Frostbitten

Chapter 7 - Christmas

The day before Sonic's Christmas party, Shadow awoke to insistent banging on his door. He opened it blearily to find a brightly smiling Rouge.

"Rise and shine, we're going Christmas shopping!" she announced, breezing past him into the apartment. A reluctant looking Knuckles trailed behind, laden with shopping bags.

"Shopping? Can't that wait until after the holidays?" Shadow grumbled, but Rouge was already tossing him his jacket.

"Nonsense, it's best to get it done now. The mall awaits!" And with that she was out the door again, leaving Shadow no choice but to follow.

At the crowded mall, Rouge flitted from store to store scrutinizing items, Knuckles lumbering behind holding her ever-growing purchases.

"This scarf for Amy, oh and these lovely scented candles for Vanilla..." Rouge murmured as she shopped. Knuckles looked pained but didn't protest.

Shadow was at a loss for what to get Blaze. Rouge playfully draped feather boas and gaudy jewelry on him, cackling at his discomfort.

"Oh honey, I'm just teasing. Though this necklace would look darling on Blaze," she said, holding up an elegant ruby pendant. Shadow had to agree it was perfect.

After hours of shopping, the trio finally sat for a break. Knuckles collapsed dramatically. "Woman, are you trying to kill me?" But his grumbling lacked any real ire.

Rouge patted his cheek affectionately. "Oh hush, you know you love it." Shadow hid a smile seeing Knuckles' blush. Those two were smitten.

Despite the chaos, Shadow was glad he came. Finding Blaze's gift felt meant to be. And seeing his friends' affection made this season brighter. The holiday season seemed different this year. He usually didn't care much for this.

In the bustling mall food court, Shadow sat back watching Rouge and Knuckles bicker over lunch with amusement.

"I swear, you are so dense sometimes Knuckie," Rouge huffed, daintily picking at her salad. "A girl doesn't just repeatedly mention how gorgeous engagement rings are for no reason."

"Huh? Oh yeah, you said you liked jewelry," Knuckles mumbled through mouthfuls of his stacked sandwich. "Don't worry, I'll get you something nice and sparkly for Christmas babe."

Rouge put her head in her hands despairingly. "Not just any jewelry! I'm talking about a diamond ring. On a certain special finger. To indicate a lifelong bonding commitment."

Knuckles stared blankly, a bit of sauce dribbling down his chin cluelessly. "Uh...you lost me. But I promise it'll be a really big shiny rock!"

Shadow tried and failed to hold back a snort of laughter at their antics. Rouge shot him a venomous look.

"Laugh it up, Mr. Oblivious Hedgehog. At least Knuckie has an excuse for being completely dense. What's yours for not putting a ring on Blaze's finger yet?" she snapped.

Now it was Shadow's turn to nearly choke on his drink. "What?! We only just started dating!" he sputtered.

"Uh huh, keep telling yourself that," Rouge said with an exaggerated wink at Knuckles. The echidna just continued shoving fries in his mouth, completely tuning out their conversation.

Shadow exhaled slowly, reminding himself that homicide charges would ruin the holidays. For all Rouge's melodrama, he had to admit he was grateful to have friends who cared. Even if they loved to meddle.

"Alright you two, that's enough," he said flatly. "Now let's finish up. I still have to wrap Blaze's gift."

Rouge's eyes lit up mischievously. "Ooo, do tell what you got her!" Shadow just smiled and shook his head.