Chili with Aroma of a Hedgehog
Chapter 18: Coming Out
UGHHHH THIS CHAPTERRRRR!
Okay I'ma say it, grab a tissue box if you're emotional like me.
The main focus of this chapter WILL be Manic, but it's essential for the plot of the story.
Let's begin!
That Weekend
"Where did you say you were going?" Sally asked.
"Manic and I are having a guy's weekend out, you don't mind right? You could use this time to visit your dad at the Country Club."
Sally shrugged and walked away.
Sonic could tell she was still mad at him because he didn't want to have the baby, he was just hoping she'd get over it.
As Sonic grabbed his suitcase and headed downstairs, he noticed that Sally was talking to a rabbit.
"Oh, Sonic! I hired a new maid, you don't mind right?" Sally asked as the rabbit bowed.
Sonic shrugged, "Well, no, this is your home after all. What's your name?" Sonic asked with a smile.
"Vanilla the Rabbit, I moved here from England to be closer to my daughter."
"That's wonderful! Make yourself at home, the name's Sonic the Hedgehog but you can call me Sonic. Mr. The Hedgehog is my grandfather," he said as he shook hands with her.
Sonic the Hedgehog? Vanilla asked herself. Where have I heard that name before...
"Well I need to get going, I need to go pick Manic up. I'll see you on Sunday night Sally," Sonic said as he headed for the door.
"Are you not going to kiss me goodbye?" Sally said as Sonic stopped in front of the door.
He sighed and went back to plant a kiss on her cheek and left the room.
Finally, a weekend to rest.
Amy decided to take a walk around the neighborhood, hoping it would ease her mind a little.
She, her mom and Josephine recently moved to a new apartment. Josephine and Amy both had good jobs and they were happy to move to a better place.
She kicked a rock and began to play with it.
Sonic and Amy tried to act platonic the entire week, but neither could ignore the romantic tension between them.
"Is it always going to be like this? He's out of reach... why do I still love him?"
She kicked the rock harder, not realizing that it hit someone.
"Oh goodness I'm so sorry!"
"It's fine," he said as he looked at her.
Amy gasped, "Mr. Camaleonte!?"
"Amy!?" Espio gasped in shock.
"Oh my goodness! What brings you here!?"
"I'm here for a temporary amount of time to open a new line of restaurants, I'm trying to find a place to stay."
"There is a spare apartment where I live! You could go there! Meanwhile I can present you to my mom and we can catch up!"
"Sounds great to me!" Espio exclaimed as he and Amy headed back to her home.
"Well this is wonderful! My life is going great right now! I lost Knuckles and we're going to end up poor because of Sonic's stupid indifference towards Sally!" Sonia whined as Manic shook his head.
"Would you stop complaining already, sheesh, I'm getting a headache," Manic said as he collapsed on his suitcase.
"Do you not care!?"
"It was your fault Knuckles moved on, you should've been more understanding. And I don't care about the money."
"Of course you don't," Sonia said as she crossed her arms. "You're JUST like Sonic."
"I AM OFFENDED!" Manic said as he got up.
"What's so wrong with being like me?" Sonic asked as he came into the room.
"Because I would have never believed the lies about Rosy the Rascal and married someone else out of spite," Manic said as he crossed his arms.
"Seriously Manic? I get it. I made a mistake."
"Mistake? PSH, more like you committed a disgrace."
Sonic stared at Manic with his eyes half lidded.
"I think Sonic made a great decision, don't listen to Manic, he doesn't know what he's talking about."
"You're probably right," Manic said as he turned to Sonia. "I mean my brain IS fried from having to listen to your whining."
"SONIC! Manic is being an instigator!" Sonia said as she turned to Sonic and pointed at Manic.
"Can we go now?" Manic whined as Sonic chuckled.
"Yeah, c'mon, and Sonia, please stop filling Sally's mind with illusions of having a baby. Or else."
"Or what?" Sonia said as she crossed her arms.
"I will take pictures of my sperm transaction and I'll send them to you," Sonic said as he grabbed Manic's suitcase, causing he and Manic to start roaring in laughter.
"EWWWW YOU TWO ARE DISGUSTING! JUST LEAVE ALREADY!" Sonia yelled as she shooed them away, Sonic and Manic gladly obliging.
"Mom!" Amy exclaimed as she brought Espio into the house.
"What is it Amy?"
"I want you to meet Mr. Espio Camaleonte, he saved my life when I was stranded in France! Remember? I told you about him!"
"Ahhhh!" Angela exclaimed as she hugged Espio. "Thank you so much for helping my daughter! Please come in! Lunch is ready, we would love it if you joined us."
"Would you join us Mr. Camaleonte?" Amy asked.
"Don't see why not," he said as they all sat down at the table. "Nice place!"
"Thank you, there's a vacant room next door to us if you want to stay there!"
"That sounds great! Where's your husband Sonic? I'd love to meet him!" Espio exclaimed as Amy's face fell.
Espio glanced at her in confusion, "Is something wrong?"
"We never got married Espio... hold onto your seat, I have a lot to tell you."
"You were right Sonic! This place is a paradise!" Manic exclaimed as he got off the car and gave his luggage to the hotel staff.
"Shadow recommended it to me. He said and I quote, 'Station Square Resort is an absolute paradise!'"
"He probably brings his special one night stands here."
"Wouldn't doubt it for a second. Call them bimbos though, it saves you the words," Sonic said as he and Manic walked into the hotel.
After they got settled and check in, Sonic turned to Manic, "Want to go to the arcade?"
"YOU READ MY MIND!" Manic said as he grabbed his room key and left the room, a chuckling Sonic following.
"Let's play Air Hockey," Manic exclaimed as Sonic pouted.
"You always win that game!"
"And you always win when we compete in anything that has to do with footwork!"
"Not my fault I'm the fastest thing alive!"
"Fastest thing alive is right! Because I think you rushed into your marriage with Sally faster than the speed of sound," Manic laughed as Sonic playfully punched Manic's arm.
"Okay Manic I get it! No need to rub it in!" Sonic said as he crossed his arms.
"I'm just putting you in your place for Rosy's sake."
Suddenly there were cheers heard around the room and Sonic and Manic turned to see a man proposing to another man.
The man being proposed to had tears in his eyes and hugged the other man while exclaiming 'yes.'
The room roared with cheers and claps, congratulating the couple.
Manic suddenly became nervous and turned to Sonic, who was smiling at the pair.
This is your chance Manic.
No, what if he thinks of me differently?
He won't. He's Sonic, remember.
But...
You will never be truly happy if you don't come out.
Manic took a deep breathe and noticed Sonic had his attention back on the game.
"Sonic..."
Sonic looked up and furrowed his brows in confusion as he noticed Manic began to shake and wasn't making eye contact with him.
"What's up bro?"
"What a nice moment that pair had... don't you think?" Manic nervously said, hoping Sonic gave him the answer he wanted to hear.
"Of course! Love is always beautiful, I wish those two the best."
Manic smiled nervously, his confidence growing a little higher. "I'm glad you think that..."
Okay, something was wrong.
Sonic glanced at Manic, "Manic, is everything alright?"
Manic's eyes soon began to get watery as he turned and walked toward the balcony, Sonic quickly following.
"Woah Manic! Was there something I said?"
"No! Not at all! It's just..." Manic soon covered his face with his hands. "Sonic, I have to tell you something... please, promise me you'll be open minded about it. This isn't easy for me."
"What's going on Manic!?" Sonic exclaimed. Is he hurt? Did someone harm him?
Manic took another deep breathe.
"Sonic... I..." Manic said as tears welled up in his eyes.
"You what? You can trust me Manic! What's wrong?"
"I'm bisexual Sonic... I have a boyfriend..."
Sonic widened his eyes as Manic made no eye contact with him and let the tears fall.
"I've always thought I was different than all the other men in the world, it was until college started when I realized and came into terms with my sexuality. When I found out, I knew I had to keep it a secret. Our family is incredibly close minded about this particular topic and I never got the guts to tell anyone. Only one person knows about it, and that's my boyfriend Elvis... he's the one who encouraged me to open up and tell you. I wanted you to know first, since I trust you," Manic said as he looked up at Sonic, who was smiling.
"Manic... I could not be more proud of you than I am right now."
Manic blinked in shock, "What? But this is so unmanly of me, how could you be proud?"
"Masculinity is overrated. Us guys cry, us guys want to be cuddled sometimes, being bisexual or gay doesn't mean you're not 'manly,'" Sonic said as he put air quotes on manly.
"But... what would dad say... and mom! What about Grandpa?" Manic asked as tears flowed down his eyes as Sonic shook his head.
"They'd be proud of you too."
"What about Grandma, and Shadow's side of the family? Don't lie to me saying that they're going to be okay with it because you and I both know that they are ALL about tradition."
"Which is why you need to learn to stop caring about what other people think, trust me, you'll be way happier." Sonic said as he tapped his head. "Love yourself, you have a wonderful personality and this doesn't change anything, I'll still kick your butt in Sprints and you'll still kick my butt in Air Hockey. You're still Manic the Hedgehog, and you'll ALWAYS be Manic the Hedgehog. Your sexuality won't change that. Scream it to the world Manic, and if someone says something, I'll be there to shut them up!"
"You really think I should tell the family?" Manic asked as he wiped off his tears and smiled.
"Don't tell, ANNOUNCE!" Sonic said as he winked and gave him a thumbs up.
"This means so much to me Sonic..." Manic said as he hugged Sonic, Sonic laughing and hugging him back.
"No sweat little bro, although I would have liked it if you told me sooner, but it's better late than never! You need to present me to this Elvis guy though."
"You got it big bro!"
Espio sighed as he took in everything Amy told him.
"Has anyone ever told you your life is an absolute rollercoaster?"
"That's what I tell myself everyday," Amy said as she sighed and drank her juice.
"No seriously, you went through all that trouble in Europe just so that he can marry someone else because of a stupid rumor? Are you sure he deserves you Amy?"
"That's what I said!" Angela exclaimed as Amy frowned.
"I don't know what to think anymore," Amy said as she got up and headed to the kitchen. "Want seconds?"
"No thanks, I'm okay."
Amy nodded and headed towards the kitchen.
"So Mr. Camalion..." Angela said.
"Camaleonte ma'am," Espio said as he chuckled. "It's chameleon but in Italian."
"Ohhhhh, Camalionte!"
"Camaleonte."
"Caviaronte?"
Espio sweat dropped and sighed in defeat, "Yes ma'am, good job."
"Oh great! Amy! Mr. Caviaronte deserves a shot of tequila don't you think?"
"Caviaront...?" Amy asked but stopped when Espio shook his head and told her to not bother.
Amy giggled and got Espio his shot and handed it to him.
"No thanks," Espio said shyly.
"Take it. If you're gonna be dealing with my mom, take it now or forever hold your peace."
"Hey!" Angela exclaimed as Espio got the shot and drank it.
"Wow! Mr. Caviaronte! You sure know how to party!" Angela said as Amy and Espio started laughing.
"What did I say?"
"No mom, please just, no..." Amy laughed as she held onto her stomach.
"You two are bullies!"
Next Day
Sally walked into the Country Club and noticed her father on one of the tables.
She stomped toward him and sat across from him.
"Sally, sweety! Why did you want to see me?"
"You know EXACTLY why Dad!"
Maximillian sighed, "Alright, lay it on me."
"You promised you would stop gambling!"
"Sally, it's an opportunity for us to win more money!"
"It's also an opportunity for us to LOSE money! Don't you get it?"
"Sonic won't let that happen."
"WOULD YOU STOP RELYING ON SONIC! The 10,000 rings I ask Sonic to lend us was the last loan I took out THE LAST! Understand?"
"I didn't know Sonic told you it was a loan."
"It isn't, at least for him it isn't, but it would be proper to pay him back don't you think?"
"I don't have the money to pay him back Sally!"
"THEN STOP GAMBLING!" Sally whispered loudly as she pounded her fist on the table. "Besides, I'd start forgetting about Sonic if I were you. I give our marriage a few months before it falls apart."
"You're not planning on getting a divorce are you?" Maximillian said as his eyes widened in fear.
"Maybe. I'm not exactly the happiest by his side."
"YOU CAN'T GET A DIVORCE SALLY!"
"Why not? I've tried everything dad, I'm SICK of his indifference."
"B-But sweety, t-that could hurt our family... You don't want your mother and I to end up in the streets right?"
"Why would you end up in the streets?" Sally asked as Maximillian stayed silent.
"Dad... is there something you're not telling me?"
"We lost the outlet Sally. We're bankrupt."
Sally widened her eyes, "W-what?"
"Your mother and I didn't want to tell you because we didn't want to worry you. But since you're thinking of divorcing Sonic..."
"B-But Dad... you've always told me that you wanted the best for me. I'm not happy with Sonic..."
"Sally please, you have to do this for our family... we NEED Sonic's money to survive."
Sally's eyes filled with tears, "But what if Sonic asks me for a divorce?"
"Don't give it to him. You're smart, come up with reasons why you shouldn't divorce. Don't worry, once our outlet is up and running again, you can divorce Sonic and marry whomever you want."
Sally frowned, she didn't like this. She didn't like this at all.
Monday Night
Elena had called for a family reunion to celebrate Sonic's first week working in the office.
Rouge was still at the treatment trip so she couldn't attend.
The family piled in and Manic took a deep breathe.
Tonight was the night.
Manic ate his food and looked up, coming face to face with Sonia, who had an eyebrow raised at him.
"What?" he asked as Sonia shook her head and dismissed it.
The rest of Manic and Sonic's weekend went smoothly and it was like a weight lifted off his shoulders.
But now he had another weight he needed to get rid of.
Oh, and did he mention that he brought Elvis along? Elena wanted to meet the "friend" Manic spent a lot of time with.
Little did she know.
Elvis and Sonic hit it off quickly and Sonic thought he was a charming fellow with a great sense of humor.
Elvis then went along and shook hands with everyone else in the family.
Cocoa shook hands with him vaguely and then wiped her hand on her clothes.
"I don't know why Elena lets peasants enter this household," she whispered to Charles who turned and gave her a dirty look.
"What I say?"
Shadow politely greeted Elvis and also thought he was an agreeable individual.
Elena was surprised when she realized that Elvis wasn't of their class, but she shook it off and kept that thought to herself.
Sonia and Sally were indifferent and greeted Elvis like they would greet anyone.
"Alright everyone now that we got introductions out of the way, let us enjoy our meal."
Manic took a deep breathe and Elvis grabbed his knee in reassurance.
"What if they diss you? I'll be so embarrassed," Manic whispered to him as Elvis shrugged.
"I'm already prepared for the worst. I have the animal patrol on speed dial," Elvis said as Manic snickered.
"I love you," Manic whispered and Elvis smiled.
"Look on the bright side, at least there aren't any waiters here to be giving us dirty looks for being too loud."
Manic smiled and tried to contain his laughter.
Sonic glanced at the two from across the table and smiled, he was delighted to see Manic so happy.
If only HE had made the right decision and married the girl of his dreams, instead of crashing another woman's illusion of being in a perfect marriage.
Speaking of Sally, he really needed to talk to her about that divorce.
Elvis was caught up on all the family drama, courtesy of Manic, and he knew of Sonic and Sally's dysfunctional relationship.
"Is that the Couple of the Year over there?" Elvis asked as Manic glanced at Sally and Sonic, who were not engaging with each other.
"Yes, but I thought WE were the Couple of the Year?"
"No, we're the Couple of the Century," Elvis pointed out as Manic nodded in agreement.
Shadow glanced at Sally and they made eye contact before she looked away quickly.
Sonic noticed this and raised an eyebrow.
"Shadow, I wanted to let you know that Vector really needs to talk to you about something, he'll be at the office tomorrow," Elena said.
Shadow rolled his eyes, he and the family lawyer didn't quite see eye to eye.
Vector had more favoritism towards Sonic, which meant he did not trust Shadow in the very least.
Shadow was convinced, that if a family crisis between Sonic's and Shadow's sides of the family were to occur, Vector would side with Sonic in a split second.
"I'll see what he wants," Shadow simply responded.
"Okay, well, since that was taken care of, does anyone have any announcements?"
Manic widened his eyes and his heart began beating quickly.
He turned to Elvis and Sonic and both gave them reassuring smiles.
Elena noticed this gesture and turned to Manic, "Manic, is there something you'd like to say?"
Here we go...
Manic stood up confidently and stared at his grandma in the eye.
"Before I say anything I want you all stop what you're doing and try to be as open minded as possible. What I'm about to say... is not easy to hear."
The entire family suddenly set their forks down and had their full attention directed on Manic.
Heck, even Shadow gave the green hedgehog a concerned and confused look.
Manic took a deep breathe and looked at the family, "Throughout my entire life everyone has been trying to guide me and tell me what path I should take. It took a lot of convincing for me to go the artistic path instead of the Chili Industry path. It was thanks to my Grandfather that I ended up taking that path. I also remember Dad telling us stories of falling in love and that he couldn't wait to see what GIRL I would end up marrying. Even as a kid I thought the sound of that was weird."
Shadow widened his eyes, realization dawning on him first, he turned to the rest of the family and noticed that no one else had caught Manic's drift.
"Don't get me wrong, I like girls more than the next guy but I've always questioned why it had to be JUST girls... it wasn't until college when I realized that..." Manic sucked in his breathe. "That I'm bisexual."
The entire family gasped and widened their eyes.
"WHAT!?" Sonia exclaimed as she turned to Sonic abruptly, who nodded at her, signifying that he knew.
She turned back to Manic and her eyes began to water.
"Sonia, please don't react like that, being bisexual isn't bad."
"You're right. It isn't. But being a HORRIBLE BROTHER IS!" Sonia said as she left the room.
Manic reached out for her but it was too late.
"Manic..."
Manic turned to Elena who looked frightened.
"Are you sure about this? Maybe you're confused."
"Yes, maybe this is just a phase," Cocoa added.
Manic gave the two an in dignified look.
"A phase... A PHASE!? WHAT THE HELL IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!? I AM BISEXUAL AND THAT IS THAT! I WAS BORN THIS WAY, IT'S NOT A CHOICE!"
"Manic calm down," Charles said. "We're just trying to help you."
"In what way!?"
"We are The Hedgehog Family Manic, we are a family of class and tradition. Imagine what our colleagues would say if they found out you were... THAT!" Cocoa said, causing Sonic to fume and stand up.
"CLASS AND TRADITION!? DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH AUNT COCOA! This family isn't classy! A family with such prejudice, control and corruption is no where NEAR class! Manic is probably the classist of us all! He's honest with himself, he's honest with us, and he's the only one who has been staying true to my Grandpa's values. All of us married in this room got married for three different reasons that have NOTHING to do with love, SOCIAL STATUS..." Sonic said as he looked at Chuck and Cocoa. "GRANDFATHER'S FORTUNE!" he said as he looked at Shadow. "AND OUT OF SPITE FOR THE ONE I TRULY LOVE!" he said as he looked at Sally. "All of us have A LOT to learn from Manic. Aren't you embarrassed of yourselves? Because I certainly am."
With that said the whole room was silent as everyone looked down at the table, Manic's eyes were teary, touched with Sonic's words.
"I honestly don't see the wrong in it."
The entire family was flabbergasted as they turned to look at Shadow, who said his first few words since talking about Vector.
"Shadow!" Cocoa exclaimed as Shadow rolled his eyes.
"Let the guy live his life, no one even cares anymore whether or not someone is a part of the LGBT community. I don't see the big deal."
Sonic and Shadow made eye contact and for a second, a split second, he saw a reflection of the OLD Shadow.
But it didn't last long as Shadow went back to scowling. "But I honestly could care less what any of you think and tell Manic, that was just my opinion."
And with that, Shadow crossed his arms and stayed silent. The current Shadow was back.
Thank you Shadow... I knew you weren't completely lost. Sonic thought as he smiled and turned to his Grandmother who looked like she was having an internal conflict.
Sally stayed silent, she honestly also didn't see any wrong in Manic being bisexual either, but it wasn't in her place to say anything.
Elena took a deep breathe and said, "I don't know Manic... I just feel like when it comes down to you supposedly having a boyfriend, you'll realize that it really was a phase."
Manic smiled and grabbed Elvis' hand, Elvis took this as a cue and smiled as he stood up next to Manic.
"I'm glad you mentioned that Grandma, meet Elvis, my BOYFRIEND."
Elena, Charles and Cocoa were taken aback and Cocoa gave Manic a disgusted look.
"HIM!? Of all men in the world Manic!? At least choose someone of our class!"
"COCOA!" Charles exclaimed as Cocoa turned to him, realizing that he was giving her a dirty look.
"Manic I've given it thought," Charles started as Manic turned to him. "You have my blessing."
"Thank you Uncle Chuck this means a lot to me!"
Elena turned to Manic, "I accept you for who you are Manic, you are my grandson and I love you for who you are. But I agree with Cocoa, our tradition still stands, and no offense to the young man here, but you need to be with someone of your class. That rule stands with not only you, but Shadow, Sonic and Sonia too."
"Well I'm not breaking up with him. I'm sorry. I'm an adult and I will be making my own decisions."
"Besides Grandma, I'm not all bad, just wait, you'll learn to love me!" Elvis said as he winked at Elena, causing Manic to smile, it's amazing how Elvis can't be fazed by anyone or anything.
Elena scoffed and turned to the side, "I think we are done here. Anything else anyone would like to say?"
The family stayed silent, allowing Elena to adjourn the dinner.
As Manic and Elvis left the room, Cocoa turned to Sally, "Great, our family is slowly becoming a joke."
"Save the snide comments Aunt Cocoa, ESPECIALLY in front of Manic!" Sonic scolded as Cocoa scoffed and left the room, followed by Shadow and Charles.
Sonic grabbed onto Shadow's arm and the red eyed hedgehog glanced at him.
Sonic stared at him and through his eyes communicated a motion of gratitude.
Shadow ripped his arm away and walked away, leaving the room.
"Sally, can you wait for me in the car? I need to talk to my siblings."
Sally sighed and nodded as she headed for the exit.
As Manic and Elvis stepped into the living room they noticed that Sonia was hiding behind the couch.
Manic gave Elvis an apologetic look and Elvis smiled, "I'll present myself to her at a more appropriate time. Go talk to her," Elvis said as he walked out the door.
Manic glanced over at Sonia and noticed that she was sniffing.
He slowly walked up to her and laid a hand on her shoulder.
She turned towards him and quickly turned away, not wanting to make eye contact.
"Sonia... I didn't think my sexuality would offend you so much..."
"That's not why I'm crying Manic."
Manic glanced at her in confusion, "Then?"
"I'm just... offended... why didn't you tell me Manic? I tell you everything... do you not trust me?"
"Of course I trust you! But this wasn't an easy thing to confess."
"THEN WHY DID YOU TELL SONIC AND NOT ME!?" she screamed as she turned to him abruptly.
"I told him just last Saturday! During our vacation, I wasn't planning to tell him. It just happened. He convinced me to tell the whole family tonight. The only one who knew about this was Elvis, who by the way is my boyfriend."
"A BOYFRIEND!? I can't believe you Manic! Couldn't you have told me BEFORE you told the whole family!? I could have been extra moral support!"
"Sonia."
Sonia and Manic turned to Sonic, who was approaching them.
"YOU!" Sonia said as she jabbed her finger on Sonic's chest. "Couldn't YOU have told me what was going on with OUR little brother! HOW COULD YOU SONIC!? WHEN OUR PARENTS DIED, YOU TWO PROMISED ME THAT WE WOULD PROTECT ONE ANOTHER AND BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER NO MATTER WHAT! WHY WOULD YOU EXCLUDE ME FROM SOMETHING LIKE THIS!" Sonia screamed as she cried.
Sonic and Manic glanced at each other in sadness, Sonia was right, she did have the right to know before everybody else.
"Is this how it's going to be from now on?" Sonia asked. "Are you two just going to be excluding me from everything!?"
"Sonia... I'm so sorry... but you have to understand I was nervous enough to tell Sonic. I didn't know how you'd react... I'm sorry..." Manic said apologetically as tears welled up in his eyes.
"It won't happen again, I think we've all learned our lesson here," Sonic added as Sonia looked at them.
"Promise?"
"Promise," the boys said in unison as the three gathered for a group hug.
"So... when do I get to actually meet Elvis?" Sonia asked.
"Soon," Manic smiled. "He's really excited to meet you."
You know what's funny about this chapter, it was NOT included in the soap opera at all xD Danella (the character Manic plays) simply dated her boyfriend Elvis and that's it. She didn't have to come out or anything. BUT, there's something she and Elvis dealt with that Manic and Elvis won't deal with... racism. Elvis was black, Daniella was white, and her family didn't accept him because of his color and his social status. I needed to find a way to portray that in the Sonic Universe, implementing racism wouldn't really make since since they are all different colors. Heck, Sonic is blue, Amy is pink, and Manic is green xD so how could I do it? That's right, making Manic and Elvis a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Unfortunately there are people out there who are homophobic, and instead of Manic's family being racist, I made them a teensy bit against their relationship because of how traditional and conservative they are. I don't know, just decided to throw a bit of background out there ;) I do love Manic and Elvis though, I enjoy writing them just as much as you all probably enjoy reading them!
REVIEW!
Next Time on Chili with Aroma of a Hedgehog...
"I think you should take Dr. Pickle's offer Shadow," Eggman suggested.
"Why?"
"Think about it, it's Paprika Enterprise's first order of business. Dr. Pickle's Chun-Nan clients are some of the best clients in the entire Chili Business World. If you do this for him, we can steal his clients, and we can do our shady work... if you know what I mean."
Shadow smiled evilly, "I like that! We share a brain."