I Will Not Bow

A Small Stumble

Sonic's POV

I chased Shadow down the same road, toward the wall. I suddenly lost him out of sight. I looked around.

"What?" I heard his voice. I jumped in surprise and turned around. He stood there. "What do you want from me?"

"I want to capture you." I told him. He chuckled.

"If you wanted to capture me, you'd have done it already." He said. "There's something else." My ears jetted back.

"Okay, I can't hide it any longer. I like hanging out with you, okay? When I'm out here chasing you, is the only time I get to see you." I told him.

"Then why don't you quit this job and just join me?" He asked.

"I can't. I'd be called a traitor and be killed. Plus-" I paused.

"Plus?" He asked.

"I have a smaller brother to feed and without this job I don't bring food to the table." I told him. I turned my back to him, tears teased my eyes and my face felt hot. I heard his footsteps getting...closer? I felt his hand on my shoulder.

"You don't have to hide this from me. I understand. And...I also like hanging out with you and wish we had more time to sped together...not in a weird way. You know, to get to know each other better. Form a friendship." He said. My heart fell fallen to my feet when he said that last word.

Friendship.

Friend.

That's all he thinks about me.

"Yeah...me too." I told him. "Hey listen, I've been wanting to..." I turned around, and he was gone. "Okay bye." I whispered.

"Sonic, come in Sonic."

"Sonic coming in." I said trying to sound cheery.

"Any idea where that scoundrel might be going when he gets away?" Knuckles asked.

"No, I don't have a clue." I told him.

"Alright, report back to the base." He said.

"Roger that." I said and took off. When I got there, Knuckles was tapping his foot. "I'm here."

"Good, man you're getting a bit slow. Anyway, you have night duty." He said.

"What? I did it yesterday." I told him. He chuckled.

"Master wants me in today. He said it was very important." He said. "Besides, you'll be out here with Vector." He said pointing behind me.

"Well, can I at least go tell my brother at home? I promised him I'd bring him dinner." I told him.

"Alright, but make it quick."

"You won't be disappointed." I said quickly taking off and getting to a fair house. "Tails, I'm home." I said. Footsteps came from the living room.

"Sonic! You're home!" He hugged my waist.

"Heh, not for long bud." I crouched down by him. "Listen, I have night duty tonight, but I brought you your favorite." I told him. He whined.

"But you said you'd join me tonight." He said.

"I know, I know...but I have things to do." I told him. He let his head hang. I cupped his chin and lifted his head. "Hey listen, I promise I'll be here tomorrow. No reason to be bummed okay?"

"Okay..." He sighed.

"Now you enjoy that rotini. It was prepared by the chefs at Egghead's base." I told him. He chuckled.