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Commander Walters adored dining at the Olive Garden. It was an open secret within G.U.N. that there was nothing he liked more than a nice big breadstick covered in butter.
But just occasionally he craved something different.
Sometimes he craved a deep fried Chao egg.
Luckily, the American headquarters of G.U.N. were only half an hour away from Chao Land.
Commander Walters didn’t often go to the theme park, not since his grandchildren had all grown up and headed off to college, but every now and again he’d find himself donning a baseball cap and casual attire in order to state his cravings.
He was standing at the side of the food booth waiting for the oil to heat, mouth watering at the thought of a fresh batch of creamy eggy treats. Lost in his thoughts, he was not paying attention to the other customers around him. At least he wasn’t until he heard a voice say:
“Two goat milk lattes, please.”
Commander Walters frowned. Please god, don’t let it be who I think that is. He prayed.
Turning around, Commander Walters risked a glance towards the booth.
There standing at the front of the queue stood Agent Stone.
He was dressed casually, more casually then Commander Walters had ever seen the Agent before at least, in a dark grey wool jacket a black sweatshirt underneath, tight black chinos and light brown boots. It was shocking to see him wear so much colour, instead of his usual all black suits. But there was no mistaking that immaculate beard.
Given the Agent’s coffee order it was unlikely he was here alone. If he didn't know better he might think Agent Stone was on a date.
But Agent Stone, like most G.U.N. agents, doesn’t have a personal life to speak of. His whole life revolves around his work.
Dangerous deadly work.
Commander Walters knows he should leave before the Agent spots him, but the smell of fried batter makes him hesitate.
A second later, Agent Stone turns his head and locks eyes with him.
Fuck.
“Good afternoon Agent.” Commander Walters greets, walking slowly over to Agent Stone, closing the short distance between them. A good offence is the best defence after all.
“It’s strange to see you outside of the lab. Are you on a mission?” He asks, wondering what Stone was doing at the theme park.
Agent Stone frowns back at him, confused. “No?” He shakes his head and stands up straighter. “Today's my day off sir.”
Commander Walters eyes widen in surprise. “You actually take days off?” He asks, unable to stop himself.
Stone nodded. “Of course. I don’t actually live at the lab you know.”
“You don’t? I assumed you did.” Commander Walters admits.
Stone shakes his head and smiles warmly. “I have a condo.”
Maybe Agent Stone wasn’t as odd as he had thought.
Commander Walters found himself smiling back. He had worried upon seeing Agent Stone that his mad scientist boss Dr Robotnik was nearby. They were practically inseparable. Or at least they seemed to be whenever Walters saw them.
But it seemed Agent Stone had more of a personal life than he had previously believed.
Maybe Agent Stone was on a date after all.
Commander Walters suddenly recalled he had met his late wife at a funfair, on the carousel ride.
Of course the handsome young agent was on a date, he realised. It was ridiculous for him to have thought Dr Robotnik was nearby.
Of course the great Dr Robotnik wouldn’t be caught dead at some childish theme park on a Saturday. It was such a foolish thought, Walters nearly laughed.
“Are you alright sir?” Stone asked. “Did you need me for something?”
Walters shook his head. “No, no. I was just saying hi. Go enjoy yourself.” He said, getting his fried treats from the counter.
Stone nodded and went to collect his coffees from the counter.
Watching him go, Commander Walters starts to regret assigning the agent to Dr Robotnik. Agent Stone was a damn good agent. Maybe they could find him another project away from the madman.
No sooner has the thought entered his head then someone is treading on his foot and pushing him roughly out of the way.
Commander Walters opens his mouth to complain, but the tall and gangly man is already striding forward, towards the food booth and Agent Stone.
“Aban! What’s taking so long? The Chao parade is about to start.” Yells the man, Dr Robotnik, Walters realises, unused to seeing him in casual dress also.
Commander Walters watches in surprise as Dr Robotnik wraps his long arms around Agent Stone and presses a kiss to his cheek. Commander Walters has never seen the doctor act so human, so loving.
He drops his container Chao eggs in astonishment as Agent Stone beams and turns towards the kiss.
Clearly Agent Stone is not in need of reassignment.
Snack abadonded on the ground, Commander Walters decides to go find an Olive Garden immediately.