[ Summary: Stoner discovers himself ]

[ Location: The Skeld, probably. ]

[ A/N: I wrote this on my tablet on a car ride lmao I finally wrote something tho. Used a wheeldecide before I left thinking "watch it give me StoneCap" and it did. Oops. ]

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Romance never was something that Stoner had understood.

Throughout the world, he always saw the 'I love you's, the people calling their partners babe and sweetheart. He saw the affection showed only to those special people.

He'd thought maybe he could make himself feel those things. Captain had ended up with those sorts of feelings for him. He remembered how that conversation went.

"Heyo, Stoner." Captain had called out. Captain liked to hang out with Stoner whenever tasks were done.

Stoner was used to that. "Sup, dude?"

Captain shrugged, in a slightly different mood than normal. "Eh, I mean we're getting tasks done fast today. I actually have something to ask from you."

Stoner made a questioning sound. He tilted his head, his plant also making a small motion as if emoting with him. "Yeah, man? What is it?"

Captain stumbled on his words, something unlike him. After a bit, Captain eventually sighed. "I like you, Stoner...in the 'I wanna be your boyfriend' way. Are you...open to trying that?"

Stoner blinked. He didn't understand romance, but the way Captain struggled to admit the feelings and the idea of being partners made Stoner know this meant a lot to him. He sighed. Maybe this would get him to understand.

Stoner taking a bit to think made Captain sigh. "It's okay if-"

"Y'know what, Captain? I'll do it. We can be, like, boyfriends or whatever." Stoner said.

Captain made a happy sound, hugging the smaller man. He peppered Stoner's face in kisses. Stoner smiled at the affection.

The first bits of the relationship were good. Soon, however, Stoner was getting unsure about the fact he didn't know what to do. He went to a friend of his, Bro.

"Dude, like... I don't even know how to be a good boyfriend. I don't understand all the romance stuff, all the want to kiss and love on people..." Stoner said.

Bro sighed. "Have you ever considered the fact you might be aromantic?"

"Nah, no way dude." Stoner shook his head. "Maybe I'm just a late bloomer for that stuff!"

"Stoner, dude. You always seemed disgusted when you saw romance. I was totally surprised to hear about Captain being your boyfriend." Bro said. "But if you haven't ever felt romantic feelings and don't understand it... You should consider that."

Stoner sighed. "... Thanks, Bro. I'll... Think about it."

And think about it, he did. During nights with Captain and during the cuddles and kisses. Stoner never understood it. Why did Captain want to kiss him? It was nice, but that didn't change anything.

Maybe he was aromantic. He couldn't hold Captain's life to this if he couldn't hold the same feelings.

It was midday. Stoner figured now was the best time.

"Hey, uh, Captain?" Stoner asked.

Captain looked over. "Yeah?"

"...I think we should break up." Stoner said in a monotone voice.

"Wh- But why?" Captain asked, tears coming to his eyes.

"I don't understand or really feel romance, Captain." Stoner replied. "I thought being in that kind of thing would, like, I dunno,let me feel or understand it! But it didn't work. And I can't let your life get held up by that."

Captain stared for a bit before sighing. "... Alright. Yeah... I'll accept that. Have a good day, Stoner." Captain walked away.

Stoner sighed. It stung to break off the relationship, but only because he knew it hurt Captain. But there were plenty of people out there for Captain. He knew Captain would be okay, even better off, without him.

Stoner also felt relieved, however. Bro had been right.

Stoner was aromantic and knew that he was happier this way.