Hello again my fellow readers! This chapter should have went up earlier but I revised huge sections of the original, mainly the beginning and end. And even then I had trouble ending the chapter but at least this hurdle's been jumped. (For now anyways) Gotta say I'm impressed by the number of people reading my story even though it's not far along yet. Guess the idea of dancing in a Sonadow story appeals to a lot of people. Anyway my fetish with japanese culture will shine in this chapter so I hope you can enjoy it after all Sonic's got those japanese roots!

Can't wait for the anniversary party coming up! Just eight more days!

Lastly, Team Valor needs to get somewhere and sit the f*** down! The Pokemon Go war has just begun! ALL HAIL TEAM MYSTIC!

Tanoshimimasu!

Chapter 2

After Shadow agreed to the blue hero's request he had wasted no time moving the furniture of his living room close to the walls to make enough space for them to practice. Of course nothing could prepare him for the awkwardness that he was to experience when he asked his rival for these lessons.

"Umm..." Sonic intoned awkwardly as Shadow proceeded to move closer to him. The black hedgehog took his left hand and placed it a little above his hip while he entwined the fingers of his other hand with his. They mirrored the image of a duo about to waltz perfectly.

When Sonic began fidgeting a bit out of awkwardness, Shadow became irritated. "Faker, it's bad enough that I have to humiliate myself in front of you like this, but if you can't relax this is gonna be whole lot harder than it has to be."

"Well sorry that I'm not as comfortable with pretending you're a girl and sweeping you off your feet. Are we really going to practice like this?"

"What an idiotic question to ask the person you blackmailed into doing this for you. What other way did you think we would practice?" Shadow was still fuming from the incident that had happened earlier and as the awkwardness continued to rise, so did his bad attitude. There's no doubt that Sonic would suffer through at least part of it before this was all said and done.

"I don't know maybe call in Rouge or something?"

"Rouge has been busy at G.U.N. as of late. Besides, you have someone to teach you. Are you having second thoughts?" he said with a tiny bit of relief that maybe Sonic would reconsider.

It's not that Sonic believed Shadow was incapable of teaching him, but he just didn't expect to be dancing around like a couple with his moody rival.(It was an oversight he didn't anticipate when he brilliantly decided to blackmail the black hedgehog.) He sighed and tried to put that thought aside.

"No, let's just get this over with."

Seeing his rival resign into a position more suitable of a student, the ebony agent began his lesson. "The most common type of ballroom dance is the waltz. It's easy so listen because I don't feel like repeating this fifty times," he said looking his rival in the eyes.

"First you'll step forward then to the side then bring your feet back together again while I mimic you in the opposite direction." He stepped backward as much as he their stance allowed him too encouraging Sonic to step forward.

"Wait am I stepping forward with right or my left?"

"With your left."

"Then I take a step right?

"Yes, then you step right with your right and I'll step left to my left." They started moving, the blue hero's unfamiliarity with this dance showing with the hesitance of his movements. "Now you bring your feet together again. If it helps think about stepping in a box like pattern."

"Right..."

"Now switch what we did earlier. You step backward then I step forward. Wait what are you doing?" he asked when Sonic stepped backward with his left instead of his right.

"You said switch so you stepped with your right before and I'm stepping back with my left because you stepped backward with your right."

"Yes I stepped with my right which is opposite your left. Which means you step backward with your right so we can both step to my left."

"Then how is that a switch? "

"Because my right and your right are different from my left and your left," the ebony said slowly becoming exasperated.

"But it's not a switch because you moved with your right and you're telling me to also move with my right."

"Sonic, who's the teacher here because I'm sure he wasn't forced against his will by a little girl to go to a ball and his fur isn't blue."

"Oh I'm sorry , I was just trying so hard to belittle you for giving me such wonderful instructions and wasn't in any way trying to understand like a good student," Sonic responded sarcastically.

Whatever, let's just get this over with! You step backward with your right then you step left with your left."

"Who's left are we stepping to your left or mine?"

"I said think of it like a box," he nearly hissed, raising his hand to try and make this easier. "If we moved backward and left then we're moving forward and right," he drew an imaginary box right in front of the hero's face.

"But you just said to step left, why are you saying to step right?"

"Damn it faker, you're making this too complicated!" Chaos this is gonna be long week.

A couple of hours later...

"So how did I do?" the blue hero said rolling his shoulder from having to hold it up for so long. He honestly didn't feel like he got anywhere. It took him hours just to memorize the box like pattern of the waltz but at least he knows it now.

"You have two left feet faker." Shadow said bluntly not missing an opportunity to shame the other.

Sonic frowned clearly offended. He didn't like to brag but when it came to breakdancing he was quite the head turner. His movements were always fluid and creative, a kind of smooth grace that revealed just how agile and acrobatic he could be. In fact the movements of his breakdancing were reflected even in the way he fights. They were fast and controlled as if they had been practiced a thousand times and when it came to the doctor they in fact were. So having to hear that he had two left feet was definitely insulting.

Rather than think too much about his performance, he decided to lighten the mood between them by changing the subject. "Hey Shads..."

The ebony hedgehog just ignored his impromptu student, busying himself with setting his living room back in order while slightly peeved that the evening had escaped him so quickly. However, Sonic would not be ignored.

"How about we go out for something to eat? Your horrible lessons made me hungry," He joked hoping maybe the usually antisocial agent would oblige to going out together just this once.

Shadow had finished moving everything back in place before walking past the blue hero, a look of disapproval etched on his features. "What do you mean we?" He grabbed the book he had been reading. Sonic saw the title, 'Beastly' and couldn't help but think that he had seen that somewhere. I didn't know Shadow was into romance novels, he thought absentmindedly.

"Hey! Where ya going?" he said seeing a black body make its way up the stairs.

Shadow stopped, but did not turn around. "You have no reason to be here any longer hedgehog. I suggest you go home before you rob me of what little patience I have left."

"Oh c'mon. Are you mad because you had to stop being the typical buzz kill and step outside your comfort zone for a bit?"

The emerald eyed hedgehog barely made out what looked like a fist clenching and he couldn't help but grin. I shouldn't enjoy making Shadow so angry but it's the only time he really shows any emotion other than being grumpy and solitary.

"I mean afterall, I still have a certain picture that maybe my waiter might accidentally find in their checkbook." He smirked knowing that Shadow would have no choice but to come with him now.

"I won't fall for your foolish tricks faker." The nickname that they both used on each other for so long never felt more appropriate than now. "I doubt you have another photo on you right now."

"Hmm. Maybe you're right." Then the blue hero paused for effect as if thinking about it deeply for a moment. "Or maybe I do. But you might not find out until it's already too late."

"Hmph. Earlier when I tried to take the photo from you, you said that you had more at home, which implies that you didn't have anymore on you. And unless you know how to be in two places at once you couldn't have gone home to get another photo."

"Yes, I said I had more at home, but I never said that the one I disposed of was the only one I had on me at the time."

As much as he hates to admit it, the fact that he's not sure whether Sonic actually does have another photo of him is bothering him. He could just be bluffing and sporting a poker face but then again...what if he wasn't? Would Sonic really reveal a photo like that to get back at him for something so simple as not going out with him?

No.

Yes…

Maybe.

If he goes to his room to ignore his rival, the fact that he may have spread the picture will nag him for the rest of the night. Typical. Even when he's not here that blue idiot would still be a pain to deal with.

With a resigned sigh and a scowl on his face he began walking down the stairs. And as he passed the object of his discontent he hissed with all the venom he could muster. "If I ever find a way to get those pictures away from you I will personally stuff them down your throat and strangle you at the same time until you choke to death."

And in Sonic's mind that might as well have translated to 'Sure Sonic I'd love to go! It's a date!'

"Isn't this a surprise? You actually stuff your face with more than those disgusting chilidogs all the time."

Sonic couldn't help but eyeroll. He enjoys his chilidogs, but something different every now and then is nice too. Besides, he specifically chose this place with Shadow in mind knowing he'd probably appreciate this more.

It was a japanese restaurant that was all the way on the other side of town. It was a little out of place considering it was near some of the older looking buildings of Station Square despite looking a little bit more refined but its customers didn't seem to mind much.

As they walked through the double doors they heard the small jingle of a bell as cool crisp air and incense came to greet them. It had an oddly calming effect and Shadow couldn't help but let go of some of the displeasure of being dragged here with his rival. The blue hedgehog immediately made eye contact with a white cat wearing a dark blue hakama and strolled towards the counter at the back striking up a conversation as if he was well acquainted with him. Shadow had followed him but was too busy taking in his surroundings to pay much attention. The atmosphere seemed to compliment the establishment perfectly. Sonic had said that this restaurant wasn't really high class but it sure felt like it.

He leaned against the counter and begun to admire how neat and precise things looked. It was dimly lit but not dark and the light of the lanterns placed on the tables added to the atmosphere in more ways than one. The tables that weren't being used were clean enough to reflect the image of anyone who would happen to look down at them. Intricate pots sat in corners with beautiful flowering plants adding a delicate nature aspect to the room. On the wall to the right hung a rather large sized tapestry that was worn and old and yet it was the little wrinkles and minute tears that seemed to make the calligraphy of the japanese characters more prominent. There were other tapestries on the other walls but this one stood out particularly to Shadow. The characters seemed to be painted with a great deal of passion and audacious emotion as if some spirit had etched their being into this one piece of fabric allowing it to stand the test of time for many generations. He would have continued to admire it thoughtfully for several moments until he picked up on a detail he missed.

There were couples everywhere. For some reason several couples both human and Mobian had decided that tonight they would spend their time over at the White Tiger Blossom. Figures. Now staying here with Sonic felt more awkward than ever. Sonic certainly didn't consider them a couple did he?

This had better not be some improvised date you took me on faker.

"Mobius to Shadow! Are you there buddy?" The blue hedgehog began snapping in front of his rivals face while snickering.

"Enough already I hear you." It had just occurred to Shadow that his rival had been talking to him.

"Are you ready for your room?" The white cat intoned, voice low with flawless english and a tinge of foreign accent.

"Room?" Shadow looked at his rival with a strange questioning look.

"Don't look at me like that Shads. It's not anything like that. I just figured you would be more comfortable eating around less people." He sounded genuinely honest and the ebony hedgehog couldn't help but think that maybe dining away from all these couples (even if it means being alone with Sonic again) will help to alleviate his feelings of being out of place.

"Follow me," the white furred mobian said gesturing to a hallway to the right of the counter.

Shadow couldn't help but keep stealing a glance at his rival every once and awhile. The blue hedgehog felt completely relaxed as if this place was like a second home to him. The ebony hedgehog on the other hand had only been out like this with Rouge and even then the presence of one of the only people he would consider a friend was not enough to ease his anxious feelings.

They stopped in front of a pair of sliding doors decorated with white plum blossoms. As the restaurant owner opened the doors, he revealed a small yet cozy was a low dark wood table centered in the middle of the beige and black bordered tatami floor. On the table were two traditional cups called ochoko with black cloths that had been folded into a neat square under them. On each side of the table lay a soft black matt that seemed untouched. Finally on the back wall hung another tapestry, but it held more than just calligraphy. This one was a painting of an actual white cat with black stripes like a tiger except the actual cat lacked nearly all of the features of its powerful cousin. It was also sitting on all fours under a black umbrella. The piece reminded both hedgehogs a lot of their host but they didn't see the point in commenting on it.

Sonic had removed his red and white sneakers and placed them near the door while Shadow followed his example.

"May I ask what you will be having to drink tonight? " The white cat had asked after the two rivals had settled down on their mats.

"Surprise me and my friend here 'kay." Sonic had gave a wink and the white furred mobian grinned in response.

"Then I will return shortly," he gave a bow and walked out closing the sliding doors after he left.

"So what do you think?" The blue hero asked not picking up on any of the anxious signals his counterpart had been hiding.

"It's...nice." He honestly didn't know what to say. He had learned a lot about his rival just from fighting him: that he was impulsive, that he was loyal to his friends, that he seemed to get a kick out of pissing him off. But right here, right now this was… different. It's like his perspective on Sonic was starting to change but into what he couldn't say.

"What was the name of that cat and why do you two seem to be such close friends?" The ebony hedgehog spoke wanting to change the subject and take his mind off of other things.

"Oh him. His name is Eiichi. Funny story how we met. I was coming back from a late night run and decided to take one of the long ways back home when I passed an alley and saw Eiichi fighting five mobians with a broken broom. When it looked like he needed help, I jumped in and fought them off. It turns out those guys were from some clan in the east and had some kind of vendetta against Eiichi and his family. Now that I think about it, back then he reminded me a lot of how you are now."

That seemed to catch Shadows attention a bit. "Oh, and what exactly is it that you saw in him that reminded you of me?"

"Grumpy, prideful, woke up on the wrong side of the bed, arrogant…" He said the last word a little lower under his breath prompting Shadow to raise an eyebrow.

"And I'm pretty sure he cursed me out in Japanese too! Of course I didn't get the hint until he picked up a sake vase, broke it in half, and tried to stab me with it," he laughed as if this act of attempted assault was something minor but knowing Sonic he probably acts that way about things like this all the time. Too bad he was so caught up in his little tale to noticed the sliding doors open again.

When a tokkuri was set down on the dark polished wood soft enough to keep the ceramic intact but hard enough to make a sharp sound, Sonic flinched.

"And to this very day I still would not have regretted piercing your furry hide for making a mockery out of me in front of my opponents." Sonic began to plead his case that he was only trying to help, but it was clear that in Eiichi's culture it is more favorable to have gone down fighting your opponents than be helped out by a foreigner who knew nothing of their customs. After the white furred mobian had finished pouring their drinks, (and voicing his crossed emotions about the blue hedgehog helping him) Shadow picked up his drink sniffing it a bit. It had a cloudy color about it and a slightly alcoholic tinge to it. He took a sip of it, the taste reminding him of wine.

"I assume you will have the usual Sonic-san?" The cat placed the tokkuri on the black napkin he had used to hold it while he filled their cups.

"You know me best! Oh and add an extra side of dumplings to that will ya?" Shadow snorted clearly annoyed by the friendly way in which his rival and Eiichi were conversing with each other. For some reason he felt ignored, overlooked...jealous?

No. there is no reason for me to be jealous of the attention faker is giving to that cat. But while tha thought crossed his mind, he couldn't help but feel that maybe that wasn't all true.

Eiichi left for the second time and the two heroes were left in silence once again. Shadow sipped his sake silently. Not one for regular social activities he didn't have anything particularly interesting to talk about so he settled for something else.

"Sonic."

"Hmm?"

"Why did you bring me here?" Shadow inquired, the idea of anyone especially his rival bringing him here for just company being foreign to him.

"Do I need a reason to want to spend time with a friend?"

"Oh you have a reason faker, I just haven't figured out what it is yet." Shadow thought back to all the couples he saw when they first entered the restaurant but rather than ask uncomfortable questions he simply waited for Sonic's response.

And to that Sonic just picked up his ochoko and sipped a bit of sake. "Ugh don't you ever get tired of wearing this serious persona one hundred percent of the time."

"I don't remember it being your job to analyze my personality like a psychologist."

"It's not, but considering we both worked together to keep the moon from crashing into Mobius and you almost died afterward, you can't think it's strange for me to want to try and be friendly in some way," Sonic said fully aware of all the attention Shadow was giving him. This conversation was slowly venturing into grounds he had never touched before and he honestly doesn't know where it's going. For once the blue hedgehog wasn't too sure about sticking with his normal philosophy of "going with the flow" but he knew this was something he had wanted to say for a while. "Look I know you don't appreciate being dragged here because of blackmail," he scratched behind one of his ears and looked away, "but honestly there's not much I can do to get you away from your house most of the time and the circumstances happened to be quite convenient for it.. Besides I think I've made up for it at least a bit by bringing you here didn't I?" Although he was smiling when he said it, he seemed to be watching Shadow's reaction very carefully. When the ebony hedgehog didn't respond and looked away, the blue hero took it as sign that it was a yes. Sonic felt a warm feeling in his chest knowing that his rival approved.

"You still didn't give me a straight answer," Shadow said after a moment. The emerald eyes of the blue hedgehog sitting across from him looking into the ruby ones staring right back.

Shadow's expression was slightly intense as if he really was expecting more to his rivals answer than friendship. However, despite being familiar with the overly serious ruby stare that often reared itself in the others face, pondering the purpose for taking Shadow here suddenly made him feel uncomfortable.

Don't stare at me with those red eyes, he thought as he gripped the cup he was holding. He himself was having a hard time comprehending why he felt the need to spend more time around his rival. He couldn't say he did it just out of boredom because that just wouldn't feel right.

"Well?" the ebony hedgehog pressed him again for an answer.

"I...you see..." he started but he couldn't find the words to answer despite always having a smart remark for most situations.

At that moment Eiichi had come back with their order and the azure hero couldn't help but be relieved by his timing. It gave him time to think about how to answer that question.

Shadow had picked up on the uncharacteristic silence of his rival while they ate and for the first time he was actually a bit disappointed by it. He was too caught up in what he thought to believe that Sonic had any emotional longing for his presence other than amusement. In fact the lack of a straight answer had started to peeve him. Why did he want to know about Sonic's intentions so bad? What was he looking for in his rival? He didn't know, but he did know that after their meal he had no other reason to stay any longer.

"Well faker if you have nothing else to tell me then I suppose I'll take my leave," Shadow said standing and putting his hover skates back on.

When the blue blur realized Shadow was leaving his unusual silence finally ended. "You're leaving?" he asked slightly downcast about the fact that the time spent in the others company was coming to an end.

"I don't have all night to spend here Sonic. Let me remind you that today was my day off and considering the nonsense that I had to go through with you earlier, I'll probably need the hours of sleep I get tonight," his gloved hand began opening the sliding doors.

"Hold on a second!" Sonic nearly pleaded then mentally berated himself for doing so. "I just wanted to know if you enjoyed tonight."

"Why does whether or not I enjoyed myself matter to you?"

Because… "You know what, just forget I asked," he dropped his shoulders feeling rather stupid for asking his conservative counterpart a question like that. "I assume you'll be at work for most of the day tomorrow so I'll come by later in the evening for lessons ok?"

He nodded silently and debated on whether or not he wanted to say something more and decided it couldn't hurt. "Sonic?" he glanced backward as he called his rivals name, voice free of annoyance or anger for once.

"Yeah?"

"Tonight was...nice." It was the last thing he said before he walked out leaving Sonic completely alone with his thoughts.

And later that night, on his way out, after he paid, not even the rising sun could beat Sonic's high.

The book Beastly I mentioned is an actual book I've read. It's quite a good retelling of Beauty and the Beast in a more modern era. And that idea is not too far off from another Sonadow story that I'm working on if this one goes well.