Stages

Casual Friends: The Date

Sonic was still in the city even after Amy denied his proposal to go away with him. He visited Tails in the hospital from time to time and he was doing better. He still wonders what happened in the forest but since no one was hurt, he decided to not put too much thought into it.

It was 7:30 and he was starting to feel hungry already. He looked for that hot dog place Amy had shown him before but the vendor wasn't there anymore.

Disappointed, Sonic walked around the city enjoying the night view. He noticed how people whispered between themselves, young boys and girls as equals.

He stopped once in a while to take pictures and give high fives.

He didn't like doing it too much, he was a hero, not a celebrity.

But he didn't want to be mean either.

Sonic looked up to the sky as he kept walking a bit more and suddenly what seemed to be boring night might as well be very ... interesting.

A fancy restaurant, one of those in which you could eat at the terrace, caught his attention.

But it wasn't the restaurant itself that got piqued his interest. It was the fact that Shadow the Hedgehog was with a young catgirl, sharing a table.

Sonic just couldn't control himself and went inside the restaurant. He walked to the top and quietly sat down on a close table, covering his face with the menu so the couple wouldn't be able to notice his presence.

"I'll go wash my hands before we eat."

"Sure, go ahead."

Shadow watched Ellie disappeared into the girl's restroom, everything was going well. They order food and now they were just waiting for it to come.

Shadow looked around, thinking of what kind of conversation starters would interest his date.

Maybe work? Family? Friends? Interests?

Everything was going well ... but then Shadow noticed him.

Sonic the Hedgehog, right in front of his table, waving at him.

Shadow didn't even think it, he stood up and went to his table.

"What are you doing here?" Shadow said as he took a seat and gave a quick look at the ladies' restroom.

"I am here to help you on your date," Sonic said. "Don't worry, I don't charge."

If there was one thing Shadow didn't like, it was people interfering with his life, mostly Sonic, who had a talent of making angrier easily.

"I don't need you, just leave. You will distract me." Shadow said.

"Come on, you know you need my help." Sonic added, "How many dates have you had since the year started?"

"...One," Shadow said.

"This one doesn't count."

"I've had one, alright!" Shadow looked back at the restroom, Ellie wasn't out yet. He looked around, he needed to remind himself that he was out in the public, and out of respect for his date; he needed to keep calm.

"Really with who?"

"That doesn't concern you, now leave!"

"I've had 15 dates," Sonic said, "I can help you! Just do what I say!"

"No, leave-" Shadow stopped as he noticed Ellie coming out of the ladies' restroom. He left Sonic and went back to his table as if nothing had happened.