The Ruby Eyes of Affection

Fighting for affection

  Shadow stood in his kitchen facing the stove as he placed a kettle on open flames. He dare not look at the hedgehogs behind him who exchanged dirty glares for what seemed like eons.

(Dammit, of course Rob would barge in and make a giant scene. He's such a drama queen.) Shadow thought frustratingly as he glanced back at the two to make sure they hadn't destroyed each other yet.

Their reactions were strange, both established sweet looks at him before continuing to scowl at each other. Not speaking a single word. He knew he had to say something for Sonic was expecting him to stand up in revolt, while Rob was expecting an apology. Finally, Shadow took a deep breath and began to speak in an attempt to find some kind of common ground.

"Sonic, this is Rob. He isn't really my boyfriend. More like a friend with benefits and Rob this is Sonic. He's my riv-." The charcoal hedgehog stopped for a second as he realized that wasn't really what they were anymore.

"He's a friend..." He finished as the sapphire hedgehog looked up at him in surprise with the cheerful eyes of a child who just devoured ice cream for the first time.

(It's really not that big of a deal faker...) He thought as Rob glanced over at the happy kid with a charmingly mocking grin.

The ebony hedgehog poured the scalding water into three cups and dropped tea bags in all of them before placing them next to each person at the dining room table.

"Hay shadie, do you remember the way I like my tea?" Rob asked with a mischievous grin. Ready to compete for the charcoal hedgehog's affection.

"Um, yes... You like it with two spoonful's of sugar and nothing else." Shadow responded as he placed the sweetener on the table with confidence.

"Ding ding, correct! You are really incredible to remember something so trivial for little old me." He replied, smirking at the blue hedgehog preparing for him to fight back.

The azure hedgehog answered only with an insincere smile as he glanced at Shadow and nodded symbolizing that it was his turn.

"Don't worry Sonic, I remember yours too. You actually like yours with milk, correct? Half milk, half water, one spoonful of sugar and a slice of lemon." Shadow stared at them trying to proclaim that he cared for them both completely equally.

Instead, Sonic took this as a triumph, for the ebony hedgehog remembered more about him then the brunet hedgehog and Rob merely grunted in response to the azure hedgehogs 'victory' as he took a sip of his tea.

Shadow soon realized that he found this rivalry somewhat appealing. Two people fighting over him was very rare. Heck, he was lucky to have Rob at all and now Sonic the Hedgehog was willing to compete for his love. He smiled as he got a very impish idea and as he sat next to them decided he was going to play a little game. Who could swoon him better? The catch was, neither one could win.

"So, where you been Rob? I haven't heard from you in weeks. I felt incredibly neglected..." Shadow sighed as he put his hand to his cheek and cutely closed his eyes.

"I'm sorry boo... You know how busy I am. I texted and emailed letting you know I was on a trip. But don't worry, I'm back now and here to spend as much time with you as possible." He wrapped his arm around Shadow's shoulder completely falling for the ebony hedgehog's act.

"Aww... you don't have to... I understand that you're a very busy successful man. Don't push yourself too hard for me, okaaaay?" Shadow responded as he gave Rob a smile of fondness that completely infuriated the other hedgehog who was grasping his tea tightly. He slammed the cup down before rushing over to the two 'love birds.'

"Ya... And I made sure Shadow wasn't lonely while you were away. Maybe you should spend more time on vacation instead of giving him the love and respect he deserves." Sonic interrupted as he grabbed the charcoal hedgehog's arm trying to pull him away from Rob.

"Aaaawwww... You're sweet yourself Sonic. Thank you for helping me in my time of need." Shadow poked the azure hedgehog's cheek making his eyes light up with passion almost immediately.

"He saved me from the dastardly deeds of a two tailed fox. He's such a wonderful hero. It's amazing that he even has time to protect me when he could be protecting so many others." He exclaimed, fueling the fire between the two with complete delight. He was having so much fun playing with their hearts even though his conscious was telling him it wasn't moral. Then again, when would he ever get another chance like this?

"At least I have a well paying occupation... I bet you don't even have a job." Rob pulled Shadow a little closer to him while spouting at the cobalt hedgehog.

"Oh ya, I bet you're like a stripper or something." Sonic replied as he stomped his foot childishly trying to show authority.

"Of course not. I'm a musical artist. I probably have thousands of adoring fans but the only one who caught my eye was this cutie over here." The brown hedgehog winked at Shadow making him smile passively in response.

"Well, bringing criminals to justice is MY job. Even though I'm technically not given a wage, the government gives me almost anything I want. So I can provide Shadow with whatever he needs to be happy." Sonic confirmed as he snuggled the ebony hedgehog close causing Shadow to cutely giggle.

"OOO... You let the government take care of you? I can't even imagine someone like you being able to support Shadow. You really are nothing but a peasant." Rob responded more aggressively than before as he yanked the charcoal hedgehog away from the egotistical brat.

"At least I don't cross dress for attention!" The sapphire hedgehog slammed his hand on the table startling both the black and brown hedgehog before Shadow covered his mouth with his hand realizing this was the most entertaining thing he's ever witnessed.

The ebony hedgehog couldn't keep up the act any further as he burst into laughter. There was a loud thud as he hit the floor after falling off his chair, snickering even louder than before.

"You guys.... actually... thought.... I was... serious. Come on... Who... do you...think... you're talking... too...?" He spoke in between uncontrollable laughs as the azure and brunet hedgehog looked at him in both shock and embarrassment.

"How could you...." They spoke in unison with glares of complete evil.

Quickly, Rob whispered into the azure hedgehog ear and Sonic gave a quick nod before cracking his knuckles.

"You really want something to laugh about, Shadie?" Rob asked wickedly before glancing at Sonic.

"We'll give ya something to laugh about!" The cobalt hedgehog added as they both started to saunter over to the still laughing hedgehog.

(This can't be good...) He thought before the chocolate colored hedgehog grabbed his arm and pinned him against the floor.