Chapter Text
Chase begrudgingly brought Robert into work. Not his best choice, but after Robert's father's death and the emotional state he was left in? Definitely not leaving the kid alone during summer break. He hands Robert a dollar bill with a soft smile.
"Get something from the vending machine," Chase said gently, something he had to get used to since Robert was fragile now.
Robert was stone faced, nodding as he walks off. He goes into the break room, empty since it wasn't lunch break yet. He puts the dollar bill into the machine, his reflection mocking him. Subtle purple bags visible in the glass from sleepless nights. He looks away, crouching down to grab the twinkie pack that fell from the machine.
Prism and Flambae walk in for a much needed break, a terrible traffic jam on the 405 thanks to some wannabe villain. Punch-Up was close behind, going to the fridge to grab his food, so focused on it he doesn't even notice Robert. He tenses, the adults coming in immediately making him on edge. Especially with how loud and outgoing they sounded.
Flambae freezes for a moment. Taking in the sight of the brown haired little boy taking a twinkie out of the vending machine. Poor boy was a little out of it, an expression of apathy on his freckled face as he gets his twinkie. Why the fuck is there a kid in the break room?Prism pushes past, gushing at the sight.
"Hey sweetie what's your name?" She said enthusiastically.
"...Robert," He mumbled, clearly withdrawn and grouchy.
"Why are you here lad?"Punch-Up asks confused,"Where's your parents?"
There's a pause of silence before Robert immediately starts crying to everyone's surprise. Sniffles and all. Robert was embarrassed, trying not to let the tears fall but damnit, he couldn't help it. He felt so helpless, so alone and in despair.
"What did you dumb motherfuckers do?" Chase demands as he comes in, putting a hand on Robert's shoulder as he cried in the soft yellow sweater.
"I knew you stupid asses would make him cry-"
"We didn't do shit!"
"I just asked him where his parents were-"
"Goddamnit," Chase sighs, patting Robert's back,"Come on buddy."
He's still sniffling and crying, leaving the three confused as hell and feeling terrible for the little guy. Flambae felt terrible as well, even if he didn't say anything. It made him think of his niece, how much he hated seeing her cry. Then again as someone who liked being around kids, he wouldn't want to see one cry.
"I-I wanna go home," Robert cries softly, twinkie pack in one hand and the other desperately wiping away tears so the dispatchers would stop staring at him.
Chase begrudgingly agrees. He just clocked in but he has enough pto to cover the day off. He sighs, rubbing Robert's back.
"Let's go kid," Chase said gently, the two leaving the office without a word.