Chapter Text
The frosted windowpanes of Station Square glinted under the soft light from the streetlamps, their golden glow spilling across the snow-covered sidewalks. Holiday shoppers bustled past in a flurry of coats and scarves, their breaths puffing in the frigid air.
Somewhere between the symphony of shuffling feet and murmured Christmas shopping music, Shadow stood still, his arms crossed over and his mouth set in a firm, grim line.
His phone in his hand felt heavier than it should have. Shadow’s thumb hovered over the screen as his mind churned, and he wasn’t sure why he even indulged Rogue in agreeing that he would accompany her and Omega to Amy’s Christmas party.
No doubt Team Sonic would think it’d be fun to force everyone into this maddening exercise in sentimentality.
Shadow sighed, his breath curling in the cold air. “This is ridiculous.” He muttered, before finally pressing the call button under Amy’s contact. He watched with dread as his phone buzzed a few times before Amy eventually picked up.
Amy’s voice burst through the phone like a wave of sugar-sweet enthusiasm. “Shadow!” She exclaimed; her voice sounding muffled as it appeared she was struggling to hold the phone on the other line. “I didn’t think you would be calling me of all people! Y’know when Rouge gave me your number for Secret Santa, I didn’t think you would actually call me.”
Shadow pinched the bridge of his nose. “Don’t make this more annoying than it has to be. I need…” He winced, the words tasting sour. “I need advice.”
“Advice?” She echoed, her voice rising in octave with intrigue. “Let me guess. You drew Sonic, didn’t you?
Shadow paused before speaking. How did she figure it out so easily? “Yes.” He grumbled.
Amy’s giggle was unmistakable even through the static. “Alright, I’ll help. Where are you right now?” She asks.
“Station square.”
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes!” Amy says over the phone and with more shuffling, the phone call ends.
Elsewhere, the cheerful chaos of the mall swallowed Sonic whole.
Sonic zipped to a stop in the middle of the bustling mall, standing just out of the main flow of holiday shoppers. His hands rested on his hips as he scanned the rows of shops, each one more overwhelming than the last. Lights twinkled from every corner, carols blasted from unseen speakers, and the air smelled faintly of cinnamon and peppermint. Normally, this would be his kind of scene—fast, lively, and full of energy.
But right now, he just felt overwhelmed with indecision.
With a resigned sigh, he pressed the call button and held the phone to his ear. It barely rang twice before Rogue picked up, her voice smooth and smug as ever.
“What’s up blue?”
“I’m in a crisis here.” Sonic clenched his phone, zipping away to a quieter part of the mall.
“Let me guess, a shopping crisis?”
Sonic paused, startled. “Wait, yeah. How did you know?”
“Because you sound like you’re ready to pull your quills out,” Rogue interrupted with a laugh. “Relax, blue. Lucky for you, I’m already here.”
Sonic glanced around the crowded mall, his brow furrowed. “Wait, what? Where?”
“Right behind you,” Rogue said, and sure enough, he turned to find her standing just a few feet away, her wings folded neatly and her smirk firmly in place.
Sonic hung up the phone, his ears a little red. “Have you been following me?” He asked, half-relieved, half-annoyed.
Rogue cut him an amused look. “No, I was shopping for my secret Santa.” She gestured with a shake from her bag. “But, I also did overhear you mumbling about what to get Shadow. I have good ears, y’know.”
Sonic sighed, stuffing his phone into his quills as he fell into step beside Rogue. The faint jingle of holiday music blended with the murmur of shoppers that drowned out the nervous drumming in his stomach. “Will you help me?” he asked.
“Of course, hun,” Rogue reassured. “I may not be attached to the hip with the guy, but I know him well.”
Sonic let out a relieved sigh. “Thanks, Rogue. I’ve been running circles around this mall trying to figure it out.”
She adjusted her bag and began to walk further into the crowd. Sonic, being the impatient one, zipped past her, looking from store to store.
“Slow down, blue.” Rogue’s voice floated beside him, her wings fluttering as she glided over the crowds. She looked entirely too amused by his growing frustration. “You’re acting like this is some battlefield. It’s just a mall.”
Sonic stopped in front of a shop window, hands on his hips, staring intently at a display of high-tech gadgets. “It feels like one,” he grumbled. “It’s Shadow, Rogue. How do you shop for a guy who acts like he doesn’t like anything ?”
Rogue landed gracefully next to him, her heels clicking on the tiled floor. “That’s not true,” she said. “He likes plenty of things. Practical stuff. Coffee beans, for example.”
Sonic leaned back, crossing his arms as he stared at the rows of neatly displayed tech. “I don’t want to just get him something he’ll shove in a drawer.”
Rogue’s laughter was soft and knowing. “True. But Shadow keeps everything, even if he pretends he doesn’t care. You’d be surprised how much he holds onto.” She shot him a knowing look. “Even stuff that reminds him of you.”
The line echoed in his mind, twisting itself into all kinds of shapes he didn’t know how to interpret.
Shadow was a closed book, but Sonic had seen glimpses of the guy behind the scowl. A flicker of hesitation in his eyes when they argued. The way he’d keep his distance but never too far. Maybe Shadow wasn’t as indifferent as he wanted everyone to think.
“Wait,” Sonic blurted, rubbing the back of his neck as Rogue’s words settled in his mind. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, wouldn’t you like to know?” she teased, her tone practically dripping with velvet. Then, with a flick of her hand, she gestured for him to follow. “Come on, blue. I think I know exactly what we’re looking for.”
“Shadow!”
Amy’s voice cut through the crowd, high and clear, and Shadow turned his head just in time to see her waving enthusiastically as she approached. She was bundled in a pink scarf that matched her fur, her breath puffing in little clouds as she practically skipped through the snow.
Shadow’s shoulder tensed, though he didn’t move from his spot. “You’re late,” he muttered as she drew closer.
Amy rolled her eyes, hands on her hips. "It’s been five minutes, Mr. Punctuality. Besides, you’re lucky I’m here at all." Her playful grin softened as she tilted her head, studying him. "You really needed help with this, huh?"
Shadow’s gaze flicked away, his ears flattening slightly. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have called you.”
Amy laughed, a sound that was warm despite the cold. “Fair enough…” She steps back and sizes him up, green eyes flicking over his clothes. “This jacket is new,” she said. “And the scarf—wait did Tails give you that?”
Shadow’s gaze shifted down to the scarf, his gloved hand absently brushing against the soft fabric. "He insisted," he muttered, his tone tight. "Said I needed something ‘seasonal.’Apparently, I wasn’t ‘festive’ enough."
His trench coat was colored a beige tan that fell just below his knees. The scarf tails had got him was loosely wrapped around his neck, its ends peeking out from beneath the collar of his coat. The trench coat had been a Christmas gift from Rogue last year, and the scarf was Tails’ doing from their last holiday exchange. Naturally, he’d decided to wear them both—it was practical, after all.
“So, Sonic huh? I gotta say, I didn’t think you’d care this much about a Secret Santa gift?”
"I don’t," Shadow replied, his tone clipped. "But if I have to participate in this… tradition, I refuse to do it poorly." His eyes narrowed slightly. "I’m not Sonic. I don’t do things halfway."
Amy smirked, folding her arms. "Oh, I know. That’s why I think this is kind of sweet."
Shadow immediately glared at her, his voice low and sharp. "I didn’t ask for commentary, Rose."
"Alright, alright!" Amy held up her hands in mock surrender, though her smile remained. "Let’s get to work. Lucky for you, I know exactly what Sonic likes." She turned on her heel, motioning for him to follow. "C’mon, we’ve got shopping to do."
With a quiet sigh, Shadow pushed off the lamppost and followed Amy into the crowd. Whatever this was—this strange mix of obligation and something more—he would see it through. If there was one thing Shadow knew, it was that he had never done anything halfway. Not even for Sonic.
The bustling mall was still a kaleidoscope of chaos, lights blinking in rhythm to the faint jingle of holiday music that Sonic was trying—and failing—to tune out. Rogue had led him into a coffee shop and told him to just grab the beans but he felt that was too simple.
“So,” He muttered, stopping in front of another shop window, “you’re saying Shadow actually keeps stuff? Like…stuff people give him? I thought he was just some minimalist.”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Rogue replied smoothly, “Even the grumpiest hedgehog has a soft spot, blue. And you, of all people, should know that.” Then, she continued with a shake of her head. “However, his apartment is pretty minimalist.”
Sonic’s mouth opened, then closed. For once, he didn’t have a quick retort, so he turned his attention to the window display instead. Rows of gadgets gleamed under the soft glow of recessed lights—sleek, modern, and completely impersonal. It wasn’t right. Nothing in this mall felt right.
Without a word, Sonic zipped into the novelty shop nearby, disappearing for a moment before emerging with a skeptical look and nothing in his hands.
“Nothing good?” Rogue asked, not even breaking stride.
“Unless Shadow’s suddenly into neon cactus lamps,” Sonic sighed, tossing a glance over his shoulder. “What about over there?” He pointed at a cozy-looking shop filled with books and leather-bound journals.
Rogue tilted her head. “Hmm. Maybe. Go check it out, blue.”
Sonic didn’t need to be told twice. He zipped inside, weaving between stacks of books and stationery displays. Most of them were either too flashy—covered in glittering designs and gaudy colors—or too plain, like something you’d hand to a middle schooler for homework. He huffed, running a hand through his quills in frustration as he moved further down the aisle.
Then, something caught his eye.
On the highest shelf sat a sleek, leather-bound journal. Its dark, unadorned surface gleamed faintly under the store lights. Clean lines, solid craftsmanship, and no unnecessary marks. It wasn’t trying too hard. No flashy details, no obnoxious patterns. Just clean lines and solid craftsmanship.
It was something he could use, practical enough to fit his personality, but also personal. Maybe it's too personal? Sonic hesitated for a moment, his thumb tracing the edge of the leather. Was this overthinking it? Did Shadow even need a journal?
Rogue strolled into the shop a moment later, her wings folded neatly against her jacket. “Find something?” She asked, sauntering over to him.
Sonic held up the journal. “Check it out. Leather, simple, broody. Screams ‘Shadow,’ doesn’t it?”
Rogue raised an eyebrow, taking the journal from him and flipping it open. “Not bad. Looks practical enough. Classy, even.” She glanced at him, a faint smile on her lips. “Starting to think you’ve got taste, blue.”
“Hey, I’ve always had taste,” Sonic shot back, leaning against the shelf. “You’re just finally noticing.”
Rogue shut the journal and handed it back to him. “Alright, it’s a good start. But you should add something personal to it.”
“Already thought of that,” Sonic said, wagging a finger. “There’s a place outside that does engraving. I’ll get his name on it or something cool. Maybe a Chaos Emerald design or…whatever Shadow likes.”
Rogue smirked, her tone half-teasing. “Look at you, putting in the effort. Who knew you cared so much?”
Sonic rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the faint grin tugging at his lips. “It’s not about caring. It’s just...you know, I want it to be right.”
“Sure, blue,” Rogue said, her voice dripping with playful skepticism as she turned toward the exit. “Whatever you say.”
Sonic gave her a bemused look before making his way to the register in a single blink, the journal clutched in his gloved hands.
Shadow’s gaze lingered on Amy’s retreating figure for a moment before he followed, his boots crunching softly against the snow. He didn’t need to be here. He didn’t even want to be here. The whole concept of gift-giving felt frivolous.
And yet, there he was—trailing behind Amy through the streets of Station Square like some lost rookie on a G.U.N. mission.
Shadow’s mind flickered back to the last time Sonic had received a gift—a small trinket from Tails if he remembered correctly. Sonic had grinned like a fool, flipping the object over in his hands with a laugh that felt… genuine.
The memory tugged at something deep in Shadow’s chest, a feeling he quickly pushed aside. He’s impossible, Shadow reminded himself. But I’m not leaving until this is done.
“So,” Amy began, leading them through the streets, snow crunching beneath their shoes. “What are you thinking for Sonic? Something Simple? Something meaningful?”
Shadow’s gaze stayed fixed ahead. “I’m thinking,” he said flatly, letting his words linger before replying briskly, “that this entire tradition is a waste of time.”
Amy rolled her eyes but didn’t press. “Well, you called me, so you must have some idea.”
Shadow sighed, his breath visible in the cold air. “He’s impossible to shop for. Loud and impulsive. What could I possibly get him that he wouldn’t lose interest in five seconds later? That’s why I called you here, you know Sonic better than I do.”
Amy stopped suddenly, forcing Shadow to halt as well. She turned to face him, hands on her hips. “First of all, that’s not true. Second, that’s funny coming from you.”
He arched a brow.
“You disappear without explanation, I don’t even know what your hobbies include, and you’re gone half of the year on some G.U.N missions.” Amy poked his chest. “And you’re telling me someone else is hard to shop for?”
“I fail to see how any of that is relevant.” He responded flatly.
“Sonic’s predictable. He likes speed, adventure, and food. Buy him something he can use—like a portable chili dog warmer.”
Shadow’s steps faltered back for a moment. “A…chili dog warmer?”
Amy spun back around, laughing. “I’m just saying, you’re overthinking this! Sonic doesn’t need something extravagant. Just pick something that makes sense for him, and you’re done. Trust me, he’s not as complicated as you’re making him out to be.”
Shadow’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he sighed, his breath visible in the frosty air. “Fine. But if I hear the words ‘chili dog’ one more time, I’m leaving.”
Amy beamed, already tugging him toward the next shop. “Deal. But for the record, chili dog warmers are a great idea.”
Shadow muttered something under his breath but followed her, snow crunching softly beneath his boots.
In a blur, he zipped out of the shop and into the open-air part of the mall. The snow-covered square was bustling with shoppers, the faint glow of holiday lights reflecting off the icy fountain in the center.
He held it up, turning it over in his hands, the smooth leather cool against his gloves. It was simple and sleek—definitely Shadow’s style. But now came the tricky part.
What does he engrave on this thing?
Shadow’s name seemed like the obvious choice, but Sonic frowned as he thought. Too basic. Too formal. I mean, what am I? His personal assistant?
Shortly after, Rogue catches up to him, her heels loud on the tiled floor. Her gaze darted to the journal, and then back to him. “Didn’t think I’d ever catch you standing still. What’s the holdup?” She asked.
Sonic sighed, holding up the journal for her to see. “What do I engrave on this thing? Shadow’s name? Feels too… boring. Like, ‘Happy Holidays from your local office supply store.’”
Rogue chuckled. “What about the Chaos Emerald design you were talking about before?”
Sonic shrugged, flipping the journal open and closed as he mulled it over. “Yeah, but even that feels kinda... generic, you know? Like, ‘Here’s a Chaos Emerald because you’re obsessed with ‘em.’ I don’t want him thinking I just phoned it in.”
Rogue tapped her chin thoughtfully, her smirk softening. “Alright, what about a quote? Something short and meaningful? Or maybe…something only the two of you would get?”
Sonic blinked at her, caught off guard by the suggestion. “Like what? ‘I almost had you at Radical Highway?’”
Rogue burst out laughing, drawing a few curious glances from passersby. When she finally managed to catch her breath, she spoke. “Okay, maybe not.”
Sonic chuckled despite himself, flipping the journal in his hands. “Yeah, probably not my best idea. I don’t want him thinking I’m making fun of him… even if it would be kinda funny.”
He stared at the journal in his hands, the smooth leather cool and solid beneath his gloves. Shadow didn’t need grand gestures or sentimental nonsense. He needed something that spoke to who he was.
And just like that, it hit him.
Sonic’s eyes lit up, and a grin broke across his face. “I’ve got it,” he muttered under his breath.
Rogue raised an eyebrow, catching his sudden change in demeanor. “Oh, do you now?”
He turned to her, still grinning as he tucked the journal back into its bag. “Yep. I’ve got it. It’s simple, it’s sharp, and it’s very Shadow.”
Rogue tilted her head, her smirk sharpening with intrigue. “Well, don’t leave me hanging. What is it?”
Sonic wagged a finger, his grin widening. “Not telling. You’ll see when he opens it.”
Rogue huffed dramatically, crossing her arms. “Oh, you’re no fun, blue. I thought we were a team here.”
“Sorry, Rogue. This one’s staying under wraps until the big reveal.”
And with that, he took off, a blue blur zipping through the snow-dusted square. The frosty air whipped past him, the twinkling lights of the fountain and shop windows streaking together in a blur of color. He came to a quick stop in front of the engraving booth, his shoes skidding slightly on the slick tile.
The engraver, an owl with thick glasses and an apron, looked up from his workbench. “Hello, sir.”
Sonic pulled the journal from the bag, setting it on the counter. “I’ve got a design in mind. Think you can help me out?”
The engraver adjusted his glasses and inspected the journal with a nod. “What are you thinking?”
His gaze flicked to Amy’s back as she chatted animatedly about possible gift ideas for Sonic. She didn’t seem to mind his silence or the air of reluctance he carried. Amy had an infectious energy, something he vaguely admired, even if he’d never admit it aloud.
The shop Amy led him into was a small, tucked-away boutique, a sharp contrast to the overwhelming brightness of the mall. The warm glow of hanging bulbs illuminated rows of neatly arranged shelves, each packed with an eclectic mix of items. Handcrafted leather goods lined one wall, while another featured displays of sleek gadgets, minimalist stationery, and framed photographs of landscapes.
Soft instrumental music played in the background, a welcome reprieve from the jingle-filled madness of the square.
Amy trailed ahead, running her fingers over blankets and examining ornaments shaped like tiny stars. “This place is cute,” she said, throwing a glance over her shoulder. “Bet you’d find something here, Shadow.”
He didn’t bother to comment and instead decided to move through the aisles, his narrowed eyes scanning the displays. His gaze flicked over sleek, minimal designs of blankets that suited his taste and over the more colorful, eccentric styles that would likely suit Sonic’s.
Shadow’s gaze lingered on the selection of scarves before him, his mind briefly flashing back to something Sonic had said offhandedly during a recent run. “ Man, I always forget to grab a scarf when it gets cold. It’s the one time I actually need something like that.”
Shadow’s hand hovered over the rack before pulling back. It’s ridiculous. A scarf? That’s hardly—
But then his eyes landed on one that caught his attention. It was simple, yet distinct—a deep navy-blue scarf with subtle gray stitching along the edges. It wasn’t too flashy but not boring enough that Sonic would like it. Shadow reached out, brushing his gloved fingers over the fabric.
Sonic wasn’t the type to ask for anything, which made the moment stand out even more. He’s careless, Shadow thought, grabbing the scarf from the rack. At least this is something he’ll use.
“Find something, Shadow?” Amy’s voice broke into his thoughts, and he turned to see her standing a few feet away, watching him with a smile.
He held up the scarf without a word, his crimson eyes meeting green. “It’s functional.” He replied. “He mentioned he needed one.”
“Look at you, Shadow. Getting into the holiday spirit.” Amy clasped her hands together.
Shadow ignored her teasing and examined the scarf more closely. The fabric was soft yet sturdy, something that could hold up to Sonic’s speed. He folded the scarf neatly over his arm, already moving toward the counter.
“Where are you going?” Amy tilted her head.
“I’m done here,” he said flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “This will suffice.”
Amy closed the distance between him and the cashier, standing before him with her hands on her hips. “You can’t just hand Sonic a scarf and call it a day. It needs to feel like it’s from you.”
Shadow’s eyes narrowed. “It’s a scarf. He needs it. That’s enough.”
Amy sighed, her bangs moving with the motion. “It’s Christmas! You’ve gotta put a little thought into it. Make it personal.”
“I did,” Shadow replied, his voice sharp. “The choice was deliberate.”
Amy rolled her eyes, stepping aside to gesture toward a small engraving booth near the register. “Deliberate is good, but this?” She pointed to the ends of the scarf. “This is your chance to put some heart into it.”
Shadow followed her gesture, his gaze lingering on the engraving booth. The idea seemed… unnecessary. Overly sentimental. Yet, the words Sonic had said earlier echoed faintly in his mind: “ It’s the one time I actually need something like that.”
He sighed, his shoulders relaxing just slightly. “What do you suggest?”
“Oh no, don’t look at me. This one’s all you. Just think of something that feels like it came from you. Something Sonic’ll see and know it wasn’t just picked off a random rack.” Amy said.
Shadow’s eyes flickered between her and the booth before he gave a curt nod. Without another word, he moved toward the engraving station, his boots clicking against the floor. He grabbed a small form and filled it out quickly.
As the clerk checked it, his gaze lingered briefly on the scarf. It wasn’t much, but it was something Sonic would actually use. And that was the point, wasn’t it? Keep it simple, keep it useful.
Amy tried to peek at the paper, but Shadow turned it away from her view. “You’ll see it when he does,” he said curtly.
She let out an exaggerated sigh, crossing her arms. “Fine, keep your secrets. But it better be good.”
The clerk took the form with a nod and set to work at the engraving booth. Shadow stepped back, crossing his arms as he watched the process. The edges of the scarf were under the engraving tool, and the machine hummed softly as it etched the chosen design.
Amy stood by. She was clearly waiting for Shadow to say something, or possibly crack, but when Shadow didn’t indulge her, she sighed.
“You know,” She began, breaking the silence. “For someone who claims to hate this kind of thing, you’re a thoughtful gift-giver.”
Shadow didn’t look at her, his gaze fixed on the scarf. “I don’t do things halfway,” He replied, thinly. “This is no different.”
“So serious!” Amy giggled. “You could just say you care.”
“I don’t care,” Shadow retorted sharply, though his tone lacked its usual bite. “I simply dislike being incompetent.”
Once the clerk was finished sowing the words in, Shadow’s ears twitched as the clerk handed it back to him with a polite smile. “Here you go. Anything else I can help you with?” The clerk asked.
Shadow inspected the scarf with care, his fingers brushing over the engraving. It was exactly as he intended. “No, this is good.” He said, folding the scarf neatly and placing it into the box. He handed the payment over and took the box in one hand.
“Can I see?” Amy asked again, practically pleading.
A small, wry smirk tilted the corners of his mouth. “You’ll have to wait.”
“Oh, you’re no fun.” Amy huffed but eventually gave up after getting denied twice.
Shadow stepped out of the shop, the crisp chill of the snow-dusted street greeting him as he adjusted the bag in his hand. The soft glow of holiday lights reflected off the wet pavement, and the faint hum of distant carolers carried through the air.
Amy followed close behind, tugging her scarf closer to her muzzle when she stepped out of the warm shop only to be met with frigid air. “It’s freezing!” She exclaimed, breath pluming as she spoke.
Shadow glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his expression as impassive as ever. “It’s winter,” he said flatly. “That tends to happen.”
Amy shot him a look, her cheeks puffing slightly in mock indignation. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
Shadow didn’t respond, but the faintest glimmer of amusement flashed in his eyes.
They walked in silence for a moment as they headed back to the pavilion, the snow crunching softly beneath their boots. The bustling sounds of the square began to fade into the background, replaced by the quiet murmur of falling snow.
Eventually, Amy broke the silence, her voice softer this time. “So... do you think he’ll like it?”
His grip on the bag tightened slightly as his thoughts drifted to the engraved scarf. “It’s something he’ll use.”
Amy glanced at him. “You really don’t give yourself enough credit. I think Sonic’s going to love it.”
Shadow’s pace didn’t falter, but his voice dropped a note. “Maybe.”
“Well,” Amy said, her tone brighter, “I think you nailed it. Even if you don’t care to admit it.”
Finally, they reached the corner where they had first met up. The streetlights cast a warm glow over the snow-covered pavement, their soft hum blending with the faint holiday music still wafting through the air.
Amy glanced up and down the street, spotting a cab idling a few feet away. “Well, this is me,” she said, pulling her scarf tighter. “Thanks for letting me tag along, Shadow. You’ve got this Secret Santa thing handled, I’d say.”
Shadow nodded once, adjusting the bag in his grip. “You were… sufficient,” he replied, his tone dry.
Amy rolled her eyes but grinned anyway. “Gee, thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment.” Then, she stepped toward the cab but paused, turning back to face him. “So…you’re actually coming to the party, right? Not just dropping the gift off?”
Shadow withheld the urge to make some comment that Rogue practically begged for him to attend. Instead, all he could manage was, “I said I’d be there.”
“Good,” Amy said, her smile softening. “Because I think Sonic will appreciate that more than just the gift.”
Shadow didn’t respond, his expression unreadable as he took a small step back. “Your cab’s waiting,” he said curtly, nodding toward the car.
Amy waved as she headed toward the cab, opening the door and glancing back at him one last time. “See you this weekend, don’t be late!”
He watched as her pink head disappeared into the cab, her words falling hushed as she made conversation with the driver. Shadow’s eyes trailed after the yellow cab, its taillights disappearing into the snowy night. Once it was out of sight, he stood there for a moment, the quiet street settling around him. With a faint sigh, he tightened his grip on the bag and closed his eyes to imagine his apartment.
“Chaos Control!”
In an instant, he was gone, the faint shimmer of Chaos Control leaving nothing but the soft hum of the city behind.
He couldn’t help but imagine how Shadow would react. Would he roll his eyes? Say something snarky like, “This was unnecessary?” Or—maybe—there’d be a flicker of something softer. Not that Sonic would press him about it, of course.
Before long, the owl straightened, holding the journal up with a satisfied smile. “Done. Here you go, sir.”
Perfect,” Sonic said, flipping it closed and tucking it back into the bag. “You nailed it. Thanks, pal.”
“Anytime,” the owl replied, accepting the payment with a slight bow of his head. “Happy holidays.”
“Same to you!” Sonic called, already zipping out of the booth and back into the lively mall. The weight of the journal in his bag felt lighter now, a sense of satisfaction settling over him as he weaved through the bustling shoppers.
Just as he was prepared to zip out of the mall and just text Rogue later, the bat’s voice flushed behind him.
“Did you just remember you needed a second opinion?” She hummed.
Sonic turned to see her striding toward him, her wings tucked neatly behind her back, her furred coat doing well to hide them. Her heels clicked softly against the snow-dusted tiles, and she had a cup of steaming hot cocoa in her gloved hands.
“Second opinion?” Sonic repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Nah, I nailed it. Don’t need anyone messing with my masterpiece.”
“Uh-huh.” She put the cup to her lips, sipping leisurely as her eyes darted to the bag. “You didn’t engrave something dramatic, did you? Ultimate rival…or some nonsense.”
Sonic cringed. “What do you take me for?”
“A fool, blue. But also you can be a little cheesy.” Rogue lifted her mouth from the cup, her red lipstick stain still prominent on the lid.
Sonic scoffed, crossing his arms as he held the bag closer. “Cheesy? Please. I’ve got way more style than that.”
Rogue raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Because last I checked, you’re the guy who once gave Knuckles a ‘Best Guardian’ mug for his birthday.”
“That was ironic!” Sonic protested, his cheeks flushing slightly. “And besides, he still uses it.”
“So, what did you put on it?” She drawled, her eyes flicking to the bag again.
Sonic grinned, slyly. “Ah-ah, not telling. You can’t get me to spill it so don’t even try!”
Rogue groaned dramatically, clutching her cup as if for support. “You’re no fun, blue. What’s the point of dragging me around if you’re just gonna keep secrets?”
“Dragged you around?” Sonic shot back. “You showed up out of nowhere, remember? I didn’t even call you—you just knew. ”
Rogue smiled, taking another sip. “Coincidence.”
“Okay, then. Why don’t you share who your secret Santa is?”
Rogue’s smirk deepened, her crimson eyes glinting mischievously over the rim of her cocoa cup. “Oh, wouldn’t you like to know?”
Sonic groaned. “See? You’re no better! Giving me crap about keeping secrets, and here you are doing the exact same thing.”
Rogue shrugged with a hint of a giggle. “A lady can’t tell you her secret.”
“Figures,” Sonic muttered, shaking his head. “I guess I’ll just have to wait, then.”
“That’s the spirit,” Rogue teased, finishing the last of her cocoa and tossing the empty cup into a nearby bin with a perfect arc. “Now, let me guess. You’re gonna zip off and stress over that journal until the party, aren’t you?”
“Stress?” Sonic shot her a confident grin, patting the bag that was now slung over his shoulder. “Nah, I’m done. This thing’s locked and loaded. Shadow’s gonna love it.”
Rogue arched an eyebrow. “Love it? That’s bold.”
Sonic shrugged, his grin turning slightly sheepish. “Okay, maybe ‘love it’ is a stretch. But he’ll at least not hate it. That’s a win in my book.”
“You’re hopeless. But for what it’s worth hun, I think you did good.”
Sonic blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. “Uh, thanks.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” Rogue said quickly, brushing past him and tossing her scarf over her shoulder. “Now get out of here before you start second-guessing yourself.”
“You’re really bossy, you know that?” Sonic called after her, but his grin stayed firmly in place.
Rogue turned back briefly, her smirk as sharp as ever. “And you’re really predictable. See you at the party, blue.”
With that, she disappeared into the bustling crowd, leaving Sonic standing in the snow-dusted square. He glanced down at the bag in his hand, an awkward smile creeping onto his face.
And, with a burst of speed, he zipped off into the glowing night, keeping the bag secure in his hands.