Frostbitten

Chapter 5 - Tea Time

After hours of thought, Shadow finally settled on the Japanese tea garden in town. It both combined their love of peaceful walks, and Blaze's love of tea. Even though he was nervous, he was quite proud of himself for thinking of that place.

Shadow arrived early at the tranquil tea garden entrance to await Blaze's arrival. When she approached, he caught his breath - her normally tied-up hair flowed freely down, framing her face beautifully.

"You look lovely," Shadow said, shocked at the words that were coming out of his mouth. Blaze smiled, brushing a hand self-consciously through her long locks.

They strolled together under the cherry blossom trees, admiring the serene ponds and pagodas. Blaze's eyes shone taking in the scenery. Shadow stole glances at her radiant smile.

At the tea house, they settled in for the elaborate tea ceremony. Shadow watched Blaze sigh blissfully as she sipped the matcha, clearly in her element.

After a while though, Shadow noticed Blaze discretely warm her hands over her cup whenever the tea cooled. With a subtle glow from her palms, the tea steamed again. He realized she was using her pyrokinetic abilities.

Soon, Shadow's cup was miraculously staying hot too. He raised an eyebrow at her. "I don't think the traditional ceremony involves reheating the tea," he said, lips curling into a curious smile.

Blaze's cheeks flushed. "I just really like it hot," she admitted. "I hope that's alright..."

"It's perfect," Shadow said, meaning it. Her subtle use of her powers charmed him. Everything about her was captivating.

After their tea, Shadow and Blaze strolled along the garden path. As they passed by the restroom, Blaze excused herself for a moment.

Shadow waited nearby, admiring the vibrant flowers. Suddenly, he heard a familiar grating voice.

"Well, well, fancy running into you here!"

Whirling around, Shadow instantly tensed into a battle stance. But it was just Dr. Eggman, apparently out for a leisurely weekend stroll.

"Now now, at ease Shadow! No need for hostility today," Eggman said, holding his hands up and noting Shadow's aggressive posture. "I'm merely here enjoying this fine weather and beautiful botanicals."

Shadow remained wary, ready to spring into action. But when Eggman made no move for a weapon or robot, he gradually eased out of attack mode. Still, he hoped Blaze would return swiftly.

"My my, you seem to be in uncommonly good spirits today," Eggman remarked, noting their idyllic surroundings. "Could you be spending this glorious day with a certain special someone?"

Shadow hesitated before giving a terse nod. No point denying it when they were clearly on a date. Eggman laughed jovially in response.

"Well, wonders never cease! The grim and brooding Shadow, happily passing time with a lady friend. She must be quite extraordinary to have melted your hardened heart." Eggman gave him an appraising look. "Yes, I daresay love suits you."

Shadow blinked rapidly, caught completely off guard. Never in a million years did he expect Eggman to be perceptive about relationships, let alone react so genially.

"Yes...well...she is quite...extraordinary," Shadow finally managed to reply. For a moment, villain and hero simply regarded each other thoughtfully.

Eggman nodded. "Treasure these happy times. Good companionship is precious." His tone turned uncharacteristically wistful.

Shadow thought back to when they had briefly worked together. He had seen flashes of Eggman's inner loneliness then.

"I will," Shadow said sincerely. "We made a surprisingly good team once. I hope you too may find someone to lessen your solitude."