A/N: Since KagamiPINKAgreste is a 28-year old (at the time of this upload) woman who loves claw machines, I thought I'd write this for her.

It was a cloudy day in Emerald City, and Shadow the Hedgehog was accompanying Amy Rose to the Emerald Place Mall. She was going because there was a candy store that had a claw machine that she really liked. Ordinarily, the Ultimate Life Form wasn't much for malls, but he loved being with his dear cherry blossom of a girlfriend, so he agreed to go with her.

"Wow, I'm SO excited to go there again!" said Amy.

"I don't get your obsession with claw machines, but I'm looking forward to buying some candy, so I suppose this works out well for both of us."

"I know, right? Nothing like going to the mall with my handsome boyfriend!"

Shadow smiled. Even if Amy's girly enthusiasm was a bit much at times, that was one of the things he really liked about her. Eventually, they reached the candy store in question, Raquel's Candies. It had so much candy that it was the exact kind of candy store that the phrase "kid in a candy store" was referring to. Near the entrance was a claw machine filled with various plushies, which was Amy's objective. She gasped and put her hands on her cheeks when she saw one particular plush: a Taiga Aisaka plush.

"OH MY DAMN CHERRY BLOSSOMS!*" exclaimed Amy. "I've been looking for one of those forever!"

Shadow smiled. "Well, have at it, Amy."

"Not so fast, Shaddy!"

Shadow frowned. "All right, why are you delaying?"

"See, that's the thing with these claw machines: there's a computer box inside that determines how many plays one needs to go through before the machine gives out a prize. I'm just waiting for the right moment."

"Fine, if you're that insistent on waiting, I'll just go and buy some candy."

Amy giggled. "Oh, don't be so grumpy! You are excited to hang out with your sexy pink girlfriend, right?"

Shadow smiled. "You do have a good point."

"See? I knew you'd see things my way!"

"Right. Now if you'll excuse me…"

Shadow went to browse the massive selection of candies, while Amy waited for the machine to turn over. A couple of little kids had their turns at the machine, and fortunately, she didn't have to wait long before her Hedgehog Sense told her it was the right time. When it was, she popped a couple of quarters in to fire up the machine, pressed the "START" button and took control of the joystick. She ever so carefully positioned the claw over the plush she wanted, and when she was sure she had it, she pressed the red button on top of the stick to drop the claw. The claw dropped, and she clenched her fists in anticipation as it reached for the plush. She smiled, hoping that the Taiga Aisaka plush would be hers. The claw grabbed on, and much to her good fortune, it held on tight like ELO as it brought the plush to the dispensing chute.

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"

Amy jumped up in the air with her fists held high as Shadow returned with the candy he'd bought. He smiled as she excitedly took the plush out of the machine and showed it to him.

"Check it out!" Amy shook the plush.

Shadow smiled. "Nice work. Now, let's go, shall we?"

"OK!"

Amy held hands with Shadow as they exited the store, only to run into Sonic the Hedgehog and Rouge the Bat passionately making out with each other.

"Hey!" said Amy.

"Wha…!?"

Sonic suddenly broke away from Rouge.

"Ames! What are ya doin' interruptin' us!?"

Amy giggled. "What? Can't I say 'hi' to my best friends?"

Shadow crossed his arms. "Besides, your unnecessary display of passion is sickening."

Rouge smiled. "What's the matter, Shaddy? Are you jealous that you and Amy don't look nearly as sexy as us when you're making out?"

Amy had a good laugh, while Shadow facepalmed and shook his head.

"Hey, mellow out, Shad!" said Sonic. "Ya know Rouge is only jokin', right?"

"Sonic's right, you know!" said Amy. "By the way, check out what I got!"

Amy showed off the Taiga Aisaka plush, much to Rouge's delight:

"Oh, she's so adorable!"

"What is she from?" Sonic scratched his cheek.

Amy smiled. "She's from a show called Toradora! I got Shaddy to watch it, too!"

Shadow nodded. "It's actually quite funny. You two should check it out."

Sonic gave a thumbs up. "Will do!"

Amy smiled, thinking about how wonderful it was that Sonic and Shadow could get along better now.

*The phrase "OH MY DAMN CHERRY BLOSSOMS" is a registered trademark of KagamiPINKAgreste, used with permission.

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