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In a distant base on South Island, imprinted the logo of a notorious man with his iconic mustache, resting the man himself right before his newly built creation. Tinkering away to improve its design and functionality, Eggman indulges in the work of his hands unaware of his rumbling stomach and sore body. Working his blueprints into reality consumes more time than he can offer, yet it didn't falter him.
Before long, his assistant came in with a tray of food for his consumption. Entering with wheels as its feet, Orbot makes his way to his master at a steady pace. He hands over the sandwiches that were made in simplicity, and the doctor eats them without much complaining.
In the midst of noises of clunk and buzzes, Eggman ordered, “Orbot. Time and date.”
Orbot answered, “27th of the 2nd month, 21:39, sir.”
Eggman spat a bit of his food in shock. “It’s the 27th?! Why didn’t you tell me?!”
“I wasn’t aware there was an occasion today-”
“Shush!” He got up, abandoning everything and leaving. “I’m going somewhere. Don’t send anyone after me. No one is allowed to follow me. Not even Sage. You hear me?!”
“Yes, sir.” Orbot tried to ask quickly, “May I ask what you are doing-”
Before he could even finish the inquiry, Eggman had disappeared from sight. His pace was fast, seemingly to chase an urgency roaming in the air. No one except himself knows of it, and devotedly wants to fulfill its obligations. His steps take him out of his dome, the comfort of his home. He goes on and on venturing deeper into the wilderness surrounding his base. The man continues forward alone in his path. Only the wind is his companion for the night.
At the same time in another place, Tails’ garage to be exact, said fox is taking a brief break from his continuous build of a new machine. He opens up a can of mint candy for some refreshment. A drop could help jolt his nerves awake to resume work without those drowsiness in the way. It's his pills to consistently keep on going. Unlucky for him, none of it left. It’s empty. The container is nothing but another tin for recycling.
Tails whined to Sonic, who was relaxing quietly in the corner. “I can’t believe it, Sonic. It’s already empty.”
“Come on, buddy. Don’t be sad.” Sonic said, his eyes remained closed. “That’s just fate saying you should take a rest. You know you need it.”
“This can’t be!” Tails’ insisted, “I never finished them before the 30th!”
“The 30th?” With this, Sonic sat up. “Wait. What date is today?”
“Huh? Let’s see…” Tails looked up the calendar, “It’s the 27th? How many extras did I take? No wonder it finishes early.”
“27th?!” Sonic got out of his corner and began warming up, seemingly preparing for a run. “Shoot! I almost forgot! It's today!”
“What?” Tails was perplexed, “What's today? You got a date with someone?”
Sonic was unamused, “No, Tails. Got something more important I need to do. More important than some ‘date’.”
As he stretched one last time, he bid farewell. “It’s gonna be a long night. Don't wait for me. See ya!”
As quick as he said it, he left just as is. The little fox can’t get the truth out of him since he vanishes from sight at the speed of sound. What he received was a gust of wind messing up his blueprints, sending them flying around the room. Seeing the scattered papers slowly descend from the ceilings, he can only let out a grunt of annoyance. Whatever that makes Sonic rush out like that he wishes it goes awry. It’s the least he could wish upon for sending those papers flailing, making a hazard for him to clean up after.
Somewhere far away, out in isolation from civilization, stood a lone house in full functionality. Perfectly still in habitable condition ready for occupation. Sturdy as it stands solid. Sonic in a blink of an eye arrived, gasping for a breath of air as he stopped. A smile stretched on his face, a relieved one at that, as his eyes set on the house. There’s no light on. The chimney doesn’t emit any smoke. The windows remained shut. No one is here, yet.
“What are you waiting for?”
The sudden voice admonishing shocked him to the core. Sonic turned around into a stance ready to fight, whispering a threatening roar to whatever comes attacking. He was on guard until his eyes were able to perceive who it was. The man that was unaffected by the snarling growls, with only his glasses reflected the little light there is in the dark, it’s none other than the doctor he often clashes heads with. It's Eggman.
And seeing how unresponsive he is, the blue hedgehog loosen himself into calmness.
“Let’s go in.”
Eggman invited as he continued walking towards the house. There is no instance where he looks back. It's as if he doesn't pay any mind to the presence of the blue hedgehog. But, evidently, he does still get acknowledged judging by the invitation he spoke. There is no other person within their vicinity other than themselves after all. Just two arch enemies within the same area, the same space. Who could have he directed it to other than Sonic? The blue blur accepts the offer with ease, following him just a few steps behind.
The two enter the house in silence. Switching on the light, faintly brushes the dust flying in their face as they kick the floor, coughing it out of their lungs, they make themselves comfortable within the walls of the house. Both go in deeper and settle themselves upon a set of dining tables, a well-constructed rectangular table and two seats. Without anything else to focus on, their eyes set onto each other. Silent. Their gaze was intense, waiting for the other to begin speaking.
After much time passes, unbearable under the weight of quiet air, Eggman and Sonic both took a binding of papers out their backs and began their secret meeting.
The doctor uttered, “Let’s get to business. Shall we?”
Sonic nodded, “Agree.”
“Good.” Eggman cleared his throat, “I’m gonna send Metal 7 times next month in-between the 10th and 27th. Is that good?”
“Oohh…” Sonic hissed, “Can’t you lower that number down? I won’t have time to go sparring with Shadow.”
“Hmph!” Eggman took note of it, “Metal is obviously better.”
“You only said that because you created him.”
“In your image.” He scoffed, “That edgy hedgehog is just lucky to look like one rather than those hideous black creatures.”
“Hey!” Sonic argued, “That’s really unwarranted! Take that back!”
“Don’t want to.”
End of that utterance, Eggman changes his paper to the next page. Sonic follows suit with a sigh.
The doctor continued, “Any plans on the 3rd?”
“5th, 13th, and 21st.”
“5th 3rd?”
“Expedition.”
“13th 3rd?”
“Knuckles.”
“21st 3rd?”
“Got a date.”
“Amy?”
“None of your business.”
Eggman groaned, “It is my business. If you procreate with someone lesser, how am I expected to have your descendant defeat mine?”
“Ew! Gross!” Sonic gagged, “First of all, It’s way too soon for that. Second, the only children you have are robots. And Sage is the only cute and capable one.”
“Of course.” He declared, “She’s my proudest work.”
“Really?” Sonic jeered, “And not me?”
Eggman was annoyed yet he replied, “Don’t flatter yourself. You’re 7th at best.”
“Okay. Wow! That’s offensive!”
“That’s what you get for quitting the Eggman Empire.”
“Gee. Fine.” Sonic moaned in annoyance, “I’ll take it. It's better than nothing I guess.”
Sonic turned his papers to the next. Eggman does the same.
Sonic questioned, “Next meeting on the 30th 3rd?”
“Make that 29th.” Eggman marked his papers, “Got someone to meet.”
“Oh ho!” Sonic exclaimed in excitement, “Someone finally got laid! Who is it?”
“It was just a formal meeting.” Eggman scoffed, “Get your mind outta the gutter.”
“Wanna bet I can predict whom?” Despite getting an exasperated glare from the other, Sonic doesn't stop. “Let me guess… Someone who would look past your psychotic behavior… Someone who would find an egg-shaped man looking good… Is it Stone?”
“...Yes.”
“At his cafe? Central Station?”
Eggman slammed the table, “If you already know, don't waste time asking!”
Still, Sonic resumed. “This isn't the first time?”
The doctor slightly turned red, “...It's the first time alone.”
“Oohh!” Sonic excitedly cheered, “Something is definitely happening! Sounds like Sage's going to get a new dad soon!”
“Shut up!” Eggman tried to hide his flustered face behind an angry mask, “You still haven't answered my question, you insolent blue ball!”
“Okay! Okay! Gee!” Sonic tried to de-escalate, “Someone's a little impatient. The 29th huh? I can make it.”
They both turned to the next page simultaneously. The sound of the papers being flipped resounding in overlaps.
Sonic asked his question again, “Any conquering plans?”
Eggman hummed, “Not until the 5th month. I'm still working on the prototypes.”
“Oohh! Can I take a peek?”
“No.”
“Fine. Fine. A surprise is good too.” Sonic whined, “Like always.”
It's Eggman's turn to ask, “Any world hopping going on?”
“Dude!” Sonic complained, “You know I can't give that one a specific date!”
Eggman shrugged, “That's your problem. Not mine.”
“Ugh… So uptight.” He sighed, “No. I don't think there will be any world hopping.”
“Hhmm…” Eggman pondered, “I might do some collaboration on the 7th. Just a heads up.”
“With whom?”
“Some eldritch legend I found in the ruins. Still trying to locate where it's hiding.”
Sonic chuckled, “Sounds fun! Can't wait to kick its butt!”
“Hmph! I'd like to see you try.”
“Come on!” Sonic haughtily said, “I'm always good at that. You know I’m just that powerful.”
“Ha! Try that without going Super!” Eggman mocked.
Sonic returned the gesture, “Ha! Try to kick my butt without your stupid junk!”
As he goes down through the words in his hands, Sonic reminds himself of something.
“Oh yeah!” The blue hedgehog exclaimed, “You doing anything on 15th 6th?”
“Oddly specific. Why?”
“It's Father's day.” Sonic wrote something, “Sage will probably ask Cubot and the others to do a surprise for you. You know that girl loves you. For some reason.”
“Hmph.” Eggman huffed proudly, “They're merely machines. I don't see a purpose in this pointless holiday. But… I look forward to it.”
“Awwww!” Sonic teased, “Aren't you a nice dad? You've become a soft egg!”
“Shut. Up.”
Sonic giggled, “Can I come and crash the party?”
“No thanks. I have enough on my plate.”
Eggman flipped his paper to the next without missing a beat, not even noticing his reply made a change on the hedgehog’s expression. He squirmed by his seat, silent as his frown struggles to get out of shape into the usual upward curves. They've shared a history together so it's only natural for the blue one to expect something. It was supposed to be a joke, nothing serious. Yet…it stabs him deeply. It's hard for him to gulp it down. His throat hurts.
Still, he changes to the next page accordingly. Wouldn't want to waste precious time.
Eggman began his inquiries, “Got any sickness recently?”
“No.”
“Lies.” He pointed, “Your red nose tells me otherwise.”
“What- How did you-” Sonic groaned, “Fine. I just got over a cold.”
“Fell down a creek again?”
“Cliff. The Ocean. Didn't brake in time.”
“Typical.” He mockingly huffed, “You're still lacking control, reckless hog.”
“Hey! I'm not that clumsy!” Sonic grouched, “I was just…getting faster and faster? Like it's harder to control my speed sometimes.”
“Hhmm… Your shoes might need some adjustment.” He noted, “Take it off later so I can assess it.”
“Okay. Whatever you said, Egghead.”
“Chaos energy?”
“Stable.”
“Muscle mass?”
“Average…?”
“Body weight?”
“Maintained.”
“You do nothing but lie to me, hedgehog.” Eggman complained, “Those 30 chili dogs’ you shoved last week haven't burnt their calories yet.”
“What the-” Sonic was horrified, “How in the name of Chaos did you know that? That's stalking behavior!”
“I have eyes everywhere, you blue gumball. Don't try to deceive me again.”
“Ugh, come on…” Sonic whined, “I didn't gain that much weight.”
“Of course. Keep lying to yourself like that. It helps with the delusions.”
“Get off my back, will you? I can do whatever I want.”
“And let you fall down the optimum graph you're supposed to be in? Not a chance.”
“Hey! I didn't fall off that much!” Sonic shouted, “Even if I did, I can bounce back! Unlike somebody who remains a crackhead.”
“Haha. Funny joke. Enough discussion. It's time.”
Sonic and Eggman gathered their papers and rearranged them. Neatly stacked and compiled, they put it aside into their respective inventory. As soon as their placement was secured, the two began a game. A game of rock-paper-scissors. A heavy air hovering just within the distance of their gap. Intense glare focusing to secure victory from being snatched away.
Their hands were put out after a minute, and the winner was determined. It was Eggman. Sonic wailed dramatically of his loss whereas the doctor laughed menacingly of his winning. The loser has a date with the dust, while the winner attends the kitchen to cook a meal. The two tend to the task assigned attentively, at least for Eggman.
Sonic tries to hide the dust under the rug, cutting it short, as well as turning a blind eye to the ones under the furniture. But Eggman knows. He has always been keen on the hedgehog’s schemes. The doctor reprimanded without a glance away from the pot. Begrudgingly, Sonic abides and sweeps them with proper etiquette.
Many times he tries to clean the fastest way without efficiency, and each time Eggman orders him to do them the correct way, repeatedly without fail. The back and forth argument continues until the two tasks completed their part, and both are to be seated and enjoy their served meal.
The clinking of spoons clashing with the plates bounces off the wall, echoing within. The sounds of munching fills the room as much as the food filled into their mouths. Subtle breaths can be heard gasping in-between their intakes. No words exchanged between them. No sentences needed to.
Once they had finished, gulping every last sips and bites, Sonic took off his shoes and exchanged them with an identical one from Eggman. It has the same comfiness and stretchable flex to it, like always. He jumps lightly, bounces off the ground effortlessly with his toes remaining grounded. He playfully jogs, interchanging his legs' position front and back in place. Seeing the sole of the shoes lit up briefly, the data collection of his condition will be recorded as routinely planned. It will be on for another month just like the previous wear. And it will be the doctor's job to assess it accordingly.
The trade is done and finalized, and so it's time for Eggman to take his leave. He walks to the front door without any turn to swerve away. No voices to utter another word, let alone a farewell, as he goes on. The blue hedgehog sees his figure getting farther and farther away. He was within arms and yet, he felt unreachable. It has always been this way.
Always.
“Hey.” Sonic admonished Eggman, “You're not gonna stay? It's already late.”
The doctor replied without turning back, “Cubot and Orbot will make a fuss about it so yes. I'm leaving.”
“Come on. It's just for one night!” Sonic insisted, “No one's gonna notice.”
“You can have the house to yourself, hedgehog.” He opened the door, “See you next meeting.”
Eggman leaves the front door, letting the cold air enter as he departs. The atmosphere within changes drastically. It felt heavy. It felt suffocating. It drags Sonic's heart to the surface of the earth. The overwhelming discomfort lingering is not the best to comply with alone. But, Sonic doesn't have much to protest despite the uncomfortable tinges. The house is his to stay. The house that he built just for this, this brief moment of meeting, this quick moment of connection, this pointless reunion that snapped away the moment they exited the door.
He just has to accept it as is, this one-sided conversation he tried to keep alive.
Trying to get his nerves out of that somber bubble, he lounges himself onto the couch, only for him to wince in pain from a stab by his spine. He rises, mumbling insults under his breath as he inspects the culprit that pained him. A box wrapped in red papers and yellow ribbons, the culprit is surprisingly…small. The blue blur unwraps it, revealing a simple, plain old pen. It's just like any pen you can buy at the stationery store. Not a carving, no pictures, no vibrant colors, nothing special.
Sonic laughs the loudest he can, with nothing to hold back from cackling in the air. The tickles in his stomach urges him to continue until it disappears. Once the tingles left his system, he twirls the pen in his hands playfully. In every rotation and orientation, his eyes fixated on it as it kept on spinning.
“Bad at choosing gifts as always huh, Mr. Nosehair.” Sonic chuckled as he laid back down onto the couch, ogling the gifts under the moonlight. “It's too early for a birthday present though.”
He held it close to his heart, “Thanks, Eggman. Let's have more fun this time onwards.”