a hedgehogs unlikely crush

ch 25

It was later in the day, and the tension between Sonic and Shadow was still hanging in the air like a storm about to break. Sonic, with his usual cocky grin, strolled into the village square, where Shadow and Perci were standing by a tree, deep in conversation. His hand fidgeted with something in his pocket—the locket and card. A plan had been brewing in his mind ever since Shadow stormed off earlier.

Sonic sauntered up to the couple, flashing them both a shit-eating grin. "Hey, Perci, you dropped something earlier." He pulled out the locket and card, dangling them in front of her like a prize, his eyes flickering between her and Shadow. "Looks like your boyfriend was too careless to keep it safe."

Perci blinked in confusion, reaching out to take the locket, but the way Sonic said it—like Shadow was some reckless fool—made her hesitate for a moment.

"Thanks, Sonic..." she said slowly, glancing at Shadow, who was already clenching his fists, his eyes blazing with fury.

Sonic wasn't done, though. "You know, Perci," he continued, leaning in closer, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "You should really keep an eye on your stuff. Especially with someone like Shady around. He's not as careful as he pretends to be."

Shadow's eyes darkened. "Watch your mouth, Sonic."

But Sonic just laughed, pushing it further. "Oh, come on. I'm just looking out for her. Someone's got to, right? Can't have her running around with a guy who can't even hold onto a simple necklace."

Perci, clearly uncomfortable, glanced between them, unsure of what to say. But Shadow wasn't about to let this slide.

Taking a deep breath, Shadow stepped forward, closing the distance between him and Sonic in an instant. His voice was low, dark, and full of menace. "You really think that's going to piss me off, don't you?"

Sonic's grin didn't waver. "Why? Is it working?"

Shadow's lip curled into a smirk, an unexpected calm settling over him. "Actually, no." He turned to Perci, his expression softening, and gently took the locket from her hands. "This locket... means something important. It's a reminder of everything I'll protect. Of everything that's mine." He slipped the necklace back around Perci's neck, his fingers lingering on the clasp as he looked into her eyes.

"And you know what?" Shadow's voice took on a more confident, teasing edge. "You can keep talking all the shit you want, Sonic. But at the end of the day, I'm the one she's coming home with."

Perci blushed at his words, her heart racing as Shadow's arm snaked around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

Sonic's smirk faded slightly, but he wasn't giving up. "Yeah, well, it's just a necklace, Shady. Doesn't mean shit. She deserves better than some moody, brooding hedgehog who—"

"Oh, please," Shadow cut him off, his voice dripping with amusement now. "Better than me? You really think you'd be better? Look at you. Running around, all smug, acting like you've got everything under control. But you're just jealous, Sonic. You're mad because I've got something you can't have. Because I'm the one she chose."

Sonic's eyes narrowed as Shadow pressed on, the tables completely turned. "You know it's true," Shadow continued, his smirk widening. "You're all talk, Sonic. You might be fast, but when it comes to what really matters? You've got nothing. And it's pissing you off."

Perci glanced between the two of them, her face flushed from Shadow's bold words. But she couldn't deny the truth in them. She leaned into Shadow's side, resting her head against his shoulder, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips.

Sonic, meanwhile, was seething. His fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening. "You're full of yourself, Shadow."

"Maybe," Shadow shrugged, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. "But I'm not the one standing here, trying to prove something. I don't need to prove anything, Sonic. I've already won."

Sonic's face turned red with anger, and for a split second, it looked like he might lunge at Shadow. But then he caught himself, taking a deep breath and forcing a laugh. "Whatever, Shady. You keep telling yourself that."

Without another word, Sonic turned on his heel and walked away, his shoulders tense, muttering under his breath.

As soon as he was out of sight, Shadow let out a low chuckle, turning to Perci, who was staring at him in awe. "Well, that was easier than I thought," he said, his voice light with victory.

Perci grinned, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're unbelievable."

Shadow smirked, leaning in close. "You love it."

Perci laughed softly, nodding as she looped her arms around his neck. "Yeah, I guess I do."

Shadow raised an eyebrow, his voice softening just for her. "You want to get out of here? Maybe go somewhere a little more... private?"

Perci's heart skipped a beat, and she nodded eagerly. "Definitely."

And with that, Shadow swept her off her feet—literally—hoisting her into his arms as he skated off into the distance, leaving Sonic to stew in his jealousy, knowing full well that Shadow had gotten the last word.