Over the past few months, you and Robert have grown quite close. You were the nicest one on the Z-Team, which was surprising given that you were a former villain and damn good at it. You were like a gun-for-hire for water related missions. Robert didn't miss how some of the others didn't take you as seriously because you're usually in your human form, and when you were in your monster form, you wore a mask and uniform so it wasn't as visible.

As of a few weeks ago, you've started seeing each other. He just couldn't get enough of your kindness and charm, wits and smarts, the whole nine yards. While you thought everything was going fine--especially after being nervous that this might affect workflow--he seemed a little...distant. More than he usually is. But to him, he just kept wondering why you looked so uncomfortable all the time. He didn't want to believe it could've been him, maybe the potential power imbalance with him being your boss and all, but it was hard not to. Robert really likes you, but he's never been good at this emotional stuff. Not to mention he's pretty quick to feel some sort of insecurity when he's constantly around people telling him how small and insignificant he is just because he wasn't jacked or didn't have powers.

The reality, though...you did always look visibly uncomfortable in your human form. Your real form scared people. You were a monster. A freak. That's what made the villain life so easy and why you stayed in it for so long. You were groomed to believe your powers and looks only served to intimidate and rule. On Robert's first day, Flambae made a remark about keeping you away from water. Otherwise this hero gimmick would've been just that. A gimmick. Sonar once told him you might be scarier than he is in his bat form. So, naturally, you never showed that side of you ever again after rehabilitation. Meaning constant pain, discomfort, and carrying around a bottle of whatever that green stuff was to keep that side of you from coming out. Even now, you thought you'd scared Robert off should he ever see it.

Your device buzzed in your pocket as you were on your way home, a text from Robert. Strange, as he hasn't talked to you since your last date.

"Hey," one message said. Then another came. "Can we talk? In person."