Chapter Text
Laughter filled the air, like a song in the wind as the blue blur fled from the threadbare empire the doctor built. A shout of absolute anger faded away in the background as the hedgehog made his distance fast until the empire became a mere speck on the horizon.
Above, the sun shone brightly, its radiance shining on every piece of earth. A grin made its way on Sonic's face as he turned back in his direction to where he ran from.
What a shame that machinery ruined such a beautiful piece of landscape he pitied. He looked under his knitted eyebrows off into the distance. Nevertheless, Sonic did enjoy destroying those machines so he didn't have much to complain about.
He changed directions and went on the move. Staying still in one place never was his style. Especially when a timer was ticking down. His friends were waiting for him back home with a stopwatch.
He had 20 minutes to infiltrate Eggman's empire and return. Of course, he took the bet without any consideration and personally, Sonic thinks he did well. He likely had tops- 10 minutes left.
The run barely took any seconds. He stood in front of his home's door. He swung the door open announcing. He rushed to the living room where his friends were convening. Without a warning he jumped right for the couch, bumping his head against Knuckles' arm. Which, admittedly, hurt inconveniently more than a scrap of metal that Eggman designs.
''Woah Knux! Since when did you have rocks for arms?'' He lays on the couch lazily for a moment, his head aching. He brushed it off as nothing noteworthy as it gradually dissipated.
Self-assured the Echidna flexed his muscles. He proudly boasted, ''It's pure muscle.''
''Impressive!'' The two-tailed fox awed beady-eyed as his fixation leaves the watch. Amy, curiously looked over Tails' shoulder and her eyes widened with excitement. Sonic bolted straight up and leaned his back against the sofa. With his dirty shoes up on the table. ''Just under ten minutes. Twice as short as the time limit we gave you.'' The fox explained fascinated.
Sonic puffed his chest. A smirk made its way directed at his friendly rival Knuckles. The Echidna huffed annoyed. Glaring back at the hedgehog who humbly tilted his head ever so slightly. As if he was clueless to the world.
''I think you have something to say to me, Knux.'' He cheekily pointed his finger right against Knuckles' chest. A wide grin appeared on his face. His friend rolled his eyes and crossed his arms dismissive. Disliking the implications that were about to come.
The room stared at Knuckles anticipating. He groaned protesting. ''You just got lucky!''
''Now, now Knuckles.'' Amy pulled a face, ''Sonic won it fair and square. So you have to do your part of the deal. Whether you like it or not.'' Knuckles withdrew the complaints on the tip of his tongue. Afraid of the wrath the pink hedgehog may show if he continued to bitch and moan. Although it becomes difficult when he could see that cocky grin on that blue hedgehog's face in the corner of his eye.
It took a few preparing seconds to find the courage to be the bigger man and admit it. ''Fine. I underestimated you Sonic.'' The hedgehog grin only widened, ''but,'' Knuckles smirked, ''I would've been faster.''
''Yeah, yeah, keep on dreaming pal.'' He nonchalantly dismissed. Lately patting on his friend's shoulder.
''Well, I knew Sonic would have no issue infiltrating Eggman's base in the time limit!'' Amy complimented him with sparkling eyes to match her spirited nature. "Still, you're not hurt are you?" She asked.
Without a warning, she took both of Sonic's wrists in her palms. Observing his arm from top to bottom.
Sonic made a face and pulled away. He waved her concern off laughing.
''Just some bruises, nothin' else.'' The pink hedgehog though, saw it as no laughing matter. Her eyes soften. A twinkle of worry made Sonic's light-hearted smile falter. ''C'mon Ames, what's up with that worried look? I can take care of myself, y'know.''
Sonic tilted his head ever so slightly. Despite his attempt at reassurance, it didn't convince anyone.
Amy pouted, placing her hands close to her chest. ''We rely on you often. You could rely on us too, y'know?''
''Mhm, Amy's right Sonic.'' Tails admitted, ''You do so much for us. If you ever got badly injured I'll worry myself dead! You always took care of me and all my injuries. But I hated that I couldn't return that kind of care to you. Sonic if you ever need bandaging or wounds to be cleaned, I'll be happy to be at aid!''
Sonic understood the tension in the air but he didn't feel the pressure of it. He smiled like he always had at Tails and gave him a thumbs up. ''Then I'll take you up on that, partner!''
''That includes us too!'' Amy happily cuts into the conversation.
Tails' doubtful expression changed into confidence which Sonic was proud of. Seeing his little bro be confident in his abilities and others made him stronger than Sonic ever could credit him for. If only the two-tailed fox could see that for himself.
Knuckles, however, had no concern throughout the whole conversation at all. His laid-back demeanour wasn't him being aloof. His faith in the hedgehog's abilities overmounted his worries.
Although, Knuckles couldn't deny the fact that the hedgehog could get reckless at times. Thinking forward without a plan and the red Echidna wasn't all that different. But, he did make sure that the challenge wasn't all that dangerous but enough a challenge that Sonic would have some fun in.
''So, I'm guessing that you caught Eggman by great surprise.'' The Echidna concluded. The mention of it made Sonic burst into a wicked grin. The mischievous spark in the hedgehog's eyes told the whole story beforehand.
''Oh, you betcha!'' Sonic snapped his finger like someone made the most outstanding suggestion at a meeting table. ''There weren't many bots at all, it was almost too easy! And- oh oh, you should've seen his egg face!''
The blue hedgehog explained with enthusiasm in more detail the short excursion. From the doctor's frustrated shoutings to destroying the doctor's current project. It left the group laughing and eagerly asking for more details.
Sonic finished by explaining. As the normal routine went, he'd ask for another mission. ''So, you got any other challenges I can crush again?''
''Don't get cocky now, we've come up with another challenge while you were absent.'' Amy placed her hands on her hips, ''This one for sure we know you will refuse.''
Sonic's face lit up at the sound of it, ''Bring it on!''
The room became quiet. Sonic scrunches his nose. The sudden stillness in the group wasn't what he anticipated. Did they forget the dare or something?
He observed as Tails eyed Amy and Knuckles, mouthing for what Sonic could gather: 'Are you sure?'
Sonic stared at the three. The unrequired suspense left the hedgehog only more intrigued. ''Sooo, any context would be nice.''
Silence.
''Yeesh!'' Amy was the first one to break, ''Since you two won't say anything, I will! We call it the kissing challenge~!'' Sonic swore he saw the pink hedgehog's face brighten when it left her mouth.
A kissing challenge? He shuddered but allowed Amy to continue explaining the curious matter. ''The whole concept is that you have to go around and get as many kisses as you can! And you'll have to get as many as possible in this week.''
Sonic's smile dropped.
''You expect me to randomly walk up to people and just kiss them?''
''You can announce it beforehand,'' Amy assured, which was a slight improvement... ''But! You can't tell them about the challenge, otherwise it's cheating.''
''Whateves, I can just kiss your hand as many times as I want to and it'll count, right?''
''If it's done on separate matters, it counts.''
''Sonic, don't force yourself to agree to it if you're not comfortable with it.'' Tails mentioned.
''Look at that, we found a challenge that Sonic won't do. We finally found his weakness.'' Knuckles laughed. To which Sonic pursed his lips into a frown.
''Hey now, I never said I wouldn't do it.'' He retorted without giving it a second thought.
Once again, there was a weird pause in the group. Everyone stared at him as if he said something alien. His cheeks began to burn and he hoped that it wasn't obvious. Sonic suppressed a pained sigh.
''Wait, you're serious?'' The two-tailed fox blurted out in surprise. The hedgehog returned a nod. ''Sonic, don't force yourself to do something you're not comfortable with.''
''Pfft, it's just a challenge,'' Sonic shrugged it off, ''Now, where's the fun in saying no?''
Tails pursed his lips pensively. Knuckles lightly placed his hand on the fox's shoulder.
''You've heard the hedgehog, what's our place to convince him to say no?''
Sonic wasn't all too sure whether the red Echidna was mocking him. But, he didn't worry all too much about that. The whole situation finally dawned on him. The reality of it.
He said yes.
To a kissing challenge.
The hero had never crossed his mind to such events. It was never his thing. Not with his speed and his free-spirited nature.
Later in the day, Sonic went for a run through the forest. His thoughts weren't much of a mess anymore. He accepted that he dug his grave the moment he said yes. Now, he'll have to find a way out by... actually doing the challenge.
Sonic slowed down his steps as the forest became more dense. The filtered light shone between the countless trees. The only light source there is to see what's in front of his track.
He figured that bailing was off the table. Tails gave him a chance to back out but he refused. If he chickens out now, Knuckles will forever humiliate him! And that, he couldn't allow to happen.
Sonic stopped abruptly in his tracks. His left arm stung from out of nowhere. Did a bee sting him or did an insect accidentally fly full speed against his arm? Sonic held his left arm out and saw a little dart.
He blinked a few times and pulled it out without any forethought.
''Where did that come from?'' He furrowed his brows, scratching the back of his head as he observed his surroundings. He called out in the wouds for whoever that might be, to show themselves.
His ear twitched at the sound of an abnormal amount of rustling tree leaves despite the lack of wind. He held his arms up defensively. His eyes fixed on the area where the source of the noise transpired.
''Do not fret, Sonic.'' The one in question proceeded to show himself. Espio.
''Hey, what gives?'' Sonic crossed his arms with a judging frown. He wondered what the chameleon was doing around here and where the rest of Chaotix was about.
''My apologies, I mistook you for my target and shot it before I could comprehend the situation. May I have it back?'' Espio's eyes lowered and Sonic followed his gaze.
''Oh, this? Here.'' The hedgehog handed it carefree back to the owner who in return handled the dart with utmost care. Like it could break at any wrong move. ''It's... nothing lethal, right? Otherwise, you'd be panicking by right about now or something.''
Espio chuckled, which could mean two things. And Sonic hoped it wasn't what he thought it was. But he was too tired to outrightly panic.
''No, no thankfully it's nothing like that. It's just a thorn in your side for an hour or two.''
''Cool, cool—wait... Did you poison me!?'' Chaos! Espio poisoned him and now he's slooowly dying within the next two hours. ''I haven't even written a will yet,'' Sonic whined and yawned once again.
His eyelids became more heavier and heavier. He hasn't even stolen one kiss yet. Now he's only going to be remembered for bailing out of the challenge by literally dying.
''Dear Chaos, no it's no poison. It's sleeping medication.''
''Okay, you should've made that clear sooner. I can probably tough it out...'' Sonic yawned, ''No sleeping medicine can slow me down.'' He said confidently while unmistakably struggling to keep his eyes open. Maybe if he just kept his eyes shut for just a second, it'll pass...
Whew!
The fatigue faded away. Closing his eyes for a second actually worked.
Oh.
His surroundings had wholly changed. Sonic was tucked in a nice warm and comfy bed. He almost didn't want to step out and feel the cold outside the covers. In the corner of the room by the bureau, Espio sat on a stool. Quietly reading the book in his hand. He raised his head and made eye contact with Sonic's.
''Aw, man! I was so sure I wouldn't fall asleep too.'' The hedgehog complained groggily and felt suddenly very motivated to get out of the bed, likely Espio's bed.
The chameleon put the book aside page open and stood up. Widening the door for Sonic to enter.
''As far as I know, no creature can combat it. Though I wouldn't be surprised if you did though. You're full of surprises after all.''
''Thanks, I get that a lot.'' Sonic winked and walked up to Espio. Going through the door first. Espio closed the door behind him and led them to the living room. ''How long was I asleep, anyways?'' Sonic asked while the question was still lingering in his mind.
''Two hours and six minutes to be precise.''
They entered the living room, it was oddly quiet for some reason. Sonic notices a few picture frames and crouches down to their level. In the picture team Chaotix smiled happily at the camera, Charmy and Victor especially happy while Espio had a small smile on his face.
''Anyhow, where's the rest of Chaotix at?''
''On their own mission.''
Sonic continued to pry and observe the pictures of team Chaotix on display.
''All right then!'' Sonic faced back at the chameleon, ''By the way, thanks for not leaving me in the middle of the woods. Who knows what creatures lurk there.'' Nothing in his body ached, which meant Espio likely caught him before he passed out. ''Hope it wasn't much trouble with your mission and all that.''
''Of course not, you're a friend of mine, when it comes to you, It's no trouble at all. Is there anything to make it up to you for all this trouble?''
Sonic opened his mouth but a lack of sound left. Usually, he answers simple questions like these with a simple no or an 'I you owe you a chilli dog' receipt.
Right now, though, he did have something to request that is other than a chilidog.
''A kiss will do.''
Espio's calm expression wavers with surprise. His jaw slightly drops, blinking multiple times puzzled. Sonic suddenly couldn't sit still, nervously tapping his foot. How he currently wanted to curl up into a spin dash and speed away. Though he didn't.
Sonic held his hand out waiting for Espio to take it. Quietly hoping that this won't go horribly wrong.
''If that's it, with all means, go ahead.''
He took it.
Sonic slightly bowed and took his hand higher by his lips. Lightly he placed a gentle kiss on the champion's hand. The nerves in his stomach twisted around uncomfortably. He lowered Espio's hand and let go.
''Apology accepted!'' He winked playfully.
Espio smiled to himself and curiously questioned, ''Since when were you so polite?''
Sonic chuckled, ''What do you mean? I've always been this polite.'' He said, holding his head up high in honour. Espio nodded not convinced. ''Thanks for taking care of me. Let's hang out again, without the whole dart thing, yeah?''
''Sure. I'll see you around.''
Sonic allowed himself out and sped off home, excited. That wasn't all that bad, he concluded, way easier than he thought. Maybe the challenge isn't all that awful.
Sonic could tell where he was in the city and luckily knew every shortcut and alleyway in the city. Not one was left unfound.
Sonic opened his front door announcing, expecting a jumbled of voices to welcome him and ask about his absence. Instead, it was just one of his friends that came to greet him.
''Sonic, welcome back!'' A sweet voice says, Amy ran and jumped into his arms. Then took a few steps backwards. ''What took you so long? I was waiting for you for hours.'' She pouted, crossing her arms and held her head up high.
''Some difficulties I ran into on the way. Sorry Ames.'' Sonic peered behind Rose. No one was in the living room. Odd. ''Where did Knuckles and Tails go?''
''Those two? I convinced them to take some time outside, not being couped up in a certain place the whole day.'' She explained with a sweet smile on her face, ''Tails spends most of his days in his workplace and Knuckles protecting the Master Emerald. It saddens me if they don't see the world for what it offers.''
Sonic nodded affirmative, however, he did understand that duties and hobbies are important too. It also contributes to the group with Tails's smarts and Knuckles overview on the master emerald.
''Well done Amy, but why didn't you join them?''
''They're no fun without you around Sonic.'' Amy exaggerated sighed and her eyes then lit up, ''I only go where you go~!'' She snatched Sonic's hand and a mischievous glint in her eyes. ''Well, don't stand there silly. Come in, come in!''
She pulled him with her to the living room. She decked the coffee table nicely. Two cushions were placed by the table. A candle was set in the middle, the candle's wax was already halfway melted. It has been burning for a while now.
Sonic was unable to word his thoughts, instead, he looked at Amy, hoping for some context.
''I set this up while you were gone. I think I set it up pretty well regardless of—ahem—the lack of a dining table you have in your home, don't you think?''
''Uhm, wow yeah Amy that's... This has definitely you all written over it.'' Sonic says, whether it'd be taken as a compliment or insult is for Amy to decide since the hedgehog sure wasn't certain.
''Take a seat~!'' She sang, pushing Sonic insistingly to the cushion. Stumped, he took a seat, watching Amy cheerfully skip to the kitchen. He smiled to himself, whatever had gotten Amy in a good mood, he didn't mind it after the instances he had seen her ticked off.
''What's the occasion?'' He questioned and it clicked in his mind alone but before he confronted her about it, he had been distracted from the fact thanks to the plate Amy brought in.
''I made your favourite chilli dog.'' She placed it down at Sonic's side, and the hedgehog's eyes lit up with delight, like a child receiving a gift on their birthday. Eager to take a bite out of it.
Amy sat down opposite him, staring at him with dreamy eyes. She put her elbows on the table and rested her head on her hands.
''Whoa, Amy! You shouldn't have.''
Is she showering him with gifts to make the inevitable soon-to-be kiss special?
''Anything for you Sonic!''
Yes, yes she is.
Sonic practically felt her feet kicking around gleefully.
He had no reason to avoid the kiss. This is a freebie. Hopefully, he doesn't have to suffer the consequences of it, her bragging and reminding him of it. Sonic almost considered to strictly deny her the kiss just to annoy her, but he wasn't that cruel.
He took a huge bite out of the chilli dog.
''So what did you do when you ran off?'' Amy questioned, genuinely curious as to what the hedgehog had been up to the two hours he had been absent.
''Oh, you wouldn't guess who I saw in the forest...'' Sonic took a last bite of the chilli dog and summed the whole Espio situation up. Amy was all ears, commenting on how rude Espio was but generally, not that upset.
Well, until he mentioned the kiss.
''WHAT.'' She slammed the table scowling. Sonic flinched and caught the candle just in time to almost fall and burn the whole place down. ''You kissed Espio first!? Bu- but I thought I'd be the first. I was waiting for this!''
''Honestly, I thought the same. But I have to take my chances you- y'know?'' Her beaming eyes made Sonic shrink in himself. Gulping he tried to reason with her, ''I-I only kissed him on his hand though. That doesn't mean anything...''
Pause.
A wide sweet smile sprung up, and she stood. Her deadly aura disperged, and she took one of Sonic's hands and then the other. Giggling, she sat down next to him. ''You're right! Espio only got a pity kiss on his hand, unlike me!'' She leaned against Sonic. While he, instinctively, squirmed away. ''Here take this.''
Amy took out a mint box. Sonic could recognise those everywhere, Tails, his little brother has an obsession with those. Empty cans could be found everywhere. She handed out a mint.
Sonic grimaced, took it and popped it in his mouth. Chewing on it, a loud crack caught both of them off guard. Sonic flashed a smile to assure her.
Amy cupped Sonic's head, studying his green emerald eyes. A soft exhale left her mouth. ''Are you going to keep a girl waiting?''
''Oh- oh, yeah... Let's uh, kiss, I guess...'' Sonic uncomfortably shifts around.
''What's wrong?'' Amy asks, leaning away from Sonic, de-cupping his face and tilting her head slightly. Worried she listened to the blue hedgehog.
''It's... Can we skip this whole kissing-on-the-lips stuff? It... I don't feel really comfortable doing that.'' He forced out. Amy stopped and reassuringly smiled at him.
''We can do something less intimate. What about a... a peck on the cheek?''
''A peck on the cheek?'' Sonic mused, ''I guess that doesn't sound that bad.''
''Do you need to prepare yourself?''
The hedgehog shook his head, the cocky confident smile appeared on his face. ''Nah, I can do this.''
''Are you—'' Amy shuts her mouth, her face reddened. Sonic had leaned in, his soft lips touched her cheek. His warmth shared with her, his lips parted and hovering for a second by her cheek. He pulled away and devoided eye contact. ''...Sonic.''
He hummed, ''Mn, that wasn't all that bad.''
Amy broadly smiled, nodding affirmatively. ''You did great, I'm proud of you.''
Sonic stood up and huffed embarrassed. Avoiding Amy's direction. ''It was just a peck on your cheek.'' He reached his hand out and Amy took it, pulling her up on her feet.
''But it was a small step but a big accomplishment and you kissed me on the cheek~!'' She teased, birdsweet.
''Yeah, don't push it.''
Amy pouted but didn't take the blue hedgehog's remark seriously. In her books, this day was a win. The way he was so honest and embarrassed—made Amy's heart flutter. As she was distracted the hedgehog slowly tip-toed away, to the front door. His heart dropped as her voice called him from behind. ''Sonic—Wait, where are you going?''
She chased after him who paused by the door, his hand on the handle. ''Going for a run, that power nap gave me a lot of energy. I'll come back in an hour, maybe?'' He said between his teeth.
The pink hedgehog whined, stomping her feet. Making fists of her hands she puffed her cheeks, ''But—can't you spend some more time with me?''
''Of course,'' Amy relaxed with a hopeful smile, ''—After I go for an hour. Uh, call me on comms when the two return, yeah?''
She sighed, unamused but didn't nag the blue hedgehog further. Knowing him, he'll find a way to wiggle his way out of her grasp. Still, Amy was ecstatic from the kiss she received from Sonic. She won't ever wash her cheek again!
''Ugh, fine! You better return.''
Sonic waved goodbye and rushed out. Leaving the door open behind him to Amy's annoyance.
He's been running laps around the city for some while now. He's lost count at the many laps he ran after sixty. What was his end goal?
Not a spinning sign or ring at least.
The city was as peaceful as ever, which was a good thing of course. He didn't have to go save the day, but neither was he planning on going on an adventure currently.
Perhaps there might be a chance he'd come across the Babylon Rogues. There's always something going on with them, a competition or a plan to get a great amount of wealth or- or a brag-off.
Anyway, the point making is that with that hawk there's always something to do.
In the corner of his eye, he saw a figure that awfully resembled that of a brooding ebony hedgehog Sonic has come to know and love—and hate too, of course. Like that faker is already a huge overstatement, love? Pffft, in his dreams...
Sonic stopped in his tracks and ran back to—as he figured—Shadow.
''Hey Shadow, didn't expect to come across you here. Are you busy?''
''If I say yes, will you leave me alone?''
''Nope!''
Shadow sighed and tapped his foot, ''What is it?''
Sonic hummed in response. Attempting to seem humble to which Shadow rolled his eyes. The corners of Sonic's lips turn upwards just as he opens his mouth.
''Care for a race?'' He grinned. Confident that the hedgehog won't refuse a bold challenge from Sonic, just to wipe his shit-eating grin from the blue blur himself out of pettiness. Sonic added a small comment, just to put the cherry on top: ''Unless you're afraid to lose.''
Shadow wasn't about to take that comment lightly. If Sonic wanted a race, very well, he'd just do that.
''You'll eat those words.'' The darker hedgehog warned.
''Hah, likely!'' Sonic placed his hands on his hips. He faced the direction they were about to run to. Shadow followed his gaze and Sonic pointed off into the distance. ''From here to the gate of the city, yeah?''
Shadow affirmatively hummed. Sonic stretched his legs and readied himself to take off. He glanced at the faker, who stood on his place in position as well. Awaiting Sonic's word.
Sonic turned his attention back to the road in front of him and shouted without a countdown, ''GO!''
The small headstart Sonic had wasn't an advantage just yet. Shadow wasn't about to go easy on him. Precisely what Sonic enjoys.
He dodged cars on the road and felt Shadow's stern gaze pierce right through him. No doubt he was catching up to him.
Sonic slowed slightly down and waited for the perfect opportunity to jump on top of a car. All the while Shadow passes by him. The faker took no time to see what Sonic was up to. His attention was caught up with winning.
The blue hedgehog jumped on top of the car and reached for the fire exit of a building. Quickly climbing up.
The rooftops are a big advantage when it comes to racing. There are no cars and citizens to slow him down. He caught up with Shadow from above. He gazed down at him who was dodging cars while Sonic was running on the comfort of the rooftops.
''Haha!'' Sonic loudly laughed, and Shadow's attention snapped at him. ''Should've studied the roadmap, faker!'' He said in a playful yet taunting manner.
He blew a raspberry and pulled his eye. Then he boosted ahead.
Shadow grunted offended. Muttering half-empty threats under his breath behind him.
Sonic was getting ahead of himself. The image of himself at the end goal and rubbing his victory in Shadow's face might be the highlight of his day—if he wins.
He was assured, however, that the race stood currently in all favours for him. The rows of rooftops stopped just ahead of him. So he did have to get down, but there was a ramping just further up ahead where he could get on the rooftops once again.
And by that time Shadow was probably almost one second behind him...
Sonic jumped down back on the road.
He wondered, how would kissing Shadow be? Kissing Amy was just as embarrassing as it is but Shadow? A wash of... nervousness overwhelmed Sonic. He didn't like the weird feeling in his stomach.
It's not that big of a deal, he tried to convince himself. The more he aimed to comfort himself the worse he felt.
Violently Sonic shook his head and placed all his focus on the road. Trying to tune out the voice in his head making him all the more nervous.
Speaking of the dark hedgehog, Sonic caught a dark figure in the corner of his eye.
The realisation dawned upon him. A mix of surprise and confusion hit him all at once. The blue hedgehog's face was simply put: sour.
He met Shadow's eyes. Who glided on the rooftops, which Sonic was supposed to be on three seconds ago.
He swore he recalled that there was a ramping back there but he didn't see it.
Then, how did Shadow manage to get on the rooftop without Sonic's notice?
A rare smug smile forms on Shadow's face, taunting Sonic who was now at a disadvantage. The blue hedgehog felt his face warm up.
''Should've studied the roadmap, faker.'' Shadow mocked. Sonic grimaced as he watched Shadow speed up while he struggled down below. Avoiding cars and mobians simultaneously.
''Not fair!'' He shouted weakly while Shadow got further away. Zipping away with sonic speed.
Tragically, Sonic ran behind Shadow's dust he left. Reached the city gate and—of course—met with Shadow who stood waiting for him. Arms crossed and wearing a told-you-so grin.
''This race doesn't count. They got rid of the ramp without my knowledge!'' Sonic proclaimed, throwing his arms up in the air dramatically.
''It hasn't. You ran right past it hedgehog.''
''I did?!'' Sonic wondered, was he too busy thinking about...? His brows raise with realisation. His face started to burn. ''Nooo, I wouldn't. I would've seen it.'' Sonic bluffed between his teeth while his face gradually heated.
''And yet, you failed to do so.''
''Yeah, right.'' Sonic rolled his eyes, raising his eyebrow accusing. Shadow stared blankly at the blue hedgehog. Musing if the hedgehog had completely lost it.
''We can go there right now if you need so desperately proof.'' He said in a flat tone.
''Uh—I appreciate it Shads but there's no need to go to such lengths to embarrass yourself.'' He casually stated. The hedgehog opposite to him frowned for a slight moment and turned into a deadly glare.
''Fine, go on and believe your delusion, that doesn't hide the fact that I am the fair winner, admit it.''
Sonic didn't complain to Shadow's surprise. Though, the blue hedgehog seemed to be lost in his own world.
''Mh, okay, you're the fair winner.'' He said, feeling his heartbeat starting to rise. A wash of nervousness made it harder to breathe in the presence of the ebony hedgehog. What's up with me? Sonic wondered.
''Hedgehog!'' Shadow shouted near his face, snapping the poor hedgehog out of his thoughts. ''You were dozing off.''
''Owh, yeah... I...'' Sonic wasn't sure what to do with his current position. He wanted to bang his head against a wall multiple times to understand why he found it so difficult to find the courage to make the move.
He took a deep sigh and reassured himself. It's just Shadow, the worst that could happen is Sonic receiving a punch from him. No biggie happens often.
Shadow stared at him anticipating. Sonic still hadn't finished his thoughts. ''Since you're the fair winner, I owe you something.''
The black hedgehog didn't respond. As the words entered his mind Sonic leaned over, momentarily holding Shadow's hands gently as he placed his lips on Shadow's soft cheek. The faint smell of lavender lingered off the hedgehog. All the more alluring.
Sonic backed off, letting go of the faker's hands that fitted perfectly with his. Sonic's communicator went off, both looked down at it and Sonic looked back up to Shadow again.
''Oh, gotta go. Can't keep the others waiting.'' Sonic lightly chuckled at nothing. ''Let's race again soon, next time I'll beat you for sure and oh- don't keep your guard down! See ya around Shad!''
''What the—You!'' A wist of wind was left, breezing through Shadow's quills. He stood frozen in place, lowering his head. Rubbing with his hand on the place where the blue hedgehog kissed, the warmth on his cheek was unmistakable. ''You... Don't keep me waiting.'' He whispered, taking note of the whiff of mint he caught the scent of.
The scene repeated over and over in his mind.
-
Sonic joined the others in the living room. Receiving the centre of attention.
''Wow, I can't believe you kissed Espio before Amy.'' Knuckles said, placing his two feet on the coffee table.
''I know right? Hmfp, next time I see that chameleon, I will have some words with him. But—I was the first to be kissed on the cheek by Sonic, so I'll take that.''
Sonic clicked his tongue, was he surprised that Amy told them all of it? No.
''You alright there Sonic?'' Tails poked him on his shoulder, ''You seem out of it.''
''I'm good buddy. Thanks for asking.''
Tails offered him a smile and began talking about the challenge some more. ''So you've kissed Espio and Amy, right? That's already two kisses.''
''You mean three.'' Sonic corrected.
The three of them blankly stared at him in shock. Anticipating some context from Sonic who only snickered slyly.
''Wait, who else?'' Knuckles asked.
Sonic shrugged casually, ''Why should I tell you? You're a part of the challenge after all.'' Firmly, Sonic wrapped his arm around Tails proudly, ''Only my little buddy Tails is allowed to know the gossip.''
''Y-Yeah!''
Amy and Knuckles both protested but Sonic turned them down. Eventually, they admitted defeat and accepted that they wouldn't know the juicy details until the end of the challenge. And Amy was ready for that gossip tea party a week early.
The day went by quickly and it already had gotten dark. The friend group said their goodnight's and went to bed.