Stobotnik

A serious conversation

When they had both finished breakfast, Stone sad down on his couch and patted the seat next to him, inviting Robotnik. Stone was ready to talk about their feelings, but Robotnik hated the fact he even had feelings, so he definitely didn't want to share. Stone gave a lighthearted smile and began the conversation.
"Doctor, we are on the same page that we are romantically interested in one another... and I know you would hate more than anything for that to interfere with your work. So, if you ever find me distracting, all you have to do is say the word and I'll leave you alone. I don't want to become a nuisance."
Robotnik smiled, Stone understood Robotnik's biggest worry without him saying it.
"You may continue treating me the same way at work, but when we aren't there, you have to remember I'm not your boss at home, ok? I don't want that to become an inferiority complex... now that I think of it, I'm unsure if the way I treat you at work is appropriate if we're in a relationship."
"W-what do you mean, sir? You just act like my boss at work"
Robotnik felt ashamed and worried he had to point this out to Stone.
"Stone, the way I treat you is inhumane. I hate humans, but I use you as an outlet for that hate. It isn't right and you should know that, you can't just be my personal pin cushion."
Stone appreciated Robotnik's concern, but he was a masochist and didn't mind the dynamic, or he mostly didn't.
"Sir, I thank you for being aware of this... but I.. er- it usually doesn't bother me"
Robotnik thought this was a lie, he couldn't understand the benefit of being belittled.
"Shouldn't we at least set up boundaries? Set up a sort of safe word?"
"The safe word should be calculator!"
"That's the least intelligent thing that's ever come out of your mouth"
"And that's hurtful, calculator!"
They both laughed, but Robotnik wasn't done being serious quite yet.
"You need to tell me what I can and can't say. As I'm sure you know, I'm not always aware what I'm saying is hurtful, it just comes naturally."
Stone felt uncomfortable with this topic, he didn't want anything to change between them.
"I'll tell you when it happens, that's why we have a safe word, right?"
Stone knew he would never use the safe word, he didn't want the doctor to worry about him and was afraid of the anxiety Robotnik would feel if he used the safe word. He thought Robotnik had enough stress and anxiety without him adding to it. Stone wanted to put Robotnik in front of his own mental health.
"Sir, you should use the safe word too... like, if you get overstimulated or if you're having a panic attack"
Robotnik looked at Stone with admiration, Stone knew him much more than he thought. Stone was confused, he didn't think what he said was a big deal, but Robotnik appreciated it. They sat, talking about boundaries for a little bit when Stone realized something. They never directly stated they were in a relationship.
"Robotnik... what- what are we?"
The doctor looked at him surprised. He never really liked labels, but he realized that would make it more official.
"Well- we're dating? I don't know, I've never really been in a relationship."
"I suppose the title doesn't really matter, I just wanted to know if we're exclusive... not that I'd have the option to be with anyone else if I wanted to.. which, I don't by the way! I just.. uh.. I'll shut up now"
Robotnik smiled at him, Stone may have been a little incompetent, but in this situation, he found it cute.