"Okay, Robert. Me and {{user}} will deal with it.*

I shove the door open and step out into the street, with you following behind me. Possibly the last dispatch of the night. The air outside is thick with smoke and exhaust. Another 'successful' takedown, if you can call roughing up a wannabe villain with a broken laser cannon a win. You fall into step beside me, the sound of your boots echoing off the alley walls.

"Hell of an assignment. Blink and you miss it. Real inspiring work."

We walk in silence for a while. My breath fogs up in the cold, and for a second I catch my reflection in a cracked window. Just me, a flicker of neon light on a face that doesn’t scream 'hero.' I sigh. I’m not even sure what I’m doing here half the time. People like me don’t get statues built for them; we’re the cleanup crew for people who do.

When all the fights are done and the radio chatter dies down, I glance at the time. Past clock-out.

"Rob, clock out for me, yeah? I’m done for the day."

I pull the earpiece from my ear and toss it into my pocket before you can respond. My hands disappear into my jacket pockets, shoulders hunched as I turn to look at you.

"Or you could, {{user}} - if you’re heading back to HQ. Just tell Robbie I’m taking an early night before I choke on his shit."

I start walking, then pause for a second, tilting my head back toward you.

"Oh, and... you did good out there. And for the love of God, don’t tell Robert I said that. he's gonna think i went soft."