His lungs are burning.
Sonic can't speak, too focused on keeping his lead. Given how much he likes to talk during these races, that's saying something. Like, that's sort of his whole thing. Sonic has to hand it to him, Shadow is giving him a real challenge. But then again, when does he not?
A quick glance to his right and he sees Shadow. His striped counterpart's face is the picture of focus and determination. Sonic can't help but admire it. Shadow has always been so driven, and Sonic appreciates that he brings his A game every time they race. Never a dull moment with this one.
Crimson eyes are ablaze, then suddenly a smile lights up Shadow's face like the sunrise. Sharp fangs peak out and glisten, leaving Sonic even more breathless. Shadow gets the jump on him then, pushing forward just enough to beat Sonic to the finish point. Sonic can feel his gloves snag on the bark a few milliseconds after Shadow's. Well darn. Digging their heels into the dirt, the heroes come to a stop.
As soon as Sonic catches his breath he opens his mouth to give Shadow a piece of his mind - but once again Shadow beats him to the punch. Shadow is laughing, loud and deep and almost barking. Sonic loves it. It's so rare to even get a smile out of Shadow, so to get a belly laugh? That's a near miracle. Shadow seems so happy about winning this race that Sonic almost thinks not to say anything.
"Oh come on, hedgehog! Were you even trying?"
Almost.
"I could ask the same, Shads! I just got bored and let you win." Sonic punches Shadow's shoulder lightly. "I can't win every time! If I did you'd get tired of getting your butt kicked and I wouldn't have anyone to race with."
Shadow rolls his eyes and pushes Sonic in return. "Whatever. I'm pretty sure you lose just as much as you win against me. But lunch is on the loser, so it's a win-win for me either way."
Sonic used to hate how smug Shadow can be but now he finds it more entertaining than anything. It comes from a self confidence and assurance that Sonic can admire. But the hybrid is definitely weird sometimes. Free lunch? Definitely a win. But buying lunch? Not a win. But hey, Sonic isn't going to complain.
Shadow stretches his legs and nudges Sonic in the ribs with a free hand. "Let's go. I'm starving and I want to get to Meh Burger before the lunch rush." Standing tall he reaches into red and black quills, pulling out a ruby chaos emerald.
Sonic pouts, "Oh come on, Shads. No chili dogs?" They both know that's what Sonic wants. When doesn't he? Shadow smirks and his eyes have that playful glint that has always riled Sonic up. He reaches for Sonic's hand and leans in close. "That's what you get for losing, idiot."
"Boo! You don't even need to eat, you emo jerk!"
Shadow sticks out his tongue. Sonic really loves this playful side of the hybrid. But he really wants chili dogs. Sonic puts on his best begging face but it doesn't seem to matter to Shadow.
Shadow pulls him close, still holding his hand. Sonic can feel the heat coming off Shadow's body. He really likes when Shadow looks at him like this - playful and fond with something else Sonic can't place. "Next time tell me and I'll give you anything you want. Use your words like a big boy."
That makes Sonic rolls his eyes, but he doesn't hate it. If anything hearing Shadow talk about taking care of him makes him feel warm. Is that weird?
"Til then, you have to settle for burgers." And with a flash of light, they're gone.
Emerald eyes gaze at the clouds. It really is such a beautiful day. There is a rustling of a paper bag, and Sonic quickly makes his way over to Shadow. Finally! Time to eat!
Shadow gestures for Sonic to sit down, patting the area beside him. Carefully, to not get dirt on Shadow's picnic blanket, Sonic makes his way over.
They chaos controlled straight to Meh Burger and had just beat the rush. But the line was building and more and more people were filling up the joint's tables. Shadow hated crowded spaces and asked if they could head somewhere quiet. Sonic naturally said yes, but had tried not to let Shadow see how excited he was.
Sonic loved when they went somewhere more remote in general, but especially for a meal. Shadow always took him to these beautiful places that he had never been, even in all of his travels. It was just him, Shadow, and the sun and stars. Shadow would always bring a whole set up after teleporting them there too - a picnic blanket, a pillow or two, sometimes a large umbrella for shade, and more blankets for wrapping up when the weather was chilly. It was sweet.
Sonic has a feeling that Shadow picked busy restaurants on purpose, just so they could go off to some quiet meadow instead of eating there. Shadow plans everything, so there's no way he conveniently has a picnic setup ready to pick up from home on a whim. He's too much of a neat freak for that. But Sonic doesn't mind. He would never admit to it out loud, but sometimes Sonic stalls just a bit after their races for similar reasons.
The time they have together is so fun, so Sonic tries to prolong it when he can. And it's always perfect when they're alone. Shadow is normally so closed off, but when the two of them are alone Sonic gets glimpses of what Shadow tries to keep hidden. Lately though Shadow has been even more open and Sonic thrives on their playful banter and the rare smiles Shadow graces him with.
"Sorry it's nothing special. I was just really wanting burgers today. I haven't ate in a few days now." Shadow had laid out all their food, clearly eager to get started. Any passerby would think they were feeding a small party of people, not just two hedgehogs. Sonic can't help but chuckle at the thought.
"No worries, Shads! You know me, I'm not picky." Sonic grabs a large helping of fries and starts munching away. "This is pretty much gourmet to me anyways."
Shadow cringes. "You really need to start eating better. Maybe I'll just pack a lunch next time."
Sonic grins and can't help but tease. "A personal lunch for liddle ol' me? You spoil me."
Tan lips quirk into a smile, and crimson eyes are nothing but fond. "Don't you know it."
Sonic blinks in surprise. He wants to say something, anything, especially if it will keep that smile on Shadow's face. But he's blanking, too caught up on how his heart seems to be beating a bit fast and hey did it get warmer out here? There must of been a cloud that stopped blocking the sun or something because his face feels hot. How does Shadow do this? Without trying he makes Sonic flustered and confused and without words. And talking is his whole thing! Sonic took pride in his wit and quality banter. But here he is, surprised silent.
Time to change the subject then.
"Um, Shads, is this a new blanket? It's nice. Real soft. Rad."Real smooth, Sonic. You totally bounced back.This isn't embarrassing at all.To his surprise, Shadow actually nods.
"I'm impressed that you noticed. It was a gift." Shadow leans back, arms behind him supporting his weight. "Louise gave it to me for my one year mark. For support group. An anniversary gift, if you will."
"Geez! It's already been a year?" Sonic knew it had been awhile since Shadow had started going but it's still jarring somehow.
"Yes. I'm a bit surprised myself. Louise and the group have helped me a lot."
Sonic agrees. He was surprised that Shadow had started going to therapy, even more surprised to learn he met up with a weekly support group for humans and Mobians who had lost a loved one. "I'm glad you have people that support you, Shads."
"Me too." Again, that barely there smile has Sonic desperate for more. He's so dazed that Shadow's question flies over his head.
"Do you have a cell phone?"
"Huh?"
Shadow shakes his head, tossing the wrapper of what's got to be his 5th burger at Sonic's head. Rude! "I asked if you have a cell phone."
"Oh. Nah, I don't, litterbug."
Shadow rolls his eyes, "Do you want one?"
Sonic mulls it over before replying. "Maybe? I had one before and it just wasn't for me." Shadow tilts his head, ears forward and curiosity clearly showing on his face. When he declines to say anything, Sonic continues on as if he had. Shads has really got to use his words.
"I kept breaking them!" Shadow snorts but thankfully doesn't embarrass Sonic further. "And I try to stay away from the internet. There's way too much weird stuff about me on there and I'm not gonna invite negativity into my life, you know? Having a phone was just. Easy access to all that. I'm older and wiser now, so I know I could handle it but still. And! Someone leaked my number! It was chaotic and... not fun. My communicator works fine enough anyway. Why though?
"So I could have your number, obviously." Shadow shrugs as if he hasn't just turned Sonic's word upside down. "I just thought it would be nice. We could talk to eachother even when we aren't hanging out like this."
The striped hybrid pauses to mess with his inhibitors, ruby irises meeting emerald ones. "I like our impromptu races and chats but I want something... more. But you not having a phone isn't a problem. I would hate for you to feel uncomfortable having one. Like you said, your communicator works fine. We can just continue on as we were, calling when necessary. But let me know if you change your mind."
"Oh. Ok!" Sonic tries to stay cheery - but no. Now that Sonic knows talking to Shadow at all times is an option? That's all he wants.
Because yeah, he's been up at 4am wanting to ask Shadow what he's up to before. He's seen some silly things that he's wanted to show Shadow, only to forget about it later and regret it because he lost a chance at making Shadow smile. He's felt sad and alone and Shadow is the only one who really knows that and understands and hearing his voice is the one thing that Sonic needs to feel ok. To know that Shadow could be a press of a button away? It's all Sonic wanted. And to have it now? Oh geez. He can see it too clearly.
He should ask Tails how to get a phone. His bro is a tech wiz and would be able to find something to match Sonic's life, right? The idea of hearing Shadow's gruff voice at any and all available hours makes Sonic feel something he can't place. But he likes it.
"You ok, hedgehog?"
Sonic looks up from his hands to see Shadow's face twisted in concern. "Uh, yeah?"
"You ate your food faster than normal and you got quiet." Shadow's face looks blank, but Sonic can see a teasing glint in his eye. "I'm used to you yapping my ears off so I assumed you must seriously be sick."
"Oh hardy har! Maybe you should be trying to keep up, slowpoke." While Sonic is embarrassed to have Shadow notice that he was distracted, he'd rather die than admit it. He's been daydreaming about... whatever and he'd rather not share it. Even if that means sounding like a total idiot.
Shadow just chuckles, the sound sending delightful shivers down Sonic's spine. He should laugh more. Sonic swears he'll never get tired of the sound.
"I've got to head off. Until next time?"
Oh shoot. "Is it time to head out already? Geez. Time flys when you're having fun, ay?"
Shadow looks like he'll strangle him and Sonic doesn't mind one but. Getting under Shadow's skin has always been one of his favorite pastimes.
Sonic doesn't want to head home just yet, but he knows Shadow has commitments. It just isn't fair though. Sonic wants Shadow to stay with him all the time.
Wait.What?
Shadow helps Sonic up and they clean up, the thought bouncing around in Sonic's head. It's still there even as they pick up their trash and fold the picnic blanket.
Sonic just wants to have fun and Shadow is the only one that can keep up. Right? That's it. Right?
Sonic glances at Shadow, watching as dark quills sway with the breeze. Right. Shadow is one of his best friends. Wanting to be around him all the time is totally normal.
Shadow leaves with a wave. Sonic tries to squash the sadness he feels at the gesture. Sonic runs towards Tail's house, looking for some more fun. Because that's what he wants, right? He and Tails play video games and eat pizza and go to bed late after they can barely hold their eyes open. But the whole time the thought of dark quills and that deep laugh sits in the back of Sonic's mind. As much fun as he's having, he just feels a little sad that Shadow isn't there. But it's totally normal.
Right?