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The train cut through the winter night like a glowing ribbon, its windows fogged with warmth while the world outside drowned in white. Snowflakes hit the glass and melted instantly, blurring the passing forests into pale, silver smears. Inside, the air was cozy, almost drowsy, humming with soft Christmas carols leaking from the overhead speakers.
Sonic stepped inside with a puff of frosty breath trailing him. His quills were dusted white from the storm, and his scarf was bright green, unevenly knitted, and dripping with melted snow onto the entrance mat. He shivered, rubbing his hands together.
“Whew. Okay, mental note? Never underestimate December blizzards.” He sighed happily as warm air hit his face.
He scanned the lounge for a place to sit. It was mostly empty at this hour, aside from just a handful of travelers dozing under blankets. He tugged his scarf tighter and stepped into the train’s lounge car, expecting emptiness at this late hour.
Sonic paused. Instead, he saw him.
The black and red hedgehog. Lean, quiet, with a perfectly straight posture. He wore a fitted black coat and a deep crimson scarf, and even from across the room he looked… intense.
Wow, he looked like he walked straight off a winter magazine cover.
Sonic tore his gaze away quickly. Nope. Not staring. You don’t just stare at people on trains, Sonic! That’s weird!
But he couldn’t help glancing over.
The ultimate lifeform wasn’t looking at him. Instead, he sat alone in the far corner, a steaming cup of something cupped in both hands as he was watching the snow fall outside, expression unreadable with that intense gaze of his. The black Peacoat was dusted with melted snowflakes, and the red scarf was thrown loosely around his neck. Not only did he look… lonely, but also annoyingly good.
Approaching his former rival, Sonic blinked, mid-step.
“No way,” he muttered to himself. “You, of all people, on a Christmas train?”
Shadow turned his head at the sound of Sonic’s voice. His eyes widened not much, but enough for Sonic to catch it before they narrowed back into their usual half-lidded calm.
“…Sonic,” he said cautiously.
A beat.
“Heyyy Shads,” Sonic said, both hands raised in mock innocence. “Fancy seeing you somewhere cheerful for once!”
Shadow scowled. “This was the last train into Station Square. I didn’t have many choices.”
That sounded like Shadow, straight to the point, allergic to anything cozy on principle.
Sonic grinned and turned towards the seat across, ready to sit. “Lucky me then.”
Then, the train lurched.
Hard.
He stumbled sideways…
And collided straight into the ebony hedgehog’s side, bumping shoulders, and their faces a bit too close for comfort. Well, at least for Shadow that is.
His drink nearly toppled, but he caught it with reflexes so fast Sonic was almost surprised.
“Whoa, shoot, sorry!” Sonic winced. “Didn’t mean to crash your… brooding corner.”
The striped hedgehog looked up slowly, locking crimson eyes onto Sonic’s for a bit longer than anticipated. “You should watch your footing.”
Sonic internally cursed himself and tried to laugh it off, not wanting to maintain distance, but nevertheless getting up. “Yeah, I usually run too fast to trip on anything. Guess the train’s got more attitude than I expected.”
Shadow’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Are you hurt?”
Sonic blinked, a bit amused. “Me? Nah. I bounce.”
“…That’s obvious,” the other muttered, but it wasn’t entirely unkind.
Okay, Sonic thought, maybe this train ride wouldn’t be boring, and flopped into the seat across from him without asking permission.
Shadow’s glare deepened, but there was something else underneath it. A tiny flicker of something Sonic wasn’t sure about, but the warmth of the train seemed to emphasize it.
“Relax,” Sonic said, leaning back. “It’s the holiday season, no harm in spending a jolly train ride with me.” He winked.
Shadow sipped his drink. “That comment suggests you think I’d wanna spend it with you.”
“Ouch. I’m sure you don’t mean it, though, edgehog.”
“Hmph, maybe I don’t.”
“Oooooh, what was that again?”
“Don’t make me regret saying that.”
Sonic’s grin softened into something more genuine.
He hadn’t seen Shadow in months. Last he’d heard, the guy had taken a job at some corporate research facility out in the mountains. Seeing him like this, looking tired, alone, but warm in the train’s amber glow, it signed Sonic right up for nostalgia he didn’t expect. Had he missed him?
“So,” Sonic said, breaking the moment. “What’s the occasion that you’re dressed all fancy all of a sudden?”
Shadow stiffened for a mere second, clearing his throat. “Perhaps I just have a better fashion sense than you. I mean, I am the ultimate lifeform after all.” He gave Sonic a quick glance over to his average winter clothing.
Yeah, you are. Sonic thought, but snapped right back from his thoughts, blinking rapidly. “Hey! I just came back from running some errands. I can easily outstyle you any day of the week!”
Shadow only scoffed, returning his gaze towards the window. “Maybe try harder next time?”
Sonic could only roll his eyes, knowing full well that this was rage bait. The ebony hedgehog technically learned from him after all the bantering in between missions, so he shouldn’t really be complaining.
“So Station Square, right?”
Shadow nodded.
“Same.” Sonic leaned forward conspiratorially. “You going for Christmas stuff or work stuff?”
Shadow hesitated, and that alone was enough of an answer.
“…Christmas,” he admitted quietly.
Sonic blinked. “Wait, seriously? You celebrate Christmas?”
“I’m visiting Rouge and Omega. They insist on decorating the entire apartment.”
Sonic laughed bright and warm. Shadow looked mildly offended at the reaction.
“Sorry,” Sonic said quickly. “It’s cute. I didn’t know you did that. I kinda figured you stayed home with a book and glared at the fireplace until it warmed out of fear.”
Shadow deadpanned at him.
“Wait, let me guess, Rouge bought you those clothes.”
The ultimate lifeform narrowed his eyes, “How’d you know?”
The blue blur simply shrugged. “I mean, why else would you be covered up in cozy designer clothes? It’s not like you’d need them?”
Shadow lowered his gaze, “There is a point at which I sometimes do… get a chill, hedgehog, especially considering these extreme weather conditions.”
Blue ears perked up. “Oh? So, the ultimate life form does get cold after all!”
Now it was Shadow’s turn to roll his eyes, “Just a chill.”
Sonic had a way of making a room brighter just by being there. Shadow hated to admit it, mostly because Sonic would never let him live it down, but it was true.
He’d boarded the train fully expecting to spend the ride in silence. Solitude had always been easier… cleaner. Less chance of someone asking about feelings he didn’t know how to untangle.
Then, Sonic burst into the lounge car like a gust of warm air, snow still melting off his quills, eyes sparkling with mischief and something Shadow refused to identify. Suddenly, Shadow wasn’t thinking about solitude at all.
He was thinking about the way Sonic’s scarf hung crooked, or the way his thin coat didn’t match, but somehow still looked good. He was thinking about how Sonic leaned forward when he spoke, as if every conversation were a secret.
He was thinking too much.
“What are you drinking?” Sonic asked, jolting Shadow out of his thoughts.
Shadow cleared his throat. “Hot cocoa.”
Sonic’s whole face lit up. “Shadow. Buddy. Pal. Are you telling me you’re drinking the most wholesome beverage in existence?”
“It was on the menu,” Shadow said, defensive for no reason.
“Uh-huh. Sure. That’s how it starts. One cocoa next to a window, and suddenly you’re starring in a romance movie.”
Shadow’s jaw clenched. “Sonic…”
“No, no, I get it,” Sonic said, smug. “Brooding loner, warm drink, Christmas vibe, very dramatic. Bet the narrator’s losing their mind right now.”
Shadow gave him a poker face. Sonic winked again.
Shadow hated how warm his chest felt.
The train hit a curve, and carols drifted louder from the speakers with the soft bells, strings, and a gentle choir. Sonic felt something flutter in him, and he glanced at Shadow, who was watching the falling snow.
He looked peaceful.
Sonic swallowed.
“So uh,” Sonic said, trying to sound casual but failing slightly, “Wanna walk around the train? Stretch our legs? Maybe step out into the vestibule?”
Shadow quirked a brow. “Why?”
“Because sitting still is death,” Sonic said dramatically.
Shadow sighed. “Fine. Dramatic as always.”
But he stood.
They walked down the corridor together, their shoulders brushing as passengers dozed under warm blankets, wreaths hung along the walls, and little LED snowflakes twinkled above the doors. The train smelled faintly like pine and cinnamon.
Sonic felt something warm tugging at him. He wasn’t sure what it meant yet. Maybe it was just the cozy vibe of the train.
As they wandered the train, Sonic pointed out decorations with childish excitement.
“Look, Shads, they put tiny scarves on the reindeer figurines!”
Shadow tried hard not to smile. “I can see that.”
“The Christmas tree in the lounging car is like… wow.” Sonic slowed as they reached it. “It’s huge.”
Shadow had to admit it, the tree was impressive. Ornaments gleamed in gold and silver, little fake candles glowed between the branches, and a model train circled the base, chugging quietly. Sonic crouched to watch it, chin in his hands.
Shadow watched Sonic instead.
When Sonic stood, he nearly bumped into Shadow again, their chests brushing.
“Oh, sorry,” Sonic said, breath catching.
“It’s fine.” Shadow’s voice was low. Very low.
The train shifted. Their bodies pressed closer.
Shadow didn’t back away.
Neither did Sonic.
His heart thudded.
Shadow’s gaze flicked to his lips.
Sonic’s breath hitched.
And then…
A child ran past them toward the tree, giggling and pulling her mother with her. Shadow stepped back instantly, breaking whatever moment that had been.
Sonic exhaled slowly.
“C’mon,” he said, voice soft. “Let’s keep going.”
They walked again, quieter this time. Way more aware.
By the time they returned to the lounge car, most passengers had gone to sleep. The lights had dimmed to a warm amber glow, and the windows were completely fogged up. Snow outside fell thin and slowly compared to before, a white curtain swallowing the world.
Soft bells chimed over the speaker system. A conductor’s voice came through, soft and warm. “Ladies and gentlemen, just a small note. The dining car has been decorated for tonight’s Christmas celebration! Feel free to stop by for cocoa and cookies, and watch your step near the doorway!”
Sonic froze.
Shadow stiffened.
Their eyes met.
“…You thinking what I’m thinking?” Sonic whispered.
Shadow swallowed. “No.”
“You liar.”
Shadow exhaled sharply. “Sonic-”
“We’re going,” Sonic said, already making his way towards the dining car.
The striped hedgehog ultimately followed the blue blur with a sigh, yet he couldn’t help but smile.
The dining car was indeed festive. The staff had gone all out, and the smell from fresh-baked goodies filled the place. A few people were gathered around, enjoying the treats and having a good time. Shadow’s admiring trance was interrupted by Sonic handing him some gingerbread cookies and a warm cup.
“Got you a peppermint mocha since you’d already gotten the hot cocoa.”
“You didn’t have to, but… thanks.”
“Sure thing, wanna step outside for a wee bit? Seems like the storm calmed down.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
Sonic was munching on the many cookies he got, trying to taste every flavor, while Shadow calmly enjoyed his gingerbread cookie and sipped at his coffee. They got to the outside balcony vestibule, and surprisingly, there was no one. It was also decorated with a dim ambiance, definitely festive but not too bright. It was definitely cold but bearable since there wasn’t much wind anymore.
They both looked around the fancy place, and Shadow was the one to break the silence. “I wasn’t expecting this to taste… good.” Pointing at the last bite of his cookie.
Sonic nudged him. “You’re very talkative tonight.”
Shadow gave him a look. “That’s your influence.”
Sonic grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“…It was meant as one,” Shadow said quietly.
Sonic blinked, eyebrows raised. “You… I like this new you. Although I’ve always liked you.” He chuckled slightly.
“Is that supposed to imply something else?” Shadow approached the blue hero closer.
“I-” Sonic got cut off by the stammering train with a sudden gush of wind going past them. He shivered and quickly held onto the well-balanced ebony hedgehog at his side.
“Easy there. Here, hold this.” Shadow handed Sonic his almost empty cup of coffee, and the blue blur relinquished at the warm feeling in his hands. Meanwhile, his former rival took off his cozy jacket and wrapped it around the hero. Classic.
“Better?” He fondly looked at Sonic.
“Yeah… thanks, Shads.” He subconsciously snuggled up against white chest fluff before realizing what he was doing and pulled away, flustered, voice kinda squeaky, “Ohemgee, sorry-”
Shadow couldn’t help but chuckle at the blue blur’s reaction. To be totally honest with himself, he wasn’t that surprised by the contact. He kind of… liked it?
“It’s okay. I suppose it is a bit chilly after all.” He was the one who stepped closer and wrapped the neckline of the jacket closely around the cobalt hedgehog and stood there, hands unmoving.
They looked into each other's eyes under the dim light before Sonic’s eyes caught sight of a certain green thing hanging from the ceiling.
Wait.
Was that a freaking mistletoe?
Shadow wondered what Sonic was looking at and followed his gaze, only to internally panic and rapidly look back down again, trying to read the hedgehog’s facial expression. Instead, Sonic only rested his free hand on one of Shadow's wrists, where they still latched onto the jacket’s neckline.
The blue hero calmly said, “You know, I didn’t realize how much I’d missed you these past three months.”
Shadow had to give him credit for his boldness, which caught him off guard. He lowered his voice, sounding deeply into blue ears. “I’m glad to be back.”
A second passed before Shadow moved one of his hands upwards, and Sonic’s breath hitched, glancing from Shadow’s hand to locking eyes with the ultimate life form. He didn’t hesitate to move Shadow’s hand to cradle his cheek, his own hand on top of his.
“We don’t have to… y’know, we can just stay like-”
“I’d like to, though.”
Sonic’s brain stopped computing for a few seconds, but he grinned once he was done processing the words. “Let’s honor tradition then.”
He was the one to close the distance between the two. Warmth bloomed instantly. Soft, slow, and cautious at first, then deeper as Shadow’s hands found Sonic’s waist. Sonic leaned in, melting into the moment, into the warmth, into him. The world outside was a pure white snow that disappeared into a white noise. The kiss was warm despite the cold world outside, slow and soft and shockingly tender. Their lips pressing softly against each other until Shadow playfully nipped at Sonic’s lower lip, earning him one too. He slightly chuckled, allowing Sonic to press the tip of his tongue against those canines, and Shadow gave in. French kissing it was, as they mingled their tongues against one another’s, and shifting their head positions in a steady rhythm, until they ran out of air. Both panting and faintly flushed only made Sonic giggle lightly.
“Mmmmm… peppermint mocha.”
Shadow huffed out a laugh and pulled Sonic closer. The blue blur melded into him, heart racing, snow melting on his quills.
The train hummed beneath them. Carols drifted through the air, sweet and distant. The world felt small, safe, and shimmering. Snow fell gently as warmth and light wrapped around them like a gift.
Sonic rested his head against Shadow’s shoulder and intertwined their fingers.
“Merry Christmas, Shads.”
“Merry Christmas, Sonic.”