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The day that couples spend gushing over each other more than ever. Decorations that were exclusively hearts and kept to pink coloring. Disgusting. Why do you need one single day to show love like that? It was both revolting and unnecessary.
And Shadow just can’t seem to escape it! Everywhere he went, there were either decorations or actual couples to remind him of this wretched holiday. It was just a marketing scheme, and people just fed into giving them all the money they had. Pathetic.
He hated this holiday with every fabric of his being; he didn’t need to be reminded at every corner he turned that he'd be forever alone. Rouge always told him that it’s not only romantic love that’s associated with this holiday; it can be platonic, family, and even self. But that didn’t make his mood any better.
They didn’t do anything to sway his opinion–heck it gave him even more reasons to hate it.
He resented Every. Single. Aspect. Of this holiday. And nothing could make him like it. Almost nothing.
At the office, he thought he’d be free, but alas one step into the building soured his mood even more. Everywhere he looked, the decor was the same pink, red, and white color scheme with hearts. He might as well vomit at the sight.
As the day progressed, numerous employees had stopped by the office he shared with Rouge to give them treats; nothing wrong with free snacks but the it was the conversations that ensued after. Rouge always asked what their plans were after saying ‘thank you.'
“Yeah, those are my plans! What about you two?” they asked.
Rouge giggled, “I have a date with my Knuckie of course!”
The employee nodded, smiling, “Must be exciting! How about you Shadow?” The agent only grunted as he scowled. He didn’t even look up from his laptop.
“He’s a little… grumpy. Don’t mind him,” Rouge assured. The employee hummed in understanding.
SLAM! The two flinch at the sudden noise. They looked over at Shadow who had shut his laptop and stood up.
“Lunch break.” That is all he simply said, heading out of the office with a bitter look, and leaving the other two stunned.
Shadow angrily stomped out of the building, blindly heading somewhere. ‘Damn, this stupid holiday. Damn those who celebrate it, damn, damn damn-’
CRASH!
Shadow bumped into another mobian, stumbled back, caught his balance, and growled in annoyance.
“Woah! Hello there, grumpy!” Oh great. As if Shadow’s day couldn’t get any worse, he just had to crash right into the Hero of Mobius.
Shadow scoffs and shakes his head and notices something on the ground–a bouquet the hero dropped. His brows furrowed, ‘Those are…’ quickly stopping that thought he clears his throat, “Sorry. Didn’t see you.”
He leans down and picks it up, noticing how a few of the petals were crushed, he frowns. “Ah. I ruined them. Ms. Rose won’t appreciate that, will she?”
Sonic chuckled, “They’re not for Amy! Heck, I’ve been avoiding her all day today! Chaos knows what she’ll force me to do!” Huh?
The hybrid’s head tilts to the side in confusion, “Is that so?”
Sonic nods, “They’re for you!”
“For… me?” He asked in disbelief.
“Yeah, man! What? Got somethin’ in your ear?”
Shadow would’ve given a snarky response but he was too stunned. He stared at the flowers longingly; his shoulders relaxed at the sight and an ever so faint smile crossed his face. “Jasmines, huh?” He said, looking up from the bouquet.
“Those aren’t jasmines, they’re lilies!” Sonic exclaimed, chuckling. The agent shakes his head.
“These are jasmines. The petals are shorter and wider than lilies.” He explained, gently running a finger under the white petals. “I haven’t seen them in so long, but they’re incredibly recognizable.”
“Maybe for you! I’m not good at differentiating flowers, so you’re probably right.” Sonic smiled brightly.
“Where did you get these?”
“I just… I was on a run, and came across these. And I thought of you…” Sonic rubbed the back of his neck, his peach muzzle tinted pink.
Shadow huffs, “Really?”
The hero nods. He starts to tap his foot impatiently and his gaze goes everywhere. A habit, Shadow recognized, he starts to do when he’s nervous, “I… I’ve been meaning to ask you out for a while now actually!” Say what now.
“If you’re not busy this evening, could we catch a movie? Your pick!”
The hybrid blinks. “You… you’re serious?” He swore his heart skipped a beat.
“Duh! I wouldn’t joke about this!” Sonic chuckled, grinning happily. “So, whaddya say to a movie date? It’s a little cliche, but I thought you’d enjoy that. Plus, we can grab dinner after and maybe race?”
It… honestly wasn’t a bad idea. As long as Shadow wasn’t alone, “…Sure.” He gave the hero a small smile.
“Awesome! What time works for you?”
“I get off work early today, so 4:30 is just fine.”
“Ok! We can meet up at the theater at that time!” Shadow nods in agreement. “Perfect! Well… I guess I should let you get back to work. I’ll see you at 4:30! Don’t forget!” He stuttered out and sped off in a streak of blue before Shadow could even thank him.
Shadow shakes his head and huffs, "That idiot..." he looks back at the bouquet in his hands and smiles. He heads down the street in the opposite direction, in a far better mood.
He'll have to pay back the hero sometime. This was very sweet of him to do. And to think, he's worthy of being thought about in the hero’s mind. And be asked out…
Now he has evening plans.
~~~
"Shadow, look! Aren't these pretty?" said an excited feminine voice. She turned the book so her brother could see.
The hybrid leans over and takes a glance, "They are, Maria." He smiles, "I wonder what they look like in person..."
"I do too! And you want to know what they symbolize?" Shadow nods, prompting the human to continue, "It says here, unconditional and eternal love." She finished looking up at the hedgehog. He hums.
"I think these are my favorite," She said with a gentle smile on her face, "Not only are they pretty, but they mean something I like a lot."
"I would have to agree, plus I think they match you. Always filled with unconditional love," Shadow smiles and hugs her from the side.
Maria giggles, "Oh! Hey! Do you think grandpa will let us get these flowers sent up for Valentine's Day?"
He thinks for a moment, "Won't they get crushed on the way?"
"It's worth a shot! And we have time! Valentine's Day is in a week or so!"
Shadow's eyes widened in realization, "Oh, that's right. I should probably ask for chocolate cake supplies too..."
"You're making me another cake?" She questioned. Shadow huffed.
"Of course I am! It's tradition." He 'hmphed' dramatically.
Maria bursts out laughing, "And with tradition comes melted chocolate and cake batter somehow getting stuck in your fur! Plus some burnt pieces of coal–I mean cake."
Shadow poked her side, getting a squeak out of her (being ticklish and all). "One day, I will succeed in making you the best chocolate cake! And that day could be this Valentine's Day! Count on it!"
"I believe in you!" She ruffled his fur a bit, "But... All I ask is you don't get chocolate all over the kitchen. Ok?"
He grumbles, "Yeah, yeah, I'll be extra careful this time."
She giggles, "Thank you, Shadow." For everything.
Happy Valentine’s Day! <3