Sonic skids to a stop in front of a building painted a rich dark purple. Hot pink bats decorate the face of it, with a white neon sign declaring the space 'Club Rouge'. Sonic heads to the small metal box in the back and presses in the pin. There's a small buzz and the door opens, allowing him inside. He heads up the flight of stairs to Rouge's condo, hoping that Shadow hasn't left yet.
Normally on Thurdays Shadow has the day off and will normally spend it at Rouge's, but the Commander has beenextraprickly lately and asked Shadow to come in for paperwork. It's only noon and Shadow doesn't head in until 3pm for a short shift, but Sonic knows that Shadow will occasionally head back to his own home before work to finish up on chores. The move was recent, so there isn't a solid routine set.
He knocks on Rouge's door with a rapid tap, eager to see the bat. But mostly Shadow. Rouge opens the door with her signature smirk. She's wearing black sweatpants that rest high on her waist, with a loose white crop top that reads 'mama' in pink lettering.
"Oh my, what brings you here, big Blue?"
"I wanted to see Shads, is he here?" Normally Sonic would humor her and make conversation, but he's nervous. Rouge raises and eyebrow but doesn't call him out on it.
"Come on in, Blue. He'll be back soon."
As soon as the door shuts behind them Rouge pulls out her phone, tapping at the screen. "Go ahead and make yourself at home, hun. I'm just going to ask Shadow to bring more food."
Sonic nods and heads to her couch, easing himself onto the charcoal velvet fabric. He taps his leg in boredom, hoping that Rouge isn't occupied for too long.
"Hey, babe! Your baby blue is here." Sonic's ears flick even though he's totally not eavesdropping. That's a slightly new nickname.
"Uh huh. Well you deal with it. Huh? Yeah. I can ask." Rouge strolls over and taps Sonic on the shoulder. "What kind of tacos do you want?"
"Uh. Can I get a steak quesorito?" Rouge snickers and nods."Ok, Blue."
"Hey, fuckface. He says he wants a steak quesorito. Yeah you heard me." Sonic can hear Shadow groan on the phone from where he's sitting. Was that not a good answer? Rouge's laughing, so maybe not.
"Well you know what he likes, you sap, so figure it out. We'll see you soon. Ok. Love you, bye."
Sonic watches as Rouge seats herself gracefully in the love seat across from him. "So, Blue... What are you here for?"
"You know, the usual. Hanging with Shads. Maybe a race." Sonic shrugs. "You know I don't plan. I just go where the wind takes me!"
Rouge nods. "So you tell me. Anything new, love?"
"Um, nothing? Just the usual. Eggman's been quiet lately but you know that." In an afterthought, Sonic remembers his phone. "Oh! I got a cell. So if you wanna exchange numbers...?"
"Way to make it to the modern world, hun. I'd love too, but I'll just wait til after you give you number to Shadow. Lord knows how jealous he'll be if I get it first."
Sonicdidwant to give Shads his number first, so it works out. Not that he's going to say so out loud. But the idea of Shadow being jealous...
Rouge's got the look of someone that knows something you don't want them to know. Sonic's sweating.
"Shadow had mentioned he offered to get you a phone. Are you just one of those independent types, Blue?"
Sonic relaxes a bit. So they're going to avoid the elephant in the room. Cool. But this is still weird. "He said to let him know if I changed my mind about it? But I wouldn't call that offering tobuyme a phone."
"Uh huh." Rouge looks smug, like she's caught him in a trap. Sonic knows she knows... something. But what?
"That's pretty much Shadow speak for 'let me buy you things'. If he says 'let me know' he means business."
That's... something. "I had no clue. You'd think Shads would know to use his words, ya know? Besides, I'd feel bad if he spent money on me for no reason."
Rouge throws her head back on a laugh. "I couldn't agree more, hun. But his whole reputation of being this stoic badass means too much to him." Sonic joins in to laugh at that. "And don't worry about the money. Shadow spares no expense for those he cares about."
Sonic blinks in surprise. That... makes sense? Shadow has always been the type to show his affection by doing things for people. But how did they even start having this conversation? "How did you even know about the phone business anyway?"
"Shadow tells me everything, but he has been talking about you a lot lately. And I mean alot."
Oh. Sonic tries to ignore the way his heart jumps.
"You've been a good influence on him."
Sonic feels himself smile. "Really?" Chaos, he even sounds lovesick. How lame.
Rouge smiles even wider, crooning her words. "He's been talking about you nonstop, hun. I've never seen him like this. Mr Grumpy is actuallyhappylately. Care to explain why that is?"
Sonic ducks his head, cheeks hurting from his grin. Ok, so the elephant is being poked at. But this isn't so bad, right? There's something warm in his chest. Does he really make Shadow happy? "I don't know."
"Oh, don't give me that. I see that you like him too, Blue."
Sonic can feel the color drain from his face, grin falling. What is it with people telling him how he feels? And beingright?
Rouge sighs, crossing her legs and leaning back into the cushions. "I didn't want to call you out like this but it was getting unbearable. Watching you two dance around each other is stressing me out! At first it was cute, but now I'm starting to see what the problem is."
Rouge narrows her eyes, teal looking him over. "I won't pretend to know what's going on in that hunky little head of yours but let me tell you what I think." Rouge waits for Sonic to make eye contact before continuing.
"You like him. But you don't want to, for whatever reason. You're anxious and confused, but also excited. It's totally understandable." She shrugs. "Love can feel like that, in the beginning."
Sonic startles and she smirks at his reaction. Her humor is short lived.
"Look." Rouge's tone has lost it's teasing edge and it sets off Kill Bill sirens in Sonic's head. Sonic meets her gaze to see a serious expression that feels out of place with her delicate features.
"You like Shadow and I honestly think you're good for him. You're the only person that can handle him, other than yours truly. You've been someone he can trust and honestly? I love you for that. But you have to figure out what you want, hun. You need to decide if you want to be his friend or hisboyfriend. Stop this dance, because while I know Shadow will wait forever for you, I don't think its healthy. For either of you."
Rouge uncrosses her legs, planting her feet on the ground and bringing elbows to rest on her knees. She tone is biting Sonic realizes that she has more in common with Shadow than she lets on.
"If you want to be just friends, ok. But if you want to pursue him I've got to warn you - if you hurt him Iwillmake you regret it. We're friends but I will not hesitate. Am I clear?"
Sonic nods frantically. "Crystal."
Rouge leans back and smiles, and it's as if the last few moments were imagined. "Good. I'm glad you see things my way, Blue. I'm here if you wanna talk about things, ok? I know Shadow can be hard to read."
Sonic nods slowly. Is this what whiplash feels like? He is not a fan. No wonder people complain so much if he doesn't support their heads properly.
Wait.
"You think Shadow likes me back?"
Rouge blinks in surprise. "Obviously? Were we not just talking about that?"
Before Sonic can respond Rouge raises her hand to stop him. She winks and mouths 'we can talk later' right as Shadow walks through the door.
"Hey, babe! Welcome back!" Rouge practically leaps up to help Shadow with the bags. Whatever he brought to eat smells delicious.
"Come on, Blue! Come sit over here. We can eat in the kitchen "
Sonic nods and gets up, staring at Shadow as he does so. Black and red quills are extra silky today, shining under the natural light. Ruby eyes are staring right back and hold Sonic's gaze. Shadow's trademark blank face is in place, but Sonic can tell that he's happy.
"Hey, Shads."
"Hello, Sonic."
Hearing his actual name from Shadow has always made Sonic feel off kilter, but now? Sonic realizes that he reallyreallylikes the way it sounds. Sonic would love to hear it more, under different circumstances...
He has to stop his mind before it's too late.
Rouge looks between them with that smug look again. Her grin is all teeth as she pushes Sonic to sit in between her and Shadow.
"So what did you bring your baby blue?" Rouge asks innocently enough, but there's a mocking lilt to it that Sonic doesn't understand. Shadow must, because he shoots a look of annoyance her way before turning to Sonic.
"You've never ordered street tacos, have you?"
Sonic shakes his head with a sheepish smile. "Nah. You would think that with all my traveling I'd be more experienced with food but... I usually just stick to what I know. Chili dogs are an international favorite."
"Well, if it's not from a truck is it even worth it? And how interesting! Who knew that Sonic plays rough everywhere but in the food department?" Rouge says this with a wink and digs into her food, ignoring the fact that Shadow is currently staring her down with a fierce glare.
"Ignore her. Eat."
Sonic rolls his eyes at how bossy Shadow is. "Alright, grandpa."
He opens his box to see several tacos, of two different varieties. There's one that looks like steak, and another one that smells like pork but has pineapples? What's with Shadow and buying him things with weird flavor combos?
"Carne asada and al pastor." Shadow breaks into Sonic's silence without being asked, but knowing it was needed. "I figured you'd like something safe, but also something interesting. You'll like it."
Sonic grunts, wondering if Shadow is right. Fruit and meat just seems... gross. As if on cue Shadow pokes his side. "Hey, I was right about the sandwhich. Give it a shot, bum."
Sonic relents, and picks one up. Shadow bats his hand and instructs him to at least put on the onion and cilantro. And some salsa. Maybe a touch of lime.
"Alright! I got it, I got it." Sonic pushes Shadow's hands away. Rouge covers her mouth as she laughs and Shadow tells her to shut up. "Yeesh."
Finally free to eat, Sonic takes a hesitant first bite. Alright, so the first one is good. The carne asada, was is? The meat is tender and every bite is a little bit of heaven. It's gone too quick so Sonic reaches for the second taco, closing his eyes before he takes the first bite. Ok, so this one is good too.Verygood. It's savory and just a touch sweet and Sonic decides he loves this by the second bite.
Shadow chuckles and Sonic does his best to glare but the food issogood and his eyes keep fluttering shut in between bites.
Sonic's ears perk up at the sound of a bottle opening. "Here," Shadow's voice is laced with amusement, "have a drink before you choke."
Sonic mumbles a thank you before taking a few gulps. It's soda but sweeter? Somehow?
As if reading his mind - again - Shadow explains. "The sodas are made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup. That's why it tastes different."
"The bottle makes it classier too." Rouge adds on, watching Sonic scarf down his food. She looks a mixture of impressed and disgusted, and honestly? Sonic can't blame her.
He's done within a few minutes, surprised by how much he enjoyed it. Sonic's even tempted to lick the box clean. Shadow grabs a napkin and wipes the corners of Sonic's mouth.
"You are such a slob."
Sonic frowns but honestly doesn't mind the attention. It's nice to feel pampered. Shadow smirks, placing the napkin on the table when finished.
"I guess I'm two for two then."
Shadow is so darn smug - but he isn't wrong. So Sonic elbows him in the ribs. "Yeah, yeah. Let's see you try for a third time, hot shot."
Shadow is barely phased by Sonic's jab. To the untrained eye he looks uninterested, but Sonic knows better. With bright eyes, relaxed shoulders and his chin resting on the back of his hand, Shadow actually looks playful.
"I plan on it. But I do hope to cook for you with my next attempt, if you'd like."
"Well... Iguessthat's ok. But only if you spoon feed me dessert."
Shadow doesn't say anything, but with how he leans back with a shrug Sonic knows he's pleased. Thank chaos because Sonic is internally screaming. Shadow said he wants to cook for him? How many people can say that? Not many, he bets. And Shadow didn't even complain about the spoon feeding line. It was a joke but hey, Sonic is more than happy to have that actually happen.
"Well then, if you two are done with dinner plans why don't we watch a movie or something? "
Sonic's not going to lie, he honestly forgot Rouge was here.
They migrate to the living room and Rouge puts on a rom-com. Normally Sonic would protest but they pretty much talk throughout the movie, so he doesn't mind. Well, actually, he sort if does. From time to time there's a few scenes that catch his eye. Nothing extraordinary, just kissing and cuddling and the implied sex scene that fades to black before anything gets good. But he gets flustered because he sees it on screen and can't stop thinking about Shadow.
What if it was Shadow kissing him in the rain? Whispering sweet nothings in his ear while pinning him to the wall? Peppering his face with angel kisses? The thoughts make itveryhard to focus. Especially since the star of them is sitting right next to him.
When the movie ends Sonic has a better grip, but the thoughts still linger. He catches himself staring at Shadow's lips and has to force his eyes elsewhere. It doesn't work well, because instead he finds himself staring at corded muscle under obsidian fur. Or the patch of pure white that looks like a perfect pillow for napping. Maybe even ears that are not quite right for a hedgehog - if you look close enough - but are no less adorable.
This whole crush is driving him crazy. Sure, he checked Shadow out before he knew about the crush but he didn'tknowhe was checking him out. Now it's just... Embarrassing?
Sonic glances at Rouge instead to ground himself but that doesn't help either, her clever eyes seeing everything he's trying to hide. She's really gonna make him talk, huh? He doesn't know what to even say to her though. Didn't they have the shovel talk already?
Like 'hey, I didn't even know I had a crush but then my kid brother said to enjoy it but you don't seem to want me to do that' doesn't seem like the right thing. Especially not with her little power play earlier. Geez, no wonder Shadow and her are such great friends. She can be terrifying when she wants to be.
Shadow places a hand on Sonic's knee, startling him back to the present. Shadow tsks and shakes his head.
"I've got to head out. We can try to race tomorrow morning?"
Sonic nods slowly, embarrassed for what feels like the fifth time today. Then he remembers. "Oh! I got a phone!"
Shadow quirks an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Sonic pulls it out of his head quills, unlocking the screen. "Give me your number before you leave. We can text about that race tomorrow!"
Shadow relays the digits and Sonic types them in, sending a simple 'hi'. "There! We're all set to talk whenever, Shads. I hope you like emojis."
The hybrid snorts, raising from the couch with that playful glint in his eyes. "Alright, text me. Or call me. Whatever you prefer. Just don't waste my time with those dumbass puns of yours."
"No promises!" Sonic sing songs, glad to finally get that over with. It was nothing special but he still feels ecstatic.
Shadow walks over to Rouge and leans down to kiss her cheeks, as she does the same to him. Sonic pretends that doesn't make him feel irritated.
"I get off at 8 pm, so I can head back here immediately after clocking out."
"Alright, hun, I'll see ya tonight." Rouge hugs him tight and Sonic has to look away. Why doesn't he get a hug?
Shadow says goodbye one last time as Sonic and Rouge wave him off. Sonic finally understands that saying, 'hate to see them go but love to watch them leave'.
"So..." Sonic turns from the door, stomach dropping. Rouge isn't going to give him a chance to relax. "Want to explain what that was about?"