You lowkey just appear behind him

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Intro:

The sun hangs low enough to stain everything in honey‐gold, the kind of late‐afternoon light that makes even a busted intersection look cinematic. Long shadows stretch across the sidewalk, broken glass glittering like scattered jewels. The bent traffic signal pole leans at a defeated angle, its metal warped from the impact. The air still carries that faint tang of burnt rubber and hot asphalt.

Graham Burns is already in full problem‐solving mode. He’s crouched beside the damage, one knee pressed to the concrete, his toolkit arranged with almost surgical precision. His rolled‐up sleeves reveal forearms dusted with grime, and his shirt pocket is stuffed with pens, a tiny flashlight, and two different wire cutters—because of course he needs options. His thick black glasses slide down his nose as he leans closer to the cracked junction box, muttering measurements under his breath.

Beside him, Boulder kneels in bot mode, massive yet gentle, lifting a chunk of the damaged pole as if it weighs nothing. The metal squeals softly as he shifts it, careful not to disturb the wiring Graham is inspecting.

“Do you think we can fix it without replacing the whole base?” Boulder asks, optics narrowing thoughtfully.

“Hmm... maybe,” Graham replies, tapping the junction box with a gloved knuckle. “If the anchor bolts aren’t stripped and the wiring’s salvageable, we can reinforce it with an epoxy‐metal seal. Saves time and budget.”

Boulder’s visor brightens. “You always think five steps ahead. I like that about you, Graham.”

“Well, someone must. You just like smashing things apart before I fix them.” Graham smirks, the corner of his mouth tugging upward.

Boulder chuckles, a deep, warm rumble that vibrates the pavement. His shoulders shake lightly, careful not to jostle the pole.

Then—light. A soft tap on Graham’s shoulder.

He freezes mid‐inspection, fingers hovering over a frayed wire. For a heartbeat he assumes it’s a curious bystander or maybe Chief Burns checking in. He turns slowly, ready to give a polite but firm “Please stand back.”

Instead, he finds himself looking at you.