Yes, I have decided to do the 100 Theme Challenge. I like the idea of it, plus, it gives me a chance to write down the little mini Sonic Oneshots I keep coming up with XD So I've created my own 100 theme list, which you'll see on my profile soon ^^

I'm not going to do the list in order though, I'm going to write for whichever prompt I feel like writing for at that moment in time, as you can see by my starting with theme number 60 :D

On with the story then!

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Title: Friendship Is A Funny Thing, Isn't It?
Fandom: Sonic the Hedgehog
Characters: Sonic and Shadow
Prompt: #60- Friend
Pairing: N/A
Disclaimer: I don't own Sonic the Hedgehog, I've just borrowed the characters for a while. I often make them dance for my own amusement.
Warning(s): This story contains MAX HEDGIE BONDING TIME.
Summary: "Why aren't you at the party?" "I wasn't aware that I was welcome."

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Shadow stood, his back against a tall tree that resided near the edge of a steep cliff. A light breeze ruffled his fur gently, keeping him cool against the rays of sun that shone through the branches above his head. A day like this was rare at this time of year, when the ground was covered with vibrantly coloured leaves. It wouldn't be long before autumn became winter, and those leaves were blanketed with snow.

From his vantage point, the ebony hedgehog could see Station Square quite clearly on his left. It was three thirty, meaning the rush hour was in full swing. When he was part of the crowds himself, Shadow only ever thought of how frustrating it was that those idiotic humans just didn't seem to understand the meaning of, 'get out of my way'. But, up here, the throng of people actually seemed to look... cheerful.

On his right, he could make out the house belonging Amy Rose, and, nearby that, the home of her small rabbit friend, Cream. The Chaotix Detective Agency stood a small distance further away from that, and if he squinted, he could make out the hazy blur that was Angel Island, hovering above the sea on the horizon.

I wish you could see this, Maria. Earth may have it's bad points, but you never got to see views like this up in space. I guess I have to enjoy it for the both of us then, don't I?

Shadow smiled to himself, only for a second, but it was still a smile. It felt good, he reflected, to be able to think about his lost friend without feeling the urge to hit something. The anger having faded away to a sad acceptance, he had moved on, but certainly not forgotten.

He often wondered if she was watching the planet she had loved so much, from somewhere in the afterlife. That was a nice thought. Maria, hovering above tree tops, watching people go about their daily lives, perfectly content to simply observe their happiness.

He was so deep in thought, Shadow almost didn't hear the rustling behind him that indictated that he was no longer alone. Almost.

"Yo."

The only acknowledgement that Shadow gave to this greeting was a twitch of his ear. It was enough. Sonic mimicked his rival's pose, leaning against the tree next to him, one leg planted on the trunk, his arms folded. The only difference was the curious look he sent his dark furred friend.

They stood like that for a few minutes, before Shadow finally turned his head towards the blue hedgehog. "What do you want, Sonic?"

"I was sent to look for you."

"By?"

"Cream, surprisingly."

Shadow blinked. He hadn't expected that. Sonic chuckled at the confusion upon Shadow's face. "She's upset that you're not at her birthday party."

If Shadow hadn't been shocked before, he certainly was now. "Why would she...?" He trailed off, staring, baffled, at Sonic.

"Want you there? Beats me, you're such a downer all the time. Point is, she asked me when you were going to show up, and she was giving me the puppy eyes. I couldn't tell her you weren't coming when she was looking at me like that."

Shadow's mouth twitched slightly.

"Don't smirk like that. When I see you refuse Cream when she's giving you the eyes, then you can laugh, but until then, shut it." Sonic said in mock indignation. The other hedgehog responded by rolling his eyes.

"Anyway, I told her you'd probably just got held up somewhere, and that I'd go look for ya."

"How'd you find me?"

"It was quite easy actually. Knowing you, you'd be off somewhere quiet where no-one would bother you."

"No-one except spiky, smug hedgehogs, apparently."

"Exactly," Sonic grinned. His face suddenly grew unusually solemn. "Were you really not going to come?"

Shadow's gaze was back on the view. "I wasn't aware that I was welcome."

"Huh?"

"You said it yourself, Sonic. I wouldn't fit in at a girl like Cream's birthday party. Not when I'm such 'a downer', to quote you directly. Why would she want me at her party?"

"Because you're our friend, idiot." Sonic said it bluntly, grinning at him like it was obvious.

Shadow stared.

"You may be negative sometimes, and quiet and closed off, but we know that's just how you are. We accept that. We know you have your baggage, we accept that too. It doesn't mean we don't wanna be around you, it just means that we wanna help you. Cream's too nice of a girl to sit around and watch other people be unhappy. She wants to talk to you, she wants to be your friend because she wants to see you happy. Everyone does. Do you see what I mean?"

The other hedgehog stood, contemplating this for a few moments.

Then, a small smile graced his features. He gave a slight nod to his blue companion, who understood immediately, then straightened up. Sonic followed suit.

A conversation like that between them was rare. They would never speak of it again, but they would remember it. In the space of only a second however, everything was back to normal.

"So, come on then. Amy will kill you if you show up without a present. Last one to the shopping centre has to help with the party clean up!"

"I hope you can keep up then."

Then they were gone, the only sign they had been there at all being the Sonic Boom that resonated as they shattered the sound barrier.

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PS. Well, that's the first one done. 99 more to go :) HOORAY FOR FRIENDSHIP 8D

Well, like always, read, review, and tell me what you thought ^^