Chapter Text
The day is finally here.
The day Eggman had circled on his calendar in bright red ink with tiny hearts on the day. Today is the day!
Eggman wasn't the only ones in a happy and joyful mood. Even Orbot and Cubot are more chipper, humming cheerfully humming cheerful tunes around the lair, much to Eggman’s irritation.
“Cut that out! You’re ruining my focus!” he finally barked at them as he got ready to venture into the village markets to prepare for the occasion.
The bustling village square was quiet while Eggman strode through, drawing a few wary glances but otherwise being ignored by the locals (an attack was scheduled for the day anyway). He stopped at a flower stall, his eyes scanning the colours and flower arrangements until he picked a bouquet of wildflowers in soft shades of blue, yellow, and purple.
Just as he finished paying the flower vendor, an all-too-familiar voice rang out behind him. “Hey, Eggman! Whatcha up to?” Sonic appeared seemingly out of nowhere, flanked by his usual entourage of rodent friends.
Eggman groaned, clutching the bouquet closer. He swiftly turns, hiding the flowers behind his back. "It’s none of your damn business hedgehog!"
Sonic squinted suspiciously, then craning his neck to peek behind Eggman. “Wait a second… Are those… flowers? Why?”
Eggman stammered, his face growing red. “Well because… because…”
Sonic’s grin widened. “What? You’ve got a date or something?”
Eggman’s eyes narrowed as he straightened his posture, his tone suddenly defiant. “Yes! In fact, I do!” he declared, his tone dripping with exaggerated confidence. “And they’re arriving tonight. So, I’m giving you rodents the notice that I’ll be taking the week off from trying to take over this island. That’s right—a whole week of no evil plans. No robots, no traps, no schemes.”
Tails blinked in disbelief. “You’re… serious?”
“Dead serious!” Eggman barked. “So don’t ruin this for me!”
Knuckles scratched his head, looking genuinely baffled. “Wait, is this like a real date, or is it one of those fake plans to trick us?”
Eggman groaned, rubbing his temples. “Ugh! Why does everything have to be about you meddling morons? Not everything I do is a ploy for domination, you know!”
Sticks narrowed her eyes. “That’s exactly what someone planning world domination would say!”
Eggman shot her a sharp look. “For the last time, no world domination this week! Is that so hard to believe?!”
“Yes,” Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Sticks said in unison. “Come on Eggman, we’re not falling for it. I mean, who would want to date you?”
Before Eggman could retort, Sonic yelped as Amy whacked him hard on the shoulder. “Ow! Amy! What was that for?” Sonic rubbed his shoulder, glaring at her.
“For being rude,” Amy replied matter-of-factly, before turning her attention to Eggman. “I think the flowers are lovely, Eggman.” she says warmly. “I didn’t think you could be such a romantic when you’re not, y’know, terrorizing and destroying the village.”
Eggman straightened up, his expression softening. “Why, thank you, Amy,” he said, a hint of pride in his voice. Then, shot Sonic a pointed look, “See, Sonic? It doesn’t hurt to be polite once in a while!”
Sonic rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. But seriously, who’s the unfortunate —I mean, lucky lady?” Sonic says, changing his words as he saw Amy glaring at him.
Eggman clears his throat awkwardly. “Er… well… actually, it’s a man.”
The group froze, their jaws practically hitting the ground as the revelation hung in the air, wide as they processed the revelation. Actually, it felt like the entire village market fell silent, the bustling market seeming to momentarily pause to process Eggman’s words.
Knuckles, however, seemed unfazed. He crossed his arms and huffed, “Wasn’t it obvious, guys? With those flowers, they’re not romantic enough to impress girls.”
Sonic blinked, baffled. “Wait, what? That’s a thing?”
“Totally,” Knuckles said confidently, as if he were some kind of expert. “Girls like roses or orchids, maybe even lilies. Those look more like, uhhh friendly meadow flowers.”
Amy shook her head, half in disbelief. “Knuckles, that’s not how flowers work.”
As Amy argues with the boys about flowers etiquette, Eggman suddenly felt a pang of doubt. His confident posture faltered, and he glanced down at the bouquet in his hands.
The flowers were supposed to be enough to convey how much he’d missed his long gone, distant partner without being over the top. They reminded him of his partner—soft, vibrant, and warm.
But what if Knuckles was right? What if these weren’t romantic enough? Were they too simple? Plain?
Amy noticed his hesitation and immediately stepped forward. “Eggman, don’t listen to Knuckles,” she said gently. “The flowers are perfect. They’re thoughtful and colourful, and they show you care. Trust me, whoever you’re giving them to is going to love them.”
Eggman blinked, her reassurance catching him off guard. “You… you really think so?”
Amy smiled warmly. “Absolutely. It’s not about what kind of flowers they are—it’s the thought behind them that matters. And these? They’re beautiful.”
“You’re right! I should stick to my impeccable taste and not advice from a meathead.” Eggman glared at Knuckles, who had been zoning out, blinked in confusion. “…Huh? Sorry, were you talking to me?”
“Why don’t I help you prepare for your date with your boyfriend?” Amy suddenly offered up, her tone brimming with enthusiasm. “Aww, Amy, you really are too kind,” Eggman said, his tone unusually genuine. “Yes, I’d appreciate some help with this. I’m just so nervous, and I want tonight to be perfect for his arrival.”
Amy clapped her hands together, excitement shining in her eyes. “Excellent! Well then, tell me more about your special man! I can help you plan the perfect meal, set up dinner decorations, and help you pick out an outfit for the night if you want. How does an indoor candlelight dinner sound?” The two started walking away, deep in conversation as though they were old friends.
Meanwhile, Sonic, Tails, Sticks and Knuckles stood frozen in place, completely dumbfounded.
“Did… did Amy just offer to help Eggman plan a date?” Sonic finally asked, breaking the silence. “And Eggman just…accepted?”
“Maybe we should follow him,” Sticks suggested. Tails shook his head, “Or maybe, we mind our own business. It seems Eggman is more focused on making sure this date goes well. You know, not everything has to be about world domination and giant robots.”
“But now I really want to know who this guy is,” Sonic muttered, narrowing his eyes as if trying to piece the puzzle together. “Eggman’s got a boyfriend? Like, our enemy Eggman! This guy’s tried to take over the island to make a theme park, like, a billion times! And now he’s planning romantic dinners?” Gesturing wildly with his hands.
Sticks suddenly perked up, eyes narrowing. “What if it’s all a trick? A dastardly ruse to make us lower our guard while he summons a giant robot of doom. Or a giant crab machine that emerges the water to attack us at our weakest!”
“Yeah, Sticks is right! Shouldn’t we be, I don’t know, doing something about this?”
Tails shrugged, but with an unsure look on his face. “I mean, we don’t have any proof that this is some kind of trick yet. It’s not like we can just go storming in there and accuse him of evil plans without cause.”
Sonic sighed, crossing his arms. “Yeah, you’re probably right. But I’m still gonna find out. Eventually.”
Back at his lair, Eggman had changed into a simple, relaxed red jumper instead of his typical villainous attire. He was in the process of setting the table, fidgeting with the silverware as he worked. The usually chaotic lair now seemed surprisingly calm, with a sense of anticipation in the air.
“Cubot. Orbot. Go to the teleporter and make sure all systems are online and working. I’ll be finishing the last setup before he arrives. I’ll meet you there once I’m done.” Eggman waved his hands dismissively, focused on his task. “Yes, sir!” the bots said in unison as they hurried off to follow their orders. Eggman exhaled, adjusting a few more things on the table. He could feel the tension in his chest; this evening had to go perfectly. He slightly adjusts the bouquet of flowers he got earlier on the table.
There was no room for mistakes.
He then walked into the kitchen to make the finishing touches on the meals, a small smile tugged at his lips as he stirred some sauce. “Oh Stone, you are the love of life. The gem of my heart,” Eggman sang softly, his voice carrying a rare tone of warmth and glee. “Oh my Stoney Wonie, you are coming back to me TONIGHT!”
It was rare that he got to enjoy peaceful moments like these, moments that weren’t interrupted by Sonic or his usual island-conquering plans. But today was different. Today was about something... well, someone else.
Suddenly, a distant loud bang and crash that lightly shook the lair, shattering the tranquillity. Eggman froze, ladle in hand, as the distinct sound of his front doors being bashed open reached his ears. “What now?” he grumbled, setting the ladle down.
He was about to go and investigate, only to hear the doors to the dining room fly open with a loud crash, Eggman managing to duck.
Sonic and his usual entourage—except minus Amy—storm into the room. “Eggbrains!” Sonic’s voice rang out, “We know your plans! Give up now or— wait…” Sonic’s words trailed off as his eyes took in the scene before him. The perfectly set table, the vase of vibrant flowers, and the enticing aroma of home-cooked food made the group pause in confusion. “What is going on?” Sonic asked, his tone caught between suspicion and disbelief.
Eggman glared at them, his hands going to his hips. “What does it look like?” he barked. “I said I was taking the week off for my partner’s visit and told you not to interrupt. Especially today!”
“Well, the way you said it, made it sound…suspicious!” Sonic shot back, crossing his arms. “And how do we even know this so-called ‘partner’ of yours is real? For all we know, this is some elaborate scheme!”
Eggman rolled his eyes so hard they might as of fall out of his head. “Why would I go through the trouble of this,” he gestured dramatically at the table, “just to trick you?!”
Before anyone could respond, Eggman’s communicator beeped. He groaned, his frustration mounting as he raised his arm to answer it. “I’m in the middle of something here Orbot!”
“But, sir—”
“Not now!” Eggman barked, cutting him off and hanging up abruptly. He turned back to the group, his patience wearing thin.
“Now, listen here, you blue gumball!” Eggman snarled. “Get out of my lair before you ruin Stone’s arrival!”
“Stone?” Sonic repeated, his head tilting in mock curiosity. “That’s the name of your supposed boyfriend? You two a pet fish named Pebbles?”
“Why, I oughta—” Eggman began, fists shaking in frustration. Before he could finish, a voice called out from the hallway, calm and familiar.
“Ivo?”
Eggman froze mid-sentence and turned sharply toward the door, almost stumbling over his own feet. Standing in the doorway was none other than Stone. Then there was Orbot and Cubot who were haphazardly hauling stacks of luggage.
Stone dressed casually in a simple button-up shirt and slacks, draping his coat over his arm. “Stone… you’re here early,” Eggman said, his tone softening just slightly as Stone walked into the room with a warm, gentle smile. His presence immediately changing the atmosphere in the lair. Orbot and Cubot following, barley being able to keep the luggage stacked in their arms.
Stone adjusted the strap of his small travel bag, stepping further into the room towards Eggman. “Sorry, Ivo. I managed to get my work done early and thought arriving early might be a pleasant surprise.”
Eggman’s gaze snapped to Orbot and Cubot, “And why didn’t you two clanking tin cans inform me about this earlier?!”
Cubort hesitated, “We tried, sir, but you—”
“They did call you, dear,” Stone interjected smoothly, his calm demeanour contrasting Eggman’s outburst. “But it seems you were… preoccupied.” Stone gestured subtly toward Sonic and his entourage, who stood frozen in place, their eyes wide as they stared at the neatly dressed, poised man standing and who was calling Eggaman ‘dear’.
“Would you all stope staring at him!” Eggman barked towards the group.
"Stone...is really real?" Sonic’s eyes darting back and forth between Eggman and the man, Stone. His tone was sceptical, but there was no denying the genuine surprise etched across his face.
Stone raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable but tinged with mild amusement. “Yes, I’m really real. Is that a problem?”
Sonic blinked, then shook his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. “No, no problem. It’s just—” He gestured toward Eggman. “You’re in a relationship with him!?”
Stone smirked. “I am.”
“I’m standing right here, you know!” Eggman snapped, throwing up his hands. But Sonic ignores him, “It’s just… I thought Egghead made you up. You know, like one of his robots or something.”
Eggman scowled, crossing his arms. “Of course he’s real! Why do you all assume I can’t have a partner like a normal person?!”
“Well, to be fair, you’re not exactly… normal.” Sticks interjected, eyeing Stone carefully.
“Ivo, or who you all call Eggman, has his quirks, but he’s…” Stone turns to look at Eggman with a soft smile that made Eggman flush slightly, “...quite exceptional in his own way. That’s what I love about him”
Eggman blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sweetness in Stone’s words. Before he could respond, Stone went up on his tiptoes and placed a gentle kiss on Eggman’s cheek. “I missed you a lot.”
Eggman’s face flushed slightly, a rare smile tugging at his lips. “Me too, Stone,” he replied, his hands moving to hold Stone’s.
Sonic cleared his throat awkwardly and gestured toward the door. “I think… we better leave and give you two some privacy,” he said, his voice filled with hesitance. “Uh… nice to meet you, Stone,” he added, turning to leave. The others followed Sonic’s lead, each giving Stone a brief, awkward farewell. Sticks, however, wasn’t as easily swayed. She glared at Stone, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. “I’ll be watching you, mister,” she warned in a low, growling voice before she stormed out, leaving the two of them alone.
Eggman let out a sigh of relief, “Finally. Peace and quiet,” his shoulders relaxing for the first time all day.
Stone gave a small, playful smile. “Why don’t we enjoy the evening you worked hard to prepare for me?” He looked down at the spread of food on the table and the bouquet of flowers resting nearby, a soft appreciation in his eyes. “It seems like you’ve gone all out.”
Eggman smirked, his pride swelling at the effort he’d put into this evening for his partner. “Of course, Stone. Only the best for you,” he said, his voice softening with affection.
Stone couldn’t help himself; he dropped his bag to the floor with a soft thud and practically leaped into Eggman’s arms, wrapping his arms tightly around the larger man’s neck. The sudden motion caught Eggman off guard, and he instinctively steadied them, spinning slightly as Stone’s enthusiasm sent them twirling.
“Ohhh, Ivo!” Stone exclaimed, his voice brimming with joy and playful excitement. “I just can’t wait to plan evil and brilliant schemes with you!” His laughter filled the room, light and infectious, as he clung to Eggman like he never wanted to let go.
Eggman chuckled, his brows raising slightly in amused confusion. “What do you mean, Stone?”
Stone leaned back just enough to meet Eggman’s gaze, his grin wide and mischievous. “What I mean is, I’ve convinced the government to finally let me go, and they agreed.”
Eggman’s brows shot up in shock. “They agreed? Just like that?”
“Well, reluctantly,” Stone clarified, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. “At first, they refused. But once I informed them that I had rigged their weapons compound to blow, they reconsidered.
Eggman stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Stone, you sly devil! You threatened an entire government facility?”
Stone nods eagerly, “Well, they terminated my employment, of course. Apparently, they don’t appreciate my creative negotiation tactics, but that’s beside the point. I’m finally free to live here with you.”
Eggman’s face lit up. “Really?” Stone didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he dipped his head, capturing Eggman’s lips in a soft but deliberate kiss. It was warm, soft, and full of everything he’d been holding back during their time apart. When he finally pulled away, his grin matched Eggman’s. “Really.”
Eggman stared at him for a moment, his expression softening into something rarely seen; pure, unguarded happiness. “Stone, you are magnificent, wonderful, good-looking man… you’re incredible. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
“I know,” Stone teased, laughter in his voice as he rested his forehead against Eggman’s. “You conquered my heart, Ivo. And now, we can conquer the world—together. And now, I get to be incredible right here, by your side. No more secrets. No more government assignments. Just us.”
Eggman’s grip on him tightened, his heart swelling with pride and affection. “Oh, Stone. Together, there’s nothing we can’t do.”
“Exactly,” Stone agreed, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. “Now, let’s eat and celebrate. And then, we’ll get to work on making those brilliant, evil schemes a reality—together. I may have a few ideas.”