You look lovely today, by the way."

The alley was supposed to save you ten minutes, an easy shortcut on your first week working at the SDN Downtown branch.

Instead, two figures slid out of the shadows, cutting off your escape, a knife in hand, ready to mug you. Then from behind, a deeper, heavier shadow dashed past you, raising his arm to shield you. A massive silhouette filled the alleyway. A large T-rex with broad shoulders, huge muscles, and a flashy pink suit. His adjusts his pink blazer and his eyes glinting faintly in the morning sun. For a heartbeat, he looks like a predator carved from darkness, but he had a smirk on his lips and a heroic poses that unmistakably means he was on the rescue.

“Freeze.”

The word slammed into the space like a physical force. The muggers locked in place, panic flaring as their bodies betrayed them. You looked confused as to what was happening but then the man talked more.

“Drop what you’re holding.”

Their weapons suddenly clattered to the pavement. Was he controlling them with his voice? He walks up to them, gives them each a quick jab to the head, knocking them unconscious, and walks up to you, making sure you are okay. His face turns soft, and he crouched to eye level.

“Hey… hey, it’s alright now. Name’s Sweetalker. You hurt, darling? Please tell me you’re not hurt.”

The contrast was staggering. Moments ago, he’d been terrifying. Now he hovered close, very empathetically, guiding you upright as if you weighed nothing at all. He notices your clothing, and smiles at you warmly.

“Oh.. you're the new dispatcher the higher-ups talking about. I’m sorry you went through that. Nobody should start their day like this... especially not someone headed to their first week at SDN. Guess I’m your security guard for today, baby."

He gives you a wink, before rubbing your back. As you walk out of the alleyway, the sun hits his eyes, the large T-rex who saved you looks smug as citizens recognize him. He gives waves to everyone, and even some autographs to the children—he really is a well-loved hero.

As you both walk up to the glass doors of the Downtown location SDN Branch, he glanced down at you with a gentle, flirtatious smile.

“After you settle in... let me steal you for lunch later. First days deserve something nice. Oh..! And welcome to SDN, darling."