddie, well there was always this point when my exs would get… angry. Like they felt like Eddie was some kind of competition for them or something.” Buck paused as he tried to think of the right words to say.
“Can’t imagine anyone could beat Eddie.” You murmured resting your head on Buck’s shoulder and he tensed for a moment and then relaxed.
“Wait, for me or for you?” Buck suddenly asked and you shrugged.
“I’ve always liked Eddie. He’s a good guy. I can’t imagine there’s a whole lot of people in the world who would come close to him. Well except for you.” You admitted, smiling at the thought.
“Me? Eddie has a silver star!” Buck exclaimed in shock and you laughed.
“I know! You talk about it more than he does.-“
“Oh please, you talk about it way more than I do. Eddie’s got a silver star, Eddie’s a war hero, Eddie is so good with Christopher, oh buck did you see how much Eddie lifts in the gym? Eddie is sooooo hot. Eddie, Eddie, Eddie-“ You laughed covering Bucks mouth with your hand as you flipped over to straddle his waist. He looked up at you pure joy and amusement swimming in his blue eyes. Laughing against your hand as you cut off the horrible attempt at mimicking your voice.
“Okay first of all, I have never said Eddie was hot. I mean he is but I’ve never said it. Also you’re the one that brought up what Eddie lifts and then you guys invited me to go to the gym with you just to prove the point. So really if anyone here is obsessed with Eddie it’s you!” You laughed, letting out a squeal when Buck started tickling your sides. Your hands dropped from his face to grab at his wrists.
“Ok, ok. So maybe we’re both a little insane about our friend but…do you ever think that-“
“Maybe it wouldn’t be so crazy?” You asked finishing Buck’s sentence and he sighed as the two of you shared a look full of love and understanding. You think there’d be more of a shock factor in realizing that you both had feelings for your shared best friend but in truth, it kinda felt like you always knew. Less of a new thought and more something that you already knew. It was just a fact between the two of you. The sky is blue, the 118 is the best firehouse in the city, Eddie Diaz is the hottest man to walk the earth and you’re both in love with him.
“You know I hate it when your sister is right?” You muttered leaning forward to rest all of your weight against Buck, tucking your face into his neck.
“You and me both.” He muttered wrapping his arms around you.
“What are we gonna do?” You asked, Buck was tracing shape against the skin of your lower back as he sighed.
“I have no idea.” He said after a long time.
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It had been three weeks since the auction and it seemed that everyone was starting to notice how weird you and Buck were acting. It was obvious that you guys weren’t fighting because you still came to the station for dinner and Buck still visited you at the call center for lunch. You were both still just as overly affectionate as always. You still loudly said I love you. You still had date nights. The scratch marks on Buck’s back that were visible when he changed in the locker room said that you were still being intimate. Buck still sent texted the 118 family group chat with random facts and you still added tidbits of information like always. Visually nothing was different about the two of you but the energy around you was different. It felt charged, chaotic, strange in a way that was both incredibly present. But also completely invisible. Something was off and no matter who asked you both just said everything was fine.
And that’s how Eddie ended up on your doorstep. He’d dropped Chris off with Hen for the night and he was determined to get to the bottom of the change. Deep down he wanted it to be nothing, he wanted it to just be in his head. But he just couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe it was his fault somehow.
Knocking on the door he then shoved his hands in his pockets as he nervously waited for it to open. He could practically hear his heartbeat in his ears and he debated on turning around and running to his truck. He could change his mind and go back to Hen’s and pretend he was never here.
“Eddie?” Buck asked pulling the man from his thoughts. Eddie was quick to look up from the ground with a shy smile.
“Uh…hey.” Eddie muttered
“Is it Ravi? If it is tell him he can’t come in until he calls May back!” You yelled from somewhere in the house causing Buck to laugh and Eddie to look confused.
“Ravi is ghosting May. Anyway come in.” Buck said stepping back and holding the door open. Eddie was quick to walk inside pulling his jacket off.
“Oh! Hi Eddie, I didn’t know you were coming over tonight. Buck’s making lasagna if you want some.” You offered entering the room. Eddie looked over at you and immediately felt the need to look away. You weren’t wearing anything revealing and honestly Eddie has seen you in similar outfits over the years but something about how effortlessly comfortable you looked made you seem incredibly attractive. It was just an old cropped sweater and a pair of cotton shorts. But god did you look magnificent.
Ok in Eddie’s defense over the last three weeks it is possible that the only reason he noticed something was off…Was because he was finally allowing himself to look. And now that he’s looked once, he couldn’t bring himself to stop.
Looking away from you turned out to be a mistake when his eyes landed on Buck. It was a known fact that Buck looked incredible in his uniform, but out of it? Not naked but dressed in casual clothes. Buck in a cardigan was a sight Eddie needed no craved for it to be tattooed inside his eyelids. That way he could see it all the time and never have to miss the sight for too long.
Buck was currently wearing a plain black t-shirt, the sleeves were just a little tighter than they needed to be and he wore grey sweatpants. And Eddie? Eddie felt like he was in hell. Two people should never be allowed to exist in the same space and be this criminally attractive. Honestly Eddie was starting to lose his mind.
“Uh, sure. I’ll uh, yeah lasagna sounds great.” Eddie agreed hoping neither of them would notice the blush on his cheeks as he kicked off his shoes. Purposefully taking the extra second to line them up with Buck’s. You and Buck shared a look before your focus went back to Eddie.
“Everything okay?” Buck asked softly, resting a hand on Eddie’s shoulder once he stood up. You and Buck watched in shock as his entire body seemed to tense. Buck glanced at you from over Eddie’s shoulder as if silently asking for help.
You slowly moved to stand next to Buck, your hand reaching for Eddie’s to offer him comfort. A move you’d done over a thousand times in your friendship. Only instead of relaxing like he usually did, Eddie took an awkward step back to he was out of reach from both of you.
His eyes frantically moving back and forth from both of your faces.
“Eddie? Seriously you’re starting to freak me out. What’s wrong?” You hesitantly spoke while Buck put his arm around you as a source of comfort.
“Juice.” Eddie said suddenly
“What?” You and Buck asked in unison before rushing to follow Eddie as he made frantic steps towards your kitchen.
“I need juice.” Eddie muttered to himself. Reaching into the cabinet for a glass before opening the fridge. He momentarily debated between the freshly squeezed orange juice with mango or the pitcher or water. Then he sighed grabbing the juice and pouring a glass.
“Is this like a low blood sugar kind of thing? Is that something that happens to you now? Should we be watching for signs?-“ Buck began to ramble but stopped when you put your hand on his chest. He looked down at you but you were just staring at Eddie.
The Diaz man was leaning against the counter holding the glass of juice with two hands. Cradling it like it was more important than just a glass, but he also glared at it like it had personally offended him.
“Eddie?” You tried softly and he slowly looked up at you. His eyes glazed over with tears.
“You wanna talk about it?” You offered and he nodded setting the cup to the side before bringing both his hands to his hair.
“Are you guys like…are you okay?” Eddie started gesturing between you and Buck. Your eyebrows raised in shock at the question.
“Um not that I don’t appreciate it. But surely our relationship can’t have you this upset…” Buck muttered and Eddie just looked at him silently begging him to answer the question.
“We’re fine Eddie. Just as happy and in love as ever. Can we talk about you now?” You countered.
“I just I feel weird, and i have felt this way for weeks. I thought maybe it was me picking up on a shift with you guys but I think it’s just me. Something just suddenly feels off. And I…I don’t know.” Eddie grimaced at his weak explanation. His left hand rubbing circles on his chest while the other was clenched in a fist at his side.
“Weeks like since the auction or before?” You wondered out loud. Eddie hesitantly made eye contact with you.
“The auction.”
The let out a soft hum thinking it over. Then you had an idea.
“Is it because I spent 6,000 dollars on a date with you? Because I told you we don’t actually have to go on a date-“ Your joking tone was cut off by Eddie.
“What if I want that?” He asked so suddenly that the question seemed to suck every once of calm from the room.
“What?” Buck forced out. A small sliver of hope swimming in his blue eyes. Eddie looked between the two of you with a look of fear and for a second you wondered if maybe he misinterpreted Buck’s panic for anger. But this is Eddie, the only person in the world that knew Buck as well as you did if not better than you did.
“Wh-what if I do want to go on a date…” Eddie started to say but paused. He let out a shaky breath and squeezed his eyes shut. You could practically hear your heart trying to beat out of your chest while you looked at him. It was rare that you ever got Buck or Eddie to talk about their feelings without days of not weeks of back and forth. It was even rarer for either of you to get Eddie to actually admit when he wanted something so for him to come to you and talk without prompt. Well you were willing to stand in this kitchen for as long as it takes for him to speak. You felt Buck’s hand slip into yours as you both stood trying your hardest not to push Eddie any further than he was already willing to bend.
“What if I wanted to go on a date but with both of you.” Eddie finally whispered. His voice quieter than you’d ever heard it before, as if he didn’t want you to hear him. His eyes still shut tight both his hands now clenched at his sides.
“Yes.” Buck spoke before you could even fully process Eddie’s words. Eddie’s eyes immediately snapped open as both of you looked over at Buck in shock.
However Buck seemed rather pleased with himself, now leaning against the counter with both his arms crossed over his chest.
“What?” Eddie asked looking between you and Buck. You could tell he wanted you to say something so you did.
“Honestly and don’t take this the wrong way. But it’s kind of all we’ve been able to talk about for the last three weeks.” You admitted causing Buck to gasp
“You weren’t supposed to tell him! Now he probably thinks we’re obsessed with him or something!” Buck exclaimed so you immediately turned to face him.
“Oh please if anyone is obsessed it’s you! I’m just moderately fond of him.” You countered
“Moderately fond?! You spent three hours talking about his arms last night!” Buck pointed out which wasn’t necessarily a lie. You did to that.
“Only because you brought them up! What was I supposed to do? Not talk about them? Yeah, right!” You yelled to your defense because he did. Buck brought up how Eddie had lifted a heavy wardrobe off of a woman completely unassisted on a call.
“Oh so now it’s a crime to think Eddie is hot? Well call the police-“
“I’m still here!” Eddie called out cutting off whatever insane thing was about to come out of Buck’s mouth. The two of you sheepishly turned back to look at Eddie who was staring at you both with wide eyes.
The three of you stood in silence. Buck still held his arms up as if he was surrendering for an arrest. The two of you looking at Eddie while he looked at you.
“Um…” You started to say but stopped when you realized you didn’t actually know what to say.
Then after 30 seconds of complete silence all three of you burst out in uncontrollable laughter.
“Oh shit the lasagna!” Buck gasped rushing towards the oven. You and Eddie watched as he quickly pulled it out.
“Sooo you guys talk about me a lot?” Eddie smirked and you rolled your eyes grabbing his glass of the counter and shoving it against his chest.
“Just drink your juice, Diaz.” You muttered rolling your eyes.
Yay! Another fic complete, I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Feel free to check out my other fics if you’re interested. Or if you want to see what I have on the way: click here!
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wc: 1.2 K
summary: Turns out you are not the only one bringing a dog to the office.
warnings: fluff, no y/n used, Chase teasing Robert as usual
a/n: I'm currently clinically obsessed with Dispatch after watching the gameplay from Moistcritical and Robert is delicious. Enjoy!
When you first brought your dog to the office, no one seemed to care, since your chihuahua is calm and usually just sleeps by your feet under your desk, on a fluffy pillow. Sure, every now and then some of the ex-villians come up to pet him, but that‘s about it.
You also made it clear not to spoil him with any treats, being more than serious about his health and weight. So far, it has been working perfectly.
But the moment the new Dispatcher came along to work, and brought his dog in as well, you grew concerned. His dog is a mix of black and white, seemingly the same breed as yours, but obviously overweight. It looks cute, but sometimes you get worried over his health.
You keep telling yourself that‘s none of your business, but it changes real quick once Beef spots your dog, Snoop.
It was in the middle of filling out some paperwork and writing reports about recent missions, when you hear some light steps from what seems to be another dog. Before you can look up, Snoop already steps away from your feet, curiously sniffing the air, and looking toward Beef. You quickly scramble for your leash for your dog to make sure he doesn‘t try to run off.
Too late.
Both dogs seem to have grown a liking way too fast on another, barking once before they run toward the other, tails wagging excitedly, tongues slightly out. Eyes shining as if they found their best friend for life… they might just have.
You groan quietly before approaching the two dogs, leash in hand and ready to put your dog into some time out for just running off like that. Robert is not too far away, also walking toward the dogs to pick up Beef.
Your eyes meet, a quiet understanding nod being exchanged. It was clear this would have happened one day or another, but you still dreaded it.
»Two social butterflies, huh?« You attempt to joke and keep it light, unsure how he will react since you never actually talked to him before.
Luckily, Robert gives a small huff in return, easily picking up his overweight dog into his arms, a faint smile forming on his lips.
»Just our luck.«
He mumbles back, watching as you put the leash on your dog before standing up straight again.
»What‘s his name?« Robert speaks up again, not bothering how Beef licks at his jaw before barking at your dog again.
»Snoop. Turns five years old this year.« Meanwhile, Snoop stares up at Beef in Robert‘s arms, tail still wagging excitedly. Robert can‘t help but let out a dry chuckle, finally pushing Beef‘s head away gently so he can stop licking at his face.
»Well, this is Beef. And I‘m Robert. Don‘t think I‘ve introduced myself properly here.«
You nod in acknowledgement, standing casually in front of him while you start a light conversation with him. The dogs seem too interested in playing, but you manage to keep them away from each other for now.
And that‘s exactly how your friendship started.
Once your dogs got to know each other, it was routine to go out for short walks together during breaks, or let them play a bit before your shifts ended. At the same time, you got to know each other as well. With time, you seem to know Robert like the back of your hand. Even Robert feels the same way. The more time you spend together, even if it‘s just because of your dogs, you grow a liking on him. Not sure if he feels the same way, but you don‘t care. Robert is one of the few coworkers who actually seem decent and down to earth, instead of constantly annoyed or depressed. The fact that Beef and Snoop are friends, just adds extra points to it.
◖
»When is it happening?«
»When‘s happening what?« Robert asks back, voice dry and already tired of the Z-Team being difficult on missions.
Chase let‘s out a loud huff, walking to stand by his side and talk more quietly.
»You know… ask them out, or get laid, anything! Why is nothing happening, why is it only friendly?«
Robert grimaces lightly at his words, quickly turning his head to finally look at Chase. Meanwhile, Beef naps at his feet, blissfully unaware of their conversation, or Snoop trying to sneak up on him to join on his nap. But Chase notices.
»Look! Even your dogs love each other—«
»Chase. I swear to god, if you don‘t shut up about this–« A heavy sigh escapes him before he collects his thoughts, leaning back in his chair. »I don‘t wanna mess up my only healthy friendship I have in my life… not including you.«
Finally, it seems to make Chase pause and think over his words. This seems more serious than he thought it is.
Snoop lets out a loud snore as he naps beside Beef, head resting against one of Robert‘s feet, luckily not drooling. It makes both of them pause and soften before hearing footsteps again.
»Have you guys seen— oh, there he is.« You exhale reliefed, noticing how both of your dogs sleep peacefully at Robert‘s feet, looking way too comfy and cute like this.
»Yeah, he‘s been here for a while. Sleeping like he worked eight hours instead of me.« Robert responds, smiling up at you faintly, that familiar spark in his eyes lightening again. Not that you seem to notice.
Chase gives a small grunt before returning to his desk, leaving you two be. For now.
»Well… I‘m glad he is in good hands. I‘ll go get some coffee, then. You want some?«
He hesitates briefly before nodding, getting off his chair to follow you into the breakroom.
It‘s empty safe for you both, starting up the coffee machine to make two cups of terrible, but effective coffe. While you wait for it to brew, you lean back against the counter, arms crossed casually.
»You ever wanna go out for a real coffee? And not this… whatever that is, that we call coffee.«
Robert breaks the silence first, keeping his eyes on you while you process his question. It‘s clear the day has drained you, but you quickly nod in return.
»Yeah, that‘d be great. But can we avoid those overpriced coffee shops?«
A small chuckle leaves him before he nods and agrees, rubbing the back of his neck, before you both settle for a cafe near the building.
You end up visiting the cafe after work hours, both of your dogs behaving while you are at the cafe, not disturbing any other costumers inside the cozy building. The conversations flow easily again, not having to pretend around Robert or have a faux smile on 24/7. It is simple and easy with him. Snoop ends up napping in your lap while you sip on your warm coffee, finally able to relax at least for a few moments.
And safe to say, Robert gets endlessly teased by his team the day after, since they somehow caught wind of it and now make it their mission to tease and bully Robert for not making any further moves on you.
Not that he cares as much. As long as he gets to have these private moments with you without any pressure, he knows he will be content.
wc: 1.6 K
summary: Robert thinks you might be hiding a secret identity because of their frequent injuries.
warnings: mental health struggles, mention/description of self-inflicted injuries (bruises, cuts), kinda angsty, no y/n used, reader needs serious help lmao, totally not self-indulgent
The morning had started wrong. From the moment you woke up, you knew it was going to be even worse than yesterday. The sky is grey and dull outside, thick clouds blocking any chance for the sun to poke through.
Cold shoots through you as soon as your bare feet hit the floor, dragging yourself over to your tiny kitchen to make a sorry excuse of breakfast.
CRASH
Thanks to your grogginess from just waking up, you somehow managed to let the mug fly over the counter, onto the floor. Sighing out heavily, you simply stare at the broken pieces scattered around the floor.
Of course.
After resisting the urge to send every other dishes you have flying against the floor, you bend down to carefully pick up the pieces and put them into the trash.
That small task stole so much energy, you start to consider going back to bed and leave the day behind. Unfortunately, you still have work and a whole shift ahead of you. So, logically thinking, you don't see any other way than to distract yourself from the numb feeling so you'll be able to work later on.
◖
It was a struggle to bandage up your own knuckles, so you let it be. No one ever questioned your bandages or injuries before anyway. And it's not like you tasks at your job require too much handiwork. Maybe you need to copy some documents for Blonde Blazer, sign some sort of contract if the day gets eventful. But that's about it, and you are so excited to just sit at your own desk and work away on the ancient computer.
Halfway through your shift, you started to get hungry after skipping breakfast. After picking up some money for the vending machine, you punch in the code and feed the stupid machine some dollars, so it spits out a random snack. Once you retrieve it, it is finally time for coffee, letting the thing brew on the counter while you carefully open the granola bar, mindful of your bruised knuckles, and take some bites from it.
You stay standing by the counter as the coffee brews and fills up your cup, snacking on the bar you bought just now. After another bite you notice Robert walking in, looking just as exhausted as you, tired and done with his job, if not even life. Without a comment, you turn to take your cup of coffee and sit down at the small table in the break room. He doesn't give you much attention, simply picking out a cup for himself and makes some coffee for himself.
A heavy sigh leaves him once he leans against the counter, arms crossed, eyes wandering lazily along the break room until they briefly settle on you.
He never really talked to you, despite being your cubicle neighbour. Sure, you had to help him from time to time when he was still new and didn't get along with his computer, but now that it's settled, you both mind your own business.
You don't notice when his gaze briefly flies over you, but Robert does take some mental notes. The way you always seem tired, often times zoned out whenever he glances over to you during work. Of course, it shouldn't bother him, everyone minds their own business here, except for the Z-Team, so he shouldn't look too much into it, right?
Wrong, he is heavily intrigued once he noticed your little injuries or bruises. And now, after seeing your bruised knuckles? The eye bags? Surely you are secretly a vigilante or superhero in the night, and that's exactly why you always have some sort of cuts or bruises, and look constantly tired.
That's his theory from the moment he saw you in the break room.
From that moment, your little injuries became more frequent, and you started to slack at covering it all with bandages. Besides, medical stuff is expensive enough. But there's also some injuries you can't hide, for example a black eye and a bruised nose you got from an impulsive bar fight. The guy basically invited you for a fight after cat calling you, so it doesn't really count.
»Bad night?«
»Something like that.«
Small exchanges like these became more frequent between you and Robert. While you think it's his way of cheering you up and showing comfort, he tries to subtly tell you that he can relate to the countless of injuries that come from saving the city. Even when he isn't active right now, he remembers his times as Mecha Man clearly, and can't wait until getting his suit redone fully to return to the field.
After weeks of dancing around the topic, pretending you don't get his hints of seeing through your front, he decides to speak up about it after a long shift. The building is almost completely empty save for the two of you, staying late up to finish some more reports at your computer.
Robert takes the opportunity to speak up, keeping his voice low and gentle in case someone might overhear it.
»Look, you're not really subtle about it.«
»About what?« You ask after pausing in confusion, glancing up at him from your desk. A soft scoff escapes Robert, seeming unimpressed from your oblivious act.
»You know what I'm talking about. The bruises, the injuries, the exhaustion... I was the same when I first started doing hero work.«
Okay, what.
Your brain completely stops for a moment as you process his words and the meaning of it. Hero work? My frequent injuries? The mostly self-inflicted ones?
»I've been thinking and trying to figure out which hero you are, but I just can't figure it out. Lend me a hand?« He smiles faintly while keeping his eyes on you, expectantly waiting for a response that helps him out. But your mind comes up blank. You are no hero. Not even close.
The only thing you do is writing up reports, preparing documents, and actively trying to soothe your numbness by having a bad coping mechanism.
You blink again, finally answering him. But before you do that, he interrupts, continuing to talk and ramble on.
»No, actually, don't answer. I know it's hard to trust someone, especially at work. But I've been trying to create a safe space for you to open up, since I know what it's like being burned out as a "hero", especially while you're working. You know, my first days as Mecha Man were horrible, I managed to break two ribs, and—«
»I'm not a hero, Robert.« You finally interrupt him instead, making Robert pause and huff softly. Now, he is the one confused. He was so sure of you secretly being a hero that he can't wrap his head around there being other possibilities.
»What? So— um, I'm not really Mecha Man... I made that up to make you feel safer.« He lies awkwardly, doing anything to safe himself from revealing his secret identity.
»Sure, yeah... well... I'll just pretend I didn't hear anything you just said.«
You mumble back, slowly turning back to your computer to finish up your work, and pretend this never happened. Not the weirdest thing that's happened in SDN.
Robert nods stiffly, holding himself back from asking something more and instead leaves after gathering his stuff and dog.
◖
The following days were fairly normal. Safe for the slight awkwardness Robert carried anytime he glanced your way or your paths crossed.
After some thinking Robert finally came to the conclusion that you need serious help, and feels utterly guilty for blindly assuming you're just some hero. Now he feels to guilty and awkward to even look at you for more than a few seconds.
He desperately wants to offer help, or at least some form of comfort or safe haven for you, just in case he didn't utterly scared you or weirded you out from his ramblings a few days ago.
Of course, Beef noticed the awkward tension from his owner and the constant exhaustion from his cubicle neighbour. So, as every good dog does, he walks over to your cubicle one day and lays down by your feet, round eyes staring up at you with good intent. Robert didn't notice the absence of his dog under the desk, having been too busy dealing with the childish behaviour of the Z-Team over the comms. Without much thinking, you start to pet the chubby dog, enjoying the quiet presence of the sausage looking dog by your feet.
It starts to become a regular occurence, either having him sleeping by your feet, or in your lap while you type away at your desk. Robert only noticed the second time, expression softening at the sight of Beef curled up in your lap, content to sleep while you pet the top of his head gently. It gave him an opportunity to talk to you again.
»Wanna grab a drink later? You look like you could use one.« You briefly tense at his voice before glancing up at him, processing his question quickly.
»Only if this isn't a trap to get me into a mental hospital.«
Great, you're not rejecting his offer immediately. Even being jokingly sarcastic.
»I won't. No promises though.«
◖
»Want me to patch this up? Looks rough.« Robert mutters out as he passes by your desk, pausing once he sees the larger cut along the back of your hand. You dismiss it quickly, claiming it doesn't even hurt, but Robert insists on taking care of it.
Once he got the chance to patch you up, it started to become more frequent, and with time, your injuries started to become less regular.
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