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Green eyes rested on where their ceiling would be, mind struggling to build a visual through the darkness that filled their bedroom. Emptiness and silence, disrupted only by mental imagery when they blinked and distant crickets outside their window—not nearly enough to break it.
The silence stood as oppressive as the despair that had weighed them down since their fallback into this lonely routine.
Life went on.
Of course it did.
Barry, as much as they wished it were otherwise, knew that the Mirage Express and the friend group they'd briefly intermingled with was only a chapter of their life. They'd parted ways, and Sonic wasn't the kind of person who looked back, so they tried not to be either.
They tried moving forward to new horizons; new jobs and new opportunities that never truly went anywhere. They'd applied to so many jobs they'd lost count, been fired from and had to drop just so many they wished they couldn't keep count, and run so low on options they had applied to a carnival. A carnival!
Their ears burned hot with shame for the entire phone call, heat remaining long after when they'd stepped foot where the carnival was being set up. Their embarrassment was rampant, but the interview had gone surprisingly well, all things considered.
Their interviewer was kind throughout and reassuring about their obvious insecurity, and Barry had left feeling a little less anxious about it all, but no less ashamed. It'd chased them throughout the first few days of training, haunting every step and every action, that they'd fallen so far they had to resort to a job like this. Not a real, not even meaningful, job.
At least it'd be fun, Barry tried to assure themselves, as they rolled onto their side and curled their paws by their head. It'd be fine. Morning would come soon, and they'd work, and forget all about this negativity while they were serving carnival-goers hotdogs.
Their only remaining obstacle was falling asleep.
Sighing soft, they pressed their head deeper against their pillow, and squeezed their eyes shut.
Sleep.
The next day's evening had started off as lamely as they'd expected. Preparations and whatnot as they arrived early—typical stuff, they assumed, for a carnival starting up. The first hour had passed in a boring, not very blue blur. They'd been performing in methodical, practiced movements throughout its duration and offering false niceties to their customers, per their job requirements.
All had been going smoothly, as slowly and as utterly boringly as expected. There was a customer-service smile plastered to their face as they offered an "Enjoy!" alongside the hot-dog, until their gaze went wayward and their movement came to a screeching halt.
Barry didn't really process the new emptiness in their hand when the customer took their order, nor the questioning glance cast their way, when a familiar cocky tone met their ears and familiar cobalt quills met their eyes.
Sonic's head was turned towards his friends, a wink and comment tossed over his shoulder to an exasperated-looking Tails. "C'mon, you know it's the closest substitute," he'd said, steps come to a halt at the stall, "how can I resist?"
The fox rolled his eyes, but couldn't resist the smile that began to tug at his lips as he turned back to Knuckles, commenting something that made him snort. Sonic faced the stall in turn, pausing upon meeting eyes with Barry.
Recognition flickered in his eyes, and it gave them the oddest swirl of anxiety and excitement.
"Huh." There's a pause, where his expression had fallen to a neutral surprise, maybe, before he was bearing that trademark grin again. "Fancy seeing you here. You were at Amy's birthday, right? Barry?"
They're not sure whether he genuinely remembers or if he's reading from their nametag, but it's an irrelevant concern in the moment, sensation intensifying regardless. "Figured you'd gone off somewhere, but I wasn't expecting it to be a carnival."
Barry's mouth twisted in a sheepish smile, unsure what to reply with or even how.
They'd had some familiarity on the train, but it'd been more than two months, and they were still talking with what was basically a celebrity! Their hand had already fallen back to their side, fingers twitching as they grasped for any sort of answer, wiling themselves to spill something—
"—S'good to see you, though," Sonic said, taking it upon himself to break the silence. Barry couldn't hide their relief. "The triple deluxe?"
"On it!"
The words come more hurried than they intend, they can tell from the way his lips quirk higher, but the job takes precedence over the embarrassment warming their ears and muzzle.
Bun, triple dogs, drizzle condiments and sprinkle onions and cheese, and plate! Or tray...?
Barry offers the order in a—what they hope is—subtly trembling hand. Sonic takes the thing swiftly.
The whole thing's down his throat in two swift bites before they can really process it's gone. They take a moment to marvel at his strangely absent gag reflex, as the hedgehog wipes his mouth with the back of a hand. "Could use some chili.. maybe I'll make a suggestion to the guys running this place. No complaints on the service, though."
A wink, and Sonic is spinning on his heel, turned for his friends.
Barry tries to ignore the twist in their chest when he begins to walk away again.
Barry tries to ignore the twist in their chest when he halts, turning back to them and considering something. "Y'know, there wasn't much time to get to know you, what with... being dead and all." They can infer what 'and all' means.
"I know you've got another job to do here, but I wouldn't mind having you tag along for the games. Wanna see if Tails' statements on you being a 'great sidekick' are accurate," he spoke, smirk ever-present and ever-friendly.
Sonic the Hedgehog was inviting them to hang out.
Sonic the Hedgehog.
Them.
Barry's sure their swallow was visible, sure their heartbeat was loud and fast enough to be audible—but did it really matter? Sonic wanted to spend time with them. Not out of obligation, not because of a birthday party gone sideways, but out of curiosity.
"I'd.. I'd love to."
They hoped that didn't sound too eager, but was it not fair to be when getting a chance to reconnect with Sonic?
"Great! C'mon."
Sonic had waited until they'd taken a hesitant step from around the stall to reach for wrist, tugging them along over to Knuckles and Tails.
Warmth crept up their neck when the pair looked over, both pausing just as Sonic had. He'd spoken first, grin radiant as he gestured to the quokka at his side. "Hey! Found an old friend."
Knuckles considered them for only a moment, offering a nod of greeting, not unlike their first meeting on the Mirage Express. Barry can't say they're surprised he's still distant, but the corner of their lips almost twitch into a smile when he mutters something to Tails they can hear includes 'butler'. Not the first time...
Tails chuckled under his breath but quickly shifted attention, a familiar smile on his muzzle. "Barry? I wasn't expecting to see you here! A carnival is a pretty big jump from a train assistant."
Their sheepish smile returned in full force, hand lifted to scratch at their neck. "Eheh, well.. it was open, so I applied."
"I get it," Tails chuckled, "can't complain about where you find work when you need it. It's nice to see you're doing well, no matter where."
They nodded, and Sonic piped up again. "Figured they could tag along with us for a less life-threatening adventure." Those words had Tails' smile shrinking slightly.
"Weellll... I was leaning more towards gorging myself on cotton candy. They've got a bunch of flavors, y'know! I think there's a mint one." Is he drooling? Barry barely bit back their amusement.
Knuckles simply scoffed, to which Tails raised a brow. "Yeah, I've got other plans."
"...Is it that boxing machine that we saw earlier?"
"I neither confirm or deny."
Sonic and Tails snorted in sync as he promptly stalked off, headed for that very game. Was it so difficult to say so?
Shaking his head, Tails' attention flicked back to the remaining two, namesakes twitching with barely disguised impatience. "Well.. you two have fun. I've got carnival food to stuff my face with!"
Really eager for that cotton candy, they mused. Watching the fox hurry off just as Knuckles had, Barry tore their gaze away and back to Sonic. "...So it's just us, then?"
"Yep. We can still have as much fun without 'em, though," Sonic nudged their side before pulling them along once again. His hand was warm around their wrist, in spite of the fabric separating them. It was a surreal thing, a dream come to life more than anything, to be brought along by Sonic the Hedgehog to play carnival games. Should they pinch themselves?
Nervous energy still buzzing beneath—and probably above—the surface, Barry spoke up again. "What are we playing first?"
Sonic hummed in thought, expression shortly lighting up. "You know those water gun games?"
Barry brightened in turn. Sonic's energy was contagious, a balm to their lingering anxieties—it confused them, how he could so effortlessly... whatever and however he does it. The thought lingers as they speak. "Yeah! One of my favorites."
"Then we're playing it first!" Jerked and dragged along by their hand, Barry swallowed a sound of surprise as they stumbled after their speedy blue... acquaintance? Friend didn't fit right, not yet.
Sonic's speed shone even in walking. In short time, mere seconds, they'd already arrived at the stall.
In big bold lettering, water splashes that looked more like paint splatters plastered behind, were the words "WATER BLASTING BASH!" In lighter font beneath, the game's contents were detailed. "SHOOT DOWN RUBBER DUCKIES! — RACE AGAINST FRIENDS AND TIME! — GAIN ENOUGH POINTS AND WIN A PRIZE!" Across the side wall of the stall were plushies strung up, all of chao, flickies, and many such creatures, but also a few of Sonic—the hedgehog in question had snorted at the sight before nudging Barry's side. "Race, huh? I'm so winning this."
"Yeah, probably."
He'd blinked, expression deadpan as he turned to them. "C'mon. You're supposed to be competitive. Get into the spirit!"
Barry blinked back. "Oh, uh.."
How do they be appropriately competitive?
"..In your dreams?" It's awkwardly offered.
Sonic sighed, faintly amused. They're not sure if they should be embarrassed.
"We'll work on it," he says.
But for now, they focus on games.
Barry moved to pay this time, extending the rings Sonic had earlier paid them to the exasperated looking vendor. Didn't matter as long as the funds stayed within the carnival, right?
Aforementioned worker accepted the rings and slid them into the register in practiced movements that read almost mechanical, back to the duo as she began to start-up the attraction and explain the game.
Vaguely gesturing to the water guns in front of them, she spoke. "You'll be playing with those. Please don't splash each-other. Try to get the most points, etcetera. You know the drill."
Sonic scooped up his choice first, and Barry followed suit, shifting the water gun in their hands until it found a comfortable placement.
"Ready?" The girl at the stall had questioned, and they both nodded, a gesture met with churning water as the game began.
Splashing is all Barry really hears next as rubber ducks on oscillating sticks pass through the various rows in the back—most of the noise can be attributed to Sonic, though.
Still representing purely immobian speed, Sonic had scored over double what they had, all with various whoops and cheers to follow. He grinned wide again when he'd snatched another duckie just as Barry had pressed down against their trigger.
"Too easy!"
Barry's smile crooked awkwardly. They were amused by his energy, but.. more than a little embarrassed by their performance. They'd barely even neared the double digits. "I can tell..."
He'd spared a glance, taking a little pity on them. "Can't keep up? I'll let you snag a few." Teasing, but genuine; not that it'd put a remotely considerable dent in the point gap.
True to his word, he'd slowed his pace, allowing Barry to breach the double digits just before the vendor had called "Time!"
Eleven.. to twenty three.
Sonic snrrked. Barry's ears drooped slightly, but more out of embarrassment than any kind of hurt. It's a pretty pathetic score.
They glanced down at the water gun in their hands, considering splashing Sonic to be playful. Their rising thirst for mischief was snuffed when the worker spoke.
"Good game," she monotoned, "but not enough to earn anything."
"What?"
The vendor rose a brow at Sonic's tone. "Twenty five points for a prize. Tough luck."
Kind of rude for a send-away, but Barry was fine with cutting their losses—Sonic seemed to feel otherwise. His brow was indignantly furrowed, they noted, as they began walking over to another game. It was odd, and a little funny to see him sulk over something like just missing a prize.
"Two points off. Total sham," he'd muttered, just before perking at what they'd stumbled across next—bean bag toss. Any negative energy fled his body as quickly as it'd invaded, and they couldn't help their chuckle.
"Maybe you'll have a chance in this one," Sonic grinned, and Barry tried to match his energy more correctly this time. "Don't count me out yet.. I could give you a run for your money."
"We'll see!"
More rings slid over, more instructions, and they began, heading for a more even match this time, even if Sonic maintained a steady lead.
Sonic tossed another expertly over his shoulder, smirk quirking higher when it thuds against the edge and slides into a middle slot. Two more points to the tally.
"Well, 12-8, and that's the last one. Give it your best shot!" As teasing as it is encouraging. He's strangely good at that, setting their competitive spirit alight—Barry puffed their cheeks up in response.
They've got this. One shot for four, it's all it takes to at least tie.
Another toss, right to the highest slot, but as testament to their unluckiness... it halts right there.
They sigh. Sonic cheers, clearly reveling in his victory. Barry wished they could relate.
"Second win! You sure you wanna keep going?"
"I have to win at least once..."
And they will! Their previous adventure with Sonic had taught them to push forward despite the odds, and they'd apply that confidence now, even if it was.. just to score one little win over the blue blur. Mind over matter!
The pair continued traversal throughout the carnival, picking out some other games.
There's ring tossing third, which Sonic again snatched the win in with a steady lead and flashy quips that made their determination flare all the more. He questioned their resolve again, to which Barry huffily affirmed their stance. Just *one* win against him was all they needed!
Balloon darts were next, and very quickly ended on a mutually agreed draw. It turned out neither of them were particularly great at darts, and Barry decided to call it quits when one had managed to bounce back from a pop and nearly poke them in the eye. Sonic offered a light comment about their misfortune as they arrived at their next destination.
Can Knockdown.
Or, according to the stall's bright and bold lettering, not unlike the rest of the carnival's designs, 'Can-You-Knock'em!?'
Sonic cracked his knuckles, verdant eyes already meeting Barry's, alight with competitive flame. "Alright. Last game, last chance. You ready for this?"
They nodded in an instant, already sliding their rings over the counter to the vendor and reaching for their ball.
The ball fit perfectly in their hand—their best chance at finally dethroning Sonic. Their eyes flitted to the hedgehog in question as he threw and caught the ball repeatedly, gazes meeting for a moment before latching onto the employee. They were setting up the first stacks, cans in a pristine tower once they finally stepped back and gestured to start.
Sonic's quick to throw first, as representative of his speed as ever as it plows through the first tower, but lacking in his accuracy. He made a frustrated sound as the base remained standing, hands resting on his hips as Barry went to make their move.
Tongue poked just slightly between their lips, eyes squinted and focused like this would be the winning strike in a bowling match, they aimed and fired. Angled, as to take out two of the supports, and successfully so. Two of the bottom cups collapsed and took the rest of the tower with, a higher cup knocking down the remaining one.
Barry cheered and pumped a fist in the air; a smile crooked on Sonic's muzzle, deliberately taunting. "Good shot! Can you keep it up?"
They formed a little smile of their own, soft but less hesitant than before. "Focus on your throws first." A chuckle was granted in response, both turned back to the remaining towers.
Sonic readied his aim again, and Barry watched carefully as he rolled his arm before casting another throw, more precise but less powered. It landed off-center, striking the two off the top and one in the middle, but not everything.
Sonic's shoulders hunched in a show of exaggerated despair. "Yeesh. I'm off my game."
"Don't let me win without any contest," Barry nudged him lightly with a shoulder, smile quirking into a smirk. Sonic nudged then back with energy just as playful, mouth tugged into a grin, "Don't get too cocky, pal."
Their shoulders shook in a quiet chuckle as they focused on their next tower, readying their arm again and tossing towards the same place for the same results. They nodded in satisfication when the cups toppled over in unison once again, ear twitching at Sonic's surprised breath. It sent a bloom of warmth in their chest, pride flaring.
"Well, you're good at this. Shame I know your secrets now."
Barry watched as he quickly grabbed his ball, replicating their throw with perfect accuracy—at least, almost perfect. They watched as it soared, knocking down every one of his tower except one of the bottom supports. Sonic groaned again, disbelief and exasperation twisting his expression. "Seriously?"
"Guess you've got my unluckiness now," they smiled, hand brought to their muzzle to muffle the laughter threatening to spill.
"Passing on your curse to me like this is cruel," Sonic sighed woefully, watching as they grabbed their ball again and prepared another throw. His eyes trailed the ball as it sailed, trajectory just off.
Barry's tower crumpled again, leaving two of the base standing. Their smile hadn't abated yet, even as they watched Sonic make his final throw. It wouldn't grant him the win, but there was no shame in trying.
It landed just as it should this time, plowing through the base and leaving everything else to topple. A full knockout, bu too little too late; Sonic sighed, even as his smirk returned. "Just my luck."
Theirs had turned around. "3-1! I finally got a win." They clapped their hands together in quiet celebration, ears pricking up when the employee at the stand spoke.
"You can pick out a prize," he'd nodded behind him towards the various rewards pinned up on the wall, stepping aside for a better view.
Sonic blinked, studying the array with a smile turned grin. "Oh, cool! We get to walk away with something this time."
Barry cast a glance to Sonic before they looked themselves. Flickies, chao—maybe one that's specific to Chao in Space? They haven't watched that since release. Humming, their gaze moves further, over to an apple plush that's strung up alongside an assortment of other fruits. It had black button eyes sewn on and a little smile sewn in, a stumpy brown stem with a leaf hanging from a string vine. It's cute, and they've always liked apples.
"That one?" Barry spoke, pointing towards the small plush before realizing that it may be too vague. "The, uh.. apple."
He gave a nod in return, unhooking it and turning to hand it over.
They carefully accepted it, staring down at the plush. It could fit in just one of their palms. The fabric was soft, they assumed, despite the barrier of their gloves. It looked soft. It looked cute. It needed a name.
"I'm gonna name him Ruben."
"Ruben?" Sonic snorted from beside them before they even realized they'd said it out loud. They blinked twice before nodding, words come more awkwardly.
"Ruben."
"He's cute," he chuckled, glancing at Ruben once more before folding his arms behind his head and shifting topic. "Buuut in relation to food, Tails was on the right track earlier. Wanna get a bite?"
The thought of food made their stomach grumble. Carnival food would be perfect after all of that walking. "Yeah! I haven't had funnel cake in a while."
"Knew I could count on your taste. Funnel cake's the best part." Sonic's eyes glinted as he nudged them with a shoulder before beginning to walk for the stalls, and Barry hurried after. The scents piling in, a weird cacophony of grease and salt and sweet and delicious, make them have to swallow pooling saliva.
Weaving between other carnival-goers, their gaze flicked between some of their other food options, all predictable. Hot dogs, corn dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, even *fried oreos* and pickles... Barry almost feels sick thinking about the sodium intake, but their stomach doesn't care for that, not while they're starving.
Their gaze flicked away from the lineup when they heard Sonic chortle again. "We don't have to stop at funnel cakes. A corn dog sounds perfect right about now."
They aren't surprised that their nearly-salivating was obvious, but their cheeks heat up anyway, a nervous chuckle come with their words. "Right.. I'm gonna go get a pretzel."
"Alright! Meet'cha at the ferris wheel!"
Barry watches him dash away with a still awkward smile, turning their gaze to the stand as their legs had already started to move. They stuffed Ruben into their shirt's pocket as they approached, letting his little eyes peek out for their activities. There'd only been a handful of people lined up, and the line moved quickly. Barry dug into their pockets for the listed count of rings as the next person was handed their order.
"With cheese dip, please?" they began with as they passed the payment over, eyes flicking to the fox across from them. His eyes flicked down to his uniform and his nametag, visibly questioning, before he turned to prepare their order.
Right, they were supposed to be on the job, weren't they?
Well... in too deep now.
Barry smiled weakly and accepted their pretzel, balancing the cheese cup between fingers as they stepped out of the line.
Carefully weaving between more of the crowd, head tilted up to peer over heads, their eyes eventually found the ferris wheel—hard to miss—and Sonic waiting near its line. They could see his foot tapping from here, even though they're sure it'd only been a minute.. guess he was impatient like that.
Smile turning something lightly amused, they slunk through the last of the crowd in their path, shuffling closer until green eyes met theirs. Barry waved their free hand as they approached.
"Took ya long enough," Sonic grinned with a quick pat to their shoulder, using the hand not balancing a funnel cake. They wouldn't be surprised if he's already devoured his. He passed an amused glance to Ruben before he jerked his head towards the line, leading over.
Their head tilted skyward, where the metal frame and bright lighting along it stood imposingly tall. Barry wasn't necessarily acrophobic, but it was pretty high up, and this was a first time to them.
Admiring for a moment, they let their gaze fall back to Sonic, debating on making conversation. No harm in it, considering they'll be waiting a while.
"I've never been on a ferris wheel before."
He hummed. "They're not all they're cracked up to be. Great view, but real slow. Something about safety."
Considering the construct above, his lips crooked again and he nudged them with a shoulder. "But it's a good thing your first time will be with great company."
Barry chuckled, a soft sound, as they turned their gaze forwards, watching the line move another step ahead. "I can't argue with that."
A beat, before they vocalized another passing thought. "Do you think it'll take many cycles to get on?" The line grew slowly shorter, a pair in and out with every shuffle of it closer, but still.
Sonic seemed to share the sentiment. "Longer than I'd like. But a few more and we'll be up."
They nodded, leaving the silence to hang comfortably this time. The quiet murmur of conversation around them was a pleasant backdrop for the wait, unbearably long as it happened to be. At least it's plenty of time to finish their pretzel and the funnel cake as desert.
Barry let their gaze travel while they chewed, between the other people gathered in line. There's families and lovers and friends, all quietly conversating—it's a nice atmosphere, even if it includes the occasional shrill sound of a child. Maybe they'd have to come to more carnivals.
Barry's breath of relief came in sync with Sonic's sigh as they finally made it to the steps.
It moves way faster here, and they find themselves boarded before long.
Barry slid onto the seat on one side, softly cushioned and more comfortable than they'd expected. They gave the fabric a contemplative stroke with a hand.
Sonic plopped across from them and folded one leg over the other, slumped into the seat like he'd already decided it home. The worker shut the door and locked it right behind them as the cabin slowly rose, safety bars clicking in place.
Barry peered through the windows, down to the growing distance between them and ground level, watching the people below become smaller and smaller.
"Wonder if we could see Knuckles or Tails from up here," piped Sonic as he leaned to look out alongside them.
"Ahh.. I think I see Knuckles over there!" Their tone shifted slightly amused when they spotted the punching bag machine mentioned earlier. It's been broken off, if they're seeing correctly, and there's a big grin stretched wide on the echidna's face.
Sonic snorted beside them. "Knucks. Never not boastful."
...He must've noticed their look when he glanced, laughter coming in a snort. "Two things can be true."
"I don't think you can speak on it, though."
"Real discriminatory," he'd sighed heavier than his heart really was, back of his hand thrown over his forehead as he threw himself back in his seat. Barry's expression was unchanged from purely skeptical, even as he peeked between fingers.
"...Not even a smile?"
"No," they replied, but their face was soon cracking in a grin. Their chuckle was involuntary, light as they turned to the window. Regardless of Sonic's playful dramatics, they wanted to enjoy the view while they were up.
"Tough crowd."
Barry snrrked and brought a hand to their muzzle. "Your jokes really are bad."
"Okay, okay, enough on me," Sonic laughed, sidling up to the window next to them. He flashed them another playful grin. "Let's enjoy the view."
And the view was incredible, easily enjoyed.
From above, the bright expanse of the carnival was entirely visible. Crowds of little people and little faces, surrounded by bright lights that shone almost as brightly as the stars in the sky. Barry could see all of the colorful, lit-up attractions, made to seem so much closer than they were by their elevation.
They've never been on a ferris wheel before. They never would've if Sonic hadn't appeared and convinced them to have a look around the carnival, bright smile and bright eyes and all.
He really is an inspiration.
How had they managed to catch his eye like this?
Sonic was a regular guy, in some sense, just like them, but he still.. he never really lingered with people who couldn't match his pace, and Barry didn't fit that description. Maybe he'd say his goodbyes and run off again today as he had before. But was it often that he invited people to tag along on an outing like this? Like they'd know.
"You've got that look that Tails gets when he's thinking too much."
Barry flinched when he spoke, looking over. An awkward little smile crooked itself on their muzzle, like when they'd met eyes earlier. "I'm.. yeah, I'm not good at managing my thoughts. I just..."
"Nah, it's fine," Sonic picked up where they trailed off. "You were pretty nervous when we first met. You got all stuck in your head then too."
Barry's cheeks heat up again, but he only grins, gentler now.
"Don't sweat about it now. You've got plenty of courage alongside it. You helped out then, you're hanging with me now—and you're having fun, aren't you?"
Sonic nudged them with his shoulder again, and he had this look on his face that weirdly slows their thoughts, even if it's only a little. How does he do that?
They sighed, heavy mostly with relief. The least they can do is express some gratitude. Sonic went out of his way to invite them, and then uplift them.. again. "Yeah. Thank you, for this."
"No big deal."
Barry settles more comfortably in the silence as the cycle continued onward, trying to keep it in mind as just that—no big deal. It's quietly studying the world in motion below until they'd reached the base and they exited the ride.
As they're headed down the ramp, their gaze drifts into the dwindled crowd, where they spot Knuckles, and Tails curled up in his arms. Sonic snorts an *"Oh boy."* behind them as they approached. It's not very hard to guess as to what happened, but the echidna offers a flat explanation anyway.
"Someone decided to overindulge in sweets."
Tails met it with a weak mutter, "No regrets," to which Sonic snickered.
"Don't think you'll be keeping that mindset when you've gotta take Pepto-Bismol again." The way Tails goes rigid in response, Barry guesses they've had some unfortunate incident in regards to it—pondering what it might've been brings another small smile to them.
Sonic hummed at his silence, an amused glint in his eye. "I thought so. But, before I get mint-boy home," he stretched the vowel, spinning on his heel to face Barry.
They blinked when he then outstretched a napkin between fingers, numbers in ink scrawled on the thin paper—they blinked harder when they processed numbers.
"We should keep in touch this time," Sonic elaborated, holding their gaze. Their surprise isn't very discreet. When had he even written it? Was he really intending on maintaining contact with them? Why?
The pause almost drags for too long. They shake their head.
"I—uh, yeah! Okay."
Barry took it, stiffly, hesitantly, and watched as he gave then a quick thumbs-up.
"Good! See-ya sometime, Barry."
They watched as he whirled back for Knuckles, patting his shoulder and beginning to walk. They hear him talk about bringing Tails home as they disappear into the crowd, their continued conversation blending into the low murmur of everyone else's.
Meeting Sonic once more and befriending him this time, a development that's left a warm tingle in their chest... they'd never expected such an eventful shift.
Which they should really get back to—just how long have they been off post?
Shaking their thoughts straight, they hurry through the crowd themselves, hoping nobody's yet noticed their absence.