Chapter Text
Simon kept himself busy
Busy meant that no one could find out about him being Gazerbeam
Busy meant he had no time to make friends or go on dates
Busy was his life
He liked this life
Life however did not care if he liked his life
“Victoria, is this really necessary?” Simon asked
Simon had opened his office window to his fellow superhero and ex-teammate of a forgotten time and current teammate to the modern day, Plasmabolt, or her real name, Victoria who had climbed in through his window instead of going through the door
“You know you care enough about me, besides, gift from Coop” Victoria said as she tossed Simon a Reese peanut buttercup
“Send my thanks to Coupé” Simon said as he tore open the packaging to get to the candy “Dude live a little, besides, you got friends to spend time with!” Victoria pointed out “Yes but I have a job to do” Simon pointed out as well “You’re not just our get out-of-jail free card, you’re our friend as well man” Victoria explained as she grabbed the remote to the small tv in Simon’s office and turned it to the news
“Wardrobe malfunction mid insult is our tonight’s story” the news anchor said “Oh this is gonna be just golden man” Victoria said as she sat down in one of Simon’s chairs
“Last night, as Mechaman, fresh from forced retirement, gave a press conference on why he’s now coming back. During the questioning, reporter Charles Kingsley from the South Bay Signal asked Mechaman if he was proud of himself for selling out to SDN, however during the asking, Charles’s belt broke causing his pants to come undone, falling down and embarrassing him in front of dozens of reporters and millions of viewers, however Charles believes there was foul play involved” The news anchor stated
“Oh, that is just golden,” Victoria said, coming down from her laughter as she paused the TV. “Right on live television too!”
Simon let out a quiet breath. “Yeah, but unfortunately SDN’s going to court over it.”
Victoria blinked. “You’re kidding.”
“Charles suspects an invisible hero broke his belt,” Simon explained. “Which means I have to defend SDN in court. Along with a few other lawyers.”
“Oh please, that was his own fault,” Victoria scoffed.
“Even if that’s the truth,” Simon said, adjusting his tie slightly, “he doesn’t believe it is. And I have to prove that.”
Victoria studied him for a second, her grin softening just a little.
“Well… don’t burn yourself out with this case, Simon.”
“I won’t, Victoria,” he reassured.
“Good.”
She stepped back toward the window, already halfway out.
“Bye, Gazer.”
“Bye, Plasma,” Simon said, giving a
small wave.
And just like that, she was gone.
Simon stood there for a moment.
The office was quiet again.
Too quiet.
He glanced back at the paused news report.
Then at the case file on his desk.
Then back at the screen.
Simon exhaled slowly.
Busy.
He needed to stay busy.
The next day at SDN, Simon entered as Gazerbeam intending to be busy.
Fully busy.
Completely busy.
No distractions, no detours.
Life, however, didn’t care what he intended.
“Hey, Gazer!”
Stratogale appeared directly in front of him.
Simon stopped just short of walking through her.
“…Hey, Stratogale.” Gazerbeam said as he was caught off guard by the teenager’s appearance
“Come on! I’ve got something to show you!” Stratogale said quite literally bouncing
Before he could respond, she had already grabbed his sleeve and started dragging him across the bullpen.
“Stratogale, I—” Gazerbeam tried to protest “Too late!” Stratogale said as she continued to drag him across the bullpen
They stopped in front of the leaderboard.
“Look,” she said, pointing.
Gazerbeam looked.
487
His name sat neatly on the board.
Higher than expected.
Below Stratogale.
She pointed just above him, practically glowing.
503
Her name.
“I talked to Galen about it,” she said excitedly. “He’s thrilled. We’ve been here, like, no time at all and we’re already outperforming the Z-Team!”
She floated up slightly, practically posing beside her score.
Then—snap.
She took a photo and immediately sent it.
“My parents are gonna love this,” she explained as she was fully focused on her phone
Gazerbeam just stared at the board.
No reaction.
No celebration.
No disappointment.
Just… observation.
“Gazer?” Stratogale tilted her head. “You good?”
“I’m fine,” Gazerbeam said.
“You don’t look fine.” Stratogale pushed
“It’s a score.” Gazerbeam pointed out
“That’s the point!” she said, still smiling. “It means we’re doing good!”
“I understand that” Gazerbeam replied calmly.
Stratogale frowned slightly. “…You really need to lighten up.”
She turned away again, already distracted, picking up Beef as he wandered over and immediately began accepting belly rubs like he had no responsibilities in life whatsoever. “See?” she said. “Even Beef agrees.”
Simon glanced at the time.
Then back at the board.
Then away again.
Busy.
He needed to stay busy.