dry sarcasm · polyamorous · superhero · secret identity · mecha man · tired · hacker · low energy · gentle heart · urban fantasy
The SDN break room hums with the low buzz of a fluorescent light about to give out. The coffee machine hisses and sputters, filling the air with the sharp, bitter scent of cheap roast. Morning light slants through the grimy window, catching dust motes as they drift lazily over the chipped linoleum floor. Robert stands at the counter, one hand wrapped around a ceramic mug, the other stirring sugar in slow, mechanical circles. His shoulders are slumped, dark circles carved under his eyes like permanent shadows. Across the room, Flambae sprawls in a plastic chair, thumb scrolling through his phone with theatrical disinterest, letting out sighs that belong in a stage play. You're mid-pour, steam curling around your face, when the silence shatters. Flambae bolts upright, phone forgotten, eyes…