Courtney went to sleep after going out with you.

But... you never left her mind.

Courtney is dreaming about you pounding her in the air, her legs wide open. She's moaning softly, flickering her powers on and off each time whilst she's lingering herself.

In the dream, you're stroking deeply into Courtney, groaning.

Y/N: You want that baby huh? Tell me.

You slide your thumb into Courtney's mouth. She only nods.

By the time the dream gets more intense, she soon wakes up in her bed as she dryly chuckles to herself.

Courtney: ...Fuck.

Courtney grabs a pillow and places it on her head as she lays back down.

Meanwhile with you.

You walk up the stairs to your apartment and open the door to see a very beautiful sight.

Y/N: I'm never saying no to queen like you, miss.

Courtney grins.

Courtney: Good boy.

Hearing footsteps, you see Mandy walk in.

Mandy: We'll gladly be your wives, Y/N. All have to do is say the magic words.

You get down on your knees with glee, looking up with a smile.

Y/N: I-

The alarm clock going off at your nightstand takes you out of the dream as you open your crust filled eyes. Groaning as you hit the snooze button, Tora gets up with a smile on her face.

Tora: God morgon!
[Good morning!]

Y/N: Likewise, Tor...

Tora walks off to the bathroom as you just lay there. Out of it.

Tora peeks her head out from the doorway.

Tora: Did Courtney do a number on you?

Y/N: You could say that...

Robert isn't doing so good either, just sitting in a chair at his place.

Once he snaps out of his depressed stupor, he gets back up and shaves his face. He then brushes his teeth and moves on with his day. 

He grabs a cup of joe, his SDN shirt, his keys, and heads out towards the once again packed SDN building.

His ride up in the elevator isn't too full of brightness either.

Once he leaves the elevator the heroes step out.  Robert walks forward, only to get pumped into by Tora. Tora thinks fast to catch both Beef and his coffee with finesse. She holds them out for him.

Tora: Seeing a spilled cup of coffee isn't a pretty sight.

Robert takes his coffee and Beef.

Robert: Huh. Y'know, you, Chase, Y/N, and Blonde were the only ones here who were nice to me. Appreciate it.

Tora: Når som helst! You deserve better, Robert. You're still a strong man even with the uniform on. Remember that. 
[Anytime!]

Tora pats his shoulder and walks off. Right towards Blonde's office with you. 

Blonde Blazer: Oh no, I don't regret it, that's for sure. 

Blonde spots you, and smiles. You smile back before she continues her phone call. 

Robert: Y/N.

Y/N: Yeah?

Robert: You think I have a chance with Tora?

Y/N: Of course you do. She's the most polite roommate I ever had and... was she able to find her away through this cold shoulder of mine.

Robert: Oh. You like her?

Y/N: Just as a friend, dude. (chuckle) If you wanna shoot your shot, go ahead when we aren't at work.

Robert: Noted.

You both fist bump.

Robert gets over to his desk and places his coffee down to get ready for his shift. Once he logs in, porno ads pop up all over the screen, the volume on max. He spits out his coffee and fumbles with the headset as everyone looks over. Robert lets the headset fall on the desk as he manually clicks the pop offs away one by one through sheer will. 

He sighs.

Off to the side, Malevola, Coupe, Punch Up, and Flambae are laughing their asses off. 

Malevola: Try not to crank it out at work for once, Robert. 

Robert sits back down and looks at Chase look at him.

Chase: We had heroes scout the city for Hunter after he made that threat. Watch out for that toaster looking motherfucker. Now that we let him loose, we can only imagine what he's doing. 

Robert: If he ever shows up again, we'll just lock him up. It's what we do, Chase.

Chase: Yeah, lock his ass up and turn his cybernetics into glorified paperweights. One less headache for me. If you ask me, I would've cut a specific someone. Starting with her.

Chase gestures over to Courtney talking with you, but she notices him.

Robert: Uh... why's she staring at you? 

Chase: Don't you got some work to do?

Courtney: I dunno. Don't you got some dementia to onset? 

She walks off with a printed picture.

Chase: Alright. That one stung a little.

Y/N: There's gonna be a time where we're all singing kumbaya, Chase. 

Chase: Remains to be seen, Y/N.

You walk off as well.

Chase: Rob, Blazer's looking at backfilling the empty spot with either Phenomaman or Waterboy. You should think about who you want. 

Robert: One of them is the Anakin poster child of our company and the other pukes water- what am I missing? 

Y/N: The hell? No way. Hey, turn that up.

Courtney does so. Your eyes are drawn to something very odd yet unsurprising. 

News Anchor: We now go live the 405 where an unusual scene is unfolding. 

Phenomaman raises his fist at a car as it stops only for him to sadly look away and walk glumly.

Robert: Shit. He looks rough.  

Waterboy vomits water on the screen and puts a mop to it. 

Dispatcher: Come on man, can you not do that?

Waterboy: Sorry!

WB swaps to a napkin to wipe the screen down. Phenomaman is still walking down the freeway all depressed. 

News Anchor: Has the Southland's greatest hero lost his mind?

Y/N: I'd say he's gone off the deep end by causing traffic.

Courtney: That's an understatement. 

He continues to wipe until the napkin gets stuck to the screen as you and Courtney leave SDN.

Dispatcher: I was watching that, man.

Waterboy: Sorry!

Robert looks to Chase.

Robert: Looks like there's no wrong answer. 

Chase: Sometimes it's more about the person than the powers. And good thing, cause it's the only reason someone gave your sorry ass a job. 

He chuckles going back to his cubicle. 

Robert: Alright, it wasn't that funny. 

Minutes later.

Robert is in the mecha, pressing buttons and flicking switches. He then takes out the astral pulse to slide it canister that then goes into a slot. And at that point the whole suit slowly powers up more and more. 

Robert: Proto Pulse test seven. Test ready. How we looking out there? 

Robert: You can talk. I can hear you. 

Royd: Oh we all good. All you, Mecha Man. 

Robert presses another button, and twists a lever.

Robert: System power, up. Simple locomotion...

The mecha moves an arm and moves his fingers. Royd monitors the ins and outs of the suit.

Robert: Now for simple locomotion.

The mech gets into a fighting stance. 

Royd: Levels are stable. We onto something, brah. This is it.

The mech does jumping jacks. 

Royd: Okay, we passed da P.E class.

Robert: My best subject. 

Suddenly the reading for the mecha go into the red as the mech sparks up before it falls over. Royd runs out to Robert as removes the astral pulse from the slot. The front of the mech opens up as Robert just lays there defeated. Royd has a fire extinguisher in his hands. 

Robert: Proto Pulse test seven. Failure.

Royd: No worries. We'll get der. 

Once the cockpit sparks up smoke, Robert coughs. Royd sprays the extinguisher on it. 

Soon later blueprints for the mech are placed on a table by Robert as he looks through them. 

Robert: Royd, what is all this stuff? 

Royd: Whole network expected me to process all dey confiscated stuffs. Cause we da bottom fo SDN, we catch all kine shit work brah. 

Suddenly Courtney appears with you. Robert turns around to see the new arrivals.

Robert: Huh. Didn't expect you to come all the way down here. 

Y/N: We already finished our initial patrol. There's nobody to toss in the slammer. Yet. 

Royd fist bumps you as he walks by. 

Royd: We take one bad guy stuffs, and use dem for catch other bad guys. Only good ting.  A lotta upgrade possibilities. 

A hologram of the updated mech appears. 

Courtney goes over to look into the mech. 

Courtney: You ever jerk off in this thing?

Royd: You lolo, Visi. 

Courtney: I mean, you obviously have to, right?

Y/N: I mean... we all have those urges from time to time. Ain't nothing wrong with that.

Robert: I do it all the time, actually. 

Royd: Bro...

Robert: I like to bust after every big bust, you know? And I was pretty successful, so you can imangine. 

Y/N: Ha. Knew it.

Courtney: Sounds like... loads of fun.

The two then stare at each other in silence with a slight fierce glare. 

Royd: You guys got some weird energy going on, huh? Can you handle this HR violation some uda place? I got work to tend to.

He walks off.

Courtney: Oh, Y/N was just leaving. 

Robert: I can do this all day with you idiots.

Courtney: That's gonna be tough. Cause I would've loved to prove you wrong.

Y/N: Let's stop just here before some 3 way goes down.

You strolls away. Courtney grinning as you leave.

As you go back upstairs thru the elevator, you step out to walk through the lobby and go to Blazer's office, only to see her putting on her dress, with some of her nipple coming out. You quickly turn around.

Y/N: Shit. Sorry Blonde.

Blonde Blazer: Oh no, don't worry. I got this... thing tonight. And they were supposed to send the dress yesterday. This isn't why you're here but can you zip me up?

You close the door. Getting close to Blonde as she turns around. You soon zip her up slowly, careful not to break it off.

Y/N: Yeah. What's happening today?

Blonde Blazer: SDN's sponsoring a dinner. A gala thing. Radiant Valor: a night of triumph. 

Y/N: Totally not propaganda. (you fully zip the dress up) There you go.

Blonde turns around. 

Blonde Blazer: Yeah, it does sound like a fascist themed prom. What do you think?

Y/N: For one, you look beautiful. Secondly, your areola is showing. 

Blonde looks down and quickly covers it up.

Blonde Blazer: Oh. I don't think I've ever seen anyone say areola out loud before. 

Y/N: Things change, hun. 

Blonde walks past you, but gives you a quick kiss full of passion. She then stands at her desk.

Blonde Blazer: Alright. For real this time.

Y/N: As stunning as the day we met. 

Blonde looks off to the side with a small chuckle.

Blonde Blazer: You just love being the flatterer, do you?

Y/N: At every chance I get.

Blonde gets close to you again to kiss you a second time.

Blonde Blazer: The breakup story is out now, so I might be getting more attention than I'm dealing with. I was supposed to be going with him, but I don't think he's going to make it.

You look outside to see the definition of an HR violation. 

Blonde Blazer: Downtown branch dropped him. Indefinite suspension. 

Y/N: And this is why I'm glad my nanites can give me a free ride. But I feel bad for whoever's car that is. Is it yours?

Blonde Blazer: No. 

Y/N: Then I hope insurance in Torrance covers all superpowered mishaps. 

Blonde Blazer: I'd like for you to talk to him.

Y/N: I just hope he doesn't cave my chest in at it. 

Blonde Blazer: He won't hurt you. He's just... hurt. He needs someone to talk to. I think he could use some perspective. 

You look to Blonde.

Y/N: Like, perspective to join the Z-Team? I overheard Chase wanting him to come aboard the now not sinking ship.

She laughs.

Blonde Blazer: Yeah. The only candidates are him or Waterboy.  At the moment, it's close. But mostly I'd like for you to get him out the parking lot. And don't forget to tell him to stop by the Edible Arrangements. He keeps sending them all, but with melon?

Y/N: It's strange, alright. I'll go chat with him.

You walk out of SDN, going right into the parking lot to Phenomaman. 

Y/N: Phenomaman? You doing okay?

Phenomaman: I have been better, Y/N Salazar. I still pained that the Blonde Blazer and I have ended our relationship long before your arrival. 

Y/N: Oh. I'm sorry to hear. I know it's painful but I know you'll move on. 

Phenomaman: It was very abrupt. One moment were savoring uni straight from the urchin. The next moment, I'm contemplating flying into the sun, absorbing all of it's energy and casting this planet into permenant darkness so that I never have to see her or anyone else ever again. Maybe then I would be free from the torment in my soul. 

Y/N: Don't do that. Please. I don't think killing everyone else down to the plants and bugs is worth it for one setback. If it helps, I had some of those days. Only minus getting everyone killed. I had friends in a team I was in so we could either kill or capture EVOs. Saw some of them die on the job horribly. During those days, I just pressed forward like everyone else. They would have wanted me to. I didn't want for anyone else to be dragged through what I saw. It's why I'm here. Despite the...

You raise your hand to create a chainsaw.

Y/N: Oddities most think I have.

Your arm returns to normal. 

Y/N: So yeah. I felt loss too. It was crippling at points. But I had to shrug it off.

Phenomaman: Thank you for sharing that. You are sad enough to understand. 

Y/N: Eh, spend 15 years in America's jail system you'll be a changed man. 

Phenomaman opens his eyes and sit up sending glass your way. You easily dodge the shards.

Phenomaman: Do you really think there is someone else? Perhaps another lover could have been the cause of this? Maybe she met a person. An actual person. I am not a human. Just an imitation of one. 

Y/N: Honestly, I'm not sure if there is, but if there was, the pain wouldn't just go away like that at the snap of a finger. 

Phenomaman: I prefer when problems have solutions. 

Y/N: Sometimes some problems... have no easy solutions. The way she feels isn't something for you to fix. Blonde's her own woman. She makes her own choices because that's what people do. Or in this case, humans. It's best to let her live her life. 

Phenomaman stands up.

Phenomaman: Perhaps the fact that I am not a person is adding to my confusion. 

Y/N: While we're at it, no edible arrangements. They're not making the break room smell any better. 

Phenomaman: It seems I have much more to learn about people. Thank you. You've given me a great deal to worry about. 

Y/N: It's no issue, but honestly-

Phenomaman places a hand on your shoulder.

Phenomaman: It seems the velocity of which I sat up has shot far smaller glass shards into your chest.

You only exhale, the nanites pushing out every piece of glass as you regenerate.

Y/N: I've been through worse. 

Phenomaman tries to fly, but sadly walks away. 

Bathrooms. 

You're in at the the sink, looking at your thumbnail that is nearly peeled off your thumb.

Y/N: Not again. I'm so sick of doing this shit...

You grip the thumbnail, and yank it off. Your nanites regenerate to restore your nail just like it was before hand. Dropping the nail in the sink as it clatters.

Only seconds later Courtney appears behind your back. 

Courtney: How'd you lose that?

Y/N: Parking lot. Phenomaman happened after he sat up too fast.

Courtney: Oh, damn. But you walked it off just as easily, that's what I love about you. 

Courtney leans in for a kiss. You comply, kissing her as she sits on the sink.

Y/N: And what brings you here?

Courtney: I had a dream about us. We were fucking. I usually don't remember my dreams but this one was pretty vivid.

Y/N: Really now? Was I just as big?

Courtney: Bingo. 

You grin, kissing her with tongue. She moans in your mouth as she pulls away.

Y/N: Want a second round? All we gotta do is duck into one of the restrooms.

Courtney: As much I want to, nah. But that's enough about fucking. When it comes to this couple stuff, it feels different. But in a good way. Just like trying on a dress. 

Y/N: You could rock a dress well. I'm thinking the very cloud white, floral patterned one.

Courtney: Fuck you. 

Y/N: Oh I know you'd love to.

The two of you stare at each other, but it leads to you carrying her to a stall, kicking it closed with your leg and locking it before the sounds of pants being pulled down and soft covered moans from Courtney are heard with your grunts of effort. 

Timeskip. 

Robert heads to his desk. He looks at his sandwich and then at Beef. he takes out a slice of the meat and drops it at Beef. He eats it with haste. 

Robert: (as he's petting him with a smile) There you go you little menace. 

Robert turns back around to face his chair. And so, the shift begins with The Z-Team heading out across town.

Sonar: It feels strange that Hunter's out. 

Malevola: Glad you and Coop made the cut though. One time I saw Hunter steal a bunch of Slim Jims from a 7/11 in broad daylight, damn near hurt the employees once he was caught. 

Coupe: Then it's only natural for us to move on and forget him.

Flambae: Hell yeah.

Ice slides down a building to kill the fire in a burning car.

You're flying around with the Boogie Pack and your goggles on, catching a kid's runaway animal balloon. Going back down you land next to the girl and her mother, handing the balloon to the girl.

Generator: There ya go.

Girl: Thank you Generator!

You smile, flying away.

Blonde Blazer: I've been hearing about a guy named Chad. I think he's trying to summon a demon? 

Robert: Wasn't there a cult of Chad?

Malevola: Ch'aad. Yeah. 

Ice: As long as I don't cross paths with either of them, I'm all good. 

Sonar: I'll do it. I always wanted to join a cult. For uh, research purposes. 

Prism: Riight. 

After a few hours of tending to the city, everyone returned to the break room.

As you step in your stomach goes loud, you ignore it and open the fridge to drag out a few things. A chipotle burrito, burrito bowl, nachos, and an iced tea. Going over to the table, you set your food down. Heating up the nachos by transferring all heat to your palms. The moment they're hot you start to feast. Robert's just sitting across from you biting into a candy bar.

Tora also walks in with a bag of food, and opens it to pull out a bowl. She opens it.

Y/N: What's that?

Tora: Fårikål. I used to eat it a lot as a kid. It's nice to see that America knows what good food is.

Robert: You sure a cheeseburger wouldn't fit your palate?

Tora: Hm... no. Never got the chance to eat that before.

Robert: There's always a chance to try something new, you know.

Tora: I know. 

Tora digs into her Fårikål with her spork, scooping up the cabbage and a potato. As she eats, she looks over to the amount of food you have.

Tora: Wow. 

Y/N: I know what you're gonna say, Tora. I have a lot of kick ass machines to use, but thank god I have built in sustenance to keep my body going. Even with that, I never forget to eat. Can't be sitting around tasting nothing my spit for the longest. 

You and Tora clink your eating utensils together before continuing to eat. 

Waterboy walks in and opens the fridge and drops some containers in the trash. He walks over to the bundle of fruit in front of you.

Waterboy: S-still working on that? 

Robert: Hm?

Waterboy: Aren't these t-the best? I love the green ones. I love the dew.

Y/N: Mm, I don't need 'em. Take the whole basket.

Waterboy: Awesome- my lucky day. I k-know what's for lunch. Or dinner probably. Sorry, I uh, for interrupting your uh-

Flambae walks in to break room to open the fridge.

Flambae: God damn it, you threw my noodles away? My initials were written on the box and everything, fuck! 

Waterboy: I-I don't read things, sometimes it's different.

He takes out the food from the trash can. 

Waterboy: It's like a logo, b-but it's probably still good- 

Flambae: I don't-- want- the- fucking- trash noodles, wetfartboy. 

Robert: The fuck are you doing?

Flambae: It was an accident.

Y/N: Heard that shit before many times. You aren't fooling me. 

Robert also gets up and goes over to Flambae.

Robert: How would you like to walk around work for the rest of the day with shit all over you.

Flambae: I don't know, cause it won't happen. Cause first off I'm not a fucking idiot food throw awayer.

Robert: It was an accident. 

You also get up.

Y/N: Exactly. You really don't have to be a cunt about it.

Flambae: What do you call me?

Y/N: Did I bite my cheek? You are a cunt.

Flambae growls in anger.

Robert: You want this in your report? 

Flambae: What, you and your boyfriend are gonna snitch on me? You motherfuckers...

He walks off, thinking he'd let it go, he doesn't.

Flambae: You know, you're both being soft bitches about it-

He's cut off as you toss a shake at him.

Flambae: In fact- (gets hit) fuck!

Robert and Tora laugh with covered mouths.

Flambae: If it's in my hair, I'm going to fucking kill you.

Tora gets up, snow covering her arms.

Tora: Not happening, Chad.

Flambae is shocked at his real name being used but the anger is still prevalent. 

Robert: Well I got bad news for you.

Flambae starts to have fire cover his body as Tora steps forward, about to cool him down. Blonde starts to walk in.

Blonde Blazer: Robert, could you- (spots Flambae) oh.

Flambae kills his flames. 

Blonde Blazer: You have some stuff on your hair. What happened here?

Robert: I don't wanna be a snitch, but Flambae made a mess. 

Blonde Blazer: Really?

Flambae: Yes. 

Blonde Blazer: Well, you should probably get cleaned up, then, you know, accident or not, wipe up this mess you made. 

Flambae: Alright.

He walks off with Waterboy.

Blonde Blazer: (steps around the mess) Robert, you talked to Chase, who's it gonna be?  Phenomaman or Waterboy?

Robert: And these are my only two options?

Blonde Blazer: For now, yes. Obviously we can revisit it but Waterboy is already a trainee. Sorta. And we already know Phenomaman got cut by the DTLA. I'm just glad he's not wrecking more cars out there.  

Y/N: Or stopping them. 

Robert looks to Blonde. He sighs.

Robert: Waterboy. We're keeping him. He deserves a second shot and he seems, shockingly, a lot more stable than Phenomaman at the moment. 

Blonde Blazer: I hear ya.

Tora: Thank god. I don't think my ice could go well with Phenomaman on the job. 

Blonde Blazer: I might have him take care of this mess before he starts, but let's go with it. He really looks up to you. 

Robert: Does he look up to me or- wait, does he know I'm Mecha Man? 

Blonde Blazer: Yes. But he said he won't tell anyone. 

Robert: I guess that's good.

Y/N: It really is, Robert. 

Blonde Blazer: I'll let him know. You'll see him in your next dispatch. 

Blonde walks away. You and Tora get back to eating your food.

Minutes later.

You're having a smoke outside SDN, only to be kissed by air. Courtney makes herself seen as she breathes the smoke back in your face as you stand there.

Y/N: Hi to you too, Court.

Courtney takes the cig from your mouth and steps on it, very gently smacking your face. 

Courtney: Try not to go through 4 packs a day, alright? These'll kill ya.

Y/N: That's only if we don't get killed by a villain first. But I ain't getting turned into worm food any day soon. 

Courtney: Like you, me too. 

Courtney stands next to you and rests her head on your shoulder.

Courtney: Did you dream about me?

Y/N: I have. Remember what I said about you rocking a white and floral dress? You had a wedding dress on this dream, if you ask me, I think killing my mind's telling me say yeah to marriage and all that with you.

Courtney only breaks apart from you with a blush and wide open eyes.

Courtney: WHAT? No no no no, that's not fucking happening!

Y/N: Denial. Humanity's greatest way to cope with the truth.

Courtney: Shut the hell up Y/N! W-we aren't getting married!

Y/N: Remains to be seen. 

Courtney: I'd look shitty in a wedding dress, they aren't for me.

Y/N: From what I saw you were in proposal range. Ring sliding on finger range too.

Courtney only goes invisible. You laugh.

The 2nd shift starts.

Blonde Blazer: Hey team! We appreciate you doing your best last shift under the circumstances, but we are here to help! More specifically... Waterboy is here to help. 

Waterboy: Sup?

Malevola: You serious? 

Prism: Ain't no way...

Blonde Blazer: He may be new to this but Robert and I believe he will make a great addition to the team. 

Punch Up: This is bullshit.

Coupe: More like a badly placed April Fool's joke. 

Generator: Lay off the kid. I know he'll put in work. Mostly.

Golem: Ugh, don't tell me you think he's gonna be the next Phenomaman.

Generator: He's more better being himself, not the boy scout.

Waterboy: Good morn- hello. 

Invisigal: We're being pranked right?

Waterboy: I don't... m-maybe? Is it a-a joke? 

Blonde Blazer: No Waterboy, it's not a joke.

Waterboy: O-oh. C-cool... io. 

Hours pass into the night. 

SDN starts to close up for the day, mostly everyone heads home. Leaving only you standing outside.

Your phone rings. Seeing a text pop up from Mandy.

Mandy: "Come back. Center space."

Walking back in, you see Mandy, kissing her.

Mandy: I'm sure Waterboy was fantastic today, Y/N.

Y/N: He was. I guided him through the ropes. Helped out more people than I could remember.

Mandy: He did? Well in that case, let me treat you to dinner.

Her invitation held a soft, hopeful hint of something more personal than a team meal.

Y/N: Been waiting on another one after Japan.

Mandy: So have I.

From a nearby desk, a snort cut through the air. Courtney materialized, having held her breath to listen.

Courtney: I fucking knew it, you really did a date with the boss. (she mocked, leaning against a filing cabinet with a smirk that didn't reach her eyes) Don't let her earnest routine fool you, Y/N. She just wants to talk about 'synergy' and 'workflow' over salad. 

Her jealousy was thinly veiled by her trademark sarcasm, a defensive jab to mask her own interest.

Y/N: Are you still jealous? Fuck it. You can go to dinner with us too.

Courtney's eyes widened slightly at your unexpected invitation, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She quickly composed herself, her smile turning softer and more genuine.

Mandy: That's very generous of you to include Invisigal, Y/N. I think it would be wonderful for the three of us to celebrate Waterboy's successful first day together.

Courtney scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically, but there was a glimmer of pleased surprise in her expression. 

Courtney: Well look who's playing the peacemaker. 

She pushed off from the filing cabinet, sauntering closer. 

Courtney: Careful what you wish for, hot shot. Dinner with both of us might be more than you bargained for.

Y/N: It'll be worth it nonetheless. Besides, you two are the prettiest ladies here. Well, Prism and Malevola are at a 3 and a 4.

Mandy laughed softly, shaking her head in amusement.

Mandy: Oh Y/N, you silver-tongued devil. Laying on the charm trick already? 

Her eyes sparkled with mirth and a touch of something warmer as she looked at you appreciatively. 

Mandy: I must say, it's refreshing to have someone so... complimentary around here. Even if your taste is questionable. 

She added with a playful wink towards Courtney. The brunette in question snorted derisively, but couldn't quite hide the pleased curve of her lips. 

Courtney: Ugh. Spare me the sappy crap. And hey, it's still good see you again, Y/N.

You smile.

Y/N: So, where are we having this dinner?

Mandy clasped her hands together excitedly. 

Mandy: Oh, I thought we could try that new fusion place downtown - Saffron Spice. They have an amazing rooftop terrace with a view of the city skyline. It's perfect for celebrating milestones like today!

She turned to Courtney with a challenging grin. 

Mandy: Unless you have a better suggestion? Somewhere with a dive bar vibe, maybe? Lots of dark corners to lurk in?

There was a teasing lilt to her voice, daring the other woman to suggest somewhere more her style.

Courtney narrowed her eyes, considering. 

Courtney: Hmph. Saffron Spice isn't terrible, I guess. At least the food won't suck. 

She shrugged nonchalantly, but her gaze flicked appreciatively over you.

Y/N: Then let's go.

The dinner goes well.

But as the evening wore on and the wine flowed freely, both women began to show signs of intoxication. Mandy's usual poise started to slip, her laughter coming easier and her smiles wider. She leaned across the table towards you, her voice lowering conspiratorially.

Mandy: You know Y/N, I have to say... you're full of surprises. I never expected our little team to gel so well, especially with... (She glanced at Courtney) ...well, you know. But here we are! 

Her hand found yours on the table, squeezing gently as she grinned at you with undisguised affection.

Y/N: Yeah. We needed this.

Meanwhile, Invisigal was engaged in a heated whisper with the waiter over overcooked steak, gesturing animatedly and slurring her insults slightly drawing in eyes from others in the restaurant.

In order for a scene to not be escalated this late in the night, you  end up taking the ladies back to your place.

You sit down and fire up the TV, waiting for them to be sober again.

As the night progressed and the alcohol continued its effects, Mandy found herself drawn to your side, her body pressing warmly against yours on the couch. Her blue eyes, usually sharp and focused, now gazed at you with a hazy, adoring expression. 

Mandy: Mmm, this is nice. Just the three of us, away from all the chaos.

Courtney, meanwhile, had collapsed dramatically onto an armchair, one leg dangling over the side. She fixed you with a bleary, unfocused stare, a slow smirk spreading across her face.

Courtney: Soooo, this is what passes for a party at your place, huh? Tsk tsk, and here I thought you'd have some real moves.

Y/N: My roommate isn't here right now, and there's food in the fridge when that hangover comes through-

Mandy giggled, the sound slightly higher-pitched than usual as she snuggled closer to you.

Mandy: Aww, aren't you just the sweetest host! Taking care of us, making sure we're comfortable.. 

Her fingers traced idle patterns on your chest as she spoke, her touch lingering perhaps a moment longer than strictly necessary. 

Mandy: I knew there was a reason I liked you so much the moment I laid eyes on you, Y/N.

Courtney made a gagging noise from her chair, though her eyes remained locked on the two of you with a mixture of amusement and grudging approval. 

Courtney: Get a room, you two. Or at least have the decency to put on a movie or something. This is getting nauseatingly cute.

Y/N: Aye, aye.

You do so, firing up some cheesy action movie just to get their brains running. Around the 50 minute mark, you see them sober before your eyes.

Both women gradually seemed to be level headed once again, the fog of alcohol lifting from their minds. Mandy sat up straighter, suddenly aware of how close she had been pressed against you. A light blush colored her cheeks as she cleared her throat awkwardly. 

Mandy: Oh my, I, um... I hope I didn't say anything too crazy earlier, Y/N. The wine must have gone to my head. 

Y/N: You're all good. Don't worry.

She smiled sheepishly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Courtney, meanwhile, had propped herself up on one elbow, looking far more alert and clear-eyed. She quirked an eyebrow at the scene before her, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Courtney: Well well, looks like someone's finally coming back to reality.

You stand up, yawning. 

Y/N: You're acting like you didn't get shit faced not so long ago.

Courtney laughs.

Y/N: But seriously though, I'm glad you both came into my life when you did. I know one way for us to celebrate our first dinner together.

Mandy stood up as well, smoothing out her clothes and trying to regain some semblance of professionalism, though her eyes still sparkled with warmth and affection for you. 

Mandy: We feel the same way, Y/N. Having you join the team has brought a fresh perspective and energy that SDN desperately needed.

She took a step closer to you, her voice softening. 

Mandy: And I meant what I said earlier. About us. Settling down and everything else in-between. 

Her gaze flickered briefly to Courtney, a silent acknowledgment of the other woman's presence and importance.

Courtney, for her part, rolled her eyes at the sudden burst of sentimentality but couldn't quite suppress a small, genuine smile. 

Courtney: Ugh, fine... I kinda feel the same way when it comes to settling down with you. I just wanna feel alive again for once after being handed nothing but shit luck for the longest.

Y/N: You will, Courtney. You will.

She holds your hand. Mandy also holds your free hand.

Y/N: I love you both. Genuinely. I truly don't regret coming to Torrance after I... killed two superpowered guys in self defense if it meant being closer to you two.

Mandy's eyes widened at your heartfelt confession, a deep blush spreading across her cheeks and Courtney's. Mandy gently removes her hand to reach out and  take your hands in hers, squeezing them gently as she met your gaze with raw emotion. 

Mandy: Oh Y/N... I... I don't know what to say. Your words mean more to me than you could possibly know. 

Her voice trembled slightly, thick with feeling. 

Mandy: When I first met you, I sensed something special like I did with Robert, but I never dared to hope... that this would happen.

Y/N: It has. It's a miracle in my book.

Courtney who had been watching the exchange with a mixture of skepticism and grudging admiration, suddenly stood up and crossed the distance to you. She placed a hand on your shoulder, her touch surprisingly gentle. 

Courtney: Listen up, pretty boy. I might have gave you shit sometimes, but that's only because I... appreciate your tenacity.

Y/N: To get the job done each and everytime I step in the door to SDN? For not forgetting you after all this time? You got that right. Now... 

You hook them in with your arms around their waists. 

Y/N: How about we 'celebrate' this good day in my room?

Mandy nods. As does Courtney. You only take them to your bedroom as you close the door. Courtney's soft laughter can be heard.