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“Could I sit here?”
Shadow looks to his right from where he’s sitting and sees a hedgehog standing by the bench, all bundled up in a fur jacket and a ridiculously wide hat. His eyes are obstructed by a comically large pair of sunglasses, and Shadow has to resist the urge to wrinkle his nose in disbelief. The sight is almost appalling, especially with it quite literally being the middle of autumn.
“Okay,” Shadow mutters, because he isn’t that much of an asshole. He scoots over, and then a little more, because this guy seems a bit too weird for his liking.
“Thanks a million,” the hedgehog says, flashing a grin from beneath his sunglasses as he sits down. Shadow nods in turn.
In the corner of Shadow’s eye, the hedgehog is—well, he’s being as normal as a guy could get, scrolling on his phone as just about else anyone would. What’s ticking Shadow off and setting off alarm bells in his head is the hedgehog’s outfit, because, really, under what circumstances would anyone need to put on such an absurd hat? It’s a wide-brimmed sun hat that doesn’t even go with his dense fur jacket, nor with his bright red shoes.
The guy needs to pick a side. He’s wearing the warmest jacket that Shadow thinks he’s ever seen, on top of his awful sun hat and chunky sunglasses. It’s chilly out, and the combination doesn’t even look good. Maybe he’s hiding something, or hiding from someone, because why else would he need to go out in such a get-up?
After a minute or so of useless pondering, Shadow decides that he doesn’t care. It isn’t his business what this stranger does with his wardrobe, even if it sort of pains Shadow to even look at. Admittedly, Shadow really doesn’t want to get himself involved in whatever ulterior motives—or crimes, probably—that the guy has in mind. So, he flicks his phone on and purses his lips as he scrolls mindlessly.
He’s not sure when it happens, but, at some point, a girl approaches the bench in his peripheral vision, and she’s looking at the blue hedgehog as if he had just changed her life. There are stars in her eyes as she takes a split second to look him up and down, and Shadow doesn’t quite understand what could be so appealing about this guy’s style. Maybe it’s some sort of fashion trend that he hasn’t caught onto. He doesn’t think he ever wants to.
“Um, excuse me,” she begins sheepishly, “are you Sonic?”
The hedgehog startles a bit as he meets the girl’s gaze—through his chunky sunglasses, of course—and he seems to feel awkward for a moment before he laughs. “Nah. Wrong guy,” he responds, seemingly trying to choke out his words and put a rasp in his voice.
The girl gasps the moment he speaks. “It is you!” she exclaims, her voice shrill. “No way. I’m such a big fan! I love your music so, so much!”
Shadow raises an eyebrow. Fan? Music? What does this guy even do? Shadow doesn’t think he’s ever heard of a Sonic; maybe the guy is a local small-town artist or something like that.
The hedgehog—Sonic, apparently—lets out a sigh before he shifts demeanor entirely and smiles. “Thanks a ton! It means a lot.”
“Oh, um, of course!” the girl blurts out, stammering over her words. “Could I get an autograph? Or a picture? Or both?”
“…Autograph is fine.”
“Okay!” She scrambles to open her purse, fumbling with the items inside until she pulls out a shiny album CD and a permanent marker as if she’s been preparing for this moment her entire life. “Here!”
Shadow tries to get a good look at the cover of the album, but he can’t make it out; either way, it isn’t something he thinks he’s ever seen before. Sonic takes the items and signs the CD with a small, tired smile on his face before handing it back. “There ya go. Have a great one, alright? And try not to tell anyone you saw me.”
“Oh, okay! Thank you so, so much! I—uh, I won’t—I mean, you have a great day too!” she rambles quickly, stumbling over her words one too many times before bowing twice in thanks and scurrying off.
Shadow looks on, bewildered. Sonic takes notice and grimaces, waving a hand dismissively before shrinking in on himself against the back of the bench and trying to go back to his phone. For the sake of his own sanity, Shadow complies and tries to ignore it.
In all honesty, Shadow doesn’t give two shits whether he’s sitting next to either some underground indie artist or a world-renowned popstar, because it still isn’t his business; he doesn’t know who this guy is, nor does he really care to. In Shadow’s opinion, the guy’s got too much of an ego, because Shadow has only ever seen an outfit like his in movies. He’s sure that the girl was just some sort of super fan.
Except, he must be wrong, because another girl shows up before he knows it—and she’s brought a friend with her, which is just great. It isn’t long before another girl pops up, and then another, and, suddenly, there are two dozen girls just surrounding this guy.
Their voices are loud and piercing in Shadow’s ears, and he doesn’t think he’s ever wanted to die more badly than he does now. That’s die rather than leave because he can’t even leave; he’s stuck on this stupid bench caged in fangirls with their CDs out. Seriously—why has everyone apparently prepared themselves for this exact moment?
Shadow just succumbs to his distress after about two minutes and exhales a deep breath, because it’s difficult to breathe properly when he’s surrounded by girls screaming over the foolishly-dressed hedgehog on his right. What kind of guy is he that people are even able to recognize him in this outfit? Why does Shadow have to be stuck in this mess? It’s absurd.
He turns on his phone and shoves his earbuds in, turning on the noise cancellation and cranking up the volume because he’d rather be anywhere but here. The park is supposed to be relaxing, for Chaos’s sake.
Five minutes pass, and the crowd hasn’t dispersed whatsoever. It’s seriously ridiculous, and what’s more ridiculous is that Rouge decides to text him even though he has Do Not Disturb on.
[12:04] Rouge: Shadow?
[12:04] Rouge: Arent u at emerald park rn?
[12:05] Me: Yes. Why
[12:05] Rouge: Holy shit
[12:05] Rouge: Shadow tell me right now
[12:05] Rouge: Is he there???
[12:05] Me: Who
[12:05] Rouge: SONIC
Is she serious?
[12:06] Me: Who the fuck is Sonic
[12:06] Rouge: From dreamboat express?? Hello????
[12:06] Rouge: The internet is going crazy rn saying hes at emerald park so tell me is he there
Dreamboat Express? He’s heard the name a couple times, and he knows at least that Cream is a huge fan of them. To him, though, they’ve always seemed like the stereotypical heart-throb boy band… and the crowd around Sonic is mere evidence of that.
It’s a bit ridiculous that Sonic’s location is already going wild on the Internet, given the fact that he’s been here for less than twenty minutes, but go figure.
[12:07] Me: Yes
[12:07] Rouge: Shadow holy shit go talk to him
[12:07] Me: Why would I do that?
[12:08] Rouge: So u can take a picture with him??
[12:08] Me: I’m not a fan of him
[12:08] Rouge: Well cream would go crazy if she found out u met THE sonic and decided to do nothing about it
[12:08] Me: He clearly doesn’t want to be disturbed
[12:08] Rouge: Wdym?
[12:09] Me: He showed up in the worst outfit I’ve ever seen a person wear
[12:09] Me: Sunglasses, sun hat, fur coat
[12:09] Rouge: Like in the movies??
[12:09] Me: Like in the movies
[12:09] Rouge: Okay still
[12:10] Rouge: Wait back up wdym by “showed up”??
[12:10] Rouge: Did u watch him come in?
[12:10] Me: Yes
[12:10] Rouge: And then? Whatd he do??
[12:10] Me: He sat next to me
[12:10] Rouge: Are u fucking SERIOUS
It cannot be that big of a deal.
[12:11] Rouge: Well clearly he doesnt mind YOU so go take a pic
[12:11] Rouge: Do it for cream
[12:11] Me: What am I supposed to do?
[12:11] Me: He’s still surrounded
[12:11] Rouge: Hon idk pretend to be his bodyguard or something
Shadow leaves her on read, because that’s the most stupid idea he’s ever heard. Instead, he sighs, tucking his phone into his pocket and plucking out his earbuds. He maneuvers himself around so that he can at least move, before reaching around the fangirl that’s now sitting next to him on the bench—when did she get there?—and tapping Sonic on the shoulder.
Surprisingly, Sonic actually notices him amidst the chaos, and he’s got such a desperate look on his face that Shadow can sense it from beneath the dark sunglasses. To save his own pride, though, Shadow doesn’t pretend to be a bodyguard; instead, he just stands from the bench and grabs Sonic by the wrist, dragging him out of the sea of fangirls.
Behind him, he hears high-pitched cries of Sonic’s name on top of a few quick footsteps, and he starts to think he’s losing his mind as he walks a little faster. It doesn’t take long before they’re out of the park, fangirls off their tails. They’re in some secluded area of the city, which really isn’t the most safe place given the atmosphere, but there aren’t many people around.
Sonic sighs and drags a hand down the side of his face. “We could’ve moved a lot faster than that, y’know.”
Shadow scrunches up his face a little, letting go of Sonic’s wrist. “I just saved you.”
At that, Sonic smiles, turning to face Shadow while taking off his sunglasses. “Yeah, guess you did. Thanks.”
Beneath the sunglasses, Shadow can finally see Sonic’s eyes. They’re bright and green and more brilliant than anything that Shadow has ever seen, almost like the sun with the way Sonic is smiling. It’s a bit enrapturing, somehow, and Shadow can’t really think of what to say until he remembers that—
“I need a picture,” says Shadow.
Sonic blinks. “What?”
“I need to take a picture with you.”
“…For real?” Sonic asks after a brief pause, his tone incredulous with this sort of bewildered look in his eyes.
“Yes.”
“I didn’t think you knew who I was.”
“I don’t,” says Shadow. “It’s for my little sister.”
“Aw, that’s sweet,” Sonic says with this soft smile on his face, and it’s a little patronizing. “Alright, alright. Since you asked so nicely.”
“I didn’t.”
“It’s sarcasm, my guy,” Sonic says, rolling his eyes and grinning back at Shadow. “C’mon, let’s get that picture.”
Shadow sighs and pulls out his phone, ignoring the many text messages that Rouge has sent him. He opens his camera and brings himself and Sonic into the frame.
Sonic wrinkles his nose. “Geez, man,” he mutters, grabbing the phone before Shadow can take the picture, “you really need to work on your angles.”
Watching his phone get practically snatched from his hand, Shadow startles. “What?”
“I’m just saying. You suck at taking photos.”
“I didn’t even take it yet.”
“Yeah, and good thing, too,” Sonic quips, moving the phone around until he seems satisfied with the angle. “I wasn’t looking forward to taking any pictures today, but I’m doing this just because you’re pretty. Capiche?”
“…Excuse me?”
Sonic smiles and holds up a peace sign before snapping a few pictures.
Once he’s done, he checks the pictures and bursts out laughing. “Dude, you look so confused! You could’ve at least smiled, you know.”
Shadow furrows his eyebrows. “It was because of what you said just now.”
“What, that you’re pretty?” Sonic grins as he turns back to face Shadow. “C’mon, I was just kidding. Uh, I mean, not that you aren’t pretty, but I’m mostly doin’ it because you helped me out. And for your little sister. And maybe also just a little bit because you’re pretty.”
The answer is satisfactory enough, even though the last bit gives Shadow’s chest a weird feeling. Shadow sighs, taking the phone back and tucking it into his pocket. “Why were you sitting at the park by yourself if you didn’t want to be recognized?”
Sonic grimaces. “I was waiting for my brother so we could hang out. We usually meet at his place, but he was away, so I had to wait at the park. And now he’s late. Chaos, I should let him know that I’m, like, not there anymore…”
While Sonic pulls out his phone to text his brother, Shadow tucks his hands into his pockets. “I’m leaving, then.”
“What—hey, wait,” Sonic says quickly, grabbing Shadow’s elbow as if Shadow had even made a move to leave in the first place. “Come on. I didn’t even get your name.”
“Why do you need to know?”
“You saved me. And you’re pretty.”
“Will you stop saying that?” Shadow murmurs through gritted teeth. Sonic raises his hands by his head with a smug grin on his face. “It’s Shadow.”
Sonic stares at him for a moment, his eyes a bit dazed, and Shadow can’t help but be a little creeped out until Sonic smiles. “Shadow, huh? I’m Sonic.”
“I know.”
“Yeah? I thought you didn’t.”
“There were about thirty girls crowding around you and screaming your name less than ten minutes ago.”
“…Touché.”
“Besides,” Shadow begins with a shrug, “you’re apparently a pop sensation. The face of Dreamboat Express.”
Sonic’s eyes widen a bit, and then he laughs. “Chaos,” Sonic breathes amidst snickers, “please don’t say that. Our name is so stupid.”
Shadow fails to understand what’s so funny about him telling the truth, but he simply hums in reply. “You know my name now, so I’m leaving.”
“Dude,” Sonic groans, his laughter fading out, “do you hate me, or what?”
“I never said that.”
“I thought we were having some great conversation,” Sonic rambles, gesturing with his hands. “We get along well, don’t you think?”
“…I guess.”
“Right! C’mon, give me your number.” Sonic pulls out his phone and shoves it against Shadow’s pocket, where his hand is tucked inside.
“Why,” says Shadow, his voice implying more of a statement than a question.
“Because you’re pre—”
“Why,” Shadow repeats with narrowed eyes, because he’ll be damned if he takes you’re pretty for an answer one more time.
Sonic startles for a moment before he snickers. “I just wanna keep talkin’ to ya. Plus, you gotta update me about your little sister. Like, uh, let me know how she reacts, y’know?”
Unfortunately, the reason isn’t too irrational, so there isn’t much Shadow can do about it. Shadow sighs and pulls his hand out of his pocket, taking Sonic’s phone. He turns it on and shoves the screen in Sonic’s face to activate the facial recognition, to which Sonic’s eyes widen and he laughs once again. It’s a nice sound.
Reluctantly, he types in his contact information, saving the name simply as Shadow before handing the phone back.
“Thanks a million,” Sonic says just as he had before, waving the phone around with a smile on his face. “I’ll text you. Let’s hang out sometime.”
Shadow looks to the ground, unsure of how to respond, before he nods just once. “Okay.”
Sonic’s phone buzzes, and he balances on the heels of his sneakers. “Brother’s calling! Gotta run. See you, Shadow!”
Before Shadow knows it, Sonic is gone, and Shadow blinks at the empty sight before him. He remembers, then, what Sonic had said earlier—we could’ve moved a lot faster than that.
Well. Clearly, he was being serious, but maybe he should’ve told Shadow that beforehand. Shadow was trying to be merciful for once so that Sonic wouldn’t fall behind.
He leans against the nearest building and turns on his phone, finally getting to Rouge’s text messages.
[12:12] Rouge: Shadow??
[12:12] Rouge: Hello???
[12:14] Rouge: Are u talking to sonic?
[12:14] Rouge: I bet u are
[12:20] Rouge: Okay literally what are you doing
[12:24] Rouge: ???
[12:28] Me: I got the picture
[12:28] Me: [Attachment: 1 Image]
[12:28] Rouge: YES
[12:29] Rouge: Why in the world did it take u twenty minutes
[12:29] Me: He wouldn’t leave me alone
[12:29] Rouge: ??? What
[12:29] Me: He kept talking to me
[12:29] Rouge: Abouttt?
[12:30] Me: I don’t know
[12:30] Me: He kept calling me pretty. He made me give him my number
[12:32] Rouge: Shadow what the FUCK
[12:32] Rouge: ELABORATE
[12:34] Rouge: DONT LEAVE ME ON READ ASSHOLE
[12:36] Rouge: SHADOW
When Shadow gets home, he ignores Rouge’s incessant pestering and goes into his room before searching up Dreamboat Express on his phone. He puts in his earbuds and plays their most popular song.
It isn’t generic pop. It’s alternative rock, and it’s good. It’s good enough that Shadow spends the next few hours playing each track on each album, doing nothing but soaking in every one of Sonic’s fry screams and every fast-paced guitar solo.
They’re incredible. Shadow hates to admit it, but Dreamboat Express is incredible.
[4:38] Unknown: heyy it’s sonic!
[4:38] Unknown: could u send me the picture from earlier? :)
[5:02] Me: [Attachment: 1 Image]
[5:04] Sonic: thanks pretty :^)
[5:04] Sonic: we’re going out for ice cream tomorrow btw be here at 2
[5:04] Sonic: [Location attached]
[5:05] Me: What
[5:06] Sonic: 🤘