Chapter 4
The New Girl
"Sorry I'm late. I hope you weren't waiting long," Sonic smiled, reaching into his pocket to pull out the silver key and inserted it into the lock before hearing a clicking noise. He pushed open the large, wooden door and stepped over the threshold, welcoming Tails into his house.
"Not at all," Tails replied casually, despite having waited almost an hour. Sonic was nervous after what went down in the vacant classroom that lunchtime and so he did what he always did when he was nervous. He went for a run.
"Sorry, I got lost in thought while on my jog," Sonic replied sheepishly.
"How was your run?"
"Helpful" Sonic muttered, collapsing on the couch in the main room, kicking off his shoes in the process, completely exhausted. "Care to join me?"
Tails mimicked Sonic, kicking off his own shoes and removing his sweater before climbing onto the couch. Sonic ran his other hand through his spikey quills before resting it on the back of his head, breathing deeply as he relaxed. It was awkward, neither one knowing what to say.
"I, uh, broke up with Cream this afternoon," Tails finally sighed after some excruciatingly slow minutes ticked by.
"How did she take it?" Sonic asked without opening his eyes.
"Not very well, but I think she will eventually understand since I told her that there was already somebody else." Upon hearing these words, Sonic's whole body instantly tensed, his eyes shooting open.
"Why would you say that?" Sonic was practically yelling at this point.
"Say what? I didn't say who the person was, just that there was somebody else." Sonic relaxed instantly, apologizing for his outbreak.
"Good," he breathed.
"What do you mean good? Are you ashamed of me? Ashamed of what happened?" Tails didn't know what was coming over him but he suddenly felt so betrayed and worthless. He wanted to be Sonic's best friend, his boyfriend. Not some stupid secret that the popular teenager was ashamed of.
"No, it's not that. Tails, buddy, please don't think like that."
"Then what? Explain yourself!" Tails commanded. Although Sonic knew he had to be serious with his friend, a part of him became extremely turned on by this forcefulness in Tails' voice.
"I just… I have a reputation to uphold. If word got out that I was… y'know, dating you, then I… I'd…" he trailed off.
"So, you're ashamed of me. I knew it."
"It's not that! Look Tails, school is already hard for me, you know that. But coach told me that I have a real shot to be accepted into the Mobian running team, possibly even getting a chance to compete in the Olympics. The only problem is that he is… he's old fashioned, and if word got out about… about whatever us is, then he would never help me achieve my goals." Tails thought for a moment, his brain constantly throwing himself back to the way Sonic had said us. Then he opened his mouth again. "It's not just because it's social suicide, honest."
"You're lying," Tails narrowed his eyes. "I know you too well. Coach wouldn't mind, you just don't want others to know because you want to keep up the reputation of coolest guy in school and know you would lose that if anybody found out you and me are dating." Sonic sat up straighter, his eyes softening slightly.
"Are we… dating?"
"I don't know what we are," Tails admitted sadly.
"Do you… want to, y'know, try dating?"
"Depends, do you want to keep it a secret?"
"Can we not just wait until after we graduate to tell people?" Sonic pleaded.
"Are you kidding me? That's a year from now."
"I know… but that means that I think we'll still be together in a years' time. That's something, right?"
"You're unbelievable," Tails stated flatly.
"Please?"
"If that's what you really want, then let's not do this at all. It is clearly a mistake," Tails replied, trying to mask his feelings behind a tough exterior.
"Okay, Tails. We can tell people, but please. Just give me a little more time before we come out to think things through, deal?"
"Deal," Tails replied, wriggling off the couch before walking out of the room, snatching up his shoes without another word. He just needed some fresh air, to let out his frustrations alone for a little bit.
'Why Tails. I can't ever let this get out. Hopefully he will just forget all about this so we won't have to tell,' Sonic sighed to himself, knowing full well that the boy wouldn't just forget about this overnight.
…
Blaze rushed down the halls, her bladder full to bursting. She felt like she was going to explode any moment. She always remembered to go before she left her house in the morning but her alarm clock hadn't woken her up that drowsy morning. However, just as she pressed her hand against the cold steel of the bathroom door and began to push it open, a shrill voice shouted at her from down the hallway, stopping her in her tracks.
"You… you… you slut!" the voice shouted at her. Blaze turned to look at the culprit, small bits of fire swirling in her eyes as the rage inside her began to boil. The small girl rushed down the hall, stopping right in front of her. "How could you? I thought we were friends!" Blaze had a bewildered expression on her face as confusion washed over her.
"What did I do?" she replied calmly, trying to remedy the situation.
"Don't act dumb! I know you are trying to steal Tails from me!" Cream raised her arms and pushed Blaze backwards, slightly surprising her as Cream was normally a little weakling but had surprising power behind her attacks. Tears were cascading down Cream's face faster than roaring waterfalls. Cream would never normally get into a confrontation but she didn't know how else to react.
Blaze sighed, realizing what this was all about. "Sorry Cream," she apologized. "I only said that at the party because I didn't want Silver to know I liked him. Tails and I are good friends and I knew he would understand if I used him as an excuse. If you want to blame anyone, blame Amy," she finished.
Suddenly, without warning, Cream exploded.
"How dare you! Don't try to lie out of this! This isn't about the party! I know you took Tails behind the bins and made out with him on the first day of school." Spit flew from her mouth as she yelled, landing on Blaze's cheek as her voice getting louder and louder.
"I don't even remember what you're talking about."
"Girls, please stop fighting. We are all friends here," Tikal chimed in finally, appearing from behind the two after hearing Cream's cries.
"I saw the picture you behind the bins on the first day!"
"Oh, Tails was sad and I gave him a hug to make him feel better. That was all that happened," Blaze tried to reassure Cream. It was no use.
"I trusted you! Don't ever talk to me again, you liar. I saw the picture of you and him! I know what happened! And then he… he…"
"He what?" Tikal asked obliviously.
"Then he dumped me," Cream wailed as she turned and ran away from them, refusing to let them see her in her current vulnerable state.
"What was that all about? Are you dating Tails?" Tikal questioned
"I have no idea why everybody keeps thinking that. What picture?"
…
The sun rose up from behind the luscious hills, its light spilling out over the ground and began forcing the shadows away as they relinquished their hold of the earth to the rays of sunshine. The darkness of the sky retreated in favour of a crystallized blue tinge. The small clusters of fluffy clouds drifted peacefully through the vastness of the sky. Jet rose from his slumber, wiping out the remnants of the crusty sleep from his eyes, stretching out his arms, twisting his fingers. Jet sighed, drooping out of bed and trudging down stairs, grabbing his jacket off the doorknob before leaving. He quickly gulped down his favourite cereal brand before hoping on the bus to join the others.
…
Knuckles hastened into class, just passing the threshold and diving into his seat before the bell chimed, signaling the start of the school day. "You're lucky Mr. Echidna," Ixis snapped, shooting daggers with his harsh, beady eyes. "Anyway, I have a happy announcement to make today. We have a new student joining us today. Everyone say a warm welcome to our new classmate, Sally Acorn!"
Everybody's heads turned to the door to watch the new student walk in. A tall, lean girl walked in through the door. Her auburn brown hair flowed from her head. She had a small fringe covering her forehead just above her soft, baby-blue eyes that seemed to sparkle in the florescent lights that hummed throughout the room. The head of almost every guy in the room turned to her, ogling her body. Some whistling and panting could be heard at the back of the room until it was silenced by Ixis Naugus' penetrating glare. Even Knuckles, who was still very much focused on trying to make things work with Rouge, seemed to have his eyes wonder to the Sally's midriff which was visible between her black gym shorts and short, crop denim top.
"Dickheads," Sonic hissed to the guys at the back of the class who were whistling at the girl as he got up from his chair and ran over to her, giving her a big hug. Jet gasped enviously.
"Sally! It's been so long! I didn't know that you also moved out of our old Calder sac," Sonic remarked, addressing her casually.
"You actually know her?" Knuckles asked to deaf ears.
"Sonic, it's been ages! I didn't realize that this was the school you moved too all those years ago. Mobotropolis was never the same after you left," she smiled, returning the hug enthusiastically.
"Mr. Hedgehog and Ms. Acorn, please return to your seats. You can catch up after class," the teacher commanded in his usual firm voice, seizing control of the room again as they sat back down. Throughout the whole class, all the guys, especially Knuckles, seemed to glare at her, watching her every move. She waved back embarrassingly, not use to all the undue attention.
Unfortunately, a jealous girl sat in envy, slowly growing annoyed at the new student. Fiona didn't like how she garnered all their attention. She was in charge and she didn't want the new girl to present any new competition.
When the bell finally rang and all the students filed out of the class, Fiona waltzed over to Sally and pulled her aside.
"Look, you're new so I'll let it slide this time but there are a few rules you need to abide by. Number one, this is my school. Number two, don't flirt with all boys, don't want somebody to give you a reputation as the school slut, do we? Number three, you do what I say, when I say it. Got it?" she hissed at her forcefully, glaring daggers at her whilst sporting a toothy, evil grin across her face.
"No?" Sally questioned, utterly confused. Sonic quickly stepped in, grabbed her by the arm and walked her away, shaking his head at Fiona.
"Pay no attention to Fi, she thinks she owns the place." Fiona fumed as she watched them slink out of the classroom. She clenched her fists. Sonic was the one person she hadn't been able to intimidate. It was like he was untouchable. Popular, attractive and no secrets. No weaknesses…
"So, how have you been? Found a new best friend while I was gone?" Sonic asked cheekily.
"Nah dude, nobody could top you," she laughed, punching Sonic in the arm. "I see you are still wearing that stupid jacket. As if it still fits."
"It's actually a different one. I'm hurt you couldn't tell the difference," Sonic pouted playfully with alligator tears.
"You're still such a dork," she snorted with a giggle. The two had been old best friends in Mobotropolis before Sonic moved to Central City back in year seven and left her behind. They had sort of lost touch after that but were both incredibly glad to reconnect their lost friendship. "What about you? Got a new best friend?"
"Well…" Sonic trailed off as, coincidence had it, Tails turned around the corner.
"Hey Sonic, did you hear there's a new girl in our year," Tails announced, clearly missing the girl standing not two feet to his left.
"Uh, yeah, she's standing right beside me."
"Oh, sorry I didn't even see you there," Tails blushed in embarrassment. "Hey, my name's Tails."
"I see," Sally sighed before putting on a brave smile. "Well at least I have an old friend at this new place to help show me around. Nice to meet you Tails. I'm sure we will get along swimmingly."
"Anyway, I should be getting to P.E. Can't be late again or coach will kill me," he added quickly before dashing past them.
"He replaced me?" Sally asked in disbelief.
"He's really cool once you get to know him. I promise."
"So, any advice for the new school?"
"Well, you should really watch the way you act. I know you personally, but all the guys here only see you for your body. Just don't egg them all on by winking and blowing kisses and you should be fine," Sonic smiled, returning to his calm and carefree composure after the slight detour into seriousness.
"When would I ever do that?" Sally asked, offended. He gave her a knowing look. "Okay, so I like to be a bit flirty, but like I'd ever actually be a slut. Besides, I have a boyfriend back home."
"You really think the long distance will work?" Sonic asked skeptically.
"We are trying to make it work. Tommy is a good guy, I think we can make it work," she stated confidently.
"Well, alrighty then. I've got to get to class but I've got your back if you need any help adjusting to this new place."
"No problem! Thanks Sonic, I'll see you at lunch. I should go to English anyway. Where is it again?"
"Just down the hall and take a left. Sit next to this violet cat. She's called Blaze and she's super nice. She is a good friend of Tails and myself and I'm sure she can help you out," and with that, Sonic sped off to his own class.
…
Espio was making his way to English class, too, when he was stopped by Fiona in the hallway, noticing the flustered look on her face. Her fists were clenched and she walked with purpose, her eyes alight when she spotted him. She stepped in front of him as he tried to dodge around her.
"Fiona, not now, I'm already late," Espio grunted.
"What did you just say?" Fiona growled.
"N-Nothing. I meant, what's up?" Espio stuttered
"What else have you got for me?" she asked, not listening to his excuses.
"Nothing much," Espio lied.
"Don't lie to me. I know you have something of Blaze and Rouge at least."
"Fine, I'll send you the photo's tonight, please leave me alone. I'm doing what you ask!"
"Gimme your phone!" she snapped, snatching the silver smart phone from the boy's grasp and punching in the code that she had previously gotten out of him. She opened up photos and scrolled through the library, noticing the photos of Shadow and Rouge, Blaze and Tails as well as many other secret couples in misunderstood places or positions. She put them all in a text and sent it to herself, waiting to feel the familiar buzzing in her pocket before throwing the phone back at Espio.
"Thanks, this will be very useful. Oh, and also, try to get something on Sonic for me.
"Why?"
"No reason," she ignored. "Y'know, maybe you should try blackmail some time, you'd be surprised how helpful it can be and how useful it is to get your own way, weirdo."
"Okay, whatever, now let me go!" Espio broke free of her grasp and ran off, returning to class just in time, taking a seat next to Blaze.
…
Sally walked into the classroom, searching around the countless rows of wide eyed teens waiting in the class for the girl that Sonic had told her about. When seeing her next to Espio, she sighed to herself and walked to the back of the room, taking a seat next to Tikal
"Hey, I'm Sally," she smiled warmly to the girl, a large grin plastered across her face not unlike Sonic.
"Oh, hey, my name is Tikal. Nice to meet you," Tikal replied, grasping Sally's hand and shaking it vigorously up and down.
"What a grip you have there," Sally pointed out.
"Sorry?"
"No, it's a good thing. At least, it is where I'm from. Hey, I don't mean to pry but… are you okay?" Sally asked
"Who, me?"
"Yeah, you look upset," Sally stated empathetically.
"Well, yeah, a little, I guess. I've had a pretty rough time so far this year," Tikal admitted.
"That's no good, I hope you feel better soon," Sally replied and surprised Tikal with the amount of sincerity that floated along with her words, especially from somebody who she just met.
"Th-Thanks," Tikal whispered, slightly astonished by how friendly this stranger was being to her. Then, without realizing it, she began to open up. "I just recently got dumped by somebody I loved and nothing seems to be going my way lately," she admitted, surprising even herself by how easily Sally made it to open up her feelings.
Suddenly, without warning, Sally simply leant over and wrapped her arms around Tikal, bringing her into a warm embrace to try to console her. However, as if it were fate, or complete and pure blind luck, Espio happened to be staring at Sally the entire time. Ever since he laid eyes on her as she walked in, something seemed different. He normally just used girls for their body, but something felt different with Sally. He had been eavesdropping on their conversation, much to the annoyance of Blaze, and he had begun to slowly fall further into cupid's grip as he heard her melodic tone and caring voice as she talked to Tikal.
'What did Fiona tell me?' he thought quickly. 'Blackmail… you'd be surprised how helpful it can be and how useful it is to get your own way,' the vixen's words from moments ago echoed through his head. Hurriedly, before Sally relinquished Tikal, he whipped out his phone and quickly snapped a picture of Sally and Tikal in an embrace, making a note to edit it later to seem worse. He smiled to himself and turned around, focusing on the teacher before the girls noticed his transgressions.
"Sorry, I'm a hugger," Sally laughed awkwardly as she relinquished the shocked girl.
"It's fine," Tikal began finally after they broke apart. "It actually really helped. Listen, I'm going to go out for a stroll at lunch time around the grounds to clear my head, because I really don't want to be at the cafeteria at lunch again, and was wondering if you wanted to join me? I could give you a tour."
"I'd like that. Chaos knows I need another friend at this school," Sally smiled, nodding in response. She knew that she should hang out with Sonic but she had already made a potential new friend and didn't want to waste the opportunity. Besides, she needed to be shown the way around the large school before she got too disorientated.
"Cool, I'll see you at lunch."
…
The cafeteria was buzzing, the steam from the freshly fried chips dissipated into the cool afternoon air as all the students chatted loudly, assorted in the different cliques around the room. At the far table adjacent to the wide, glass stained windows sat the group of friends. Sonic and Tails chowed down on their chips eagerly while Blaze and Silver sat opposite them. Rouge sat, leaning on Knuckles nearby and Jet stood opposite. Even Shadow had decided to join the group for lunch that day, taking note of Rouge's advice.
"Where are the girls?" Tails asked nonchalantly through mouthfuls of hot potato chips.
"Who cares," Rouge remarked, shrugging her shoulders.
"They all went to give the new girl a tour around school," Blaze chimed in, small amounts of green lettuce leaves from the garden salad she was digested came flying out of her mouth as she spoke, landing on the bench beside her. She covered her mouth, slightly embarrassed as she excused herself.
"Why didn't you go with them?" Knuckles nudged Rouge in the shoulder as he spoke.
"Why don't you get me pretty gemstones like the other guys get their girlfriends?" Rouge snapped back, slightly joking yet a hint of truth was mixed in, masked by the humor of her remark. The rest of the table began laughing at Knuckles as he began to get bright red on his face, the blush slightly camouflaged by the tinge of his hair.
"G-Girlfriend?" he gaped.
"Well not for much longer if I don't get some jewelry," Rouge smirked, enjoying the effect she discovered she had on the football player.
"Calm down dude, she's just joking," Sonic laughed.
"I most certainly am not," Rouge winked. "Anyway, I didn't get much sleep last night so I'm going to catch a few Z's, see you around Hun," she flirted, kissing Knuckles on the cheek and waltzing away, waving to Shadow as she passed him and exited the cafeteria.
"Nice for you to join us this time, Shadow," Tails smiled, changing the subject. His crimson eyes focused on him intently, seemingly burning as he stared, unblinking before clearly losing interest and turned his head, not saying anything more.
"Don't mind him, bud," Sonic reassured Tails, ruffling the hair on his head like he normally did. Although Tails still enjoyed this physical touch, he was still annoyed that Sonic couldn't just tell everybody that they were dating so that he could at least get a hug in front of everyone. It was so unfair.
Espio walked over, pulled up a seat at the table and sighed deeply, placing his head in between his hands.
"Who's the girl this time," Silver muttered, barely paying attention.
"She's wonderful," Espio simply remarked, staring into space. The images of Sally flashed through his mind, warming his soul. He hadn't been able to get her picture out of his head, her melodic voice out of his ears or her specific scent out of his nostrils. "She's beautiful and nice and funny…"
"I don't know, this seems serious," Sonic joked, knowing full well that Espio wasn't one to think of woman more than simple objects.
"Espio actually falling for a girl? I'd eat my hat before I believed that," Blaze chimed in.
"But you don't have a hat," Silver added dumbly.
"It's a figure of speech," she giggled.
"Yeah, she really is amazing. I don't know what it is about her, but she is different. Special. I think of her differently than others. I don't want to do things to her, I just want to be with her. Hear her laugh at my jokes and just lie in the sun with her, holding hands. Pretty gay, huh?" Espio's words floated through the room, seemingly stinging the faces of all of his peers. They all just stared at him, stunned. It was like he had undergone a sudden transformation into a grotesque, slimy creature in front of their very eyes and none of them could move out of fear. This wasn't their friend they had grown up with.
"Are… Are you okay?" Silver managed to finally ask after shaking himself out of the trance and shock.
"When you find somebody you love, anything is possible. Love changes people," Espio sighed again.
"I know the feeling," Tails and Silver both chimed in at the same time, in unison. They both stared at each other, eyes widening.
"What do you mean? Didn't you and Cream literally just break up?" Knuckles asked. Tails blushed, before suddenly screaming in pain when Sonic kicked him under the table.
"Ouch!" Tails groaned angrily, shooting Sonic an annoyed scowl. Sonic looked away as if it never happened. "This is ridiculous," Tails grumbled as he stood up and stormed off.
"I'll get him," Blaze sighed, chasing after Tails.
"What did I say?" Knuckles asked, perplexed.
"What's his problem?" Shadow stated coldly.
"None of your business." Sonic retorted.
"If we are talking about girls," Jet added after remaining silent for most of the encounter, "What about that new girl? She's a hotty isn't she?"
"She's my friend, leave her alone," Sonic said, slightly annoyed.
"All I'm doing is calling dibs," Jet replied.
"Don't be such a douche, Jet. She's a person and can't just be dibbed," Shadow glared. Sonic watched him, surprised at his firm tone. He had known Shadow for years and there was a definite underlying, unspoken friendship between the teens but he hadn't seen that side of Shadow before. Not even after the camping trip. He smiled to himself. Shadow was full of surprises. "Not that I care or anything," Shadow added, falling back into his usual emotionless stare.
"Back off, she's mine!" Espio yelled, slamming his fists on the table as he stood up.
"She's super-hot and maybe I want a piece too!" Knuckles yelled, surprising the remaining guys at the table.
"You're with Rouge," Shadow yelled, shedding his calm composure as he tried to defend his best friend.
"No, I'm not! She's just messing around with me. She was just joking, like he said. Besides, she always hangs out with you, and is clearly not into me so why should I keep trying for her? It's obvious you and her have feelings for each other." Knuckles yelled, standing up to join the now standing teenagers. Jet, Knuckles, Espio and Shadow all glared angrily at each other.
"Of course she likes you, you idiot. Be lucky that the one you like loves you back and don't let it slip away! Chaos, I'm surrounded by idiots!" A fire, that had always been dormant inside of Shadow, had become kindled this lunch and each new word that the football player uttered just proved to be more wood, fueling the ever raging flames. At that moment, before Knuckles could even open his mouth further, Shadow had snapped, rage emanating out of him like the pyroclastic flow from an erupting volcano. He turned around, storming out of the cafeteria before he did anything that he would later regret, going to his safe place, the apple tree.
"Shadow, wait!" Sonic yelled, running after the boy clad in black. "Take care of this, will ya?" Sonic asked Silver as he sprinted after Shadow.
Knuckles, enraged, but also slightly depressed and confused by what Shadow had said, also stormed out of the cafeteria. All heads of the many students had turned to watch the ensuing chaos, especially the one belonging to Fiona, who laughed her head off, loving every minute.
"I saw her first!" Jet yelled.
"No, you didn't!" Espio shouted.
"I called dibs!"
"She loves me more!"
"She understands me more!"
"No, me!"
"Me!" Jet suddenly leapt over the table, crashing into Espio as they rolled around on the floor. A group of other students crowded around the two, yelling and cheering, placing bets on the victor.
"Enough!" The words of Silver cut through the noise, silencing all the students as the sheer volume of his scream could be heard over all the noise. He quickly called to some of his other friends to help. The trio jumped at the two angry teens, holding them at bay as they yelled profanities at each other.
Two teachers, alerted by the sound, ran over and grabbed each of the students just before Silver collapsed. Knuckles had sent a mighty punch into Silver's gut.
"That's enough," Relic growled.
"Detention for the both of you," Ixis fumed, sending the marching out of the cafeteria.
"This isn't over," Jet threatened.
"Bring it any time," Espio smirked.
…
"And this is the bell tower," Tikal pointed to the large, bluestone building attached to the rest of the school, towering above them and casting shadows over the surrounding buildings. They stood in the middle of the quadrangle, dark red bricks lined the floor, some covered in dirt, gum and droppings from the many pigeons that flocked to the grounds at lunch time to beg for scraps from the students. A large, freshly mowed oval lay next to the building, separated from them by an old, spacious chapel where the children would all have to attend on Thursday mornings.
"How old is this place?" Sally asked, astonished by its beauty.
"Gerald Robotnik built it over a century ago, along with a sister campus out in the middle of the countryside for boarders to attend," Tikal explained.
"Yeah, I was almost going to be sent there but my rents changed their mind."
"Hey Tikal," a voice called out from behind them, interrupting their conversation. Two familiar faces ran up to them, one with newfound vigor and the other with a permanent frown on her face.
"Hey girls, this is the new student, Sally," Tikal introduced Sally who grabbed the girl's hands and shook them vigorously, smiling wide like usual.
"Nice to meet you," Amy smiled.
"Y-yeah," Cream sighed, not even bothering to look up from the floor.
"More boy troubles?" Sally whispered, covering her mouth with her hand.
"That's always the case at this school," Tikal whispered back.
"What are you doing?" Amy asked, pretending like she didn't know they were whispering about her.
"Just giving a tour."
"Oh, no tour is complete without showing her the swimming pool. Or the tennis courts," Amy grabbed Sally's arm and pulled her along enthusiastically. She turned back to Tikal as the girl had to practically run to keep up with them.
"Is she always like this?" Sally whispered again.
"That's just Amy. You'll learn to love her."
…
Shadow felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He sighed as he arrived at his sanctuary, the apple tree. He picked it out, rolling his eyes as a picture of Sonic appeared, a cocky smirk plastered on his face.
"What do you want?" Shadow answered darkly.
"Hey, Shads, are you alright? Where are you?" Sonic asked having lost track in the crowds of students loitering in the halls.
"I told you never to call me that!" Shadow replied angrily, clenching his fists tightly.
"Ha-ha, okay Shads. But seriously, where are you? I just want to make sure you're okay after what happened back there," he replied with sincere words.
"Listen to me for once in your life!" Shadow hissed angrily, before calming down after he thought about what he wanted to ask. "Sorry, sorry, I just got a bit worked up. I'm fine."
"Shadow, come on." Shadow felt his heart murmur. Sonic seemed serious.
"Apple tree. Outside of school," Shadow hung up.
Sonic arrived shortly after, marveling at the surrounding, secluded little slice of heaven that he had never known about. A small field, enclosed by the dense shrubbery and thick coverage of foliage above, was to be the setting of their meeting. Flowers dotted the outskirts of the fields with magical washes of pinks and yellows and reds.
In the center of the field stood the beautiful apple tree, towering over its surroundings. What had once been a messy tangle of overgrown vines and untrimmed branches had developed into a beautiful piece of scenery that would be seen on the picture on the back of a post card throughout the summer break. Dew still dripped off the malachite leaves that mirrored those of Sonic's eyes. He had to take a deep breath, marveling at the sight. The sweet aroma of crisp apples wafted on the breeze and enticed Sonic to step closer before he noticed Shadow leaning against the tree, eyes closed in thought. He couldn't believe he had never visited this place before. Sonic rushed over, skidding to a halt next to the him.
"So, everything alright, Shads?" Shadow breathed deeply, steeling his nerves as he opened his mouth like he was about to say something but no words escaped his lips.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he forced out. "Knuckles just… ugh, he can be so annoying sometimes."
"Trust me, I know," Sonic smiled as he sat down against the tree, barely an inch away from Shadow. Shadow felt his hands go clammy. He didn't know what was happening, this all being so new to him.
"It's like he doesn't know that Rouge is serious. He doesn't even care," Shadow growled.
"He does. He's just… I don't think he can believe it's really happening. You know he's been pining over Rouge for ages."
"But wasn't he with Tikal?"
"He was, but everybody knew it was always Rouge he wanted," Sonic paused, turning to Shadow before speaking again. He placed his hand comfortably on Shadow's shoulder. "You're a good friend to stand up for her like that. I misjudged you, Shads."
"Sonic, stop," Shadow slapped his arm away. His heart continued to beat at a rapid pace.
"Alright, sorry," Sonic rolled his eyes, scooching back slightly.
"No, no, I'm… sorry," Shadow choked out, much to Sonic's bewilderment. "I… I need to get something off my chest."
"Yeah?" Sonic asked after moments of painful silence passed.
"It is very hard for me to voice my feelings." This intrigued Sonic. He had known Shadow for ages but he never thought that Shadow had real feelings.
"Go ahead, Shadow. You can tell me anything, remember?"
"You called me by my name," Shadow pointed out, taken slightly off guard.
"Of course. You seem serious so I'm going to take this seriously."
"Alright, well, here goes, I guess. I… I'm not quite sure what friendship is. Or love," the word rolled off his tongue awkwardly. "It's strange. I've never felt these feelings before. Even with Maria… I thought that was love but later I realized it was because I cared for her as a sister. I had never had a sister before her so I wasn't sure at first. I have grown these feelings for somebody else that seem… different. They are stronger, and feel more intense. It's not the same. I can't quite explain what I'm feeling and don't really understand it. I never had these feelings before but I think I finally understand what they are. I don't want them, but I can't get rid of them. They cause me to lose sleep at night, eat less than usual. I just can't stop thinking about this person." Sonic nodded, smiling warmly at Shadow.
"It's called love, Shadow. It is a very powerful thing." Sincerity and care floated along with the words. Despite all their bickering and fights, neither teenager could deny that there was a true friendship between them, deep down, masked by their outward hatred for each other. An unspoken bond between the two. They had fought many times but could always somehow count on each other to have their backs. It was a true, pure friendship. An unspoken one. But suddenly, Shadow felt something more.
"Yes. I think I feel love," Shadow said finally, not quite sure if he even really understood or believed it himself. There was no denying it anymore. He had fallen in love with his former racing rival and overall pain in the ass.
"For who?" Sonic asked, placing his hand back on Shadow's shoulder. "You can trust me, Shads." Silence filled the air before Shadow finally responded.
"For you…" Sonic didn't say anything at first. He just removed his hand from his shoulder and let it fall to his side. He sighed deeply and responded finally.
"I'm… I'm sorry, Shadow but I can't," Sonic said finally, surprisingly calm. "Sure, you're a very attractive person but… but I can't. I'm flattered, though. You can get any girl, or guy, that you want."
"I only have these feelings for you. I don't want anybody else. I don't even really want you but my body and heart don't want to listen to my head."
"I'm sorry," he repeated. "I'll see you around." And with that, Sonic ran away without looking back leaving Shadow to lie alone underneath the tree, stewing in frustration.
…
"And then what did he say?" Silver asked, hanging onto each syllable Blaze uttered. The two, as usual, were sitting alone on Blaze's queen-sized bed.
"I really shouldn't be telling anybody this," Blaze admitted guiltily.
"C'mon Blazey, you know I wouldn't tell anybody," Silver urged. Blaze took a double take, her face glowing slightly.
"Wh-what did you just call me?"
"N-nothing, I was just saying how I wouldn't tell anybody," Silver babbled quickly.
"Did you call me Blazey?" Blaze sniggered. "Since when do you do nicknames?"
"I just… I don't know. I thought it suited you," Silver shrugged uncomfortably.
"Why?"
"A cute name for a cute-" Silver immediately sat up straight, his eyes growing wide. He didn't mean to call her cute, it just slipped out. "F-F-For, for a friend…"
"D-Did you just… call me cute?" Blaze glanced at him. He tried to look elsewhere but her piercing amber eyes were like magnets. He couldn't look away as he was drawn to her face. Her beautiful chin, little button nose, long eyelashes and those deep eyes.
"I…I…" Silver didn't know what came over him. One second he was stuttering, trying to figure out how to talk a way out of the mess he created and the next he had placed his hand on the back of her head and brought her face closer, crashing his lips onto hers. Blaze closed her eyes, kissing back eagerly, opening her mouth for Silver's curious tongue. She wrapped her arms around his neck, giving into the kiss as Silver rolled back onto her bed, bringing her with him. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Blaze pulled apart.
"So…" she sighed, her eyes still locked with his.
"So…" he breathed dreamily.
"That… um, that just happened," Blaze laughed, trying to dissolve some of the thick tension that laced the air.
"Yeah I… I'm sorry about that."
"Don't apologize. I… I liked it, a lot."
"Do you, maybe, want to do it again?" Silver asked like a hopeful little boy.
"You're such an idiot," she chuckled before planting another kiss, then another and another. Slowly, things escalated. Before that night they were just best friends. Always there for each other, consoling each other when they needed it. Silver was there when Blaze's mother tragically passed away and she was there for him through his parents' divorce. But after that night they were more. After that night, there was no denying the mutual feelings they shared.
Blaze rolled off him, panting as she pulled the sheet up to her chin. She turned her head to stare at Silver, the other teenager lying shirtless next to her with the sheet around his waist.
"Wow…" is all he said.
"Yeah…" Blaze breathed, unable to believe what they had just done. She didn't know what had come over her. It was like she was possessed by some outside force, but it had felt amazing.
"So…"
"So…" Blaze smiled.
"Are we like, a couple now?" Silver asked somewhat stupidly.
"If that's how you're going to ask me then maybe not," Blaze shook her head.
"S-Sorry, I mean," Silver cleared his throat, putting on a posh accent. "Blaze the Cat, would you like to be my girlfriend?"
"Why, Silver the Hedgehog, I would be delighted," she mimicked him and giggled before crashing her lips against his once more.
…
"There's only one lap left. Sonic's in the lead, but his competitor is right on his tail. He chances a glance backwards. He's right on Sonic's tail. What's the superstar going to do?" Sonic said aloud, puffing as he jogged around the school's athletics track. Nobody ever came to school on Sundays and it was the perfect track to practice on. He narrowed his eyes and picked up speed, sprinting as fast as he could around the last bend.
"What's this? A last dash of speed," he announced aloud. "It looks like, yes, he's done it. The newbie, Sonic the Hedgehog, has won the eight-hundred-meter dash for Mobius!" Sonic threw his hands skyward, pumping the air as he made fake cheering sounds. He danced around in a celebratory manor. It was only when a snickering voice sounded did Sonic cease.
"Wow… really… this is what you do in your spare time?" Shadow chuckled darkly, a rare, wide smile crossing his face. "You really are a loser." Sonic quickly hid his hands behind his back, rubbing his arm as he laughed awkwardly.
"Oh, hey Shads, how, um, how long have you been there for?" humiliation evident in his tone.
"Long enough."
"What are you doing here?" Sonic asked as he grabbed a towel that had been tossed carelessly on the bench and began wiping the sweat off his neck.
"Same thing you were, assuming you were training and not just being an idiot."
"Say what you will about my methods, but I get results," cockiness flowing back into his tone.
"Sure," Shadow replied flatly.
"You wanna go again? I'll take you any day."
"No, no, that's okay. But, actually, I did want to apologize. For the other day at school and for what I said."
"Oh, that's okay. You don't need to apologize for feeling that way."
"I know," Shadow growled stubbornly, his face contorting back to his emotionless scowl he always wore. If there was one thing anybody could say about Shadow, it was that he didn't wear his heart on his sleeve. He was always guarded, always internal and never showed much emotion at all. "But, sorry, anyway."
"Look, as long as you don't turn into an Amy then we shouldn't have any problems," Sonic simpered.
"That shouldn't be a problem," Shadow grunted, the side of his lips curling slightly.
"So, friends?"
"Friends."
"Well, since we're here, you wanna go grab lunch together?"
"Uh, sure, why not." Despite Shadow's fears, it had gone pretty well. The two spent the rest of the day hanging out together and, surprisingly, it wasn't the least bit awkward. In fact, Shadow had to admit it was one of the most fun days he had ever had and, funnily enough, one of Sonic's too.
…
The sweet melodic tunes emanating from the guitar echoed through the room, seeping out through the cracked open window. Each pluck of the string slightly different, culminating together to form a beautiful melody.
Espio paused, putting pen to paper as he scribbled down some words atop his sheet of music. He played again, letting the words flow from his throat expertly tuning with the notes.
"No, no, no, that won't work at all," Espio grumbled as he scrawled out yet another line. The entire sheet of paper was a mess of lines, words and musical symbols making the whole thing indecipherable to anybody other than Espio. "That rhyme sounds much too forced, and the bridge isn't long enough."
Unbeknownst to anybody at school, Espio often spent his free time playing the guitar. Although he was modest about it, he was quite the little singer-songwriter. He knew his way around melodies like they were the easiest thing to understand and he could rhyme surprisingly well. It was a hobby, of sorts. One he didn't necessarily keep a secret but one that he never felt any obligation to share with the world. The only ones that knew about his talent were his two best friends, Charmy and Vector, but they refused to tell anybody about his abilities unless he asked them to.
A loud, violent knocking silenced him. Espio felt his entire body go rigid as he squeaked in response.
"Yes?"
"Cut that senseless racket out this instant," his step father bellowed.
"But-" Espio began to argue before the door flew off its hinges, kicked with such incredible force. Espio cowered, slouching into himself as Valdez stormed into the room in nothing but his boxers, fuming.
"I'm trying to concentrate so cut that shit out," he growled maliciously.
"It's a Sunday morning," Espio challenged.
"Exactly. How many times have I told you to quit playing that infernal music."
"But-"
"How many times?" Valdez repeated, delivering a mighty slap across Espio's face.
"Sorry," Espio hung his head low in defeat, clinging to his stinging cheek as he forced the tears back. The last thing Espio wanted was to feel weak in Valdez's presence
"You should be off playing with girls, not that damned instrument. Or are you still a little faggot!"
"I do, but I like playing guitar, too."
"If I hear even one more peep out of you today, or any time I'm home I'll throw that guitar out the window," Valdez spat angrily.
"Whatever."
"What was that?"
"Yes… dad," Espio choked the words out.
"Good. Now your mother is waiting for me," he added sleazily as he stormed back out of the room. "Oh, and get this door fixed. It's unsightly." Espio ground his teeth together trying to fight off both rage and tears as he grabbed his pillow, shoved it into his face and shouted, his screams muffled by the soft pillow.
…
That night Rouge decided to invite Shadow over for a movie marathon. She prepared her room, throwing a couple of bean bags on the floor and stuffed popcorn into the microwave, waiting for the soothing popping sound. Rouge rushed over to the door as the doorbell chimed, opening it and inviting him into the house and away from the cold, rainy night.
"Hey Hun, come on in, the popcorn's almost done," she smiled, ushering Shadow over to collapse in one of the two cerulean bean bags that were put way too close to the television for Shadow's liking. However, he kept quiet and didn't complain, like usual.
"Not that it isn't nice to spend time with you," Shadow began after Rouge returned to the room, handing Shadow a bowl of piping hot buttered popcorn. Not even the sourest of his moods could resist the fattening temptation of the delicious, salted snack. He continued, "But why did you invite me instead of your boyfriend?"
"Hmph, why would I want to hang out with him? After what you told me he said about that new girl I decided to keep tabs on him. He keeps staring at her, and other girls. All of them are the same," she scoffed sourly as she stuffed some of the popcorn into her mouth. "I don't need him. Just look at this text he sent me!" She handed her phone over to Shadow who read the text aloud, adopting a tone similar to that of Knuckles accent, mocking him.
"I'm so sorry Rouge, I didn't mean what I said. I didn't think you actually liked me that way. I don't try to notice other girls, it just happens. I'm working on it. Nothing happened after our date so I thought you weren't interested. I do really like you, give me a second chance." Rouge laughed as Shadow mocked their friend.
"He's worse than you when it comes to social interactions and reading people," Rouge winked, a coy smile crossing her face as she grabbed the remote and switched on the movie.
Shadow chuckled darkly too but he could see through Rouge's façade. He knew she was hurting and, despite what she said, he knew she really liked him.
'Poor guy, maybe I should do something to help those two,' Shadow thought when his mind suddenly screamed at him. 'What are you thinking? Why do you care about Knuckles, that meathead of all people?'
"You okay, Hun? Something wrong?" Rouge asked, seemingly reading Shadow's thoughts.
"Just thinking about things," he replied coldly, trying to change the subject but Rouge persisted.
"It's Sonic isn't it?"
"I can't hide anything from you, can I?" Rouge shook her head teasingly before urging him to continue. "Yeah, we hung out all day and, I don't know, it was nice. I can't shake these stupid feelings from my body. When I'm around him I feel… warm. Why do I have to feel this? I hate it and it makes me act stupid around him. It's so annoying."
"Love will make you do crazy things," she smiled warmly. "I'm always here for you, Hun." She threw her arm around him and gave him a sisterly sideways hug. Shadow often kept his distance from most people, concealing his feelings from everyone, but Rouge was the one person who he felt completely safe and open with. He grinned to himself. A real grin, a rare occurrence indeed.