Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Life wasn't easy.

Being a former villain, Sonar could tell you life was fucking rough. What else are you supposed to be when you look like a monster, when you can become a monster on a whim. No one likes hybrids in society, they tolerate them because "it's not like they're going anywhere anytime soon." This city isn't "progressive". You choose your battles, and any sane person isn't gonna make a bunch of beasts angry.

That's probably why he, Malevola and Golem got along so well, even off the clock. Two people who have to deal with stares when they walk outside, too. There's a shared unspoken link between the three of them that doesn't necessarily connect with the rest of the Z-Team. They all look like regular people. Just with super powers. 

So yeah, he and Malevola started taking Golem out with them in their nightly little hang outs. The two barely slept and Golem.... didn't need much sleep. Which was sad. 

They spoke about various topics, including how hell is really like (there's a lot of tortured billionaires with their spouses) and how a bat hybrid comes to be (Sonar doesn't like to talk about it, mostly because he barely knows himself.)

The three were sitting on the curb outside of a mexican restaurant. The only thing that's really open at 3am. Sonar and Malevola unwrapped their burritos / tacos and Golem chucked a full serving of chips down the hatch. He had three more plates and a burrito, which Malevola so kindly pre-unwrapped for him.

Sonar looked around the ground and smiled, he could always rely on mother nature to bring him his favorite ingredients that no restaurant would ever include. He crushed the not so small bug and plopped it on his taco, licking his lips.

Malevola let out a small laugh. "You know, when you finally get a girlfriend, I wanna be there to see her reaction when you do exactly that on the first date." She teased. 

Sonar snorted. "Ha. Good luck. I'm not taking you with me on my first date just for you to see that." He stuck his tongue out mockingly before taking a bite of his taco. Ah. Just what he needed. He loved the extra crunch from the tiny critter. Just the metaphorical cherry on top.

"You do remember I can make portals to... anywhere, right?" She nudged the big mud monster beside her. "And just to piss you off, I'm gonna bring Golem with me."

Golem let out a low sound of amusement, as he picked up another tray of chips. "Hope she doesn't mind your little eating habits." He dumped the nachos into his mouth again. 

"At least you're not the only one on the team that's never had a girlfriend." Malevola teased. She knew how it actually upset Sonar, the idea that he's falling behind in experiences simply because he's a hybrid, so she tried to make light of it. Make him laugh.

"Hm?" He questioned, still chewing on his bite of taco.

"That new dispatcher. Robert Roberts— shit, it's still funny." She stifled a laugh and composed herself. "You know his name, the new dispatcher guy. I'm willing to bet he's never had a girlfriend. He's so... dull."

Ah, yeah the dispatcher guy. They'd been working with him about a couple days. Sonar had only seen him a few times and... well he'd disagree with Malevola on this one. He was boring but... in a charming way? Does that make sense? His lack of charisma in itself was charismatic. When you're around such vibrant and distinct personalities all day every day, you tend to appreciate the bland Joes (or Roberts) a bit more.

The few times he saw him, he felt more and more inclined to start a conversation. At first it was just the simple want to be cordial with your new technical boss, but soon it was like Sonar craved to be around Robert. The guy, despite his hybrid status, looked him in the eyes, spoke to him like another being of intellect, and most importantly treated him how he treated literally everyone else he ever spoke to.

That's what got Sonar.

He treated him like a person.

Like a normal fucking human being.

.....shit.

He liked him doesn't he?

"What do you guys think of him?" Malevola asked, after swallowing a bite of her burrito. "I think he's got spirit. Dull spirit, a tired soul, but, you know, spirit. Definitely lasting longer than the others. He's got guts and hope. Gotta respect that."

"Eh," Golem shrugged. "He's a cool guy, I guess."

Malevola nodded and turned to Sonar. "What about you, Vic?" She asked gesturing in his direction. "Any thoughts about Robert?"

"I...." Oh, he had thoughts. Thoughts that should never see the light if he doesn't want his life to get ten times harder. Thoughts that were definitely not him not appropriate to think about involving the man that essentially gives him orders for hours on end. And he refused to say them aloud in detail to his best friend and the new addition to their little hang outs.

At the same time, Malevola was there when he hit rock bottom. Like passing out in alleyways strung out on various substances, his personal lowest. He felt like Malevola deserved to know at least what's going on in his head. Golem was chill too, he could be in on the little secret. 

Sonar gulped down his own internalized fear. "I... have something to tell you guys." He tried to keep his calm composure and tone, bracing himself to speak. Malevola and Golem looked at him. "What is it?"

"....Swear you won’t tell anyone? Not a soul, even Robert."

"What, did you kill someone?" Malevola joked. Golem laughed. But Sonar didn't, he turned to them more. "Mal, I'm serious.."

She looked in his eyes. Her smile slowly drooped. "Okay, now I'm worried. We won't tell anyone." Golem nodded in agreement, eating his third tray of nachos. "Zipped and Locked."

Malevola leaned in closer to Sonar. "You didn't relapse on heroin again did you? You told me you were gonna cut back on using—"

"No no, not that. Rather deal with an alcohol hangover than whatever fucking trip heroin gave me." He assured her. "No, it's..." The words get so bitter building in his mouth. He can't think of anything more pathetic. A hybrid, an addict, a villain and now a man liker. It's like he continuously unconsciously just wants to fill his life with more and more hardships.

He bit the fear of admitting it aloud and sighed. "I.... I like men..."

"..." Malevola looked at Golem then back at Sonar with confusion. "And...?"

"Wha... that's it."

"That's it?" She let out the biggest sigh of relief. "Oh thank fuck, I thought you were gonna say you started doing meth! I really wouldn't have a case against you going to hell then..."

"What?" Sonar raised a brow. "Meth addicts automatically just go to hell?"

"No, but, like, a scary amount of them end up in hell. You know, not for doing meth, but enough as to where there starting to wonder if there's a link. A pipeline if you will." She laughed at her own pun. Sonar couldn't help but laugh as well. 

"Ha ha. Still considering it."

"Maybe not the best idea.." Golem commented.

"Victor, If you do meth I'll kill you." Malevola's threat only made Sonar snicker. "Still considering it." He said again. "Will you visit me in hell?"

"No, I warned you."

"....still considering it."

The three laughed aloud, filling the full on empty streets with their laughter. Sonar calmed down with a sheepish smile. "So... you two really don't care."

"I literally have an ex-girlfriend, Vic. You met her." Malevola pointed out. "Why would I care?"

"Yeah, we're in a team with a man who wears a deep V-cut and a long ponytail that goes by 'Flambae'." Golem picked up his burrito. "I don't think any of us have a problem with gay people."

"I dunno I.... guess I kinda projected a bit.." Sonar deflated thinking about it. He knows nobody cares. Well, nobody he's close to would care. After all, you gotta be pretty open minded to befriend a bat-hybrid. But every aspect of his life is slowly just becoming an inconvenience, whether outwardly or more personally.

"You're homophobic?"

"What?" Sonar recoiled at Malevola's question. "No — fuck you, you know I'm not! I just.... don't want to like guys. Personally. Makes my life harder than it needs to be.... again."

"So, you like Robert?"

Sonar choked on — well, air.

"What the fu— how did you—"

"Why else would you come out randomly on the topic of our new male dispatcher?" 

"Yeah, thought that was weird.."

"Right?"

Sonar looked between the two in disbelief. Partly embarrassed. Should've known that looked a bit strange. "Well.... okay, yeah, fuck it, I like him."

"Shit and I just called him boring..."

"Well," Sonar snorted, finally continuing consumption of his taco. "You're not wrong. That's the charm." He swallowed the bite. "And he's got that dead look in his eye — you know, like european men? And his voice doesn't match his face, but in a good way. And he's actually nice to me, actually nice not just pity nice because he's scared—"

"Damn, you're in this Robert shit deep."

Golem let out a low chuckle. "You know I've never heard a lovestruck ramble like that in real life. Thought it only happened in movies."

"Okay, I get it, I get it." Sonar grumbled. If his face was covered by dark fur, he's almost certain he'd be blushing furiously.

"Maybe tell him? Worst he can say is no." Malevola finished her burrito and balled up the wrapper. She just tossed it behind her, to let it roll in the wind like a tumbleweed. They're not on the clock, they don't have to be perfect citizens.

Not like they were when on the clock either.

"Statistically," Sonar glared at her. "That is, in fact, not even close to the worst he can say."

"....worst he can say is 'ew, get away from me freak, go die.' still not that bad." She shrugged. Sonar stood up, causing the other two to as well. Sonar finished his taco as well and tossed it behind himself, landing right next to Malevola's littering. "You'll bounce back."

"I don't know..." He most definitely would not bounce back. He would probably crumble at the seems if the one time he puts himself out there here was rejected so harshly. He would contemplate suicide, but probably not do it. Not because he's scared, but because when he gets to hell, where he is inevitably going, he'd have to listen to Mal talk to him about how stupid it was. He put his hands in his dress pants pockets. "Whatever."

Malevola put an arm around his shoulder as they walked. "Don't sulk, you'll be fine."

The three walked off down the empty, quiet street. The only evidence of their ever being there consisting of a mexican restaurant's surveillance camera's and the two burrito wrappers next to a taco wrapper.

"....I'll sleep on it."

———

The end of the next days shift came rather fast. Turns out, work flies by when everyone does what they're supposed to. Not too many high scale crimes happened. Just little petty crimes that the Z-Team were all more than capable of dealing with. The competent dispatcher helped as well.

Oh, how the dispatcher helped.

Sonar couldn't help but smile hearing the man's deadpan voice and crude sarcasm. 

After the shift, they all entered the SDN building to return their earpieces for the night. While there, Sonar went to the lounge room, essentially an employee break room, seeing if he could steal a few twinkies for the road, and sees Robert there next to the coffee machine.

He tensed, contemplating leaving the room, but his decision was cut short when Robert looked back and saw him. "Oh. Hi, Sonar. What are you doing here?" The brunette greeted.

"I...." He cleared his throat walking into the room further. "I'm just here to take some snacks." He opened a cabinet and took a handful of twinkies. Robert raised a brow. "You really like those, huh?"

"Who doesn't? They're twinkies, basically my childhood." He waved them excitedly. He's always been a fan of sweets and twinkies simply scratched the itch he had. "Why are you here?"

"Espresso." He answered, emphasizing the small cup in his hand. "I've got a date with Blonde Blazer tonight and I don't know how I would make it through the dinner without passing out if not for this." Beef barked in his arm.

Sonar felt something in him shatter. He had low expectations and somehow he still managed to let himself down. He visibly deflated, twinkies in hands that drooped down to his side. "Ah... yeah, espresso will help with that, yeah.." His voice was audibly quieter and more reserved than it was only a moment ago.

Robert raised a brow. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah… fine.” He walked over to the date. “Hey, uh… enjoy your date. Hope it goes well.” He said with a little smile. Robert smiled back. “Uh… thanks…?”

And with that, the conversation was ended. Short, sweet, but Sonar was left feeling oh so bitter. So much for confessing. He didn’t even have a chance now.

On his walk home he didn’t even open a twinkie, his appetite was weirdly shot. He felt this heaviness in his stomach and a wobble to his lips that he had never experienced before. He didn’t know why he felt like this. Like he’d just gotten nut punched by Punch Up. It’s not like Robert was his boyfriend.

Being nice didn’t equate to interest after all. Who would want a monster, much less one that looked like him. 

How he managed to keep the tears from falling until he closed the door to his apartment building was beyond him, because once he heard the click of the lock the floodgates opened like never before. He screeched out, only to cover his mouth. It was another reminder that he wasn’t normal.

Why couldn’t he just be normal.

He stumbled his way to his fridge, through the blurry tears that temporarily blinded his vision. He opened the barren refrigerator, home to only a few basic items like eggs, butter, and most importantly, liquor. Straight, unfiltered, hard alcohol. Just what he needed. When life failed him, substances didn’t. 

He downed a significant amount of the bottle, as he walked out of the kitchen. What was he even supposed to do. He wasn’t in the mood to do anything but wallow.

So that’s exactly what he did.

Lied in bed, tears soaking into his fur as he downed as much alcohol as his poor little heartbroken body could handle. He didn’t have anymore coke, so a life threatening amount of alcohol would have to suffice for the night.

He stared at the ceiling. It was kind of funny, really. He’d laugh if he were anyone else. The display was pitiful. He was here crying in bed, getting drunk while Robert was out on a date, maybe even getting lucky.

He likes a girl.

Sonar’s not a girl.

Sonar should like a girl right now, too.

Why couldn’t he just be normal.

Chapter Text

How do you mask how you're feeling, when the reason you're feeling what you're feeling is constantly speaking in your ear?

It's a good thing Robert couldn't see his face right now. Sonar managed to get into the SDN building to get his earpiece and start the day without Robert seeing him. And if he did, the bat hybrid gave him no chances to greet him, see his face clearly. 

Because Sonar looks like he had a rough night.

So, now he's wandering the streets of the city, waiting for Robert to give him a job, hoping he doesn't anytime soon. In all honesty, Sonar was in absolutely no condition to be helping anybody in the city with any of their problems, he could barely help himself. What good is a hero who lets their emotions debilitate them to this extent? Especially emotions over something so mundane.

As he walked, he felt people's eyes. Even more so today than usually. Now that he thought about it, an upset looking monster bat-human thing probably looks 10x more alarming than a bat guy walking down the street with a cool air that usually surrounded him. Still, he hated it.

"Sonar," Ah the moment he's dreaded. Having to actually work. You know, this might be less miserable if he wasn't hungover with the worst body aches known to man. "I need you to go stop a few vandals. They're attempting to rob the store. I'm sending the location now." He instructed. Sonar barely registered what he said.

"Mhm."

Silence.

"....Mhm?" Invisigal echoed, clear confusion in her tone. "No, I dunno, 'I can make some time for this,' or whatever dumb ass joke?" She asked. Prism snorted. "Yeah, why does he say that like we do anything else on shift?"

"I told you guys he was acting weird when we came in." Flambae voice came through the speaker loudly. Malevola chimed in. "Well, yeah, but you're you. No one really wants to talk to you in the morning."

"Okay, bitch, fuck you, too."

Sonar sighed, starting to walk in the direction that Robert sent. Preparing to let all of his emotions out in combat.

This would be a long day.

———

So maybe he over did it. Two of the men had broken limbs and one of them is permanently deaf with bleeding ears. When the proper authorities got there to lock them up, they were so caught off guard it took a moment before they called for an ambulance.

So maybe he over did it.

Yet, still he didn't feel better. Not even slightly. He's not a violent guy, but he wants to break more things. He wants to get high, feel high and break everything he wants. It's probably a good thing Robert only sent him to small jobs after that.

When he got to the SDN building after their shift finally ended, Robert was next to the earpiece station, telling everyone they had "not the worst shift ever, so good job" before they went off with their lives to do whatever they do whenever they're not on shift. When he saw Sonar, however his already small smile slowly drooped lower.

"Sonar," He said, assertively crossing his arms. Sonar tensed. He thought maybe he could slip past like he did this morning. It appears not. He doesn't know why he was embarrassed. Sure, he didn't fluff out his fur like he usually does before work, he's in the same exact suit from yesterday, and his tie is haphazardly done, but why should that matter? Why would he need to impress Robert. He doesn't feel the need to impress the rest of the Z-team. It's not like he's courting him. He doesn't even have a chance to.

"Robert." He answered back, not looking him in the eye.

"What happened out there?" Robert raised an eye brow. Sonar hummed, feigning ignorance. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I just did my job, like I do every day."

"You don't almost kill three people on your first mission every day. From your criminal record, you don't almost kill anyone ever." The latter sentence was more muttered under his breath. He walked closer to Sonar. "Come on, what's up?"

"People have bad days, Robert." Bad day seemed like an understatement. He had visible bags under his eyes, which he wasn't even sure was possible given how thick his fur was, tie loose when it was always fixed.

"Right..." Robert decided not to push further. Clearly the hybrid had no interest in venting and he was never one to pry for info unless it had to do with a mission. "Well, don't make it a habit. This program functions on the reliability of not just one person but the whole team. It wasn't a bad shift I just... know you can do better."

"What the fuck is this?" Sonar frowned. "He's scolding me like I'm some kid!" He was about to make a comment on it, tell the brunette that he doesn't need to be lectured like some student, he'd graduated Harvard after all, his years as a student were officially over.

But...

Robert lifted his hand, put it on top of Somar's head, scratched it exactly three times before he patted it an additional two times. "Okay?"

ah....

haha....

Victor liked that.

His ears folded back and his eyes went half lidded. "Uh-huh..."

Robert's phone buzzed in his back pocket, and when he retrieved it and turned it on, he smiled.

Right.

He had a girlfriend.

Sonar almost forgot about it, him dating Blonde Blazer and all. What a nice few seconds those were. Soft and sweet.

Now he's bitter again.

"Oh..." Sonar pulled back a bit. He'd hate to over step a line, even though he hadn't even made a move at all. "How'd... that date with Blonde Blazer go?" He inquired, his mood clearly back to what it's been for majority of the day.

"Oh? I didn't think you'd care to follow up."

"I'm just nosy about what my coworkers do in their free time."

"Well," He leaned against the counter. "It went pretty well." He said with a small smile.

"Of course it did."

"....What?"

Wow. Sonar has no idea where that came from. He didn't even have time to think about it, the four words just came rushing, having anticipated what Robert would say about the date. He blinked himself out of whatever sour state he was in and waved his hand.

"Nah, just.... you seem like a decent guy, and Blonde Blazer seems pretty down to earth... based on the few times I've met her — I'm just saying you two seem like a good match!" He explained. He pulled the explanation straight from his ass but it made sense. Which is why Robert only hummed.

"Ah, you really think so?" He asked. Sonar bit his inner cheek.

Don't make me say it again.

"Well, thanks for calling me decent, I guess. Probably the nicest thing anyone on the Z-Team has called me." He looked back down at his phone and smiled. "Hey, Chase just sent me the most adorable picture of Beef. Wanna see it?"

Sonar blinked. Again. He nodded but barely paid attention to the picture because something else was on his mind. What he thought was a message from Blonde Blazer, had brought his whole mood down and made him depressed again, was just a picture of Beef laying on his back? God, Sonar was pitiful.

"Isn't he just the cutest?"

Honestly, it was cuter seeing how much the rather dry man actually adored his dog. His dumb little smile looking at the picture was so —

.....

Victor, you need to get out of here.

It's a cycle. He'll feel better, he'll think about how cute or handsome Robert is, he'll remember that the odds are so against him his chances with the man are in the negatives, and he gets even more depressed than he was before. The dopamine bursts are so good but so unhealthy and he knows that. The longer he's around Robert, the worse he feels, even though Robert makes him feel better.

Sonar is far too familiar with chasing a dopamine rush. He's a creature of habit. Prone to addictive substances.

It seems Robert's no different.

"Yeah... cute little guy —" He starts backing away to leave. "Anyway, I better get going. Busy, busy bat, you know! I..."

You're embarrassing yourself.

He looked down, disgusted with how strange he's acting. It's so... so out of character! He shook his head and turned. "Bye, Robert." Of course, the brunette said his own farewell back but the bat was already out the door before he could get it out.

He tried to walk home, but the longer he walked, the more he couldn't take the feeling of the world crashing down on him. And the faster he moved the more he craved sweet release. His normal walking pace turned into a brisk jog turned into a full blown sprint. He'd almost gotten hit by a few cars but he was far too out of it to care.

When he got home he swung open his apartment door, barely bothering to close it, not even thinking of locking it, and ran straight to his bedroom. He almost stumbled a few times on absolutely nothing but his own clumsy body. He knocked basically everything over on his dresser as he searched. Multiple empty orange bottles, many different labels. Valium, Adderall, Ambien, Percocet, Xanax. All evidence of his addiction that he never bothered to clean up. 

He finally managed to find a not empty bottle of Valium. Not exactly his pill of choice but fuck it he's in no position to be picky at the moment. He picked the bottle up and tried opening it as he sat down on his bed. He messed it up a few times before shakily popping the bottle open, at the same time as grabbing the unfinished bottle of alcohol beside his bed from the night prior.

"Potions, potions..." He muttered anxiously. One time Malevola jokingly called the act of mixing pills with liquor 'drinking potions' and for some reason it stuck with him. He dumped two pills in his hand, tossing them in his mouth before washing them down with some good old fashioned liquid courage. Ironic. He's doing this because he'd never have the courage to say how he feels to the one that's causing it all.

And this was Sonar in his true habitat. Strung out on his bed, a mixture of substance so toxic to his body he didn't even have the conscious thought to think about what's troubling him. His body felt like it was moving in slow motion, stop motion, but also his heart was racing. 

"Ahhh..." He relaxed a bit, letting his limbs stretch across his bed. He didn't feel happy. But at least he couldn't feel that void in his stomach. He couldn't feel anything. His body was pumped with so many chemicals he was numb to it all, just like he liked it. "Potions.." He said fondly. 

A feeling that brought him back to the first few months fresh out of College.

He heard a faint sound, and in popped Malevola, out of a portal in the wall next to his bed and onto his mattress. "Hey, Vic— ah," She accidentally stepped on him. "Sorry about.....?" She moved her foot, to see the hybrid rattling the pill bottle around in his hand. It didn't take long for her to notice the essentially empty bottle next to him. "Ah, fuckin — Pills and alcohol? You said you were gonna cut back..."

"Mm.... yeah but..." His voice was much more mellowed out than usual, if that were even possible. "The chemical imbalance in my brain was getting on my fucking nerves so... I did some chemistry." The sound of the pills knocking into each other inside of the bottle was music to his ears. It was like calming white noise. Fuck, why did he ever stop doing this? He feels so good right now. 

"Well, fuck it. Wanna go to a club? I know you don't got shit to do tonight."

At first Sonar was totally down. Get some blow, scam some losers into buying crypto, piss some drunk idiots off, even make out with a stranger just for the rush of it. 

Immediately, though, that thought was drowned out by another.

But I don't wanna kiss a stranger. I wanna kiss Robert.

Suddenly, his mood depleted 100% as he proceeded to grab a pillow and hug it to his chest. He sighed. Well, he'd almost forgotten about the slim brunette. "...Nah."

"oh... you're sad high." Malevola took note of his now sad expression, in contrast to his content one just a moment ago. "Why you sad?"

"..." Sonar looked at her but didn't speak. Or, he tried not to, but he needed to get his feelings out. And Malevola was his best friend and technical roomate. If he were to spill his guts... might as well be to her. He looked away.

"Robert."

"Huh?" Malevola was genuinely confused. What happened with Robert? "What? The dispatcher guy? What'd he do? Did he turn you down?"

Sonar shook his head, hugging the pillow tighter. It was funny, really. A grown man, over 30 years old so upset about something so trivial, you'd probably even judge a high schooler for acting like this. It was pathetic. "Didn't get to ask. Has a girlfriend."

"Oh..." Now that threw the other dimensional woman for a loop. Really? Robert? Robert Robertson has a girlfriend? She wouldn't have bet on it. Guess she stood corrected on her earlier comment. "Well, so what? He's just a crush, you can't fall apart over just crush—"

"It's not just about the crush, Mal! It's about me!" His voice cracked as tears welled in his eyes. He's so sick of crying, he's done it more in the past two days than he has his entire adult life. “It's about me liking a man, it's about me being an addict, it's about me being a villain, it's about me being a hybrid! What the fuck is wrong with ME?!"

Malevola was definitely not prepared for that breakdown. She's seen her friend down on his luck, but she's never seen him so upset. He was shaking.

He grabbed the pill bottle again and attempted to open it, but luckily the child proof cap was too much for his trembling hands. Malevola snatched the bottle snatched the bottle from him. He growled. "Hey! Give them back!"

"Sorry, Vic. Think you've had enough." She held them out of his reach. He tried to grab them but it wasn't working out. "Vic."

"I NEED THEM!" He screeched out. Malevola gently pushed him back on the bed and put the bottle in her pants pocket. "No, you need to breathe. Alright?" She walks up to the shaking hybrid, tears starting to run down his face. He was embarrassed. He felt so weak. Mentally, that is. He'd never felt so weak before.

"Come on, Vic. Inhale, and exhale." 

"I can't Mal. I—I genuinely — I can't." He said. "I can't get sober. I can’t do this sober. I can't do anything sober!" He tried to confess, but Malevola shook her head.

"You can and will. Because I know you want to be better and get better. And luckily you have an amazing friend who's gonna help you!" She smiled, but Sonar didn't. He gripped the fur on the top of his head, quietly sobbing. 

Malevola's smile dropped to a concerned frown. She put a hand on his back. He flinched slightly but he didn't look up. He felt too much shame to look her in the eye. She wanted to make him look at her, and see the lack of judgement on her face, but she knew it wouldn't help. Nothing would 'help' him when he's like this. Especially not high. The best she could do? Make she he didn't do more or hurt himself.

She sighed.

"Oh, Vic..."

———

Being down a team member made his job.... actually a lot harder than it was with a full roster.

Robert didn't realize how many jobs he relied on Sonar for until he was out. He would get a request and immediately think to call out Sonar's name to take the job, only to remember Malevola told him the hybrid was out sick for the day. Or two. She said it was a really bad cold.

He really hoped he felt better soon.

"Uhh..." He looked at the details of the most recent job that popped up and groaned. Perfect for Sonar. "Uh... Prism, you got this?"

"I knew that bitch was gonna die." He heard the woman mumble, presumably watching something "What'd you say, Robert?"

"Are... you watching something?"

"Yeah, fuck else am I gonna do while I'm waiting?"

Robert sighed in pure stress. Why did he take this job again?

Suddenly, Sonar's Icon popped up on his computer. That meant his earpiece was on. "Sonar?" Robert ignored Malevola's "what the fuck??" that played out in the background as Sonar grunted a, "Sup."

"Ohhh shit he did come in!"

"Thought your arse was sick as a dog!"

"Hey, Sonar."

"Wait, we get sick days?"

Robert, once again ignored a question, this time from Flambae, and asked one of his own. "We thought you were sick? At least, you had Malevola worried.."

"Worried is definitely a word to describe it…" Malevola chimed in.

"Oh, uh," Sonar thought up an excuse, sitting in the lounge area. "Yeah, uh... I threw up and felt better after and had nothing to do at home and I got bored so I'm here." It was an excuse. Not a good excuse. An excuse.

Nevertheless, Robert smiled. "Well, that's great! I actually already have a job I need you to take care of, I'll send the address." Thank god. He wasn't sure Prism was the best fit for it anyway.

Sonar hummed. "Got it boss." He got up and walked to the exit in the room, headed in the direction where he was needed.

Even if he was falling apart, needing a break from work and especially a break from Robert, he couldn't do it. The rush his body got just from hearing the man's voice was worth the striking pain it brought him as he thought about how it'd never call him his.

Guess Robert was one hell of a drug.

———

Shift ends once again. As day started to slowly bleed into night, Sonar did as he always did when getting off shift. Returned the earpiece, used the bathroom (it was quite a walk home. Sure he could catch a ride, port with Malevola, etc, but he actually enjoyed his evening walks), and made his way to the break room. He didn't have to clock out, all of the Z-Team's hours were fixed as were their wages.

When he walked into the break room, he saw Robert giving Beef water and some treats. Since when did he start keeping treats in here?

Robert saw the hybrid in his peripheral and turned. "Oh, hey, Sonar."

Instead of losing his composure he tried a different approach, like Malevola suggested. He's just another coworker. Don't think about impressing him, or forcing a conversation. Just talk. "I feel like we're the only two that use this room after shift."

"Yeah... most of the Z-Team leave as soon as they drop their earpieces off." Robert pet the dog with a smile as he lapped up the water, tail wagging. Sonar opened a cabinet and grabbed his very needed twinkies. "Treats and water, huh?"

"Huh?" He looked up at Sonar before giving a small smile. "Oh. Yeah. Chase said he was extra good today. Don't really know what that means because he's always good, but he deserved a treat." He said, still petting the dog.

There was silence for a moment and Sonar bit his lip. "So," He tried to speak without showing how he really felt too much. "How's... the girlfriend." He mentally braced himself to feel even more heartbreak. You gotta get through the worst before you can hope to get better. Right? You can expect that.

But what he didn't expect was Robert's response

"....Girlfriend? I don't have a girlfriend."

What.

WHAT.

"Huh?" The bat's head snapped to Robert with widened eyes. "What — but, you went on that date with Blonde Blazer! You said it went well!"

"I mean... yeah, it went well." He leaned against the counter. "But after, she said she'd rather keep it professional, and I personally agree. Think we'd work better as friends."

Oh my god....

And Sonar didn't believe in god but OH MY GOD.

"Ah... that sucks."

"Does it?" Robert asked. "Some people are better as friends. It was a pretty mutual agreement."

"Would..." Sonar can't believe he's about to wake this. He can't believe he's built the nerve off of one piece of information. He can't believe he's decided to not feel sorry for himself and actually try first for once. "Would you wanna go out to eat one of these nights? You know, not like a run down bar like Sardine's but an actual nice place? I can afford it."

Silence.

Uh-Oh.

He fucked up, of course he fucked up.

Sonar should've stayed in his lane. He should've known his place, as the monster that he is. He's overstepped, ruined a work dynami—

"Just so we're clear, you are asking me on a date, right?"

Sonar almost choked on his own building saliva. He gulped, immediately deciding to back down. "Wha— Ha— no — what? That's totally gay, no, like, just like as bros, working bros, you know?" It was the most guilty and obvious string of words pulled to formulate an almost incoherent sentence.

Robert let out a small laugh as he put the treats for Beef up and picked the dog up into his arms. "Really? That sucks." He turned to leave. "Because if it was, I was gonna say yeah." He shrugged and Sonar immediately tensed. "But I guess we can go as friends—"

"It's a date!"

Robert turned, a smug smile on his lips. "I thought you said 'working bros'."

"I lied. I lie sometimes. Totally a date. Full gay. Full homo."

Robert chuckled out shaking his head. "Tell me when you have a day planned, bat-boy." And with that he walked out.

Sonar couldn't tell if he should cry out of happiness and shout out the loudest "FUCKKKK YEAHHHHH" known to man, but he knew he was shaking. Shaking out of pure joy and relief. 

He called Malevola, who answered almost immediately. "Hey, shithead, didn't I tell you to take a few days off? Remember the whole breaks are needed talk? Was I talking to a pile of bricks??" She immediately bombarded.

"Yeah, Yeah, I know, I'm sorry." He apologized half heartedly. "But I have a question..."

"What." She sounded so done with him. It made him smile even wider. 

"When I said I'd quit.... does that include celebratory cocaine?"

Chapter Text

"Come on, Malevola, help me out here! It's in an hour!" The hybrid desperately rummaged through his long neglected closet. He didn't typically need to actually look for clothes to wear, let alone ever put any thought into it. He was in a t-shirt and heart pattern white boxers, tufts of fur that he was so insecure of on his upper thighs and upper arms exposed to his best friend. He grabbed a black suit and a midnight blue suit. 

He lifted the black one. "Do I go blue for the familiarity, but it's darker so more sensual," He lifted the black one higher. "Or do I go with the black one? Safe option, everyone looks sexy in black."

"I beg to differ," Malevola sat on his bed eating hot Cheetos. Though she wondered why they were called hot Cheetos, they barely had a kick of tang to them. 

"Well," He went back to rummaging through his closet. He came back out with a red hoodie and black jeans. "Should I go casual? Do you think he'll dress casual or formal? Or, should I do business casual—"

"Okay," Malevola put the Cheetos down and stood  up. "Calm down. Breathe. This is Robert we're talking about. Showing up in clothes is enough for him. Relax."

"Yes, but what clothes?!"

"Vic..."

"This," He clutched the hoodie in his hand. "Is the... first date I've landed, Mal. Not just with Robert, with anyone. Most people go through this at, like, 16 years old, not 32." He said. "I just want it to go as well as possible. I want him to see the best me. Including how I dress, so," He lied all the different outfit choices on the bed. "Which one is getting me laid?"

Malevola didn't miss how fast and smoothly Sonar managed to shift attention, as if he hadn't just exposed how deeply anxious and nervous the bat was. She realized that this date, depending on how it goes, is probably going to shape how he views and handles relationships in the future. Regardless of how the relationship with Robert goes. Basically, he's mentally shitting himself and she's just now taking note of that. She sighed.

"Wear the black one. Black and red compliments your fur, the dark blue would just mute it more than your regular suit does." Her explanation made Sonar's ears perk up as he looked at her. "Wait, really?"

"Mhm."

He wasted no time putting the suit on. Of course, Malevola was right. Something different that would maybe even catch Robert off guard.

Still, his hands were shaking. He attempted to do his necktie four times, but for some reason his mind and body couldn't get it right. "Damnit!" He swore. 

Malevola stepped toward him, gently taking his neck tie and wrapping it around his neck. He gave her a thankful (and embarrassed) smile in return. "Thanks," His voice was a bit quiet. "I've been sober for a few days." He admitted.

"Aye! Up top!" She raised an open palm, to which, Sonar's collided with. The demon put her hands on his shoulders. "Just breathe alright? If you get anxious, or nervous, breathe, remember you don't need them, and your body is lying to you." Her assurance made the bat's ears fold back.

"I really think some valium would help, right now..." He mumbled. Malevola laughed. "Nice try. How do you think Robert would feel being on a date and you're high?" She questioned, mostly joking, but the question dropped on Sonar like a gravity.

She was right.

He'd be so disappointed.

He'd just managed to get a date with this cute dispatcher and he's already unconsciously trying to self-sabotage.

"Fuck me, man," He sat on his bed, ears drooping lower than before. "You're right." He puts his head in his hands, trying to fend off the wave of anxiety and hopelessness that washed over him like a tidal wave. "Maybe I'd be a horrible boyfriend, he deserves better than me."

"Oh no, we're not doing this," Malevola pulled Sonar to his feet. "You'll be a great boyfriend! Trust me, I'm a great judge of character! Come on, don't be so negative."

He smiled ever so slightly. He trusted his friend, but he didn't know if he trusted that judgement. Regardless, He appreciated the assurance, and attempt at ego boost. This is why they were best friends.

"Where are you taking him anyway?"

"Oyster's."

"Like, the high-end restaurant?" Sonar nodded and Malevola raised an eyebrow. "That's pretty expensive even for a crypto-scam artist like you. Aren't they, like, always booked? How'd you get a reservation there?" She asked, curious. 

Sonar looked away. "Well..." It was definitely less than legal. Blackmailing a restaurant CEO into giving him a free reservation and free appetizers (just to be extra petty), but what could he say? If he can save money, he's gonna save money. He wasn't going to wait on an opening for a reservation for weeks from now just to go on a date with Robert. He needed it now.

"Does blackmail count as villainous activity?"

"Blackmail... on a felony level? Yes, it is."

"Well, no one gotta know!" Sonar waved it off. 

Malevola looked over Sonar nodding. "You look good, but you're missing something.... I'll be back." She ported out of his room. Sonar stood there confused? Missing something?

His phone buzzed. He looked to it to see Robert's contact pop up.

Robert <3: are you sure you have the right restaurant? they're pretty high profile

Sonar smiled, typing his response.

Sonar: trust me robbie boy, i got the right spot

Robert<3: never call me that again

Sonar's smile grew even wider reading that message. He couldn't tell if it genuinely annoyed the man or if he was being playful. It's one of the things the bat loved about Robert. 

Another portal appeared in his room, and in walked Malevola, holding something behind her back. "Alright," She lifted her hands from behind her. "Tada!" She produced a rose, with vibrant red petals and thorns galore. Though, she ripped the longer part of the stem off. "Put this right here," She walked up to him and gently tucked the flower into his blazers chest pocket. "And voila! Now you look dapper and adorable."

"Adorable?" Sonar raised his left brow bone.

"Well — as close to it as a 32 year old former villain can get. That's a good thing!"

"Right..." Sonar walked toward his bathroom, and looked into the mirror. She was right. He looked.... as presentable as he could hope. Decent. He picked up the brush that rested on his sink top and started to brush it as Malevola entered the room.

He always liked brushing his fur. It was soothing. Calming. Helped him breathe when he forgot to. It used to just be something he did in free time in self comfort. Now, whenever he does it to look presentable on the job, he's reminded of how simpler life was pre-university.

"So. Any plans with him besides dinner, or is Oyster's all for tonight?"

"I dunno," Sonar put the brush down, fur all fluffed out, looking soft to the touch and feeling 10x more so. He turned to her. "We might walk in the park? It'll only be around 9pm, we shouldn't run into trouble."

"Key word: shouldn't. This city's a shit show." 

"Fair... but I'm positive it'll go well." He walked toward the door, grabbing his keys off the table rest right next to his front door. He paused and turned to Malevola. "Right?"

"If you were 'positive' you wouldn't have to ask me." She crossed her arms over her chest, a teasing grin on her face. "But, yeah. I'm sure it'll be fine."

"Right." He turned staring at the door. He shook his head and sighed. "Right, I got this." He turned the doorknob and opened the door. "I'm off then. I'll be back pretty late."

"Yeah, I'm probably not gonna be here. Hope it goes well though, text me."

And with that, he walked out and closed the door.

———

Sonar stood outside the apartment complex. He didn't typically like waiting but he was technically seven minutes early, so he couldn't necessarily complain. He tapped his foot nervously, still not completely processing that he's about to take Robert on a date. He was already nervous, and he hadn't even seen the man today.

"Ah, I hope you weren't waiting long." He looked up in the direction the familiar voice was coming from and....

What the fuck.

His earlier statement was right.

Everyone looked sexier and black and Robert was the perfect example of that. The man was already perfect to the bat, but he looked extra good tonight. Maybe it was how he'd actually visibly put an effort into his hair for once, the small light in his eyes that was usually gone at and after work, or just the black button up and black slacks, but regardless, it filled Sonar with awe. He stared in amazement. "Would you look at that, we're matching!" Robert let a little half smile slip on his face.

"You look..."

"A mess? Yeah, I don't have many formal clothes and I don't usually do my hair—"

"Amazing..." Sonar finished the sentence.

"Oh, I," Robert's ears got the slightest, slightest bit pink as he looked away. "Thanks... You don't look too bad yourself." He looked over Sonar’s outfit. "A rose?"

"Huh?" He looked back down at the red flower sat in his blazer chest pocket. He'd almost forgotten about it. "Oh, uh, yeah! Thanks." He stared into Robert's brown eyes and goddamnit they were so beautiful when they were like this. Sparkling and well rested. He shook his head. He can't get starstruck now, he has an impression to leave.

He turned. "Follow me, our ride is waiting." He motioned to the sleek black spacious luxury car that was parked just to the side. Robert's eyes widened slightly. "Oh.. wow, that looks expensive." He let his finger slide on the side of the car. Sleek and smooth. Sonar opened the door. "It took some hard work to find. Please, take a seat."

It wasn't a complete lie. It did take some hard work, but not finding the car, no that was the easy part. The hard part was finding dirt on the owner of this luxury vehicle escort service and blackmailing him as well into giving them the entire night free.

Luckily, Sonar's quite good at digging up skeletons in someone's closet.

Robert... wasn't used to this. Being the one courted, and not the other way around. Hell, he wasn't even much of a "courter" in the first place. His last date before Blonde Blazer had been years, years ago. Still, he brushed off the feeling of unease and smiled at Sonar before getting in the back seat. 

The bat closed the door lightly and walked around the back of the car before getting in on the opposite side.

The car started down the street. Robert chuckled as he saw the city lights around them come and pass. "You know," He looked over at the hybrid. "I'll be honest I didn't expect... all this. I really thought we'd end up walking to Oyster's."

"Nonsense, Robbie-man! First date means I have to splurge to show how big my balls are."

A faux glare crossed Robert's expression when he heard the nickname. "Didn't I tell you not to call me that ever again?"

"No, you said not to call you Robbie-boy."

"Do you usually try to get on your date's nerves before the date starts?"

I've never been on a date.

But, of course, Robert didn't need to know that, right? Well, he didn't want Robert to think he was some virgin loser! Which he totally wasn't! Plus, what if the man doesn't want to date someone without relationship experience? Especially at their ages. He didn't want to risk it.

So instead he looked out the window. "You could say that."

Robert looked down at the bat's hand rested on his on thigh, and took note on how it was visibly slightly shaking. His brows furrowed. "Are you really that nervous...?"

"Hm?" He asked, turning his head back to his concerned date. He followed his gaze to his shaking hand. "Damnit," He whispered, trying to will his hand to stay still. The shaking didn't stop though and he cursed himself. His breathing quickened slightly. God, even when he's scored a date with the hottest man he's met, he can't stop thinking about drugs. His body can't even function normal, he fucked it up, he fucks everything up, he's a lost cause—

"Hey," He felt a steady and warm hand embrace his shaking one and snapped out of it to hear a gentle low but affirming voice. He looked up to see Robert looking him in his eyes. "There's no reason to be anxious. I already like you past all your flaws. The rest should be easy, right?"

....Maybe I'm not a lost cause..

"Yeah.." He mumbled. He wondered if Robert would still look passed all of his flaws if he knew the real reason why he was shaking. Regardless, he looked at Robert with a smile. His shaking did calm down. And he was nervous. And that did calm his nerves, for the human to tell him that he already liked him. "Hard parts over."

As the ride went on Robert's eyes shined as they analyzed every tall building passing by. "I've never actually, you know, looked around on this side of the city. It's so..." No cracks in the cement. No potholes. No thieves breaking industrial windows.

"Nice?" Sonar asked. "Yeah, it's like whiplash isn't it?"

"A bit." Robert's apartment was on the low end of town, SDN building was in the heart of the city, but Robert never took the time to register his surroundings when on his way to work.

The car came to a slow stop in front of a big building, with a lit up yellow sign simply displaying, "OYSTER'S". The two got out of the car, and it pulled off.

"Woah.... even bigger in person.." Robert's eyes glazed over with awe. The pictures really don't do it justice, it's like a hall or hotel. Sonar adjusted his tie. "Yeah, it's pretty grandiose, if you will." He said, starting to walk. "Complete with a bunch of pretentious assholes at every table."

"Does that mean we're pretentious assholes?"

"Well, I, for one, have always been a pretentious asshole." He walked up to the doors and held one open, gesturing for the man to walk in. "This your first time being one?"

There it is. That feeling of being the... how do you say it? Not woman of the relationship, they were both men. Was submissive the right word? Robert thought it sounded too definite in describing the feeling but he guessed that's exactly how this felt. Sonar was holding doors open, talking to him like how his father had taught him to talk to his female dates. He guessed it went the same for a man that likes men. Robert wouldn't know, he never told his father about his attraction to men, nor was his father attracted to men, so he doubted that he'd be able to teach him how to court one.

But he's not gonna lie, it felt nice for someone to hold the door open for him for a change.

"Well," He walked through, Sonar trailing behind like a puppy. "Maybe not pretentious but I am 100% an asshole." He joked.

When they got to the host, Sonar cleared his throat after being greeted. "Yes, we're here on a reservation for Victor and Robert."

The smile immediately dropped from the host's face and all color had drained. He forced a nervous smile. "O—of course, mister! A table for two! Just this way, if you will..." He stumbled back and lead the two to the back, a more private section to the dining area.

Both thanked the maitre d'hotel, and Sonar pulled out a seat for Robert. Robert sat down and Sonar took the opposite chair. The table had a red cloth over it, with two candles between the men in the middle of it.

"Real fancy stuff..." Robert looked around. Chandeliers, great interior design, candles on the walls heals up by built in candle holders. The lighting was dim, intimate. "Uh, how much did you spend to get this table, I'd hate for you to have actually spent a fortune on me—"

"Nonsense," Sonar waved off the concern, knowing he hadn't spent a penny yet. "This is all basically nothing, Robbie. Don't worry about the price of anything." He assured. Robert seemed to ease.

"If you insist..."

There was a pause before Robert breathed out a bit of a laugh. Sonar's ear twitched. "What's funny?"

"Oh nothing," The brunette shrugged. "I just didn't really expect you to be so... old school chivalrous in a way. You know you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to keep my attention, right?" He asked. Sonar was about to answer, something along the lines of "No price is high enough to express my feelings for you." but Robert continued.

"It's kinda cute."

Sonar's ears immediately folded back, he felt this warm feeling bubble inside of him. "I'm... just giving what you deserve.."

"Oh?" Robert raised an eyebrow. "So what? Am I just worth an expensive dinner and limo ride?" He questioned, feigning offense.

"That and so much more." 

Robert sat in a bit of shock. Of everyone on the Z-Team, he'd never expected Sonar to be so smooth.

Little did he know, the bat was basically running around in the headquarters of his mind, pressing every red alert button and scolding himself for saying "such a cringe line."

"Hello, gentlemen," A brunette woman with her hair in a ponytail walked up with two menus, in which she gently placed in front of the two men. "Welcome to Oyster's! My name is Jane and I will be your waitress tonight. Can I get you two any drinks?"

"Water." Sonar immediately said like it were rehearsed. He knew he absolutely could not get even a drop of alcohol tonight. He takes one sip, and one turns into three, then the whole glass, then three whole glasses, then a whole bottle and he can't risk getting blackout drunk on this date. He has to be the best him tonight.

"Hm.... his file said addicted to various substances... is alcohol not one? Then again, he is supposed to be getting sober per the programs rules.. didn't expect him to take that serious. Or is he just being cautious because I'm his manager..." The last that made Robert feel bad, even just slightly. It reminded him that even if they're on a date, he is still Sonar's boss and he might still be treated as such. He couldn't blame the bat, though. Realistically, who would risk losing their job just for the sake of slightly letting loose on a first date?

He cleared his throat. "I'll get a water, too."

"Ooh, a hydrated couple," She quickly wrote that down as well. "Alright, I'll be right back to take your orders — with your waters!" With that she walked away.

"Lively woman." Robert noted.

"Yeah..." Sonar looked deep in thought before speaking again. He scratched his neck. "This is a bit awkward, huh?"

"Hm? What is?"

"Well, you've obviously seen my file, you know about me, what I've done," He played with his fingers, a habit he hasn't resorted to in years. Must be really nervous. "But I know nothing about you except your name, you're the third to be named your exact name in your family, and you have a dog named beef."

Robert laughed. "Actually, I don't know much more about you. Well, not much that isn't crime related or illegal activity." He rested his arm on the table and rested his chin in his head. "I know this might sound cliche or cheesy but... tell me about yourself."

"Uh..." Sonar was caught off guard, on the spot. He didn't too much expect Robert to be interested in his past and he doesn't know why. Of course he'd wanna know where he came from. Sonar almost shells in on himself, visibly more nervous. "I don't like to talk about my childhood.."

"Then don't," Robert shot him an assuring smile. "Start where you're comfortable sharing."

God, I love you.

Woah. The bat doesn't know where that came from. That was too fast, too toxic, too.... much.

"Uh.. well.. as you know I graduated from college..." He began.

The rest of the dinner went surprisingly really well. They laughed, Sonar told his best (signature dirty) jokes and Robert actually let loose for once. By the end of the dinner, the two felt a connection had built that they knew was deeper than any friendship could strike.

Robert really liked the food. And appreciated how kind the waitress was.

As they left, the host smiled and bid them farewell. And even though he whispered it, Sonar could very clearly hear him add a small, “please don’t come back..”

They walked out just as the luxurious sleek black car pulled up to the front of the restaurant. Sonar held the door for Robert before getting in on his side, of course. A true gentleman, he was.

The vehicle pulled off at a leisurely pace, as Robert sighed, almost in relief. “You know, I,” He spoke, turning to face the bat. “I was worried. I’ve never been on a date with a guy, much less a man - bat hybrid that technically works for me, but…. that was really nice.”

Sonar could actually yell out the loudest victory howl hearing that, but he held it in knowing no one wanted to hear that, including Robert. Still, that means his efforts were a success! The hours of research and digging for blackmail was soo worth it now! He smiled genuinely. “Really? That’s great — you know — I feel the same way!”

“The atmosphere was perfect, the food was great, and you’re… you’re just a really great guy.” Robert put his hand on the hybrid’s thigh.

Dontgetabonerdontgetabonerdontgetaboner…

Instead he fixed his eyes on the brunettes chocolate brown pools. He looked down at his soft lips, admired the perfectly smooth skin, not a blemish in sight. He didn’t know when he started holding his breath but he did. This man in front of him…

He doesn’t know just how badly Sonar fucking wants him.

“Sonar—?” Robert asked, noticing this bat was staring at him without saying anything. Though, Somar cut him off, leaning in ever so slightly. 

“Vic…” The bat mumbled, low and sensually, almost entranced by the brunette. Robert didn’t get the chance to speak before he continued. “My name is Victor. Please,” His lips were just inches away from the man’s own. “Drop formalities. Call me Vic.”

Robert’s eyes slowly relax as he nods. “Okay… Vic…” 

And with that their lips collide. Maybe collide was too rough of a word to describe. It was like too pillows softly landing on each other. It felt so sincere. Like a promise of, “We can make this work.”  Passionate and gentle. When Sonar slipped his tongue in Robert’s mouth, he was exactly expecting it to be as long as it was. Not that he was complaining. He allowed the inhumane tongue explore every crevice of his mouth.

Dontgetabonerdontgetabonerdontgetaboner.

When they pulled away from each other for air, a long string of connected, intertwined DNA fell between them. “Good kisser..” Sonar mumbled, trying to shake off the way his body felt numb and his face felt hot. Robert chuckled. “Oh really? Doubt it, I’ve been told otherwise.”

“Hm. Maybe you’re right.” He leaned in again, this time eyes glazed over in desire even more. “Maybe I need another sample to be sure.” There was no more dialogue for the next few minutes. Just heavy breathing as the two’s mouths and tongues moved in sync with one another. The more time went on the more Robert touched his body. 

DontgetabonerdontgetabonerdontgetabonerPLEASEDONTGETABONER.

Whatever higher power he was pleading to, did not hear him. Robert straddled on top of Sonar’s lap, hands on his shoulders. Sonar was a mess now, fur nowhere near as neat as it was when the date started, tie half undone, blazer thrown off to the side with his shirt half unbuttoned. He could only assume how absolutely horrendous he looked. Yet still, Robert, with his half lidded, genuine and sincere eyes, had the nerve to say,

“God, you’re the most beautiful hybrid I’ve ever seen...”

And just like that, he knew he was screwed. He could already feel it happening, and he almost died of shame and embarrassment when it poked Robert’s posterior, who jumped slightly in surprise at the sheer quickness it happened. He shot a smug smile down at the hybrid. “That make you happy?”

Sonar could only gulp before nodding his hot face, scared to open his mouth. 

Robert chuckled and initiated yet another kiss. His hands explored the bat’s clothed body, but Sonar didn’t do the same. He lightly put his hands on the brunettes waist, but that was the extent of it as they kissed. Because all this time Sonar wanted exactly this, to have Robert showing such enthusiastic desire for him, but now he was scared. Scared that if he actually starts doing what he feels like doing, actually stars doing what his perverted mind wanted to, he’d freak out Robert. He’s gotten this far, he doesn’t want to screw something up. Touching him somewhere he doesn’t want to be touched. Or maybe he’s (somehow) even reading this wrong.

Robert could feel the hesitation and slight shake to Sonar’s hands. He pulled away once more and smiled down at the bat. “Are you… anxious about touching me?” The brunette didn’t need a response. The look on Sonar’s face said it all. “Didn’t think that’d be a problem…” 

He let out a light chuckle. “Don’t let me have all the fun, Vic. Put your hands on me. Touch whatever you’d like. I want you to.”

Sonar didn’t need any more convincing or confirmation. His hands almost instantly trailed up Robert’s shirt and unbuttoned it with a quickness before sliding down to the man’s glutes like they were magnetic. He leaned his face into the brunettes chest and started licking and biting at it. His teeth were sharp, he was aware, so he didn’t bit hard. Didn’t want to break skin. Just wanted to make Robert feel it. 

“Oh shit..” Robert breathed out. Sonar started to slowly grind up. In all honestly, getting so much attention from all angles almost overstimulated Robert in the best way. Sonar started to even lick along his scars.

The car stopped at a light and Sonar looked up just long enough to see the drivers eyes go from being on them to on the road.

“Driver,” The man looked back at them once more. Sonar wasn’t even looking at him anymore, eyes too focused on his date, and how cute he looked with his ears and cheeks slightly dusted pink.

“Roll up the partition, please.”