Chapter Text
Recently Club Rouge had some major events happen. Some celeb came by and held an impromptu show, the media went mad and the club became more popular than ever. So much so that running the club became too much for Rouge. Which is exactly why Shadow was now sitting in the office. Another recent development thanks to the popularity is that their resident performer left, making it Shadow’s problem to find a new one. Lucky for him that was the other person in the room. The 204th in the previous 3 months. No luck so far and the resume of this “Candidate” sure was not something to write home about.
“You’re definitely not experienced in this field according to this” the ebony hedgehog says flatly, tapping the piece of paper in his hand “y-yeah I mean it basically became something bigger than a hobby” they stammer while rubbing the back of their neck. “Although at the parties I do my thing at I always hear im very good” they continue. “listen mister…” a quick pause as Shadow quickly looks for the name “Mister Sonic, I’ll be very clear, we don’t really look at your past experiences, whoever came up with that lie definitely deserves to be shot.” He says calmly while leaning forward in his chair making Sonic gulp loudly. “What we focus on is what you can do currently, and how you can improve in our fine establishment” he continues while putting the resume down and relaxes a bit.
Reveling in the shock he gave the hedgehog across the table Shadow continues. “We do have to see how you perform on stage.” A devilish smile creeping onto his face. “For that id ask you to come along with me downstairs. We put all our Candidates on there and make them do their thing for a bit.” Putting emphasis on the ‘make’ in that sentence he gets up from his seat and walks towards the door. “S-so I have to get on stage like right now?” Sonic stammers “Oh not right now, I hope you brought a change of clothes and your equipment. Or at least. Something with some songs on it” the ebony hedgehog says with his shoulder against the doorframe.
“There’s a dressing room next door, get yourself ready and head down the stairs, we’ll be waiting.” And with that Sonic sat in that room on his own. “What the fuck” he breathes. “One moment you think you’re applying for a job and the next they make it like you’re gonna be a stripper.” He sighs once before getting up and grabbing his bag. He did bring an outfit in case they wanted him to change. Quickly running into the room next door, he checks for cameras before getting changed and checking if his laptop powers on, as he forgot his charger. “Yeah 92% battery, let’s go” the cobalt hedgehog laughs before walking out.
Down the stairs, Rouge and Shadow are waiting for Sonic. “You should have seen the look on his face Rouge” he laughs “Absolutely terrified we’d put him in a cage and make him dance.” “You do know this is partially why a lot don’t make it through even the first set. You should stop scaring them shitless, handsome” Rouge says before perking at the sound of shoes descending the stairs “Aah look who it i-“ Shadow’s words trail off as he gets a proper look at the slowly descending hedgehog. Black jeans, a grey t-shirt and a red leather jacket that works well with his equally red shoes. The usual white gloves replaced with a set of fingerless ones. The peach underfur giving a nice contrast on his hands.. A laptop secured under one arm while the other holds onto the railing.
Rouge nudges Shadow to make him snap back to reality. “A-anyway. Are you ready for your test?” The unusually nervous hybrid asks “Yeah I think I am, you’re not gonna put me in one of the dancing cages right. I came here to apply as a DJ” Sonic says. “Yeah, Shadow here was just teasing you a little, he does that to everyone” she says before Rouge gives Shadow a harder nudge making the hedgehog stumble a bit “You okay there big guy?” she asks snapping Shadow out of his unrelenting trance. “yes, I’m okay. Hedgehog…” Sonic snaps his head towards the other “we do have to tell you we are recording this performance from multiple angles. We have had a few people try to cheat by playing pre-recorded sets. We’re expecting at least you have the skills to mix live.” The ebony hedgehog explains before gesturing towards the stage.
Both Sonic and Rouge step onto the stage. Getting a roaring applause from the crowd as he begins to set up the laptop and Rouge nears the microphone “Ladies and Gentlemen. As you know we recently lost our permanent DJ to Dr Eggman and his interstellar theme park. So put your hands together for another candidate. Sonic the hedgehog” she yells into the mic before taking it off the stage, placing it behind the speakers and sitting down next to Shadow. “this oughta be good.”