Be Mine
"I can't believe you don't know about Valentines Day!"
Silver was silent, gazing at the explosion of pink and red with fascination. He and Amy had been to this store before. It was called a "Thrift Shop" and every season it set aside space for some outlandish custom associated with it. Silver had a feeling this season was Amy's favorite.
Normally, when he accompanied anyone to the store it was to buy essentials. Cleaners, small groceries, and snacks were what Silver was used to. But, today they had specifically gone out to buy these- "valentines."
"In the season of love, you buy something sweet for your sweetheart to show them you love them."
With a twirl the candy pink hedgehog before him paced towards an assortment of brightly colored boxes. Gingerly picking up a grocery basket Silver followed. They probably wouldn't be leaving soon- might as well make conversation.
"But why do you have to buy this?"
Silver gestured to a large fluffy heart pillow that had "Be Mine" embroidered on the front.
"What do you mean? What's wrong with it?" Surprised jade eyes met his as if the question was insulting.
"It's just … well for the other holiday you bought something specifically for each person. Why buy this when you can buy them things that they like?"
Awkwardly, Silver placed the grocery basket beside him and picked up the heart pillow.
What does "Be Mine" even mean?
With a playful roll of the eyes Amy turned to pick up a large box of chocolates and held it against her chest protectively.
"It's supposed to be romantic. It is for your partner."
"Then..." Silver tilted his head slightly, looking almost childish as he continued." …why are we buying valentines for everybody?"
Huffing in mild annoyance, Amy dropped the box of chocolates in the basket and turned to assess the toys and apparel on display.
"Because that's the custom."
Silver placed the heart back and timidly picked up a thin plastic container with a chocolate rose.
"I…don't understand."
Placing a hand on her hip, Amy ignored the telekinetic in favor of tapping a gloved finger against her lower lip in thought.
"Should I get Sonic that box of chocolates or a sweater?"
The pink hedgehog pointed to unisexual heart sweaters meant for couples.
"They are both really nice Amy. But, maybe Sonic would like some flowers. You give flowers on Valentimes day right?"
"Valentines Day" Amy corrected- "…and girls don't give boys flowers. Only boys give flowers."
"Oh." Silver was conflicted but was afraid to ask why. He didn't want to annoy Amy anymore than he already had.
"Don't worry Silver. You'll understand as soon as we celebrate it."
Opting for both gifts, Amy picked two matching sweaters to join the chocolates in the basket along with a box of prepackaged valentines and lollipops.
"Okay…" with a shrug Silver simply picked up the rapidly filling basket and followed Amy into the next aisle.
"Oh! They have flowers this year! But…no roses. I guess roses are just too expensive."
Lamenting at the flower selection Amy simply passed them by in favor of looking at paper goods.
Carefully wrapped in cones of pink and clear plastic, bushels of peonies, daises, daffodils and gardenias poked out of mounted cups of water.
Leaning down, Silver blissfully breathed in the soft scent of the fresh cut flowers before him. The pale hedgehog delicately picked a small bouquet of gardenias, placing a plastic cone around their stems after seeing an informative diagram on a sign.
"I think that's about it. We-Oh! Silver is their someone special you want to give those to?" Practically gushing, Amy bounded towards the other hugging his arm.
"It's for-" Cutting him off midsentence Amy squealed.
"Never mind, don't tell me! It will be a surprise!" After wrapping the white gardenias with a pale pink ribbon the two set off to pay.
~O~
Oddly enough, it had been decided that the annual Valentines Day get together would be hosted by Sonic and Tails. The reason being something about "even" ground. Silver didn't see how the ground could be more even at Sonic's than at Amy's and why it mattered. He chalked it up to being another part of the custom. Needless to say, Amy was less than thrilled about the change but she consoled herself with the thought of being at her love interests home on the most "romantic" day of the year.
Balancing a basket of goodies in his arms Silver locked the door of his apartment and took to the sky. Despite favoring solitude, Silver was more than happy to meet up with what the humans had dubbed "Sonic Team" for special occasions and get-togethers. He was more than grateful for a chance at a new life. Not only was he forgiven, but Sonic himself had pulled strings to get him registered for benefits and into his own apartment. He was welcomed into the group wholeheartedly. He had only actually been living in the past for a few months but he truly felt at home. It took barely fifteen minutes for Silver to pass over a bustling Station Square. His Valentines offerings had been a little jostled but remained intact as he gently touched down upon Sonic's patio.
Spring was in the air. The last time he had exchanged gifts with the others the planters beside the patio had been mostly barren with the exception of some hardy rosemary. Now, clovers, mint, lavender, and parsley filled the boxes offering a symphony of crisp clean scents. Silver breathed in the clean air as he knocked on the door of the heroic duos humble abode. The door opened almost instantly.
"Hi Silver! Come in!" Tails beamed as he gestured inside where everyone had gathered in the living room.
"Would you like some coffee?"
After politely declining (the last time he had coffee his leg wouldn't stop shaking) Silver joined the others watching the procession with interest.
Charmy was flying from person to person handing out small bags of jellybeans. With each bag he gave he received something in return. Cream gave him a candy necklace, Rouge offered him a chocolate covered strawberry, Amy handed him one of the valentines and lollipops that she bought and Knuckles gave him a pair of headphones.
It seemed like everyone was arbitrarily exchanging candy and these "valentines" in no particular order. Anxious but excited, Silver paced towards Amy to hand her his valentine. She had gone above and beyond with her outfit. Her dress was lacey and fitted to her figure and her makeup was a little heavier than normal. Cream was even dolled up beside her with ribbons on her ears.
"Happy Valentines Amy. Thank you for helping me."
He handed her a chocolate rose that was slightly larger and more ornate than the others in his basket. He was grateful for her friendship, finding comfort in her company after Blaze had left. She smiled and handed him her gift and he moved on handing out the rest of his gifts to everyone. It seemed he had gotten the hang of the holiday. With every piece of chocolate he gave he received something in return. He handed Shadow a small box of truffles. Amy had assured him that "the boys" would rather have chocolate truffles over chocolate roses.
Silver didn't see the difference. They were both made of chocolate right? But he complied anyway.
Shadow had handed him a tin of chocolate covered espresso beans in return. By this time Silver's basket was overflowing with goodies. Through it all he had carefully kept his bouquet of gardenias safe.
Placing the basket down beside a sofa, Silver picked up the bouquet and strode directly to Sonic.
"Happy Valentines Day Sonic!"
Silver smiled warmly as he offered the pale fragrant flowers adorned with the pastel pink ribbon to the hero.
As soon as he had finished his sentence, he was aware of the deafening silence that had taken over the room. Before him Sonic's brows were raised in surprise. A quick look behind the hero revealed a slack jawed Knuckles.
He had obviously done something wrong.
Frozen in place- simultaneously, a chill ran down his spine as heat spread to his cheeks. Flushed he tried to back away but was surprised to find his wrist being held and the flowers being accepted. Before he knew it he was pulled into a hug and he could feel the bouquet being held by the speedster against his back as he was pressed against the toned torso of the other.
"Thanks Silv- They're beautiful!" Sonic declared just loud enough for everyone to hear before whispering softly in an albino ear.
"…just like you."
At first Silver thought he had imagined it, until over the hero's shoulder he saw the looks Rouge, Shadow, and Tails had adopted after the barely audible message was uttered. They had good hearing – and strangely they weren't as surprised as he was. Silver tried to pick up his jaw and fumbled to make a somewhat appropriate response.
"I'm glad they… you …like them. You like flowers and..."
Awkwardly excusing himself, Silver made his way to his basket and attempted to process what just happened.
Sonic complimented me?
He complements everyone but that one felt different somehow.
It makes me feel different.
One annoying thing about having ivory fur beyond constant cleaning was how easy it is for others to see when he is flushed or blushing. Ears tinted pink and muzzle and neck flushed, Silver's reaction could be seen across the room. After a meal and during a bit of idle but fond chatter Silver could feel those emerald green eyes on him and it made him nervous. This anxious feeling was new to him and he didn't know what to make of it. He ended up leaving the party relatively early.
~0~
When he was finally in the comfort of his apartment he evaluated the situation clearly. It was no secret how he loved his space. Just like Shadow, he needed to "recharge"-especially from these foreign "past" social circumstances.
The question was- what was that and why did he feel this way? Silver may have been somewhat naïve but a part of him knew that the complement bordered on being more than friendly. Still he had come to understand that for some reason such a thing was looked down upon in the past.
He just didn't expect it aimed at himself.
Sonic was handsome, kind, and courageous if a little short tempered at times but Silver barely KNEW him. Silver had spent more time in the past in Amy's and Shadow's company than Sonic's. What about Amy? Shouldn't she be receiving those complements?
It was with that thought that Silver realized he may have been reading more into the whispered phrase than was necessary. It was a Valentines Day custom, nothing more.
Resigned to the idea that he may have overreacted and Sonic was just making him feel better during an awkward moment – Silver went to bed.
~0~
Soleanna Castle Town was bright and cheery on Sunday mornings. Mobians and humans gathered in the Plaza for the weekly farmers market. The tables, chairs, and boxes normally occupying the plaza had been pushed to the side in favor of large tents filled with trinkets, produce and baked goods. There was something homey and warm about the practice. These vendors loved what they did and truly put their heart into everything they grew and created for purchase.
Sonic the hedgehog perused the offerings as he munched on a crispy swirl of potato on a stick.
He passed by a shop selling soaps, bath bombs, oils and lotions. The mixture of concentrated floral scents was too strong for his taste. Taking a last bite of his snack he moved towards the section dedicated to trinkets and odds and ends. Depositing his stick in a trashcan, the content hero's eyes caught sight of a shop selling wind chimes. He had been meaning to get a wind chime for the patio.
With a spring in his step, he entered the shop, eyeing the different sizes and types of wind chimes hanging on display. Resisting the urge to test out all of the wind chimes at once, the hero tentatively ran his hand along the metallic barrels of a particular wind chime strung with sea glass. Giving it a light push with his index finger – he was met with a light airy twinkling sound.
Pleased with the melody but intent on surveying other options – Sonic perused the offered chimes, every so often giving one he liked a flick and letting it sing.
Finally he was ready to make his purchase.
The shopkeeper had been watching him throughout his browsing and Sonic had carefully trained his features to be indifferent to the merchandise. Making his way to the back table with the cash register and the owner Sonic paced himself before leisurely propping his arm on the table.
"Can't help but notice there aren't any prices…"
The older parrot grinned as he clipped some chain for a chime he was working on.
"If you have any questions of price for a particular chime just ask." The parrot shrugged with a smile and continued prepping the chime on his desk.
Giving a knowing smirk Sonic moved to a chime that wasn't to his taste.
"What's the price on this one?" The chime was strung with pieces of carved wood.
"25.00"
"Hmmm." The hedgehog made a great show of pondering as he looked at the chime before moving to another.
"And this one?" The chimes were a bit wider than the last one and it was decorated with hanging chunks of amethyst.
"21.00"
"Ah " Sonic nodded as he turned around and pointed to another that was longer and thinner. It was strung with colored glass baubles decorated with swirling wire.
"How about this one?"
"It's 19.00" The parrot answered immediately almost annoyed with the disruption as he tried to make another chime for his inventory.
Catching the slight attitude of the other Sonic simply put his hands up in a calming gesture and started to walk out before pausing at the first chime he tested – The light airy twinkling sea glass chime.
"What about this one?"
The parrot gave a sigh. "18.00"
"16.00" Sonic countered.
"17.00- I can not sell for less." The parrot's red and green feathers were slightly ruffled as he locked his gaze on the hedgehog.
Silently, they stared each other down until Sonic lightly rubbed the underside of his nose with a smirk.
"All right. 17.00" The frugal hero agreed, stepped up to pay for his purchase as he watched the parrot's feathers visibly relax.
Carefully wrapping the wind chime with paper the shopkeeper took extra care to wrap the delicate sea glass. He placed the chime into a brown paper bag stamped with his logo before addressing his headache-inducing client.
"What is your zodiac sign?" The parrot turned to flip through a box of cards. Many shopkeepers would cross advertise by including small freebies or coupons for other shops when a purchase was made. Understanding this, Sonic humored the other.
"Cancer" The hedgehog was a "door into summer" baby and he was proud of it.
The parrot gave a snort as he picked the appropriate coupon.
"Makes sense." He muttered as he handed the card to the hedgehog.
"And yours?" A spark lit up Sonic's eye as he waited for affirmation of the others sign.
"Virgo" The parrot said it with such self-appreciation Sonic almost chuckled.
"Figures." The mischievous hero shot back as he picked up his purchase and the offered card. The shopkeeper was more than relieved when the hedgehog finally stepped out of the shop.
Sonic always got a kick out of a good deal. Growing up penniless and supporting Tails was tough. Even though he was much more stable financially now he still pinches pennies when he can- even to the exasperation of Tails and Amy.
He had some change over from the last exchange and as he passed by the various tents filled with home grown groceries he contemplated what to do with it.
The heavenly smell of sweet bread sped up the decision quickly. He knew Tails would appreciate the baked goods. The kit always had a penchant for sugary delicacies and Sonic was more than happy to deliver.
Settling into a long line the hero impatiently waited. It seemed he wasn't the only one drawn in by the smell. Opting to pass the time he reached into his paper bag and pulled out the little curious card the irate shopkeeper had given him.
The little card was white and matte with a black inked vintage faded stamp design. Flowing script spelled out "Cancer" in tiny print along the border and a large detailed picture of a crab took over the majority of the card.
Flipping it over, Sonic was met with a printed horoscope for the day on the back and a discount for 10 percent off any purchase of 20 or more at "Sacred Journeys."
March 22, XXXX
You may attend a party or other group activity this evening Cancer. However, you and the special someone in your life could well leave it early in order to steal some time for intimate conversation together. You should be looking and feeling great and be especially optimistic about your future and the future of your relationships. The future is looking extremely bright to you today.
Scoffing, Sonic shoved the card back in his bag. Sure, he knew aliens, government conspiracies, godlike forces, powerful artifacts and mutations but he drew the line at made up spiritual weirdness.
There was no way you could predict the future or daily events through the season and time of a birth.
The line was moving relatively fast and before he knew it Sonic was politely ordering. As he waited for a sweet goat to gather his purchases he spotted an unmistakable shock of white three tents behind the bakery.
~O~
Silver believed he would never ever get used to all the people in the past. It was so…crowded. Holding his groceries close, the relatively shy hedgehog browsed in a shop selling fresh cut and potted herbs.
Choosing small bushels of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, Silver moved to pay an elderly rabbit.
"That it?" The old rabbit was patchy and grey, an ever-present scowl shone under bright blue eyes.
"Yeah, you don't seem to have any mint." Silver muttered, avoiding the judgmental gaze in favor of focusing on his chosen items.
"Fresh out." The elder began ringing up his purchases until something caught his eye. Focusing behind Silver the rabbits scowl deepened. Looking over his shoulder Silver browsed the bustling scene behind him.
Not seeing anything out of the ordinary Silver turned back to the shopkeeper questioningly.
"Hmph. It's him."
"Who?"
"That Sonic fellow- If that's even his real name. Causes more trouble than it's worth if you ask me."
Shocked, Silver whipped around again and eyed the crowd once more. Sure enough he spotted the cobalt hedgehog slightly hidden in line behind the tent of a bakery.
"He could get rid of that madman instead of playing cat and mouse like he does. I'm almost convinced he likes the attention."
The rabbit turned his nose up and glowered in the direction of the oh-so offensive hero.
"Are you suggesting he kill him?"
Not believing what he was hearing Silver turned around mouth agape at the shopkeeper.
"What other way is there? The human just escapes jail and the United Federation can't do anything other than charge more taxes to repair the damage."
"Him alive is a death sentence to countless others- If I had one ounce of the power that young'un has I would have done it."
"Kill one to save the whole."
A shiver traveled up Silver's spine as he looked into the rabbit's eyes.
"But is that really the right thing to do? You would be a murderer and no better than the doctor."
"I'd still be doing more good than that sorry excuse of a hero."
A flare of anger engulfed Silver. His previous insecurities in front of the brash stranger left him in favor of fixing the other with a penetrating icy stare before defending the speedster.
"I admire Sonic, he constantly puts his life on the line because he values the lives of everyone."
"Tell me, would you sacrifice yourself to save everyone?" Silver leaned close, he could read a bit of fear in the other as his fluorescent golden eyes pinned the stranger to the spot before whispering.
"Or does someone else have to die for you to be the hero?"
The rabbit sputtered. "You… you hedgehogs are all the same. So busy hiding or running to really change anything."
Tightening his fists; Silver felt his head quills flare up. Puffing up his chest the ivory hedgehog fought to keep his composure in front of the critical rabbit.
"Morris! Are you pestering customers again?!"
A black and white speckled female rabbit in a sweet pink dress and bandana intervened from behind the tent.
"That hedgehogs a hybrid or somethin'- look at his crown."
Ignoring the borderline offensive comment the newcomer pushed the elder aside and began bagging the purchases in the reusable bags Silver had brought.
"I'm so sorry honey. Don't listen to Ol' Morris here. Here - I'll take 50% off for your trouble."
Nodding gratefully, Silver paid and looped his last purchases through his arm with the others.
"Don't do that Mary! We won't make a profit!"
"If you would just shut your yap and mind your own business I wouldn't be givin' out discounts Morris!"
After thanking the kindly woman, Silver moved to leave the tent. Still shaken by the harsh criticism of someone he admired deeply and knew was one of the sole reasons the future was safer than usual; the futuristic traveler entertained the thought that not everyone knew this. It was just like how he was a relative nobody to the public after everything.
Out of curiosity the pale hedgehog looked towards the bakery to see if the hero he had defended was still there. While the line had not diminished in length- Sonic was gone. Silver was simultaneously saddened and relieved. While he enjoyed the optimistic company of the legendary hero after everything he was anxious to speak with him.
Knowing that his flying would attract unnecessary attention at the crowded event Silver chose to walk home.
Navigating his way through the crowd Silver moved in the direction of his apartment until a brand new vendor caught his eye.
A banner labeled "Sacred Journeys" fluttered above a curious assortment of sparkling mounted minerals.
Behind a small glass case stood a purple cat dressed in gold lined silk and satin. A bright red gem was mounted on her forehead as her heterochromic lemon and hazel eyes beckoned him closer.
He knew it wasn't her. But every fiber of his being wished it could have been. He wanted to lie to himself as he drew closer watching her bend down to pull out two small velveteen boxes and place them on the glass case before her.
Without thinking he moved closer stepping into the shop to get a better look at the shopkeeper with the uncanny resemblance to his lost companion. Mouth dry and tongue-tied, Silver stepped directly in front of the unreadable feline and forced himself to say something, anything.
"A-" Was all he could utter before a hand slapped down on his shoulder from behind.
Jumping out of his skin the pale hedgehog let out a cross between a squeak and a hedgehog chirp as quills stood at attention.
"Whoa! I didn't mean to scare ya Silv!"
~0~
"I was calling out to ya. Guess you really couldn't hear me huh?" Sonic looked over the pale hedgehog mentally noting how on edge he was before catching eye of the shopkeeper.
Instant recognition lit up the hero's features. Suddenly Silvers state was a lot more understandable.
"I-It's fine." The comment was barely above a whisper. Deciding to take the lead in the exchange, Sonic called out to the shopkeeper.
"Mornin'. Do you mind helping us out?" A slow smile spread on the cats glossed lips. Despite how closely she resembled the princess he wasn't going to trust her. He was a firm believer of carving your own destiny and dare he say it… hard scientific evidence. Spiritual mumbo jumbo meant nothing to him. He trusted Tails explanation of the chaos emeralds power over any spiritual vendor any day. Still, he would humor her for Silver's sake.
"I've been expecting you two." The cat motioned to the boxes in front of her and Sonic could barely suppress a grimace.
Silver however drew closer, genuine curiosity and wonder in his eyes as he eyed the small boxes.
"So you predict the future?" Sonic bated, hopefully to snap Silver back to reality.
The mystic feline shook her head, golden clips swaying in her lavender and indigo tipped locks.
"I cannot predict the future- I specialize in what is needed and occurs at the present."
"But-" She paused eyeing the two before her. "The future is largely influenced by actions taken at the present."
At the last syllable she focused on Sonic and he could feel her evaluating him.
"Out of everyone you two should understand this."
"What…do you mean?" Sonic probed uneasy of the uncanny vagueness the cat radiated.
Ignoring the hero, the feline simply opened the small boxes before her to reveal two different rings set on a plush holder made of crushed velvet.
"I sense the chaos within and recommend Gaia's treasures based upon the needs of the user." The lilac feline locked eyes with an awed Silver and gestured to the rings before her.
"Son of rebirth and renewal; you have great strength yet you have not reached your full potential- A ring of sapphire can balance your foresight and intuition."
Picking up a small golden ring accented by a sparkling set sapphire, the feline held it out for the pale hedgehog to inspect.
Silver had heard of mobians claiming that normal gemstones held special properties but was actually not completely convinced by it. Nevertheless, he admired the deep blue sapphire embedded in gold as the shopkeeper addressed Sonic.
"Son of the wind and child of the moon; darkness chases your heels and tests your vitality- A ring of silver and selenite can purify and protect."
Sonic was no stranger to the properties of gems and metals. Even Tails gushed at the properties of various elements. The hero was not expert, but he was particularly aware of the properties of his current companions namesake.
Emerald eyes surveyed the pale lustrous ring and the almost icy white gemstone set within it. Strangely, the speedster found himself attracted to the small piece of jewelry. There was only one question on his mind.
"What's the price?"
I am CRAVING Sonilver. Send help (BTW:That horoscope is an actual horoscope for Cancer that I found one of the days I was working on this piece. It was just too perfect)