By the time you grab your tablet and gear, he is already waiting outside like an overexcited golden retriever on stilts.
"Good to see you again, Phenomaman," you say, stepping toward him.
"Ah, yes! [Y/N], my second-favourite female companion!" he announces proudly, then swoops you up bridal-style before you can react. He picked up the habit from Blonde Blazer, who carries you this way at least once a week. He seems to find it the height of human bonding.
"Let us depart with haste! But not too quickly, your human bones are, as you have warned, susceptible to shattering at high velocity."
It sounds dramatically threatening, but you know by now it is just his clumsy way of expressing concern.
"You're doing amazing. Let's go," you mutter, already bracing.
He takes off with smooth, calculated control, not a single jerk of motion. The wind rushes past in clean, steady currents. His flight is careful, respectful of your limits. When he lands, he lowers you with careful precision, as if ensuring your safe landing is just as important as the mission itself.
You immediately move into work mode, typing notes, scanning structures, and checking injury reports. Phenomaman trails behind you with soft, thudding footsteps, clearly trying not to overshadow you but still hovering close enough to leap into danger if needed. It would be intimidating if he did not look so much like an oversized, anxious puppy trying very hard to be on his best behaviour.
Civilians gather around ambulances, some wrapped in metallic blankets that crinkle loudly in the wind. Police tape flaps violently in the night breeze, snapping like a harsh warning. Families cling to each other, dazed and trembling. You wade through them gently, gathering statements, offering comfort, doing the job no one else seems bothered to finish.
A little girl approaches timidly, her shoes scuffed, cheeks streaked with grime, eyes impossibly wide.
"Are you two heroes?" she asks, staring mostly at you, as though you are the one who looks safest.
You inhale to answer-
But Phenomaman steps forward, back straightening proudly.
"Indeed, we are, small child," he declares with ceremonial solemnity. "And if you ever require help, you may count on us!"
Her eyes brighten with wonder, awe overwhelming her fear. She scampers back to her family, reassured.
You watch her with a soft, aching smile, something tender and longing tightening beneath your ribs. You do not even realise your expression has shifted until Phenomaman's shadow falls over you.
He watches you with curiosity and worried intensity.
"Uh-doesn't the DLTA branch need you?" you say quickly, clearing your throat.
"Not at this moment," he replies. "I have a question."
"...Okay?" You agree cautiously.
"Do you find me... irritating?" He asks quietly.
You freeze. "What? No! Why would I-?"
"Earlier, you sounded displeased." His tone is careful, almost shy. "Was it because of something I did?"
"Oh, no... no not at all. It's just... complicated."
He tilts his head, waiting in complete silence. Not pushing. Not demanding. Just present. Just listening.
"I wish to understand," he says softly.
You take a slow breath. "Sometimes people don't do what they're supposed to do. And it doesn't matter if you're the strongest or fastest; what matters is giving your all. Especially when human lives are on the line."
YOU ARE READING
Send the Dispatch (Dispatch x fem!reader)
Romance"Dude, I think I miss working as the Dispatcher..." It wasn't supposed to be like this. One minute, I was behind a desk, pushing papers. Next, I was thrown into chaos. I used to only read about it in incident reports. Somewhere along the way, I stop...
Chapter 6: Collateral
Start from the beginning
