Frostbitten

Chapter 4 - Advice

After the phone call, Sonic dragged a reluctant Shadow to get chili dogs for dinner. As they sat down to eat, Sonic grinned mischievously.

"Soooo, date number two?" he asked before taking a big bite of his chili dog.

Shadow shifted in his seat. "We haven't settled on anything yet..."

"Well you gotta make it special for your new girlfriend!" Sonic said enthusiastically.

Shadow raised an eyebrow skeptically. "And since when did you become an expert on relationships?"

"Hey, I may not have had a steady girl, but I've been around the block enough to know how to show a lady a good time," Sonic replied smoothly.

Shadow snorted, but then grew thoughtful. "So...What would you do?"

"Of course, buddy!" Sonic chipped. "Here's what you gotta do..."

He told Shadow to take Blaze somewhere peaceful like a garden, then to a nice but not too fancy dinner. "Make sure to compliment her outfit! Chicks love that."

Afterwards, Sonic suggested a romantic walk under the stars, ending with a goodnight kiss if it felt right. Shadow groaned, unsure if this romance thing was for him.

"Oh, and you should also ask Rouge for advice!" Sonic added. "She's one of your closest friends, and getting a female perspective could be really helpful."

Shadow nodded slowly, seeing the wisdom in consulting Rouge's opinion. As irritating as he could be, Sonic had given thoughtful advice. The date ideas, though cliche in his opinion, may not be so bad.

"Just be yourself," Sonic added seriously. "You and Blaze have something special. Have fun together and let things unfold naturally."

Shadow raised his brow at Sonic's rare wisdom, wondering where this Sonic was most of the day.

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Shadow took a deep breath to steel his nerves before knocking on Rouge's front door. He hoped she would have helpful advice to offer about dating Blaze, but remained wary of her tendency to dote on him like an embarrassing older sister.

The door flew open and Rouge immediately pulled him into a rib-crushing hug. "Oh, Shadow! I'm just so unbelievably happy for you finding someone special!" she squealed ecstatically right in his ear.

Shadow grimaced, gently trying to pry himself out of her enthusiastic embrace. "Yes, yes it's all very heartwarming news," he muttered awkwardly.

Rouge ushered him inside, practically vibrating with excitement. "You simply must tell me everything, and I mean everything!" she gushed, eyes sparkling. "Leave no detail unsaid!"

Settling uncomfortably on her floral-printed couch, Shadow provided a brief account of helping Blaze with their ice skating, and the instant connection they shared during hot chocolate afterwards. He shifted in his seat under Rouge's enraptured gaze.

"Oh, it's like something straight out of a fairy tale!" Rouge clasped her hands delightedly to her cheek. "The brooding lone wolf hero finally letting someone melt his icy guarded heart! I always knew this day would come." She pretended to wipe away a proud, dreamy tear.

"Quite," Shadow said tersely, willing his cheeks not to flare red at her dramatic phrasing. "In any case, I came here hoping you might impart some helpful advice based on your...romantic expertise."

"But of course, hun!" Rouge exclaimed. She enthusiastically recommended planning a thoughtful date venue that was romantic yet comfortable. Stress the importance of sincere compliments and meaningful conversation. And most critically - "You must gaze longingly into her eyes! Nothing makes a woman feel more special than that smoldering look," Rouge emphasized passionately.

Shadow nodded along, though still embarrassed by her doting tone, he could tell Rouge's guidance was genuine and from the heart.

Just then, her phone dinged and Rouge's face lit up. "Ooh, speak of romance, that's a message from Knuckie!" she said, wiggling her eyebrows at Shadow. "We've been getting closer lately too, if you know what I mean." She gave an exaggerated wink.

"I see, how nice," Shadow replied hastily, already regretting this visit. But it was too late, as Rouge had launched into a very thorough, vivid account of her blossoming intimate relationship with Knuckles, including amorous descriptions of his impressive muscular physique that made Shadow desperately wish to evaporate on the spot.

"And his gorgeous abs, oh my, each rippled ridge just makes you want to..." Rouge started dreamily.

"Yes, I believe that's quite enough detail about that..." Shadow interjected forcefully, face burning.

Rouge just laughed good-naturedly and patted his spiky head. "You're adorable when you're all flustered! Now go out there and wow your new lady friend. But not too much wowing on the first few dates!" She grinned playfully.

Suppressing his mortification, Shadow stood up swiftly. "Yes, well, I appreciate the advice," he said stiffly, already heading for the exit. "I will keep you updated...I guess."

"You better!" Rouge called out in a singsong voice. "And let me know if you need any spicy dating tips!"

Combined with Sonic's advice, he now felt twice as nervous for his next date, yet at least he had support. As he made his way home, he wondered what the hell he got himself into.