Shadow & Sonic (Full)

Chill

"Here, have some hot chocolate.", Shadow offers, but a little insistent. "Thanks.", Sonic accepts, taking the cup, enjoying its warmth. "Do I really have to persuade him like one does for a child?", Shadow thinks, somewhat annoyed, but he is also too concerned to become irritated. Shadow lays a blanket across Sonic's lap. The minty scent of the candy cane that was placed in the beverage fills Sonic's nose. Sonic swirls the cup, making marshmallows spiral as they melt. Shadow decides to create a festive activity to pass the time, "How about we decorate for the holidays?"

"Sure!"

Soon,

"Wow, this place is looking great!", Sonic cheers. "Mhm.", Shadow agrees, smiling.

The room now has lights lacing the windows, the balcony has icicle decorations dangling— Sonic was insistent on hanging those tonight, so Shadow just decided to help him, considering the inclimate weather. The center masterpiece: the Christmas tree. The tree is speckled with multicolored ornaments and strings of light. The garland raps around it, making way for the star that beacons from the top. The tree fills the space with a pine scent. Candles complete the mood. "Pretty good for early decorating, I must say.", Sonic compliments, while nudging Shadow on the arm.

"Ooh, they're ready.", Sonic mentions, noticing the rising aroma of sugar cookies. Placing oven mittens on, he takes them out, happy to decorate them. He reaches for sprinkles. "If you do it too early, the colors will melt onto the cookies.", Shadow pauses him.

"Oh."

While they cool, Sonic, assisted by Shadow, prepares the toppings: icing of many colors; red, white and green sprinkles; star-shaped wafers. Shadow artistically swirls red and green on one of the cookies, putting white on another. He places a star in the center of the snow-capped cookie. Sonic pours sprinkles on the remaining ones while Shadow continues to frost them.

Once they are ready, Sonic tries one. "Mmm...", Sonic hums, in satisfaction. Shadow smiles, soon also taking a bite.

Soon,

Sonic yawns. Shadow turns off the ceiling light.

Now, the room is dimly lit by the Christmas tree and the lights from the window. As the outside world is lit by the moon and stars, Shadow remembers watching the planet from the Space Colony ARK with Maria. He feels like he is with family again. Sonic snugly curls himself on the couch, resting his head on a pillow. Shadow smiles, gently rubbing Sonic's ears. "Are you awake?", he gently nudges him. "Shadow," Sonic begins, sleepily, "I love you.", he says, before drifting to sleep. Shadow is very surprised and endeared by this.

"I love you too."

He leans back onto the couch, looking up, now enjoying the silence of the night.

The frost-covered window blurs the city lights. Sonic softly purrs on the couch next to Shadow. He picks him up, thinking to himself that his former rival is becoming like a little brother to him. He soon slowly cracks open the door to the guest bedroom, wondering what it would look like if they were roommates instead. "He's already happy with Tails. Tonight will do.", he thinks, happy for a sleepover. He gently places Sonic on the bed, tucking him in, "Good night."