Long Time No See

Chapter 3

Shadow helped Sonic get settled into their room. The last thing Sonic had to do was put his clothes in the closet. So Sonic decided to spark a conversation.

"So, what school did you go to when you moved?" Sonic asked.

"Why is that important?"

"Just trying to catch up with you a little."

Shadow showed a smile. "Alright, I went to Sand Beach City High School."

"Wow, that's pretty far from Green Hills High. Any reason why you went there instead of one closer?" Sonic said surprised.

"I wanted to make sure no one knew me. For a real reset button. And it worked. But I kinda regret not staying in contact with you guys. Especially Rouge." Shadow confessed.

"It's okay, I understand wanting a do over. But Rouge has really missed you. She's on an expedition discovering new gems right now."

"Really? I guess that doesn't surprise. She did love shiny things." Shadow chuckled.

Sonic chuckled as well. "Yeah, ya know she's been dating Knuckles for almost a year now."

"About time. She's liked him since forever. I'm glad she's getting a new start too." Shadow said with a smile.

Sonic picked up more shirts and started putting them on hangers. Shadow watched him as he folded Sonic's pants and put them in the drawers.

"Thanks for helping me with my clothes by the way." Sonic thanked.

"No problem." Shadow put away an pair of pants. "But I'm not touching your underwear." He warned.

Sonic let out a laugh with a slight blush on his face. "Trust me, I wouldn't do that to you."

"So you asked me a question. I think it's fair that I get to ask you one."

"Go ahead." Sonic okayed.

"What's your new start? In my point of view, your life was a paradise. You had friends, fans, and a girlfriend. You seemed really happy."

"Wait a second! I've never had a girlfriend! If you mean Amy, she's just a fiend. A really obsessive friend." Sonic was stumped for a second. 'Should I tell him? I think he'd be okay with it. I mean he's gay too.' Sonic debated.

"Okay Okay. I get it. You don't have to give me an answer my previous question if you don't want to." Shadow said as he finished putting the pants away. "I understand if it's a secret. I'm just curious." He said as he sat on his bed.

"No, I'll tell you but...only Tails knows and I told myself I would live freely by it now and-"

"Are you gay?" Shadow asked.

Sonic's eyes widened and a hard blush appeared on his face. "H-How did you know?"

"Just by how you reacted. It was only a guess. And it's totally okay. I'm not exactly in a position to judge." Shadow said.

"Thanks Shadow."

Shadow smiled at him. "Again. No problem. Love who you want to love. That's how I met Scourge."

Sonic was touched by what Shadow said. But that had another question in mind. "How did you met Scourge?" Sonic asked.

Shadow blushed a little. "It's a long story. You sure you want to here it?"

"Yup, tell me."

Shadow chuckled as he remembered his first encounter with Scourge.

(Flashback)

Shadow had entered his new high school as a sophomore. He was wearing the schools uniform: a white dress shirt, red tie, and navy blue pants.

As he walked through the halls, his eyes were on his school schedule. "This school is like a maze. I'll never find my home room-" Shadow has bumped into someone!

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" An aggressive voice blared.

Shadow looked up and saw Scourge in the saw uniform. But Scourge's angry expression changed to a smirk.

"Sorry, I was trying to find my home room class." Shadow said.

Scourge extended his hand. "Need some help Stripes~"

Shadow blushed as a frown formed on his face. He took Scourge's hand. "My name is not Stripes, it's Shadow."

"Mysterious. I like that. I'm Scourge. Where ya from?"

"Green Hills High." Shadow replied.

"Your far from home Stripes. What made you want to come to this dump?"

"A fresh start." Shadow put bluntly.

Scourge chuckled. "Well then. Welcome to your new start."

(Reality)

"And that's how I met him. Ever since then, he was always by my side. Even though he was a whole grade ahead of us, he was really kind to me. He even protected me from the bullies at school a few times. After only a few months of knowing him, he told me he was gay and he asked me out on a date. So I excepted, not really knowing if I was ready to be in a real relationship. But...*blushes*...I've never been happier. When I'm with him, I feel not just accepted, but loved for who I am." Shadow explained.

"That's great to hear Shadow. I'm glad your happy with him." Sonic said.

"Thanks Sonic, That actually means a lot coming from you."

Sonic started to think as he finished putting away his shirts. He walked to his bed and sat down. 'Honestly I'm happy he found love but why did it have to be with Scourge. I don't know what Scourge is playing at but I know it isn't good.' Sonic thought.

"I have another question for you. How do you know Scourge? He seemed to recognize you when you two saw each other." Shadow asked.

"Ugh..." Sonic stammered. 'Should I tell him the truth? Or lie? He'll hate me if I just start trashing his...*mentally gags* boyfriend. I'll just bend the truth a little!'

"Scourge and I knew each other as kids. We were friends for awhile, until he moved away with his family during middle school. Haven't seen him till now." Sonic explained.

"Huh, he's never mentioned anything like that before when I talked about you." Shadow said.

"So you talked about me~?" Sonic teased.

"Just my past with you. Don't get too excited." Shadow chuckled.

The two hedgehogs shared a few laughs, happy to be in each other's company.

"So, tell me more about your time without me in the picture." Shadow requested.

"Where do I begin...." Sonic wondered.