Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A heavy synth beat thumped away in the workshop. Stone Entertainment's residents were hard at work on Dr. Robotnik's latest line of robots. Princelings stood at attention on all available floor space like terracotta soldiers. They were fundamentally the same, but unique in the finer details of their outer shells. They were modeled after Velociraptors, six feet from snout to tail tip, two feet at the hips, and incredibly clever. Being forced to work within the limitations of civilian technology did not inhibit the doctor, but instead brought his ingenuity to unheard of heights. Princelings had the capability to be completely autonomous. When they hit the market in a few months a new area of domestic robot would be ushered in.

It was only four short months ago the parts for these robots were delivered to the doorstep of Stone Entertainment. Fifty pre-fabed shells modeled after a Rococo aesthetic formed from Robotnik's original build. The shipment also included soft lush pastel feathers. That made the robo raptors look light as air, despite tipping the scales at sixty pounds. The Princelings would look perfectly at home in any eighteenth century Paris boudoir. Robotnik had never fancied himself an artist in the traditional sense, but something about being surrounded by people and the things he loved changed his once militant aesthetic.

Their internal workings rivaled anything the military could currently produce. The Princelings ran on a battery with one-hundred and twenty hour charge. Their titanium alloy frames were durable and corrosive resistant. Stone Entertainment advertised their robots as outdoor friendly and thoroughly child proof. Whether or not they could be trusted to navigate the outdoors was still under testing. But with their newly patented top of the line multi-core processor the possibilities were endless.

In a matter of days their manufacturing and production was streamlined. What took most of the crew's time outside of assembly was the testing of their intelligence. Princelings could follow complex commands and perform tasks not unlike a service animal. This cleverness paired with their flamboyant appearance caused a sensation online. Naturally, everyone wanted one.

Shadow was buffing yet another Princeling to a bright iridescent shine. He watched as Robotnik handed his test Princeling, Antoinette, a simple puzzle box. Antoinette manipulated the cube with clawed fingers. The claw tips were dull, as Stone Entertainment couldn't risk making anything as deadly as an actual Velociraptor, but still extremely dexterous. Dr. Robotnik watched a monitor wired to the Princeling’s open chest cavity. He studied the readings intently, periodically taking notes. After a minute of turning and adjusting a coin fell from the box. The doctor praised Antoinette in the way he appreciated most things, by grabbing and shaking it. Antoinette made happy fluting noises and wiggled its body.  Robotnik turned to Stone. Stone was on the phone, he smiled and gave Robotnik a thumbs up. After hanging up he hurried over to his husband and the Princeling. Stone drummed his fingers on Antointett's snout, an in-manual gesture of affection. Not wanting to miss out on the attention, Robotnik tipped up Stone's chin and kissed him.

Shadow looked away. He eyed a clock on the wall. Nearly 5PM. He needed to leave. Shadow picked his way carefully through the collection of Princelings. Before long they all would be brought to life with Antoinette as the base intelligence model. But for now they were all static works of art. Shadow found his way to the boombox. He lowered the volume to a whisper and cleared his throat. His father's kiss was quickly escalating, his interruption put a stop to it.

“I'm going to head out for the day.” Shadow sounded more confident than he felt. Robotnik and Stone looked at him with matching sleepless stares. Shadow knew his own eyes were similarly baggy. They had all been working around the clock since the parts arrived. “I'm expecting company for the fair.”

“Is that today?” Robotnik looked at his wrist, he was not wearing a watch.

“Company? What company?” Stone squinted at Shadow. He asked this as if he didn't know the answer.

“I invited… Sonic… To be here… With me… For the fair…” Shadow tried not to mumble. But the look his fathers gave him still put him on edge. They were firmly on the fence about his romantic involvement with their old nemesis.

“Sounds like you'll need a chaperone.” Robotnik sounded too excited. He put an arm around Stone's neck and squeezed him to his side, “Can't let our boy run around unsupervised with menace of menaces.” Stone let out a long suffering sigh as he nuzzled into Robotnik's embrace,

“Maybe we should let them be. We should start testing on Bonaparte. He's debuting in two days.” Bonaparte was their biggest build yet and a secret to the public for the time being. He was currently resting in low power mode in the basement.

“Bonaparte does get lonely.” Shadow firmly agreed.

“Nonsense!” Robotnik pointed at Shadow with Stone's head. This did not seem to bother Stone, “Bonaparte is fully dreaming of electric sheep. And,” He brought Stone close again, he knocked their heads together with an audible bonk, “Didn't we fund half the fair?” Stone unconsciously nibbled on Robotnik's mustache, a habit he had picked up since getting married, as he searched for the answer,

“We did, didn't we? We throw so much money at Sparrow Falls, I've stopped keeping track.”

“That's a bold face lie, Stone.” Robotnik twitched his mustache out of Stone's mouth, “You could list our toiletry budget down to the last cent.”

“You got me, Ivo.” Robotnik pulled at Stone's ears, forcing him to hunch over, “The typical Sparrow Falls Summer Fair is volunteer based, but this year we're paying all workers a flat salary.” Stone let out an ‘omph’ as Robotnik kneed him in the stomach.

Shadow rolled his eyes and turned away. They were incorrigable. He wondered if Sonic had to put up with this with Tom and Maddie.

“By the way Shadow,” Stone wheezed, “Sonic's been outside waiting for you the last thirty minutes.”

“What?!” Shadow turned to glare at Stone, but Robotnik had him in a headlock. Antoinette chirped and ran circles around them, eager to be part of the fun. The action caused the Princeling's wiring to tangle around Robotnik and Stone's legs. The three of them collapsed in a noisy heap. Shadow made a dismissive grunting noise before rushing out of the workshop.

-

It took much longer than necessary for Ivo and Stone to free themselves. Ivo kept dragging Stone back down, keeping them firmly tangled up. Even after Antoinette lost interest and wandered away, taking her wires with her. It took a lot of kissing and cajoling to convince Stone to leave the workshop, but Ivo seemed intent on seeing the fair. Stone, for the life of him, couldn't figure out why. Though he suspected Ivo's sweet tooth was to blame.

In a rare moment of humility Ivo and Stone dressed down for their little outing. Stone couldn't help but smile at his husband in a gaudy Hawaiian shirt and straw trilby. He looked every part the tourist. Stone didn't really own casual clothing. But he did have a black t-shirt stamped with ‘Stone Entertainment’, so that would have to do. They stepped out of the front doors, Stone locked the store behind him. It was an instant assault on their senses. Main street was packed side walk to side walk with fair goers. Shadow and Sonic were nowhere to be seen.

The heavy, tinted, sound proofed doors of Stone Entertainment had shielded them from all the activity. But now the smell of fried dough and humanity was upon them. Colorful lights flashed as distant rides whirled over the heads of hundreds of attendees. The owners of game stands and food stands shouted to be heard over the din of screaming children and chatter. The only thing louder was the live music in the center square. Whoever was on piano played like it was their last day on earth.

Stone would have much rather spent this time alone with Ivo. They hadn't had a break in the last four months. Going from precise assembly to this chaos was unpleasant to say the least.

“What's the matter, Stone?” Ivo asked, “Not feeling the festivities? Come on, I know what'll get you in the mood.” Stone marveled at Ivo, as he did at least five times a day, he could read Stone so easily. Despite Stone having perfected a look and posture of perfect neutrality for decades. Without waiting for a response Ivo took his husband's hand and dove into the crowd. Anyone unfortunate enough to be in the way of all six foot two inches of Ivo was shoulder checked with a callousness the likes of which Sparrow Falls had never seen. Many dirty looks were exchanged.

Their destination was a colorful, albeit shabby, ring toss stand. Two fold out tables were filled with empty glass jugs. Ivo pointed to the prizes hanging on the awning and commanded,

“Husband. Win that for me.” Well, Ivo did know how to make Stone feel better; a direct order from his former boss. And for something so inane. How decadent. Stone smiled for the first time since stepping outside,

“Which one?”

“The biggest one.” Stone looked more closely at the prizes. The biggest by far was an overstuffed Pikachu that might reach his waist if set on the floor. The thing was clearly unlicensed, it had eyebrows and fangs unbecoming of the iconic character. Stone spoke to the older woman behind the counter,

“How do I win the big yellow one?”

“Land five rings in a row. That'll be ten tickets to play.” Stone and Ivo shared a look. Tickets? They didn't have tickets.

“I can do cash.” Stone reached for his bill fold.

“Take your cash up front, honey, you can buy tickets at the entrance.” The woman turned away, another person asking for her attention. Stone could feel Ivo's impatience at his back.

“You've got tickets, I'll take some of those.” Stone looked at the woman's apron pockets, they were bursting with the precious yellow slips of paper. “No, I'll take all of those actually.”

“Honey I can't-” The woman stopped when she saw the amount of money Stone was offering her. She took the money with a new warmth, “Well if it isn't Stone Entertainment Stone! No one's seen you in months.” She emptied her pockets of tickets, “Tell you what, since you've done so much for us here in old Sparrow Falls I'll let you take the first five shots for free!”

“Five shots are all I need.”

It was difficult lining up the shot with Ivo tugging at his waist band and hissing all the evil things he'd do to Stone in his ear if he failed. Ivo never could keep his hands to himself, but something about the candy coated fair air had made him extra clingy.

With a deft flick of the wrist Stone landed the first ring. Ivo was snuffling in his hair and hugging his waist. Four months of marriage, were they still in the honeymoon phase? Perhaps things would cool down soon. Another throw, another glass jug caught. Ivo released Stone and thumped him on the back and said,

“Just three more! Can you handle the pressure?” Stone nodded with a sly smile. Or would their love be evergreen? Yes, they had butt heads on occasion, but Stone couldn't imagine a life where they weren't always together. Ivo cheered in triumph as the third ring found its mark. Unfortunately, he could imagine them apart, he simply chose not to. A small crown gathered, watching and whispering. No one had made five successful tosses yet.

“Give the man some space!” Ivo snapped at the onlookers. They all took a collective step back. Maybe the good times would last forever. Maybe Stone would never have to be alone again. What a privilege it was to be loved. The people cheered as the fourth ring settled on its jug. Stone toyed with the fifth ring. He watched Ivo's growing anticipation with pleasure.

“Stone, if you don't wipe that smug look off your face I'm going to slap it off in front of all these people.” A tempting offer, but the knock-off Pokémon was waiting for them. Stone turned his back to the stand. Perhaps leaving the store wasn't such a bad idea after all. He tossed the ring over his shoulder. Ivo and the crowd erupted. And what a privilege it was to love in return.

Chapter Text

“Why are you all misty eyed?” Ivo jabbed a finger at Stone's chest. The jab fell short as the giant not-quiet-Pikachu's head blocked his chest. “Have I been working you so hard that a little fun has overwhelmed you?”

“No and frankly I don't think you're working me hard enough.” Stone raised an eyebrow at his implied double entendre. Ivo smacked him upside the head.

“Careful what you wish for, angel, you just might get it.” Ivo smiled wolfishly and winked. Stone raised his brows higher as if in dare. Ivo looked past Stone and sounded horrified, “No they did not!”

“What-” Before Stone could form the question Ivo grabbed him and spun him around. He pointed an accusing finger at a nearby booth.

The offending target was a row of extremely unlicensed plush Le Lune. Stone had heard of cheap reproductions of their products, but these dumpy winged wolves took the cake. Stone felt righteous outrage,

“How dare they!”

-

“Look man, I just run the stand. I don't know anything about where the prizes come from.” The young man behind the counter was nonplussed.

“There's only one thing for it, Stone.” Ivo glared at the unlicensed Le Lune, he sneered at their clumsy imitation of filigree, “You'll have to win me one and I'll track down the manufacturer from there.” Stone took on this duty with the appropriate gravitas.

The object of this game was to pop balloons with darts. Tickets were exchanged for darts. Before the young man could wish Stone ‘good luck’ five balloons were popped in rapid succession. The boy gaped. Ivo leered at him,

“Close your mouth and hand me the purple one. Quickly.”

Ivo trailed behind his husband, he prodded at his new prize and mumbled something about a cease and desist. Stone would see to it that this manufacturer never saw the light of day again. A familiar silhouette drew Stone's attention. Ephraim Abel stood head and shoulders above the crowd. When they got closer he saw Luisa Moreno was hanging on his arm. Stone waved at them,

“Abel, Moreno! Nice to see you.” Luisa returned the greeting,

“Stone, Robotnik. Nice to see you two outside of the store.” As they got closer Luisa drew back in surprise, “Jesus, have you two been sleeping at all? You look like hell, no offense.” Stone self-consciously scratched at his unkempt beard. Usually he was more put together, but the Princelings consumed every moment of attention.

“Offense has been taken.” Ivo said with mock anger, “But this is the price of running a cutting edge toy store. Sleep is for the weak and incompetent.”

“Uh-huh,” Ephraim's southern drawl was slow and amused, “Not like those big stuffed animals. Those are for the two strong, competent, fellas like yourselves.”

“I'll have you know I'm investigating the whereabouts and whose-abouts of this forgery.” Ivo shook the Le Lune with accusation.

“And the yellow one?”

“That is my new friend Bootlegachu and I will hear no slander against her.” Ivo yanked Stone into a bear hug, squashing Bootlegachu between them. It crinkled miserably. The force of his husband's grip had Stone's heart skipping. Stone cleared his throat and asked Luisa,

“Where is María? She must be having fun.” Stone attempted to gently remove Ivo's arms, but Ivo only held on tighter. A silent battle of wills began as Luisa answered,

“Oh she is! She's hanging out with my sister on stage.” She waved an arm in the general direction of the music, “That's her on the piano.” Ivo and Stone paused their wrestling to look at the stage. Stone twisted out of Ivo's stranglehold and said,

“Ah, that must be Laura! Such skill.”

“Do you boys need a moment?” Ephraim looked at Ivo and Stone with incredulity. Ephraim was no stranger to the couple's open and odd shows of affection, but it never ceased to baffle him. Stone shoved the oversized yellow plush into his husband's arms and pulled his legs free. “No, no, we're fine.” Stone leaned over to give Ivo a kiss on the cheek. Ivo snapped his teeth at Stone's nose. Stone smiled mischievously and turned back to Ephraim, “While we're all out here having fun, how about a little contest? Are you up for it, Agent?”

Three highly trained agents and the world's leading robotics expert stood before a mini gun range. Targets shaped like ducks puttered over wooden waves.

“The first one to knock over ten targets wins.” Stone placed a fist full of tickets on the counter. Ephraim grinned, old scars tugged at his lips and twisted his face as he rumbled,

“Winner gets your funny yellow stuffed animal.” Ivo gasped in horror. Stone said with a smugness he reserved for his fellow agents,

“You don't have a ‘funny yellow stuffed animal’.”

“You're right, but I do have this.” Ephraim placed a digital clock in the shape of a Get-Going-Goat on the counter. Ivo and Stone snatched up the unsanctioned goat and held between their faces,

“Those bastards!”

“They'll burn for this.”

“They didn't even get the eyes right!”

“This is the most disgusting thing I've ever seen in my life.”

As one they turned to Ephraim and demanded,

“Where did you get this?!”

“Wouldn't you like to know?” Ephraim picked up the toy rifle, it was comically small in his huge hands. “Now, are we shooting or are we shooting?”

Stone's eyes burned with determination. They nodded at the young woman behind the counter. She smiled nervously and handed ten plastic rounds to each of her intimidating patrons.

Pop, smack. Pop, smack. Pop, smack. Unsuspecting wooden ducks fell with merciless precision. They barely made it out of cover before being dealt a lethal blow. Stone felt sweat bead on his forehead. Agent Abel was good, very good, but Stone would sooner die than disappoint his doctor. Pop, smack. Pop, smack. Pop, smack. He needed an edge. He needed- Ivo's voice boomed,

“Boo!”

Agent Moreno let out a yelp of fright. Ivo's snickering was cut short as she grabbed him by the arm and slung him over her shoulder. The unlicensed plushes cushioned his fall. Ephraim looked away from the ducks.

“What are you-”

Pop, pop, pop, pop. Smack, smack, smack, smack, smack. Stone took full advantage of the opening.

“You cheaters!” Ephraim growled. Ivo snagged the clock and bolted with Stone hot on his heels. They laughed all the way to the next attraction.

Chapter Text

“It's a literal cake walk, Stone. I'll be fine!” Ivo's rage mounted gloriously. Stone wanted to win anything and everything for his husband. But the moment Ivo spotted the chocolate cake, it was a lost cause. Of course Ivo could handle himself in a childish game of chance, but,

“I just don't think you should have to associate with him if you don't have to.” Stone glared at Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic also had eyes on the chocolate cake. It looked like Stone and Shadow were on the same page about not letting Ivo and Sonic near each other. He could tell by the way Shadow kept shaking his head and talking quietly.

“Players to your places please!” An elderly man called out. Ivo handed Stone their cumbersome prizes and said one word,

“Angel.” At the sound of his pet name Stone's resolve crumbled. Stone stared pleadingly. “Put those big brown peepers away. Papa's gonna win us some dessert.”

Thirteen people, one mastermind, and one hedgehog stood in a circle. Each participant stood on a number chalked on the ground.

“Listen up folks,” The elderly man continued, “When I play this tune start walking. When it stops you stop. I'll pull a number out of this here hat. Winning number gets this Cat's Pajama's Cafe Double Chocolate Cake.” Sonic's and Ivo's voices rang out respectively,

“Hurry it up already!”

“While you're still breathing, old man.”

The two glared at each other. The other participants looked on with small town judgement. Shadow groaned with embarrassment. Stone shared a similar sentiment but kept his noises to himself.

“Alright, alright keep your pants on.” The man flipped the switch on an old radio. An instrumental tune played. Stone might have tried to place it if he wasn't so intent on watching Ivo and Sonic. Sonic clearly did not have the mental capacity to move slowly or deliberately. He appeared to flicker in and out of existence, when in reality he was zipping off to do laps around the fair to temper his impatience. Ivo's own mental capacity was too grand for the minutiae of walking in a circle. Instead he weaved about and explained his latest findings in human-robotic interaction and his resulting theorems to the unwitting stranger beside him. Stone repressed a twinge of jealousy. Of course he knew his doctor's theorems by heart already. Perhaps Ivo was using the stranger as a sounding board. Stone's body twitched with the need to intervene nonetheless.

The music stopped. Ivo and Sonic rubber banded to their numbers.

“That's time!” The elderly man spoke to the crowd and reached into the hat, “Let's see who's the lucky winner of the double chocolate cake… And don't you tell me to hurry!” He made a face at Ivo and Sonic. They grumbled and crossed their arms. “Lucky winner number… Eight!” The participants all looked at the ground.

“That's me!” Sonic cheered and did a victory dance. Amidst the scattered applause Ivo knelt on one knee and gripped him around the shoulders,

“Congratulations, hedgehog! I'm sure a generous soul such as yourself would love nothing more than to share with his future father-in-law.”

“Seriously?” Sonic made no attempt to pull away. Instead he leaned in closer and shouted directly into Ivo's ear, “Beat it, Eggbasatard, the cake is mine!”

“Why you!” Ivo picked Sonic up the scruff and flung him, “Wretched blue rat!”

“Hey, cut that out! You're a grown man Dr. Robotnik, control yourself!” The elderly man beared down on Ivo. Shadow also had words for his father. Sonic reappeared, cackling at Ivo's terrible sportsmanship.

Silent as a wraith, Stone slid over to the unguarded cake. Ivo saw Stone in his periphery. He smiled and continued his distraction by making another grab for Sonic. Sonic dodged and teased,

“Give it up, Doc! You never stood a chance and- Hey!!” Stone tucked the boxed cake between his cheat Bootlegachu's bulbous head. Stone sprinted. Ivo bulldozed past the now outraged cakewalkees, quickly catching up with his husband. From behind them Stone could make out Shadow's voice,

“They're not worth it.”

-

Ivo and Stone found themselves crammed into a photo booth in a poor attempt to hide. Little did they know no one was looking for them. Stone's foot stuck out of the curtained entrance of the three by three enclosement. Their laughter was less evil masterminds and more like that of troublesome teenagers.

Ivo complicated the situation further by trying to reach into his pocket for bills to feed the machine. On the narrow bench Ivo pressed Stone into their unlicensed prizes. Stone held the cake to one side, desperate to keep it unmolested.

“Put that down, you're blocking the camera.” Ivo selected options from the touch screen. The photo booth made a pleasant musical sound and started counting down in an overly friendly pre-recorded voice.

Stone looked at his image on the screen with some distress. He and Ivo really did look a mess. Hair wild, clothes rumpled, deep bruises beneath their eyes. Ivo didn't notice, instead he flipped open the lid on the cake box. The lid smacked into Stone's face, chinning it aside he watched as Ivo produced a fork from his shirt pocket. He plunged it into the cake. Unexpectedly, his husband offered Stone the first bite. The shutter clicked, capturing Ivo feeding Stone. Holding the fork aloft, Ivo and Stone kissed over the chocolate cake.

Click!

The cake tumbled out of frame as their kiss deepened.

Click!

The pair screamed at the sight of the falling cake.

Click!

They were wild eyed as Stone caught the cake by the frosting. His grip was too strong, chunks of chocolate sponge flew in every direction.

Click!

Chapter Text

Ivo sat on a bench near the stage. His feet tapped rapidly along to the beat of ‘Great Balls of Fire’. He itched all over with the need to dance. After mopping up most of the chocolate from their persons and belongings Stone offered to go buy them something more sustainable to eat. They parted ways, Stone for the food stands and Ivo for the music.

He watched with interest as Laura Moreno tore up the keys. María sat next to her, as did her Le Lune Quicksilver. Ivo felt a rare burst of affection for the close acquaintances in his life. The song ended, he applauded. Five minutes passed. Then ten. What was taking him so long? Twenty minutes. Something creeped along Ivo's spine. Surely the line was long and his angel would be back at any moment.

Thirty minutes.

Ivo abandoned his prizes and walked quickly towards the food stands. The crowd was thick. Ivo reached for his phone and selected Stone's contact. The call went to voicemail. Ivo had only heard Stone's voicemail once before, he always picked up on the first ring.

Ivo fairly jogged from the food stands to the stage and back again. Unease nested in his stomach. Flakes of white caught his eye. Ash? He shoved people aside, heading for where the flakes were the thickest. He stopped in an alley and held out a hand. He rubbed a falling particle between his fingers. Snow. How could there be snow? It was the middle of August. He looked around the alley. The snowflakes melted upon touching the ground before they stopped altogether.

Something on the ground twinkled red as blood. Ivo leapt upon it. It was Stone's ruby encrusted wedding band. Something was wrong, very wrong. Ivo was losing the battle against his mounting horror. He ran back to Stone Entertainment. He frantically patted his pockets. Stone had the keys.

“Damnation!” Ivo shouted and pounded his fist on the glass doors he designed.

“What's wrong?” Shadow materialized beside him.

“I can't find Stone.”

Shadow's sense went on high alert. He produced a key from his pocket and moved to unlock the doors, but there was no need. They were already unlocked. Ivo and Shadow looked at each other, then pushed the doors open.

The robots of Stone Entertainment squeaked, barked, and bleated with obvious distress. They were all crowded around something at the center of the sales floor. Dread crawled up Ivo's throat. He nearly gagged on it. His hands shook and his knees quaked. He needed to order the robots to part, but he couldn't get his fingers to snap. Shadow snapped his fingers after briefly watching Ivo struggle.

The robots scattered, but instead of lingering as they usually did, they ran, spun, and flew away quickly. Something was smashed upon the ground. The scattering of downy feathers reminded Ivo of a half eaten pigeon. The smashed scraps of metal were the titanium, gold leaf and shimmering pastels of a Princeling. Ivo searched desperately for rage, for hate, for anything but fear. Where was his angel?

Shadow knelt upon the pile and pulled Antoinette's head from the debris. Shadow looked dissociative as he handed the head to Ivo. He turned it in his hands, she was missing an eye. It was fine, Antoinette's memory was stored in a separate server. Everything would be fine. Where was his angel? Something was shoved in the robot's mouth. Ivo reached in and wriggled it out.

It was made of glass. There was no mistaking the royal cut of the faux gem. Chaos emerald. Ivo and Shadow looked at each other silently.

Chapter Text

Aleksander Paretsky sat at his desk. He tut-tutted at his Get-Going-Goat, Humphrey, who had taken to stealing his cigarettes. The little mechanical goat held it in its mouth and looked moodily out the window. Aleksander had read in the manual that the goats imitated their masters. Did he really brood like that?

The phone rang. Aleksander picked up the receiver,

“Paretsky.”

Aleksander worked a lot of cases over his thirty years as a private investigator. Surveillance, fraud, missing persons, the list went on and on. So when Dr. Robotnik dropped him a line he wasn't surprised by the request. But what did surprise him was the knock on the door after he hung up. When he answered, an unusual blue creature invited himself in. This case was going to be one of the stranger ones.