Back Again! Once again, I'd like to thank all of you for reading, extending a shout out to Jyo Jyo Elaine Sumisu, Blue-Fire on Ice, and AN-DoubleRainbow-NA for reviewing.
Things get interesting in this chap. If you thought that mental hallucinations we're something...you haven't seen nothing, or rather someone yet. Does Amy's suitor appear in this chapter? Will she lend herself to a drunken stupor?
I'll stop now. It's all below.
Disclaimer: I do not own SEGA or any of their characters.
Now read!
Chapter 4: Started Sinking
I walked into the bar with no expectations.
The establishment was true to its name, McAlister's Tavern. The subdued under-lit establishment filled me with a sense of calmness, where as my near encounter with Sonic and Sally at stressed...Only made me stressed.
The walls were painted black but reflected, and flickered bronze in the dim lighting. All of the seating, from the bar stools to booths, were covered in a burnt orange colored fabric, and the only source of light appeared to be the intricate iron encased candles burning tirelessly in the dark ibis. Although the ambiance of the place was dark and hushed, that is, ignoring the causal sounds of conversation being emitted and a light jazzy 80's song playing above my head, the place was clean and pretty chic for a bar. I didn't know why I didn't come here more often.
Because it was supposedly single's night, and it was after nine, I noticed that after my arrival the space started to fill with people. I sighed in relief. I was fine with that. I was tired of being hopelessly alone.
"Are you just going to stand there?" A female cheetah questioned me out of nowhere, as her bubble gum snapped, like her tone, sharply and obnoxiously in her mouth. "We have a strict no loitering policy."
Her teal orbs bore into mine with predator intent. Preying on me, an unsuspecting girl, told me that maybe she had a rough day. Or maybe she was just painfully mean spirited. Fortunately for her, I was not in the mood to attack her back. Or at the very least, I didn't want to get kicked out for kicking some ass..
"Um, sorry. I've never been here before and I was just taking in the environment," I replied calmly, trying my best to seem undeterred.
Her eyes softened slightly, as she released an exasperated sigh, pursing her coral red lips. "That's fine. I guess," she said, before turning around with menus in hand. "Take a seat. You know when to call me," she said with a passive wave as she walked off to attend to other customers.
Although her personality should go under reconstruction, she was right about taking a seat. It was singles night and standing around here put me as an open target. Sure, I didn't mind meeting some new people, but I didn't want to be ambushed by some desperate guy. I shook my head. That wasn't nice to think. After all, I was sort of desperate too. I just didn't know how desperate I was after this whole thing.
But enough of relationships. I was at a bar. I was going to do bar things. I let my eyes direct me to the seating possibilities. However, I didn't really want to sit on a bar stool. Like standing around like a lost child, nothing screamed more despairing to be found than, 'Here I am at the bar stool all alone'.
And then there were the bartenders, who all somehow thought that they are certified mental counselors. I didn't want to be an open book to them. My glum cover probably said more than enough.
As I contemplated my seating fiasco, I wandered further into the establishment, which was actually more spacious then the outside let on. The space also became darker, but by contrast louder.
For whatever reason there was a swarm of girls next to an booth. I couldn't see who was in said booth, but it was more than obvious that the group of females were trying to simultaneously charm the attention of whoever was in it.
"Do you come here often, sexy?" a panda purred in her way too tight mini skirt with a martini in hand.
"Common...Can't I get your number, sugah?" a hyena said this time, as she giggled a very drunk giggle.
A ferret, obviously the drunk ringleader, opened her mouth as she leaned against the table, bearing a ton of cleavage. "S-show us some love, huh, Shady?!"
Shady?
Suddenly I stormed forward, knowing the only guy she could be referring to. Looking over their heads on my tip toes, there he was.
Shadow.
He managed to appear unfazed by this unwanted attention as he calmly sipped from his glass. Scotch on the rocks. Releasing a sigh, his crimson orbs darted past them in a focused manner, yet I had no idea what he was actually looking at.
It was kind of weird. The Shadow I knew would have expelled them immediately from his presence with a single glare. Maybe even throwing in the perfect insult the seamless way only he was capable of. Just as he would do to the rest of the gang. Rouge.
Where was this Shadow tonight? I thought. Going back to the drunk damsels, I really couldn't bare this. What they were doing was a pathetic attempt of throwing themselves at an uninterested guy. A game that I knew far too well. Only I was never drunk.
Letting impulse take over, I pushed myself past them as I was presented with a clear view of the onyx hedgehog. Nestled in the booth, but not looking completely comfortable, he didn't blink as he averted his usual glare from the women toward me.
Ah, I could always count on Shadow to display an indifferent deposition.
Feeling the heat of the intoxicated women begin to surround me, I instinctively sat down next to Shadow. "There you are Shadow! Sorry I'm late, boyfriend."
I guess they must have gotten sober fast, because before I could even look back at their direction, they dispersed back to whatever rock they crawled out of.
Feeling a bit proud of myself, I turned to Shadow in triumph.
"Hey, sorry I had to do that," I apologized, "but at least they're gone!"
Shadow closed his eyes before nodding slightly. "I suppose you're method was effective."
One of his infamous smirks settled on his lips. I took it as a fairly positive response.
"Thanks, but why not banish them yourself Mr. Ultimate Life form?" I asked as I felt myself relaxing in the plushy orange booth.
Shadow took a long sip before staring out into the bar. Toward the entrance a girl had just deliberately spilled a drink on a male who was probably trying to make a pass at her. Way to take advantage of the whole free drinks thing.
Setting his cup on the table, the bright clink of the ice against the glass brought my attention back to him.
"I did," he replied almost out of nowhere, his gaze still settled on nowhere. "And three other groups of girls before them. I realized that if I said nothing they would eventually leave, as did the others. My previous response seemed to only encourage them."
I nodded in approval. But one question did bounce through my mind though. "Why come here during single's night if you didn't want to meet anyone?"
"I didn't know it was Single's Night. I am assuming that they must have put out the board claiming this after I came inside."
He lightly tapped his gloved fingers on the dark oak wood table before he turned his head in my direction, "Any more questions, Rose?"
I shook my head before he took another sip. "Good. Then you can leave."
His last comment hurt me. I really didn't want to be here alone. I came here with the assumption that I would meet someone here, and although I did not expect that person to be Shadow, I realized that I was in no mood to be prey to single predators.
I craved the familiar, but objective company that only he could provide.
Wiping away any tension, I giggled before scooting closer to him, "After I just saved you from all of those whores? You should be thanking me!" I humored, as our eyes met. Jade upon ruby. "Shady."
Shadow snarled at that last remark. "Fine. However, know that you are only an aversion."
I smiled a victoriously before removing my jean jacket. "Works for me."
"Oh, and Rose," Shadow said as my gaze fell on him.
"What?" I shot up.
"Never call me that again."
After sitting in an uncomfortable silence for what felt like a timeless daze (it was actually about 10 minutes, but with Shadow just sitting there, so focused ahead...) the same waitress I met earlier finally approached the table. The same obnoxious look of IhatemyjobandIfuckingdaremyb osstofiremerightnow still colored her spotted complexion as her teal irises shot through mine.
"You finally ready to order something?" she said before refilling Shadow's glass. Last I recalled, it was second drink free, and I was pretty sure that that was his third glass without mention of him paying. I guess I never realized the effect Shadow had on women. But speaking for the herd I was welcomed too...
Sitting up slightly, I began to flip through the drink menu. But I was like a kid at a salad bar, nothing seemed tempting, and all of the colorful concoctions looked toxic. And I didn't want a frilly little drink either. I wasn't feeling particularly frilly today.
"Oh, um...I'll just have...what he's having," I answered.
Her brow rose before her eyes narrowed. "You sure, pink princess? I don't think you can handle it."
"Hey!" I shot back, "you asked me what I wanted! And besides, you don't know me-"
"It's true Rose," Shadow interrupted, "I'm a male, it takes much more to effect me."
"Yeah, girlie," the waitress agreed. I huffed in her direction. Who was she, caring about my well being all of a sudden?
"I want it," I simply said. I placed a hand on my forehead, rubbing it through my quills. I sounded like a spoiled brat, I know, but I refused to care. Maybe I was being unreasonable, but it was occurring to me that I had always been like that.
The cheetah rose her hands up in supine defense. "Whatever, princess. It's your hangover."
With that she turned away to get my drink. Feeling reasonably satisfied, I pressed into the booth, eyes closed, in an effort to relax.
"Here," the cheetah clanked the glass hard against the table, alerting me immediately.
"Thanks," I pressed the glass to my lips as I braced myself for sip. Wincing, I took a quick, large gulp of the ridged liquid before setting it down with a dissatisfied sigh.
Was there a reason why people drank these things? It must be an acquired taste. Looking up toward the back ceiling, I collected my thoughts.
"So, ah, what brings you here, Shadow?" I asked.
He held his glass up, as if answering for him. "I merely came here for a drink."
I let myself laugh slightly at his response. "Yeah, that was a stupid question. People come to bars to drink or socialize, and from there I can already guess your reasoning!"
"Very well then, returning the favor, why was I ever so graced with your presence this evening?" Shadow presented. Was that sarcasm I was sensing? If his tone didn't convey this, the very slight smirk on his lips confirmed this.
I grinned. "Same reason as you. I went to Merriment Plaza, and was about to go home and I saw this place," I brushed my bangs back. "I wasn't sure I was going to come in, but the second free drink thing sort of sealed the deal!"
I hiccuped slightly, my brain being welcomed by a slightly buzzy sensation that suddenly compelled me to continue on.
"But do you want to know why I came to Merriment?" I said as Shadow rose a brow.
"Not particularly."
Ignoring him, I pushed forward, "Because of him."
The narrowing of his eyes either told me that he was affirming his point of being uninterested in my back story or that he was conveying his usual reaction in mention of the cobalt hero.
Shadow took an exasperated drink, "Okay, Rose. What did the faker do to you this time?"
I could feel myself tense up, immediately regretting bringing him up as my face spoiled in a doleful expression. It wasn't my business to speak of what I saw. I took another grimace producing swig of the scotch before shaking my head. "Nothing. He did nothing to me."
And there lied the problem. He could have set me straight. Granted, like I said earlier, I wouldn't have listened. But I don't know! He could have drilled it into my head that he really didn't like me. I get why he didn't when I was an over dramatic teenager, but I'm an adult, and I've been an adult for a long time. I would have preferred a proper let down. Any other way than seeing him with her like that...
The table was welcomed by the same awkward silence, and I was much less desperate to fill it.
Awkward.
The bar was getting quite packed at 10:00 pm...
Silence.
Everyone looked pretty happy; engaged...
Awkward.
Even the cheetah bartender was flirting with a handsome grey wolf...Wait, the one at stressed?
Silence-
"Have you ever had sex before, Shadow?" I blurted out of nowhere. Who was I kidding? I couldn't stand this. The alcohol was making me a restless mess.
With his beverage to his mouth, I was worried that he would have spit out the scotch in cartoonish shock. Instead (one can never read Shadow...) he swallowed the scotch down, and placed the empty glass swiftly on the table.
Without flinching he responded. "Yes."
My eyes widened as his simple response seemed enough to bring me back to complete sobriety.
"Really?" I could only utter, as he nodded. I mean I didn't see him as a virgin, but he was also a loner. Eagerness began to physically manifest itself as I brought myself closer to him, my ears pealed as if we were playing truth and dare. And guess what Shadow picked...
"Who?!" I had to stop myself from yelling. This day was becoming more and more unbelievable...
I could feel annoyance seep out of Shadow's form as he shifted away from me. He was probably angry that he had responded to my question.
"Who do you think?" he sliced back with subtle aggression.
If I wasn't such a persistent person, this whole conversation would have ended right there.
A little fazed, I slumped into the back of my seat as the realization struck. Rouge.
"Why? It's not like you guys were dating or anything, and I thought you were just friends." I considered as he shook his head.
"I wouldn't call our relationship that. It is true that she is the closet being I have as a friend, but our state is more complicated than that," he offered before staring out into space again.
My head began to burn as I thought about it harder. "So like friends with benefits?"
Shadow shook his head, "It is not like that."
"But it's completely like that!" I argued, before wincing at the jolt that crashed through my brain. God, was this why people got drunk? "You used each other for your urges, but it wasn't a romantic relationship."
Shadow scoffed. "No, it's not at all like that. I don't even know why I am discussing this with you..."
I softened, "Sorry, I was stepping into your private boundaries. The main point is that you have experience. Most people have experience."
Shadow relaxed a little in his chair. "Fair enough."
I didn't know if the lights were beginning to dim or something because the atmosphere seemed to turn into an unpleasant haze. I groaned, placing my head against the cool table to calm my throbbing head.
Shadow merely smirked. "The effects of one drink finally getting to you, Rose? That was quick," he humored. "I told you that you were messing with a man's drink."
"Oh, screw you!" I spat back, forcing my head upright. "Where would a man be without a woman? You can't have sex without one!
"Why don't we just do it?" I started randomly taunting. "You're doing it. Sonic's doing it. Hell, everyone but me on bloody Mobius is having sex!"
My last comment drew in the attention from some neighboring tables. But then again, I didn't care.
"Amy, hold it together," Shadow commanded.
"Why, so that I can be torn apart all over again?" I could feel my blood boil as I fought the urge not to cry. Or barf.
"C'mon.." I sniffed, trying to regain my drunk stupor. "Everyone tells me I have a nice chest..."
I began to taunt him by swaying my breasts in his direction as the ample cleavage probably made it a sight to see. He he...
"AMY." Shadow warned as I continued to giggle.
"It's just meaningless sex, right?" I laughed, before pounding my fists on the table. It was just meaningless sex.
"Shadow!" I exclaimed. "There's still hope!"
"In what?" he spat with confound annoyance on his breath as I rose slightly from the booth. "I'll have to pass on your offer. Never would I consider the faker's reject."
I gasped, punching him in the arm. Unfortunately, I don't think it did any harm. "Don't call him that! And I am not his reject!" I shot back.
"You sure?" he taunted this time.
"Yes," I could feel the pain subside as the happiness inside me replaced it with a happy bumblebee Charmy buzz that actually felt kind of nice in an unexplainable way. "Just because I have no claim on Sonic, doesn't mean that we are never going to be together! Anyone can have sex with anyone they want. He'll come back to meeee..."
While I was nodding in satisfaction, Shadow began to rise from his seat.
"Wait, w-where are you g-going?"
"I've had enough of this. I didn't come here for you to bombard me will all of your insignificant faker-related problems."
Fishing through his wallet, he pulled out a hundred dollar bill and placed it on the table before me. Inspecting it, I tried to focus my eyes to meet his gaze. "What's t-this for-"
"Cab fair," he interrupted. "You're drunk. Now put your jacket on, get a cab, and stop bothering me."
Huffing, but inebriated, I couldn't show him some piko-piko hammered fury. I didn't even know where it was... Instead, I resorted to yelling back. I didn't want his angry money. "F-fine! Just wa-walk away, Shady!"
I saw his back begin to disappear out of the bar, but not without raising his left arm and giving me the middle finger.
"Ugh!" I screeched, throwing his dirty money in his direction.
Men.
Calm down, Amy.
So can we safely assume Shad's out of the picture? You'll see in time.
Please Review!
~Koko B