Stocking

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in this story

Character(s): Shadow

Shadow knew he was – to a degree – cynical; he naturally questioned others' intentions, and he didn't try to hide that fact. If someone did something unexpected or suspicious, that would be his immediate gut reaction to such an act. After contemplating the action through, his mind might be changed (and he would repress his cynical viewpoint) or it might stay the same (possibly intensifying as he reaffirmed his first position).

Regardless of whom this person is – as long as they aren't Rouge or Omega – or if they even are a person, that's just how it goes.

So excuse him for not immediately rejoicing at the fact that G.U.N. was trying to spread some Christmas cheer throughout their employees, and actually acknowledged the fact that Christmas exists. This was the first year that the company did either, and Shadow couldn't help but question its ulterior motives in doing so.

Such inquiries had been the first thoughts on his mind as he first laid eyes on the stocking that hung on the wall above his locker. It was already bad enough that he almost couldn't reach the thing – curse being a short Mobian – but it was made even worse as the G.U.N. staff morale representative (or something stupid like that) kept pushing the idea that everyone on staff should get something to put in everyone's stockings, for it really showed a good team spirit. Or , again, something as stupid and cheesy as that.

He also couldn't help but notice that the representative kept repeating that apparently if, by the end of the season, you were pulling your weight and satisfactorily completing all your assignments, you might get something extra special from G.U.N. dropped into your stocking. No one knew what exactly that was, for the presenter never explicitly stated that, but all his colleagues seemed to hypothesize that it had something to do with vacation time, since almost every G.U.N worker had asked (read: endlessly complain about the lack of/pathetically beg) for more recently. Shadow would be inclined to disagree with such a theory, though it was certainly a nice dream. A hopeless one, but good one nonetheless.

Shadow didn't really care what it was; it just sounded like bribing to him. This entire thing almost sounded like a bribe. After all, Shadow wouldn't put it past the G.U.N. commander to say that this operation was intended to raise team spirit, but really mean that you get extra goodies if you did your job right. Regardless of whether he cared or not, the former was actually accomplished, Shadow noted as he walked through the halls toward his locker; it seemed as if everyone was acting a bit more personable, their outward demeanors towards their colleagues a touch more friendly.

Or, they could simply pretending to be nicer so that more people bought them trivial treats to put in their stocking. Could be either of the two really, though for Rouge, it's probably the latter; every time Shadow heard her enter a conversation, he could swear that she was acting more sympathetic and caring. That facade was quickly broken as she made sure to /subtly/ mention – to every person she conversed with – what she hoped to get from others in her stocking.

Shadow wasn't surprised at this behavior, really, especially not at that of his colleagues'. They always did seem like sheep to him, so this was just reaffirming that belief. After all, it's not as if G.U.N. was being genuine with this; of course, though, they weren't nearly as cynical as he was, so why wouldn't they believe it was?

Smokestep: Might as well follow up a longer chapter with a shorter one, I suppose. Anyway, thanks for reading; I hope you enjoyed!

Responses To Reviews:

ShinyShiny9: I think that a majority of my frustration was due to the fact I was on a strict time limit. That, added to the fact that it was a really long chapter, just annoyed the hell out of me. Anyhow, thank you!

Christian Ape99: I know. Trust me, I know.

ABCSonicKirbyWarriors: Yay for correct characterization! I haven't really written much – if anything – for Team Chaotix, so it's good that I can write somewhat well for them. Thank you for reviewing!

Twin-books: Well, I didn't make it as obvious as I could've made it; yesterday, I was just trying to finish it, so I get publish it on time. As such, I wasn't as careful with my writing as I usually am. Nevertheless, thanks for your comments!