#robotnik is safe when Stone is just using mind control

[panic-flavored]

Idea: What if, along with the "siren song" merfolk use to put victims into a trance, they also have one other kind of call that they only use as an absolute last resort.

It's basically known by merfolk as the "Death call." It's a very specific frequency and volume of sound that, when used, can burst the eardrums and major arteries of anyone within the area. Even those farther away can experience temporary to permanent deafness, severe headaches, and nose bleeds.

The reason that merfolk try never to use this call, even in very deadly situations, is because the frequency and volume are so harsh that it causes harm to themselves. Those who do use it are lucky if they escape with minor effects, such as bleeding of the gills and eyes, temporary loss of proprioception, or permanently altered vocalization. But in extreme cases, the call can lead to collapsed lungs and internal bleeding, causing an agonizingly painful death to the merfolk making the call.

Most merfolk are fortunate enough to never be put in a situation where the death call is nessecary and can go their entire natural life without having to make it. But with modern humans becoming mcu more of a danger to them, that luck is quickly running out.

[aidenine]

Robotnik x Agent Stone fanfic

The truth will come out

(4494 words) by

Aidenine

Chapters: 2/2

Fandom:

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Relationships: Dr. Eggman | Dr. Robotnik/Agent Stone

Characters: Agent Stone (Sonic the Hedgehog 2020), Dr. Eggman | Dr. Robotnik

Additional Tags: Truth Serum, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Dorks in Love, Shame, Anxiety, Happy Ending, Begging, Hand Jobs, Second chapter is NSFW, Licking

Summary:

Agent stone wants to hide his feelings and Dr.Robotnik just invented a truth serum.

Enjoy reading!

Agent stone carefully closed the second cup of latte. In his head, he was always accompanied by the doctor's words. "I love the way you make them." He didn't often hear compliments from him. Someone might not even take that as a compliment, but Stone knew Ivo well. Only such compliments were in his style.

He had big respect for the doctor and wanted to gain more in his eyes. He loved how intelligent he was, how he danced when nobody was looking and his every smile. He loves Robotnik, in every possible way. That's why he enjoyed knowing that he is the only person with whom the Doctor has a closer relationship.

And that's why he can't afford to spoil it. The doctor was too perfect for him, he's lucky to let him get so close. If Robotnik discovered feelings for him, he'd probably laugh at him, then rebuke him and for end fired him.

That's why he tried to enjoy the little things. Now it was perfect. At least that's what he was trying to tell himself.

He grabbed the cups with the hot drink and went to the lab.

"Doctor!" he screamed in front of the entrance, remembering not to surprise him again.

"Come in, Stone," he heard the answer. So he waited no longer and went inside.

Robotnik has worked very hard on something.

"I brought coffee" he approached

"Put it somewhere, you've come at the perfect moment."

Stone immediately did what the doctor told him to do. He looked at the doctor, who still didn't look at him.

Suddenly Robotnik turned around with a big smile.

"Ready!" Stone met with his cheerful look. He would literally give him all of himself. "Drink this."

He heard the order, and quickly looked at what the doctor was holding. At first sight, an ordinary glass of water.

He reached for a drink in an uncertain motion. He also couldn't smell a single smell. There were a lot of questions in his head, but he suspected that he would not be able to ask everyone, so he chose the most important one.

"Is it safe?" he asked quietly and a little uncertainly.

"Stone, you're my best assistant, I wouldn't do anything to kill you, you doubt my skills?"

"Never, sir" He tilted the glass and drank the contents.

"How it tastes?" the Doctor asked right away

"Comparable to the look and smell. Water." he wasn't sure what he just drank, but he wasn't worried that something bad would happen.

"It should work right away..." The doctor started whispering more to himself. He took a notebook and wrote down some numbers.

Stone thought it was the right time for a second question.

"What was that?

Ivo looked in his direction. He kept silent for a while staring at him as if he was thinking about it.

"When was the last time you masturbated?"

That question completely knocked him and made him blush a little. He was all the more surprised when he inadvertently answered the question. "Yesterday."

"Amazing. It's working perfectly!'' I am a genius!"

Stone was usually happy with the doctor, but he was more concerned about what was happening to him now.

The doctor, knowing his confused face, proceeded to explain.

"Stone, your greatest boss, has just created a truth serum. I had to ask you a control question. Now you're gonna answer everything with the truth." said proud of himself.

The agent suddenly felt dry in his mouth. "Incredible" he said quietly. There was a drop of sweat on his forehead. He had to get out of here. And quickly, before he says something he shouldn't.

"Your genius is amazing, sir." He swallowed his saliva. "I'll go make coffee." He turned around quickly and headed for the door.

"Stone, wait." he heard a cool voice behind him and followed his orders. He turned to the doctor. He looked displeased, "Coffee is standing there." Stone gaze followed the doctor's index finger.

"Sorry, Doctor, I'm out of my mind."

"Oh, no wonder, considering how nervous you are right now." the doctor was slowly approaching him.

Scared agent tried to move back, but his escape route was cut off by a wall.

The doctor, in no hurry, reduced the distance between them and leaned slightly.

"You're stressing, Agent. Your heart rate's elevated."

Stone kept silent. Is that the end of it? This is how it's gonna end?

"Does this have to do with my serum?"" asked the doctor.

"Yes." Stone responded quickly beyond his control.

"Ohh, so you have some secrets from me." Robotnik grabbed his tie, lightly minting it in his hand. "My most faithful assistant, has secrets from me. You understand that you disappointed me?"

"Yes" he said again. His heart was beating like crazy. He gazed up and met cold eyes.

He hated himself for how careless he was. Now, because of his stupidity, he might lose his job and whats worse, chance to able to spend time with the doctor.

"Does your secret have to do with me?"

"Yes" a silent answer came out of his mouth. And his gaze landed on the floor.

The doctor sigh. "You let me down, Stone, I trusted you."said and interrupted by a moment's silence. "But I'm still giving you a chance to confess."

Stone nervously swallowed saliva. It's not gonna end well. He was nervous, knowing the doctor wouldn't let him go.

"Sorry, Doctor. I can't say..."

The silence came between them again. He knew the doctor was waiting for something more.

"It would be better if-" the sudden bang stopped him. The Doctor's hand was close to his head, and his face came closer and closer.

"I decide what's better and what's worse. I gave you a chance. Now I'll find out for myself."

No no no. It can't end like this. He's about to lose everything.

"What do you want to hide from me, Stone?" He said every word slowly and with satisfaction.

He really wanted to stop it, tried his best, but the doctor's genius is unbeatable.

"That I'm in love with you." words have left his mouth. He felt like his soul was leaving him with them. He waited for the worst without looking up.

They stood in silence. Stone continued to feel the doctor's warm breath on his skin. But in the end it stopped, too. The doctor moved away.

"I'm incredibly brilliant." "The serum works perfectly. Even in difficult conditions."

Stone raised eyesights. He expected a different reaction. Anything towards his feelings.

"Don't stand there like a peg. Pass the coffee, we're celebrating."

Stone was trying to understand the situation. Why he ignored his confession completely.

"But..., what?"

"Oh Stone, do you think I'm an idiot? For a moment, I thought you were really hiding something serious from me."

Words were getting to him very slowly.

"Does that mean..."

"I knew it?" he finished for it. "Of course I did. You're obvious."

Now Stone didn't understand anything. Did the doctor know he was in love with him? But he didn't do anything about it?

"What are you thinking about now?" asked the doctor

"Aren't you going to fire me?"

"Why would I? You are an invaluable assistant. Do you mean those stupid feelings you can suppress?"

"I don't want to suppress them." It slipped out. The situation worse every second, but the serum was still working.

"No?" Robotnik reduced their distance again. "So what would you like?"

"To show my love" answered quietly and looked away.

"Look at me" he ordered

Stone followed the order. His cheeks burned him from the heat.

"Show how?"

He was more nervous than before.

"Kiss you." he practically whispered. He wanted to get out of sight again, but he can't.

"The truly pathetic human feelings." he heard the answer, but he didn't feel any derision. "I must admit, however, that I value you as an employee... and perhaps someone closer."

His body was being passed through adrenaline. He didn't know what to expect.

"I wouldn't want so that my best assistant bad mood can affect your work, so sometimes I can accommodate your needs." He said and to the agent's surprise, he leaned over and he kissed him softly.

Stone in shock didn't have time to react. it was barely a peck, that ended up there suddenly as it started. His lips left the warmth of foreign lips. He couldn't believe it.

"Does that satisfy you for this moment?" asked the doctor.

"I want more!" he answered quickly and violently. He wasn't sure if he said it himself or if it was still due to the serum. "I'm sorry." He covered his mouth with his hand.

"I give you a finger and you take the whole hand," he said with a slight superiority. "But well, do it the way you need it."

Stone was a little surprised to let him do so much, but he didn't intend to waste the opportunity. He bumped off the wall and stood on his fingers, stuck himself in the mouth Robotnik. He took his hands around his neck and drew him closer to himself. Even if he crossed the border, now he needed this like air.

At first he was nervous, but when he felt his hands on his back, he stopped stressing and focused on the sensations he had been hungry for so long.

He deepened his kiss, rubbing himself against his boss's tongue. Doctor didn't remain passive and was equally passionate about the kiss.

He had never feel so good before. If this is never to happen again, he want to use this moment as much as he can.

But in the end, he had to step back to satisfy his need for oxygen. He breathed hard, and his eyesight rested on Ivo.

"Would you like to add something more?" asked the doctor, wiping a trickle of saliva from his beard.

He had to think about it. Apparently, the serum didn't work anymore. So it's been running for about 10 minutes. The most intense 10 minutes of his life.

"I love you, sir" is what he wanted to say. He finally confessed out loud.

"Let's not talk about things that are obvious." He straightened out and moved away. "Now let's get on with our work, we need to extend serum time. And you're a good rabbit of experience." he reached for a cup of coffee and took a few sips. "If we do well, you'll get another reward," he said and turned back to his desk.

For the rest of the day, Stone was standing by his boss, wondering if maybe the doctor is also fell attracted to him. After all, he kissed him, and said he wouldn't talk about the obvious.

Maybe someday he'll have a chance when it's Robotnik who's under the influence of the serum.

[alphawave-writes]

Experimental Design chapter 6: ‘Bare bones’

Synopsis: Stone gets patched up by Robotnik. The two of them get surprisingly intimate. A new foe rears its face.

Read it here on or AO3. You guys can also find me on twitter @alphawave13.

If you like my writing, please do support me by buying me a ko-fi, becoming a patron on Patreon or requesting a fanfic commission from me. Especially with COVID, any little bit helps me out a lot.

-

Stone woke up with a parched throat, a blinding headache, and an unnatural cold surrounding his body. His surroundings were dark, with a single light source above his head. He sat up slowly and opened his eyes, taking in his surroundings. He recognised the sterile white room, with its tiled white walls and floors. He glanced down, surprised to find he was wearing only his boxers and his socks. There was a large bandage wrapped around his abdomen that wasn't there before. Underneath him was a soft medical-grade bed.

Stone put a hand up to his head as the memories flooded back like a tidal wave. He remembered the rifle in his hands, the blaring alarms, the shouting voices and the deafening white noise of something aimed for his back. He remembered the Commander saying something, just before Stone limped over to Robotnik's mobile lab. The last thing he recalled was Robotnik's carefully blank face breaking into surprise and worry.

He heard the sound of heavy footsteps on the floor as Dr. Robotnik came into view, snapping on a pair of latex gloves.

Stone knew he missed the doctor, but he had no idea how relieved he would feel when he finally saw him again. It was less than a week since he last saw Robotnik, but considering everything that's happened to him, it felt longer than that. That pompous moustache, that sharp glare, that weird greying stubble he could not get rid off no matter how cleanly he shaved, Stone missed it all.

“Doctor,” he smiled.

In an instant Robotnik was by his side, his expression focused yet vacant.

“D-doctor?”

Robotnik ignored Stone, leaning forward and harshly tugging at the bandages on Stone's abdomen. Stone gritted his teeth, waiting for the shocking pain, but there was nothing, not even a bit of tenderness. As he glanced down, his abdomen had completely healed over, fresh pink tissue healing where once there was just blood and muscle.

Robotnik folded the bandage and put it on a tray on the lone table in the room. Stone was still staring at his abdomen in wonder. He knew he went out cold, but there was no way he was unconscious for that long. Not for the injury he sustained. “What did you do to me, doctor?”

“Obviously I took that insipid spray-on skin product for burns and added a few nanoparticles of my design. Induces hemostasis, increases the speed of tissue regeneration, and well-tolerated by the body. Haven't had a chance to test this bad boy out, but I'm glad I get a human guinea pig to test it on.”

“That's amazing, sir.” Stone didn't understand a single word Robotnik said, but it sounded impressive. Even if it wasn't actually all that amazing, at least Robotnik was here and safe and well. God, how much he missed his voice.

“I know I am,” Robotnik smirked. “And so are you.”

Stone's breath hitched. Was this a dream? Was all this a very realistic dream he was having? Was he still dying in that carrier ship?

“Yes, you are amazing…ly idiotic.”

Stone bit back a frown of disappointment. Nope, this was reality, alright.

“Instead of getting yourself to the medical bay, you choose to bleed out in my lab?” Robotnik asked incredulously.

Stone ducked his head. Why did he go to Robotnik anyway? It wasn't like the doctor's lab was closer than the med bay, and he certainly didn't know the doctor had this spray-skin-thing, whatever it was. And yet as he stumbled into the complex after being dropped off by the airship, delirious with blood loss, he decided to go straight for Robotnik. The man who never cared about humans. The mad scientist who dreamed of a world of machines. The psychopath that would shed allies off his skin like a snake if they proved to be no longer useful.

And yet that very man had fixed him up and bandaged him without a second thought. That man saved his life.

Stone swallowed, which was a little bit uncomfortable to do with his dry throat. He had to be careful about his choice of words. “Why did you tie me up? Where are my clothes?”

But Robotnik did not answer. Instead he asked in a low tone, “Are you thirsty?”

The doctor had mastered the art of the evil glare, perfectly unravelling someone down to their deepest insecurities, or at the very least make them extremely uncomfortable. The fact that Robotnik had utilised that move on Stone should make him scared, but all Stone could concentrate on was the proximity of their faces, the adam's apple just peeking over Robotnik's turtleneck, and those dark, impenetrable eyes. He shifted uncomfortably. Being this close to Robotnik in only his underwear was dangerous, to say the least.

Robotnik leaned closer, his hot breath hitting the shell of Stone's ear. “Answer me,” he quietly ordered.

Stone inhaled sharply. He felt dizzy with something. Not dehydration or fear. It was like there was something in the air that they breathed out from both their lungs, slowly eroding the invisible wall they've erected between their bodies.

“I am,” Stone whispered.

“You are, what?”

“Thirsty.” It took all Stone's effort to not stutter. “I am thirsty for some water, sir.”

Robotnik patted him condescendingly on the head, like a cartoon character would pet a dog. “Good to see your hearing is still intact.”

Stone tried his hardest not to smile at this quasi-compliment. As always whenever he was in the doctor's presence, that was impossible.

As Robotnik strutted away, the tension seemed to vanish if only temporarily, leaving Stone alone with his thoughts for just a moment, and those thoughts were all on Robotnik. This was probably one of the few times Stone had ever seen Robotnik without his coat, giving him a rare glimpse at Robotnik's backside proper. His posture was not military straight, but it wasn't slouched either. With every little movement, Robotnik's back muscles could be seen, flexing and stretching to an invisible rhythm that only Robotnik heard. Stone's eyes drifted downward to Robotnik's hips. With just that, Stone felt years and years of training wash away as a more primordial entity took control over his mind.

Stone thought a lot of things about Robotnik, but didn't think Robotnik's ass would look that good.

OK, so it wasn't the most spectacular ass he'd ever seen. That luxury would still go to Stone's second boyfriend Clark, who got butt augmentation surgery done as a 20th birthday present to himself. Still, Robotnik had a good ass, and that was not something Stone could say lightly, considering his own extensive background in the military and then with G.U.N. Now that Stone could get a proper look at him, Robotnik didn't have a bad body either. A little bit on the lanky side, but he made up for it by being deceptively strong. A fitting metaphor for his brilliant mind. And that was nothing compared to his high cheekbones and his devilish grin and the way he could purr out his commands with ease.

It never occurred to Stone to think about his boss this way, but Robotnik was strangely attractive. Not in a conventional manner, but then Stone never cared about conventional. Conventional was boring. Robotnik was exciting.

As if on cue, Robotnik strode back with a pitcher of water. With his free hand he tilted Stone’s jaw back. “Open your mouth and drink.”

Stone's brows furrowed. “I can drink it myse—glggh!”

With little ceremony, Robotnik tilted the pitcher into Stone's lips, splashing a little bit as he tipped it to the correct angle. Stone swallowed and gulped, letting the cool water caress his throat, drinking as much as his pitiful throat could handle until Robotnik mercifully tilted the pitcher upright and dropped it on the tray beside him.

Stone wiped his lips, breathing heavily. “I-I could’ve drunk it myself. I’m not that weak.”

Robotnik’s lips thinned. “But you are feeling weak?”

“I don’t, actually.” Which was strange in and of itself, but Stone had a feeling Robotnik had something to do with that as well. At least he felt like a flesh and bone human, and not like a cyborg. He didn't want a Inspector Gadget scenario to occur with him. Stone still thought it was absolutely ridiculous that the first Inspector Gadget movie was the doctor's first introduction to Matthew Broderick.

Of the numerous crimes Robotnik has committed, not seeing Ferris Bueller's Day Off in this day and age was probably in the top 3 of Stone's list. One day he'll rectify it.

Robotnik gingerly placed his hand on Stone’s healing wound, watching him for any sign of discomfort or pain. “Who did this to you?” He asked lowly.

Stone turned his head away. “It doesn’t matter.” He couldn't disclose any more classified information than he did.

“It very much matters,” Robotnik sneered. “This isn’t just any weapon. This is an infrared pulsed electrical projectile you got blasted with. At the sheer electromagnetic intensity you got hit with, it would have disintegrated your flesh faster than you can sing the Thai alphabet.”

Stone scrunched his brows as he tried to remember whether the Thai language even had a proper alphabet to sing.

“This kind of weaponry wouldn’t be used by anyone,” Robotnik continued. “I’ve developed one version of it for my own personal use. But the other versions? Only a few have access to it. And they would know what kind of weapon they were utilizing if they dared to hit you with it.”

“I got lucky,” Stone said, even though that was only partially the truth. He had protective equipment of course, but he chucked it all away before he got to Robotnik. “A lot of us weren't as lucky. It got messy.” He bit back a frown. Very messy, he didn't add.

Robotnik pressed his hand on Stone’s chest, the dull edge of his fingernails just barely felt beneath his latex gloves as he tugged at Stone's chest hair. “You said you were to go against an island nation. Tell me exactly what island nation it was.”

Stone suppressed a warm shiver as he stared back into Robotnik’s eyes. “You know where I went.”

“I want to hear you say it.”

“Soleanna,” he admitted. “I was in Soleanna.”

“As I thought.” Robotnik trailed his hand down, pressing his fingers into Stone's toned stomach. His touch was light, intoxicating, but brief as it travelled up, past his sternum and neck to cup his jaw. His touch was gentle, like he was handling a piece of fragile machinery, even though they both knew Stone was far from fragile. It made Stone feel like Robotnik might have cared about him. That perhaps he mattered to the doctor. That perhaps Robotnik might touch him more intimately like this under different circumstances, alone and shut away from the world, breathing in and out their secrets and never revealing them to another living soul.

Robotnik's fingers shifted, and warm heat shot from Robotnik's touch into Stone's blood vessels, heating him up from the inside. Stone had no idea if the heat was intentionally evoked by Robotnik or not.

“A Soleanna guard shot you.” Before Stone could stutter out a how did you know, Robotnik continued, “They're one of the few who even have PEP weaponry. The only others are G.U.N, and the only reason they even have it is because of my work, back when I worked in their R&D department.” Robotnik squeezed Stone's jaw lightly. “G.U.N wouldn't shoot you, would they?”

“O-of course not,” Stone stuttered. He suddenly thought of Robotnik with a gun, pushing it into his temple or his mouth, forcing him to suck on it like it was a cock. Stone shifted on the bed, trying his hardest not to imagine what Robotnik's cock might taste like. Would Robotnik look as dazed as when Stone sucked on his gloved fingers that one night, or would he have a different reaction? Would his cheeks heat up like Stone's did?

“And how many of these 'terrorists' did you dispatch? How many Soleanna soldiers did you kill?” Robotnik asked.

“I can't remember.” Stone was too distracted imagining himself sucking on the shell of those pink ears. They looked like they'd be delicious. “T-too many,” he guessed.

“Did you hesitate?”

He shook his head, frowning. “No.”

Robotnik suddenly smiled. “You don't think about the families you've destroyed? The destruction you've caused?”

Stone stared into Robotnik's eyes but only saw his own reflection within those dark irises. He felt like he was hypnotised, his body being pulled apart molecule by molecule. Like Robotnik could bridge the gap between their bodies and have his wicked way with Stone, biting and kissing at Stone’s bare skin with that ferocious little grin. He could not answer. He didn't need to. Robotnik already knew.

“You didn’t,” Robotnik uttered. “Not a single thought on the lives you took. All you cared about was your mission. Your single-minded brain was focused on one and one thing only.”

He wasn't wrong. Stone was focused on one thing only, and that one thing was Robotnik’s pink lips. They were chapped slightly. The doctor hadn’t been putting on his lip balm lately. Actually, it looked like he hadn’t shaved properly since Stone left on the mission, his stubble more pronounced, growing in patches over his face. Would it be soft or prickly against his skin? Would those chapped lips feel pleasant against his own? Would it help if Stone licked them?

Robotnik tilted Stone’s head up, his smile devilish.

“You do whatever you’re told, don’t you, Tariq?”

Stone sharply inhaled. Robotnik knew it was his real name. It sounded so sweet from his lips. Would his real surname sound just as sweet from Robotnik’s throat?

“I think I figured you out. You’re not a petty human.” Robotnik leaned forward until his lips were a breath away. “You’re a machine. You’re my machine,” he whispered.

Stone suppressed the loveliest shiver to roll down his spine. Robotnik had always said from the beginning that he only cared about his machines, that they were the only things that did their tasks perfectly. To be Robotnik’s machine, prized beyond belief, to be used at his disposal, it shouldn’t sound so tempting. But he wanted it. He wanted Robotnik to use him. He wanted Robotnik to treat him and care for him and care about him. He wanted that insufferable smile, that devilish pride and irresistible intelligence. Most of all he wanted Robotnik to look at him like he looked at his prized robots, with something akin to love and affection.

Stone felt his heart skip at the mental image of Robotnik beaming down on him. No. No no no. He wasn’t. He couldn’t. He shouldn’t be in love with Robotnik. He could not be in love with his boss.

“Tariq,” Robotnik purred. “I only trust machines in my employ. So tell me, are you man or are you machine?”

To his own surprise, he did not hesitate. “I’m your machine, sir,” he breathed.

Robotnik never smiled so triumphantly before. “Good boy, Tariq.”

Robotnik dramatically whirled around, rolling the latex gloves expertly off his arms and flinging them into the nearest bin with a swish. Stone shivered, suddenly aware of the cold air conditioner blasting against his skin and the warmth filling his veins at the compliment Robotnik gave him. He could breathe again, but he had gotten far too used to that choking atmosphere, of Robotnik so close to be tasted, a breath away from imminent destruction.

He had always admired the doctor. He made no secret of it. But today it felt like something had changed dramatically. Like everything around Robotnik was more saturated in colour. He couldn’t look away from Robotnik and the tiny sliver of his wrist and the smallest roll of his shoulders, the way his dark eyes drifted back onto Stone, lingering for a second too long on Stone’s form.

This wasn’t admiration, he slowly realized, and this wasn’t some weird kink he had. This was warmer, softer, more intimate. And it was all because of Robotnik, that damned Robotnik, that amazing and intelligent and childish and petty and handsome Robotnik.

There was no denying it. This was love.

He loved Dr Ivo Julian Robotnik.

He loved his boss.

Shit.

Stone suddenly stood up, stumbling in wobbly legs. He had to get out. This could not be true. Of all the people he had to fall in love with, it could not be his boss. Not now, not when he still had so much to prove, to the world and to himself. Not when he was still so far beneath the doctor's level.

“Where are you going?” Robotnik snapped.

Stone gestured weakly at the door. “Out. Home. Somewhere.”

“Oh no you don’t.” Robotnik crossed the room blindingly quick and forced Stone to sit back down on the bed with his strong, ungloved hand. “I haven’t finished with you. I still need answers.”

Stone bit back the urge to moan from the rough way Robotnik pushed him back, instead redirecting his attention to the frustration building in his chest. It worked a bit too well. “Is that all you care about? Answers? Results? Nothing about how or why I got shot? About what I did on this mission?”

“Even if I asked, you’re going to give me that ‘classified’ spiel. And you’ve made it clear you won’t tell me anything about who you really are.” Robotnik sounded a little hurt from that last statement.

“Not by choice, I…do you know what happened? I'll tell you. I was supposed to investigate Soleanna with my old squadron. I was supposed to go in and wreck this complex of factories and leave no witnesses. But it was all an ambush. They were waiting for us, these Soleanna assassins. If I didn't act on my feet, we could have all died. I wouldn't even be here to tell you this.”

“I told you not to go with G.U.N,” Robotnik shook his head, scoffing. “Of course they didn't consider such an obvious possibility. I would have at least five different backup plans for every individual and every organisation that could potentially betray me.”

“Do you know what would have happened if I said no to G.U.N? They would have ransacked your laboratories, all of them around the globe. They would have taken everything away from you, just like they took everything from your grandfather before you. They would have ruined you.”

Robotnik’s lips twisted, his eyes not meeting Stone’s. “You wouldn’t have lost anything. You'll just find another hapless scientist to serve beverages to. Why do something you clearly didn’t want to do for no benefit at all?”

“But then I wouldn’t be working with you, doctor. I did it so I could continue to work with you.” Stone took a shuddery breath, worked up the nerves and said, quieter, “I do care about you.” A lot more than I should, he didn’t add.

The mask on Robotnik's face cracked, his face going through a variety of different expressions, unable to find one that was suitable for the swell of new, confusing emotions. He eventually settled on something remarkably hurt and vulnerable. It was heartbreakingly beautiful.

“You shouldn’t care about me,” he croaked. “No one does.”

“Well, unfortunately for the both of us, I do.” Stone reached up and put a hand on Robotnik's shoulder. “And if I may be bold, sir, I think you care a little bit about me too.”

Robotnik flinched, but did not push Stone's hand away. He still wasn't looking at Stone. “And what gives you that idea?”

“You didn’t let me die,” Stone said. “You treated me yourself.” He pressed his fingers tightly, feeling the tight muscles. “You didn’t kill me.”

“I could,” Robotnik said lowly, still not pulling away.

“Could you?”

Robotnik’s lips fell. “I could make your life a living misery.”

“Could you?” Stone pulled slightly, bringing their bodies closer.

Robotnik was now staring at Stone with those wild, desperate eyes. “I-I could…I could…” He fell silent, the cold realization washing over his face.

It was the first time Stone had seen Robotnik look so defenseless, like a child lost in the adult world, making new toys to make their tragic, horrible world brighter and better. He stared at Stone’s lips, words rising and falling with his lungs, never leaving his throat. If Stone were a crueler man, if he was what the doctor assumed he was, he might just leave Robotnik to stew and think about why he could be so weak in this moment. But Stone wasn’t that cruel. Far from it.

Stone slid his hands up over Robotnik’s cheeks. “You care,” Stone said simply.

“Care,” Robotnik said, as if he’d never said the word before. He might not have. His face suddenly scrunched up, his last defense mechanism activating. “I don’t…I-I don’t care. Not about you, not about anyone, not even about humanity. All I care about is this," he pointed at Stone's injured side, "that injury, and the weapon that caused that injury. That technology is mine. I know my own work better than anyone. No one takes what is rightfully mine.”

Stone frowned. “Is that really all you care about?”

“Absolutely,” Robotnik lied.

Stone glanced around the room, crossing his arms around his body. He could argue more, but he was tired all of a sudden, and he gave up the idea of pushing it further. It was wishful thinking on his part, that Robotnik might have cared about him. Of course Robotnik didn't. Of course not. “You wouldn’t know where my clothes are, do you?” Stone asked.

Robotnik frowned. “Your clothes are in tatters.”

“I kinda need to wear something. I need to go home. It’s late.” He assumed it was late anyway. He had no idea what day it was, or what time it was.

Robotnik stared at Stone for several seconds before going to the end of the room. When he returned, he quickly shoved a black coat into Stone’s arms. Robotniks’s coat, Stone quickly realized. The red trimming and the lush material and the faint scent of fizzing copper—similar yet distinct to the scent of blood—was evidence that it was the doctor’s.

“I will not allow you to ruin my reputation by going out in your rags or your underwear,” Robotnik explained quickly. “I expect my coat to be dry cleaned by the time you arrive tomorrow morning. Any speck of dirt or dust, any later than first thin in the morning, and there will be consequences.”

“So does that mean I’m…I’m still under your employ?”

Robotnik turned his head away suddenly. “For now,” he uttered.

Robotnik still kept his head turned away, and it was only then that Stone understood that Robotnik was waiting for him to get dressed. He slipped himself into the slightly-too big coat, one hand gripping the front to keep it closed. It still exposed his calves, and he might get some funny looks if he lingered around the base like this, but it was more than enough for a quick trip back to his car. And the warmth of this coat. It almost felt like the doctor was hugging him, wrapping his arms around his body and trapping him in a lovely cocoon.

A quiet, relieved chuckle bubbled out of Stone, quickly turning into polite laughter. Robotnik's face scrunched up in confusion. “What are you laughing at?”

“N-nothing, I just…I guess I was right about something today,” he smiled.

“About what?” Robotnik narrowed his eyes.

“That you do care about me.”

Robotnik settled his eyes on Stone, his gaze dragging further down, down, away from Stone's face to his exposed legs. The smallest smile crept up his face. “Go home already. I don't need you to slack around tomorrow when you inevitably don't get enough sleep.”

“Rich coming from you,” Stone mumbled to himself, too quiet for the doctor to hear. He stood up and slid his feet back into his tattered shoes, clutched the dark coat tightly around his body, and headed for the exit. His hand went for the door scanner and paused. He turned around, daring a glimpse at Robotnik, who pretended to busy himself with his nails.

Stone smiled to himself. He shouldn't do this, shouldn't say this, but he felt he owed Robotnik something for saving his life. And he knew exactly what he could give in return.

“Tariq Hajjar,” Stone said, barely louder than a whisper.

Robotnik whirled his head in astonishment.

“My real name. It's Tariq Hajjar,” he continued. “Do with it whatever you like.”

Robotnik tilted his head, trying his hardest not to smile. He failed this time. “You do realise what I can do with just that information alone. I could find all your dirty secrets with just the tap of a button.”

“I know,” Stone smiled. “Good night, doctor.”

As he opened the door and went out into the brisk, cold air, he thought he heard Robotnik whisper, “Good night, Stone”. He shook his head, a giddy grin spreading across his face. It was probably wishful thinking, but he was getting warm just thinking about the way Robotnik's stare swept over his body, as if admiring him. It might’ve been the first time Robotnik stared at anything with the tiniest bit of sexual interest. It probably didn’t matter in the end. The chances of the two of them getting romantic were slim to none. Workplace romances were frowned upon, and he certainly did not need to recreate the plot of ‘The Bodyguard’. The doctor would probably ban all relationships if he could. It was impossible.

Still, imagining Robotnik smiling down warmly for once, his gloved hands gently caressing Stone’s face to lean in for a tender kiss, certainly put a smile to his face. And who knows? Maybe that day might come. Maybe they might kiss and be one with each other, and it will be just as right and wonderful as Stone imagined it would be.

After all, Stone knew the doctor cared. Maybe he just needed a bit more of a push.

—

Stone did not expect the explosion. No one did. Not his squadron, not the Soleanna soldiers he was fighting, and certainly not G.U.N. It exploded in the distance, raining fire and metal from above, plumes of black smoke choking the sky.

The tiniest distraction was all he needed to get the advantage, shooting and killing two and incapacitating a third. He tapped at his ear.

“Guys? What happened?��� A bit informal, but then any formality went out the window after this fight. It should not have happened, no one should know he and his team was here. This was a surveillance mission, to spy on an illegal weapons factory. Soleanna soldiers should not be protecting such a factory, and he should not have to resort to deadly force.

“One of the neighboring factories caught fire. A detonated charge of some kind. You have to evacuate now,” the intel officer said.

Stone frowned. “Team Rock? Status report.”

All he headed was static as the intel officers tried to patch him in.

Stone gulped. “Were they…?”

More silence. An admission of guilt. The team had split up to check the other factories in the compound, before they got ambushed. If they didn’t die in the blaze, they must have perished in the gun fight.

Stone suppressed a shiver, recalled his training, and centered his emotions. The time for mourning was later. The Commander was expecting him to do a good job, and Stone will do it. If not for him, then for himself. If not for himself, then for Doctor Robotnik. He wanted to go back. He missed him so badly.

Adrenaline pumped through his body as he plowed through, grabbing a gun from one of the dead bodies. With military efficiency, he wiped out any who stood in his way and got outside. The airship was flying low, waiting for his signal to drop down and pick him up. Big and menacing and eerily quiet, it was yet another vehicle inspired by the doctor’s early work for G.U.N, and the reason Stone agreed to interview to work for Robotnik in the first place.

He ran to the coast next to the factory, the airship on its way to drop down. The bulletproof metal slowly creaked open, allowing him temporary passage.

And then he heard the crack of lightning. His instincts propelled him to the side, the laser blast hitting his side, completely destroying his bulletproof vest and the underclothes beneath.

He staggered, but remained upright, limping into the carrier. A hand reached out towards him; the Commander’s hand, hard and cold and imposing like the man itself. Stone took it and let himself get lifted into the vehicle, the metal doors creaking closed.

Before it closed, he got a good look at the Soleanna soldier who shot him, and especially the other man trailing behind him, wearing flowing white robes with numerous ornaments across his body. He’d seen that man somewhere, but he couldn’t remember where from. The man gave a malicious glare at him.

No, not at him. At the Commander. At the man still cradling Stone in his arms, steadying him as the doors shut fully and the airship took flight once more.

“Who was…who was that?” Stone managed finally.

The Commander frowned, his eyes lowering as it often did when he was deep in thought. “Hopefully someone you won’t have to deal with, Tariq. Hopefully.”

Stone nodded dumbly. “I did the job. You promised. You can’t reassign me from Dr. Ivo Robotnik.”

“You deserve a charge that will treat you better. Not this dangerous egomaniac that could blow you up into smithereens if he felt like it.”

But Stone laughed softly, his eyelids fluttering, getting heavier with every minute. He was getting delirious from blood loss but he couldn’t care. “You don’t understand, Commander. We deserve each other. If I left, he’d crumble. I’m his Stone.”

The Commander shook his head. “Always the stubborn one, Tariq,” he whispered as Stone drifted away into unconsciousness.

— 

It turned out none of the dry cleaners would be open and have the time to properly clean the coat by the time Stone had to go to work, which basically meant Stone had to do it himself. But somehow he did. The teleporter pad to Robotnik’s other laboratories around the world did help a little bit in achieving this monumental task. Now it smelled brand new, and not like Stone had done some self-pleasuring into one of its sleeves. Not that he did that, even though the thought did cross his mind more than once that night. In his defence, it's a deceptively soft coat.

It was a shame to have to part with Robotnik’s coat. Maybe in the future he could get his own mad scientist coat and have matching outfits with Robotnik. Or would that be too similar to couple outfits? Did it matter if they were terrorizing some population of people? Would Robotnik care if Stone dressed up in the same outfit as him, or would his massive ego get stroked even more at the possibility that someone liked his style? Once he figured out Robotnik's tailor and saved his money up a bit, he might be able to get his own coat, one that he wouldn't mind getting dirty a bit if the mood came to him.

As Stone stepped into the laboratory, Robotnik was lounging beside his computer. His gaze swept up to Stone as soon as he entered, appraising his appearance slowly. His eyes honed in on the coat draped over Stone’s arm.

Without a word, Stone handed it over to the doctor, who observed the fabric closely and smoothed his gloves, no doubt analysing for some foreign contaminant. Then Robotnik took it up to his nose and sniffed it loudly. “Hmm,” he hummed. “This was an amateur job, which means either you didn’t go to the dry cleaner I specifically asked you to go to, or you did this yourself.”

“Doctor, it's not even open today. Even if I went, they wouldn’t be able to dry clean your coat in 5 minutes.”

“Oh, talking back now? Getting complacent about your role here?” He flicked his hand to the wall. “Pin yourself to the wall.”

Stone bit back an excited grin as he put his hand to his chest and pushed himself back to the nearest wall. Robotnik was in front of him, so close he could be tasted, the air choking of his presence.

He loved it, not that he would ever admit it to the doctor, not unless he wanted to get punished.

Although…come to think of it, if he were to act out of line, how would Robotnik punish him this time? Perhaps it might be worth the risk. Stone liked a bit of danger, after all. Wasn't that why he agreed to work for Robotnik in the first place? The danger and wonder?

“Agent Ben Stone, real name Tariq Hajjar,” Robotnik said. “I could punish you right now. Remind you of your place here.”

Stone waited for the ‘but’.

“—but lucky for you, I’ve got bigger fish to fry.” He put his hands as far as they could go. “And right now we're cooking a blue whale.”

“Isn't a blue whale a mammal?"

But Robotnik didn't hear as he glided away and typed frantically on his computer. Images of the island nation Soleanna flickered by, too fast to be comprehended. They were all landscape pictures, showing the beautiful coastline, the Venetian inspired buildings, the gorgeous waterways, and finally the gleaming gold and white castle.

“Soleanna. Just off the coast of Italy. British-ruled for a time, so the main language is English. Despite being a world leader in marine biology and marine technology, it had a decrepitly ancient Monarchial system as its governing body. And its ruler? Duke Vittorio. A man who singlehandedly revolutionised his country to not just the modern age, but far beyond.”

An image of Duke Vittorio flickered up and Stone felt his heart drop. That was the man. The one with the white robes. The one that glared at the Commander with that evil stare. It might've even given Robotnik's evil stare a run for its money.

The image flickered on the screen, and a new image took its place. It was surveillance pictures from the Badniks, taken of some Soleanna soldiers carrying a mysterious weapon. A weapon that Stone had only encountered once yesterday.

“My hunch was more than correct. They’ve stolen my technology, and they’ve commercialized so it could be in the hands of these pathetic tinker toys? Imitiation may be flattery, but this is theft, and theft means war.”

Stone turned to Robotnik. “You’re not suggesting…”

Robotnik smirked cruelly, cutting to the last image of Duke Vittorio. “This man is not any common fool. He has an expert knowledge in energy field technology. This is no mere mistake. He has purposely converted my technology for his asinine purposes.” He clicked a button on his gloves and the badniks hummed to life. “I think it’s time we taught him just how far my inventions have come since then, shall we?”

Stone could only smile politely even as he felt the evil within Robotnik fester and bubble within Robotnik. A similar but sharper evil from the one bubbling within Stone. “We shall, Doctor. No one messes with us.”

When Robotnik grinned, Stone couldn't help but match it. This was personal.

[alphawave-writes]

Experimental Design chapter 3: Dominant

Synopsis: Robotnik and Stone must go on a mission to find the mysterious 'Black Dragon', but a few sexy encounters might give Robotnik a whole new perspective on 'torture'.

Read it here on or AO3. You guys can also find me on twitter @alphawave13.

If you like my writing, please do support me by buying me a ko-fi, becoming a patron on Patreon or requesting a commission from me.

I now have a discord server for the fanfic here! Check it out here for sneak peeks and insight into the creative process and more.

-

Robotnik said he'd have a punishment for Stone, but he didn't. Not for lack of trying. He had an entire list of potential punishments that he’d been stockpiling in encrypted documents, waiting for the day that Stone did something to warrant their use, but what punishment was suitable for ‘too much wriggling’? He tried to think of something, but Stone’s wriggling had seemed to seep his brilliant mind, distracting him from his work even when Stone was not physically present. This wasn’t the first time Robotnik’s thoughts had drifted to Stone. The agent had a way of getting into Robotnik’s head, but there was something almost insidious about the way Stone controlled his thoughts now, reminding him of that gentle smile and the strength of his impossibly warm hand as it gripped Robotnik’s shoulder.

He should've made better notes. As a scientist he prided himself above all else for his extensive note-taking, but it seemed the variables had increased. Robotnik didn't remember Stone ever smelling so good, but the faint musky scent of dollar-store perfume was enough to make his mind blank for just a moment. Robotnik had taken a sample from the air and traced the perfume to a cosmetics store in the nearby downtown area, but when he went to smell it for himself, it didn't smell nearly as good. In fact, it smelled exactly like how Robotnik expected dollar-store perfume to smell like.

He still bought it and tested it on himself, knowing enough about aromatic chemistry that the oils from his skin could alter the scent, but it still didn't smell nice. He should throw it away, but there was something about the scent signature that reminded him of Stone. With every inhale, memories of Stone's pouting lips and almond-shaped eyes resurrected, and those memories sent another spark of longing in his gut. Robotnik kept the bottle in his perfume cabinet next to all the expensive ones that he used on occasion. Just in case he got a spark of inspiration.

Luckily for Stone, Robotnik had no time to dole out his punishment. Today he had a task to perform, and he was certainly going to get it done now before it took any more precious time out of his busy, important life. Robotnik was only given vague instructions of where he needed to go and what he needed to find, but he was a genius with technology at his side. Finding people in this day and age was easy. In fact, it was so idiotically easy that he relegated Stone to find the address, who of course took his sweet time. At least he eventually found it before the end of the day, and he seemed to have fun with his little assignment judging from that massive grin that cut beautifully across his perfectly trimmed face.

"I've already put in the GPS coordinates in, and it will be a fifteen minute drive, doctor." He handed Robotnik a latte. "I also made you a drink. Your usual latte."

Robotnik huffed, though he couldn't help the smile that peeked out from underneath his moustache. Before he might go and say something remotely sentimental, he snatched the coffee out of Stone's hand and took a sip. As always, it was perfect. "This coffee is the one thing that has not disappointed me today." He pressed some buttons on his gloves and a tiny little chime could be heard, signaling that the mobile lab was now in motion.

Robotnik had just settled back to his computer when he felt Stone's presence behind him. Stone was wearing a different perfume, Robotnik realised, and this one smelled even nicer than yesterday's. It was muskier, with an hint of something woody, like sandalwood or cedar. It reminded him of Stone's gyrating hips yesterday, and the day before when Stone was on all fours in front of him, and then every other time he had forced Stone into an awkward or humiliating position.

A brief mental image flashed before his eyes, of grabbing Stone by the lapel of his jacket and pressing his nose down to his throat so he could finally, finally know the secret to that intoxicating scent of his. It was going to drive him crazy, threatening to undo the lines of logic that kept his mind running.

"Sir?"

Robotnik stirred, blinking away the image. He only just realised that his breathing rate and heart rate had increased slightly. He took another long sip of coffee to calm himself down. He made a mental note to add 'scent' to his list of variables for future experiments. "J-just annoyed about this task that buffoon Senator Walkie-Talkie put me on."

"You did insult his mother four times," Stone commented. "And his sister three times."

"His mother is a forest hag that eats children for breakfast, and his sister is a vacuous princess stuck on her fairy tale tower."

"Five and four," Stone smiled.

Robotnik rolled his eyes. "This is the first and last time I do that man's bidding. He may be providing me with some of my funding, but I refuse to be his dog. I'll do his silly little recon mission, but if he puts me on another task after today, I'm using the blackmail file." A sardonic chuckle escaped his lips. "When I'm through with him, the Panama papers will seem like a sticky note on a fridge."

"Or the Paradise papers," Stone added.

"I worked really hard on those two," Robotnik grumbled. "Uncovering all that dirt wasn't easy, even for a genius like me. Let's hope this next one actually does some serious damage."

Stone opened his mouth, no doubt ready to acknowledge his genius with that amazed face of his, or perhaps express his surprise at Robotnik’s involvement in these two world events, but then the mobile lab had rolled to the stop. Another chime. They’ve arrived at their destination.

The door rolled down, and Robotnik tip toed his way down, his polished brogues making an unpleasant crackle as they stepped on gravel. Stone was behind him as always, staring up at a neon sign for a nightclub called 'The Manor'. At least, it was a nightclub officially, but according to Senator Moby Dick, 'The Manor' had links to the seedy underbelly of the city, with a basement floor that was only accessible to those with the correct password. What occurred in the basement floor, the Senator did not say, but it was obvious that it offended his delicate sensibilities. Whatever it was, that was exactly where he needed to go. After all, the basement was where Robotnik could find the Black Dragon.

Just outside the entrance was a small line of guests in big coats and even bigger boots, waiting for their turn to be checked by the security guards. The line was progressing at an incredibly slow pace. At this rate, it'd take a good half hour before they'd get to the front.

Not if I have anything to say about it, Robotnik thought.

"Come on, Stone," Robotnik grumbled, pulling Stone by the arm all the way to the front of the line. He pretended not to see that look of soft surprise on Stone's face, lest he feel another way of confusing, ugly, human emotions.

The two guards at the entrance didn't look too pleased. They were bigger than Stone, with bigger muscles and even bigger sneers.

"Name?" The first asked.

"Why do you need my name?" Robotnik asked.

"Security," the second guard gruffly responded.

"Have you imbeciles been living under a rock your whole life? I'm Dr. Ivo R—" He was interrupted by Stone putting his hand in front of his mouth, stifling him.

Stone gave a polite smile as he said, "Stone and Reznik. We've got an appointment with the Black Dragon."

The first guard gave a quizzical look while the other one coughed nervously into his hand. Robotnik used the distraction to move Stone's distracting fingers away from his lips.

"We don't have all day," Robotnik snapped.

"Takes all sorts," the first guard mumbled as they checked them over for weapons before letting them pass.

Robotnik huffed, deciding at the last second not to scold these guards for their incompetence, and stormed on through to the reception. He was forced to pay an entry fee for both himself and Stone, and then had to suffer the absolutely humiliation of giving them his coat for safe-keeping. He liked his coats. Would've preferred to have them on his person, but at least he still had access to his most important gadgetry; namely the spy camera on his glasses and a few mini-badniks in his pocket, ready for deployment.

Stone gave his own suit jacket to the receptionist, revealing his surprisingly tight black shirt. It made sense that Stone would be muscular given his occupation. Not needlessly muscular like the oafs at the entrance. No, Stone's muscles were form and function, a well-rounded mix of type I and type II muscle fibres. Robotnik wondered what those muscles would look like in the flesh, without a pesky shirt to obscure them from the world.

Stone looked at Robotnik for a second before approaching suddenly, his face inches from Robotnik's nape.

Robotnik stiffened. "What are you doing?"

"Helping you blend in." Stone popped the first two buttons of Robotnik's shirt before taking a few steps back to admire his handiwork.

Robotnik didn't see how a few buttons could change his appearance, but at least Stone wasn't so close to him anymore. It wasn't the same when Stone was the one entering Robotnik's personal space. If this wasn't a public setting, Robotnik might punish Stone here and now. Given his way, he’d strip Stone down to just his underpants and have him parade himself throughout the club. But it was, and though many of his contemporaries claimed he lacked basic social understanding, even Robotnik knew his limits.

Judging from that small little smirk, Stone knew he was safe as well. "You look better like this, doctor."

Robonik's lips twitched, trying his hardest not to smile at the unwarranted compliment. "Of course I do. Now, let's get this over and done with, Stone."

They stepped through the curtained door to find themselves in the main area of the nightclub. Once upon a time, the nightclub used to be a factory, judging by its crude brick interior and vast open space, but at least they've done something to make it look more professional. There were bright lights, and a neon lit bar, and a dance floor with a DJ playing some atrocious modern club music.

It all looked like an ordinary club on first glance, but Robotnik prided himself on his observation skills and his tremendous IQ to spot things no common idiot would notice. The clientele was made up mostly of men, and some of these men made some dubious fashion choices, what with their leather garters and their gigantic boots. There was also a door at the end with a second set of bodyguards, asking for a code. Most people got turned away. That was where he needed to go.

Robotnik was about to tell Stone this, but the agent stared wide-eyed at the scene, as if transfixed by an unseen entity. Robotnik snapped his fingers, and Stone seemed to come to.

"You do remember what we're here to do, right?"

Stone's brows furrowed. "Sir, do you know what this place is?"

"Just answer the question."

Stone seemed ready to protest, but then he let out a quiet breath and seemed to regain his sensibilities. "We have to find the Black Dragon, and deal with them accordingly. The senator said it will become obvious what we need to do once we find them. Or it," he quickly added.

"I'm assuming you're not so much of an idiot that you couldn't sneak some fire power in."

Stone smirked as he pretended to check his shoes. He lifted his pant leg just enough for the end of a military-grade handgun to peek out. Stone glanced up at Robotnik, which reminded Robotnik of Stone on all fours and the strange mix of emotions that filled his chest and took ahold of his mind.

He had to say something. Anything. Robotnik knew this was going into some uncharted territory, and he was not going to explore it without a data pad to record results. "Why Reznik?"

Stone stood up properly. "Hmm? Oh, that. I just thought it sounds close enough to Robotnik."

"But you used your own surname," Robotnik pointed out.

Stone tilted his head. "You didn't actually think Stone was my real name, did you?"

"O-of course I know it's not your real name," Robotnik lied, because of course he never considered the idea that 'Stone' was a cover name. Agent Stone was just Agent Stone. He wasn't worth the neurons spent memorising his real name.

So then why was Robotnik now so insanely curious about Stone’s real name? What could fit this man better than Agent Stone?

Stone laughed his quiet, melodic laugh. "Maybe I'll tell you my real name some other day, Ivo."

Robotnik bristled. "I did not give you permission to call me Ivo."

"You can punish me some other time," Stone patted him condescendingly on the shoulder before pushing past the throngs of people.

Robotnik ignored the heat creeping up his chest as he followed Stone, shoving past half-naked men with leather straps on their chests to make his way to the bar.

The lone bartender was polishing empty beer glasses when Stone sat down at one of the stools. Robotnik grumbled to himself as he took the seat next to Stone, surveying the options of alcoholic beverages on display. He never liked alcohol personally. He claimed it was because it killed his brain cells, but the real reason was that he never liked the taste. That, and he refused to associate with those frat dudes from college who insisted that a keg stand was a true judge of mental and physical fortitude.

"Any drinks, gentlemen?"

"Water," Robotnik said.

"I'll have the same, thanks," Stone smiled, gracing the world with his pearly whites.

The bartender flitted about, filling two glasses with water from the tap before dropping them on two of the bar's coasters, the logo of the club printed in bold red. Stone was about to open his wallet, but Robotnik had already slapped a ten dollar bill on the counter and said, "I'm paying for both. And keep the change."

The bartender shrugged, while Stone stared at Robotnik. He tried not to glance back as he took a long gulp from his glass, wincing at the metallic aftertaste. He didn't see what the big fuss was. It was just money.

"I don't remember you lot," the bartender said. "You two new?"

"We are new," Stone said. "You wouldn't happen to know how we can get downstairs, would you?"

The bartender's brilliant blue eyes narrowed. "Why you asking?"

Stone paused for a few seconds, his tiny mind struggling to compute a reason as to why they wanted to go downstairs. Of course Stone would blow their cover already. He was strong and capable and a bit smarter than the average person, but he was still an idiot compared to Robotnik.

Robotnik was about ready to throw him a bone when Stone said, "We're a couple."

In Robotnik's defense, he did not spit his drink out. Even if he thought about doing it.

"A couple?" The bartender asked.

"Y-yeah." Stone found Robotnik's hand and entangled their fingers together, lifting them up so the bartender could see. It took all of Robotnik's willpower to not slap the hand away. He was starting to feel some funny things again. "It's our first time here, but our friends recommended we come here," Stone continued. "Said we should try the Black Dragon."

"The Black Dragon?" The bartender looked Robotnik up and down, not unlike how a judge would appraise a dog for a grooming competition. "I'm assuming you're the top."

"Of course I am the top. I'm always at the top," Robotnik replied.

The bartender stifled a laugh, while Stone looked away in embarrassment. What was wrong with what he said? It was a perfectly true statement.

"You two are some weirdos, but then again this place kinda caters to your bunch." The bartender shook his head. "If you've got an appointment, I guess you must be alright. Just head to the door on the opposite side over there and tell Terry that Matt approves."

“Thanks,” Stone said.

Robotnik downed his glass of water in one fell swoop and stood up, not bothering to wait for Stone. He heard Stone scramble to finish his drink before jumping out of his seat.

“Hey, wait up, sir.”

"Enough of these games," Robotnik growled.

"You're making a scene," Stone said.

Robotnik stopped, swiveling sharply on his heel. “Me? You've been subjecting me to ridicule ever since we got here. Pretending we’re a couple? Unbuttoning the top two buttons of my shirt? Why not just kiss me right on the lips like this is some trashy yaoi manga from the late 90s? That'll really seal the deal, wouldn't it?”

A strange look flickered through Stone's eyes, a flash of lightning before the horrendous thunder. Robotnik only realised he had made a mistake when the thunder hit, and Stone's expression turned dark and cold, a storm brewing behind pitch black irises. “Sir, if I may, this is supposed to be a espionage mission.” He gestured at their surroundings. “Do you know what this place is?”

“Do you think I’m an imbecile? I know very well this is a nightclub.”

“A gay nightclub,” Stone pointed out.

Robotnik went silent for several seconds. His face betrayed no emotion, even as his racing mind struggled to conjure up a response. Looking now at the other clubgoers, it explained most of the peculiarities. It should have been obvious. In hindsight, it was very obvious. Clearly, Stone was distracting him. That had to be it.

Stone smirked knowingly. “You didn’t even consider that possibility.”

“W-why should I?” Robotnik spat.

Stone let out a small sigh. “Doctor, if I may, you are a genius, but I have more experience with this line of work. If we want to go through this mission without incident, we need a cover identity.” He took Robotnik's hand in his own. "We're just blending in. No one will bother us, and no one will ask questions."

Robotnik bit back a frown. He never really liked people touching him. People that did touch him were usually out to harm him in some way. At least, it was true when he was just a child. Stone, however, would not hurt a fly. Robotnik had often wondered why Agent Stone was so highly commended when he was such a pacifist. The main reason why he chose Stone as his assistant was because all his superiors feared the man. But why would they fear such a simple, well-meaning idiot?

He stared at their conjoined hands, then at Stone's expectant face. It was such a stupid expression that he couldn't help but smile a little bit. "If this goes badly, I'm blaming you."

"It won't," Stone smiled. "Trust me."

Despite what little he knew about Stone, Robotnik did trust him. Not that he'd ever say it out loud.

They walked hand-in-hand to the door leading downstairs. The people who used to stare at him had now turned their head away, unconsciously confirming Stone's theory. Robotnik had to admit, it seemed to work, and he didn't have to shove his way through sweaty simpletons either.

The two bodyguards were somehow even bigger than the ones at the entrance, their muscles so big and bulging that Robotnik was sure they were both abusing anabolic steroids.

They glanced Robotnik and Stone over. "Password?"

"Which one of you is Terry?" Stone asked dumbly, even though it was clear by the name tags that the first one was Terry.

"It's our first time here, we've got an appointment with the Black Dragon, yada yada. Matt at the bar said he approves."

The first bodyguard—Terry—blinked rapidly, but stepped outside, having at least enough common courtesy to pull the curtain back for the doorway so they could pass through. Robotnik and Stone followed down the narrow stairs lined with lush red velvet, taking the stairs one step at a time. It was dark, with barely enough light from the lightbulbs above their heads. On one side was a hand-rail, while the other had a variety of different posters talking about different acts. It was a lot of men dressed in various leather gear, holding something. What that something was, Robotnik couldn't tell with the low lighting, but he felt that familiar heat creep up his chest, a feeling he now associated with Stone and experiments and punishments.

It took Robotnik a few seconds to realise he was still holding Stone's hand, and wretched it out of the man's grasp. He made a show of wiping his glove on Stone's shirt before sticking his hands into his pockets. Another strange look passed over Stone's face.

"Do you know what the Black Dragon is?" Robotnik asked.

"No. I thought you did, sir."

"Senator Will-they-won't-they didn't tell me anything, and obviously by that statement, I assume you've also found nothing. I would've thought I'd see some hint or trail about this elusive Black Dragon by now, but there's nothing. Just cryptic garbage that means nothing to us. No poster, no gossip. Nothing." Robotnik felt his eyes narrow, his fingers twitching inside his pockets, as they often did when he was frustrated.

Stone turned to Robotnik. "I know that look, sir. There's something on your mind."

"This isn't right, Stone," Robotnik said. "The circuit is incomplete. There's a missing connector preventing the current from running through my massive mind."

"I'm sorry?"

"We're either missing something, or there's something more nefarious at work. Much as I despise the illogical expression, I have a gut feeling it is the latter." Robotnik glanced at the bottom of the staircase, the sound of murmured chatter echoing. "Keep what little wits you have about you. We could be entering danger."

Stone smiled. "I think we can handle it, sir."

At the bottom of the staircase was a final door. A sign that simply said 'the basement' hung in front. The door was slightly ajar, letting in a slip of noise and light. There was no music, but there was laughter and chatter, and the whooshing sound of a thin object travelling at high velocity. Stone offered to open the door, but Robotnik shoved past and opened the door for himself, letting it swing open.

Of all the things he expected, an almost-naked man getting whipped on their bare ass by a man in a latex bodysuit was not one of them.

Robotnik walked forward slowly, trying to take in the menagerie of leather-bound men participating in what looked like a convention of sorts. There were stalls, and exhibitions, with almost-naked performers tied up in elaborate ways with crimson rope, or strapped to devices and left in vulnerable positions, all but exposing their most sensitive parts to the world. People chatted mindlessly while tugging on the enlarged pet collars of men on all fours, or leading others with blindfolds and ball gags up and down the strips between the stalls like it was a parade. There were handcuffs, and leg cuffs, and ankle cuffs, and a variety of clothing that restricted limbs.

This wasn’t just a gay nightclub, Robotnik realised. It was a BDSM nightclub. A festival of torture for the delight of others. A place of limitless punishment, with the tools of the trade up for sale.

“Uh, sir?”

Robotnik could easily imagine using these implements for his own methods of punishment. Stone had been quite disrespectful of late, and these people were so obedient even in the face of humiliation. He could chain him up, or cuff him up, or tie him up, or strap him down. For once, Robotnik had to admit defeat. His punishments seemed almost laughable compared to these artisans and their gadgets. His ideas were so narrow-minded, so childish, but this scene before him had introduced him to a whole new world of torture.

A swell of excitement filled his bones. His mind was suddenly swimming with ideas. There were so many ways he could punish Stone, and they were right there, hidden beneath the veneer of public decency.

“S-sir,” Stone repeated.

Robotnik shook his head. “C-come on, don’t just gawp like a fish out of water,” Robotnik said, acutely aware that his excitement was creeping into his voice.

They surveyed the stalls and the products they had on offer. Smack dab in the middle, strangely enough, was an information booth, where a bored-looking young woman in a leather bikini and spiked thigh-high boots sat. When they approached, she perked up, the picture of customer service friendliness.

“How may I help you gentlemen?”

“The Black Dragon,” Robotnik huffed. “Do you know where it is?”

The lady smiled pleasantly, although there was a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. “Got a group appointment?”

“Of course we do, otherwise we wouldn’t be asking. Just tell us who the Black Dragon is, and where we can find them.”

The lady giggled into her fist. “Oh darlin’, it’s not a person, it’s…you know what, I’ll let y’all see it for yourselves.” She pointed toward the back. “Right at the end, you can’t miss it. Oh, and enjoy the ride for me, will ya?” She winked.

They followed the woman's instructions, heading deeper to the back. The further they went, the more serious it got. Where people were dressed provocatively near the front, at the back they were all but naked. Genitals and private parts were on full display, alongside more hardcore BDSM gear like chastity gear and clamps. Robotnik tried to avert his eyes but it was getting increasingly difficult. Suddenly he was glad his jacket was back at the entrance, because he was sure he'd be sweating. Even calm and collected Stone looked a bit hot under the collar, glancing furtively between the different implements, keeping his head turned away from Robotnik's direction. Robotnik was kinda glad he wasn't the only one feeling awkward here, even if he felt a little disappointed that Stone wasn't looking at him.

At the literal back was a small crowd observing what looked to be a performance. A proprietor in what could only be described as a sexy ringmaster costume was manipulating what appeared to be a robot in the shape of a limbless mannequin. It would've looked identical to any mannequin in a store, except for the jelly-like material it was made of, and the fact that it was sporting a gigantic cock, complete with fake veins. With the click of a button, the robot moved, repeating a motion like a trinket in a music box. There was something attached to the mannequin, Robotnik realised, near its bottom. Something long and thick and dark as ebony.

He pushed past the crowd, coming close enough to read the sign. The show was for a store that sold sex toys. There were dildos at various price ranges, each with their own length and circumference measurement to the side, as well as a 'performance' price for if people felt brave enough to try them out in front of an audience. Their biggest and most intimidating one? A dildo by the name of the Black Dragon.

Amidst the cacophony Robotnik heard a click. On the opposite side of the stall, just barely in sight, a man had his phone up. By his side Stone tensed suddenly. A second passed as Robotnik's gaze connected with the stranger.

Then, the stranger ran.

"After him!" Robotnik ordered.

Stone didn't need to be told twice. He shoved through the throngs of people, Robotnik following shortly behind him. A few clicks of the buttons on his gloves, and the mini-badniks spilled from his pockets, hovering near the ceiling, tracking the stranger down. Robotnik was never a fast runner, but he didn't think he was a clumsy runner either. And yet he was like a newborn baby compared to Stone with his perfect form, the likes of which an olympic athlete would be jealous of. And those eyes, normally so soft, now sharp like blades and dark as the night. Dangerous.

Stone had almost lost track of the man as they darted through stalls, but Robotnik could see him through his scouting badniks. "2 o'clock, red door," he called out.

They sped forward, nearly colliding with a man in a full latex suit, as the stranger shoved the door open, Stone and Robotnik following shortly behind. It was clearly supposed to be a private room of sorts, with two naked men making out on a very plush bed. They screamed, but a single glance at the badniks made them pile their clothes up and hurry out. As soon as they were out of the room, Stone closed the door behind him and locked it shut.

The stranger pressed a finger to their ear. "Code Orange, I repeat, code oran—gaagh!" Robotnik pressed a few buttons on his gloves and the little speaker in their ear buzzed and fizzed, making them scream in pain.

A wicked grin spread across Robotnik's face. "Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, Little Red Riding hood," Robotnik said, his face pleasant even as his words dripped with venom. "Senator Thickhead couldn't bother to lift his pinky toe off the floor for one second, so he got you to do the job? What was it, blackmail? Murder?"

Instead of answering, the man pulled out a gun. A second later and Stone pulled out his own gun with military efficiency. They both flicked the safety off at the same time.

"John Stevenson," Robotnik uttered. He knew he had the man when their eyes widened in horror. "Think I don't know who you are? A minute ago, you would've been right, but from that itty bitty little spider in your ear, I've now got your whole life in front of me. Two kids and a wife? I wonder if they know what you do."

John grimaced, pressing his free hand to his ear. "Code Orange, I repeat, code orange!"

"Don't bother, no one can hear you. And any incriminating images on that phone are gone already. That's what you get for trying to go against a genius like myself." The phone made a whining sound, and then what sounded like a cackle. It was completely unnecessary to do, but it was worth it for the look of horror that flashed in John's pitiful, ugly eyes.

John's gaze flickered between his gun and Stone. Slowly, he moved his gun, training his aim at Robotnik instead. His hand was shaking, but from this distance there was still a 70% of getting shot. Robotnik's moustache twitched slightly, the only tell he would show as his heartbeat raced and his breathing quickened.

Unfortunately for Robotnik, he was still human. Despite the near limitless knowledge at his disposal, despite the fact that he had the upper hand, even he feared death.

"H-he told me he wanted to get rid of you," John stammered. "And I will. So stand down!"

"You shoot me, and I'll make sure your life is so miserable you'll make Bridge to Terabithia seem like a comedy. From the grave or the hospital, my robots will destroy you so completely and utterly that there won't even be enough of you for your family to cremate into a bottle cap. You are nothing, and you will be nothing in life and death when I'm finished with you."

John's eyes suddenly went dark, and the air shifted. It reminded Robotnik of when the music cut out when playing a visual novel, the world drowning out until there was only himself, and John. The mini-badniks weren't cut out for combat. He didn't have any weaponry that was faster than a bullet. His options dwindled by the microsecond.

Robotnik could count on one hand the mistakes he'd made that he could say were completely and utterly his own. Unlike the very, very few he had made in his life, he would pay the ultimate price for this one.

"I'll take the risk," John said emotionlessly.

Robotnik closed his eyes as he heard the sound of a single gunshot. For what felt like an eternity, he waited for the searing heat and the merciless pain and the cynical laughter of the Devil, but instead he felt a draft as a shadow blocked the soft lights above. He opened his eyes, and Stone was in front of him, smoke billowing from his gun. John collapsed onto the ground, blood oozing from his shoulder to the floor. Reality flooded back as Robotnik heard the commotion outside, people screaming in fear as they raced up the stairs.

He should care about how they get out of here, of the bleeding body on the floor, but instead all he cared about was his own reflection glittering in Stone's soft eyes, frazzled and vulnerable. The last time he remembered looked like this was back at the Orphange decades ago. He never thought he'd resemble that brat ever again, in a gay BDSM club of all places.

"Are you alright, doctor?" Stone asked softly.

He wanted to say yes, because obviously he had not sustained any damage, and obviously this wasn't his first time seeing a dead body. He should say it, and get the hell out of here. But instead he was quiet, staring into the eyes of a man he thought he knew, but didn't. After all, Stone never looked so intense before, with that dark, unyielding stare. Those were the eyes of a merciless killer. A man who has no doubts or hesitation. And that man saved Robotnik's life.

Robotnik jerked his head away. "D-d-don't just stand there and play with your moisturized thumbs. Let's get out of here."

A small, relieved smile played on Stone's lips as he flipped the safety back on. "Right away, sir."

As they joined the crowd and blended in with the sea of black, being jostled and shoved as people scrambled for the entrance, Stone reached for Robotnik's hand, gripping tightly. Robotnik decided not to punish Stone for touching his hand without express permission. Not this time.

Senator Willingham woke up in a sterile room he did not recognise. Tiled white walls and tiled white floors surrounded him. As he tried to move, he suddenly realised that he couldn't. His hands and his legs were strapped to a chair.

When he got used to the light and opened his eyes, Robotnik was before him, a vicious sneer on his cruel, uncaring face. He expected some childish insult, some boast about his intelligence. Instead, Robotnik silently put his hand out to Agent Stone, who produced a folder from his jacket. Robotnik's eyes did not leave Willingham as his fingers skimmed through the folder, taking out a single sheet of paper. He pulled it out with a flourish, and spun it around for Willingham to see.

A cold sweat dripped down his forehead. His face was pale.

"Do you know what this is?"

Willingham let his lips dip, but said nothing.

"That is you, just last week at the nightclub, getting pissed on by two well-known male escorts." His lips curled up into a sinister smile. "Always thought the only subject you ever passed in school was urine."

"What do you want?" He spat.

Robotnik put the picture back in the folder and got dangerously close. "I'll say this so simply, even an utter idiot like you could understand. You'll increase your funding by exactly 50%; that's a 50% increase. You'll let me do my job without your thoughtless intervention. Most importantly, you'll never try a stunt like last night on me, or my agent, ever again. I find out you attempt to blackmail me, or murder me, or do anything that affects me in a negative way, and I will leak this, as well as every sordid, detestable thing you've ever done. You'll be ruined in an instant." Robotnik leaned back upright. "Do you understand me? Or do I need Stone to dumb it even further down to you?"

"You are a maniac," Willingham rasped.

Robotnik straightened up, a darkness that threatened to block out all light. His smile shifted into something that seemed almost pleasant. Something that looked a lot like excitement.

"You know, I must give you credit, you did introduce me to such a lovely place. After all, it opened me up to a whole new world of punishment." A small swarm of egg-shaped robots appeared behind him, pointing their at Willingham's chest. "And you're the lucky man that gets to be my first guinea pig."

Senator Willingham may not have been smart or observant, or anything special in the brain department, but he saw the slightest shift in Stone's eyes as he stared at his boss with admiration, and something much more intense. He'd seen that look before, back at The Manor on the most willing and obedient of submissives. It was the look of a hungry predator masking themselves as prey, thinking about all the different ways it can consume or get consumed. And that look was directed at Robotnik, while the doctor was too busy fiddling with his robots.

I always wondered why he stuck with that vile man, Senator Willingham thought. Perhaps there really is something more going on with those two.