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Going on an adventure has its perks, discovering something you'd never seen before could turn into an exhilarating experience for life. Little blue hedgehog, Sonic, was doing just that around the fort of a human settling down in South Island. The huge area it covered rivaled the fields he usually passed through, but the corners here were innumerable making it a different insight altogether. It took him minutes to complete one round covering the whole floors including the basement. Adding a few more on the outside as he took a quick fresh breather.
He went inside again, digging his nose through any cracks he could. This peculiar man always hid something interesting for him to discover. He recently found a mini carnival and it was the most joyful thing he had ever set his eyes on. All the machines and rides excited him, eager to try within an inch of an opportunity. Alas, to fulfill its prototype's demand into real life would take a lengthy time and hefty effort. It'd be a while before he could enjoy a carnival bigger than his paws.
He went round and round aimlessly, looking to find anything interesting to play with. He had grown a bit bored of normalcy, crushing robots and spinning the wheel without breaking a routine. He wanted something new. Something intriguing. Something fun. That's when Sonic discovered it. A card. A birthday card. Even so, this little hoglet didn't comprehend what it was. All it knew was that it's colorful, it had noises, and it lit up, like the mini carnival he’s fond of.
Though, this one was too flat to play around. No buttons, no nothing. Just words and pictures. They were pretty though.
He couldn’t think of a way to play with it. So, he ran with a destination in mind. If he didn't know anything, all he should do was ask the man himself. He was clever and very smart. He built all these machines by himself after all. He taught him lots of stuff and even how to fight too. He was really kind to him, so surely, he could tell what it was.
In a speed so quick, he arrived at Eggman's side swiftly as the wind. The doctor, who was busy with tinkering work, didn't turn despite acknowledging his presence there. He was too focused to stop now. He could deal with it later once he finishes.
Sonic chimed, “Eggman.”
“What is it? I'm busy.” He uttered, not looking away.
“What's a…” Sonic read the card, “...b.i.r.t.h.d.a.y?”
“Hah! That insignificant celebration?” Eggman scoffed, “Useless, I say. They are nothing but a waste of time.”
He welded the parts together, “Why would anyone be happy that they're inches closer to death?“
“I…don't get it.” Sonic shook his head. “But it's colorful! Like a rainbow! It must be fun!”
Hearing this, the doctor finally turned, trying to see what the little hoglet had gotten his hands on. This little naught had been scavenging the place like he owns it, as if he had a share through all the budget he squeezed for it. Yet, he indulged him, for he didn't want the creature to become disinterested and leave before he could even make him into a formidable weapon. It's a shame to let such a golden chance go, he'd rather endure this tedious play just so he could be victorious later on.
His eyes landed on what's in its hand. Paper, more specifically a card. It was a card he had received prior from his family, trying to reconcile with him after all these years. Useless. What a futile, unavailing effort. He had already moved on from such an invaluable relationship. He was better alone. He was much more capable and powerful like this. He was fine. But they insisted, even so far, to give such fake friendly greetings. It's distasteful, especially when it's on his birthday. Such a disgraceful bridge should be burnt.
He took it from its paws, harshly. “Give me that! I told you not to snoop around, you rascal!”
“Eggman, please!” Sonic's expression changes, “Tell me what that is.”
Seeing the puppy's eyes flared upon him, Eggman sighed. “...A birthday is the anniversary of one's birth. You celebrate the day of your birth on the planet, hedgehog.”
“Birth?” Sonic tilted his head.
“It's the day you were born. The day you came into being. The day you came out of your mother's womb.” Eggman's exasperation rose, “Is that enough?”
“Okay!” Sonic nodded, “What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Your birthday?”
“Why do you want to know that?” Eggman sneered, “It's pointless.”
“No, it's not!” Sonic protested, “It's because you're here I got to meet you! Everyday has been fun with you. So, I want to know, Eggman!”
This annoying little critter was really going to be his migraine by the end of the day. Asking unimportant details, spouting nonsense on unnecessary endeavors, demanding answers to ridiculous inquiries, such a narrow minded hedgehog. He had more to learn than idealistic imaginaries' vision. He had much to swallow than munching on sweet junky. Still, his sparkly eyes to learn, his smile of eagerness to hear the next definition, his vigor and excitement that's willing to take it all into his brain, it's somewhat nostalgic.
It reminded him of himself. The passion to learn. To uncover the unknowing. To straighten wrinkled facts into one truth.
He hesitantly whispered, “...23rd 6th.”
“Huh? What?” Sonic was perplexed. “I can't hear you.”
“It's the 23rd of the 6th month.” He spoke loud and clear, “Got that?”
“Okay!” He nodded, “...What is that?”
Eggman held his head in disbelief, “This is why I don't want to tell you, hedgehog. You still haven't learned about date and time yet.”
“Okay. Me?”
“You?”
“What about my birthday?” Sonic came nearer, landed its paws on the doctor’s lap.
“How should I know that, you little brat?” Eggman brushed him off, creating his personal bubble again. “That’s on you.”
He pleaded, “Pick one for me?”
“Just pick whatever. It doesn’t matter.” He answered with indifference.
“Then, I’ll have the same one as you!”
“Get your own date, snogglehog.”
“But, I want to share birthdays.” He whined, “That way we can have a birthday together! And it’s easy for me to remember too!”
“That’s…true…” Unable to forge a comeback, Eggman heavily sighed. “Fine. Whatever. As long as it gets you to stop annoying me.”
“Yeay! Birthday! Same birthday!”
Sonic rushed out excitedly, seemingly to tell the world of the exciting news. He had received a birthday, finally. A birthday to share with the one and only Eggman. Giggles escaped his mouth, he could barely contain his giddiness. He had something that’s the same as the man now. They had something in common to come back to. That tiny relation, he could finally feel reassured that they were closer than ever.
The doctor smirked, snickered as he heard such ridiculousness exude from the super speed critter. Such easiness to keep it fooled, such a breeze to have it satisfied. That rodent would be under his control if he could keep this up. As long as it kept coming and within arms, he could, and he would , have it worked to a wonderful conquest.
Years passed and now it’s the 5th month of the future, where the doctor has grown as well as the blue blur, with their distance constantly remaining far from a closing gap. With their secret meetings ended and discussed, they are currently enjoying a meal in silence. And in stillness, comes the uncomfortable air lingering around them.
He hated this. Every second within this house spent is nothing but torturous awakening. It’s a constant reminder that his control is within reach but the grasp can’t properly grip. It's a torturous highlight that he can never be able to wield the power he used to try. It’s a blinding realization that this stupendously potent hedgehog will never be his, knocking him sober. Curious, how could the hedgehog be so unbothered by this arrangement is beyond him.
Just as he contemplated his choices in life, the one before him took something out of his quills. He placed it on the doctor’s side, gently setting it down beside his cutlery. The expression on his face is his usual smile, an irritating facade that bleeds the heart. Eggman takes it in hand. He inspects it thoroughly. Good, no hedgehog shaped silhouette anywhere. He prayed that the content is the same.
It was a small box, wrapped neatly in red and yellow ribbon. Somewhat familiar colors and designs, where could he have seen them? He doesn't even bother to recall. Nevertheless, he is quite curious about this ordeal. Whatever prompted him to do this, it better not be some petty prank.
“What’s this?” Eggman asked.
“A birthday gift.” Sonic said nonchalantly as he took bites, “I can’t give it to you on the day. I’m sure you’ve already planned something. So, now’s the only time.”
Eggman opened it and yet, his expression remained unchanged. He was unimpressed by what he received. It was not a key to some new base or technological advanced machine, no. It was not a blueprint that ensured his winning in their next bout, no. It was not a grandiose gift, no. It was nothing but a mere tie, a piece of worthless cloth that wouldn’t bring any advantages to his mission. It could not even have a purpose other than being a nuisance in the wardrobe. Not to mention the bright blue color, it’s an irritation to the eyes.
He was apathetic,“...A tie? Really?”
“Always the sour face.” Sonic giggled at his response, “It's for when you go out with Stone! Don't tell me you're going to wear that boring suit all day.”
Eggman didn’t say anything. No words said after. Instead, he gets up and approaches the fireplace with the tie in hand. Without hesitation, he throws them into the fire, watching it being eaten to ashes. Sonic, who saw all this unfold in delay, jumped out of his seat in shock.
“Hey!” He shouted, “Don’t burn them!”
…Too late. He was too late to save it. He was too slow to realize as he was busy enjoying the food in every lick. And when he does, it’s already half crumbled, giving away in the fire into nothingness. He can hear something crack.
Annoyed, Sonic sat in a slump making the loudest thud he could. Growls can be heard echoing down his throat. His blood boiled hot from seeing the fire smoldering his gift. This isn't the first time it happened, but he has had enough. His eyes wander far from the other person in the house to prevent his rage from escalating. He’s doing the best he can to calm down.
The hedgehog pouted and groaned, “...You never take my gift. You never bring them back. You either left it here, or burned it.”
Eggman retorted, “I don’t want your junk.”
“They’re not junk, okay?!” Sonic slammed the table hard, now focusing on the doctor. “I picked them carefully using the two brain cells left in my head!”
“Clearly you don't have enough. I don’t have a place to store them.”
“You're telling me a base that big doesn't have enough storage?” Sonic scoffed, returning to his seat with crossed arms. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“I don’t need your gift.” Eggman replied, “I can buy them on my own.”
“Well, duh! That’s what a gift is !” Sonic snapped, “You don't buy it. You get it, and you keep it!”
“It doesn't matter if you use them or not.” He continued, letting frustration slip through his voice. “What matters is someone out there wants you to have this. Remember about you and what you like. Someone...that cares.”
Despite hearing the voice crack, Eggman remained indifferent. “I don't need one from you. It's probably some trap or something.”
“Some trap, my ass.” Sonic mocked, “Do you think I'm like you? I'm not gonna sabotage like some rotten egg.”
Eggman glanced at the hedgehog quietly, minding not to make it obvious that he looked. Thankfully, he was looking the other way. His emerald eyes gaze out the window, putting on a melancholic facade. His ears drooped so low it could touch the earth. His lips faltered into a frown matching his whimpering eyes. He stayed quiet, absent of his usual noisiness. Perhaps the hedgehog was right. He might have stepped on some mine that he shouldn't. He could at least not do it in front of him even if he's to dispose of it.
Still, why bother? It's clear he wants nothing to do with it. It's apparent that he disliked the gesture. So why keep going? He doesn't understand that unlabeled persistence of his, always on the wrong things.
Eggman whispered, “...I'll keep it when you buy something useful.”
Sonic's ears flicked, now turned to the doctor puzzled. “Did you say something?”
“Don't make me repeat myself, rodent. I know you heard me.” Eggman rushed to the exit, “Good night.”
The doctor slammed the door shut, quickly letting his figure disappear from Sonic's sight. The left behind hedgehog was perplexed, but quickly regained his iconic smirk. Eggman was right. He did hear what he said. He leaned back in relaxation, knowing he got that Egghead to listen properly. It was disheartening to keep seeing all that he gifted burnt right before his eyes, and all that was not appreciated to be left in rotting. He doesn't know what will happen to his gift from now on, but one thing for sure, he has been graced with a challenge.
“A useful gift huh, Eggy.” He hummed a familiar tune, “You better prepare yourself. I'm gonna give you something you'll never want to get rid of.”