Send the Dispatch (Dispatch x fem!reader)

Chapter 3: Blondie

She lets out a soft laugh, surprised, almost tender. "You sound like a person with a moral compass."

"You mean a person with a sleep deficit and a conscience that won't shut up? Right, okay, Blondie."

Heat flickers across your cheeks before you can stop it. She notices, of course, she notices and quickly looks down, smoothing a page with both hands before glancing back at you.

"[Y/N]," she groans, dragging out your name. "Stop calling me that. You know I'm not even blonde."

You smirk.

"Would you prefer I call you 'Brunette Blazer' in front of everyone?"

Her face scrunches instantly.

Then she freezes.

"...You know I'm self-conscious about it."

Guilt twists in your stomach.

Your brain immediately rushes to self-scolding.

"Ah-shit, sorry. I didn't mean to... I'm used to joking about everything. I didn't think it bothered you." You rub the back of your neck. "You and I are close, and I like giving my friends nicknames so-"

"Wait."
 Her voice is soft.


"You consider me a friend?" The question stops the entire room.
You swear even the window blinds pause.

"I-uh ...yeah," you mutter, heat climbing up your neck. "Yeah, I guess I do."

Blonde Blazer's face lights with a smile so bright it almost powers the whole office. And before you can brace yourself, she steps forward and hugs you, tight.

You stiffen. Physical affection is not your language.
Still, she's warm, and her hair is in your face, smelling like floral shampoo and... wine?

You lift your arms and awkwardly return the hug.

"Not to ruin the sentimental moment," you mumble, "Uh... you weren't on a date with Someone-With-An-Unpronounceable-Name, were you?"

She laughs, pulling back slightly.
"What makes you say that?"

"I can smell wine on you."

She blinks. "How would you even know-?"

"Recovering alcoholic perks."

"Oh." Her expression softens immediately. 

"Right. Thirty-two days today, isn't it? Congratulations!" She cheers loudly and hurries back to the desk.

You look away, swallowing something tight. 

"We will celebrate after this!" She beams.

She dives into the folders, enthusiasm renewed, and you force a tiny smile before returning to work.

"You know," she begins quietly, her voice dropping into something softer, almost hesitant. "I still remember the day I found you."

There is a pause, small and careful, like she's touching a memory she isn't sure she should bring into the light.

"You were standing in the middle of... all of them." Her gaze drifts past you, somewhere far away. "Heroes and villains, all unconscious. Like they'd been swept off the board in one move."

She exhales, the kind that carries old shock in it.

"I won't lie,"  she admits, eyes returning to yours, "I was intimidated. Really intimidated."

You grimace. "It's not hard to knock out supers once you figure out their weaknesses."

"Still impressive," she says. "And a little terrifying. Not the ideal method, though. You nearly sent half of them to the afterlife."