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Agent Stone generally disliked killing.
It was an annoying and sometimes messy but necessary chore, much like trash day.
Today however was an exception. Today this kill was personal.
He smiled evilly as he squeezed his hands tighter around the neck of Wade Whipple, watching as the other man's face slowly turned red.
Wade struggled in his grasp, but it was futile. Of the two of them Stone was stronger.
“Why are you mad at me?” Wade gasped, struggling to speak as he was choked. “I thought we were friends!”
“We’re not friends. I just memorised your coffee order.” Stone replied, coldly. “That’s just what a good barista does. Eight pumps of pumpkin spice and sugar is overkill by the way.”
“I know you’re just saying that to hurt me, but that really hurts dude!” Wade, pouted. “Will you at least tell me what I did before I die?”
Stone paused his strangulation. “Do you really not know what you did?” He asked, looking carefully at Wade’s red face and bulging eyes. His revenge wasn’t nearly as sweet if Wade didn’t know.
Wade shook his head, as much as he was able, with Stone’s hands still loosely around his throat.
Stone sighed. “Think back to earlier today.”
~ Earlier That Day ~
It wasn't unusual for Wade to bump into people as he patrolled the streets of Green Hills. He was still getting used to his new police bicycle.
“Careful, you imbecile!”
It was however slightly more unusual for him to bump into Dr Robotnik, who usually spent most of his time in his new secret lab, just outside of Green Hills.
Wade felt bad as he accidentally knocked the old doctor to the ground, spilling his coffee.
“Sugar-” Wade swore getting off his bike. “Sorry, are you okay?” Wade asked, running over to the doctor and checking him over.
“Stop prodding me! This is police brutality!” Grumbled Dr Robotnik, lying on the side walk.
Wade laughed loudly at the doctor's joke as he offered the doctor a hand. “Good one doc.”
“Good what?” Dr Robotnik replied, his mouth a thin line. “Do I know you?” He asked, crossly pushing the offered hand away, pretending that he didn’t recognise the officer.
Like a spring flower pushing through the snow, Dr Robotnik sprung up from the ground with ease all by himself.
Wade watched him, mouth agape in surprise.
“Yoga twice weekly.” Robotnik explained, casually dusting himself off. “Part of my rehab.”
Wade nodded. “I hope I’m just as limber when I’m retired.”
Dr Robotnik frowned at him again and raised a finger at him.“Firstly, you’d have to make significant changes to your diet to hope to live even two thirds of my lifespan. I’ve heard about your dangerous sugar addiction.” He held up another finger. “Secondly, I'm not retired! I'm merely plotting my revenge! One day soon I'll get that blasted hedgehog!” He shouted, his voice getting louder and louder.
Wade nodded, letting him rant. Ever since the explosion that destroyed most of the moon, the doctor had been a little hard of hearing, so spoke just a little bit louder to compensate.
“Speaking of sugar, I was just heading to the Mean Bean for a muffin, would you like to join me?” Wade asked, picking up his bike off the ground and dusting it down.
“Of course you are. It's the best cafe in town!” Robotnik replied. He thought for a moment, his eyes lingering on the empty coffee cup on the ground. “You owe me a new coffee anyway. Follow me imbecile!” He added, striding ahead.
~ Present ~
Wade paused in his retelling of his day and looked up at Agent Stone. By now Stone was now holding him in a headlock, which was easier on the throat for story telling purposes.
“Are you seriously killing me over a little split coffee? I swear I didn’t knock the doctor over on purpose.” Wade whined pathetically.
“Of course not.” Stone paused. “It's what you said next that upset me.”
~ What Was Said ~
Wade pushed his bike as they walked towards the coffee shop and thought as they walked.
“Maybe I should ask Stone to make me a goat milk latte, I heard they're really healthy.”
Robotnik turned suddenly.
“Don't you dare!” He yelled. “That is my signature drink! My Stone would never share the recipe with someone like you!”
Wade nodded. “Alright, I'll stick with oat milk. Don't get your goggles in a twist.”
Satisfied, Dr Robotnik turned with a humph and started walking again.
“I’m glad the Mean Bean reopened.” Wade said, filling the silence. “The coffee is to die for.”
Dr Robotnik hummed in agreement. “Stone trained in Italy. His latte art is simply marvellous.”
Wade grinned, it was rare for the doctor to agree with him on something.
“I’m glad Stone gave up evil doing, he seems much happier, I guess he finally found his one true passion, the thing that makes his life worth living.”
~ Now ~
“You really said that?” Stone interrupted, letting go of his hold and looking down at him strangely. For once his dark eyes did not sparkle brightly, they darkened dangerously like storm clouds.
Wade frowned, confused. “You’re upset I gave you a compliment? I thought you knew all this anyway?”
“I knew you said something stupid and upset the doctor.”
“Sorry?” Wade apologised, failing to see what the issue was.
“Unaccepted. What happened next?” Stone asked, continuing with his interrogation.
“Nothing happened next.”
~ “Nothing” ~
“Excuse me Officer Wade, can you help me find my cat?”
“Sorry Doctor, I have to go! Duty calls! I'll treat you next time!”
~ Now (Again) ~
Wade shrugged. “Brenda asked me to help her find her cat. When I turned around, Robotnik had disappeared. I assumed he went to get coffee. Right?”
Stone frowned. “No. Not exactly.”
~ Earlier ~
“Stone!” Robotnik yelled, barging into the coffee shop, knocking customers out of the way as he strode over to Stone. “Stone, are you leaving me?? Am I not your one true passion? Your one and only love?” He wailed, dramatically.
“Everyone out now!” Stone yelled, dropping the coffee cup in his hand. “We’re closed!”
Used to their dramatics by now, the townsfolk hurried outside to peer in through the shop windows.
Stone rushed towards Dr Robotnik, throwing off his apron as he did so.
“Oh Ivo, love.” He started, voice soft and gentle. “I love you more than anything. I’d never leave you.” He promised, pulling the older man into his arms and holding him tightly.
“Do you promise?” Robotnik asked, grabbing at his shirt collar, pulling him closer.
“I do.” Stone replied, leaning forward.
~ Sometime Later ~
“Wait, what happened?” Wade asked, befuddled. “You started talking but then you just trailed off and stared into space? I don’t understand, what happened at the coffee shop?”
Stone coughed, his cheeks red. “It doesn’t matter.” He said shaking his head. “I guess I’ll let you off this time, since you meant well.” He added, heading for the door.
Wade watched him leave, dumbfounded.
Stone paused at the doorway, turning back to give the Wade one last glare. “But interfere with my marriage again and I will end you.”
“Your marriage!?” Wade asked. “Wait, you’re married? To who?”