sonic-takeover

[sonic-takeover]

Oh Shadow, were you going to try out your new skates while Sonic tries out his gift? ☺️

Actually, I planned to combine the two. *He stands up and offers his hand to Sonic* Darling.

Hm? *Sonic takes his hand and stands up* What's up babe?

I.... I received these yesterday. I wanted to share them with you. *He shows Sonic the skates*

Oh woah! Yeah I saw you grab 'em, but I didn't get a good look. These are so cool! I've always wanted to learn how to skate.

Hm. Put them on.

What? Now?

Yes. *Shadow kneels before Sonic so he can help him lace them*

O-Okay! If you're sure. *Sonic takes off his shoes and lets Shadow help him into the skates. He wobbles awkwardly at first, not used to the change in balance. He grabs Shadow's shoulder to keep him up* Aah, oookay this is weird-

You're safe. I'll keep you from falling. Much.

Much..?? AH- *Shadow guides him by his hands over to the middle of the clearing, where the ground is better for wheels. Sonic watches his feet, nervous*

Don't look down. Look at me.

*Sonic looks back up at Shadow's eyes*

I've got you. Are you ready?

Yeah..! I think.

Good. Push your foot out to the side.

Like.. this? *Sonic does so and moves forward* Woah!!

Yes. Keep your knees bent, Sonic. *He patiently teaches Sonic to skate, moving alongside him through every step. Eventually, Sonic gets the hang of the beginner stuff and relaxes, laughing as he rolls in circles around the clearing*

[sonic-takeover]

Shadow is suuuuper pretty. I don’t blame you for thinking the attraction was universal, Sonic!

Hell yeah~ I mean, look at him. *Sonic gestures toward Shadow as if he were a piece of art... Which, to Sonic, he is* You can't look at that face and not fall in love. I mean, like.. damn... When we first met, I was dumbfounded. I felt lucky I got to spar with someone as pretty as him. I thought everyone felt that way until I mentioned it to Amy one time. I was like.. Super confused when she said she'd never been attracted to him. And yet somehow I didn't realize I was bi until waaay later.

*Shadow doesn't look at him, but he quietly joins in, one hand laying on Sonic's as he speaks* When we met, I forgot how to speak for a moment. I floundered and tried to make up a reason I was shocked. I said it was because we looked alike. We don't, but somehow you fell for it.

I assumed maybe you had facial blindness or some biz. I didn't wanna be rude.

I do. It isn't as bad as Amy's, but.. Anyway. I didn't know how to feel about this... Draw I had to you. This attraction. I found excuses to be around you, to fight you, to work with you. Rouge knew from the beginning that I had feelings for you, though I stayed in denial for a long time. I'm glad that is no longer the case.

Same here. I'm lucky to have a boyf as gorgeous as you~ *Sonic kisses his cheek*

Heh... As am I.

[sonic-takeover]

You guys are too stinkin' cute!!! Don't forget to eat your picnic and do the rest of what you planned though Shadow. 🤭

Hah! That's all Shads.

I disagree.

It's okay, baby. Can't all be right, can we~

...... Tch. Anyway. *His ears are flushed as he puts the guitar down and opens the cooler. Inside are chili dogs, sodas, iced coffees, a fruit platter, and two slices of birthday cake* I put these together before we left.

Oh woah! Shads, you didn't have to do all this..

I did. I love you and this is how I am showing it.

*Sonic smiles, melting a bit. He scoots over and helps Shadow set up the food on the blanket. He steals a strawberry from the platter, eating it with the stem attached*

*Shadow stares at him, horrified* ..... You forgot to remove the stem.

Hm? Why would I do that?

Because it's disgusting.

No? It's part of it. Just like the skin on a kiwi.

What are you??

*Sonic stares at him with mock confusion* A hedgehog? Babe. You knew that.

Ugh. *Shadow rolls his eyes and opens an iced coffee, taking a long sip from it* I will never understand your tastes.

Ehh, I think I've got pretty good taste, myself. I like you, after all~

..... Just eat. *He looks away, trying to hide his blush*

Don't have to tell me twice, beautiful. *He picks up a chili dog and takes a bite, sighing happily. He speaks with his mouth full* Best birthday ever.

... Yes. I suppose it is.

[sonic-takeover]

You know, for two hedgehogs "not ready for marriage totally not at all nope not that-", you should slip up or assure one another it's 100% happening "sometime" an awful lot lol....

At this point , what's stopping the full on proposal besides nerves?

Time. I know what I want. But I also know that jumping into something like that simply because I know I want it is unwise.

Yep! I love Shads and I know I wanna marry him, but like.... Not right now. We haven't been dating that long. What if we can't stand each other in a couple years? ... I mean, again.

Heh... I doubt that. I've wanted this for years.

.... Wait, really..?

Yes. I hated you, but I loved you at the same time. Eventually I couldn't picture a future without you. That made me hate you even more.

Awwwww~ I wish I'd known.. I would have flirted with you so hard~ I always thought you were hot, I just uh.. thought everyone thinks that.

No. But I'm glad things happened when they did. We wouldn't be who we are now if it had been different.

That's true! And same with gettin' hitched. I'm not worried about Shadow leaving, and I don't plan on leaving either. When the time is right, we'll know.

Hm. *Shadow nods*

Until then.. I'm pretty stoked with the ring I got~ *He admires his promise ring*

As am I. *Shadow takes his hand and kisses the ring, then leans in and kisses Sonic*

*Sonic giggles* You sap~

Guilty~

[sonic-takeover]

I hear that it’s Sonic’s birthday, but also Eggman’s! So, I wanted to wish both happy birthday and give Eggman a little something since he tends to be overlooked. I hope both enjoy their day! *Eggman’s gift is new custom tools but most importantly, extremely advanced components for his creations.*

Oooohhhh goodie, what's this now?? Custom tools, excellent!! Oh these will do nicely, yes. *He picks up each tool, feeling the weight in his hands and testing them out a couple times because that's what you do when you get new tools* I'll have so much fun building with these- OOH~!!! What do we have here?? *He looks through the collection of advanced parts and pieces of machinery* Oh my word, wherever did you find these?? These are extremely rare- Is that the final piece to my second-wave particle accelerator?? Finally!! Haha!! Thank you for these thoughtful and incredibly useful gifts, anon. You've done well. Quite well. *He steeples his fingers, already plotting his next evil scheme*

[sonic-takeover]

Sonic, I hope you had a great birthday today! Here's to all the adventures you will have in the future!

*cough*

and hopefully you getting married to Shadow

*cough*

Teach Sonic a chord on the guitar, Shadow.

-🎱

Aww, thanks, 🎱!! I've had a great day so far! Especially now~ *He leans his cheek in his hand, his elbow propped on his knee as he admires Shadow playing after his song* Chaos, I'm in love. I'm totally putting a ring on it someday. Maybe I should do that soon, though..

W-What..?? *Shadow plucks a wrong string, his face flushing*

Huh? *Sonic sits up, his eyes going wide. He waves his hands, panicking* Oh. OH. Nonono, I meant like a promise ring like you got me! Not a- Heh, you know. Absolutely gonna do that, just.. just someday! Not- you know what I mean babe.

R-Right. Yes. That. *He clears his throat* And um... Sonic knows how to play. This is his guitar. He actually taught me.

Hell yeah I did~ You're doing like... Way better than I remember, though. You been practicing?

Yes. Amy demanded that I accompany her violin, so... I've had a lot of time to practice.

You're in a band?? *Sonic is leaning forward, beaming at the new development*

W-Well, I wouldn't call it a band. Per se. Uh .... Practice buddies. ........... Rouge sings.

OH MY CHAOS YES. Concert tonight. Birthday boy demands it.

Wh-?? Don't I get a say in this??

Nope!!

Ugh.... Why me...

[sonic-takeover]

Wheeee! Happy birthday! *Tries to throw flower crowns on Sonic and Shadow as they pass by on their run*🎉🎉

*Somehow you manage it. They zip past like a gust of black, red, and blue wind. You throw the flower crowns and Sonic stumbles a little, but regains his speed quickly, adjusting the crown on his head* Ooh! *He waves at you* Thanks buddy!!

Sonic. *Shadow takes his hand, tugging him along beside him. He nods at you over his shoulder as a brief thanks for the crowns. His is lopsided on his head*

*Sonic follows Shadow in a few circles around the central volcano of the island and back down through a beach back into the woods. They finally come to a stop in a clearing. The canopy gives them comfortably dappled shade, and a picnic blanket is already set up at the edge of the treeline. The middle of the clearing is hard and sandy enough to... Say... Learn to roller skate on. Sonic's eyes widen as he looks around* Woah... I don't think I've seen this part of the forest before.

I know. If you had, it would be full of badnik scraps. *He walks Sonic over to the blanket and sits down with him. There's a cooler nearby with food and drinks inside. Shadow clears his throat and awkwardly tests the guitar strings to make sure they're in tune*

*Sonic gets comfortable on the blanket, his eyes sparkling as he watches him*

*Shadow doesn't make eye contact. His ears burn as he starts picking a gentle tune* ..... I... Am not always good at showing how I feel. I do my best, but... *He lets off a breathless laugh, shaking his head* You have no idea...

*Sonic hugs his knees, smiling as he watches the love of his life get emotional over him*

... You... Are... The best thing that has ever happened to me. I can't wait to marry you someday.

*Sonic's eyes widen. He blushes, his voice just a whisper so he doesn't disturb Shadow's playing* Same here, sunshine..

*Shadow smiles a little and begins to sing softly along with the guitar*

[sonic-takeover]

Aww, that sounds super sweet Shadow! No need to sound so embarrassed about the serenading part, we all know you can sing well! I'm sure he'll love it! When are you heading out?

Hm. Soon. *He packs up Sonic's guitar and slings it over his back, then grabs the roller skates and goes back outside. He walks over to Sonic, who's laughing with Silver and Espio. He slips a hand around his waist from behind and leans over to kiss his cheek* Darling. Are you ready?

Oh hey, handsome~ *Sonic leans against him. His ears prick as he notices the things Shadow is holding* What's with the stuff?

Nothing important. Just trust me. *Shadow nods to the Espilver duo* You don't mind if I steal the birthday boy, do you?

Not at all, pops! Have fun!

Go. Date.

Hah!! Don't wait for us, guys! Have fun!

Okay! :) *Silver waves at them as Sonic and Shadow start running, Shadow in the lead by just a hair to guide his boyfriend*

[sonic-takeover]

Shadow you're taking Sonic on some fancy date before his party right? I remember hearing about it from Tails the other day, I hope you have fun! What kind of date did you plan? 💕

Yes. He wanted to have chili dogs first so everyone can enjoy the day while we're out. He thinks we are just going for a run together. I have a path planned for us to take. It will lead us to a clearing I set up for a picnic and dancing. I'm going to give him his gift there. And... *Shadow fixes his quills, muttering the last piece* ... Serenade him...

[sonic-takeover]

How was Rouge's party? Did you have a lot of fun Rouge? Did you like the gifts your friends got you? 🤗

Why of course, cutie~ But the best part was having my friends around to spend it with me, hmhmhm~! Thank you for asking~ *She winks, blowing a kiss at you*

[sonic-takeover]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONIC 🎉🎈🎂

Haha, thanks buddy!! Can't believe it's already here! Chili dog? *He offers you one from the make-your-own-chili-dog station they set up in the kitchen*

[sonic-takeover]

Yo Silver, what are you up to? Most of your friends are setting up Rouge's birthday party I think. 🥳

Oh yeah!! I missed Espio :) I went to go get him! *He's seated at the table in Vanilla's house, being offered food* I think his family likes me.

Of course we like you, dear. We're just so glad Espio has someone as sweet as you in his life.

Vanilla, you are not my mother. Don't act like you are.

I can still be happy for you.

*Espio sighs and takes Silver's hand, pulling him up from his seat* Come. Sonic's birthday is soon. You don't want to miss it.

Oh, you're right!! Thanks for the food Mrs. Vanilla!!

You're welcome to come back anytime, Silver dear!

I will!! *Silver waves as Espio drags him out the door*

[sonic-takeover]

Aww 🥹, hey Sonic could you maybe take the cake to the dining room? Shadow was about to but I think he needs a minute. 😅

Sure thing, buddy! *He zips into the kitchen and stops in the entryway when he sees Shadow crouching and hugging some skates. Sonic melts a little. Chaos, he loves him. Sonic takes the cake from the counter and heads to the dining room without a word to Shadow, as requested. He'll comment on how cute he is later*

[sonic-takeover]

Ahh, pssst Sonic, if you find your boyfriend a bit teary and hugging some roller skates don't question it too much. My gift was well received but it's a bit sentimental for him so...

Roller skates..? *He's helping clean up gift wrapping while everyone starts to play games* Ohh! Aww... That's a perfect gift, thanks anon.. I'm sure they're happy tears.

[sonic-takeover]

Hmm, would this gift be weird coming from just some anon? Oh well, here goes anyway... *Leaves a pair of roller skates, in Shadow's size and the same color scheme as his air shoes, reinforced to withstand high speed shenanigans but otherwise normal, near where he's working in the kitchen. No fanfare or attention drawn to him, just a little white card with his name on it loosely affixed to one of the skates* (Maybe these would be fun to play around with? I bet it would feel pretty different from air shoes even if the movement is similar...)

*Shadow has finished the cake. He turns to carry it to the dining room when his shoe hits something. He looks down. A pair of roller skates. They're similar to his air shoes in design and have a simple little notes attached. He slowly sets the cake back on the counter and kneels to look closer. There's nothing written on the card other than his name. He picks up the skates, gently running his hands over the wheels and stoppers. His eyes tear up as he holds them, his mind flooding with memories of learning to skate with Maria. She would wear skates very similar to these when they were kids. He hugs them close to his chest, letting his tears fall down onto the leather. His voice is a rough whisper, not really meant to be heard* ... Thank you...

[sonic-takeover]

Rouge, I heard it’s your birthday. Happy birthday! Here’s a little present. *Hands over a box of antique jewelry.* Enjoy your birthday!

Ooohh~!! *She opens it and carefully examines every piece of jewelry* Ohh look at this, a 1922 silver watch! Ohh, and these earrings, absolutely 1874~ And this necklace? Have you ever seen anything that screams 1943 more, handsome~? *She holds up the necklace to show Knuckles*

..... No.

Exactly~ *She giggles and keeps looking through them. Wave lays her head on Rouge's shoulder, enjoying Rouge nerding out*

[sonic-takeover]

I might be busy tomorrow so just wanted to say Happy Early Birthday Sonic! Enjoy your day. Brought some Chili Dogs for you to enjoy. Also, I heard something about Shadow and Rouge’s Birthday passing by so I got them something as well. Shadow, here’s a pack of Coffee Beans and found this shiny jewel that Rouge might love. Can one of ya’ll take it to her for me? Please and Thank you. ( Also Happy early Birthday to you too Eggman, wherever you are)

-🍾

He-Heyy, thanks 🍾!! Hell yeah!! *He zips over to the table to put the chili dogs with the other snacks* Perfect. Shads is finishing up the decorations on the cake too!

*Shadow looks up as you place the coffee beans on the counter next to him* ..... Thank you.

Hmhmhm, thank you, my darlings~! Blaze, so lovely you could make it. Mwah~ *Rouge is basking in the attention of everyone in the house as they wish her a happy birthday. Her ears prick when she sees the jewel in your hands* Ooooh~!! Now what's this?? *She takes it, examining it closely* How lovely.. This truly is a precious gem~ Thank you very much, 🍾~!!

Huh? Oh, yes!! I didn't expect anyone to remember. Or care. Not outside the family, of course. And Sonic. Ugh. Look at this, he sent me a blasted card!! *He holds up a comically friendly birthday card filled with blue confetti that is now everywhere* He's mocking me. How did he even know where to send this to?? Well, anyway. Thank you for the birthday wishes, ��! At least someone is taking me seriously!