Chapter Text
Sunday came by faster than the two expected. That morning, Stone wore a button up short sleeve white shirt, black jeans, white shoes, and tie with the trans flag pattern on it. He liked going for more subtle looks when he dressed for pride month. On the bottom of his shoes were also the trans colors, as a cute finishing touch. He was extremely nervous to be dressed for pride in front of Robotnik.
The usual routine. At 5:30 Stone made breakfast and a latte for the doctor, this time writing pride in cursive over the foam. He sealed the cup with a lid and brought it to the laboratory at 6. Robotnik wasn’t in the laboratory however.
Robotnik was in his private bedroom attached to the lab, staring at his clothes and wondering what to wear. He had seen pictures of pride events, but Robotnik didn’t exactly own any pride gear. His entire closet was a mix of black, grey, white, and red.
Stone knocked on the bedroom door. “Doctor, are you awake? I have your breakfast and latte ready for you.”
“Come in, Stone.” Robotnik huffed reluctantly, pulling out the most casual clothes he had. Button up and black slacks. Stone stepped into the bedroom, setting the latte and food down on the dresser.
“Anything I can help with, Doctor?” Stone asked. Robotnik tapped his foot impatiently.
Robotnik explained, “I don’t believe I own the right… attire for the parade.” Stone walked up to the closet, standing next to Robotnik. He looked at the clothing choices with interest. Usually the doctor would wear the same two outfits. Black turtleneck, trench coat, and slacks or black button up, trench coat, and slacks. There were so many jackets and shirts that Stone had never seen him wear before.
“Can I help?” Stone asked, “I think you have an outfit in here that would work, I just need to put it together.” Robotnik rolled his eyes, but stepped aside for him.
A few minutes later, Stone laid out a black shirt, red pants, black boots, and a red jacket onto the bed. Stone said, “I know you usually wear the jacket for flying, but it could also be a cute casual look if you leave it unzipped.” Robotnik nodded.
“It’s adequate. Get out.” He snapped, immediately taking off his shirt. Stone nodded and left the room, waiting in the laboratory while Robotnik changed into the clothes he picked out.
Finally, Robotnik came out with his hair gelled back, sunglasses on, and wearing the new outfit. Stone explained, “I’m going to drive us to where the parade will be, but I’m not entirely sure if parking will be good. We might need to do a bit of walking from wherever we park. Oh, I also have sunscreen with extra spf because I know you burn easily, Doctor. The parade is the big opening event, and there’s a big concert with live music at the end of the parade. There’s also usually different vendors with food or flags or whatever else you could want.”
“How long are we going to be there?” Robotnik asked.
Stone wasn’t entirely sure. He had only ever been to one other pride event, and it was a more local thing. He guessed, “Probably most of the day? I think we’ll head home around dinner time.”
“Before we go, get some work done.” Robotnik said, “I’m gonna do research until we have to leave.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
For the rest of the morning, Stone barely focused on work. He was still worried about going to Pride with the doctor. His biggest worry was that the doctor was going to decide that Pride was stupid and then make fun of him. His second biggest worry was that the doctor was going to leave him there. The doctor could be cruel sometimes, but Stone hoped that he wasn’t that cruel.
He wouldn’t just ditch me, right? Stone wondered, If he really wanted to go home then I would drive him back.
Eventually it was time to go. They grabbed their stuff, got in Stone’s car, and left the laboratory for their field research mission. Stone said nervously, “Doctor, uh, I just want you to know that if you want to leave at any time then you can just say the word and we’ll go. I don’t want to force you to stay if you’re uncomfortable or annoyed.”
Robotnik said, “Nonsense. You don’t just bail on research because you’re uncomfortable. If every scientist avoided discomfort then no research would ever get done!” He plugged in his phone to the aux cord, immediately turning on obscure 1970’s Canadian jams. The rest of the drive was pretty quiet after that. Stone tried his best to not look so nervous as they parked the car. He looked over at the doctor, who was staring out the window with curiosity.
There were plenty of people around getting ready to watch the parade go by. Robotnik studied what they wore, who they were with, what they brought with them. Flags of all kinds, different types of styles. Some were more goth with their pride, some more “cottage core”. People of color, white people, women, men, every gender in between. All together for the same reason.
Stone cleared his throat and said, “We should get going so we can find a good spot for the parade.” Robotnik nodded and got out of the car. Thankfully, he noticed he wasn’t the only person attending that wasn’t wearing pride stuff. There were a few people here and there that didn’t dress up as much. Stone and Robotnik walked a couple blocks to a good spot in the middle of where the parade is.
Robotnik already despised being around people, so this definitely was out of his comfort zone. Stone managed to find a spot mostly away from the crowd, but he knew there was no way Robotnik was going to be 100% okay with wherever they were. Stone sighed, “If it gets to be a little too much, let me know and we can go somewhere quiet, okay? Or, uh, I know sometimes they’ll sell ear plugs if-“
“Stone, shut up.” Robotnik snapped, “I can handle noise. I’m not an infant.”
“Yes, Doctor, of course. I’m sorry.”
They waited for the parade to start. Robotnik shoved his hands in his pockets, trying not to look so disgusted with being in a crowd. He sighed and checked his watch. Ten minutes until the parade started.
How many asexual people are even here? He wondered, looking around. A flag here or there. Maybe 4-5 in his line of sight. Not many though. What if I bought a flag? Just to blend in more? No, that’s stupid. Waste of money. What would I do with the flag after this is over anyway? Hang it up? Ridiculous. Even though Robotnik’s mind told him it was a stupid idea, he couldn’t help but glance at different vendors for flags on sale.
The parade was definitely bigger and better than anything Robotnik expected. It was a lot for his first experience at a pride event, but somehow perfect in every way. The music, the extravagance of it. Watching people cheer and laugh together, just being themselves and being happy about it was… interesting. He wished he had brought a good camera, but his phone would have to do for now. Stone didn’t cheer much, but was definitely smiling a lot.
Once the parade passed by, Stone and Robotnik made their way to where the live music and vendors were. Robotnik asked, “Stone, why do you go to pride?”
Stone was a little taken back by the question. He replied, “Well, um, what do you mean, Doctor?”
Robotnik clarified, “I mean why would you go alone? Most people here are in groups, people they can laugh with and talk to. You were going to come alone if I’m not mistaken. Why go if there’s nobody to go with?”
Stone thought about it. He didn’t have many non-work related friends, let alone friends that were LGBT. “I think… it’s just nice to be in an environment where you know you’re accepted.” Stone explained, “To know that there are people around you that support you, even if they don’t know you personally. So I-I’m not really going to meet anybody or mingle while we’re here, but I know that people here accept and support me being who I am. I guess.” Robotnik nodded a little.
He turned and looked at a stall selling pride flags, the asexual flag among the varieties. Small flags, huge flags, and every size in between. Stone noticed the doctor staring. He asked, “Do you… want one, Doctor?”
Robotnik huffed, “No, Stone, I’m just observing.” Yes, I do, I do want one. He shook his head and looked away.
Stone got a good idea. He said, “Well, I’m gonna go up and buy one, if that’s fine, Doctor.” Without waiting for a response, Stone turned and went up to the vendor. Robotnik rolled his eyes and followed close behind.
“I’ll have a small trans flag please.” Stone said with a grin. The vendor got him what he wanted and took the money. Stone asked, “Do you want anything, Doctor? Maybe a small one you can keep in your pocket?” Robotnik tapped his foot and shot Stone a look. Stone gulped and said, “Or- Or not. Or not.” They left the stall, Robotnik still regretting not buying anything.
They continued walking around, checking out different vendors and listening to the live music, until finally Robotnik demanded they sit down to rest somewhere. Stone found an empty bench for them to sit at. He went to a nearby vendor and bought two waters and a plate of nachos for himself (that the doctor would inevitably steal from throughout lunch time. This is fine though, because that was secretly Stone’s plan all along). Robotnik continued to observe people, taking notes in his head on their behaviors and characteristics.
Stone asked, “Is there anything else you want to do? Or know?”
“Is there anything you want to do?” Robotnik questioned back. “You’re the one that wanted to come here, Stone. You’re the trans person here.” Stone tried to pretend that the doctor’s comment didn’t sound as accusatory as it did. He’s just snappy because of the crowds and noise, not because I’m transgender.
Robotnik, as if reading Stone’s mind, sighed, “You know I knew already, right? It’s in your file on my computer. General Walters doesn’t exactly value your privacy. Then again, neither do I.” Stone stared, feeling extremely stupid.
“ Of course you knew,” Stone chuckled, rubbing his eyes. “Why would I ever assume you didn’t know? I’m sorry, Doctor, I keep underestimating you… You didn’t answer my question though-“
“And you didn’t answer mine.”
The two stared at each other, trying to call each other’s bluffs. Stone was trained in these sorts of things, and he was determined not to break. Robotnik was also good at keeping a straight face, but he couldn’t help but stare at Stone’s pride tie. He felt… weirdly guilty. Finally, Robotnik admitted quietly, “Is it normal not to know?”
Stone was, once again, taken back by the doctor’s statement. He immediately nodded and said, “Of course. It’s completely normal and valid to not know immediately, or ever. There are people older than you that don’t know their sexuality or gender. I only learned I was transgender when I was in community college… If you don’t mind me asking, do you have any hint about yourself yet?”
Robotnik rolled his eyes and said, “I’ve never… I've never been sexually interested. It seems like a useless, carnal thing to me. Such a human act… But…” He looked at Stone, those innocent doe eyes and reassuring smiles he gave. Robotnik’s mind drifted, thinking about the late nights when Stone would bring him decaffeinated coffee, as if he didn’t know it was decaffeinated. The simple ways that Stone showed the doctor he cared. “... But I enjoy you.” Robotnik admitted, trying to look confident and smug, but more coming off nervous or ashamed. He hated being nervous.
Stone couldn’t help but blush. He smiled and said, “That’s a good start… You could be asexual and homoromantic, or something similar. Asexual is-“
“I know.” Robotnik snapped, “I know every term! That’s the problem! I know everything about the subject that there is to know, and yet somehow I don’t! I don’t know anything about myself except that you’re… I’m…” he trailed off and stole some nachos from Stone’s plate.
Stone nodded and said, “It’s alright not to know. You can still know what all of the terms mean and not know yourself. Ask anybody here, they can all tell you that what you’re feeling is completely normal, Robotnik.” He hesitantly reached across the table and held the doctor’s hand. Robotnik hated touch, but he would allow it just this once.
“... Thank you, Stone.” Robotnik said, “This was a very… pleasant experience.” He pulled his hand away. “Don’t touch new without permission ever again, Stone.”
“Of course, Doctor.” Stone replied, eating some more nachos.
They finished off the nachos and went back to walking around. They walked quietly, hands occasionally brushing together, eventually buying snow cones, and later sitting down in the grass where the band was playing.
They sat next to each other, hands barely touching as they ate snow cones. Stone asked, “Was this a successful research mission, Doctor?”
“Yes.” Robotnik said, “I’ve learned quite a bit about why Pride is important and why people go… Next year you can take the day off to go again. But, of course, only if you take me with you.”
Stone nodded and chuckled, “I would love to go with you again, Doctor.”
“Stone, if we’re not at work you can just call me Robotnik.” He sighed, “It’s a little weird for you to address me as Doctor when we’re not specifically working.”
“Yes, doc- er- Yes, Robotnik.”
The sun was beginning to set, and streetlights were coming on. Stone threw away their snow cone cups and asked, “Do you want to start heading home?”
Robotnik looked around. Nobody else was leaving yet, but then again other people were starting to get drunk or dance in the streets. He said, “Yes. Unless you want to get drunk.”
“Oh, no, not for me.” Stone said, shaking his head. “I don’t do well with alcohol.” The two got up and started heading back to the car.
Did I learn everything? Robotnik asked himself, glancing at a gay couple nearby. Do I really… understand anything more than I did before? He looked down at his shoes while they walked. Do I understand my feelings any better than I did before?
The two finally reached the car, just as the sun had fully gone down. Stone looked at the doctor and frowned. He asked, “Robotnik, is everything okay?”
“No, I’m...” Robotnik stopped and looked at Stone. He explained, “I feel conflicted about something. It’s the only thing I didn’t find an answer to today. Can you help me with it, Stone?”
“Of course, Robotnik, what-“
Stone was cut off by Robotnik suddenly pulling him forward and kissing him. The kiss was extremely sloppy and inexperienced. Stone subtly took control of the situation, holding Robotnik’s face and adjusting him so it was more comfortable. Robotnik’s grip on Stone’s shirt loosened, his hands moving down to the agent’s hips.
After a few more seconds, Stone pulled away for air. He licked his lips a little and asked, “Was that... nice for you?”
Robotnik thought about it. His face was bright red, his heart beating out of his chest and his hands a little shaky. His legs felt like jelly and he could barely form a coherent thought in his brain. Slowly, he nodded. Stone smiled and pulled away.
“I’m glad.” Stone said, “Anyway, we should get back to the laboratory.” Robotnik snapped out of his thoughts.
“Right. Yes. The lab. Work. Right.” Robotnik nodded and got in the car, trying to ignore how clammy his hands were now. Stone got in the driver’s seat.
Once they were out of the parking garage and driving home, Stone subtly put his hand over Robotnik’s. And, for now, Robotnik allowed it.