Chapter Text
It was very late when Sonic made his way into Tails’ home. Normally he would sleep outside on such a nice night, but he wanted to tell his brother about him and Shadow as soon as possible. He closed the door slowly, trying not to make too much noise and wake the young fox. With a yawn, he made his way to the living room. Flopping back on the couch, he sighed as a smile spread across his face. Shadow was his boyfriend now. It was a little surreal to think. He reached up and removed the flower from his quills. He gently set it on the end table by the couch. He didn’t want to ruin it in his sleep.
As he lay in the dark waiting for sleep to come, he tried to plan how he would bring up his new relationship to his brother. The sooner he told him, the better. He hated keeping things from Tails. Plus, he really wanted to talk to someone about this. With their bet, he had limited options. He could talk to Rouge, but anything he said to her was likely to make its way to Shadow. Not that he would say anything bad. Far from it. He was worried he’d sound so sappy and stupid the hybrid might reconsider being with him altogether. The thought of their bet made him chuckle. They had spent close to an hour after the meteor shower ironing out the details. They needed some clarifying rules.
Rule one was no baiting the others into guessing they were dating. So no over the top pda, something they both agreed they weren’t fans of anyway, and no pet names. Sonic had fought that one a little. He wanted to experiment with cute, silly names he could call his new partner to make him either scoff or blush. Shadow had finally relented and allowed nicknames in private, as well as let Sonic keep calling him ‘Shads’. It would be odd if he stopped after all. Rule two was they couldn’t deny it if someone asked if they were together. They have to come clean if that happens. Rule three was no mentioning the bet. Their friends would be on the lookout for tells if they knew about it. Rule four was that, in the case of being half right, the winner, or winners, still got a prize, just not as big as the one they could’ve asked for if they got both right. Rule five was to swear Rouge and Tails to secrecy.
Once all that was done, they parted with a promise to set up their first date soon. Shadow had asked for the lead since Sonic beat him to confessing. Sonic had agreed happily. He was looking forward to seeing what the hybrid came up with. Trying to quiet his active mind, Sonic closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep. He would need a good rest for his talk with Tails. He knew his brother would be supportive. After all, he was the one who pointed out that Shadow liked him back and encouraged him to confess. Finally, after a few hours, he managed to pass out. He woke from a dreamless sleep to light streaming into the room and movement in the kitchen.
He sat up with a yawn and stretched his arms above his head. Twisting around, he saw Tails searching for breakfast. “Mornin’, Bud. Need a hand in there?” He asked with a smile. Standing, he made his way over as yellow ears flicked at the sound of his voice.
“Are we out of cereal? I could’ve sworn I just picked some up.” The inventor opened the cabinet to his left and peered inside.
“Hm. Not sure. How about bacon and eggs instead?” The hero opened the fridge and pulled the carton of eggs out.
Tails placed two frying pans on the stove. “Sounds good to me!” Putting on some music, Sonic handed over the eggs while he started on the bacon. He popped some bread into the toaster as a last addition. Before long, they were carrying their plates to the table. They left the music playing quietly for background noise. Tails happily dug into his meal as Sonic watched with an amused smile. He slowly ate his own food as he tried to come up with a way to start the conversation he wanted to have. Tails glanced at him curiously. “Not hungry?”
Startled, Sonic picked up a strip of bacon. “Yeah. Just thinking I guess.”
“About what? Maybe I can help!”
Sonic smiled. His brother was always so eager to lend a hand. He set down his fork and leaned back in his chair a little. With a deep breath, he looked at the fox. “Something happened last night that I wanted to talk to you about is all.” Tails tilted his head and his blue eyes clouded with worry. “Nothing bad! It’s a good something. A really good something, actually.” Pink dusted his muzzle. He opened his mouth to continue when Tails beat him to it.
“Are you and Shadow finally dating?” He asked casually. Sonic gaped at him. Finally, all the tension drained out of his body. Tilting his head back a little, he let out a bright laugh.
“Wow. Just steal my thunder, I guess.” Sitting straight again, he sighed. “What gave it away?”
Humming, Tails considered his answer. “You seem really happy this morning. You said ‘something good’ happened while blushing. I mean it’s not that hard to guess.”
Sonic rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, that doesn’t bode well for the bet.” He muttered under his breath. Unfortunately, his brother had good hearing.
“Bet? What bet?” Smiling sheepishly, Sonic explained the game and rules that had been established the night before. Rolling his eyes, the young fox smiled. “Of course you two would find a way to be competitive about telling people you’re a couple. So I’m guessing you don’t want me to tell anyone then?”
Sonic nodded. “You're on a roll this morning, Bud.”
“Alright. I don’t really get it, but if that’s what you two want, then I’ll keep it to myself for now.” Sonic breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thanks, Tails.”
“Of course.” He turned his attention back to his breakfast before asking another question. “So are you guys gonna plan a date then?
“Shads is, yeah.” He laughed again at the surprised look he received. “I know, but he asked to do it. I am so curious to see what he comes up with.” He doubted the dark hedgehog had thought about it much yet. He was probably talking to Rouge about the confession right now. How romantic and sappy was Shadow planning to take this? That didn’t seem like either of their styles. On the other hand, the other was pretty old-fashioned due to the whole stuck in stasis thing.
“I’m sure he’ll come up with something you’ll like. He knows you better now, after all.” Finishing his food, he rose with his plate. “Just do me a favor?”
Sonic raised a brow as he tilted his head. “Uh, yeah buddy. What’s up?”
With a mischievous grin, he made his way into the kitchen. “If you two plan to make out and do other gross couple stuff here, let me know so I can take refuge in my workshop.” Sonic sputtered as the pink on his muzzle rose to his ears and rapidly deepened to a bright red.
“Tails!” He finally managed as said fox laughed loudly. Huffing, he couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. “You're really cool with this? I know this is a big change.” His brother may be a genius and very mature for his age, but he was still a kid. A kid that Sonic was more or less responsible for. He wanted to make sure he was okay with all of this.
“Are you happy?” Tails asked as he set his plate in the sink, then turned to do the same with the pots.
He didn’t even have to think about it. “Very happy.”
“Then yeah, I’m cool with it.”
Tapping his fingers on the table, Sonic pushed some more. “Cool. Just…just let me know if I’m not making enough time for you. I don’t want us to be the kind of couple that gets super absorbed in each other and forgets about everyone else. Even by accident.”
“I will. But that doesn’t sound like you anyway. Are you gonna come help with the clean up now?”
Sonic quickly ate the rest of his meal. Before long, he was in the kitchen alongside Tails, cleaning the mess they had made. His communicator went off just as they finished. Glancing down, he saw a new message from Shadow. Smiling, he opened it up. A thought occurred to him, and he edited Shadow’s contact slightly before going back to read the message.
Shads♥️🖤: Good morning. Rouge has agreed to keep our secret. She thinks it’s all very amusing.
Me: Nice! Tails agreed too
Me: Good morning to you too btw is that going to be a thing from now on?
Shads♥️🖤: Is what going to be a thing?
Me: The good morning thing
Shads♥️🖤: Oh. Do you want it to be?
Me: It is kinda nice
Shads♥️🖤: Then yes.
Shaking his head with a smile, Sonic went for a quick run to really start his morning. The next week passed in a blur of texting with Shadow and hanging out with his friends. True to his word, the hybrid sent a good morning text every day. Today was no different. He was sitting in Tails’ workshop watching as he tuned up the Tornado when his communicator buzzed on his wrist.
Shads♥️🖤: Good morning. Meet me in Station Square next week.
Me: Cant tell if thats a request or a demand
Shads♥️🖤: It’s for our date.
Me: Oh! Ok! Our date is in station square?
Shads♥️🖤: No. It is close to there, though.
Me: ????
Shads♥️🖤: I’m not telling you anything else, hedgehog. You’ll just have to be patient. Meet me there in the evening.
Me: Fiiiiiine see you next week in station square then
Sonic smiled as he theorized where Shadow planned to take them. Not anywhere public that was for sure. There were plenty of places nearby, for them at least, that were more secluded—Chao gardens, hills overlooking the ocean, meadows. There were many options. With a resigned sigh, he knew the only thing to do was to wait and see. He trusted the hybrid to come up with something they both would enjoy. Especially if Rouge was helping him at all. Humming in thought, he lifted his head as Tails walked over to him.
“Alright! I think I’m all done, though we should probably do a quick test flight just to be sure.”
“Sounds good, buddy.” He rose to his feet. Tails watched as the hero made his way to the old plane.
“Did you finally hear from Shadow about that date?” His brother asked.
Sonic glanced over his shoulder with a large grin, his tail wagging rapidly. “Yeah. He wants to meet in Station Square next week.”
The fox raised a brow in curiosity. “Station Square? Any idea what he wants to do there?”
“Apparently we are just meeting up there and heading somewhere else for the actual date.” Blue shoulders rose in a shrug. “Makes sense. Neither of us are the traditional, sappy date types. He won’t tell me what we are actually doing though.”
“Are you nervous?” Tails asked as he hopped into the pilot’s seat.
Sonic paused to consider that once he settled onto the wing of the plane. Was he nervous? His stomach fluttered with butterflies whenever he thought of the upcoming date. But those felt more like excitement than nervousness. He wasn’t worried about impressing the other hedgehog. Shadow knew him, knew the good and bad aspects of his personality, and he still wanted to be with him. Short of being an outright jerk or pushing for too much too soon, he wasn’t sure there was much he could do to scare the hybrid away.
“Nah. I’m more excited than anything. Me and Shads have been friends for a while now. He knows my bad habits already. I can be myself on this date. It probably won’t be too different from our other hangouts, honestly. It’s nice not having to put on an act around him.” That was one of the reasons he was so drawn to Shadow in the first place after all.
“Well, that’s good. I know I’ve said it already, but I’m happy for you, Sonic.”
“Thanks, Bud. Now how about we get on with this test flight?” Tails nodded, starting up the plane and pulling out of the workshop.
The next week passed in a blur of runs and hanging out with his friends. Before he knew it, he had a few hours before he was supposed to meet up with his date. Jumping to his feet from the couch, he quickly made his way to the bathroom. He took a nice, hot shower, scrubbing his quills and fur. He rubbed conditioner through them as well so they’d be sleek and soft-looking. Turning off the water, he shook off the excess water before stepping out and grabbing a towel. Gently, he dried off and faced the mirror to begin running his fingers through his quills. Once they were sitting the way he liked, he focused on brushing his teeth. Satisfied that he was clean and smelled his best, he returned to the living room. Pulling open a drawer in the side table, he grabbed a fresh pair of socks and gloves. Pulling them on, he checked the time. He noted that it was nearing evening, time to go. Grabbing the last-minute gift he’d gotten for Shadow the day before, he ventured to the workshop.
Poking his head inside, he found Tails sitting at his computer. “Hey, I’m heading to Station Square now!”
Turning in his seat, his brother beamed at him. “Okay. Let me know how it goes.”
“For sure.” With a deep breath, he turned and sped out the door. Excitement bubbled within him. He couldn’t wait to see the other hedgehog and go on a real date with him. He reached Station Square in record time. Looking around, he didn’t spot any hints of red and black quills. Sitting on a nearby bench, he set the gift down and lifted his wrist to check his communicator. No new messages yet. Looking around to verify where he was, he sent his own message.
Me: Hey! Im here near the outskirts coming from Tails workshop found an empty bench to wait on
Leaning back, he watched the humans and Mobians moving around the bustling city. Families and couples entering shops. Teenagers talking and laughing with friends. He smiled. It was chaotic, but it was full of life. His foot tapped restlessly against the sidewalk. Suddenly his communicator went off.
Shads♥️🖤: I am on the west side of the city. You’re early for once.
Me: I’m not late that often! Heading that way now hang tight
Smirking, he was on his feet, gift in hand, and racing towards his boyfriend in an instant. Before long, he was slowing to a walk and tucking his hands behind his back as the hybrid came into view. He took a moment to drink in the sight. Shadow was leaning against a wall, staring into the horizon. The setting sun shone on his quills in just the right way, making them seem to almost shimmer. His crimson eyes were bright as he spotted the blue speedster. A small smile pulled at his lips as he pushed off the wall. As he got closer, Sonic noticed his inhibitor rings as well as his air shoes looked freshly shined, and his white chest fluff looked extra soft.
A pink blush spread across Sonic’s muzzle. He stopped in front of the breathtaking hedgehog. “Hey.” Was all he managed to say. He mentally slapped himself.
Thankfully, Shadow just looked amused. “Hello. You showed up quickly.”
“Well, I’d hate to keep my boyfriend waiting. Wouldn’t exactly be the best start to a first date.” Smile growing, he watched the hybrid roll his eyes with a slight blush. “Oh! I have something for you.” He brought his hands out from behind his back. He heard Shadow suck in a breath at the sight of the bouquet of lavender he offered to him. “Your favorite.”
Taking them slowly, wide crimson eyes flickered up to lock with emerald ones. “Thank you, Sonic. They’re beautiful.” He brought them up to his face as the pink on his muzzle deepened. “We should go before the sun fully sets.”
Gesturing with his hands, Sonic bowed slightly. “Lead the way, Shads,” Shadow smirked before taking off to the right. Sonic was right on his heels. They were blurs of color as they ran out of the city. They swerved around each other and playfully bumped shoulders as Shadow maintained the lead. He took a turn here and there before they finally entered a forest, and they had to focus on not tripping or colliding with a tree. Finally, they slowed to a stop in a Chao Garden. There was a small stream leading back into the forest and several Chao milling around the space. A small waterfall created serene background noise. What really caught his attention, though, was the fairy lights in the tree branches and the picnic blanket near the stream. A plate with about six chili dogs sat in the middle, along with two slices of cake and a basket.
His tail whipped back and forth as he faced his date. “You did all this?”
Shadow fidgeted with his left inhibitor ring. “Yes. I know you enjoy nature. So I figured a meal of your favorite food here would be something you enjoy.” He sounded unsure as his gaze darted around Sonic’s face to gauge his reaction.
He smiled warmly, hoping to put the hybrid at ease. Cautiously, he reached out to grasp the other’s hand. When there was no resistance, he pulled Shadow over towards the blanket. “This is perfect, Shadow. It looks fantastic. Did you make the food yourself?” He asked. They sat next to each other, with Sonic choosing to sit criss-cross while Shadow stretched his legs out. A Chao pressed up against his side, demanding attention, which he obliged, beginning to pet their head.
Nodding, his companion leaned over to pick up the plate of chili dogs and bring it closer. That pink still on his muzzle. “I used the recipe you gave me. Same for the cake.” Sonic glanced at what he could now see was red velvet cake. Another favorite of his.
A wave of affection swept through the blue hero. “It looks amazing, Shads. And the fairy lights must’ve taken ages to put up. Who knew you could be so sweet?” He teased, enjoying the sight of the pink blush shifting to red.
“Shut up and eat already, Faker.” He snapped, though there was no heat in his words. Chuckling, Sonic relented and picked up the delicious-smelling chili dogs. He took a bite and hummed in delight.
“This is so good!” He muttered around the food.
He heard Shadow let out a huff. “I would hope so. It is a familiar recipe.” Sonic watched in surprise as his former rival lifted a chili dog slowly to his mouth.
Sonic smiled, amused. “Never had a chili dog before?”
Caught, black ears pinned back slightly. “No. But I figured I would see why you like them so much.” With that, he took a small, cautious nibble. He frowned as he thought over the taste. Sonic leaned closer eagerly.
“Weeeellll?” He asked.
“It’s…not the worst thing I’ve eaten.” Was the eventual response. He took another, slightly larger bite.
Shrugging, Sonic sat back and finished his own chili dog, quickly reaching for another. “Hey, I’ll take it. Better than outright disgust.” The conversation shifted to what the two had been up to the past couple of weeks. Sonic told Shadow about his runs and friends. The hybrid listened attentively as he talked. It was just like every other time they hung out, just like Sonic knew it would be. By the time he was done, they had finished the chili dogs and moved on to the cake. “What about you? Anything interesting happen lately?”
“I didn’t do much these past few weeks, to be honest. We checked on some of the doctor’s bases. I read a few new books. Went on a few drives on my motorcycle.” He paused for a bit of cake. “Nothing too exciting.”
Sonic widened his eyes. “I forgot about your motorcycle! Think you’d take me on a ride sometime?” He asked hopefully, blue ears perked forward. Shadow thought that over.
“Maybe next time.”
Beaming, the blue hero felt a purr rumble in his chest and his tail start wagging slowly. “Yeah? I’m getting another date?”
A corner of Shadow’s mouth turned up. “Yes. This has been…enjoyable. I also already agreed to be your partner. That in itself suggests more dates.” He pointed a fork at Sonic’s untouched cake slice. “Though I will be upset if you don’t try that. I worked hard on it.”
Laughing, Sonic obliged and dug into the dessert. He closed his eyes as the taste hit his tongue. A small noise of contentment escaped his mouth. It was perfectly moist. The flavor of the frosting was just right, not too sweet or too strong. “Best cake ever. Seriously, this is amazing.” He praised as he lowered his fork for more. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Shadow’s blush reach his ears as he watched Sonic enjoy his hard work. “I’ll have to tell Amy she might have a new baking partner.” He looked over at Shadow.
Turning his gaze towards the water, he scoffed. “I wouldn’t go that far.” His tone turned slightly shy and quiet. “I am glad you like it.”
“Thank you for all of this, Shads. I’m having a really good time with you.” He fell back and stared up at the stars above them. “The sky is so pretty tonight.” He sighed as he traced constellations with his eyes.
He felt Shadow copy him. “Do you know many constellations?”
“A few.” He pointed to the sky and pointed out the ones he could see. Shadow delved into the myths behind them cautiously. When it was clear Sonic was hanging onto his every word, he grew more confident. At one point, he made one up just to see if the other would notice. He did, and crimson eyes rolled, though a smile graced his face. It was hours later when a yawn escaped the hero who tried to hide it behind his hand.
“Tired?” His boyfriend asked, amused.
“Kinda.” He admitted. “I don’t want this to end though.”
“You say that like we can’t do this again.” He rose to his feet and held out his hand. “Come on, hedgehog. I can go with you to the fox’s house if you want.” Sonic begrudgingly took the help up and stretched.
He tilted his head and smiled. “I’d like that. Race ya there?” He rocked back on his heels despite his tiredness.
Nodding, Shadow gestured to the space around them. “Let me clean up first.” Shadow made quick work of packing everything away into the basket. He picked it up and disappeared in a flash. It only took a minute for him to return. He lowered into his starting position. Copying him, Sonic turned to face the workshop. They were gone in the next second. Trading the lead, they tore across the forest, and soon they were nearing the finish line.
Digging deep for a bit more speed, Sonic touched the building right before Shadow did. “Looks like I win, Shads.” Sonic boasted.
Shadow crossed his arms and smirked. “This time, Faker.” He glanced towards the house. The windows were dark and still. His brother must have been asleep. Sonic suddenly felt a little awkward. How was he supposed to end the date? Most dates ended with a kiss, right? Shadow said he wasn’t ready for that, though. Should he just say good night then? That felt too casual. The dark hedgehog had gone to great lengths to make tonight special. He deserved a special goodbye, didn’t he?
“Are you alright?” His date’s deep voice asked.
Startled, Sonic looked at the other. “Yeah! I’m good! Just…” He should be honest. He knew Shadow would appreciate that. “I was just wondering how to say good night.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I’ve never done this whole date thing. You put a lot of effort into tonight, so I figure you deserve something special. But I don’t want to make you uncomfortable-” He was cut off as Shadow took hold of his hand.
He chuckled. “A simple ‘good night’ will suffice. No need to overthink it.” He brought Sonic’s hand to his mouth, placing a light kiss on his knuckles. Sonic’s face and ears erupted in heat as a blush raced across his muzzle. “I hope you sleep well.” Releasing his hand, the hybrid stepped back.
“Uh…yeah. Y-you too.” He mumbled distractedly. Still smiling, Shadow turned, activated his air shoes, and disappeared. Sonic stood outside for a moment longer, frozen in shock. Finally, with a shake of his head, he lifted the hand Shadow had kissed to his mouth as a lovesick smile stretched across his face. Turning, he made his way inside and dropped onto the couch with a sigh. He drifted off to pretty striped quills and an endearing smile.