Keep It Crescendo
Chapter 9: Blame It On The Alcohol
Warning for my underage readers: There will be drinking in this chapter. Remember kids, don't drink underage, it's not good for you. And when you do start, drink responsibly and please for the life of Chaos don't drink and drive. A girl who drank and drove crashed into my neighbor's house a few nights ago and she could have been seriously hurt. She's going to be in prison for a few days for breaking the law, yikes. It was a nasty crash too guys, my neighbor's car and yard are destroyed. Okay, I'm done being a Mom, enjoy!
Chop. Chop. Chop. Hiss.
Amy let out a cry and placed her index finger in her mouth. She sucked on it and let out a sigh.
Grandpa Rose put down his newspaper and sighed in disappointment. "Not again Amy. You alright?"
Amy wrapped her finger with a napkin, "Yeah, I just cut my finger."
Her grandfather set down his newspaper, "Leave that there, you can continue later."
Amy frowned and washed the knife, "I have to finish dinner as soon as I can. I have to come up with new dance routines for NYCDR."
"So soon?" asked Grandpa Rose in bewilderment. "But you just came back from tryouts."
Amy bit her lip, nervously setting the knife on the drying rack. She grabbed the cut up bell peppers and placed them in a salad bowl. "It's never too early to start. I want to be ready for when the time comes."
Grandpa Rose blinked, "But it's in January."
Amy gasped and turned to stare at him in shock, "That's so soon!"
Grandpa Rose twisted his lips, "But Amy. You and your studio have managed to win competitions with only five days to prepare at the very least, what's the problem?"
"NYCDR isn't like those other competitions Grandpa," she frowned as she placed the salad bowl on the table and handed him a plate.
"Oh? What makes this one so different?" he asked. "Your studio is the best one in the state."
"I'm not too sure about that anymore," she muttered sadly, using a spoon to serve herself salad. She sighed, "I practically tied with another studio during tryouts."
Grandpa Rose watched her closely, "Eggman Studios."
She nodded, "Sonic is reallly good, Grandpa. During the competition, he came up with the most beautiful lyrical routine, one of the best routines I've ever seen. His studio got a standing ovation. I was confident that we'd win before, but now I'm not so sure."
"Listen to yourself," he scolded. "That's not how we Rose's talk. That's quitter talk. He may be good, but so are you. He probably feels just as threatened by you than you do of him."
She bit her lip, "I guess so. Which is exactly why I need to start coming up with routines now. I refuse to lose to Sonic the Hedgehog, or Eggman Studios."
She grabbed her plate and walked to her work station. She opened her laptop and began typing. Her grandfather watched her in amusement.
"Ugh! It's just so frustrating! How did an arrogant, egocentric jerk like him come up with something so beautiful and heart wrenching! Aren't arrogant jerks supposed to lack emotion?" Amy exclaimed to pretty much no one but herself.
"Maybe Sonic isn't who you think he is," Grandpa Rose offered.
Amy snorted. "Yeah right. I know his type. He was probably a player in high school, captain of the football team. He probably got drunk every night in some fraternity of some sort. He's probably seeing two girls at the same time. Hmph, wouldn't put it past him at all."
"Those are strong accusations for a hedgehog you met just a few weeks ago," Grandpa Rose chuckled, growing more amused.
"A few weeks is enough time for a woman to fully grasp a man's character Grandpa, you wouldn't understand," she huffed as she typed a few words on her computer.
Grandpa Rose laughed, "Is that so?"
"Mhm, I can read through Sonic as if he were made of glass," she gloated.
Grandpa Rose shook his head, "Very well Miss. Character Reader, if that is the case, would you care to explain to me where he came up with such a beautiful lyrical routine?"
"That—" she paused. "Is an excellent question. Come back to me tomorrow and then I'll be able to answer your inquiry."
"I'll be awaiting your answer," he laughed. "Goodnight Amy, I'm going to sleep."
"Night Grandpa," she answered as he walked to his bed.
"Oh, and Amy."
"Yes?"
"Please get to know Sonic before judging him. He may surprise you."
Amy said nothing as she watched her grandfather lie on his bed and roll over. As soon as the room became silent, she frowned.
Her Grandpa was right, she was judging too quickly. And it really begged the question...
Who was Sonic the Hedgehog?
"Yes Sonic, yes! Accomplishments like these remind me why I hired you in the first place!" Eggman exclaimed as he held up a glass cup filled with champagne.
Sonic chuckled, "The dancers are full of talent."
"Yes, but it's your direction that moved you all to the next level. I'm so proud of you."
He patted Sonic on the back a little too roughly, leading Sonic to believe that Eggman was tipsy. Eggman turned his back and began rambling on about the history of Eggman Studios, and Sonic used that opportunity to dump the rest of the old man's champagne into his own glass.
The blue hedgehog wasn't much of a drinker himself, and he absolutely abhorred champagne. If he was going to drink, he went for a beer or a margarita from time to time.
Back home, when his Uncle Chuck would invite him out to the bar because he had no son to go to the bar with, Sonic was always the designated driver. When his Uncle would drink too much, Sonic would make himself responsible for sending the bartender a pointed smile or two, insinuating that he shouldn't be giving his Uncle drinks anymore. His Uncle Chuck would demand "anosser" and "anozzer" and the bartender would tell him that it was coming, but it never did. Sonic would then reward them with an extra large tip.
Eggman was similar to his Uncle Chuck. Both were incredibly lightweight with their liquor, which amused Sonic. Eggman had become more laid back as soon as he drank his first cup of champagne.
"Tell me Sonic, what was Amy's expression when she found out our studio made it to the finals?"
"Uhh, she seemed pretty shocked," he shrugged.
Eggman burst out laughing, holding his stomach tightly. "Hoo wee! She probably didn't see that coming. C'mere my boy."
He began ruffling Sonic's quills, and Sonic resisted the urge to let out a snort.
"That's what I like to hear," Eggman said. "Keep that pink annoyance at the edge of her seat. Mess with her head."
He pressed his two fingers onto his temples for emphasis.
"Because one thing is for sure Sonic," Eggman continued, his tone growing serious. "You better beat Amy Rose at that dance competition. Because if you don't, I'll be very disappointed, and you might even lose your job"
Sonic raised an eyebrow, "Sir, don't get me wrong, I have faith in my dancers. But all that for placing at least second in a prestigious dance competition?"
"Placing second is just as bad as placing last place. It still makes you a loser."
"All I know is this— if I ever get second place in anything, there's only one person or team who can talk crap to me, everybody else is irrelevant."
"You're quite outspoken for a hedgehog who could lose his job with a snap of my fingers."
"You'll lose a good choreographer."
"Everyone's replaceable," Eggman threatened. "You're lucky I'm drunk and I won't remember this conversation tomorrow, otherwise you'd be gone."
Sonic blamed it on the alcohol, and he sincerely hoped Eggman wasn't being serious, but something about his threats kept him on edge. Rouge, Knuckles, and Amy's warnings about Eggman rang in his mind, but he shoved them away.
It had to be the alcohol talking.
"Thank you for coming to help me decorate Cream, it means a lot," Rouge thanked.
Cream organized a few cups on the table before facing her cousin. "No problem. But that's not the only reason I came so early."
Rouge directed her attention to her, "Is something wrong?"
Cream bit her lip, unable to hide her smile, "I can't hide it anymore."
She eyed Rouge, "Rouge, Tails and I are pregnant."
Rouge gasped and dropped an empty, plastic tray. "OH MY GOD CREAM! CONGRATULATIONS!"
She embraced Cream tightly, and Cream cried tears of joy. "You HAVE to tell me everything, what was Tails' reaction? When is it due? When did you find out? I want to know it all!"
She lead Cream towards the couch and sat her down. "Spill!"
"Well, we found out this past weekend, that's why Tails and I couldn't go support Sonic and Amy at their dance competition. We were at the doctor's office," Cream beamed, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Oh he was so happy Rouge! I've never seen him so happy! He was jumping around our apartment yelling 'I'm going to be a Dad.' He's at Sonic's right now telling him the good news. My Momma was super excited and was already planning out my baby shower. I'm over the roof Rouge! I'm starting a family with the one man I love most in this whole world."
Tears began streaming down Rouge's face. Cream looked so happy, and Rouge knew that her cousin deserved this happiness more than anyone.
"Oh Cream, you're going to be such an amazing Mom!" Rouge choked. "So we should expect an arrival in June?"
"Around there, yes. Tails is being such a worry wart. He texts me every ten minutes to check up on me— ah, there we go again," she giggled.
"It's because he loves you Cream, and he doesn't want anything to happen to you. Tell him you're perfectly safe with me, and that he doesn't need to worry."
"We have to tell the others when they get here. Good news like this deserves to be celebrated!"
"I'M GOING TO BE AN UNCLE!" Sonic yelled, letting his voice echo into the streets below his balcony.
"Shhh, you don't want to disturb the neighbors!" Tails scolded.
"I don't care, I want the whole world to know that my little bro is going to be a Dad. I want to be the Godfather!" Sonic demanded.
Tails laughed, "It's too soon to be thinking about that. To be honest with you, I'm excited but I'm also terrified. Like what if something goes wrong? What if Cream gets hurt? I'm going to text her again—"
Sonic snatched his phone away, "Relax Tails, you heard your wife, Rouge is taking care of her. Man, who would've thought…"
Sonic sat on his couch, "Weren't you and I like in elementary school yesterday? With me racing everyone on the playground and you using straws and glue to come up with cool five year old inventions?"
"Time flies when you're having fun," Tails shrugged. "Too bad you're not having kids too, our kids could have grown up together."
"PFFFFTTTT, I'm not having kids. I wouldn't know how to raise 'em."
"What do you mean?" Tails asked, baffled. "I think you'd make a great father!"
"I haven't had the best of examples y'know. Remember? My Dad is a stiff old man."
"I never had a Dad. Remember that?" Tails crossed his arms. "Doesn't mean I won't be a bad Dad."
"Yeah, but your foster Dad raised you with love and care. I wouldn't know fatherly love and care even if it slapped me in the face," Sonic argued. "I don't want to make my kids feel like their dreams don't matter."
"No one is telling you to raise your children like your Dad raised you, Sonic," Tails noted, taking a look at the time in his clock. "We should go. Wanna take the subway?"
Sonic jumped up, as if he had never been sulking in the first place. "Too slow, let's take the Sonic Express Lane instead."
"Sonic, don't you da— AHHHHH!" Tails yelled as Sonic carried him and zoomed out of the apartment.
"Rouge! Did you buy any Doritos?" Knuckles called out from the kitchen.
"They're in the top cupboard!"
Knuckles opened the cupboard and shot his fist in the air in excitement. "YES!"
He grabbed the Dorito bag and headed into the living room, "Want Doritos, Cream? They'll be good for the baby."
"No thanks," Cream giggled.
"Don't feed my future niece or nephew that greasy excuse for food!" Rouge scolded.
"I beg your pardon! Doritos are a Knuckles delicacy!" he argued as he popped one into his mouth. "You're uncultured."
The doorbell rang and Shadow opened the door, "You left your door unlocked."
"Want Doritos, Shadow?" Knuckles offered.
"I do, actually," Shadow accepted as he reached his hand into the bag and pulled out a handful.
"See, SHADOW is cultured," Knuckles argued, facing Rouge.
Rouge rolled her eyes and scoffed. Cream giggled.
"Is Amy here yet?" Shadow asked.
"Relax sugar, she's on her way."
The doorbell rang.
"Speak of the devil—" Rouge mumbled. "Knuckie, can you drop your sack of grease for just a second and get that?"
"Disrespect my Doritos one more time and I'm sleeping on the couch tonight," Knuckles warned playfully as he handed Shadow his bag and opened the door.
Amy walked in with a bag full of candy. She was followed by Sonic and Tails, who had arrived a few seconds after her. Tails immediately bolted towards Cream and asked her if she was doing alright and if she needed anything, while she reassured that she was alright.
Why the sudden concern?" Shadow whispered.
"Cream and Tails are expecting a baby," Knuckles answered. Amy gasped and pressed her hands onto her cheeks.
"Oh my gosh, congratulations to both of you!" she exclaimed.
Tails and Cream thanked her.
"Well, now that we're all here, who's down for party games?" Rouge sang as she lifted a bottle of vodka. "Here Cream, Knuckie went to the liquor store and got you the best water in the store, 100% fresh."
"I'll have water too," Tails said. "If she can't drink because she's carrying our baby, I can't drink either."
"Perfect," Rouge beamed as she handed him a water bottle. "I hold no mercy for the rest of you, you're all drinking."
She handed everyone a cup of vodka, and Amy mixed hers with cranberry juice. She hated vodka. It tasted disgusting and it burned her throat. She was more of a fruity cocktail kind of gal.
"What are we playing, spin the bottle?" Shadow teased.
"Ugh, what do you think this is? High school?" Rouge scoffed. "But before we start, since Sonic is a new member of the squad, he's gotta do a little something first as an initiation."
She waved a glass bottle of ICE in the air, and Sonic groaned.
"You're ICING me? Is this college?" he groaned as he took it. "And you're giving me green apple?"
"C'mon Sonic," Knuckles chuckled.
"Gee, I love peer pressure," Sonic groaned as he got down on one knee, downing the entire bottle in five gulps. "I hate green apple."
"Me too," Amy muttered. He smiled at her.
"Finally, we agree on something."
"First game!" Rouge announced as she held up a pack of cards. "King's Cup!"
"We sssshouuld play Hot Seat next," Rouge drawled. "Sonic, you're on the Hot Seat."
They had played four games and Rouge and Knuckles were completely gone. Shadow seemed unaffected, Amy also seemed unaffected but that was because she was cheating and wasn't drinking as much as everyone else was, and Sonic felt a little tipsy.
Rouge usually didn't have a filter, but when she was drunk she REALLY didn't have a filter, and her bluntless skyrocketed to another level. Knuckles' face was as red as his fur, and he blabbered nonsense and incoherent sentences the majority of the time.
Meanwhile Cream and Tails watched their friends make fools of themselves with amusement. Thank goodness Cream had brought her car just in case they needed to drive anyone home.
"Here are zhe rules," Rouge claimed. "You have to answer every question we ask and if you don't, you drink. Got ich?"
Sonic nodded slowly, not entirely understanding what was being asked of him.
"How old were you when you lost your virginity?" Rouge asked. "And to who?"
Tails laughed, and Sonic shot him a glare. Amy watched Sonic, fully expecting him to say like 14 or something.
"I was 19 years old, and it was to this girl from my econ class. Neither of us had done it before and we wanted to try it."
Tails snorted, "Tell them what happened after that!"
Sonic glared at him, "You suck dude. I ended up never seeing her again. Turns out she had a boyfriend, and I didn't know about it until I overheard her friend saying that he had broken up with her. Mind you, I overheard this in a dining hall."
Tails laughed, and Sonic threw a Dorito at him.
"When was the last time you got laid?" Rouge asked.
Sonic blushed, "What's with all the sex questions, I'm drinking on that one."
"It's been awhile, huh?" Knuckles asked, causing Sonic to grow a brighter shade of red. He took another sip, causing the group to burst into laughter.
Amy was the only one who wasn't laughing. Part of her felt awful for thinking Sonic was a player, another part of her felt relief.
"When did you have your first girlfriend?" asked Knuckles.
"I've only had one girlfriend, but that only lasted six months and I was 16."
"Sixteen!" the group asked incredulously.
"He's not lying," Tails affirmed.
"We both got too busy and we agreed it was for the best if we broke up," Sonic shrugged. "I was doing dancing and she was in a band. Different time commitments."
"What was her name?"
"Mina."
"How wild were you in college?" Shadow asked.
Sonic laughed, "You sure you don't want to direct that question to Tails?"
"SHHHHHH!" Tails shushed him. "We don't speak of those dark times."
"I feel like I never got the chance to be wild. I'm not much of a drinker to be honest. And I think I was too busy trying to wrangle Tails and well, save our friendship."
"Wait, what happened?" Amy asked. "I'm curious."
"That okay with you buddy? I don't have to tell the story," Sonic asked.
"Nah, go ahead."
"Tails had been a good kid our entire childhood, I was always seen as the bad influence and it took awhile for his foster parents to warm up to me. Things changed when he entered his first year of college. He joined this engineering fraternity, and they changed him, big time. People always point fingers at the Greek fraternities when bad things happen, but I don't think they realize that academic frats are just as bad, maybe even worse.
"Anyway, Tails changed. He was drinking every night, he wouldn't go to class, his grades slipped, and he was even put on academic probation after the first quarter. He would sometimes call me at three in the morning drunk off his ass, asking me to pick him up from a frat party because he couldn't think straight. When Winter Quarter rolled around, I put my foot down and said enough was enough. I tried to tell him that he needed to get his crap together if he wanted to graduate, but—"
"I wouldn't listen to him," Tails continued. "I thought Sonic was just jealous that he wasn't getting the same college experience I was getting. I got really defensive. So he called my foster parents..."
"I didn't know what else to do!" Sonic exclaimed. "He wouldn't listen to me, so I figured he'd listen to them. I think it worked."
"I hated disappointing my foster parents, especially after all they had done for me. I realized how much of an ass I was being and I got my act together. I dropped the fraternity, did summer school, and had a fresh start my second year. And here I am."
"I'm proud of you Tails," Cream smiled. "Thank you Sonic, for being there for him."
"Yeah, for real Sonic. I don't know where I'd be right now if you hadn't been there," Tails agreed.
Sonic winked, "Anything for my little bro."
It was like Amy was looking at a new person. And maybe it was the alcohol finally having an effect on her, but she asked a question she would have never asked if she were sober.
"Who are you?"
Sonic turned to look at her, "Huh?"
"You act cocky and annoying, but your actions have shown that you're actually none of those things. You're really confusing, and it's really hard to figure out your character."
Sonic blinked, and then grinned, "Little word of advice princess, don't judge a book by its cover."
"See, there it is again," she pointed out with her finger. "Your cocky side."
"It's called confidence."
"It's called arrogance," she argued.
Sonic frowned, "You don't know me at all."
"Of course I do!" Amy slurred. "You have a big fat ego, and you don't think I'm good enough for you, that's why you let me win the dance competition the other day. I could have beaten you on my own you know."
Sonic froze, and the room became dead silent.
"Actually, you're on the hot seat. Let me ask you something, Sonic. Why did you let me win?"
Sonic stared at her for a few seconds, "You wouldn't like my answer, so why bother answering."
Amy narrowed her eyes and stood up abruptly, swaying to the side and growing dizzy. Sonic grabbed her arm to keep her from falling, and she ripped it away. "Let go of me."
She faced Rouge, "I'm going home."
Why are you guys reading Blackshade? I literally got a few alerts from people who favorited it and I cringed XD. I apologize for putting you through that misery, but I'm also grateful. Thank you for checking out my other stories, it means a lot.
Anyway, thanks for getting me 60 reviews, next chapter goes up if we hit 70! We can do it!