A/N: I don't know how many people here are from Greece, but I heard that it's the national holiday, so I'd like to wish all my Greek readers a Καλή Εορτασμός της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης του 1821 (forgive me if I translated that wrong)! That aside, I'd been wanting to do some more Sonouge fics, so here's a relatively family-friendly one. Enjoy!
It was partly cloudy one afternoon in the Kingdom of Mobius, and Sonic the Hedgehog was spending it in his Azure Lake cabin playing video games, having done his fair share of running already. At the moment, he was playing one of his favorites: Tank Warlords IV for the Xbox Series X. What he liked about this one was that – aside from having a wide variety of upgradeable tanks and not overly realistic gameplay – was that he could play offline multiplayer against computer-controlled opponents. Sure, Sonic – like many people – valued the ability to play against anyone, anywhere, anytime, but to him, there was just something special about being able to play against soulless computerized automatons. Perhaps it was the ability to choose exactly what tanks he'd be facing. Perhaps it was the ability to adjust the difficulty level of these artificial players. Whatever the case, the Blue Blur relished it, and he pumped his fist as he destroyed an enemy T-34-85 with his VK 4502 A.
"Score another one for the World's Most Famous Hedgehog!"
While Sonic was playing his game, he heard knocking on the door.
"Comin'!"
Sonic paused the game and answered the door. Standing there was Miles "Tails" Prower.
"What it is, Tails?"
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm going on a little junkyard run. I'll be back soon enough."
Sonic gave a thumbs up. "Gotcha!"
Once Tails left, Sonic headed back to the leather couch he was seated at and continued the game. After destroying an enemy IS-2, he heard some more knocking.
"Comin'!"
Once again, Sonic paused the game. The reasons he didn't assume that Tails had returned from his little junkyard run soon enough were not only because his Hedgehog Sense told him that it wasn't Tails, but he knew the Two-Tailed Wonder well enough to recognize the exact manner that he knocked on the door. Nevertheless, the Blue Blur's Hedgehog Sense also told him that whoever was at the door wasn't dangerous, so he answered it without hesitation.
"Good afternoon, Big Blue!"
"Rouge! What's happenin', Mama?"
Rouge the Bat put a hand on her hip. "Well, Shaddy decided to do his own thing today, and I was just dying to hang out, so I decided 'hey, why not pay a visit to another one of my favorite hedgies?'"
"Slammin'! So, got anything in mind?"
"Well, why don't we go out to dinner together?"
"Dinner? Hell yeah!" Sonic gave a thumbs up. "Where to?"
"Actually, I was thinking that you should pick the place!"
Sonic stroked his chin. "When ya put it that way…I know just the place!"
Rouge put her hands together. "Ooh, this should be interesting!"
"Just lemme text Tails first..."
Sonic whipped out his watch communicator and dictated a text to Tails:
"Hey, if I ain't home when ya get back, I went out with Rouge. I'll be back soon, though."
Sonic sent the text.
"What are we waitin' for? Let's boogie!"
Sonic took Rouge to Joey's Pizza, located in the Grable Park neighborhood, which was part of the South Terrace borough of Emerald City. In operation before the Great War, Joey's had a wide variety of menu items, and the interior was known for being decorated with photos of Mobian celebrities in addition to everyday scenes in Emerald City. Sonic let Rouge study the menu briefly before they stepped up to the counter.
"Hi, welcome to Joey's Pizza!" said the cashier, a lavender cat. "What can I get for you?"
Sonic stepped up first. "I'll have a dozen chili dogs and a Wild Cherry Pepsi!"
The cashier punched in Sonic's order. "OK, and for you?"
"I'll have five chicken fingers, a medium curly fry and a root beer, please," said Rouge.
The cashier punched in Rouge's order. "Would you like any sauce for the chicken fingers?"
"I'll have some honey mustard and...do you have any sort of 'fry sauce'?"
"We do."
"I'll have some of that, too, please."
"So I have a dozen chili dogs, five chicken fingers with honey mustard, a medium curly fry with fry sauce, a bottle of Wild Cherry Pepsi and a bottle of root beer. Will there be anything else?"
"That's it," said Sonic and Rouge.
Sonic and Rouge each attempted to pay at the same time.
"Don't worry, Rouge, I got this!"
"Sonic, you're a celebrity! You deserve a break like this!"
The cashier gasped. "W-wait…YOU'RE Sonic the Hedgehog!?"
Sonic gestured to himself with his thumb. "The one and only!"
The cashier put her hands on her cheeks. "Omigosh, I can't believe I'm actually meeting you! Can I have your autograph?"
"Sure thing!" Sonic whipped out an 8x10" color glossy headshot of himself and a Sharpie. "Who do I make this out to?"
"M-my name's Tiffany!"
Sonic proceeded to write the following message on the photo: "To Tiffany – Don't just sit there and waste your precious time. Be solid – take action! – Sonic" along with his autograph. He then handed it over.
"Thank you SO MUCH!" said Tiffany. "Heck, you two are eating on the house tonight!"
"Far out!"
Sonic gave a thumbs up, but then looked over and saw Rouge frowning, her arms crossed.
"What's wrong, Rouge?"
"You mean other than the fact that I didn't get asked for an autograph? No, nothing's wrong!"
Sonic smiled nervously. "Hey, we're eatin' for free tonight, ain't we?"
Rouge smiled and relaxed her stance. "You're right; I should be grateful for that."
Sonic took a number placard from the counter. "Come on, let's sit down!"
Sonic led Rouge over to a table off to the side, not too far from the door, where they sat down and waited for their food.
"I gotta say, I haven't even eaten the food yet and already, I feel like it'll be tasty!" said Rouge.
"Believe me, you'll enjoy it! Usually, their chili dogs are my favorite, but I've tried some of their other menu items, and I gotta say, they really do it right here!"
"That reminds me: why so into chili dogs?"
"I was about five, and Uncle Chuck took me shopping. We were walkin' down this one street – I don't remember which one – and I caught a whiff of this delicious smell. I was real hungry, so I begged him to check it out with me, and there was this guy with a hot dog cart sellin' chili dogs. Uncle Chuck got me one, and as soon as I took a bite, I was hooked."
"How fascinating! I doubt you'll be able to eat a dozen, though."
Sonic smirked. "You'd be surprised."
"Oh really?"
"Don't knock me 'till ya see me, Mama!"
Rouge giggled. "Oh, you're so silly! Where did you get such a lovely sense of humor?"
Sonic shrugged. "I dunno. Still, I'm glad I have a sense of humor."
"Me too! I find men with a sense of humor to be very attractive."
"And I find independent women to be very attractive."
Rouge clasped her hands together and held them next to her head.
"Awww, you're such a sweetie!" said Rouge. "Matter of fact, you have to be the nicest guy I've ever met!"
"Ya really think so?"
Rouge leaned in a little closer. "Hon, I've seen and heard so much about you, I know so!"
"Gee, thanks! You ain't so bad yourself, ya know!"
"Well, I may be a jewel thief, but that doesn't mean the only heart I have is the one on my outfit! I feel like ever since I met you, I feel more of an incentive to be kind and giving towards others. Heck, I regularly donate to charity!"
"Yeah, Tails and I donate a good chunk of our dough, too."
"I'm actually not too surprised. Considering how drop-dead sweet you are, I figured you'd be open to that."
"Mama, you'd be surprised what I'm open to!"
Rouge raised her eyebrows. "Is that a dare?"
"It could be if ya wanted it to."
Rouge laughed. "Oh, I can't with you! Seriously, I didn't think there would ever be a guy who could keep up with my flirting!"
"Hey, ya put yourself out there long enough and you're bound to…"
Before Sonic could finish his sentence, a waitress – a purple panther – brought over their food. The drinks came in a two-part system that not only included the bottle with the beverage itself, but also a plastic drinking cup with ice and a straw.
"Thank you!" said Sonic and Rouge.
After tipping their waitress, Sonic and Rouge dug into their food. Well…Rouge had dipped one of her chicken fingers in the honey mustard and was about to take a bite when Sonic gobbled down – heck, practically inhaled – his first chili dog. She frowned.
"Really, Big Blue? Has NOBODY taught you proper table manners?"
Sonic flashed a cheeky little smile. "What? I can't help it if I'm a big eater!"
Rouge stared at Sonic. However, try as she might to chastise him for sucking down his chili dogs whole, his smile proved to be too much for her, and she burst out laughing.
"Oh, stahp!" said Rouge. "Sonic, you're such a joker!"
Sonic stared lovingly at Rouge. "Rouge, you can call me Sonny if ya want."
Rouge let out a happy gasp. "NO WAY! That is such a CUTE nickname!"
"Thanks! Uncle Chuck calls me that all the time!"
"Come here!" Rouge put down her chicken tender, got out of her seat, sat next to Sonic and gave him a huggle. "Who's a Sonny hedgie? Who's a Sonny hedgie?"
Rouge scratched Sonic in front of one of his ears, causing him to purr. Feeling all warm and tingly from what she was doing to him, he happily embraced her. His liking for her had been growing over time, but when she did this to him, he just melted. In that moment, he reconsidered his previous dislike of being in a relationship with someone. He thought about Rouge and how her cheeky, free-spirited nature really wasn't that much different from his cocky, cool nature, and he was more than happy to surrender to her soft, warm, cuddly caress. He didn't even care if other people in the restaurant were staring at them. He was in heaven right now.
"Sonny…"
"Yeah?"
"May I please have one of your chili dogs?"
"Only if you'll let me have one of your chicken fingers and some of your fries!"
"Deal!"
After letting go of Sonic, Rouge took one of his chili dogs, went over to her side of the table and slid her food over so he could try some. They each took a bite and nodded.
"OK, I'm not as passionate about chili dogs as you are, but I can see why you love these!" said Rouge.
"I know, right? These chicken fingers are good, too! I think this might actually be my first time tryin' 'em!"
"Really?"
"Yeah, I know I said I had some other menu items here, but I don't recall ever having these." Sonic dipped a fry in the fry sauce and ate it. "These fries are really good with the sauce, too."
"I know, right? Whoever invented fry sauce was a genius!"
"Amen!" Sonic had another fry with fry sauce. "By the way, mind if I make a confession to ya?"
"Go right ahead!"
"Rouge, from the very first time I saw ya, I always thought ya were hot."
Rouge gasped, and then clasped her hands right next to her head. "Awww, you're so sweet! That reminds me: the very first time I pulled your G.U.N. file up, I knew I wanted to meet you! I mean, I relished a chance to meet the famous Sonic the Hedgehog, but after hanging around with you long enough, I can see that you've earned every bit of your fame!"
"Well, I try! I feel really good about myself knowin' that I can be a positive example for kids!"
"And that's another thing I like about you!"
"I mean, I ain't really interested in havin' kids, but I like bein' around 'em, know what I'm sayin'?"
"Of course! Kids are just so cute, aren't they?" Rouge finished off her chili dog.
"Yeah, I get ya!"
Rouge swallowed. "I will admit, I once considered adopting a child."
"Hey, I think you'd be one dy-no-mite mama!" Sonic pushed Rouge's chicken fingers and fries back.
"Really? Stop!"
"What?"
"I mean, I'm glad you like me, but you don't have to butter me up like that!"
"I ain't tryin' to butter ya up; I'm just sayin', ya give off that kind of vibe to me that says you'd be great at raisin' kids, ya know?"
Rouge put her index finger up to her chin. "Although, I do consider Shaddy to be my little baby…"
"That reminds me: don't tell him I said this, but I don't hate him anymore."
Rouge's look turned serious. "Oh?"
"I mean, I know he framed me and tried to kill me a bunch of times, but based on what I learned about him since then, I can tell deep down inside that he's a real solid cat."
"You'd be surprised! Did you know that he volunteers at an animal shelter in Emerald City?"
"Animal shelter? You're jivin' me!"
"No, and in fact, I've heard from somebody there that not only does he treat the animals very well, but the animals love him, too!"
"Far out!"
"Not only that, but he donates money to women-oriented charities!"
"Get outta here! I didn't know Shad got off on that jazz!"
"Really, you'd be surprised how much women mean to him! He once told me that it was because of Maria and I that he views women positively!"
"And so he should! I mean, I believe that women can do anything they put their minds to, and you're livin' proof!"
"Sonny, if you keep being so nice to me, I'm gonna cry!"
"Then let me make ya feel better!"
Sonic went over to Rouge and gave her a big hug, which she gladly returned.
"Rouge, I used to be turned off of goin' out on dates because of Amy, but because of you and Blaze – but especially you – I like goin' out!"
"You don't have to run away from love because somebody let you down, you know! There's always someone out there who respects you for who you are!"
"I'll say!"
After Sonic and Rouge finished their meals, Rouge flew Sonic back to his cabin.
"I had a wonderful time with you, Sonny! I can't wait to see you again!"
"Neither can I! Thanks for offerin' this!"
"You're welcome!"
Rouge wrapped her arms around Sonic and kissed him, and he gladly returned the gesture. Having a good time going out with such a beautiful woman was one thing, but indulging in her sweet, loving caress was another. What made this really good for him was the fact that she was the softest, warmest and most cuddly woman he'd ever held in his arms. The touch of her tender lips against his was electrifying, too. Best of all, he felt a genuine connection with her, and in spite of his past disdain for romantic relationships, he was looking forward to spending more time with her.
Rouge was looking forward to being with Sonic more, too. Going out with such a legendary hedgehog was one thing, but knowing that he not only shared a mutual affection with her but treated her the way she'd want to be treated, that made this kiss even more sensual for her. Best of all, since he wasn't feeling threatened at the moment, that meant his quills were nice and soft, which made holding on to him even better for her. What she really enjoyed about this moment was that he smelled like blue raspberry to her, and were it not for the fact that her meal was satisfying enough as it was, she would've eaten him up. Eventually, she broke away from the kiss, but kept eye contact with him.
"I love you, Sonic the Hedgehog."
"I love ya too, Rouge the Bat."
"Have a nice day! I'll see you soon!"
Rouge ruffled the quills on top of Sonic's head before flying away, while he watched, his heart fluttering. Once he came back off his high, he stepped inside the cabin.
"So, how was your date with Rouge?" asked Tails.
"It was way past groovy!" Sonic gave a thumbs up. "Seriously, I really dig the whole idea of goin' out with someone now!"
"Why for? You never used to be passionate about it.
"I mean, Amy soured me off of the idea, but the more time I spend with people like Rouge who are just lookin' for a casual fling, the better it sounds, ya know?"
Tails nodded. "OK, I understand."
"Anyways, why don't we play some video games together?"
"OK!"
And so, Sonic and Tails headed for the couch, ready to wrap up a really good day. Though Ol' Blue really enjoyed his time with Rouge, coming back to his favorite person ever was perhaps the biggest reward of all.
Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.
