Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter:  Madison Beer - Spinnin

Bursting his apartment door open, Sonic- a cobalt blue, humanoid hedgehog- struggled to hold all of his takeout. He nearly tripped over his extra pairs of shoes that just happened to be in his apartment’s hallway. How did these all get here? He wondered. Setting foot into his disheveled apartment, he placed his bags of food and the litre of cola on his mess of a sofa, wherever he could find space. After going back to the door to lock it, he didn't even bother to take off his well worn green overcoat as he stumbled his way back to the messy living room, stepping over previous takeout boxes and paper bags with grease stains.

After he flopped onto his well-worn sofa, Sonic rummaged through piles of old flyers to try and find his remote, while simultaneously reaching into one of his bags in search of fries. After finding the remote under a paper plate- that still had a pizza crust- he turned on the television and began mindlessly channel surfing as he single-handedly opened a bottle of Cola to wash the taste of fries. Since moving, Sonic hadn’t been able to find a place near him that makes his favorite- chili dogs- so he settled for a burger instead. He’d eat his food, but it was never up to his preference.

As Sonic’s eyes glazed over, he started to think about how different life was now. He used to battle Dr. Eggman weekly and save innocent civilians from becoming a part of Eggman’s diabolical plans. Now, all he does is work at Frankle’s Burgers and watch the news. He knew there was nothing wrong with working at a fast food joint, but he still felt purposeless-like he should be doing more than this.

5 years ago, Sonic and his crew defeated Eggman for the final time, when Eggman realized that fighting a bunch of teenage animals, for a living, and still losing, was ridiculous. When Eggman went into retirement, Sonic thought that he and his friends would have more time to spend together, but without Eggman, the group found that they wanted to pursue their passions with their newfound time. After the 9th week of rotting away in his bed, Sonic decided that it was time for him to seek out something new. He had originally planned on becoming a police officer, but when the blue hedgehog submitted his resume, the chief of police laughed at the idea, and said at best, Sonic might be able to become their mascot. He tried again as a security guard at a few museums, but during his last attempt he was told that if he’s as fast as he says, he'd make a great attraction. Rightfully freaked out, he took off from those interviews as if Eggman had just bombed his house. When he was rejected as even a bouncer, which he figured he could do with his vibrant personality, the question of his cleanliness came into play, as he was a rodent after all. And frankly, with the state of his apartment, he couldn't deny their suspicions. As months went by, he started observing press tabloids after his disappearance: Sonic the Hedgehog, fell off? Sonic The Flop? Sonic the Hedgehog: The most irrelevant hero?  These articles just left him more and more discouraged as time went by.

Eventually, Sonic realized that life really isn’t what he thought it would be.

And so, he settled for burger flipping. True, he was still a rodent, but places like that don't care about your cleanliness- they're just grateful you showed up.

Sonic was stuffing more fries in his mouth when he saw something that flashed him back to the present day: a tomato-red echidna who reminded the hedgehog about an old friend, from Sonic’s past, was on his television screen. Choking on his fries, he observed the screen, displaying who he thought to be Knuckles, to be in what looked like a boxing ring. He was taller and more buff than he remembered, but in the interview that proceeded after, although Sonic seemingly couldn’t understand what was being said through his shock-induced disorientation, he still heard that playful yet brash tone from his old friend’s voice.

Sonic pulled out his phone as curiosity took over him. Could that be Knuckles? His Knuckles? As the interview played in the background, Sonic searched Knuckles on all of his social media accounts and found an account that looked familiar. Noting the username @Knuckles.The.Echihidna, Sonic clicked on the profile photo, which seemed to be his old friend holding a giant gold trophy. When his feed loaded, Sonic saw action shots of the passionate fighter in a boxing ring, photos from the press and some snaps of a couple medals.

For a moment, Sonic was slightly envious. He threw his phone onto his sofa as the news had switched to something about ‘Forget me Knot: a romance movie about flowers,’ and shuffled through his mess to the apartment balcony.

Where had the time gone? He asked himself. As he looked to the night sky, he wondered, were all of his friends just as successful? Was his old crew fulfilled without him?

Sonic looked at the bustling night streets of Grand Metropolis below, watching everyone moving like ants. We really are all just characters in this life…

Shaking his head, Sonic decided that he didn’t want to be an extra in the background of his own life. For Chaos’ sake, he was Sonic The Hedgehog! Since when did he become a background character?

Sonic headed back inside as he hopped over piles of mess and made his way into his room, which was no better. His bed hadn’t been made in eons, his bedroom floor was littered with clothes (that he didn’t know which were clean or dirty), he couldn't tell if the smell was expired food, and he thought he saw something move. After looking in some old boxes of junk, Sonic finally found what he was looking for.

“Tails? Hey, you there?” He called into his communicator, a watch-like contraption that he and his old buddies used to talk to each other in the past. He noted that his communicator’s touch screen had been a little cracked, and that the strap was definitely worn. He was glad that he decided to keep it after he moved.

“Sonic? Is that you?”  Someone responded from the other side. His voice was familiar, but had more depth to it.

“Hey buddy. It’s been a while.”

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: ibrahim - a world at peace

As Sonic rode in his taxi, he kept thinking about his old friend, Tails. The golden fox in question was objectively his closest friend. Sonic remembered their first encounter, Tails was so mesmerized by Sonic’s literal sonic speed that he followed him and found his plane. Tails thought that they could be friends if he fixed up his plane- even painted his red aircraft blue. Sonic continued to think about how their friendship grew, they were practically brothers. But there was one particular moment where he realized that maybe he had been rather selfish.

Eight and a half weeks had passed since Eggman's retirement when Sonic had called Tails down to his building’s lobby to talk. Wondering why the blue hedgehog had woken him up at 2:40 A.M, Tails was regretting giving Sonic a communicator.

“Sonic?" Tails yawned, jetlagged from travelling back to Central City from Green Hill. "Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” Although Tails was groggy, he couldn’t bring himself to be mad at his big bro. He came closer to the hedgehog as he made his way through the cream colored lobby that looked like a showroom.

“Tails!” Sonic nervously waved in his forest green hoodie, that had notable grease stains. “Did I… uh… wake you?” Sonic nervously asked, to which Tails stared half lidded, his face almost saying What do you think, genius?

“Uh, bad question.” Sonic shuddered at Tails expression. “Anyways, listen, I need to tell you something and ask you for your advice.”

“In the middle of the night?” The golden fox yawned. “What could possibly be so important at this time? Don’t tell me Eggman is back.”

“Uh, no, Actually. It’s quite the opposite.”

“What do you mean?”

There was a long pause between the two. Eventually, Sonic bit the bullet.

“I think… I think I’m gonna leave.”

“You did not just wake me up just to leave.”

“No, Tails. I mean, leave. Get out of this city.”

There was another pause that was so prominent, even time itself seemed to slow down.

“Sonic?” Tails’ eyes widened as he realized what he meant. Sonic made his way over to one of the champagne colored, leather sofas that lined the perimeter of the lobby. He took a seat as he huffed a heavy breath, his eyes not leaving the ground as he did so.

“I think it’s time for me to go.” He exhaled.

“But we’ve only been here two years! And we just got more time off!” Tails exclaimed. He was definitely awake now.

“We moved here so we could all be closer to Eggman and monitor him. But without his constant attacks, and with all of our friends leading their lives, there’s no reason for me to stay anymore.”

Tails walked towards Sonic and sat beside him. He looked at his surroundings as he remembered that he had specifically chose this building because Sonic noted how the vanilla colored lobby suited Tails’ fur.

“Listen,” The fox started as he placed his hand on Sonic's back. “I’m not gonna lie and say that I want you to go. But I know that I can’t keep you here.” Tails knew that for the majority of Sonic's existence, he'd been fighting Eggman. He deserved to experience life a little more. 

“It’s just,” Sonic’s shifted his face towards Tails, still looking at the ground. “There’s nothing keeping me here anymore. My arch nemesis is suddenly reformed, my friends all have their own lives and I…" He looked up towards the fox. "…I have nothing left.”

Sonic rose as he shifted his face towards the door.

“I’ll probably be gone in the next few days. I can’t keep repeating these lifeless days that bring nothing.”

Tails came to his side, Sonic’s emerald eyes meeting Tails’ azure.

“Okay. You do what you need to do to stay happy.” Tails smiled, sadly, as Sonic matched his expression.

“I should probably give you this back.” Sonic took off his communicator and held it to Tails.

“No, Sonic.” Tails cupped Sonic’s hand and pushed it back towards him. “This isn’t the end of our friendship. It’s just, goodbye for now. And one day, when you’re ready, we’ll still be here for you.”

Sonic smiled as he put on the communicator again.

“Thanks, buddy.” Sonic turned towards the lobby doors as he made his exit. He looked back one last time as Tails waved towards him. Sonic waved a final time. Instead of running, like he was used to, he strolled instead to his new life.

Sonic didn’t witness the gloom that took over the golden fox’s face.

"We’re here.” Sonic awoke from his daydream, looking at the apartment building now beside him. It looked the same, untouched. Sonic got out of the cab and grabbed his bags from the trunk, waving to the driver in a final form of thanks.

“Heya, Tails? I’m at the lobby door.” Sonic tuned his communicator. “I’m downstairs.”

“Sweet, I’ll come down and meet you!”

“Thanks bud.”

As Sonic made his way through the door, he noted that the lobby was still the same. The ivory marble floors glistened in the sunset’s light, while the chandeliers overhead sparkled in opulence. Sonic shifted his gaze towards the sofa where he’d confessed to his closest pal that he’d be leaving.

Was I being selfish?  He wondered to himself. He looked down at himself and his bag, noting that he really didn’t fit in with the scenery. His well-worn olive green overcoat and red, overused duffle bag made him feel like a sore thumb. He almost didn’t notice the figure in front of him.

“Sonic!” Tails approached from the front, arms extended outwards. Sonic noted that his voice was deeper, but still sounded light and innocent. He was almost Sonic’s height now and was wearing a black blazer.

“Tails!” Sonic hi-fived his old friend and brought him in for a hug. “Long time no see, old pal!”

“I know, It’s been ages!” Tails made a gesture towards the elevator. “Shall we?” He asked as he brought his free arm behind Sonic’s back to guide him.

“So, how was the drive?” Tails asked as they stepped in the elevator. “Not bad. Just did a lot of thinking.” Sonic answered as he pushed the button for the eighth floor.

“Oh, actually, it’s the top floor now.” Tails Pushed the PH button.

“Wait, as in Penthouse?” Sonic eyed his friend.

“Believe me, you’re not the only one who’s upgraded over the years.” Tails winked. 

"Heh, yeah.” Sonic covered his pain with laughter, unbeknownst to the fox.

“Back to you,” The fox continued. “You said you were thinking? What about?”

“Well, I dunno. On my way back, I thought about you. All the fun we had, and how I just threw it all away just to be selfish. I’m sorry, Tails.” Sonic gripped his bag with both hands.

“Sonic,” Tails started. “I might have been sad at first, but as I got older, I realized that you had to do what was best for you." Sonic had almost forgotten that his old pal was a genius, even in interpersonal situations. "Staying here would have just held you back from your potential. You just did what you had to, and now we’re living our best lives! Don’t feel sorry!”

On second thought, Sonic didn’t think Tails realized that he was actually making matters worse.

The elevator door chimed open and out walked Tails.

“Welcome,” Tails turned with his arms extended outwards of himself, “To my humble abode!” As they walked in, Sonic’s jaw dropped. His ‘apartment’ was anything but humble. The first thing to note was the ceilings. They had to be at least twenty feet high, and the windows let in all of the dusk light. There was a grand staircase that seemed to cascade down to the lobby area and the place was decorated in a way that was modern but allowed one to breathe.

“This is your house?”

“Well,” Tails shot an arrogant yet coy look, “You know how us greats have it!”

“Heh, Yeah. Us.” Sonic said with a sarcastic tone, although Tails didn’t pick up on it.

“I’ll guide you to your room. Allow me!” Tails clutched Sonic’s bag from him and took him to the guest bedroom.

When Tails flicked on the light, the first thing Sonic observed was that this room was bigger than his entire apartment. Decorated in a saffron color that matched the gold fox, it screamed excellence. Sonic never felt more like an imposter.

“I’ll let you settle in, big bro.” Tails placed Sonic’s bag on the bed. “Dinner’s almost ready, so meet me on the balcony when you’re done.”

Sonic was once again, alone with his thoughts. He knew Tails meant well, but he couldn’t help that he just felt more defeated.

As Sonic made his way towards the balcony, he saw Tails sitting at his outdoor dining table, blazer retired. This was the Tails that he knew; piecey, star shaped bangs and sparkling ocean eyes of wonder. He also noted a faint smell of… chili? Sonic emerged into the balcony as he looked at the table and gasped with delight. Chili dogs, his favorite, were laid out across the table, buffet style. There were also bottles and bottles of cola, ice cream, and condiments for Sonic to adjust his chilli dogs to taste- but from the looks of it, and the smell, these chili dogs were perfection on their own.

As Sonic woofed down chili dogs, unable to stop himself, he couldn’t slow down. In a few minutes he already had half of the table cleared.

“Sonic,” Tails chuckled. “Slow down or else you’re gonna get the hiccups!”

“Oh please, did you forget who I am?” Sonic shot a playfully arrogant look towards Tails. And then, as if on cue, Sonic hiccuped.

Maybe Sonic should have slowed down.

At this point, Tails was cackling- his laughter still as fresh and young as Sonic remembered it to be. With a laugh this contagious, Sonic couldn’t help but laugh along with him.

This is what life used to always feel like- electrifying.

As the sun had long set by now, Sonic was leaning his back against the balcony rail while Tails faced himself towards the view, in the warmth of the lit rooftop firepit. Sonic was enjoying listening to Tails talk about his endeavors. He was happy that Tails was doing well. But he’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a slight tinge of envy.

First Knuckles, now Tails. Why do I feel like I’ve been left behind?

“So let me get this straight,” Sonic processed out loud. “So you mean to tell me that you turned your startup tech company, that you started in your workshop, into this empire?” Sonic asked as he gestured towards the glass paned windows.

“I have to say, it feels surreal when you say it that way, but it really made all those daily commutes from Green Hill to Central City worth it.” Tails patted the back of his head, while Sonic rested his elbows on the railing, his back facing the distance.

“Well, you should be proud of yourself, bud. You’ve done great things.” Sonic extended a fist bump.

“Heh, thanks." Tails accepted the props. "You know, you haven’t really told me about your life recently. What’s been going on with you? Actually, better question, what brought you back?”

Sonic winced at the question. The truth was, Tails was so overcome with excitement that he didn’t even think, until now, to ask Sonic why he wanted to come back all of a sudden.

“Well, I haven’t exactly been… entirely honest with you.” Sonic hopped off the railing and turned his chest to face Tails, who’s face piqued with interest. “The truth is, I’ve been kind of a bum for the past few years.”

“Huh?” was all Tails was able to say. “What do you mean?” Tails’ raised an eyebrow.

“Look,” Sonic leaned an arm on the railing while clasping his hands together. “I’ve been trying to make something of myself, but I’ve been rejected by any sort of policeman or security position, living in a dump that's probably half the size of your elevator and yesterday, I saw Knuckles on the news and I was overcome with jealousy. That’s why I reached out, because I realized that life was passing me by. And now here you are, the owner of a profiting tech company, and I’m just a hasbeen, who’s drifting through space on an empty rock and the news outlets make me into a running joke.” Sonic’s eyes met the city lights as Tails looked him up and down empathetically before taking his hand.

“There’s nothing to worry about. You’re not a hasbeen. Sure, you might not pop up all over the news in the best light anymore. But it’s because of you that all of us mobians still have our freedom. That’s something that most ‘hasbeens’ can’t say.”

“Thanks, Tails.” Tails released Sonic's hand as the said zaffre hedgehog turned once more to lean his chest and elbows against the balcony. “I guess, I just need to find my spark. Once that Egghead retired, I found that I don’t really have a purpose for myself anymore. You know?”

“Well, you mentioned Knuckles. He’s actually in town since it’s the MWC.”

“The MWC?” Sonic raised an eyebrow towards sapphire eyes.

“The Mobian Wrestling Championship!” Tails said with excitement. “Everyone is banking on Knuckles to take home the gold!”

“Of course they are.” Sonic rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. Tails looked at him awkwardly before Sonic realized what he just did. “Oh, uh, my bad.” Sonic scratched the back of his head meekly.

“You know, maybe it would do you some good to see him again.”

“What?” Sonic asked, like a deer in headlights. “Wh… Why would I do that?”

“You could see how he’s doing. It might bring your spark back.”

“Can’t you just tell me how he’s doing?”

“Actually, no.” That statement caught the hedgehog off guard.

“What do you mean ‘no?’ You just told me he’s competing for championships!”

Tails turned to follow Sonic’s body language and rested his elbows and chest against the rail, noting how small everybody looked from up here.

“Sonic…” Tails sounded like he was going to break Sonic’s heart. “When you left, we didn’t just fall out of touch with you. We all fell out of touch with each other.”

Sonic’s eyes widened. “Huh? You’re joking!”

“Not this time.”

“Even Knuckles And Rouge? Last I remembered, they were married!”

“They live on Angel Island, away from us. They’re the only two who have kept in consistent contact with one another. And even then, Rouge stays here in Central City a lot to maintain her club, while Knuckles travels the world, fighting, or stays on Angel Island to watch the Master Emerald.” Tails’ voice had grown cold.

“But we were a team!” Sonic looked at the younger fox in disbelief, although Tails remained focused on the city streets. “How in the world did you guys disband?”

“We weren’t just 'a' team- we were Team Sonic. And without Sonic, well, it just wasn’t the same anymore.”

Sonic suddenly found more interest in the mobians down below.

“I’ll... I'll think about it.” Sonic unconvincingly stated in reference to the fox's earlier suggestion. The two observed the streets below for a bit.

“Well,” Tails stretched as he yawned. “I’ve got an early rise tomorrow.” Tails turned towards the penthouse.

“You’ll need an all access pass if you want to see Knuckles.” Sonic turned towards Tails’ voice, who had his head shifted so he was looking at Sonic over his shoulder. “Lucky for you, I happen to have a backstage pass that was offered to me in a business deal. Everything is being hosted by Club Rouge. The backstage pass has access to any of the MWC training lounges- and Knuckles trains a lot."  Tails started to make his way. "I’ll leave it for you on the dining table tomorrow if you want, just in case.” And with that, Tails faded behind the glass door as he slid it closed, leaving Sonic to sit with his thoughts in the brisk, springtime air.

“Pfft, like that echidna isn't out of my league.” Sonic muttered to himself as he continued to observe the streets.

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: 〘 E i s u 〙- Elisabeth

Whenever Sonic thought of the last memory he had of Knuckles, he felt a little bit guilty.

With Eggman retired, Knuckles and Rouge decided that they had waited long enough to get married. Within two weeks of the doctor’s retirement, Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Shadow all found themselves to have been invited to a wedding along with some other friends- Knuckles and Rouge went all out. 

Now that Sonic thought about it, that was the last time he’d seen everyone together. Even Blaze and Silver made their way. 

With Sonic and Tails as his groomsmen, Knuckles was getting ready to lead his wedding party down the aisle in less than five minutes. 

“Wow. This is really happening.” Knuckles said as he looked into the mirror, wearing a fully white tuxedo with a pop of a scarlet bow tie. “Today, I get to marry the best person I’ve ever known.” Sonic, who was matching in uniform, jokingly elbowed Knuckles.

“Wait, I didn't mean-”

“Easy, loverboy, I was just teasing.” Sonic slyly smiled at the Groom.

“Oh, right. Sorry, I guess I’m just nervous.”

“No need to be. You and Rouge are perfect together.” Sonic affirmed. They both heard a knock at the door.

“Knuckles, are you ready?” Tails entered, his ensemble matching the duo. 

Knuckles looked back at the mirror once more. 

“I am.”

A walk down the aisle and a few speeches later, Knuckles found himself giving his vows.

“Rouge, I know that every groom thinks of himself as the luckiest groom on the planet, but I’m dead serious when I say that I truly am the luckiest. To state the obvious, you’re the most beautiful being I’ve ever laid eyes on, but you’re intelligent, loving and compassionate, in a way that I can only aspire to be as your husband. Before I met you, I wasn’t trying. I didn’t have a reason to. But then, I met you, and I knew that I needed to be better. A woman like you deserves everything this world has to offer. You push me to be better, without even realizing it. And I vow, as your husband, to make sure that I can be the man you need me to be.”

The speech was so moving that the guests audibly sniffled. People weren’t used to seeing Knuckles so vulnerable. It must have been true that Rouge made him better.

During the reception, it was time for the speeches. When it came to Sonic’s turn, he took a deep breath for his toast.

“Knuckles and I have known each other for quite some time now. At first, Tails and I had to fight him because he thought we were evil. I know, right? Us, evil?” The audience laughed as Sonic made a funny face. “But it wasn’t too long after that when he realized we were the good guys. Thank goodness, because bud,” Sonic turned to the red echidna. “You definitely live up to your name.” The audience chuckled again. “The reason I’m saying this is because, even after all these years, you're still growing. You always find a way to make yourself better, every day. I think that Rouge is lucky to have found someone so devoted. I couldn’t be prouder of you buddy. You two have inspired me, to become the best version of myself I can be, and I make this toast to you guys, as a promise, that I will always try to be my best self. May this type of love find all of us one day. To the happy couple!”

The room eroded in cheer as everyone raised their glasses. Sonic looked at Knuckles and silently rejoiced for his longtime friend.

Sonic awoke, feeling disoriented. He was confused as to why his bedroom felt so spacious, then he realized he was still in Tails’ penthouse. Groggy and blinded from the mid-spring light, Sonic made his way to the kitchen to make a coffee. As his coffee brewed, he mixed in the sugar Tails had on the counter while he thought to himself about the memory he just dreamed about. Wow, he thought. I’m a garbage friend. As he pushed the freshly brewed mug to his lips, he noticed on the dining table a pink post it note. Ignoring the scorching sensation from his coffee, he walked over to the table and noticed something beside it that looked like a ticket. Intrigued, he picked up the note:

Hey Sonic, 

I know you said you were reluctant to go, but I really think you should. If you change your mind, here’s the pass. Also, there's some fried eggs on the stove from this morning. Go have fun!

Tails (Miles)

Sonic chuckled at how considerate his adoptive brother was. Noting the time, he decided that maybe it couldn’t hurt to visit Knuckles. Tails was a genius, so if Tails thought he should do something, Sonic would be stupid not to.

But maybe he should manage his quills first.

Sonic woofed down some eggs as he ran towards the boxing arena, his olive toned overcoat blazing behind him. As he ran, he started to question himself again. Was I a good friend? What if Knuckles ends up mad that I broke my promise? Would he forgive me?  Sonic almost didn’t notice the arena sign to the point he reached a screeching halt, his shoes’ soles now smelling like burnt rubber. 

Club Rouge. Here I am. Sonic noted the eye catching cherry red markings. He pulled the backstage pass out of his pocket with the corresponding red markings to the arena's logo as he entered the building, headed towards the ticket booth.

"Hello there!" A ticket checker started off towards the hedgehog. "For how-"

The mobian squirrel noted Sonic's face and her expression shifted to one of judgement.

"Uh… Just for one, please." Sonic passed off his pass, assuming that she wasn't going to finish her sentence. While she scanned the ticket to see if it was valid, Sonic sighed to himself: this kind of treatment isn't new. He noticed this kind of treatment about six months after he moved. At first he was caught off guard, but over time he got more and more used to people not recognizing him, or looking like they wanted nothing to do with him.

Typical.

Nevertheless, Sonic decided that it was time for him to make his way to the arena.

It was time to see what his long lost friend thought of him.

After asking for directions and walking down several flights of stairs, he finally made his way through the sultry, casino-resembling arena, the smell of popcorn and beer filling the air. Sadly, there were no chili dogs that the hedgehog could find. As he made his way further into the front row, he could see flashes of red going against a green mobian. A hedgehog? An echidna? Sonic couldn’t tell, and the dim lighting and the overwhelming scent of the crowd was making it hard to focus. Regardless, Sonic was mesmerized at the red flashes. Suddenly, the green opponent was knocked over, and Sonic couldn’t see since the ring was too high. But as quickly as they disappeared, up emerged Knuckles, standing in his glory, holding his opponent like a surfboard. Sonic noticed his muscles were very engaged, and much more buff than before, which is saying something. His quills were slightly longer and ruffled, and he sported a gold champion’s belt. 

As Knuckles hoisted his opponent one more time, he launched him into the corner of the ring, knocking him out instantly. The crowd went wild as they cheered his name, Knuckles flexing for everyone as he joined in the cheering. He relaxed for a second as he looked in Sonic’s direction. Then, as amethyst eyes locked with emeralds, Knuckles' eyes widened as his face softened. 

No way, could it be?

“Sonic?” Knuckles mouthed.

Sonic sheepishly waved at the Echidna in the dispersing crowd, unsure of how he was going to react. 

Knuckles suddenly beamed with joy as he jumped out of the ring and ran over to Sonic. Sonic didn’t have much time to react before he was swooped up by Knuckles’ crushing strength in a hug.

“My old Buddy is back! Where have you been?”

“I- Ack!” Sonic croaked, a little embarrassingly.

“It’s been a few years since you mysteriously vanished!” Knuckles placed Sonic on the ground, the latter trying to keep his balance.

“Yeah, mysteriously.” Sonic side eyed his companion. 

“I didn’t know you were a fan of the MWC! What did you think?” Knuckles flexed, clearly trying to impress sonic.

“From what I saw, you were pretty good!” Sonic gave a thumbs up, to which Knuckles responded in terror.

“Only pretty good? Not Spectacular?”

Oh boy.

“Uh, what I meant to say was-”

“Don’t worry, I’m just kidding!” Knuckles said as he patted Sonic’s back. “It’s great to see your vibrant quills again.”

“But how did you know it was me?” Sonic shrugged.

“How many blue hedgehogs do you know?” Knuckles deadpanned.

“Touche.”

“Anyways,” Knuckles turned Sonic towards the backstage exit and walked along side him. “What brings you back to the city?” Knuckles asked, high fiving spectators as he made his way. Sonic noticed some of them looked at the blue hedgehog awkwardly.

Nothing new.

“Well,” Sonic cleared his throat. “I need a little bit of inspiration. You see, I’ve kind of gotten bored and just wanted to see what my old friends were up to.”

Wasn’t a total lie.

“Hmmm, I see. Well, I have to go meet the wife, she’s going shopping for some new clothes while we stay in town for a bit.”

“Oh. Uh, okay.” Sonic said, defeated.

“Would you like to join us?”

Sonic looked up, a little too eagerly. He composed himself.

“Sure.” He coughed into his fist.

The two walked for a little while as they made their way through the city. Knuckles swapped his wrestling belt for a grey muscle shirt and was carrying a bucket of grapes from his dressing room, devouring clusters like candy.

“So,” Knuckles said, through bites of grapes. “You’re here because you’re bored you say?

“Uh huh.” Sonic answered, trying to think of a topic to switch to. “How’d you get into wrestling anyways?”

“Don’t try to switch the subject on me, mister.” The boxer warned. Dang it, Knuckles had gotten a lot smarter over the years.

“Fine,” Sonic sighed.

“It wouldn’t happen to do with your ‘mysterious’ disappearance, would it?” Knuckles hinted.

“Huh?” Sonic jumped back. He gathered that Knuckles had gotten smarter, but this was full on intuition at this point. “How did you-”

“I guess being married to Rouge rubbed off on me.” Knuckles winked. Sonic slightly sprinted to catch up. 

“So am I right?” The echidna asked as he ate another cluster of grapes.

“Well, sort of.” Sonic started. “Actually I came back because of you.”

“Ah! So you are into MWC!” 

“Well, more specifically, I came back because I saw you on the news.”

“And?”  Knuckles leaned in. 

“And I realized I needed some inspiration to take me forwards. So, I came back to see my friends hoping that inspiration hits me.” Sonic didn’t want to tell Knuckles he felt like life ran him through as a washed up, z-list celebrity. That would have been too embarrassing to admit.

“Well Sonic, I for one am happy to see you again.” Knuckles trailed off for a bit as he finished his last grapes. 

“You know,” Knuckles started to speak after a few steps. “It was weird. Your disappearance, I mean. Rouge and I got married, went on our honeymoon for two months, and all of a sudden when we come back, and we find out from Amy and Tails that you’re gone.”

Sonic’s ears lowered. 

“Listen, Knucks, I’m-”

“You don’t need to apologize.” Knuckles cut off the blue hedgehog. “I didn’t get it at first, but Rouge put it this way: At that point we all had things we were working towards. You, on the other hand, had your life goal taken from you when Eggman retired. You’d never known a life without having to combat him, and it hit you worse than the rest of us. It makes sense that you did what you did. It doesn't make it hurt any less, but I forgive you.” Sonic listened as he lowered his jaw in shock.

“When did you-”

“Stop being a meathead?” Knuckles cut Sonic off, again. “Like I said, the power of Rouge. Oh, speaking of, we’re here!” Knuckles pointed to a sign, with Sonic’s gaze following. A tall, pink, French renaissance style building was in front of them, with a golden hammer as the logo sign. Sonic recognized the logo, he’d seen a few of these stores pop up in Grand Metropolis, his current city. This would, however, be his first time entering.

“Shall we?” Knuckles opened the door for Sonic.

When Sonic entered, he was baffled. The first thing he noted was how pink everything was. The walls, the tables, the decor. The store was a fashion house, with cashmere, silk and velvet textiles all around on display. The store seemed to go up multiple levels as well, and Sonic could even see a men’s section on the higher floors.

Sonic, in all his life, had never seen so much luxury. He’d be lucky to even afford a blank receipt.

Sonic was so busy taking in his surroundings, he didn’t hear Knuckles calling him.

“Hello, Earth to Sonic! You ready to see Rouge?”

“Oh,” Sonic snapped to reality, still tranced by his newfound comfort. “Yeah! Coming!” Sonic practically floated behind Knuckles, the scent of Italian leather and light cotton carrying him up the staircase.

They headed to one of the stores top levels where two wait staff greeted them and allowed them into the private VIP section. Upon seeing Knuckles, they let him in, although they were puzzled at the sight of Sonic.

“He’s with me.” Knuckles said.

Oh brother. Sonic sighed to himself.

When they made it to a closed off room, Sonic heard two familiar voices. 

“And if you open the flap, you’ll notice the gemstone detailing, customized to your liking.” It was a high pitched woman's voice that spoke with poise and charm.

“Isn’t it dazzling!” A deeper, huskier voice said with grace and sophistication, but still that of a woman.

“More tea?”

“You spoil me!”

When Sonic walked in, he nearly forgot how to walk. There was Rouge, the anthropomorphic white bat, sitting in the middle of the room, surrounded by magenta, crushed velvet curtains, the only light coming from above in a stunning floor length water droplet chandelier. Rouge was sitting on an oversized throne that matched the interior, in a satin, trumpet-shaped gown in a deep shade of plum, with a wide-brimmed floppy hat over her shoulder length hair to match. She was exploring a seemingly new purse that looked like it could put a down payment on a house. Beside her was Amy, a humanoid pink hedgehog, wearing a rasberry jumpsuit that practically screamed sophisticate. She was holding a ceramic teapot as she had just topped off Rouge’s cup. Sonic watched the two chat for a while before they turned to Knuckles and greeted him, then turning to Sonic and their faces dropping. Rouge gasped while Amy covered her mouth, dropping her teapot and spilling tea on the fuchsia upholstered carpet. Instinctively, Sonic ran to help clean up as Amy and Rouge caught their breaths. 

“I’m sorry about that.” Sonic said, picking up the teapot and placing it on the glass coffee table beside them. Amy just stared.

“Sonic?" Amy asked as she shook her head back to reality. "What are you doing here?” 

“I’m here to hangout with Tails for a bit.” He answered. “What about you, do you work here?” Sonic asked, looking at her getup. 

“That’s so cute!” Rouge exclaimed, catching the duo’s attention. “You mean the hammer sign didn’t give it away?” Sonic raised an eyebrow to the bat.

“Mrs. Rouge,” Amy started, adjusting her famous pink bob before taking the pot from the coffee table. “I’m so sorry about your tea, please allow me to brew you another pot.” Amy turned to the echidna and the other hedgehog. "Gentlemen." Amy hurriedly rushed off before Sonic could go after her.

Wait.

Everything is pink, high end, sophisticated, and the logo is a golden hammer.

“Amy owns this place?” Sonic asked, eyes widened and jaw to the floor as he looked at his surroundings.

“Bingo!” Knuckles called out.

Wow. Sonic did not see that coming.

“I’ve got to hand it to her, she knows how to sell.” Rouge stated.

“Sorry for barging in like this.” Sonic apologized as he stood up, hands at his sides. “How are you, Rouge?”

“I’m wonderful. I was just about to purchase a new purse, for the MWC, being hosted at my club!” Rouge smiled, rightfully proud. “But what about you? Why are you back in town?” Rouge asked. 

This was getting repetitive.

“I’m crashing with Tails for a bit. Find my roots a little.”

“I always wondered when we would see your precious face again,” Rouge puckered. “It's so good to have you back.”

“Thanks.” Sonic noted Amy’s earlier reaction, pointing in the direction she exited. “Is she okay?”

Rouge and Knuckles’ expressions lowered.

“Well, what is it?” Sonic asked.

“Sonic, my dear,” Rouge started. “It was weird coming back from our honeymoon, just to find that you weren’t here. Tails told us you had departed, but after a while of not hearing anything, we didn’t know what happened to you. Honestly, some people thought the worst. But the one who took this the heaviest was Amy.” Sonic lowered his head. He knew where this was going. “She had feelings for you, Sonic. And when you disappeared, well, it took her months to get over it.”

“I… I had no idea.” Sonic confessed.

“At the end of the day,” Rouge stood up and started to approach Sonic. “You did what you had to in order to keep yourself happy. Nobody can blame you for that.” She was now standing in front of Sonic, lifting his head to meet hers. 

“She’ll come around, in time.” Knuckles grinned towards the blue hedgehog. “Just have patience.” Rouge offered a soft smile as Knuckles finished his statement.

Sonic gathered himself. “Uh, you know it’s funny. Tails said you guys weren't all close anymore, but it looks like he was wrong. It seems like you and Amy are still great friends.” Sonic smiled back at Rouge, but Rouge’s smile faded slightly as she backed up a little bit. He could also feel Knuckles’ smile fade.

“Well, That’s not exactly true.” Rouge confessed.

“Huh? What do you mean?” Sonic was confused. “You just told me about her!” Sonic was getting deja vu.

“That was before we all grew apart. Truth is, hedgehog, we’re friends in a business sense. The only reason I know that stuff is because I’m good at reading people- even the ones who don’t want to be read. But beyond that, I’m just one of her best customers, and she is one of my favorite retailers.”

“Wait, you mean-” Sonic was cut off, again. Gee, He really couldn’t fit in a word today.

“It’s not that we don’t like each other, but between Amy running a corporation and myself making and maintaining appearances, and my club, we haven't had time to catch up outside of the business sense.”

Sonic was defeated. All his friends had drifted apart, completely. Maybe if he had stayed and tried to work through things here, things would be different. He felt the air strangle him as he thought on this. He needed to get out.

“Oh Chaos!” Sonic was brought back to reality when he heard Rouge’s voice as she looked into her old purse- simpler than the new one she was buying, but probably still majorly expensive. “Shadow’s scarf!” Rouge pulled out an iridescent black and red scarf. “I forgot I borrowed months ago for the charity gala! I promised I’d return soon after!”

The name was foreign but still so familiar. Shadow. Sonic hadn’t heard of his noir counterpart in years. So far, he’d seen all his old allies had been majorly successful. Shadow, however, tended to be more on the nonchalant side, always going on about vengeance.

 Sonic glimpsed at the scarf. That belongs to Shadow? Seems flamboyant for his tastes.

Then again, he hadn’t seen the charcoal hedgehog in years, so maybe he changed too.

“Honey, could you drop it off at Shadow’s for me? Pretty please?” Rouge looked at her husband, longingly. She didn’t want to break her promise to Shadow. She was a woman of her word.

“I’m sorry, babe, but I’ve gotta be back at the studio soon. And Shadow lives way out. Besides, I haven’t had the chance to see him in years. He might not be happy to see me for not visiting.”

Then, Sonic had an idea.

“I could drop it off, if you want.” Sonic offered.

“You’d do that for me?” Rouge looked at Sonic, touched.

“Of course, what are friends for?” Sonic offered. He tried to seem as sincere as he could. He knew Rouge was perceptive of these things.

“Oh, thank you Sonic. I’ll send the drop off location to your communicator- you do still use it, correct?” Rouge double checked.

“Absolutely.”

“Wonderful. I’ll send you the location, and to express my gratitude, I’ll send you an invite to my party! The theme is Rebel Rouge!” 

“Hm. I’m always up for a party. Anyways, send the location and I’ll be on my way. It was lovely to see you two again!” Sonic waved at the couple in front of him as they waved back, and dashed to the exit.

Knuckles looked towards Rouge.

“Something is about to happen, isn’t it?”

Rouge looked back at her husband. True, her emotional intelligence had definitely rubbed off on him over the years and he was vastly perceptive of these things. “I think so. That offer to take the scarf back- it wasn’t entirely selfless. But it told me two things; one, that he just wanted to get out of here, and two, that there’s someone who Sonic wants to see.”

“Hmm.” Knuckles pondered. “I’m stumped babe. He’s met Tails, Amy, us, who else could he want to see?”

Her emotional intelligence had rubbed off on him. But between the two of them, he was still her little meathead.

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Super Mario Galaxy - Gateway galaxy (Slowed + Reverb)

Sonic blazed a trail through the city as his olive overcoat whipped behind him while he looked at his communicator. 

“Two-thousand-and-Five, Sega Way-” Sonic’s voice and expression changed to that of confusion. “Emerald Beach? Why in the world does this hedgehog live so far from everybody?”

If that wasn’t enough, it took him way longer to reach Shadow’s place than he originally thought. Sonic usually made it to Emerald town in a flash- between two to seven minutes, maximum. But this was taking Sonic way longer than usual. As Sonic ran through emerald town, he noticed the houses vanish behind him as fast as they appeared. Choosing to trust that Rouge hadn’t given him false directions, he shrugged it off and traveled beyond the beach. After about twenty minutes, the hedgehog found himself on a vast, open beach with plenty of flora that made it feel like an oasis. The white sands, humid air and the scent of coconut trees filled the atmosphere, and the sunlight seemed to dance around him. As Sonic glanced at the ocean, he saw the sunglade glisten against the water’s surface. Although the hedgehog had a surprising fear of large bodies of water, with scenery this beautiful, he felt mesmerized by the diamond-esque waters. For a moment, Sonic forgot everything about what he was doing. 

Back on his narrowing path, made out only by a clearing of plant life, Sonic whipped by a small, lodge-like cabin. It looked modern, but still humble that a minimalist would be able to make it work.

Nah, Sonic’s thoughts started. It can’t be-

"Destination reached.” Sonic’s GPS on his communicator sounded. Coming to a screeching halt, Sonic looked back at the cabin.

That’s where Shadow lives?

Sonic thought that perhaps Rouge was playing a trick on him.

Sonic, 4:39: P.M: Hey, Rouge, are you sure that’s the right address?

Sonic thought perhaps that he had misread something, or this was a joke. The communicator buzzed after a few moments.

Rouge, 4:41 P.M: Yep! Thanks again!

Sonic eyed the small but well built structure. It had a dark color scheme to it, dark glass panelling with stone walls and framed by large logs. Sonic never imagined that his old rival would live in something so, um, grounded.

As Sonic made his way to the front porch, he rethought his plan and started hoping that it would be a quick ‘see ya’ and off he’d go. He noted the full glass door and peered inside. From what he could see, on the other side of the house was a window-paned chalet style wall, with dark stained wood for flooring and exposed, grey brick walls on the interior. He knocked, but when he did so, the door pushed slightly open.

“Uh, Hello? Shadow?” Sonic said as he moved through the doorway, gently pressing the door behind him closed. “It’s me, Sonic?”

As Sonic made his way through the house, he noted how the area reminded him of a vacation home. The chalet window filled the space with natural light. The deeper he walked, the open space concept was the main focus of the structure, and he could see the kitchen in black granite with a large island, opposing the living room with black leather seating and a large flatscreen television. On the kitchens island was a basket of fruit, and in the corner of the living room was a black hanging chair with a blanket and some books beside it. As Sonic progressed through the space, he noticed the back door in the left corner of the space from him, a sliding glass door that led to steps that flowed to what looked like a plant and vegetable garden on the beach below. Sonic noted how this space, combined with the view, really made him feel whole. And there was a faint scent of lavender that filled the air with tranquility. Actually, it seemed to be getting stronger.

“Wow…”

“Can I help you with something?” Sonic jumped at the voice- it was full of conviction and determination, while simultaneously grounded. He turned around, noting that he had been so taken in by his surroundings that he never heard the owner of the house come in the door. He recognized the similar athletic stature, the deep voice and the black and garnet quills that colored the figure.

“Sh-Shadow! What are you doing?” Sonic asked with a nervous grin, although he was hoping the mentioned couldn’t catch onto his true feelings. Spoiler: he did.

“I live here.” Shadow took his blue towel that he was holding and put it around his neck, falling equally over both of his collarbones. “If anything, I should be asking you that.” Shadow eyed the zaffre hedgehog up and down.

“Oh! Right!” Sonic reached into his pocket and pulled out the scarf rouge handed him. 

“Here.”

“Are you sure you didn’t just take that?” Shadow narrowed his eyes at the extended hand. “I mean, you did just barge into my home, after all.” Shadow put his fists over his hips which were covered by rust orange jersey shorts.

“What? No! Rouge sent me back with this!” Sonic extended his arms as if to explain. “When have I ever stolen from anyone?”

“You’ve stolen from franchises.”

“What? I never stole from them!” Sonic stomped his foot as he punched his fists downwards. “That was just bad timing! And we all need a little inspo!”

Shadow rolled his eyes and looked away. “Fine.” He extended his hand for the scarf. To be honest, Rouge hadn’t visited in so long that he had forgot about his scarf anyways.

Sonic eased his stance and dropped it in his hand as Shadow headed towards the kitchen sink.

A ‘thank you’ would be nice…

“So… what have you been up to these days?” Sonic asked Shadow, who shot him an unnerving glance. Sonic shuddered.

“Since when did you care?” Shadow asked as he grabbed a glass from the cabinet, not looking in Sonic's direction. 

“Well, you know, it’s been a while, so I figured I’d check in on you?” Sonic was hoping that his dark counterpart would take the bait and just answer his question, but Shadow just turned towards the sink and turned on the tap.

“You, check on me?” The dark hedgehog asked, eyes now focusing on the glass that was filling with water.

“Uh, yeah? Why not?” Sonic raised his hands as Shadow turned the tap off and turned towards his uninvited guest, resting his free hand against the counter.

“Well, considering none of us have seen you in years, I don’t exactly see what would make you want to suddenly come back.” Shadow raised the glass to his lips.

Sonic sighed as he decided to tell him the truth. He may have regretted this, as the night-colored hedgehog liked to point out how superior he was to Sonic at any given opportunity, but Sonic needed answers.

“Okay, well, I wasn’t gonna say anything, but the truth is, I recently came to a rut.” Shadow stopped drinking as he lowered his glass. Sonic was expecting him to come back with a witty remark, but he stayed silent, almost expecting more words to follow.

“Frankly, my life turned out nothing like how I thought it would. I thought without Eggman, I was gonna go off to bigger and better things, but the truth is I’ve fallen from the hedgehog I used to be.”

Shadow dumped the remaining water in his glass in the empty sink behind him as he placed it in. 

“I came back because I started thinking about everyone. Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Rouge, all of you, all of us . We used to be the A-team, but now that I’m back, I realized that things probably won’t be like before. Everyone has their own lives and I need to move on with mine but… I’m stuck. I thought catching up would make me feel motivated, but I just feel worse.”

Shadow eyed the hedgehog up and down for a moment- this time, less menacing and more observing. He could tell that Sonic was being genuine from the slight hunch of his shoulders. 

“Well, if you really want to know,” Shadow crossed his arms. “After you left, I realized that fighting wasn’t all that impressive to me anymore. I decided that it was time for me to make peace with myself and try to live a quiet life, where I can exist on my own, and sustain myself.” 

Sonic narrowed his eyes in confusion.

“Seems kind of lonely, doesn’t it?” 

“To the average person, maybe.” Shadow lowered his arms. “But going for runs every morning in the sun isn’t what I would call depressing. The air is great too. I have to say, I’ve found myself with serene peace.”

“Ah. I see.” Sonic looked as if he was inspired before looking confused again. “But wait, Rouge had your scarf. Doesn't that mean she still sees you?”

“I only see her every so often. She’s busy now, and getting here is hard in the first place. That’s why I was surprised you were even here when I came back.”

“Well,” Sonic raised his hands in defense. “To be fair, the door was open.”

“Usually, I wouldn’t need to lock it in a place so secluded.” The black hedgehog crossed his arms again as he made that statement.

“Touche.” Second time today.

There was a silent pause before Sonic decided that he was going to head out. 

“Well, I’d better get going. Say, you wouldn’t mind if I joined you for one of your runs, would you?”

“Not a chance, faker.” Shadow said in a dark tone, while uncrossing his arms again-but this time, with such a hint of lightheartedness.

“Eh, it was worth a shot.” Sonic chuckled as he headed out the door. “By the way, why do you have that scarf? It seems so un… you.” 

“Rouge bought it for me years ago, after I moved here.” Sonic followed the cobalt colored hedgehog to the door. “She needed it for a gala outfit for her club event or something, so she asked to borrow it.”

“Ah. Interesting.” Sonic made his way outside. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around.” Sonic disappeared in a flash of blue, and he was gone. Once again, Shadow was alone. 

Shadow felt a frown come on his face. He closed his eyes as he closed the door: softly but intentional. He sighed intensely as he locked the door. 

This time, it would stay locked.  

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone (Piano Cover)

As Sonic bolted towards the city, he was reminiscing over the interaction he had just had. For the first time since his return, he felt inspired, and yet, Shadow perhaps had the most simple lifestyle of them all. Why was it that he was so intrigued by the black hedgehog?

Amy had what appeared to be a successful fashion house.

Tails had a successful tech company.

Knuckles was a successful athlete.

Rouge was a successful socialite, and club runner.

But Shadow?

Shadow wasn’t anything. 

What intrigued the blue hedgehog even further was that Shadow didn’t even seem to mind that he wasn't anything.

And it was then that it clicked-Sonic wanted to learn to be at peace too. He wanted to not feel the pressure of the tabloids, seeing his successful friends, or having to live up to his golden days. He wanted to be like Shadow, and be comfortable and at peace as he was.

Later on, back in Central City, Sonic was walking around the streets while eating a chili dog, unable to focus on anything but Shadow. How in the world did the hedgehog, who was once so focused on vengeance, end up in the quiet, lush serenity of the sea? Sonic pondered this as he bit into his chili dog, as his communicator beeped. It was Knuckles.

Knuckles, 5:57 P.M: Hey, I’m off practice for today! You wanna grab a chili dog? Or twelve?

Sonic’s chili dog suddenly disappeared, as he noted the culprit left evidence around his lips.

Sonic: 5:58 P.M: Sure! I’ll be there!

Sonic and Knuckles met up at an old favorite of Sonic’s, Central City Gourmet. As the name suggested, the restaurant was very upscale. Not only did this place have some of the best food in the city, but this place was reserved only for wealthy and famous diners. Sonic used to be that guy, the one who even other celebrities would gush over. They used to have to get a private room just to give Sonic and his friends some space whenever they went to visit.

Now things had changed. Sonic was no longer the hedgehog that people once admired. People recognized him, but the fellow diners were confused when they looked at him, almost as if to say ‘Do you really still think you’re famous? ’

Knuckles on the other hand, was quite popular. It seemed as if he was highly revered. Other celebrities in the establishment even asked to take photos with him, and wealthier diners were sure to note to Knuckles that they bet some major wages on the guy. 

“Wow,” Sonic started, seated across the booth from the wrestler. The waiter came by to top off Sonic and Knuckles’ Cola, starting first with Knuckles. “It seems like you’re really up there, huh?” Sonic made eye contact with the waiter as the waiter flashed a look of uncertainty: Why is this echidna with you, and here, of all places?

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far. I’m just doing what I love!” Knuckles devoured more grapes. “Say, Sonic, you’ve only eaten 4 chili dogs in the past 2 minutes. What gives?”

Knuckles was onto something. Usually Sonic would have gone through 4 plates by now, each one carrying 8 pieces.

“Eh, being here wasn’t as exciting as I thought. This place feels so cold.” Sonic eyed some onlookers who quickly looked away. He shuddered.

“What do you mean?” Knuckles grabbed another grape cluster. 

“It’s just, I haven’t exactly been greeted welcomingly. Things aren’t like old times anymore.”

“So?” Knuckles smiled, almost as if he were oblivious to the hedgehog's implications.

“So? Have you seen the press? ‘Sonic the failure! Sonic the hasbeen! Sonic the disappointment!’ I used to be somebody!” Sonic gripped his face into his hands.

“Who said you aren’t still somebody?” Knuckles leaned forward. “And reporters who are out to make a measly paycheck don’t count.”

Sonic looked at his chili dogs as he lowered his hands and stayed silent.

“You know,” Knuckles started. “You didn’t see it, but my start to my boxing career was rough.”

“Knuckles, please.” Sonic placed his arms on the table as he looked down. “You don’t have to-”

“Do you know what it was like to be referred to as ‘Sonic’s dimwit?’ or “Sonic’s charity friend?’ It was terrible!” Sonic’s eyes peered up at Knuckles, in a saddened wonder. 

“...What?”

“Back after Rouge and I got married, I told her on our honeymoon that I wanted to become a boxing champion with my free time. She supported the notion and that was what I set my goals toward. When I got back, I was hoping to tell you, but you were gone. Nevertheless, I decided to start practicing. When I first started out, I was being labeled by the press as a ‘meathead’ or a ‘nepo baby.’ But that didn’t matter to me. I was doing something that was making me happy, and I wanted to be someone that my wife would be proud to call her husband. All that mattered to me were those two things. And once I won my first fight, people started to notice me in a new light- and even respecting me. When I did this, I didn’t do this for the social validation, but for the joy that boxing gave me.”

Sonic’s eyes didn’t leave Knuckles’.

“So,” Knuckles leaned back as the waiter brought over more grapes. “What brings you your spark?”

“I… I dunno.” Sonic sighed as he ate another chili dog. “I used to love protecting everyone from Eggman, but now that he’s retired, I don’t really know what else to do.”

“Well, maybe it’s time for a new spark.”

There was silence for a moment. 

“You said you came back to see how we all are. What do you think of your old pals?” Knuckles tossed a grape into his mouth.

“Wow,” Sonic took a sharp exhale. “Well, the first one I ran into was Tails. I’m proud that my brother turned into the fox he is today. His apartment is amazing. Plus, it makes sense that the guy created something out of his genius brain. Then there’s you, you used your brute strength to build a name for yourself and now people are betting literal cash on you. Amy, I’ve seen her stores pop up everywhere so that has to be a good sign. I mean, she’s always had an exceptional eye and taste, so, figures. And Rouge was already successful but now she’s made it to mega-stardom.” Sonic mentioned them all, kind of hoping Knuckles would forget about Shadow.

“And Shadow?”

Nevermind.

“Shadow,” Sonic was at a loss for words, he didn’t know how to articulate it, which was why he was hoping Knuckles would have forgotten him. “I can’t explain it. He just lives by himself. He says Rouge visits once in a blue moon, but not for long usually. He just exists in near total isolation, but he doesn’t seem to mind? He went from being on team Eggman, to joining us, to now no longer fighting against anybody. He’s really worked on himself. He isn’t anything noteworthy, but he’s okay with that- maybe that’s why he’s so noteworthy to me.” Sonic stuffed another chili dog. 

“And I can’t help but feel like…” Sonic paused after he swallowed another bite. “I feel like there’s something deeper.”

“Well, I can’t deny that. There’s typically more than meets the eye, especially with that guy.” Knuckles assured his dinner buddy.

“What do you mean?” Sonic eyed the athlete.

“Well, to be honest…” Knuckle’s communicator beeped with an alarm-style pattern. “Oh, I gotta go pick up my wife.” Knuckles ate another grape, seeming to almost forget about his alarm instantly. “Well, I guess maybe you should spend more time with him?” Knuckles rested his head on his fist- avoiding his spiked knuckled gloves. He didn't seem to be in a rush.

“Nuh-uh,” Sonic said through a bite of chili dog, sauce dripping from the corner of his mouth. “He’s made it clear that he doesn’t want any sort of socializing.” Sonic used a fresh napkin to wipe his mouth.

“Hmm. If you say so.” Knuckles noted his communicator beeping again. “Okay, okay, I’m going!” He opened his communicator's screen to note a text message. “That’s Rouge. She needs me to pick her up so we can get her club ready. We’re having the tournament opening party tomorrow!” Knuckles got up from the table, and turned back to Sonic for a minute. “It sounds like you have a lot to think about. If Shadow is the one who impresses you most, perhaps you should do what he does and see how you feel.”

“Maybe, I dunno.” Sonic said.  He was impressed at how much awareness and emotional intelligence the echidna had.

“Well, feel free to eat as many chili dogs as your stomach desires. I’ll have the waiter put them all on my tab.” 

Sonic watched the Echidna make his way out of the building, with onlookers doing double takes. Sonic wanted to stay and eat until he'd bust, but the looks from strangers were still irritating him.

Maybe he would get a few platters to go.

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Vincent Tone - New Summits

As the sunlight woke Sonic up, he felt like he had traveled through different dimensions- and if anybody would know what that was like, it was him. Once again, he forgot that he was now in Tails’ guest room, and at this point he didn’t think he would ever get used to it. 

Sonic walked towards his floor length window that took up the entire wall as he looked down at the people walking the streets, each one having a life completely of their own that he had no idea about. As he noted the late-morning light, he started thinking about what it was that everybody in his own life seemed to be doing.

Tails, for the fun of it, would run random experiments to inspire himself, and Sonic could attest as he’s witnessed the countless explosions and burning smells from Tails’ home lab since staying with his golden buddy these past few days.

Amy, assuming she’s the same person, would draw up a new fashion design or redecorate her spaces.

Knuckles found joy in simply hitting a punching bag.

Rouge would just buy a new bag.

But Shadow found peace through running on the beach, and being isolated.

As Sonic thought about it, he hadn’t run properly in ages. Sure, he traveled, but he couldn’t remember when he last ran, just for the sake of stretching out his legs. 

Knuckles’ voice echoed in his head: If Shadow is the one who impresses you most, perhaps you should do what he does and see how you feel.

Shadow had said that he wasn’t willing to train alongside Sonic, however he said nothing about training on that glorious beach. Sonic looked at his communicator as the time displayed: Wednesday, 11:24 A.M. He could make it to Emerald Beach by the time noon rolled around. 

It had been a while since Sonic had last taken his own legs on a spin for fun. He decided to take it easy and jog his way to Emerald Beach, which still surpassed average mobian speed exponentially. He decided that Emerald Beach was the best place, because for one, the scenery was beautiful. The way the light danced on the waves and the greenery around him flourished, it was truly a spectacle of nature. For two, the area was open and vast. He didn’t have to watch for any passer-bys, buildings or congested traffic. And to add a third reason, Shadow went for runs in that area. Maybe doing something he loved while being alone in that space was all that he needed.

 Eventually, he made it to a sight that he thought was familiar. He saw the white sands and smelled the fresh sun-kissed air that blew through his quills. Making it to the vast open beaches, he stood along the coastline for a bit with his fists on his hips, looking towards the big blue. Usually, Sonic would start to cower at the mere sight of large bodies of water. But this beach was so peaceful and so calm. With his olive green jacket flapping in the wind as he prepared himself to start running, he started thinking about Shadow. Can I even remember my last encounter with him?  Sonic started to jog his way down the coastline.

His first encounter hadn’t been great, to put it lightly. At the time, Shadow was trying to assist Dr. Eggman to gain control of the world, thinking that doing so would avenge his late friend, Maria, who had gave up her own life at such an young age to save him. Shadow aided by stealing Chaos Emeralds from banks everywhere, but because Shadow was unknown, and had a strikingly similar appearance to Sonic, the authorities thought that Sonic was the one stealing the emeralds, and wrongly imprisoned him. 

Sonic chuckled at the thought as he sped into a pace.

There was another moment where Sonic needed a chaos emerald but didn't have one. So his solution, for whatever reason, was to race Shadow for his emerald. Long story short, Sonic raced Shadow for it and won, ‘fair and square.’ Turns out, Shadow had tricked Sonic by giving him a fake gem. In the moment, Sonic was pretty upset. But to be fair, he was the one who put themselves in that position. Looking back on it, it was kinda funny.

Sonic started to glide forwards as the beach air raised his quills.

His last memory with Shadow was after Rouge and Knuckles’ wedding. Sonic was leaning on the door of the reception venue, looking down the stairs at the limo in the driveway as wedding guests left the building. Shadow and Knuckles were helping Rouge gather her regal yet expansive dress so she could fit in the car. After a little bit of struggle, Shadow stood back as he waved to the happy couple, who responded with the same gesture. 

“It’s crazy that we can finally do things like this, isn’t it?” Sonic asked Shadow. Startled, Shadow looked towards Sonic, at first annoyed but then happy that it was his cobalt amigo.

“Ha.” Shadow snickered. “Who would have thought that the day would come where we could all just enjoy our lives?” Shadow lowered his waving hand as he approached Sonic.

“It’s incredible what we can do when eggface isn’t attacking us.” Sonic started to approach Shadow. “Tails has more time for experiments, Amy started designing her own clothes and we just had a wedding for our friends.” Sonic and Shadow were now face to face. “I can’t help but feel like there’s more to come!”

“Maybe.” Shadow replied. “Any ideas on what you’re gonna do?”

“Hmmm.” Sonic pondered. He hadn’t really thought about it. “Honestly, I’m not sure. There’s so much I could do. Like become a police officer or security guard!”

“That might be fitting.” Shadow offered a hint of a smile. “You’ve saved the world time and time again, so with a resume like yours, you’re guaranteed to find work.”

“Thanks, bud.” Sonic patted his own back. “What about you? What are you gonna do?”

Shadow’s hint of joy disappeared.

“I’m not sure.” Shadow looked off in the direction of the newlyweds. “I can’t help but notice that I’ve come out of my shell more. I haven’t felt like this since…”

“Since Maria.” Sonic finished the noir hedgehog’s sentence. Even though he was looking in the opposite direction of Sonic, it was still evident to the mentioned that Shadow winced at hearing her name.

“Yeah.”

There was a long pause before Shadow turned towards Sonic.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid of the possibility of what could happen.”

“Huh?” Sonic asked. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Shadow looked towards the ground. “I don’t want us to drift apart. Now that we’re at a point where we can all enjoy ourselves, I’d hate to have something that I’ve yearned for, for so long, taken away from me again.”

Sonic looked Shadow up and down before placing a hand on his shoulder, getting the attention of ruby eyes that looked towards emerald.

“That’s not gonna happen.” Sonic said with that arrogant grin of his. When they first met it used to bother Shadow, but over time he got used to it- and now he even found comfort in that infamous smile.

“You promise?” Shadow raised an eyebrow.

“I promise.” Sonic’s emerald eyes didn’t look away from Shadow’s ruby eyes.

Sonic came back to reality as if he just crash landed a rocket. It was wild how vivid his imagination could be sometimes.

Shadow. Sonic picked up his speed even more. Is that why you’re isolated? Is it because of me?   Sonic was now in a full fledged sprint.

Did I break my promise?

Sonic tried to outrun his thoughts but couldn’t flee from the guilt about breaking his promise. He had known how sensitive Shadow was and how hard it was for him to open up. He’d abandoned Shadow in a time when Sonic was needed most, and he promised he wouldn’t. Just as Sonic started to press for more speed, a flash of gold popped up in front of him, going where he was going. And for a moment, things came to a halt.

To any normal person, the flash would have disappeared as fast as it arrived. But Sonic, in his literal sonic speed, was able to see something that most wouldn’t have been able to catch onto.

A few feet in front of him, Shadow appeared. The first thing to note was his form, Sonic noted that Shadow was using every cell in his body to propel himself forward. Every muscle was engaged and every bone was carefully articulated. Shadow’s face was focused on where he was going: he wasn’t just running to run, but running to get to his serene peace. His voluminous quills glistened in the light and trailed behind him like he was a shooting star. The golden glow around him only reflected off the water droplets that formed on his fur from running through humid beach puddles, which only made him look that much more majestic. His shorts- navy blue in opposition to the orange ones he was sporting last they spoke- allowed for full extension of his legs. Sonic couldn’t look away, it was like looking at a horse running accross a desert.

Sonic forgot to place his foot down and tripped as he twisted his ankle, snapping him back to reality, again.

Shadow looked behind him at the tumbling hedgehog before skidding to a stop. As Shadow turned around, Sonic clumsily rolled towards Shadow’s feet. The blue blur squeezed his eyes shut as he felt the grains of sand in his eyes. Opening his eyes slowly, he got a close up of a pair of white shoes with red soles. Realizing who they belonged to, he turned his gaze upwards to a puzzled Shadow. 

“Heh… Hey, Shads…” Sonic tried to cover his embarrassment with his swagger. It wasn’t working.

“Did you just… trip?” Shadow crossed his arms as he looked at Sonic. Back when they were friends, it was unlike Sonic to fall like this.

“Help a brother up?” Sonic offered a small smile as he extended his hand. As Shadow sighed, he took the blue hedgehog’s hand as he hoisted him up. 

“Thanks.” Sonic dusted himself off. 

“We are not related.” Shadow ignored Sonic’s thanks. “Didn’t I tell you I like training alone?”

“Yeah, but I’m not training with you, I’m just going on a beach run!” Sonic jokingly stuck out his tongue, although Shadow was not amused.

Tough crowd.

“I’m going to continue on ahead.” Shadow turned to launch himself.

“Wait!” Shadow winced as Sonic called out to him.

“What now, hedgehog?” Shadow stood tall as he turned his face to Sonic.

“I could really go for a drink of water. I’ll race you back to your place!” Sonic’s face was beaming.

“There’s plenty of water in the ocean,” Shadow turned to start running. “Help yourself.”

In a flash of gold, he was gone. 

Sonic was all alone again.

“Uuuuuugh!” Sonic groaned into Tails’ pillow. Tails was standing in the corner of the sunlit living room, unsure how to respond. He could sit in one of the champagne-colored chairs from his eight-piece seating set, leave the room and give Sonic some privacy, or just stay where he was.

“I thought that coming back here was gonna inspire me again.” Sonic rolled onto his back. “Like, we could all hang out again like old times sake! But everyone is just so-”

“Busy?” Tails answered with a smirk. “Well yeah, we all had to do something with ourselves.” 

“Maybe…” Sonic started as he rolled onto his side. “Maybe me coming back here was a mistake.”

“Don’t say that!” Tails made his way to the sofa where Sonic was having another one of his episodes. “Why would you being back here be a mistake?”

“Because we don’t hang out together anymore. We used to do everything as a group, and not only have I fallen off, but none of my old friends are even friends anymore!” Sonic sat upright.

“Well, you were always the one who kept the show running.” Tails crossed his legs as he leaned back into his seat. “Whether it was battling Eggman or going to eat, you always included everybody. Even Shadow used to go out a lot more.” Tails patted his adoptive brother’s shoulder as he rose from the couch. “Maybe you could get us all together again!” Tails was saying this more out of wishful thinking rather than suggestion. Being a big time tech company runner was a rewarding but lonely path.

Together again…

Tails exited the room as Sonic sat with his thoughts. Didn’t Rouge say she was hosting a party?

Sonic remembered his invite and opened his communicator to check the invitation date. The party was in a couple of hours, and to Sonic’s advantage, he was allowed a plus one.

“Heya, Tails? You busy tonight?”

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Flashing Lights - Kanye West (Slowed)

After getting dressed in something that seemed to say ‘meh,’ Tails berated Sonic for not following suit, literally. After convincing Sonic that he should at least wear a pair of red dress shoes with his scarlet tie, and to take off that olive overcoat he always wore, the adoptive brothers made their way to the garage level of the building. Sonic was expecting that maybe they would just take a cab over, but Tails insisted that he drove. Sonic knew the fox was a great driver, and trusted Tails with his life more than any random cab driver. But when Tails brought him to the private garage, he couldn’t hold back his gasp. The vehicle was something similar to the Revolver Breaker- one of the highest coveted sports cars on the planet. This model wasn’t even supposed to be released to the public until next year. But Sonic also noted that there wasn’t even a logo. The car was a beautiful customized rust orange, that reflected light like a prism. It’s slick design looked like it might have been able to catch up to Sonic, even if he was jogging. And he could see through the windows that the interior was a fully leather, navy blue finish. Tails and Sonic were gonna be pulling up in this bad boy? Heck yes! Party on!

 As Tails and Sonic neared towards Club Rouge, Tails decided to pester his buddy.

“So, remind me again why you brought me along this time?” Tails asked as he guided the car through evening traffic. Sonic forgot how busy it could get.

“To get everyone back together again!” Sonic said with a deep inhale as he put his legs on the dashboard.

“Hey!” Tails swatted his blue limbs, playfully. “Not my precious baby!”

“Ah. Sorry.” Sonic gulped. Tails noted how nervous Sonic seemed to be.

“Hey, I was just kidding.” Tails brought the car to a stop while the light was red. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah! I’m great! Who’s nervous? Me? No! definitely not me!” Sonic made the fakest grin Tails had ever seen.

“You know, if you want, we can just turn around. I’ll pull in up here, and-”

“No!” Sonic exclaimed. “I mean- sorry. It’s not that, but from what I gather, you guys don’t talk as much as you guys once did. I just kinda wanna see everyone together again. Like old times, you know?”

“Is that why you invited me?” Tails pressed the gas as he drove onwards, making a left at the advanced light.

“Kinda, yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to spend time with you, but maybe we all just need to find our way back to each other?”

“Well,” Tails turned the car right. “I don’t wanna put a damper on your parade, but realistically speaking, things aren’t like before. We might not click the same way as we used to.”

“Ah…” Sonic slumped in his chair, which Tails caught onto.

“Cheer up, bud. At the very least, you and I can keep each other company.” Tails smiled at Sonic, who returned the expression. Tails looked out Sonic’s window, Sonic’s eyes soon following.

“We’re here!” The fox put his car in park as he settled into the front of the club. Sonic got out as he watched Tails pass off his key to the valet and security staff outside the arena.

“Invitation?” One of the violet-velvet suited bouncers asked.

“Oh!” Sonic darted his way to his pal. “Right here. Heh. For Sonic, and plus one.” He showed his communicator-displaying the invitation- to the bouncer while wrapping his arm around Tails’ shoulder. The bouncer looked the blue hedgehog up and down.

“Uh... Go on ahead.”

There was that stare again.

“Thanks!” Sonic took his arm off tails as he walked in with a cheeky grin, Tails looking at Sonic in confusion. 

“What was that?” Tails asked.

“What was what?”

“He looked at you like…”

“Like I’m a bum? Yeah. I’m used to that.” Sonic used his grin to mask his true feelings.

As the two ascended up the stairs to the main event hall, Tails noticed more and more people looking at Sonic in confusion.  

“Is this… Is this what things are like for you?” Tails eyed his blue friend as Sonic brought his clenched hands together. Tails knew Sonic was feeling down, but he never would have imagined that he was essentially outcasted.

Before Sonic could respond, a deep, raspy but feminine voice called out.

“Blue!”

The pair looked in the direction of the voice- it was Rouge, wearing a floor length scarlet sweetheart dress with a pair of matching, silk opera gloves. Rouge was definitely her color.

“I was hoping you would show up!” She came over from a group of reporters as she extended a hug towards Sonic, and when she rose to face Sonic’s friend in a fully red tuxedo, she didn’t realize that it was also her friend from all those years ago.

“No way. Tails?” She approached the fox, who had been stunned by her presence since he laid eyes on her.

“Wow. Knuckles is one lucky mister.”

“Oh, you flatter me! How have you been old friend?” 

“Old friend?” A nearby reporter inquired. “Mrs. Rouge, what is your relationship to the tech guru?” Sonic winced slightly at the question. Even Tails got praise in public.

“Tails and I used to battle Dr. Eggman regularly, back in the day. He’s the definition of genius!” She departed from the interviewer as she brought the two over to a booth table where Knuckles and Amy had been sitting.

“Sonic!” Knuckles raised a glass of beer as laid eyes on his friend. He was wearing a casual forest green blazer- very off theme. Amy turned her gaze towards the blue hedgehog before her face lit up. Sonic noted that she was wearing a sunset red slip dress that cascaded down her body beautifully. Additionally, Sonic noted that she seemed less tense than the last meeting.

“We were wondering if you were gonna show!” Amy said as she moved over to make room for seating. She looked at Sonic’s friend and her jaw dropped.

“Tails! Where have you been?”

“I could ask you the same thing!” Tails said as he scooted into the booth. They were arranged so that on one side, Tails was sitting beside Sonic, who was sitting beside Knuckles. Across from Knuckles was Amy, while Rouge slid in to sit beside her.

“I do hope traffic wasn’t too bad for you gentlemen.” She flagged down one of her waiters. “A bottle of 64’ Brute Rose.”

“It was nothing I’m not used to.” Tails chuckled. “I love what you’ve done with the place!” Tails noted that the club room was designed in a midnight blue theme, with flawless white marble floors and tables, suede seating and red decor for the party’s theme. It was spacious, and the music was audible but still allowed you to hear yourself think.

“Thank you. Once I heard that I had the honor of hosting the MWC, I knew that the old club just wasn’t up to par. Especially when the competitors are of my husband’s caliber.”

“Ha!” Knuckles laughed loudly. “Those guys ain’t got nothin on me!” Knuckles drank to his own praise.

The waiter returned with the Brute Rose and glasses as requested by Rouge. She poured them each a glass as a thank you for showing up, while the group talked for a bit about everything, although Sonic was still puzzled as to why Amy was suddenly so calm around him.

“Hey, Knucks,” Sonic whispered to Knuckles. “Why is she being so… Nice ? Last time, she could barely hold her tea. Literally.” Knuckles downed his drink.

“Well, she has grown as an individual. Give her some credit! She’s matured over the years and learned to be an adult!”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Sonic felt like an idiot. Of course Amy would have grown up, too. It just sucked that it seemed like she did a better job at that than he did.

“You know,” Tails placed his half empty glass on the table. “This is nice. Being able to catch up with everybody all over again. It’s kinda like old times, eh Sonic?” Knuckles and Amy’s faces lit up while Rouge’s face slightly dimmed. Sonic eyed Rouge and realized there was still one more of their friends missing.

“Well, you’re right about one thing- this is a nice thing. But this isn’t everyone.” Sonic looked to Rouge, Tails’ eyes following.

“Well, I invited him, but it appears that he’s always busy.” Rouge downed her glass. “Every event I host, I always make sure he receives an invite, but he never even RSVPs.”

"I'm confused." Tails looked back to Sonic. "Who are we missing?"

"Well, Shadow isn't really the party type."

"Oh..." Tails trailed off as he felt his stomach drop.  He might be a tech guru, but he felt like such an idiot for for forgetting about Shadow. Sonic noticed Tails' face as he looked to Amy and Knuckles. The table seemed to dampen in atmosphere for a minute. Then Sonic had yet again, another brilliant idea.

“I could go get him!” Sonic lit up as the table looked at him.

“Eh, I suppose I should leave him be.” Rouge crossed her arms, waving off Sonic's proposal. “If he doesn’t want to show up-”

“Oh come on! I’ll be there in a flash, literally!” Sonic shot a thumbs up at the bat.

“Trust me, Rouge,” Tails got up to let Sonic out of the booth. “If anybody can bring people together, it’s Sonic. He's got this.”

Rouge paused for a moment before straightening her posture.

“Okay. But if he proves to be too much trouble, then don’t stress yourself.” Rouge exhaled as she closed her eyes. “I have to go give the press a few statements, anyways.”

“It’s just Shadow,” Sonic dismissed. “How hard could it possibly be?”

Sonic bolted his way in a flash of blue as Rouge placed her fingers on her temples.

“You have no idea, blue.”

Once again, Sonic made his way to Shadow’s lodge- this time, in record time. The evening sunset reflected a tangerine hue over the beach, and it only looked more like paradise. As Sonic made his way up the steps to the glass door, he went to open it- this time, it was locked. Figures . Sonic peaked into the glass to see if he could find the black hedgehog. Sure enough, he could see him sitting in his hanging chair, reading in the lamp’s incandescent glow. Sonic lightly knocked on the glass door, as to not disturb Shadow too much. Looking up from his book towards the door, Shadow paused for a moment as he rose from his chair. Sonic backed away as Shadow opened the door.

“What do you want, faker?” Sonic caught a whiff of lavender as Shadow coldly greeted him.

“Awe, it’s great to see you too Shads!” Sonic pretended to flutter his lashes as he puckered his lips. 

“I assume you have important business, considering this is your second time here today.” Shadow opened the door to let Sonic in as he backed away, unphased by Sonic’s attempt of humor.

This was going to be harder than he thought.

“Technically, that was the beach, not your house!”

“So I’ll assume it’s not important.” Shadow waved off.

“ Well, I would say it’s kinda important.” Sonic followed Shadow into his kitchen again as he noticed Shadow’s ear twitch in the sunset’s glow.

“Is someone hurt?” Shadow stopped as he turned to face Sonic. 

“I mean, she’s unharmed-”

“What happened?” Shadow took a stance as if he was ready to pounce.

“Whoa, whoa,” Sonic said as he backed into the dining table behind him. “Let’s not-”

“Who needs help?” Shadow's fist started to glow with chaos energy.

“Well, it’s Rouge-”

“Rouge.” Shadow stood in his stance for a minute. “Wait a second.” He softened his posture. “Isn’t she hosting a party right now?”

“...Yeah?” Sonic offered a sheepish smile.

Shadow understood what was going on.

“So she isn’t hurt.”

“Not exactly.”

“How?” Shadow walked to his chalet window as he looked at his beach garden. By now, the sky had faded from fuchsia and honey to lilac and periwinkle, the midnight black oncoming. “She’s having a party, everyone’s happy to see her, what could distress her?”

“The fact that you’re not there.” Sonic said as he noticed Shadow’s body soften.

“She’s a grown woman. She can get over it.”

“Shadow,” Sonic walked towards the mentioned. “She sends you invite after invite, to every party she’s hosted, hoping to see your face. She misses you. If you could have seen her face when we were talking about you-”

“We?”

“Well, yeah. Me, her, Tails, Knuckles and Amy.”

Shadow turned his face towards Sonic, revealing a guarded expression. 

“So what?”

“Come on!” Sonic placed his hand on Shadow’s shoulder. “You, me, Rouge, the entire gang back together again! We were all having a blast, but we realized it’s not the same because you’re not there!”

Shadow didn't budge.

"Shadow, I also think, deep down... You want to go. The fact that you were willing to jump to her defenses before I even said a word, proves you care about her. What if..." Sonic looked towards the darkening sky. "What next time, there's nothing you can do? Then what?"

Shadow signed as he rolled his eyes. “If I go, will you get your grubby fur out of my house?”

“If that’s what it takes, yes.” Sonic ignored the insult as he looked back towards Shadow. “But you have to get dressed. Roller skates are not on the dress code.” Sonic teased.

“They’re air shoes.”

“Well, what about that scarf Rouge bought you?”

“Hmmm.” Shadow closed his eyes as he held his chin. “I suppose that could be a nice tribute. Wait here.”

Sonic chuckled as his former rival darted to his bedroom.

Like I said, piece of cake.

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Lovesick Girls - Blackpink

Bonus Scene: I Said, They're Air Shoes.

Inspired by SlendrBend

As Shadow descended his humble staircase wearing a burnt orange blazer along with the scarf Rouge picked out for him years ago, Sonic was pretty impressed at how Shadow could make even the most simple attire look good. He then looked towards Shadow's feet and pointed at the charcoal hedgehog's shoes.

"Dude! I told you, it's a fancy party! You can't wear roller skates! What are those?"

"And I told you," Shadow made his way to meet Sonic at the bottom of the stairs now. "They're air shoes."

"Blah, blah," Sonic moved his gloved hand in a mocking tone as if it were a puppet. "Air shoes, shut up! They're just roller skates!" Sonic crossed his arms as he grinned a little too cheekily towards his former rival, who was looking at him with pure disdain.

Suddenly, Sonic felt very dizzy as he saw double vision, and his jaw felt like it was on fire.

"Air shoes." Sonic twirled himself around as he tried to stabilize himself. "Got it."

Sonic slumped to the floor.

After the sun had set, Sonic, his jaw still a little sore from earlier, found himself running alongside - not racing - Shadow. 

“So…” Shadow started the conversation for once. “How is everybody?”

“Well,” Sonic said, his feet simultaneously pacing as fast as a hummingbird’s wings. “Tails is doing pretty awesome. That brain of his ended up being his best asset. Rouge, we already went over, she’s successful but sad she didn’t see you.”

Sonic noticed Shadow’s permanent frown intensify.

“Ahem… Um, there’s Amy, I dunno. The first time I saw her, she seemed disoriented. Rouge said that things got messy after I left. So I kinda felt bad, but she seemed like nothing ever happened when I saw her. And Knuckles is one of the competitors for the MWC! Hosted by Rouge!”

“Ah, yes.” Shadow stayed focused on skating alongside Sonic. “I briefly recall a couple of years ago, Rouge said that Knuckles was going to start competing.”

“You know, that reminds me.” Sonic’s tie blazed behind him, like fire. “I'm confused. Isn’t Rouge basically your closest friend?”

“In a sense.” Shadow didn’t take his eyes off of the road. “Rouge and I have been through much together. In recent times, she’s been too busy to make it out to see me.”

“So why don’t you go see her?”

“None of your business, faker.”

“Oh come on! We’ve got 10 more minutes before we get there!” Sonic made a pleading face.

“I will turn around, and you can explain to Rouge why you returned empty handed.”

“Jeez. Uptight as ever.” Sonic chuckled to himself. Shadow just grunted as he powered forward.

“Well, what about you?” Shadow returned the favor. “Find your spark yet?”

“Well, I think so.” Sonic tried to keep up with Shadow. “I don’t know for sure, but I think I’ve found my path. I just need to test it out first and see how it goes.”

“Care to tell me your plan?”

“You’ll see!” Sonic surpassed Shadow once more as Shadow bolted himself forwards. 

After a couple of minutes, they finally arrived.

“Here we are!” Sonic noted that his tie had actually been set ablaze by the speed he was going. While he was jumping around to try and put it out, Shadow extinguished the tie by grabbing the ember-trodden ends.

“Phew, thanks pal. Really saved my quills.”

“Don’t mention it.” Shadow said with a stone cold face. Sonic shuddered.

“Well, we should probably head inside before everyone starts to wonder what’s taking so long.” Sonic started to take strides towards the revolving door. 

Shadow suddenly felt his chest swell up as he looked at the door.

“You coming?” Sonic looked towards Shadow with a grin.

Shadow had trained himself over the years to not let his true emotions show. He always wore a face of slight annoyance. That way, nobody could read him.

Despite his pounding chest, his disoriented eyes and hearing his own heartbeat in his ears, he proceeded to step forward, adjusting his scarf as he did so.

“I still think that it’s absolutely incredible that you’ve managed to build a company that specializes in almost all forms of tech! You’ve even surpassed Eggman!” Amy expressed her admiration for her fox friend.

“Well, I had a great team to back me up back in the day. You guys allowed me to explore my creativity with my inventions!” Tails tried to shift the credit. “I’m more so trying to fathom how Knuckles made it to the MWC. It’s one of the most highly prestigious sporting events in the world! It makes sense given his super strength, but it’s still majorly notable!”

“And Amy,” Rouge returned to the table after giving a few reporters some insights. She had briefly heard the conversation as she returned to her booth. “Don’t forget, similarly to Tails, you also built quite an empire for yourself.”

“True!” Tails exclaimed. “You do the same thing as me, taking your ideas and turning them into reality!”

“You guys are too sweet!” Amy smiled coyly as she covered her cheeks with her hands. She suddenly heard her communicator's alarm beep. "Oh, drat! I need to go get my beauty sleep!" She looked up from the table, feeling a longing feeling coming over her. Her friends seemed to also match her feelings.

"What?" Tails eyed her. "But Sonic isn't even back yet!"

True. Amy would have hated to leave without seeing Sonic. And she had to be honest, she hadn't enjoyed a party like this one in eons. When would she get a chance to hang out like this again?

"You know what?" Amy looked at Rouge. "I think I'll stay. I'd hate to waste all those hours on this red dress just for it to not even get an hour of attention!" The bat's eyes slightly widened.

"Oh," Rouge tried to respond. This is a first, Amy staying past her usual early bedtime?  "Well, I'd be happy to have you stick around!"

“Say,” Knuckles leaned an elbow on the table. “I wonder what’s taking Sonic so long? I thought he would have been back by now.” Knuckles fixed his green collar while he looked at Rouge with an expression of genuine concern, Tails and Amy following suit.

“Awe, come on guys.” Tails tried to lighten the mood. “I’m sure he’s fine!”

“I hope so.” Rouge looked towards the venue entrance. Suddenly, as if on cue, Sonic came over the stairs' horizon that lead to the doorway. 

Rouge’s face lit up, as did the others when they followed her gaze. However, their faces turned more to shock when the crowd cleared up in front of them, revealing Shadow beside him. 

Suddenly, the only noise at the party was the background music. Everyone in the venue shifted their attention to the hedgehogs.

Sonic didn’t seem to mind. 

“Oh, look! It’s our friends!” Sonic casually strolled on by, blissfully unaware of Shadow’s cement legs. And one couldn’t blame him- Shadow covered his true emotions well. Even Rouge tended to have a harder time reading him.

“Is that Shadow?”

“What’s he doing here?”

“I haven’t seen him in ages.”

After taking a deep breath, Shadow walked behind his lapis colored friend, and from the outside, nobody would guess he wanted to hurl.

Eventually, after following Sonic over to the table, the room started to pick up again. 

“Heya guys!” Sonic slid in beside Tails. “Told ya I could do it!”

“Wait,” Shadow looked towards Sonic with furrowed brows. “Was this a bet?”

“Of course not,” Sonic raised his arms in defense. “I just wanted Rouge to be happy!”

“Shadow…” Rouge rose from the table, almost in disbelief. “You… You made it!” Rouge broke into a smile as she hugged her old friend.

“Please," Rouge broke from the hug as she slid into the booth again. "Take a seat!” Rouge sat herself down as she patted the empty space beside her and across from Sonic. Shadow took a deep breath as he took her offer.

“So Shadow…” Sonic attempted to start a conversation, but a reporter came over and interrupted.

“Mrs. Rouge!” The reporter, to the horror of everybody, reached her mic into Rouge’s face as her cameraman panned in. “This is the first time in years that any of us have seen Shadow in public! How did you do it?”

“Why, I…” Rouge was about to call out the reporter, but Shadow interrupted as he pulled the mic towards his own face, eyes closed in annoyance.

“Well, if you must know, to the point of barging in on private conversations,” Shadow opened his eyes towards Sonic as Rouge summoned one of her bouncers. “It was Sonic who convinced me to come by. Apparently, I needed a change of pace, and there were people here who valued my presence. I have to say, this guy really is something. Thanks, Sonic.”

The entire table stared in disbelief as they witnessed Shadow extend a thanks to Sonic.

“Did you just...” Sonic was once again cut off as a bouncer escorted the reporter and cameraman out of the building. He really couldn’t get a word in today, huh?

All the attention shifted back onto Shadow.

“Well?” He asked as he looked back at everyone. “What’s everybody been up to?”

After a few moments, of silence, Shadow started to think this was a mistake.

No, no, no, no! C’mon, Sonic thought to himself. He could feel his friends were on the brink of reconnection. Think, Sonic! Think!

“W-well, Knuckles,” Sonic gestured his hand towards the scarlet echidna, who straightened his posture. “The tough guy over here, is fighting in the MWC! Isn’t that right, Knucks? Tell him!”

“Yeah!” Knuckles flexed in his forest blazer, shredding it slightly to Rouge's dismay. “I’m gonna crush the competition!”

“I see.” Shadow said. “Rouge has told me a little bit about your endeavors in passing. It would be great to actually witness your rumored glory in person.”

“Absolutley! Rouge and I can probably set you up with a few tickets!” 

“I’d like that.” 

“Oh!” Sonic acted as if he had just remembered something. “And, of course, you’ll need something to wear, right? Amy could probably find you something!” Amy spat out her brut as she heard her name.

“Me? I-”

“I see. Amy, what kind of clothes do you specialize in?”

“Oh," Amy shyly played with a piece of her pink bob. "Well, we tend to focus on formal wear, as well as evening dress, but we also have casual fashion if that’s more up your ally.”

“Ah. I see. I’ve been meaning to upgrade my athleisure.”

“What have you been up to, Shadow?” Tails asked. He could sense that Sonic really wanted this to work.

“I spend my mornings running, read in the afternoon and occasionally, I’ll polish my motorcycle.”

“Oh nice! I’ve been meaning to do some more research on motorcycles. I’m thinking of expanding into the automotive industry!”

“Wait,” Sonic paused for a moment, a realization brewing. “Are you saying you built your car?” Sonic’s jaw nearly hit the floor.

“Heh, maybe.”

“Dude,” Sonic pressed his arms against the table in excitement. “That car looks like the latest sketches from the Revolver Breaker!”

"Who do you think designed it?" Tails asked, as if any other idea was ridiculous.

“The Revolver Breaker, huh?” Shadow said. “I haven’t seen any of the Revolver line in a while.”

“Well, I could show you, if you wanted. In fact, I’d love to take a gander at your motorcycle.”

“Sounds like a fair trade.” Shadow smirked. 

“Please,” Rouge continued. “You wouldn’t trade that thing if your life depended on it. I used to have to fight you for that thing!”

“I’ve spent a lot of time and money on that thing!” Shadow got defensive while Rouge laughed. 

“But you don’t even use it anymore! At least use that beauty to come pay me a visit!”

The conversation in front of Sonic took off well, and he felt his worries melt away.

Phew. Crisis averted.

As the night carried on, Sonic and his old pals continued to laugh and tell stories from over the years. Even Shadow, although less excited, seemed to be having a good time.

Later on, at the bar, Sonic decided to enjoy a Pina Colada. He looked over at his friends who had now migrated to the dance floor. He spotted Knuckles, Tails and Amy, while Rouge and Shadow caught up at their table.

He turned to continue slurping his drink when he heard a feminine voice beside him. 

“I’ll have what he’s having, please.” He looked up and noticed the pink quills.

“Amy! I thought you were with Knuckles and Tails!” Talk about a fast mover.

“Eh. A girl can only dance so much before she needs a drink!” The bartender placed her drink in front of her.

“So. How are you enjoying the evening, Mr. Social Butterfly?” Amy brought her straw to her lips.

“Actually? It’s going great. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was everything I've missed.” Sonic heard Amy chuckle a little bit. “I just wish it could always be like this.” Sonic started to swirl his slush.

“You know, Sonic,” Amy started after taking a sip of her own drink. “I wanted to apologize for earlier.”

“Huh?” Sonic looked up at Amy. “What do you mean?”

“At my atelier. I saw you, and it startled me.”

“Oh, that.” Sonic took a gulp. He wasn’t sure what to expect.

“Can I be open for a moment?” Amy met Sonic’s gaze. 

“I-I don’t see why not.” Sonic rested is head in his palm, elbow on the counter and did his famous cheeky grin that he pulled whenever he felt uncomfortable.

“When you left, it… it did something to me. I was angry. I didn’t know what happened. And it took me months to recover.”

“Ames, I’m-” Amy held her hand up.

“Let me speak, trust me.” Sonic just looked her in the eye as she took a breath. “I used to have feelings for you. Strong ones. And after Knuckles and Rouge’s wedding, I thought that maybe you and I would soon get together. But after months of wondering what happened, I realized that it was unfair for me to put that pressure on you. I had to learn to take accountability for myself and my own life, the same way you did yours.

“Amy, I had no idea.” Sonic slumped towards the mentioned.

“I know." Amy sighed. “I realized, I had no right to be angry at you. The worst part was, you didn’t know any of it. Once I realized that, I decided to do the work required to move on with my life. So, when I saw you, the first time, it brought me back to that place for a moment. But now, I can confidently say, I’m over you, completely, I'm so happy to have you back, and I hope this time, you’ll stay for a bit.”

Sonic felt relief ease his shoulders. 

“I have to say, I don’t know what I was expecting. It feels good to see you all again.”

“Sonic! Amy!” Tails came over and grabbed Amy and Sonic by the hands. “It’s 'Gotta Go Too Fast' by Dudeitude! We have to do the dance!” The two laughed as Tails brought them to the middle of the dance floor to rejoin with Knuckles.

“Well, well. Would you look at that.” Rouge looked to the four as Shadow turned to see what she was talking about. “I have to say. It’s nice seeing everyone here.” She crossed her legs under her scarlet gown.

“Well, it was your doing Rouge.” Shadow brought his glass of Hennessy to his lips and took a sip.

“Mmm, not entirely. That blue hedgehog over there?” Rouge pointed as she turned her gaze back to Shadow. “He did this.”

“How do you figure?” Shadow placed his empty glass on the table.

“True, I hosted this, and got everything in order, but if it wasn’t for him, Tails wouldn’t have shown up, and you definitely wouldn’t have made an appearance. Amy might have stayed for a few minutes out of business courtesy. But Sonic? He has that pull. He really was the glue that brought us all here.”

Actually, now that Rouge thought about it, every time she tried to bring Shadow out of hiding, it never went her way. He was always so adamant and resistant to her antics. She understood why Tails and Amy stayed for Sonic- their relationship dynamics made sense.

But Shadow?

He absolutely despised the blue hedgehog upon their first meeting.

What leverage could Sonic possibly have that drew S hadow i n?

Rouge decided she would have to inquire about this later- she wanted to enjoy her own party.

Towards the end of the night, Sonic found himself and Tails waiting outside the door. Tails was busy discussing a business venture with Amy, while Knuckles and Rouge were inside. This left Sonic waiting in the light spring breeze.

“I have to say,” Sonic turned to the composed and calculated voice. “That was the most fun I’ve had in years.”

“Well, I’m glad you came out!” Sonic raised his thumb to the dark hedgehog.

“If it weren’t for you,” Shadow thought to Rouge’s earlier statement. “This night might never have happened.”

“Nah. I’m sure-

“Dude,” Shadow interrupted. Again. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. I would have been at home, reading a book I’ve already read. I can’t thank you enough.”

Sonic smiled while the valet pulled up with Tails’ car. Shadow turned to the humming vehicle and even let out an audible gasp.

“Wow.” Shadow came closer to Sonic as they looked at the car. “Talk about a beauty.”

“Want a lift?” Sonic offered while Tails took the keys.

“Thanks, but I talked to Rouge. She’s gonna set me up with her chauffeur.”

“Oooh, a chauffeur! Fancy-pants-rich-McGee over here!” Sonic made a playful expression.

“Oh, can it, faker.” Shadow crossed his arms as he turned his head away, slightly, trying to hide the faint smile on his lips. It didn’t work.

There was a pause while Tails got in the car.

“Say…” Shadow continued, still looking away. “I know I said I didn’t want a running buddy, but, if you’re good to go for tomorrow,” Shadow looked back towards Sonic, arms still crossed. “Maybe we could go for a noon run. Clear our heads.”

“Yeah.” Sonic smiled at Shadow. “I’d like that.”

Suddenly there was a car horn, jolting the two boars.

“Sonic!” Tails called out. “Hate to cut your conversation short but I have an early rise tomorrow. Let’s go!”

“Ah! Coming!” Sonic turned to Shadow. “I’ll pop by for 11:45 in the morning!”

Sonic entered the car as he looked at Shadow, who was now standing beside Amy, both waving to the car. Sonic waved back while the car drove off.

As Sonic sat in the window’s breeze in the passenger seat, he thought to himself. The night had been successful, and ended better than Sonic had initially thought it would. He didn’t know what, but something that night ignited a spark within him again.

And this time, he was determined not to lose it.

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Lauv - Steal The Show

A few weeks passed by since Rouge’s tournament party. Knuckles had made his way up the ranks of the tournament, and as promised, Knuckles and Rouge arranged tickets for everybody for the semi-final championships. Everybody made sure their entire weekends were clear for the event. Not only that, but everyone made the effort to see each other more often- minus the exception of Shadow, who would only make appearances either with everyone present, or alone with Sonic or Rouge.

Also as promised, Shadow and Sonic spent more time racing by the waterside. Sonic was still a little rusty during their first few meetings, but after a few days of consistent practice, he gained back his usual speed, managing to consistently match Shadow’s speed. 

As Sonic opened his eyes to the light trickling into Tails’ guest bedroom window, he caught the blazing late spring sun illuminating the skyline around him. While he yawned himself awake, he checked his communicator. 10:19 A.M. He had some time still to fix up his quills, brush his teeth and maybe even eat some breakfast.

Sonic entered the kitchen to make breakfast, finding Tails enjoying a coffee while reading some documents, and saw a fuchsia garment bag that's plumpness suggested contents inside.

“Mornin’, buddy.” Sonic waved.

“You look like a tornado in hedgehog form.” Tails noted as he looked up towards his friend.

“Me? But I’m the prettiest princess there is!” Sonic dramatically brought the back of his hand to his forehead, as if to faint. Tails let out a chuckle as Sonic reached for the milk. “Hey, is it cool if I kill this?”

“Knock yourself out.” Tails said as he brought his attention back to his papers.

“Whatcha reading?” Sonic came closer to the table.

“Oh, this?” Tails pointed to his papers as he looked up at his unofficial roommate once more. “Amy dropped these off earlier. I thought it might be a great idea for us to do a collaboration where she designs a few pieces with that signature touch of hers. We’re meeting this morning so we can discuss our plan going forward.”

Sonic peered over Tails’ shoulder towards the papers. “Wow. Are those communicator straps? No wonder she built herself an empire.”

“I know, right?” Tails looked down at the sketches again before looking up. “Oh! This reminds me!”

Tails put down Amy’s sketches as he picked up the garment bag.

“Amy brought this for you!” He stood as he extended the bag towards Sonic.

“What? For me” Sonic raised an eyebrow as he used his free hand to accept the garment bag. Last he remembered, he could barely even afford to look at her store.

“Yeah, she said that she spent a few weeks creating it.” Tails’ communicator beeped. 

“Oh, drat.” Tails clicked his communicator alarm off. “I gotta go. She’s waiting for me in her atelier.” Tails picked up the sketches as he headed out. “I’ll see you later bro. Enjoy your run with Shadow!” 

Sonic finished up the milk and threw the carton in the kitchen’s garbage bag as he headed to his room. Holding the bag, he wondered what could  potentially be in it. Setting it on his bed, he noted that attached to the garment bag was a red envelope with his name on it. He took the envelope off and opened it carefully so as to not ruin the contents. As he opened a card that had a similar color to the envelope, he read:

To Sonic, the living reminder that your friends make everything around you so much greater, and are the best gifts life has to offer.

“ Awe.” Sonic chuckled as he tucked the card back in the envelope and placed it on his bed. Eying the fuchsia colored bag, he couldn’t resist anymore as his curiosity got the better of him.

Emerging from the bag was a pristine leather jacket, in his favorite color - true red. It had an asymmetrical, gold zipper and matching buttons on the side. It looked warm enough for winter, and simultaneously, cool enough for summer, literally. The way it glistened in the natural sunlight was a testament to Amy’s creative vision.

He gently laid it across his bed- this was probably the most expensive thing he’d ever own, maybe enough to cover his rent. 

As he went to the ensuite bathroom to fix his quills, he started thinking about where he would wear it.

Well, I could wear it anywhere, really. But next time we all hang out, or at Rouge’s next party, or on a date-

Wait. Who would I even wear it on a date with?

Sonic headed back into the bedroom, picking up his typical olive green overcoat from off the champagne armchair in the corner as he did so. He looked in the standing mirror by his bed once more before leaving as he straightened his jacket. But this time, something felt… different.

He stopped at the doorway as he looked once more at the red jacket on his bed.

Maybe it was time for something different.

Where is he?  Shadow waited on the beach in his usual burnt orange shorts, tapping his foot as he chewed on his last few coffee beans. Although Sonic had a reputation for being late, he was usually on time for their morning runs.

Shadow had to be honest. Life had gotten pretty boring up until recently. It was the same thing over and over again. He was still content, but the beach seemed to lose it’s glisten and the plant life seemed to die down. Although something about the past few weeks just brought that sparkle back to the beach, and the plants seemed more vibrant and fragrant than before.

Suddenly, in the distance, Shadow noted a flash of blue. At first he thought it was the hedgehog, but then realized that he wasn’t wearing his green overcoat. Instead, he saw a flash of red. Who is this person and why were they on Emerald Beach of all places?

Shadow took a stance as if he were expecting the worst, but as the blue flash neared, he realized- it was Sonic.

“Heya Shads!” Sonic came to a stop in front of the black hedgehog. “Like the new getup?”

“I hardly recognized you.” Shadow felt stupid, although he refused to show it. What other blue hedgehog could run at that speed?

“Ames made it for me!” Sonic jumped in a 360 spin to display her creation.

“It… suits you.” Shadow noted.

“Awe, c’mon.” Sonic playfully poked Shadow. “Don’t be jealous! I’m sure Amy would make you one, if you just asked nicely!”

“Pfft.” I don’t need fancy clothes.” Shadow took his launching position.

“Oh yeah? Prove it!” Sonic took a launching position as he locked eyes with Shadow.

Suddenly, the hedgehogs disappeared as a blast of wind came from where they were once standing.

About an hour later, the two hedgehogs were sprawled across white sands as they gathered their breath.

“I… I won..” Sonic huffed as he put his hand up to make a claim.

“Don’t kid yourself.” Shadow was heaving just as bad as Sonic.

“Pfft. You mean to.. to tell me the ultimate life form can’t… see that I’m the clear winner?” Sonic tried to mask his heavy breathing but failed miserably.

The hedgehogs could usually withstand this amount of time running. But when you’re trying to prove to the other that you’re the fastest being, it requires way more energy.

“You know,” Shadow started after gathering some more air. “You really are something, you know that?” Shadow rose to his feet.

“Oh, what’s that?” Sonic followed suit as he stood. “You think I’m something?” Sonic pretended to be flattered as he lightly punched Shadow’s shoulder.

“Don’t let it go to your head.” Shadow playfully nudged back.

“Heh. Of course not.” Sonic chuckled. “But you know, it actually means a lot, coming from you.”

“Well,” Shadow looked… defeated ? Sonic had never seen the onyx hedgehog make that face before. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find comfort in your presence.” Sonic shook his head. Come again?

Shadow seemed to read Sonic’s mind. 

“Back at Rouge’s party… I don’t know what you did, but you managed to bring everyone so close together. We hadn’t spoken in ages, and you made it seem like old times. And training with you on the beach, well, it just makes everything better. It’s nice to have someone who can actually keep up.”

Sonic took one of his gloved fingers and tried to see if his ears were clean.

“But if you tell anybody I told you this,” Shadow crossed his arms as he narrowed his eyes at Sonic. “I’ll throw you into the depths of the ocean.”

Sonic shuddered at the thought. 

“Noted.”

Sonic’s communicator lit up.

“Ah. I’m supposed to go meet up with Knuckles and Amy for coffee.” Sonic explained as he switched his communicator off.  “One more race back to your place?”

“Actually,” Shadow lowered his arms. “I need to head out this way a little more, check and see how the lavender is sprouting.”

“Ah.” Sonic looked a little defeated. “Well, I’m gonna get going then. Same time tomorrow?”

“Of course.”

Sonic darted off back towards Central City while Shadow stood with his thoughts. The lapis colored hedgehog seemed to take the atmosphere with him.

Suddenly, the beach seemed like it was dull once more, even with the full afternoon sun.

“Sonic! Over here!” Knuckles called to the blue hedgehog as he entered the cafe. Sonic spotted Knuckles and Amy sitting at the table positioned near the window.

“Hey guys!” Sonic took a seat beside Amy, across from Knuckles. 

“Wow,” Amy noted the jacket. “Impressive work, if I do say so myself.”

“Honestly, it couldn’t be better timing. I needed a change.”

“That’s my color!” Knuckles noted.

“Don’t worry Knuckles,” Amy swirled her coffee float. “Your uniform is almost complete.”

“Quite the designer, eh?” Sonic raised an eyebrow.” 

“Well, after seeing what Amy’s done with my wife, I had to secure her to make my uniform- I want to look spectacular when I win my first championship!”  

“And that you will.” Amy assured Knuckles as he drank his black coffee. 

Knuckles extended another drink towards Sonic. “Cold brew with 3 extra shots of espresso, as usual.”

“How can you drink that?” Amy asked, raising an eyebrow. “Most of us would die after 2 sips!”

“I’m not a normal hedgehog, Amy. And besides, Gotta Go Fast!” Sonic took a swig of his coffee. “Ah, that hits the spot.”

“So Sonic,” Knuckles put down his coffee cup. “How’s Shadow doing?”

“He’s great. Why do you ask?”

“Just checking.” Knuckles chuckled to himself. “I remember you said you were most impressed by him. It’s clear that you’re enjoying your time with him.”

“Well, yeah, he’s a pretty worthy opponent.” Sonic put his coffee where his mouth was.

“Not to mention, you’re glowing. Much more than before.” Amy rested her elbows on the table as she looked at the blue hedgehog.

“What?” Sonic licked the coffee that spilled all over his mouth. “Post-workout glow.”

“I know glows. This isn’t something you can get from a workout.”

“And I know workouts,” Knuckles chimed in. “No amount of sweat can look that vibrant, no matter how rigorous the workout is.”

“Oh please.” Sonic slumped. “You guys are so dramatic.”

“Au contraire.” Amy continued as she raised her index finger. “Shadow also isn’t the type to socialize.”

“You got him to come out to Rouge’s party, even she alone couldn’t do that.” Knuckles shrugged.

“C’mon guys, it wasn’t too hard.” Sonic sat up. “I was just nice to him!”

“Sonic,” Amy raised an eyebrow. “Rouge has always been nice to Shadow. I don’t think it’s just that you were nice .”

“Dude!” Sonic extended his arms. “He’s not that hard to get along with!”

Amy and Knuckles stayed quiet for a moment.

“Say,” Amy started. “You hang out with him more than the rest of us. What gives?”

“Well, for starters,” Sonic started to count the reasons on his hand. “He’s available. Don’t get me wrong, you guys are great, but you guys have adult responsibilities now. Two, he actually keeps me on my toes and pushes me to the best of my ability. And three, we have similar interests.” Sonic chugged his coffee.

“Hmm.” Amy thought as she sipped her float. “Well, I don’t doubt that you guys are hitting it off, but I just wonder if there’s more to it than meets the eye.”

“We’re friends. What more is there?” Sonic asked as he sipped his coffee, realizing it was empty. He brought it to his eye to inspect the lack of contents.

They needed to make these cups bigger.

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Ariana Grande - intro (end of the world) (Slowed + Reverb)

Shadow was really something to behold. 

For starters, the hedgehog was incredible in terms of athletic capability. He was incredibly fast, and had a strength that rivaled even Knuckles'.

In terms of personality, his introversion might rub some people the wrong way at first. But once you get to know him, he’s actually not as horrific as people make him out to be. In fact, he’s just a peaceful hedgehog who lost his way in the past, but he’s corrected himself since then and has more than made up for his ways.

Speaking of peaceful, the fact that Shadow was just able to exist and not worry what others are thinking around him, combined with the fact that he'd accepted such a humble life, in Sonic's opinion, was incredible too.

Sonic aspired to be all of these things. 

But since his conversation with Amy and Knuckles earlier, he hasn’t been able to get him out of his head.

“Shadow…” Sonic sat at the dimly lit dining table, gazing at the twilit skyline as the sun descended. What did Amy mean?

‘...I just wonder if there’s more than meets the eye.’

“Sonic, are you here?” Sonic heard the elevator ding.

“Yeah.” Sonic called out to Tails, half aware of his surroundings. Tails came to the dining room, flicking on the light. 

“You know, you should really turn the lights on. It’s bad for your eyes to sit in the dark too long.”

“Mmhmm.”

“You good bro?”

“Huh?” Sonic blinked himself back to reality. “Oh, yeah.” Sonic readjusted himself. “How was work?”

“Oh, you know, a little bit of marketing, strategy planning, stuff like that.” Tails took off his blazer and casted it over his shoulder as he sat down at the dining table, crossing his arms as he slumped. “How was your run with Shadow?”

“It was great.” Sonic answered, matter-of-fact-ly. “I’ve been getting the hang of things again and I’ve made some excellent progress.” Sonic considered telling him what Shadow told him earlier, but remembered his threat that still made him shudder. “Honestly, I feel like we’ve really bonded.” Sonic decided to tell him the shortened version instead.

“That’s great!” Tails put up his fist for a fist bump. Sonic answered it with his own fist, but not at his usual strength.

Something was off.

“You sure you’re okay?” Tails asked once more.

“Yeah…” Sonic sighed. “It’s just… Shadow is incredible.” Sonic straightened up in his seat. “I mean, when Amy and Knuckles asked me earlier, I said I enjoyed spending time with him because I thought we bonded since we have time for each other, and similar interests. But for some reason, I can’t help but feel drawn to him. At first when Amy pointed it out, I shrugged it off, but now, I can’t get that guy out of my head.”

“Well, what else?”

“What else?” Sonic crossed his arms and legs as he extended his body under the table, while looking towards the ground. “Well, seeing Shadow again, it made me realize just how dissatisfied I was with myself. I mean, even though he has no reason to, he’s okay being alone. I wish I was able to be by myself and be happy alone. Not only that, but training with Shadow everyday keeps me pushing my limits. In a few weeks I managed to get back to what I was before, when we were team Sonic. Shadow used to be my- our rival. He went from being an absolute menace to being one of the best allies a hedgehog could ask for. He makes me realize that I need to take charge for myself and propel myself forwards.”

Tails stared at his friend, wide-eyed.

“You got all that from Shadow?”

“Yeah… I guess I did.” Sonic’s eyes didn’t leave the ground.

“I did not see that coming.” True, Tails had enjoyed chatting with Shadow, but he didn’t know that he had this much of an impact on Sonic.

“Trust me, neither did I.” Sonic rose from the table as he walked towards his bedroom.

“It’s getting kinda late. I think I’m gonna turn in for the night.”

“Yeah. Do what you need to, bud.” Tails waved towards Sonic as he left the dining room, although he couldn’t see him. Sonic flicked off the light as he exited the room.

Tails turned to look at the window, which now displayed a starry sky over the city.

What was going on here?

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Taylor Swift - Delicate (Slowed + Reverb)

One of Shadow’s favourite things was reading a book under his reading lamp when the sun went down. He was always a firm believer in education. With the soft beat of the waves against the sand and the winds that whistled, it was like he was in a world of pure information. Shadow almost finished his chapter when he heard a knock on the door. He alerted himself to reality when he looked towards the glass panel. He couldn’t see who it was beyond the glare of his lamp, but he had a pretty good idea of who it was. He glanced at the time display on his stove.

“Who in their right mind pays visits at ten o'clock at night?” Shadow rose from his hanging chair as he made his way to his door.

“What do you want, fake…” Shadow paused after he opened the door.

“…Rouge?” Shadow made a confused face. “What are you doing here?”

“I hope you’ll forgive me,” Rouge made her way into Shadow’s house, wearing a hot pink velour tracksuit. She also had a fuchsia velvet garment bag with her. “I did intend to stop by earlier, but I got held up at the club. You know,” Rouge projected her hip while she inspected her free hand’s nails. “Maintenance. Also, this is for you.” She hung the garment bag on the coat closet’s doorknob in the entryway.

“Well, to what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you again?” Shadow scoffed as he closed the door behind the blanche bat.

“Ease up, tiger.” Rouge stood tall as she looked towards Shadow. “This is me you're talking to. You know you can’t hide from me.”

Shadow sighed. Even after all these years, she was still right.

“I’m here because I can’t put a finger on why in the world you finally showed up to one of my parties!” She walked closer to Shadow. “I send you countless invite, after invite, and you decline them- all of them- but the minute Sonic shows up, you make an appearance. What gives?” Rouge placed a hand on her hip, this time inquiring rather than teasing.  

“Well, if you must know, Sonic told me you were hurt-”

“Can it, Shadow. I want the truth, not just the version you spewed for the reporters at the party.” 

Shadow sighed as he pinched his nose bridge. Rouge took a few steps to the kitchen’s island before pulling out a stool to sit on. She decided that she would give him some time to gather himself.

“You good?” Rouge crossed her legs.

“No.” Shadow released his nose bridge as he turned away from Rouge. There was no hiding now.

“Shadow, what’s going on?”

“The truth is…” Shadow paused for a moment. He wanted to warp himself away, but even if he used Chaos Control, this bat would still find a way to get an answer. “Sonic has this… this pull. I felt it the first time I saw him crash on the beach. I saw it too a the party- everyone seeing him, him being able to ease all of our tensions- it’s just who he is. ”

“You know,” he stood to face Rouge. “When he came to get me, he was able to get to me to stop by because he told me how much it affected you."

“Me?” Rouge leaned towards the hedgehog.

“Mmhmm. He told me you were hurt that I hadn’t made an appearance at your previous parties.”

“But at the times I’ve managed to visit, I’ve told you how much it sucks that you don't show up. Why would-”

“When he showed up, I was under the impression that you were under attack. But after he told me how much it bothered you, I reconsidered the invite. I don’t know what it is, but around Sonic, things are clearer. Things are brighter. He’s been able to make me see the world through his eyes.”

Rouge wasn’t sure how to feel at that moment.

“So what you’re saying is, Sonic knows how to speak to you?”

“No” Shadow clarified. “I’m saying, he knows how to speak to everybody.”

“Huh.” Rouge bit her lip as she thought for a minute. “So how have you guys been enjoying your morning runs?”

“Splendid.” Shadow remarked. “He’s been a worthy opponent, I’d almost forgotten how much fun it was to have someone pushing me to my limits.” 

“Sonic feels the same.” The bat rose to her feet. “Every time he meets up with us after your runs, he’s always talking about the rush he feels-” Rouge stopped herself in her tracks.

Wait a minute.

Things are clearer. Brighter. He’s been hanging out more with Sonic, and even showed up to my party when he asked him…

Is there something deeper?

Rouge shifted her eyes towards the hedgehog once more. It was the ever so slightest difference, but she could see his response to hearing flattery from the other hedgehog. The chest puffing up, more engaged posture, the attentive gaze.

“Really? He said that?” Shadow’s eyes opened for a moment.

“Mmhmm.” Rouge checked her nails once more with a smirk. “That he did.”

Shadow seemed to be lost in his thoughts for a moment. He almost appeared to be in disbelief over the whole ordeal, his face still asking if what he heard was correct: Sonic talks about me?

“I’ll leave you back to your books.” Rouge rose from the table as she made her way to the door, Shadow shaking his head and returning to his usual intense expression after Rouge awoke him from his own thoughts. “I do have to ask…” The bat turned one last time. “What candle is that you use? The air smells simply divine.”

“It’s not a candle,” the hedgehog corrected as he followed her to his door. “It’s lavender, fresh from the local scenery.”

“I see. Send me a box?” Rouge batted her famous cerulean lids. “It would really help to awaken my apartment.”

“I’ll see. This is my last batch from last year’s summer. Times are approaching soon.”

“I love how thoughtful you can be.” Rouge winked as she opened the door. “It’s charming.”

“Ugh, sure it is.” Shadow rolled his eyes, to which Rouge just chuckled.

“Oh, and before I forget-” Rouge reached into her pocket. “In a few days is Knuckle’s semi-final tournament fight.” She took Shadow’s hand as she placed something in it.

“What’s this?” Shadow examined the slip of paper. “A ticket?”

“Mmhmm. And it’s for box seats. Thanks to yours truly.”

“Huh.” Shadow gently lowered his hand with it. “I’ll think about it.” 

“Nuh uh!” Rouge narrowed her eyes. “You just started to come back to us, and I’m not letting you off the hook nearly as easy.”

“Ugh.” Shadow rolled his eyes. “Fine. I’ll be there.” He caught a glimpse of the velvet garment bag Rouge had brought with her earlier. Just what was in that bag?

Rouge softened her gaze as she smiled softly. 

“Good. I look forward to it.” She turned as she graced down the steps. 

“And I mean that.”

Shadow watched as the bat took off, like a butterfly making its way into the night.

Rouge pulled her phone out of her pocket and looked for her old friend’s number. She started thinking about her recent encounter.

I used to be on team dark with this guy. Even then I’ve never seen him so perky. It was subtle, but there was definitely something there.

She found the number she was searching for and made the dial. Please pick up…

That hunch I felt back at Amy’s store when Sonic wanted to leave so bad. Me wondering why Shadow only came out when Sonic asked. It all makes sense now. Why he disappeared all of those years ago…

“Hello?” Her phone voiced, much to Rouge’s delight.

“Tails!” The bat placed a hand on her chest out of relief. “You have no idea how glad I am you picked up.”

“No worries. What’s up?”

“There’s something I need your help with. Are you in?”

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Halle - In Your Hands

It was a clear night by the ocean as Sonic and Shadow decided to walk instead of run. Sonic ended up sleeping much later than usual and later helped Tails with some errands. He figured that it was the least he could do for his little bro since he’s been staying with him at this point over a month, for free. By the time he had made it to join Shadow, The sun was already setting, and the two hedgehogs were tired, so they decided to go on a walk on the beach instead.

Later on, the moon was visibly lighting the scenery as silver rays gleamed off of the beach's plant life, and made the sapphire waters sparkle. The two were laying on their backs, looking at the night sky- Sonic wasn’t used to seeing this in the city. Sure, you could see the stars, but the sky here was like nothing he had ever seen. He could see the entire galaxy, with the twinkling etoiles looking like diamonds. 

The sound of gentle laughter echoed around the two as Sonic told Shadow about his adventures in the city, or lack thereof. Shadow was chewing coffee beans to keep himself awake.

“Yeah, they thought I was gonna be on board with being an attraction at that museum.” Sonic chuckled. “So, I picked up my resume so they couldn’t find me, and I bolted for the hills. It was almost horrific.” Sonic shuddered at the memory.

“What do you think they would have done to you?” Shadow asked through bites of coffee beans.

“Well, if any horror movie has taught me anything, I’d probably have my head mounted on a wall. Or worse, locked up in a cage.” Sonic stuck out his tongue in disgust as Shadow let out a snicker. 

“Like you would let that happen.” Shadow laughed as he flicked another bean into his mouth.

There was a pause of silence between the two.

Something Sonic noted about his time with Shadow was that he didn’t have to talk and talk and talk. He and Shadow could just co-exist in a comfortable silence without feeling awkward. He loved his other friends, but sometimes, being the loud one was so exhausting.

“Say, Shadow…” Sonic sat up against his elbows. He looked over to the dark hedgehog, who’s quills seemed to glisten like mirrors in the moonlight. “Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead, but tread lightly.” Shadow swallowed another bean, this time without chewing it.

“What’s it like? You know, being out here? All alone?”

Similar to Sonic, Shadow had also noted a similar sentiment. He generally was quieter around most people. But around Sonic, he could express his ideas, without feeling like he was being judged. He didn’t need permission to take up space- Sonic just let him.

However, Shadow wasn't sure that he wanted to share the entire truth with him. Perhaps a brief version.

“You see the stars tonight?” Shadow asked, his gaze still focused on the cosmos.

Sonic followed Shadow’s gaze. 

“Uh-huh…”

“Each one exists up in the sky, calm and minding their own business. They don’t worry about how the other stars feel about them. “

“Okay…”

“I promised someone long ago that I would protect humanity. I did that once and it almost cost me my life.” Shadow took a bit of a breath. This was his first time telling someone all of this. “When Eggman went into retirement, I came out here because I wanted a reminder of what I fought for. To keep my word to my friend from all of those years ago. Although I still want the best for humanity, I still can’t help but note how humanity has it’s flaws.”

“Flaws like what?” Sonic turned onto his stomach as Shadow stayed looking at the stars. 

“In the city, there’s no respect for nature. It’s nice to be back with our friends, but humanity doesn't realize how good they had it. Look at that.” Shadow pointed to the stars as Sonic followed his eyes once more. “Do you have that in the city?”

“No.” Sonic shook his head.

“Being out here, away from everybody- it’s a reminder of how in the grand scheme of things, we really are so lucky to be witnessing this in our lifetime.”

Sonic looked to the stars in awe. He had always thought they were extraordinary, but seeing them like this and with Shadow’s perspective, it was like the stars had just been rewritten.

"You know," Sonic paced his thoughts as he observed the twinkling lights from above. "You're really something."

"Really?" Shadow raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"I mean, you're the ultimate lifeform. Doesn't it get, I dunno- kinda lonely?" Sonic looked towards Shadow, who took a deep inhale.

"In a sense, yes. As the ultimate lifeform, I have eternal youth. My body regenerates as if I'm in my prime, although I've been alive for over five decades." Shadow crossed one leg over the other as he adjusted himself. "One of the consequences of that though, is that eventually, everybody I know will pass. You get used to it, but that doesn't make it hurt any less."

"You mean…" Sonic started.

"Maria?" Shadow finished the sentence. "Yes."

"Do you think…" The blue blur chose his words carefully, as not to upset his friend. "Do you think you'll ever see her again?"

"Maybe. While it may be more difficult for me to move on, I know eventually, I'll have no choice but to be reunited with her."

Shadow and Sonic looked to the skies once more.

"Being out here…" Shadow continued after a while. "Being out here reminds me of my time with her. Looking at the stars above, makes me feel as if she's still by my side."

Hopefully, he buys this. It's not like I'm lying.

Sonic felt sorry for his friend. The hedgehog had been through a lot, and unlike Sonic, who lived life by the breeze, Shadow didn't have the privilege of freedom growing up.

Out of nowhere, there was a shooting star- a blazing one.

“Oh oh oh! Did you- did you see that?” Sonic scrambled to a crawl as he pointed to where the shooting star just flickered. 

Shadow met Sonic’s eyes and chuckled lightly. He’d never seen someone get so excited. Sonic looked back towards the sky, but Shadow stayed locked on Sonic’s gaze. The way that his eyes glistened like they themselves were stars was a mesmerizing sight to behold.

Shadow chomped his last coffee bean as he heard a beeping noise.

“Oh,” Sonic startled as he looked to his communicator. “It’s Tails, probably wondering where I am.” Sonic read his communicator’s screen.

“Uh, hey.” Sonic looked towards Shadow. “Do you wanna go see a movie?”

“Huh?” Shadow felt himself freeze for a minute. “A movie?”

“Yeah. Tails texted me and he said that everyone is gonna go see a movie after tomorrow’s fight. Rouge bought everybody tickets and wants to know if we wanna go too. You down?”

Shadow thought for a moment. Usually, he would have declined. But Something about going to see a movie with Sonic…

“Sure.” Shadow looked back at the stars.

“Awe yeah!” Sonic punched the air out of enthusiasm.

“What movie is it, anyways?” Shadow asked.

“Um, let me ask.” Sonic tapped on his communicator, and after a few seconds, he made a face of mild disgust.

“Well?” Shadow asked. For some reason, he was eager to know.

“Forget me Knot?”

Shadow let out a cackle.

“Ha! The flower movie? We’re gonna see that?”

“I guess so.” Sonic started to laugh along with him. He wasn’t used to hearing Shadow laugh. It was nice that he was able to bond with his rival turned friend.

“You know," Sonic said after he and Shadow both collected their breath. “It’s nice to see you laugh.”

“What do you mean?” Shadow asked, intrigued.

“Well, usually you’re so ‘Ugh, whatever, I’m cool and loner and serious, Mr. Ultimate life form.’ Heh.” Sonic made an exaggerated expression. “But seeing you here now, it’s really nice to see you like this. It’s like you’re sparkling.”

“Yeah, well, at least I’m not all ‘You’re too slow!’ you virtue signaler.” Shadow pulled his lower lids down as he stuck his tongue to the cobalt hedgehog. Sonic just let out another laugh as Shadow joined in.

The stars almost seemed to laugh along with them.

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: BLACKPINK (블랙핑크) - Lovesick Girls

Sonic fluttered his eyes open as sunlight tickled his face. He noticed the sun was brighter than usual at this time of day. Huh. I guess summer really is coming. He thought about today: he was supposed to meet Shadow in a few hours, meet up with everyone, and go see a movie after. He looked to the window, noting the clear skies ahead. He then also noted that the Sun was really bright for this time of day. How much time do I have to get ready? 

Drat, I’m late again!

Fortunately for Sonic, he was a supersonic being, literally. Unfortunately for Sonic, he’d woken up a few minutes after Shadow had planned to meet him. Sonic grabbed his new jacket, shoes, brushed his teeth and took off to the arena. Of course, by the time he got there, Shadow had already made it, his ticket in hand.

“How is it that the world's fastest hedgehog is often so late?”

“Hey! You know where I was last night! You were there!”

“And yet, I was still on time, despite living further away.” Shadow crossed his arms as he looked away.

He had a point.

“Whatever.” Sonic rolled his eyes playfully as he pointed a thumb towards the door. “Shall we?”

The two hedgehogs made their way over to the ticket booth as they checked in. While they were waiting in line, Sonic noticed Shadow was wearing a new jacket. It was a tangerine orange, satin bomber jacket with gold accents, and a heavy attention to detail- similar to the jacket Amy had made for him.

“Nice coat.” Sonic noted. 

“Courtesy of Amy. Rouge delivered it a couple of days ago.”

“Ah, makes sense. It looks like it was made for you. Literally.”

“How so?” Shadow asked. He thought it was perhaps because of the fit.

“Because the way the jacket is structured really brings out your face. It really highlights how stoic you look. She really brought out that ‘ultimate lifeform’ look.”

“Oh… Thank you.” Shadow usually wouldn’t have cared, but this sentiment was from Sonic, and Shadow knew that he could rely on his honesty.

Eventually, they made their way to the clerk.

“Two for Knuckles the Echidna.” Sonic took his ticket out of his coat pocket while Shadow placed his own ticket on the counter, Sonic soon following suit.

“Oh!” The booth clerk sounded delighted. “Two tickets for…” The clerk shifted her eyes to Sonic and Shadow, delight shifting to confusion. “The suite seats?”

Sonic gathered himself.

Here we go.

“That’s right!” Sonic leaned against the counter, resting an arm, and once more grinning to hide his disdain.

“Oh, right!” The clerk suddenly lit up again, bringing out two red wrist bands. “You guys were at Rouge’s party! Allow me to call an escort for you!” She beamed as she handed the wristbands towards the hedgehogs.

What?

“Oh, um…” Sonic cleared his throat, trying to conceal the mild shock by closing his eyes, almost as if he was indifferent. This was a surprise. “Ahem. Yes, please and thank you.” Sonic accepted the wristbands for himself and Shadow, helping the latter put his on.

Shadow was glad in these instances where he didn’t have to be the person speaking up. He felt his lungs starting to tighten at just the thought of speaking to others. 

But I’m supposed to be the ultimate lifeform.

True, at Rouge's party, he was able to speak to the reporter because he was sticking up for someone.

But why can't I advocate for myself?

After waiting for a couple of moments, a security guard came to escort the two hedgehogs towards their private section.

“Please, allow me to bring you to Mrs. Rouge. The madam awaits.”

Huh. Sonic thought to himself about the ticket administrator. Ever since Rouge’s party, people haven't been as quick to cast me aside. Sonic looked towards the security guard, but could still see a slight protrusion of his bottom lip when he made eye contact with him. Then again, not everybody. 

Shadow was busy internalizing his own thoughts. 

Why in the world is it so easy for him?  Shadow looked over at his friend as his ruby eyes met emeralds. Sonic flashed a small smile and a wave, as Shadow startled and looked ahead of himself.

Huh… Sonic thought as he lowered his hand. That was weird.

“You alright bro?”

“Yeah… just… nervous for Knuckles. That’s all.” Shadow stayed focused on the floor.

“Don’t be! Knuckles can handle himself. I’m sure he’ll at least score third place." Sonic placed an arm around Shadow.

Phew. Shadow exhaled. He bought it.

After a few flights of stairs, they finally made it to their suite. The security escort knocked on the door.

 “Mrs. Rouge, I’ve brought two of your guests!”

Within an instant, Rouge came to the door, wearing black thigh high suede boots, with a scarlet long sleeve, off shoulder dress that went down to her midthighs. She was bursting with gratitude as she laid eyes upon the two, especially Shadow.

“You guys made it!” She went in for a gentle hug.

“Heya, Rouge. Cool outfit.” Sonic noted as Rouge broke the embrace.

“Thank you.” She looked from Sonic to Shadow.

“…”

“I know you're happy to be here. Come on in!”

When they walked in, they noted that the room was spacious. In the front of the room was a glass panel that allowed a clear view of the arena, even over the crowd of people waiting for the fight to begin. The room was softly lit, although things were still clearly visible. The sofa and chairs were all made of black leather, and against the window was a black-stained wood counter that had elevated bar stools. 

Sonic could get used to this.

As they made their way in, Tails and Amy were already sitting on the giant leather sofa, discussing design ideas. Amy looked up at the two other Hedgehogs as they made their way in.

“Hey guys!” Tails looked up towards Amy and followed her gaze, flashing his typically foxy grin. He noted Shadow’s jacket.

“Wow, Amy, you have a talent for knowing what looks good on people.”

“Well, I can’t take all the credit. These two make anything look good- I should make an entire line of boar’s outerwear. You guys would make the perfect models!” Shadow shuddered at the thought.

“You’re right, we would!” Sonic punched the air, almost as if he was victory posing.

Wait, he said we. Does he think I’d make a good model?  Shadow found himself lost in his thoughts once more. 

“Shads, look! Chili dogs!” Sonic panted as he pointed towards the table adjacent to the viewing window, viewing more buffet of food. Chili Dogs, Coffee beans, Ice Cream, Fruit and Mint chocolate patties. 

“Dibs on the chili dogs!” Sonic sped over to the table, leaving his dark counterpart with Tails and Amy.

“He’s always been so funny.” Amy chuckled to herself.

“Yeah, that’s Sonic for ya.” Tails put down the design pages. “It’s good that he has someone like Shadow to keep him on his feet, you know?”

“Huh?” The mentioned hedgehog grunted. “Me?”

“Well, yeah. I mean, you’re level headed, calm, you keep Sonic pushing,” Tails started counting his fingers as he listed more reasons. “You compliment him well.”

“How do you figure?” Shadow narrowed his eyes towards the fox.

“Well,” Amy interrupted. “He’s excited, energetic, and full of vitality. That's why we were team Sonic, but also why you two teaming up was the best thing to happen to team Sonic!”

“Hmm…” Shadow thought for a moment. Is that why Sonic was able to bring him out of his shell? Is that why even though Rouge, the sultry bat she was, tried to get him to come out of hiding, he was only able to bring himself- without a choice- because of Sonic’s magnetism?

I have a lot to think about.

Over at the table, Sonic was filling his plate with as many chili dogs as he could fit. 

“Whoa, easy,” Rouge chuckled. “You don’t wanna overdo it.”

“Pffft. Me? Never. I could eat these for days!” Sonic started to devour his first chili dog.

“Well, it’s a good thing that we'll have Shadow to ground you.”

“Huh?” Sonic asked through a mouth full of food.

“You know,” Rouge turned towards Shadow, who was still engaging in conversation with Amy and Tails still. “I’ve never seen someone be able to get Shadow off of that beach.”

“Really?”

“I practically begged him to show up, and it was like pulling teeth to get him to even show up here.” She rested her palms against the table as she leaned back slightly. “But you… you have that vibrancy to you. I think that’s why you and Shadow are arguably incredible together.”

“We are?” Sonic felt chili dribble form the corner of his mouth.

“There’s no doubt about it. You’re the social butterfly, but I’ll be honest, he keeps you grounded.”

“Hey! I’m plenty-”

“He’s quite level headed.” Rouge cut Sonic off. “If you two strengthened your connection, you guys would be unstoppable.”

Huh…

 In the midst of the conversation, Knuckles and his security team showed up through the door, wearing a black silk bathrobe and his famous knuckled boxing gloves.

“Hey guys!”

Everyone turned to Knuckles, and smiled at his appearance while he walked over to Rouge, picked her up and twirled her around.

“Ah- baby!” Rouge laughed. “Put me down!” She started playfully swatting at him, although she was not in any position to rely on her technique. 

“Not until I get my good luck charm!” Knuckles teased, placing his wife on the ground.

“Ugh, fine. You sly dog.” The two leaned in for a kiss, leaving everyone warm and fuzzy. Even Shadow, although to a much lesser extent.

“Wow. That’s one good luck charm.” Sonic said.

“We do this every game!” Knuckles explained. “She gives me a kiss and I win every time!”

“Wow, must be nice.” Sonic exhaled, seemingly saddended. 

“Cheer up, bud!” Knuckles patted Sonic’s back, once again, a little too strongly. “You’ll find your good luck charm, one day!” Knuckles looked back to Rouge. “I’ve gotta get going before we start, but I’ll catch you after!” Knuckles blew a kiss towards his wife as he ran towards his security guards, disappearing behind the door.

“You know,” Sonic started towards Rouge. “You’re really lucky.”

“I am.” Rouge turned to face Sonic. “And so are you.”

“Huh? Me?” Sonic widened his eyes.

“Something tells me, love might not be too far off in your future.” Rouge winked as she walked towards Shadow.

Sonic continued to eat his chili dogs as he looked at the group. 

What did she mean by that?

Nearing the end of the match, the friends were all sat at the seats at the wooden table. In front of them were countless empty plates, empty drink cups and a few chili dog stains, thanks to Sonic.  The group was cheering their echidna friend, each one hoping to Chaos that Knuckles would take home the gold. He had had numerous close calls, but his opponent- an equally buff mobian cat- was able to withstand a lot. Thankfully, Knuckles was equally matched. 

And everybody had to admit, Amy's use of green linen to create the boxer's shorts was a wise choice, bringing out Knuckle's ruby tone, while still being light enough for sport. Amy was truly an engineer.

“Come on, Knuckles! Get em!” Sonic called from his chair. Shadow was sitting in the centre of the bar, with Sonic to his right and Rouge to his left. Towards the end of the bar was Tails sitting beside Sonic, and at the opposite end was Amy.

“You’ve got this!” Tails called after Sonic.

“Come on, you’re my husband! Make me proud, baby!" Rouge called through the glass. She knew Knuckles couldn’t hear her, but it was the thought that counted. Right?

Amy chuckled as she started a conversation with Rouge. Shadow noticed that during the evening, they had spoken a lot. To his right, he noticed that Sonic and Tails were also talking.

Shadow took advantage of his alone time to think. 

Most days, he had spent being by himself, running on a beach, or reading a book. And in recent times, he found himself in situations like this, where he was the isolated one in a group of people. 

He wasn’t sure which one made him feel more alone.

True, he knew his friends didn’t mean to exclude him. But regardless, he put up a cold front. Acting like he didn’t care was his best defense.

And even still, being by Sonic’s side made it easier to deal with his mental distresses.

But maybe it was okay to lower his guard.

What's the worst that could happen?

“Isn’t that wild?” He heard Sonic’s voice as he looked towards emerald eyes. 

“Huh?”

“That spin attack!” Sonic pointed to Knuckles. The red echidna was repeatedly dashing the cat, who looked like he was about at his end.

“Yeah. I remember when we used to do that.”

“Yep, those were the days.” Sonic smiled into Shadow’s eyes.

Huh. He really is level headed, isn’t he?

Shadow didn’t look away. 

It’s true. He is full of vitality.

All of a sudden, there was a roar that came from the crowd that could even be heard through the glass. The other three mobians rose from their seats and started hollering with pride.

Sonic and Shadow glanced at each other before they looked at Knuckles, who's arm was raised by the referee, and it was official: Knuckles The Echidna won.

Pretty soon, Sonic rose and hollered with them while Shadow just clapped his hands politely. They all hugged each other- Tails hugging Sonic, Amy hugging rouge and Rouge hugging Shadow. But when it came to the two male hedgehogs, there was an awkward pause. 

Sonic gazed back into Shadow’s eyes, with an endearing, sheepish smile, and open arms, almost as if to ask for a celebratory hug.

Shadow usually would decline, but something compelled him to accept it, with a soft smile.

As the two hugged, despite the awkward and heightened nerves, it was like a warm blanket of bliss engulfed the two. Sonic hoped that Shadow wouldn’t notice his body temperature rising while Shadow hoped to Chaos that Sonic wouldn’t hear his beating heart.

The ironic thing was, neither hedgehog knew why he felt this way- or even what they were feeling. 

“Oh, shoot!” The two hedgehogs separated as they heard Tails’ voice, who had walked back over to the sofas from earlier. “Amy, we’re late! We need to go to our meetng!” The two looked over towards Tails as the fox looked up from his beeping communicator as he gathered his belongings from behind his chair, bag, blazer and all.

“Oh no! You’re right!” Amy headed back to the sofa to gather her belongings as well, and Rouge seemed to be on the phone.

“Huh? Meeting?” Sonic looked at Tails in confusion. “I thought we were all gonna go see that ‘Forget me Knot’ movie, or whatever."

‘“Awe, shucks, Sonic! I’m sorry! But Amy and I have a lot of work to do still. Here.” Tails reached into his blazer pocket as he pulled out two movie tickets. “Take these. There’s two access passes to Forget me Knot. Take them.”

“Oh, uhhh…” Sonic looked towards Shadow. “Thanks, buddy.”

Shadow looked towards Rouge, who had been speaking on her phone, as Amy and Tails fled. She just hung up as she turned to look at ruby eyes.

“Don’t tell me-”

“Sorry, Shadow, but I need to go meet with my husband. His crew said that the fight took a lot out of him.”

“Eh,” Sonic shrugged, Shadow and Rouge shifting their gaze. “He did do a lot of spin attacks. Even I know that too many can make you dizzy for hours.”

Shadow looked back to the bat. 

“Can’t he just get back to your apartment by himself?”

“Unfortunately, he seems spent. I want to make sure that he’s okay.” She walked closer to Shadow. “And when you love someone, you do that.”

Why is she looking at me so intently?

“Message received…”

Rouge grabbed her black leather purse that she had hung on her own chair. She reached in and pulled out a voucher.

“You can get a large popcorn and two drinks with this.” She gave the ticket to Shadow as she walked off. 

“You boys had better get going,” She turned towards them as she made it to the door. “It’s pretty late already and the movie starts soon. I’d hate for you boys to miss it.” She made her exit, her black boots echoing in the hallway.

Suddenly, it was just them in the room, with half of a table of food and a few plates left around.

“What do ya say, Shadow? Should we make our way over?” Sonic asked with that typical sheepish smile.

Shadow paused for a moment.

“Okay.”

Sonic didn’t know why, but hearing him agree to go with him still, even without the rest of them, was the best thing that could have happened in that moment.

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: hentaidesu - polka dots and moonbeams

“So, this is what we’re supposed to see?”

Shadow was looking at the lit up movie poster in front of him: Forget me Knot. On the cover was a cartoonish portrait of a flower that was drawn to resemble a fellow mobian woman. She had blue hair made of petals that was long and flowing, obviously - or it wouldn’t be a romance movie- and was looking at the viewer with the most precious doe eyes the world had ever seen.

Shadow mildly shifted his gaze to Sonic, who stared at the poster with a slight hint of loathing. Shadow turned to look at the poster again, and decided to answer his question.

“I guess so. Let’s just go inside so our friends don’t mope about how we wasted movie tickets.”

The entryway of the theatre was lined with a couple of lush hedges, two on each side of the door. Shadow stopped for a moment, his nose twitching. Sonic had walked a few feet ahead before noticing anything.

“Shads? You okay?”

“Yeah…” Shadow said, eying the hedges. “I just got a weird sense of familiarity.”

“It’s probably just my charm.” Sonic winked at Shadow, who playfully scoffed.

“Let’s just make our way in.” Shadow proceeded to walk forwards as they entered the automatic sliding door.

Out from the bushes, emerged Knuckles and Amy on one side of the entryway, and Tails and Rouge on the opposing side. The four were dressed in black leather trench coats, wide brimmed black fedoras and oversized sunglasses, courtesy of Amy. Although they were supposed to be incognito, perhaps they overdid it.

“I told you we should have worn clementine-cinnamon perfume to cover our scent!” Amy picked a few leaves out of her quills. 

“That would have only made us more obvious.” Tails picked out a twig from his bangs.

“Plus,” Rouge looked over herself as she tried to spot any foliage that may have caught onto her. “That would have done nothing. That black hedgehog has the senses of, well, the ultimate life form.”

“Guys look!” Knuckles pointed through the glass windows as the two hedgehogs walked over to the concessions stand. The others halted their bickering and came over to where Knuckles was standing as they looked at the duo.

“What flavor of popcorn do you usually like?” Sonic looked towards Shadow as they made their way to the counter.

“Mmm. I usually prefer mine plain, no butter.” Shadow replied.

“What? No butter?” Sonic widened his eyes. “That’s like eating coffee beans!”

“Mmhmm?” Shadow raised an eyebrow.

Right.

“Ah,” Sonic reached his head as he scratched his cranium. “Nevermind.”

You stupid hedgehog.

“What drink do you usually like?” Shadow asked.

“I like root beer. Can’t go wrong with classics.”

“Hmm. I’ve always preferred Lemonade.”

“But that’s so boring!” Sonic looked at the black hedgehog again.

“And you like butter on your popcorn, you maximalist.”

“Okay, here’s what we can do,” Sonic and Shadow turned towards each other as they approached the counter, the tall employee in an ice-cream-green-and-pink polo turned around. “I’ll try your lemonade, if you try popcorn with extra butter. Deal?” Sonic extended his hand.

Shadow looked at the gloved hand, and with an approving smile, shook it.

“Deal.”

Sonic and Shadow turned to the worker.

“Excuse me, hi. We’d like to order.”

“Coming!” An all too familiar voice pierced the air. For a second, Sonic and Shadow thought their ears were playing tricks on them, but when they looked at each other, the looks on each other's faces confirmed that it wasn't just in their heads.

“…Sir?” Sonic asked, nervously, while Shadow intensified his gaze.

“Ah yes! What can I…” The cheery concession worker stopped in his tracks. He turned around, his auburn, over-geld mustache fluffing up as his head turned, and Sonic and Shadow seeing their reflections in a pair of glasses that they hadn’t seen in years.

“…Get you?” 

There was a pause for a moment.

“Eggman?”  What are you doing here?” Sonic and Shadow took their battle stances out of reflex.

“Aren’t you supposed to be retired?” Shadow sneered.

“Now, now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves!” The villain backed away in cowardice.

“What did you do, Eggface? Did you poison the popcorn?” Sonic saw bystanders walking with their popcorn. In a dash, he knocked their popcorn from their hands onto the ground.

“Hey!” A mobian squirrel stomped her foot at the hedgehog.

“You’ll thank me later!”

“Wait!” Dr. Eggman reached his hand form across the counter. “What are you-”

Knuckles, Tails, Rouge and Amy all looked from the outside.

“Why is Sonic bullying the other movie viewers?” Knuckles asked, the mentioned hedgehog knocking over anybody's popcorn that he could see.

“Probably just nerves.” Tails shrugged.

“Hey,” Amy pointed to the concession worker. “Does he look familiar to you?”

The four pondered for a moment.

“Must be Deja Vu.” Rouge waved off.

Meanwhile, inside was turning into a verbal brawl between the hedgehogs and the doctor.

“Sonic! Stop or I’ll get fired!”

“Likely story, Eggstain!” Sonic prepared himself for a spin-dash, and Shadow prepared to take a Chaos Punch to the Doctor’s nose.

“Wait! Please! I’m begging you!” Dr. Eggman clasped his hands together.

“What in the name of Chaos is going on here?” A loud voice bellowed.” Dr. Eggman straightened up his posture, visibly intimidated by the voice.

“Oh crud.”

The three turned to the loud voice, which seemingly belonged to a tall, robust mobian bull, who was standing erect and planted.

“Sir!" Sonic halted his dash attack. "Eggman’s been poisoning your customers with his evil tricks!”

“Poison?” The bull raised a brow.

“But don’t worry, we’re gonna stop him.” Sonic and Shadow took their battle stances once more as Dr. Eggman cowered.

“There will be no need for that.”

“What?” Sonic shook his head, posture softening. “But he’s evil!”

“My star employee?” The bull looked over to Dr. Eggman. “He’s revamped this place and built better machinery for this kitchen than I could have imagined possible.”

Sonic and Shadow eased their stances.

“Come again?”

“You really expect me to believe that this guy, this genius, my most trusted popcorn popper, would poison people?”

Sonic and Shadow stared in disbelief.

“He works here?” Shadow narrowed his eyes as Sonic's jaw practically dislocated.

“I’ve been trying to tell you!” Dr. Eggman called out in hostility.

“But… But you’re retired!” Sonic reached his arms forward.

"Oh, so at first I'm evil, then I'm retired." Dr. Eggman crossed his arms as he faced his body away. "Pick a side and stick to it!"

“Gentlemen, I hate to cut your reunion short," The bull came up behind Sonic and Shadow, placing a firm hand on each of their outer shoulders. "But my lobby is now full of popcorn, soda and extra butter.” The bull gestured to the area surrounding them, popcorn, grease and liquid covering the floor as angry bystanders looked at Sonic.

For Chaos’ sake.  

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Mood Music Café

“Okay. That’s the last of the popcorn.” Sonic said as he swept the last bit of popcorn into the dustpan. He looked over to Shadow, who was rising off of the carpeted floor he had scrubbed with a soapy towel.

“That’s as good as it’s going to get.” Shadow turned to Sonic, who shifted his own gaze to the mobian onlookers who’s popcorn he ruined. Sonic had paid out of his own pocket, and even given up their voucher to get them all fresh popcorn and drinks.

“Sorry again about earlier.” Sonic chuckled, although it definitely sounded more guilty than amused.

“It’s fine…” One of the onlookers responded as the rest headed towards the theatre's screening room.

The two hedgehogs made their way back over to the concession stand and placed their cleaning supplies on the ground beside the counter. Dr. Eggman eyed them, seemingly amused.

“Well?” The doctor crossed his arm as he looked towards them.

“We’re… Sorry.” Sonic said, not making eye contact. Shadow remained silent.

“Huh.” Eggman softened his face and posture. Even though he had expected an apology for the earlier mishap, he still felt touched by Sonic’s apology- although it wasn't quite as satisfying as he had hoped.

“It’s just, you used to be evil! Wanting to take over the world! What- what happened?” Sonic was clearly confused. Shadow looked towards Sonic as the sapphire hedgehog looked back to Dr. Eggman for answers.

“Well, your friend here used to be the same.” Dr. Eggman’s posture stiffened again at the accusatory tone Sonic was using.

“That was because you tricked me into helping you attempt to take over the world.” This was true; years ago, Dr. Eggman, upon meeting Shadow had convinced him that the doctor was no villain. Spoiler: he learned not to lie to Shadow again.

“Details!” Eggman leaned towards the two, but they weren’t buying it.

“Ugh, fine.” Eggman softened his stance once more. “The last time I fought you guys, I did some brainstorming. What was the common denominator between all of our fights? You guys always won.” Sonic and Shadow looked at each other for a moment before looking back. 

“I can't believe I'm admitting this, but the truth is, I realized that getting in fights with teenage rodents- and failing- wasn’t exactly something to be proud of. If anything, it was easy to see why people felt the way they did towards me. I mean, I usually never cared, but I realized how truly pathetic I had become. So I took an early retirement.”

“But you’re working.” Shadow noted. 

“Doing this," Dr. Eggman gestured to their surroundings. "And using my abilities to help others is something that brings me joy.” Cr. Eggman then gestured to the high tech appliances. “Using my craftsmanship to create more efficient customer service gives me a reason to wake up everyday.” He leaned against the counter. “And compared to before, I can now say that I am proud of myself, and I have something to be confident in.”

Sonic and Shadow seemed almost to be in awe.

“Trust me. Anybody can turn their lives around.” Dr. Eggman smiled. Sonic wasn’t sure how to feel.

“Well, I think you guys have been through enough. Why don’t you guys go see your movie? I’ll get you your popcorn and soda, on the house.” 

“Uhh… Sure. Thanks, Eggman.” Sonic scratched the back of his head.

“Don’t mention it.”

As Sonic and Shadow made their way into the almost empty theatre, they noticed that they could sit pretty much anywhere they wanted. Naturally, they chose the back row, top centre. A couple of the seats were filled. In particular, there were four seats at the very side of the theatre that were taken by our spying friends from earlier.

“Can you guys believe that Eggman works at a movie concession stand?” Tails pointed out, quietly under his coat’s collar as to not trigger the black hedgehog’s hearing.

“I can’t believe that he actually turned out good.” Amy crossed her legs underneath the trench coat.

“I thought he was just sitting and hating his life away in a basement somewhere.” Knuckles adjusted his fedora.

“Shh! Guys! Look!” Rouge adjusted her sunglasses as she pointed to the two hedgehogs. “They’re here!”

Shadow sat down as Sonic held the popcorn and Shadow held the drinks. Once Sonic took his place, he placed the popcorn between the two of them while Shadow passed Sonic’s soda to the blue hedgehog.

“So Eggman is officially, good…” Sonic unzipped his jacket. “Who would have thought?”

“I have to say,” Shadow sat in his typical cold and calculated posture. “I wasn’t expecting anything like that.”

“You know,” Sonic relaxed into his chair. “Not to be dramatic, but…” Sonic searched for the right words. “If someone like Dr. Eggfac- I mean, Egg- man, can change for the better, maybe there is hope for me.”

“What do you mean?” Shadow turned his face towards Sonic.

“I mean I-”

“That was rhetoric.” Shadow admitted. “I know you came back to find yourself and everything, but the mopey, pathetic version of you that showed up in my house weeks ago-”

“Wow, I’m flattered.” Sonic deadpanned.

“I was going to say that now, when I look at you, I don’t see that anymore. I see someone who cares for the people around him and brings the atmosphere wherever he goes.”

Sonic was definitely at a loss for words. He still wasn’t used to his once rival being so empathetic.

But why does it mean so much that he holds me to a high regard?

The movie was halfway over already, and the few people in the audience seemed to be truly engaged with the film.

Sonic and Shadow, however, had seemed to be more invested in their own mental processes.

Sonic was curled up in a ball, his jacket now resting on the armrest to his left while his elbow was leaning on the shared armrest to his right, he eyeing his half drank lemonade. Sonic had to admit- although root beer was good, the lemonade had a nice, simple flavor- true it was a little bit less intense for his usual tastes, but it definitely still awakened his senses. He looked over at the charcoal colored hedgehog.

You know, the more time I spend with you, the more sense you make. Sonic usually never would have tried lemonade, but trying something he wasn’t used to- even if it was such a little, minute detail- really made him realize, maybe not everything in life has to be so extravagant. 

Meanwhile, Shadow was still sitting in his poised posture in his tangerine jacket, also contemplating his tastes. He looked at the popcorn that was placed on his left thigh, so Sonic could reach it easier. Extra buttery, extra greasy. Shadow didn’t really eat popcorn much, but when he did, he liked to keep it simple. He usually wasn’t one for messing with the trivial things- popcorn was popcorn. Why change it?

But sitting beside Sonic and trying his take on the movie theatre staple, it brought a whole new definition to the dish. The extra butter was definitely a flavor enhancer. In the weirdest sense he was reminded of Sonic- popcorn on its own is great, but when you add a little flavor, it’s amazing how much you can transform it’s integrity.

Shadow sat as he contemplated this, and looked towards Sonic, who was also staring at him. Alarmed, Sonic quickly pretended to look back at the movie- something was happening now about a trio of mint leaves trying to serenade a forget-me-not flower- hoping that Shadow hadn’t seen.

Meanwhile, in the audience, Rouge was keeping her tabs on these two, more interested in them than the actual movie.

“Guys! Look!” She whispered, excitedly, as she tapped her husband’s shoulder excitedly to wake him up, as Amy and Tails followed suit and looked at the hedgehogs. Though it was dark, they could see hints of what was going on through the movie’s ambient lighting.

Shadow was tired from maintaining his usual posture so he rolled his sleeves as he leaned on the arm rest that Sonic’s arm also had been resting against- neither one of them aware of the arm placements of the other hedgehog.

Sonic and Shadow both jolted at the feeling of another arm. However, Sonic didn’t remove his arm- Shadow’s falu-striped fur feeling like a silk bedsheet, reminding him of the comfort of Tails’ guest bed. Shadow also felt the warm energy that radiated off of Sonic’s zaffre fur, and it reminded him of the energy presence he felt with a chaos emerald.

The two slowly turned to look at each other, emeralds meeting rubies.

“Omigoshomigoshomigoshomigosh! ” Amy whisper-yelled.

“Now it's time to put our plan into action.” Rouge smirked as she turned on her phone and started texting. 

Who needs theatre etiquette when love lives are at stake?

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: At All Costs - Benjamin Rice, Julia Michaels

“Wow,” Sonic stretched his arms over his head as he and Shadow made their way towards the theatre’s main lobby. “I can’t believe that I watched a movie about flowers.” He chuckled to himself.

“Hmph,” Shadow scoffed playfully. “Dandelions invading Garden City. Who comes up with this kind of thing?” 

“I dunno,” Sonic yawned as he lowered his arms. “It’s like writing a story about a blue hedgehog and his arch nemesis.” 

“Uh, yeah…” Shadow eyed said blue hedgehog. “Absolute insanity .”

“Anyways. I wonder where Eggman is.” Sonic scanned the lobby as he scratched his back, hoping to say a thank you for the bonus popcorn.

“Perhaps he’s in the back, or he’s been relieved from his shift. It is late, after all.” Shadow noted the time. “It’s 11:36 at night.”

Suddenly Shadow’s ears twitched as he heard a group of mobian friends in the background.

“… and they just showed up?”

“Wait, you mean both Sonic and Shadow?”

“There’s no way!”

“I’ve been waiting for those two, they were what I wanted to be when I grew up!”

Shadow felt something warm inside him when he heard that.

“I mean. I guess Sonic is aiming for a comeback, which he might pull off- but Shadow? He’s so… menacing .”

Wait. what?

“Hey! He seemed okay when they were at Rouge’s party- they both did! They were still fun, I was there!”

“Um, did you see how he spoke to that reporter at Rouge’s party? All she did was ask him an innocent question!” 

“That reporter was definitely out of line. Shadow had a right to be mad.”

“But he just feels so out of place. The guy tried to take over the world, remember? Why does he think that he’s so much better than everybody else?”

“But he-”

“But nothing! He should have just stayed in the countryside, and Sonic never should have come back.”

“Dude, you need to relax. They’re mobians like us.”

“Well I guess some of us are simply-”

“Girl! Shut up! Look behind you!”

The populated group that was speaking shifted their gaze to where Shadow and Sonic were standing. Sonic was too busy rambling about how Amy once had made him a seashell trinket, but Shadow was focused on the group he was eavesdropping on. 

“Oh, uh…” The young woman who was just speaking visibly tensed, as did the rest of the friends who were engaging the conversation.

“We should go.” One of the mobians, who was in favor of Sonic and Shadow, led the group out of the lobby.

“…And then I screamed ‘Poison Sumac Blossoms?’ You just had to be there Shads, it was so fun- Shads?” Shadow came back from his thoughts, heart still racing.

“You good buddy?” Sonic raised a concerned brow. He hadn’t heard what Shadow had just witnessed.

“Me? Always.” Shadow laughed off. “I’m just gonna use the gentleman’s room. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll be here!” Sonic called out.

“Ugh.” Shadow groaned to himself as he splashed his face with cold water from the running sink. He looked up at the mirror as he turned the water off, noting the water trickling down his furry face.

He’s just so… menacing.

Am I really all that bad? Is that still how everyone to this day feels about me? Shadow felt his heart beating stronger and faster, his crimson eyes almost seemed to soften as he looked at himself.

Am I a faker?

Shadow heard a beep from his phone. Aparently, he had missed a few notifications from Rouge. She must be wondering how tonight went.

Rouge, 10:36 P.M: Hey Shadow! How’s the movie?

Rouge, 11:27 P.M: Hello???

Rouge, 11:42 P.M: Did you die or???

Shadow, 11:43: P.M: It was fine.

Shadow grabbed a paper towel from the dispenser as he wiped the remaining water off of his face. He looked back in the mirror for a moment, rubies getting lost in themselves before another ding went off.

Rouge, 11:45 P.M: Just fine?

Shadow, 11:46 P.M: Yes.

Rouge, 11:46 P.M: Did you have fun with Sonic?

Shadow, 11: 47: Yes…

Rouge, 11: 47: And? 

Geez, this bat isn’t going to let up.

Shadow, 11:48 P.M: Well, the truth is he’s able to make things more interesting. He could talk about rocks and it would still be the best part of my day.

Rouge, 11:49 P.M: Omg that's so cute!

Shadow, 11:50 P.M: Rouge…

Rouge, 11:50 P.M: I’m serious! It sounds like you like him a lot more than me lol

Shadow paused for a moment as he looked back at the mirror, his heart still racing- this time for a different reason. Wait a minute- Is that what all these feelings are? The constant feeling of life being brighter around him? Why I want to be near him all of the time? Why I always say yes to hanging out with him?

Leave it to Rouge to make people realize what they didn’t know before.

Shadow, 11:51: P.M: Well, truth be told, I do. 

Rouge, 11:52 P.M: Omg! Are you gonna ask him out???

Shadow, 11:53: No.

Rouge, 11:53 P.M: WHAT? WHY NOT?

Shadow, 11:53 P.M: I don’t like him like that…

Rouge, 11: 54 P.M: Lies! I saw your face when I came by your house and we talked about him

Shadow sighed, his patience wearing thin. Curse this perceptive bat.

Shadow, 11:54 P.M: It isn’t the right moment, and it may never be.

Rouge, 11:53 P.M: FOR CHAOS’ SAKE YOU JUST WALKED OUT OF A ROMANTIC MOVIE!

Shadow, 11:54 P.M: Yes, but we only went because we were supposed to go as a group.

Rouge, 11:55 P.M: And you said you had fun! SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY LIKE IT’S THAT DAMN FOURTH CHAOS EMERALD!

Shadow, 11:56 P.M: I’ll think about it.

Shadow put his phone in his pocket, switching it to silent mode. That bat always made him think about things he felt he had no business pondering on.

But maybe she had a point. Sonic vanished all of those years ago. Now the group was together again- and him and Sonic had grown ever so close. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to take her idea.

But once you make these choices, there’s no going back.

Sonic was waiting outside of the theatre, tapping his foot while he looked at his watch. He looked up when he heard the automatic doors open as Shadow finally made his entrance.

“There you are!” Sonic turned to face Shadow. “You good in there? You’ve been gone for over ten minutes!”

“Yeah, I’m okay.” Shadow said. He was more tense than usual. “So now what?”

“Now what?” Sonic asked the question back as he internalized it. He didn’t have any plans for the night- it was midnight by now- but he also didn’t wanna go home just yet.

Sonic looked around the theatre’s streets. Across the block was a parkway with flowers that were still budding, sure to bloom any week now. And despite it being night time, it was still warm enough to enjoy a walk.

“There’s a park over that way.” Sonic pointed towards the end of the block, across from where the theatre’s doors were.

“Ah, yes.” Shadow remembered. “We fought Eggman many times there.”

“Heh, yep. Those were the good old days.” Sonic sighed as he put his hands in his coat pocket. He looked to Shadow, and jokingly shifted his elbow while he looked to Shadow with a dramatic expression. “Shall we, m’lord?”

Shadow laughed as he took the arm.

“Why yes, good sir.”

Behind the bushes from earlier, Rouge, Tails, Amy and Knuckles- who was finishing off an extra large popcorn- were all eavesdropping. After hearing the sound of disappearing footsteps, Rouge stood as she peeked over the hedge as the other three stayed seated. 

“Well? Is he going to do it?” Amy squealed.

“I don’t know!” Rouge stomped her foot, visibly annoyed. “I told that stubborn hog to ask him, but all he said was ‘I’ll think about it,’ but what is there to think about?”

“You know Shadow.” Knuckles chimed in. “He’s always been the one to calculate the risks.”

“But there’s such a low risk if he does it now, and a greater risk of never having a chance like this!” Rouge turned to her husband.

“Uh, guys?” Tails tried to intervene.

“But he needs to find the perfect moment!” Amy squealed, barely containing her enthusiasm.

“Guys?”

“Well, he’d better do it soon before that moment slips awa-”

“Guys!” Tails whisper-yelled. Rouge’s eyes widened as she ducked away.

A couple hundred feet away, Shadow’s ear twitched, again. He looked back at where he thought he heard the voice, but saw nothing. He shrugged as he carried on his conversation with Sonic.

Must have been the wind.

“Chaos, Tails!” Rouge exclaimed, grasping her chest as she felt her heart race. “Way to almost blow our cover!” Rouge gestured to the matching trench coats.

“Well, I was just trying to say that we should probably follow them…” Tails deadpanned.

Rouge, Amy and Knuckles all looked dumbfounded.

“Uh, right.” Amy said as she stood up. “We should probably go.”

“Whoa.” Sonic said as he and Shadow made their way into the park. The full moon casted a beautiful silvery-blue glow over the surrounding, lush grounds. The trees danced in the breeze as the ponds and rivers twinkled in the moon’s aura. The park grounds were also covered in white periwinkle flowers, about to bloom any day now.

“You can say that again.” Shadow was taking in the view too. There were no people around, just the two of them in the quiet of the night.

“What do you say? 500 laps around the park?” Sonic offered a competitive glare.

“Oh, you’re on, faker!” Within an instant, Shadow disappeared in a flash of gold.

“Hey!” Sonic exclaimed. “That’s not fair!” As he soon joined the onyx hedgehog, a trail of electric blue following him.

By the time the hedgehogs were on the 329th lap, the four spies were sitting across the park on a bus bench, noting the scene.

“Wow…” Amy took off her sunglasses as she took in the scenery. 

“This is incredible.” Tails also took off his sunglasses, and soon Rouge and Knuckles followed suit. Knuckles was grateful he had popcorn, as he offered some down the bench. Rouge took out her phone and snapped a pic.

“This one is for the album.”

Sonic and Shadow were creating glowing rings of speed that blended so harmoniously well with the moon’s basking light. The White Periwinkle flowers around the park started to blossom as the duo’s light trails danced together, like yin and yang, creating the most ethereal park site that Mobius would have ever known.

“Ha! I’m beating you!” Sonic nudged his opponent as he kept pace.

“Not if I have anything to say about it!” Shadow playfully nudged back. He didn’t see the divot on the path that he had placed his air shoe on, causing him to trip onto the other hedgehog. They both tumbled on top of each other- creating a flashing ball of blue and gold.

“I don’t believe my eyes.” Knuckles’ jaw dropped as the other three nodded in agreement.

Eventually the ball of light collapsed in on itself as Shadow landed on his back and Sonic landed on his opponent’s chest, both hedgehogs parallel to each other.

“Ugh.” Sonic groaned.

“Heh.” Shadow chuckled. “You okay?”

“I’m alright.” Sonic laughed along with Shadow. He raised himself on his arms, still laughing, but he stopped when he noticed that Shadow was now no longer laughing, and was staring at Sonic with his eyes wide but soft. Sonic’s eyes also widened with a similar expression when he opened his eyes, a small gasp leaving his lips.

Beneath Sonic, Shadow was laying on his back, his limbs gracefully sprawling around him. He contrasted the bright, white flowers against his shiny sable and falu quills. His tangerine satin jacket seemed to almost reflect a golden glow against the flowers around him. His quills were lightly tousled with flower petals in them, and his chest fur looked extra fluffy, and complimented the flowers around him. The ruby eyes practically radiated as the moon above the two illuminated Shadow’s face.

In Shadow’s view, The lapis hedgehog was hovering above him, the moon giving a backlit glow to his azure quills. His red leather jacket lightly reflected the light of the flowers around them, its gold hardware twinkling. Sonic’s quills were also disheveled with flower petals, and unlike Shadow who contrasted Sonic’s view, Sonic blended harmoniously with the surrounding night sky from Shadow’s perspective. And those emerald eyes reminded Shadow of chaos emeralds with how brilliantly they shone.

“Um…” Sonic cleared his throat, scrambling to get up from the situation. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be,” Shadow also rose, removing the petals from his quills. “I was the one who tripped.”

“Heh. Well, I guess we can’t all be perfect. Not even the ultimate life form!” Sonic tried to laugh off the situation, but another long and awkward pause followed.

“Well, I guess I’d better get going.” Sonic made his way towards the park exit, but not before a gloved hand reached his wrist.

“Wait!” Shadow clasped Sonic’s hand a little more than usual. “I…”

“…Shadow?”

“I…”

Seize this opportunity like that damn fourth chaos emerald!

Shadow shut his eyes tightly.

“Go out with me.”

Sonic blinked.

“Come again?” Maybe he misheard.

Shadow opened his eyes, knowing that there was no backing out now. 

“Go out with me.”

Sonic was taken aback.

“You want us to go out? Like on a date?”

“Yes.”

“…Why?”

“Because I…” Shadow was at a loss for words. He knew that he needed to say something quickly. 

Wait. What was it I told Rouge when she came to visit?

Shadow approached Sonic and placed his hands on his shoulders.

“The way I feel around you… It’s inexplicable. When you’re around, colors are more vibrant. The air is fresh. The sun and moon shine with a light more powerful than before. And when I’m not with you, I can see the world go grey.”

Sonic just stared up at the hedgehog.

“Sonic,” Shadow exhaled. “I haven’t met anyone who can keep up with me, and everyday, you keep me pushing to become faster, stronger, and overall a better version of myself.”

Sonic remembered back to the speech he had given at Knuckles and Rouge’ wedding. 

“Please…” Shadow neared his face towards Sonic’s, who noted that for the first time, Shadow was looking with pleading eyes- and it was to him.

Sonic felt like his heart was about to explode. Is this real? Is this really happening? Does Shadow actually like me? And a better question… How do I feel?

Sonic remembered all of the laughs they’d had since he first found himself in Shadow’s house. All the runs they’d been on, being at Rouge’s party together, the morning talks- all of it. 

I’d be an idiot to say no.

“… Yes. Yes, Yes!” Sonic laughed. “I’d love to!” Sonic raised his arms gleefully.

At first, Shadow was surprised. But his surprised expression soon turned to one of ecstasy as he realized that the ultramarine hedgehog in front of him had agreed to go on a date with him.

“… Okay.” Shadow started to burst into a laugh. “Okay! I’ll, um, swing by your place tomorrow and we can go out- if that works for you?” Shadow calmed his laugh as he looked at Sonic for an answer.

“Heh, sure. Although, after tonight, I’ll probably sleep in a little.” 

“Well…” Shadow pulled his face away from Sonic as he grabbed a petal. “I’m sure we can make it work.”

“Well in that case, I’d better get some shut eye- and you too. I’d hate to miss our date, Mr. ‘Ultimate Life Form.’ ha.” Sonic said, waving as he walked towards the park exit.

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t miss it for the end of the world- and we’ve had a few close calls.” Shadow chuckled as he waved.

What just happened?

“Please tell me you got all of that!” Amy squealed, while Knuckles stared at the scene with his jaw open, and Tails blinked numerous times.

“You. bet.” Rouge clicked the stop button on her camera.

Back in Shadow’s cottage, he had just finished washing his quills in preparation for the following day. He was patting his face dry with a towel as he heard his phone buzz from his bedroom. He looked at his watch as he read the time.

“Who calls people past one o’clock at night?” He asked himself, angrily.

As he made his way to his bedroom, he saw the phone light up on his cube shaped, jet colored nightstand.

“Rouge?”

He picked up the phone as he fell onto his black satin sheets.

“What is it, bat?” Shadow put a hand to his face, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“Well, after I hadn’t heard from you in forever, I decided to just call you to see how it went! ” Rouge said, ever so innocently.

“It was fine.”

“Did you ask him? ” Rouge asked in a flirty tone, although she already knew the answer. She just wanted to play dumb and hoped that Shadow wouldn’t catch on to her manipulations- she didn’t think he would be very fond upon hearing such conspiracies taking place involving him.

“…” Shadow paused for a moment.

“Oh my god! You totally did! ” Rouge said, trying to sound sincere.

“Shut up, jewel thief.”

“Excuse you, I just scored you a date with Sonic and this is how you choose to repay me? Diabolical. ” 

Shadow raised an eyebrow.

“Wait… what do you mean you scored me a date?”

Shoot.

There was another long pause.

“Rouge, if you don’t answer me I swear to Chaos I will take all of your stolen gems and shove them up your-”

“Okay! Okay!” The blanched bat surrendered. “I may or may not have medaled a little bit. ”

“What do you mean medaled?” Shadow sneered.

“Well,” Rouge sighed. She knew this day would come- she just hoped it would have been a lot longer. “The truth is I bought tickets for you two to see the movie, and asked Tails to ask Sonic to invite you to the movie so it would give you guys a chance to hang out, just the two of you, but in a romantic way. ”

“You did what?” Shadow gripped his nose harder. 

“Relax! Remember you’re going on a date and that wouldn’t be happening if I didn’t do something. You’re welcome. ”

Shadow exhaled deeply.

“Fine. It’s not like you were eavesdropping on us anyways."

“Actually, about that, check your phone. There’s something I need to send you!” Rouge laughed nervously, but she knew it was better to have him find out now about her and her friends’ stakeout.

“Are you serious?” Shadow’s roar echoed across the beach.

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Tyla - Art (Slowed and Reverb)

“Ugh…” Sonic groaned into saffron satin as he collected himself. Was last night a dream? Did Shadow really agree to a date? Sonic pointed his squinting emerald eyes towards the window, the early summer sun radiating through some small clouds- almost as if it was celebrating Sonic and Shadow’s evolving relationship.

“Heh.” Sonic chuckled to himself as he sat up. Stretching, he raised his arms above his head as he let out a deep yawn, the scent of blueberries awakening his senses. “Am I dreaming?” He pinched himself, just to make sure. When he felt his nerves screaming, he realized he was fully awake.

“Wow,” Sonic peeled himself from his cozy bed, wondering what the following night would bring. “I can’t believe Shadow likes me.” He remembered the view he witnessed of Shadow, lying in the flowers. He could still smell the lemony scent of the moonflowers mixing with Shadow’s signature lavender aroma. He could even smell a little bit on himself.

Sonic made his way through the kitchen hallway, the blueberry smell getting stronger. He looked to Tails, who was standing near a sizzling stove beside a few stacks of blueberry pancakes. He then looked to the dining table where he saw a mountain of blueberry pancakes in front of Sonic's usual place at the dining table.

“Sonic!” The fulvous fox lit up, a little more than usual. “How did you sleep?” Tails turned the burner off as he moved the frying pan he  was using to another burner.

“I slept really well. Like a log.” Sonic scratched his backside. 

“Ah,” Tails smirked. "I had a hunch.”

“Heh.” Sonic gestured towards the pancakes. “What’s the occasion?" Sonic asked as he made his way towards the dining table, taking his seat at his usual spot. 

“I’m just in a really good mood!” Tails cheered as he moved the last flapjack out of the now cool pan and into the plate with the other stacks. He brought the plate over to the dining table and placed it in front of Sonic.

“Thanks.” Sonic took a pancake and bit into the blueberry flavored cloud, the sweetness and the warmth melting into his tongue. “No need for syrup when you make them.” Sonic looked at the fox, who was eying him, almost to say I know your secret, pal.

“Uhh… Tails?” Sonic gulped his last bite. “Are you good?”

“I’m good, are you good?” Tails didn’t move his eyes from Sonic's.

“Uh, yeah…” Sonic tried to change the conversation. “You said you had a hunch I slept well? What do you mean?”

“Well, after a night alone, with Shadow…”

Sonic’s eyes widened as he choked on a blueberry.

“Wh-what?” Sonic  asked through wheezes, trying to still look cool. Hint: he didn't look that cool.

“How was last night?”

“F-fine," Sonic answered after the logged blueberry escaped. "W-we went and saw a movie a-an-and that was it!” Sonic smiled, a little too cheekily.

“Hmmm.” Tails eyed his big brother before Sonic caved in.

“Okay, fine. Maybe, we’re going… on a… date.”

“Called it.” Tails smirked.

“What? B-but how?” Sonic’s eyes widened. 

“Well, I may have fibbed to you yesterday. Just a wee bit” Tails held his index finger and thumb together, almost as if to show how little the lie was.

“Tails…” Sonic furrowed his brows. “What did you do?” Sonic bit on another piece of fluffy goodness.

“Okay, so Amy and I didn’t actually have plans.” Tails shrugged

“What?” Sonic almost choked on his pancake again.

“And we may have followed you two to the theatre.”

“Why in Chaos-”

“And the park.”

Sonic felt his face heat up.

“H-how much did you see?” Sonic asked his fox companion as he used his arms to raise himself against the dining table.

“Relax, none of us are judging you, Sonic.” Tails was unthreatened by Sonic’s stance.

“How did you even do this?” Sonic raised his hands in confusion.

“It was simple, really. Rouge asked me to help her out. She noticed how the two of you are around each other. She called and asked if I would help. She bought the tickets, Amy brought our disguises, Knuckles got the vouchers, and I called you while you were with Shadow to ask him if he wanted to see a movie.”

“And then you guys dumped us for fake plans.” Sonic deadpanned.

“And now look! You have a real date with Shadow, that you guys agreed to go on out of your own volition!”

Sonic sat back in his dining chair. True, I can’t refute that.

“Besides,” Tails started tapping his communicator’s touch screen. “Look at this.” Tails smiled as he hit the send button on his device, Sonic’s own beeping a few seconds later. Curious, Sonic tapped the notification, his eyes widening as the video loaded before his eyes.

“Is that…” Sonic trailed off, watching the recording of last night's light show. “Is that us?”  Sonic’s eyes were full of wonder.

“If you ask me,” Tails patted Sonic’s shoulder from his chair. “It looks like you found your spark again- literally this time.”

“Heh,” Sonic said, still focused on the ball of light being displayed from his screen. “I guess you’re right.” Out of the blue, Sonic saw a notification pop up on his communicator.

Shadow, 12:47 P.M: I’ll be there around 6. I’m looking forward to this. :)

Sonic, 12:48 P.M: Ok!

It was Shadow. Sonic admired how expressive he had become. He was taken out of his thoughts when realized that his date was going to be in a couple of hours and he only had so much time to get ready.

“I think I need to start prepping myself for tonight-”

“Tell me you’re not gonna wear that same leather jacket again.” Tails pitifully rolled his eyes.

“What? What’s wrong with it?” Sonic raised an eyebrow.

“Nothing’s wrong with it, but I’m sure that even Amy would agree that for an important event such as this, things will  need to be more elevated.” Tails crossed his legs as he crossed his arms.

“I appreciate the input, but there’s no way that I could ever afford anything Amy makes.”

“Who said anything about affording it?”

Back in Amy’s atelier, Sonic found himself standing in front of a full length mirror, waiting for the puce hedgehog to return. Tails was in the corner, sitting on a magenta leather stool, graciously sipping on the coffee Amy had brewed for him.

“She’s been awake for a while, hasn’t she?” Sonic looked towards Tails. Amy had left the room to get her ‘latest creation,’ which Sonic wasn't sure what that meant.

“She probably saw your guys’ light show last night and felt a rush of creativity.” Tails sipped his coffee once more. “Wow, I can taste the organic-ness of these beans!”

“Heh. Shadow would probably love them.” Sonic looked back in the mirror, just as Amy came back with her signature fuchsia garment bag.

“Okay, here!” Amy placed the garment bag on a golden wall hook, unzipping it to reveal a satin dress shirt- but it wasn’t just any dress shirt. It looked like it was made of pure magic, and dazzled in the light like a thousand sapphires. There was a flame-like, golden embroidery along the hem and the buttoned seam in the centre, with each button resembling one of Sonic’s famous rings. When Amy picked up the masterpiece- it truly was a masterpiece- he noted how it almost seemed to float in whichever direction she moved, and noted that there seemed to be a gold iridescence dancing along the shirt’s cobalt surface. All Sonic could do was stare, and Tails nearly spat out his coffee.

“Wow…” Sonic could only stare in awe.

“Do you like it?” Amy asked groggily, her abnormally dark under eyes giving a clear display that she had been awake all night, working on the piece.

“I… Amy,” Sonic stepped closer to his friend, truly encapsulated by her work. “This is incredible. It’s nicer than anything I own.”

“Well, after seeing your guys’ light show last night, I had no choice but to get to work! I’ve spent the whole night working on it!” Amy took the dress shirt and cloaked it around Sonic. “Arms out!”

“Amy…” Sonic felt bad. “Listen, I appreciate this, but I can’t afford something like this.” Amy stopped what she was doing.

“What did you just say?” Amy stood as she came to Sonic’s face, as the Lapis hedgehog audibly gulped.

“W-well I mean… It’s just-”

“Sir,” Amy crossed her arms. “I did not slave away, spending almost eight hours of my beauty sleep, creating this garment just for you to say that you ‘can’t afford it.’ Do you see my quills? They’re a mess!” Amy gathered herself. The lack of sleep was getting to her. “I made this for you, as a gift , Sonic. I wanted to create something, and you inspired me to do so.”

“But-”

“No buts. Friends don’t do things for friends because they expect something in return. I’m doing this for you, because I love you Sonic- even if it’s just as friends.”

Tails in the corner felt a tear fall from his cheek. How touching…

“Well, in that case,” Sonic exhaled. “Let me look at this baby.”

“You’re going to love it!” Amy squealed. Just then, there was a knock on the door. The three friends turned to find Rouge in a hot pink crop top and black skinny jeans. 

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Rouge eyed Sonic’s outfit. “Wow. You clean up nicely.”

“Heh,” Sonic let out a coy chuckle. “Thanks.”

“Hey Rouge! Thanks for making it.” Amy headed towards the door. “I’ll be right back!”

“Where is she going?” Tails asked.

“She called me over because there was something that she wanted to give to Shadow. Based on your outfit, I assume that it’s something for your date tonight.”

“Oh,” Sonic felt his ears stiffen. He had forgotten that they had an audience last night. “I- mayb- perhaps, heh.”

“Don’t worry, Sonic. There’s no need to be embarrassed.” Rouge smiled. She came towards Tails, noting the coffee table beside him had a pot of coffee and a spare teacup. “Mind if I partake?”

“Help yourself!” That was one of the things Rouge missed about Tails- he was always so thoughtful and selfless.

“Thank you, dear.”

Sonic admired the two. 

Just like old times.

Amy returned with a bag for Rouge, and a garnet tie for Sonic.

“Here you are, Mrs. Rouge.” She handed the bag off to the platinum colored bat. “Please ensure that Shadow receives this before tonight’s events.”

“Will do.” Rouge saluted her fashion friend.

“Here,” Amy headed over to Sonic with her tie. “I know that red is your favorite color, so I made this for you too!” Amy passed Sonic a satin tie the color of roses. It was just as brilliant as the shirt, but Sonic was more mesmerized by how much it reminded him of Shadow’s stripes.

“Gee, Ames, I…” Sonic trailed off as he gazed at the tie before him. “I don’t know what to say. Except, thank you.” He brought his emerald eyes to look at her peridots. 

“Don’t mention it.” Amy smiled.

“Well, what do you think, lover boy?” Rouge asked. “Are you ready for tonight?”

“Yeah…” Sonic grasped his tie. “Absolutely.” Sonic looked back at Tail’s coffee pot.

“Uh, actually, Ames, about that coffee…”

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Jay-Lounge - Alone

Rouge was sitting on her leather chaise, staring out of her apartment’s window of a wall. She was gazing towards the cloudy weather outside. Strange, it was sunny just a few hours ago, and it called for clear skies…

She thought back to when Shadow had first left. It was a trying time, for sure- First Sonic, then Shadow. Eventually, they all just grew apart. 

Back to the present time, with Amy, Tails and Sonic together, it really felt like old times. Even at the MWC, it felt like Sonic and Shadow had never left.

Looking back when Shadow had disappeared, she kept replaying the situation over and over again in her head. How could I have been so stupid? She cursed herself. All the signs were right in front of her- and she had missed them all.

But now times were changing. Sonic was back. Shadow was back. Everybody was back together again. This time, things would work out.

Right?

But there was something else: she was the only person who knew the real reason Shadow disappeared. True, Sonic was part of it, but there were reasons deeper that only she knew about- she only told her husband the summarized version.

Rouge shifted her gaze to the fuchsia garment bag that laid beside her-still wondering what was in it- before she was brought back to reality when she heard a knock at her door. Glancing at the doorway, she flew over and looked through the peephole, Shadow’s face on the other side.

Huh. She thought as she looked at her watch. 5:00 P.M. Right on time.

“Well hello, lovebug.” Rouge opened the door gracefully. “You ready for tonight?”

“Uh…” Shadow scratched the back of his head, unsure of how to answer.

“…Shadow?” Rouge looked at the hedgehog with concern.

“Can I come in?” Shadow didn’t make eye contact.

“Please.” Rouge stepped to the side as her old teammate made his way past.

Shadow hadn’t seen this place in years- it was still the same. The pristine white countertops, the blinged out decor and the rouge faux fur textures all reminded him of the stakeouts where they’d spent the night here, looking for signs of Eggman’s attacks from the apartment's high, panoramic views.

“How are you feeling, Shadow?” Rouge asked, innocently, as she sat back on the sofa she was just pondering on.

“I… I don’t know.” Shadow sighed as he sat beside her, placing a palm over his eyes.

“Huh? You’re not excited? Nervous? Scared?”

“Yes-No-I- Ugh, all of those things?” Shadow knew that pretending not to feel any of those would do no good- Rouge saw right through him. He let out a heavy breath as he threw his hand down.

“You know, that’s normal, right?”

“Easy for you to say.” Shadow scoffed. “You’re married.”

“And you think the beginning stages weren’t hard?”

“Please. You guys had next to nothing to fight about.”

“Actually,” A sudden brash voice alerted the two. “We had a lot to work through.”

“Like what?” Shadow furrowed his brows towards the echidna. 

“Well, when we first met, this little bat, here,” Knuckles gestured to Rouge as she chuckled, knowing full well where this was going. “She used to always try to steal the master emerald.”

“Well, she is a jewel thief.” Shadow side-eyed his friend as she playfully slapped his shoulder.

“Hey! I’m reformed!”

“Well, I dunno.” Knuckles put a fist to his chin, as if he were thinking. “You have a tendency to steal my heart every time I see you.”

“Awe! Knuckles!” Rouge was gushing over her husband.

“Ugh, I’m surrounded by idiots.” Shadow sneered.

“Hey! Mind you, you asked earlier to come over to my apartment.” Rouge reminded him. “Oh, speaking of-” Rouge reached for the garment bag beside her as she stood up.

“This is for you.” She passed it off to Shadow, who reluctantly took it.

“What is this?” Shadow studied the bag intently.

“Well, if I had to guess, Amy likes to create when she’s inspired. And after last night-”

“Rouge-”

“I already told you we all saw it. I even sent you the video!” The bat raised her arms in self defense.

Shadow let out a sigh. He hated that the bat had gone behind her back, but he had to admit that the sight was something to behold.

“Anyways. I was at her atelier earlier and I saw what she made for Sonic- it was glorious. Open it!” She pleaded as Shadow noticed Knuckles peering over his shoulder.

“Ugh, fine.” Shadow grabbed the zipper as he pulled it downwards, and Knuckles and Rouge let out a gasp as Shadow’s eyes widened, the zipper practically shining a soft light on their faces as Shadow opened it.

“This,” Shadow eyed the bag being presented to him. “Is for me?”

Shadow had peeled the shirt out of the bag, and emerged a beautiful, deep golden dress shirt that had a soft blue luster on it’s surface. It moved like water and had red ruby buttons. Shadow, Rouge and Knuckles could all see that it definitely had remnants of the previous night’s park events.

“It’s… dazzling!” Rouge was so proud of Amy. That hedgehog could create clothing from anything.

“Oh, and I have the perfect thing for it!” Knuckles headed towards the bedroom, Rouge and Shadow wondering what he could possibly be grabbing.

“Well, what do you think?” Rouge looked at the silent hedgehog in front of her.

“It’s beautiful.” Shadow responded curtly as he lowered the shirt.

“That’s it?” Rouge crossed her arms. What is wrong with this hedgehog today?

“I don’t know if I should wear it.”

“What? Why in the world not?” Rouge was truly puzzled by Shadow’s remark.

“It might be… too beautiful.” Shadow said as Rouge’s eyes widened.

It was then that she realized.

“It’s just- I don’t want to deal with people judging us. I thought I would be able to handle the public- I’m used to what the world thinks of me. But last night, I was with Sonic and… I heard some people being so nasty. ” Shadow looked up at Rouge, and for the first time she saw something she had never seen on his face- peril.

“I can deal with people talking about me- it hurts, but I manage. But Sonic? That guy saved the world more times than anybody can remember. To know that someone so good is being treated so bad, it feels so… wrong.”

Rouge walked towards Shadow as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Trust me, if anyone knows anything about public perceptions and loved ones, it’s me.” Shadow looked away for a minute as he processed what she said. 

“You mean-”

“Knuckles, yes.” Rouge cut off the onyx hedgehog. “It was hard seeing what the tabloids were saying about him, because they didn’t know Knuckles the way I do. The poor guy just wants to fight for fun.” Shadow looked down towards the ground. “But my role, as his wife, was to support him.” Shadow found himself looking towards Rouge again.

“When you love somebody, the best thing you can do is be there for them- through the good times and the bad- especially the low points. A good relationship strengthens each other. Knuckles said in his wedding vows that I make him a better man- but he makes me a better woman. At moments where it would be too easy to give up and walk out-not because I don't love him, or that he isn't a good man, but because our lives get hectic and we have to bear it together- I choose my integrity and my love for him, because I know that my job as a partner, a good partner, is to support him no matter what.”

Shadow looked like he had come to a realization.

“Trust me,” Rouge backed away. “Once you find this love, you’ll fight for it.”

“But, what if I just make his life worse? What if everyone starts judging us again? What if they start calling him a traitor for dating me?” Shadow buried his face into his hands.

Rouge came to Shadow's side and placed her hand on his shoulder, the hedgehog's surprise evident as he shifted his face towards his shoulder, then her eyes.

"I'll always be in your corner. No matter what." Rouge offered an empathetic smile, her cyan eyes letting Shadow know that he was being validated. "We've experienced the near end of the earth together. I won't give up on you."

Rouge caressed Shadow's shoulder softly as he gently gripped her hand. He looked towards Rouge, a hint of a smile reaching his face.

"Thank you, Rouge."

“Here!” Knuckles once again called out, this time not as surprising to the other two. “What do you guys think?” Knuckles held out a blue tie that was a shimmer-type of fabric.

“Oh-la-la!” Rouge let out, retreating her hands to her face while Shadow rose to look at it. “That would be perfect!” 

“It’s…” Shadow was only able to think about how well the tie matched with Sonic’s fur. “It’s beautiful.” Shadow smiled slightly.

“If you want it, you can keep it. I don’t really have a need for these types of ties anyways.” 

Shadow couldn't put into words the gratitude he'd felt for his old buddies. He almost felt remorseful for spending so much time away. 

This is what I've been longing for.

“Thank you, Knuckles.”

“Don’t mention it! Not go claim that Sonic’s heart!”

Chapter Text

Song for this chapter: Elliot James Reay - I Think They Call This Love

“How do I look, Tails?” Sonic asked his fox friend as he looked in the foyer’s full length mirror. He was wearing the tie and dress shirt that Amy created for him, and made sure his quills were extra smooth.

“With all due respect,” Tails put his hands in his charcoal sweatpants’ pockets, comfortable after wearing a blazer all day. “I don’t think even Shadow is gonna be able to take his eyes off of you.” And Tails was right. Anybody who saw the hedgehog- weather they loved or hated him- would have to admit that he was a sight to behold.

“Heh. Thanks, Tails.” Just then, Sonic’s communicator lit up. Sonic noticed that this new one Tails had given him had no cracks, and it wasn't a struggle to read texts anymore. 

Shadow, 7:58 P.M: Here :)

“Oh, it’s him.” Sonic felt a rush of nervousness come over him. “Well, I guess I should get going!” Sonic waved as he walked towards the elevator.

“Go get 'em, tiger!”

Sonic emerged from the lobby, seeing Shadow perched upon one of the sofa’s arms. Sonic nearly forgot how to breathe at the sight of him- his quills were fluffier than usual, although still well maintained, and his dress shirt really looked like their lightshow from the evening prior.

“Hey, Shads.” 

Shadow was lost in thought, racking his nerves when he saw Sonic- and lost himself in Sonic's eyes. 

“Wow.” Was all he was able to mutter as his eyes widened.

“Do I…” Sonic felt unsure of himself when he saw Shadow’s face. “Do I look okay?”

“Y-yeah.” Shadow stood up as he gathered himself. “Better than okay.”

“Really?” 

“Incredible, actually.” Shadow looked towards Sonic’s tie and back to emerald eyes.

“Thanks.” Sonic chuckled, shyly. “ You look… uh…” Sonic tried to think of a compliment to repay Shadow. Come on, Sonic, think! Something memorable!”

“… You look memorable.”

“…”

Way to go, Sonic.

Shadow suddenly let out a snort.

“Is that the best you could come up with?” Shadow shyly covered his mouth, trying to hide his amusement. Sonic thought he saw a tear form in the corner of his mate’s eyes.

He couldn’t help but laugh along with him.

“So, where to first?” Sonic asked as he buckled himself into the backseat, as the car's driver steered the luxe black car ahead.

“Well, I was thinking first, that we could go to an arcade- I know that you’ve said that there’s a certain princess in a castle you’d like to meet.” Shadow teasingly raised an eyebrow. 

“Oh-” Sonic felt his cheeks heat up. “Uh, that was just a joke, heh.” Sonic slumped in his chair.

“You’re too cute not to tease.”

“Ah.” Sonic felt silly. He looked up out of embarrassment for a second- only to note the car’s roof interior had fiber optic lighting, twinkling like a night time sky. “How’d you get this car?” Sonic asked- it reminded him of the night they’d spent together under the stars a few days ago.

“Rouge lent it to me.”

“Are you sure she isn’t stalking you?” Sonic nudged his buddy, checking around for hidden cameras.

“Nah. She assured me that this time, she would give us our privacy.” Shadow said.

“That’s a relief.” There was an awkward silence in the car for a moment.

Ugh. What do I do now?  Shadow felt like he should do something. He didn’t want Sonic to think he was boring, or awkward.

Without warning, Shadow placed his arm around Sonic’s shoulder, causing the blue hedgehog to freeze. 

Uh oh. Was that too much?

“Uh…” Shadow turned his face away, defeated.  “Sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Shadow went to move his arm before a hand clutched it.

“No…” Sonic said, still frozen. “It-It’s fine.”

Shadow turned his face to his date, looking towards Sonic’s ears, noticing how perked they were.

“Heh.” You’re such a tease.

As the two walked into the arcade, Sonic noted that the atmosphere was that of a typical 80’s arcade- loudly colored carpeting, grungy air and dim lighting. Shadow pulled out his wallet and headed to the entrance’s ticket booth, Sonic waiting in the 80's-themed lobby.

“Hi,” he said, trying to seem as polite as possible. “For two please.”

“Oh. Um…” The mobian deer seemed tense as she grabbed the wristbands for the hedgehogs, even knocking over files and papers. “Uh, is that cash, or card?” Her expression displayed her discomfort.

“… Card.” Shadow answered, curtly.

“Uh-huh…” She replied, sliding over the bright pink wristbands as the chip reader beeped. “Have a great time, guys.”

Shadow left the booth without another word.

“We good?” Sonic asked Shadow, who seemed distracted.

“Huh?” Shadow looked to Sonic, the  sight of blue hedgehog's face instantly releasing any tension that had just built up within him. “Yeah. Here,” He wrapped Sonic’s wristband for him before doing his own. “Now, we can go play some fantastic Marvelous Mayhem Siblings! I’m willing to bet a round of drinks on it.”

“Ha!” you wish you could beat me!” Sonic pointed to himself with his thumb.

“We both know out of the two of us, I probably have the better chance of winning.”

“How did you do that?” Shadow asked, mouth gaping as he held his PuzzlePrism console controller next to Sonic, who was too busy victory dancing.

“I’ve had a lot of practice. It’s the same thing I do, just in game form!” Sonic smiled his famous cheeky smile.

“Uh… Huh.” Shadow let out an exhale. “Well, I guess I need to buy us drinks…”

“Actually,” Sonic placed his controller back on the holder. All this gaming’s made me hungry. What if we eat instead?”

Shadow smiled at his date as he placed his own controller in it’s holder. 

“Sure. Let’s go somewhere where they have fresher air.”

Shadow had managed to convince Rouge for the evening to let them dine at Sonic’s favorite- Central City Gourmet, and she had booked them a private room. There was no way either hedgehog would have been able to get in on their own- but with a reference like Rouge, the world was your oyster.

“And then I said-” Sonic raised his arms, immersing himself in the story he told Shadow. “No, what I meant was: I’m so sorry that you have nothing more important to do in life!” 

Shadow spat out the sparkling water he had just drank and started chocking.

“You said what?” Shadow cleared his throat as Sonic chuckled at his own joke. “To Zeena?”

“You should have seen the look on her face!” Sonic bit into another chilidog. 

“You know,” Shadow playfully sighed as he used a serviette to wipe his lips of the water he spilt. “One of these days, you’re gonna get yourself killed.”

“Eh. What can I say? I like living a little dangerously.” Sonic flashed a devilishly handsome smirk. Just as Sonic finished saying that, he noticed the waiter hadn’t been back in a while. “Y’know, I could use a little more chili on this dog.” 

“Ah, let me go see if I can grab someone.” Shadow excused himself from the table as he strived to be a gentleman for his date.

Shadow made his way out of the private room, noting that fellow diners were staring at him.

“What is he doing here?”

“Isn’t he here with Sonic?”

“I can see why Sonic’s here- he’s so cool. He was great at Rouge’s party. But this guy…”

“Is it okay for us to be here? What if he gets mad at us?”

Imbeciles.

“Excuse me,” Shadow waved to the bartender as he approached the bar side. “Would it be okay if-”

The bartender dropped his tray of champagne flutes as he looked to Shadow.

“…I’d just like some more chili, if that’s possible.” To onlookers, he just looked nonchalant, but if his close friends could see him, they'd see his furrowed brows, and his parted lips, showing his saddened confusion.

“Ah- yes. Right away.” The bartender gathered himself as he ran towards the back, and came back with an extra bowl of chili. When the mobian rabbit passed it off to Shadow, the bartender looked as if he was pulling the chili out of an oven with no oven mitt.

“Thanks.” Shadow snatched the bowl and made his way towards his beloved.

“Ah! Shads! You didn’t have to do that!” Sonic was clearly grateful for his date’s services. Upon seeing this, a smile returned to Shadow’s face.

“I’d do anything for you.” He placed the bowl in front of Sonic.

Later that evening, Shadow and Sonic were once again at Station Square park, the same one as the previous night. The sun was setting and radiated gold all over the beautiful scenery, and last night’s white blooms were tinted with a champagne color. Unlike last night’s quiet radiance, there was the liveliness of the crowds who came by to take a gander at the manicured grounds.

Although Sonic seemed to be blissfully unaware of the seemingly judgmental onlookers, Shadow, unfortunately, was very well aware of their presence.

“Y’know,” Sonic started as the two walked by a patch of flowers. Instead of racing, they decided they were going to pace themselves and take in their surroundings, especially with the fleeting golden hour. “I get why you live out of the city.”

“Oh? Why is that?” Shadow playfully raised an eyebrow.

“Well,” As Sonic looked over the park’s gardens. “The city is fun- don’t get me wrong, I‘ve enjoyed my stay here and being able to grab a chili dog in the span of thirty seconds.” Sonic chuckled to himself. “But when you get away from the hustle and bustle of it all, it’s really nice to take in the simple things.” Sonic looked to Shadow, his emerald eyes gleaming in the light.

“Heh.” Shadow looked at the ground before him- away from Sonic’s gaze. His eyes were just too captivating. “I also get why you live in the city. You’re a social butterfly- and you’re good at it, too.” Shadow smiled towards Sonic, with a brightness Sonic hadn’t seen before. “The same way that the city is full of wonder and vitality, I see the same energy in you.”

Sonic felt his heartbeat strengthen. This guy feels that way about me?

“It-it’s nothing.” Sonic scratched the back of his head.

“You resurrected team Sonic after we went dark. It’s not nothing- especially not to me.”

Sonic looked back at Shadow, feeling his ears stiffen. He looked back towards the pathway, noting the people around them- but he didn’t mind the onlookers.

“Say, I know it’s kinda a cliche question to ask, but what do you want with your future?” Sonic subconsciously leaned forwards slightly as to put his face in front of Shadow’s.

“Hmmm.” Shadow hadn’t heard that question since Rouge and Knuckle’s wedding. “Until recently, I would wake up, run, plant and read. Occasionally, I'd polish my motorcycle. But now…” Shadow stopped walking as Sonic took ahead, the latter spinning his body around to meet his date’s gaze. “I want to see what things I’ve been missing. To see what life is like, outside of that little beach.” Sonic noticed the wind caressing Shadow’s quills. “What about you?”

“Me?” Sonic hadn’t prepared an answer, despite being the one who asked the question first. “I’d say that I’m in the same boat- I’ve spent the past few years living in a box. It would be nice to get out and do more stuff.”

Shadow looked away for a moment, thoughtfully. “Ah, I see.” 

Was that a bad answer? Sonic asked himself, a wave of self-conciousness starting to flow over his body.

“I also asked you a while ago if you’d found your spark yet.” Shadow continued, bringing his eyes to meet Sonic’s as Shadow stepped towards him. “I asked what you thought it was, but you told me that I’d ‘see.’ Would you say, you’ve found it yet?” Shadow lifted his head slightly, his red-eyelined-lids falling slightly over his garnet irides.

“I would, yes.” Sonic answered, trying not to let his nerves get to him, his chest feeling as heavy as Knuckle's Master Emerald.

“And what would you say that spark is?” Shadow raised an eyebrow in question, closing the shrinking gap between them.

“… The people I care about.”

“Hmm. So, would you say,” Shadow’s face was near Sonic’s, inches apart now, displaying hope with the tiniest bit of anxiety. “You care about me?”

Sonic could only look into Shadow’s ruby colored eyes as he asked.

“…Well?” Shadow asked, growing impatient.

…

“Of course.” Sonic exhaled as he looked eagerly into those same ruby eyes- reflecting the passionate fire they held in his own emeralds.

“So could you say I’m your spark?” Shadow seemed even more anxious for his response to this question than the last.

“I think that’s obvious.” Sonic replied, playfully arrogant as usual, but he had a softer tone.

Shadow leaned in for a moment, closing his eyes as he did so- he couldn’t resist anymore. Sonic followed suit.

This is it. This is gonna be the moment I’ve been thinking of.

Shadow halted as his ear twitched once more, hearing people around them. 

“Wasn’t he that guy who was really weird to that reporter?”

“Hey, don’t be rude.” 

“I’m just asking- oh and he’s with his hasbeen friend!”

“I remember them. I don’t know- wait, are they about to kiss?”

“Oh my Chaos, that’s so cute!”

“Cute? Please. They need to get a room.”

“Is this what expired heroes do with their time?”

“I was rooting for Eggman towards the end, but that loser retired.”

That last line really made Shadow’s blood boil.

“…Shads?” Sonic opened his eyes, after waiting for a kiss that would never come, seeing Shadow’s eyes- a moment ago, they were lit towards him with a gentle, compassionate warmth, but now they were displaying a raging fury, away from him.

Without thinking, Shadow shoved Sonic out of the way and approached a mobian- a magenta feathered owl man and his friends- with absolutely zero impulse control.

“What did you just say?”