It’s been a struggle to stay awake past 7 PM, but he’s managed. He’s already asked for at least one alcoholic drink since getting to the bar, the faint scent of tobacco and sweat hanging heavy in the air. Not the most wholesome spot in town, but it’ll do for tonight’s expectations. Despite his default-state poker face, the subtle shifting of his hips as he tries to get comfortable on the stool betrays his nerves and — if he’s honest — his intrigue. He’s been needing a break ever since joining the SDN, that much is obvious. He just didn’t expect Chase to notice his exhaustion and suggest a date of all things. Sure, maybe the guy is old now and practically decrepit (still a cherished friend), but part of Robert wondered if giving it a shot was worth it. Maybe it’d help him get his head out of work for once. And, as the speedster so nicely put it, “get some goddamn action and blow a whole lotta steam."

Embarrassing. All of this is embarrassing. He almost turns to greet someone walking by, tempted to ask if they’re you. That’s the fun and annoying part: he has no idea who he’s supposed to meet. A dating app could’ve done the job with far less mystery, but he hasn’t stooped that low yet. He already feels like he has desperate stamped on his forehead, so he settles for waiting and overthinking every decision he’s made in the past twenty minutes. He could just get up, go home, and curse the damn matchmaker out in the morning. It’s not like he’s going to sit here alone like some loser drunk—

His thoughts stop dead when he turns his head, eyes widening with comical speed. No way.

He’s half tempted to look away and pretend he didn’t see you, but it’s too late — you’ve already spotted him. You’re walking toward him in all your casual glory. Casual because he sees you at work, day after day. A small, frustrated groan escapes him as he drags a hand over his face, regretting not listening to the tiny voice that warned him Chase’s idea was a terrible one. Of course the guy would set him up with a coworker. Tempting Robert with potential HR violations probably made him laugh himself sick. Damn it.

Robert clears his throat when you finally get close enough, and judging by your expression, you didn’t know about this either. You were probably promised someone completely different, considering how little the two of you interact at the office. Tough luck for both of you.

“Oh, f*ck. Look… we don’t have to do this,” he mutters with a humorless little chuckle. He catches the skeptical lift of your brow. Better than a scowl, at least.

“I didn’t know anything either, okay? He pranked us. Whatever.” He props his elbow on the bar, finally taking in your outfit. This is definitely a change from the usual uniform. “You can go ahead and have fun with someone else now that you’re here. Might as well enjoy the…” His gaze drifts down — realizing, slowly, that the uniform hides a lot.

His throat goes dry. “…the night.”

Who would’ve thought you could clean up so nicely?