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triplethreatsonic · 3 years

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Hey! I just wanted to ask what parts do Amy, Rouge and Blaze have? Do they know about the boys' powers and destinies, or are they figuring it out on their own? Are they friends with each other? Have they known the boys for a long time? (Sorry, I know thats a lot 😅) still love your au so much! 💖

SUCH GOOD QUESTIONS.

I have been SO EXCITED to answer this ask! You may want to pull up a chair, this is probably gonna be more than you bargained for. :)

Quick clarifying point first: The boys aren’t actually ‘destined’ for anything— there’s no prophesy or chosen one thing going on in this universe, although perhaps it initially seems that way. Tikal is not a deity but the spirit of a young mortal girl; she gets the boys involved simply because she feels she needs help and they seem like good guys who also have the potential to harness chaos power. That may seem like a random detail but it’s kinda important in the story so there you go. :) Onward to questions!

All three of these girls play big roles in this story and are in different grades: Amy is a 16 yr old sophomore, while Blaze and Rouge are 17 yr old juniors. Blaze and Amy became friends in an elective cooking class they took together last year, in which Amy excelled while Blaze somehow managed to burn almost everything she touched. Amy helped her through it though. :)

Amy has known Sonic (a junior) since late elementary school, meeting him some time after Tails and before Knuckles. She’s had a crush on him since FOREVER, and she used to be a lot more blatant about it. However, as they’ve gotten older, it’s become something more subtle on her end—she eventually figured out Sonic is an extremely late bloomer, and they have a great friendship. She definitely still likes him though, and it definitely plays a role in the story. Sonic likes her too but hasn’t really realized it yet/has been subconsciously avoiding it up to this point because he’s nervous.

Blaze and Silver (a 16 yr old sophomore) have been friends for a very long time—they live on the same street but have always gone to different schools since the school boundaries cut right down the center of their road. However, at the start of this semester, the boundaries change to include Silver’s side of the street. So when the story starts, he has just moved to Blaze’s school, Green Hill High. They are incredibly close and talk about everything.

The first friend Silver meets at Green Hill aside from Blaze is actually Amy. Their lockers are really close to each other and she helps him feel welcome with her bubbly, kind personality. Amy is also the first person Silver talks to about his crush on Blaze (which he’s just realized exists of course). She talks to him about Sonic too, and they give each other advice :)

Other than Rouge, no one at Green Hill initially knew Shadow. Shadow originally lived in a different part of town with his family: the scientist Dr. Gerald Robotnik and his niece Maria, Shadow’s sister (Shadow was adopted around the age of 8). Shadow was homeschooled up until high school but even then he lived in a different school district than everyone else. He was incredibly close with his sister with whom he shared a love of astronomy, and he was very dedicated in helping her manage her Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Then one night, when he and Maria were hanging out at the lab, it was violently broken into. The intruders seemed to be robots, not people, although those memories are hard for Shadow to remember clearly now. During the break-in, Shadow and Maria tried to escape, but Maria was killed in an act to protect her brother. Gerald went missing, and at the start of the story still has not been found and is presumed dead. Shadow was taken into the foster care system, and in an effort to help him heal from the trauma, he was moved to a different part of town—Sonic’s school district. It's then that Sonic and Silver first meet him.

Shadow has done extracurricular martial arts at the local rec center for years, which is how he first met Rouge. They became close, which was a rarity for Shadow even before the recent tragedy just because he was so introverted. Rouge met Shadow’s family once or twice before the incident and liked them (she and Shadow mostly hung out away from his home just because Shadow’s home was a very private space to him). She went to Maria’s funeral. She’s one of the only ones who can make Shadow smile these days.

Rouge moves in a slightly different social circle than the rest of the cast, so no one at Green Hill knows her very well before they meet her through Shadow. However, she and Sonic have interacted a bit (it’s hard not to know the school’s track star) and she kissed Knuckles once in middle school-- he couldn’t look her in the eye for a year. :)

Aaaaaand Amy and Shadow meet formally when Shadow wanders into a flower shop thinking about applying for a job, and Amy happens to work there. :)

None of the girls know about the boys’ powers—at first. They each learn about things at different times.

Rouge finds out when Shadow does something stupid and hurts himself on a mission and she has to be taken into the boys’ confidence in order to help. She definitely chews Shadow out big time for not telling her things earlier and for being stupid in the first place (which was due to him being hurt and angry about some new information and trying to take care of things himself instead of letting others help him).

Blaze is the most suspicious before finding out—who wouldn’t be when their best friend suddenly stopped sharing things with them and was gone for long periods of time with two strangers, only to offer terrible excuses for doing so? Blaze definitely wants Silver to make friends at Green Hill, but everything about the situation just seems weird. Though she’s heard through Amy that Sonic is a good guy, she has no idea how trustworthy his judgement is, and the mysterious new student Shadow makes her nervous. She’s worried about Silver’s naivety and what he could be getting involved in. And it kills Silver to not be able to tell her (he and the others promised Tikal not to tell anybody anything about what’s going on). Eventually Blaze’s concern-turned-frustration boils over, and when Silver still can’t give her a straight answer, it causes a big angry, hurt rift on both sides.

After this, however, Blaze is by chance attacked by some of the robots. Silver ends up saving her. While she doesn’t recognize him at the time due to the whole chaos-warps-reality thing, he says something during that instance that sounds too familiar. It takes her a while, but eventually Blaze figures it out and has the panicky thought process of wait. Oh my gosh wait that had to be HIM. But it didn’t look like him… but he’s the only one who knows about [thing] and could have said that, oh my goodness it HAD to have been him--!!

Amy is the last of the girls to find out about the boys’ dual lives but she’s the first to interact with them in their superhero forms. While she doesn’t recognize them at the time, the first time Amy meets them, she stops them during a fight and is the one who puts the idea in their heads that perhaps some of these robots they’re fighting aren’t just robots-- maybe there’s something more to them. As time goes on, Amy interacts with the boys in their chaos forms frequently, helping out and stuff. She really likes them and finds it incredibly fun and meaningful to be connected to this secret protection force she’s discovered. Eventually however, Amy has a mini-crisis: the boy in the green and blue suit in this superhero band is really attractive, and he’s stirring inside her some of the same feelings she gets around Sonic. But Amy is loyal to Sonic and loves Sonic and wants to be with Sonic, but everything becomes very confusing and it eventually gets to the point where she doesn’t know what to think anymore, ahhhhhh--!!

So what happens when the girls eventually all find out about the boys’ powers and stuff? They join the party! Amy and Blaze both learn how to perform chaos control and gain cool powers themselves: Amy (along with the help she was already providing), is able to manifest her hammer and use it with incredible strength, while Blaze gets pyrokinesis (chaos powers are random and weird guys just roll with it). Rouge does not use chaos control (though it’s hard to get her to keep her hands off the emeralds because they are just so shinnyyy). However, she becomes a huge asset by contributing in intelligence, her flight ability, and her natural skills in stealth and espionage.

#ask #triple threat sonic au #sonic au #my art #amy #sonic #shadow #silver #blaze #knuckles #vanilla #rouge

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projectshadovv · 3 years

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Thoughts on shadamy? Or how you see the potential behind their dynamic? 🥺👉👈

gosh i havent thought that much about shadamy in awhile!! i was REALLLLY into it tho, just as much as i was into sonamy, like i honestly couldnt decide which i liked more.

(under read more cause once again i am Just Talk Talk Talk)

obviously now sonshadamy is the way

but ok well, i think i ship them more platonically firstofall (tho im not against romantically, we just haven't seen them together that many times? i would LOOOVE more interaction with them) and she'd be really good for helping him open up more about his thoughts and feelings, encourage him to be kind and thoughtful. people like to say that Sonic is a lot like Maria, and maybe they are similar!- Maria never got the chance to be adventurous or active though, and in SA2, Amy clearly reminded Shadow of Maria just as he was about to watch Earth be destroyed. She reminded and showed Shadow the actual meaning in Maria's words, what she wanted for Shadow and thats how he was able to save the world.

Amy's a really 'get into her feelings' kind of person and i can see her and Shadow having a few arguements and disagreements and lack of communication and understanding between them. It would def be really rocky at first (while Sonic on the other hand, just *understands* Shadow and leaves him be if needed, or confronts him directly and straight to the point). It would take a long time for Amy to really understand Shadow who's a closed door, and Amy's a open book and maybe that scares Shadow. He doesnt understand someone like her, who is so selfless and kind and lends a helping hand to anyone in need, and maybe he hates being on the other hand of that dynamic- he sees it as being weak, and Amy could teach him that theres bravery in kindness.

On a happier note tho, some activities i can see them enjoying together. Clearly Amy cant keep up with him in combat or speed, but she has a good endurance, and i can see her taking him out shopping or to local game arcades, or maybe help him with gardening. he grumbles and complains at the thought of being around people and doesnt like the center of attention but i think he'd think the experience is worth it

In battle, he'd be pretty annoyingly worried about Amy, she's not as strong or skilled as him and Sonic, or as elusive and cunning as Rouge- and you know, he wouldnt wanna lose someone close to him a second time, so he'd prob jump in front of Amy all the time and Amy would get soooo pissed off at him and theyd just get into a yelling match in the middle of the battlefield and everyone else is just face palming and its sooo awkward for everyone.

Finally, sonic who's known amy like his whole life, assures Shadow that shes more than capable of taking care of herself. Yes she was the damsel in distress in the past, but she's gotten stronger, not only for her friends but for herself and he's seen the improvement. it takes a lot of convincing to calm Shadow and so maybe he tries to work together more as a team with her. He's not used to that, so he'll still mess up and still try to get the most enemies defeated, but thats because he wants all the glory. it's still kinda annoying to Amy but he's trying i suppose!

Or maybe I'm giving Shadow too much credit, maybe he leaves Amy by herself TOO much, leaves her to fend for himself, refuses to work as a coordinated team. He's always worked alone, and when he doesn't its with Rouge, and its more like theyre fighting alone but together- if that makes sense. This irritates Amy cause 'arent we friends? friends look out for each other' and he'd be like, ive always been able to look out for myself' and she'll say 'yes but not all of us are Ultimate Lifeforms like you. What's all your power and strength for if not used to protect those who need you?' and once again she reminds him of Maria's promise. She's really good at humbling him and gently or harshly putting him back in his place depending on whats going on.

Amy of course finds herself stumped from time to time and goes to Rouge a lot for advice, to which Rouge is happy to help but says sometimes its best to leave things alone as she's learned to do when it comes to Shadow. Rouge is kinda relived too, now that Amy's trying to take over as some sort of caretaker for Shadow. Takes some of the stress out of the older girl's hair. Amy can't leave things alone though and just pushes and pushes Shadow until he snaps at her and lets her have it. It sucks but at least he's communicating. Again, Amys not one to back down and tells him that what he does hurts her and his friends. Shadow grumbles that he doesnt care but he doooes when it comes to Rouge and Amy, and eventually learns that to have the girls stop pestering him is to just *tell them* what hes thinking or feeling. He learns its just easier to do that than have them bothering him for days and days.

this is a lot of "amy makes shadow a better guy" so let me think of how Shadow helps Amy for once, okay so obvs i think he'd be up to sparring with her on a lower level to help her advance her skills. She becomes a much stronger fighter. Since she doesnt have the speed he or Sonic does, he teacher her to put all she has into her Piko Hammer, helps her go through rigorous training to better wield the weapon in a more convenient manner rather than just swinging her hammer around and wasting energy when it doesnt hit. He'll even rope Omega in who's more than happy to shoot a moving target. Amy will have to skillfully weave and dodge through it all, or use her hammer to block or deflect the projectiles.

I guess he'd tried to teach her to be more careful of the people she trusted, not to trust so easily and openly. But I think she'd be pretty adamant about it, after all, she trusted him pretty much as soon as she met Shadow, and when she met Omega (E 123 Gamma? sorry cant remember if theyre the same character), along with a bunch of other baddies. She's not afraid of getting hurt or being wrong or trying to be the try hard good guy, she cares more about giving second chances to those who want it. Shadow and Amy agree to disagree but its brought up when its relevant.

hopefully this is good enough?? idk the shadamy fanfics i read back in the day, Shadow was either a really emo guy in highschool or some guy in a gang or mafia, and along came amy this really preppy girl who'd bring him out of his shell and into the sunshine, until one day her life was in danger and he'd have to save her, and sonic was either the villian or some asshole jock kid who get jealous now that amy wasnt always on him, or it was shadow's dad LOL that was THE formula for shadamy fics back then.

#me: huh i dont have many thoughts #me: i am ALL THOUGHTS

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soft-glitch · 3 years

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Through Thick And Thin

Fandom: Sonic the Hedgehog

Type: hurt/comfort, platonic fluff

Word count: about 2700 words

Author’s notes: this year was a mess. But I’m grateful for a few things that happened to me in 2020. One of these things is getting into the Sonic fandom, which helped me find joy in being creative again. Another is a budding friendship with someone really cool, that I can only hope will last for a long time.

This fic is kind of a gift to that person for New Year’s Day. To everyone, but especially to you O, I wish a happy new year and many good things to come.

- - - - -

It was not an easy morning.

Shadow had always been an early bird. He never needed much sleep compared to other mobians, thanks to his bio-engineered origins. This was both a blessing and a curse, depending on the days.

Being able to stay up most of the night during missions proved useful more than once. On the other hand, when ugly thoughts would assail him and sleeping them away was not an option, well… It was suddenly much less interesting.

On this last day of December, the hedgehog could not shake uneasy feelings. Between Eggman’s plotting and his own personal issues Shadow always had rough times, but this year had been… a lot.

Walking silently in the empty corridor, careful not to wake up anyone in the household, the dark mobian reached the kitchen and started preparing hot chocolate. Since most of his friends knew about his sweet tooth he didn’t bother hiding it anymore, and Rouge always made sure they were stocked up on cocoa.

While waiting for the milk to warm, he glanced at the clock on the wall. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

The eerie calm of early hours often made Shadow slightly uncomfortable. Despite his introvert side enjoying the peaceful solitude, it was also a moment where his thoughts would simmer in his mind, either awoken by confuse dreams or simply emerging as the day started. He would often put some music or read a book to avoid thinking too hard about it.

Didn’t always work, though.

Taking a deep breath the hedgehog felt some relief at the sweet scent of chocolate. He took a small sip before moving to roll himself in blankets on the large couch. With a long and noisy yawn he reached for the remote and pointed it at the large TV screen in front of him. Maybe there was something nice to watch while waiting for his roommates to get up.

- - - - -

When Shadow opened his eyes again, sunlight was gently glowing through the translucent curtains of the living room. Which meant it was probably kind of late already. It seemed he fell back asleep at some point.

With a frown, he rubbed his dishevelled quills and took a look at his phone. Almost 11am, and no sign of Rouge or Omega... This was odd, especially since they planned on spending the New Year’s Eve together.

That’s when he noticed an envelope lying on the small coffee table, next to his now empty mug. It was plain kraft, with a small card inside that only offered an address and the words “At noon, don’t be late hun”.

Obviously from Rouge. She loved putting mystery and drama in everything she did. Shadow huffed and shook his head.

Irredeemable.

Did that mean his friends got up without waking him and prepared some kind of surprise? However silly it was, this simple envelope brought some warmth to the hedgehog’s heart. He got up to take a quick shower and prepare for the day, a small smile peeking at the corner of his lips.

- - - - -

The location was one Shadow didn’t particularly recognise, a small intersection in a popular part of the town. Since Team Dark lived in a suburban area and their job at G.U.N was usually all over the world, his knowledge of the city was lacklustre. Right as his phone displayed 12pm a text popped up on the screen.

Rouge Right behind the shoes store, a cafe.

The striped mobian rolled his eyes with a hint of amusement. Even for something as simple as a New Year between friends, the bat couldn’t help making some kind of fun game to play. Shadow would gladly proclaim it futile and childish, but he actually enjoyed these quirky adventures his best friend always peppered in his life.

What he saw next filled him with pure joy. Of course Rouge wouldn’t choose a random cafe to meet. She had to make it extra one way or another, and she just knew how to please him.

The Gentle Garden Chao Café & Flower Shop

Almost giddy at the idea of having some sweets surrounded by chao, the ultimate lifeform stepped into the small establishment. A quick glance around made him happy beyond words: soft muted lights and warm colours complemented vintage furniture, large potted plants adorned all sides of the place, and —most importantly— chao of every kind were all over the place, either walking, being cuddled by clients or sleeping on small pillows.

In the back of the room was a large counter, behind which a massive chalkboard displayed both the cafe menu and prices of various flower arrangements.

Before Shadow could go and talk to the barista, a familiar face caught his attention. Rouge was there, sitting nonchalantly and sipping some drink in the most ostentatious way possible.

The hedgehog smirked and sat in front of her.

“So...?” he started with a raised brow. “So what? Did you think I’d let you stay home for this special day?” Rouge huffed between two exaggerated sips. “It’s just New Year’s Eve, not an anniversary or something...” Shadow said, glancing at the table.

He realised an order of white chocolate cappuccino —his very favourite drink— and forêt noire —one of his favourite sweets— were set in front of him. For a second he felt something rise in his chest. A mix of gratitude and that odd yet pleasing vulnerability he could only feel with his closest friends.

“I know it’s just the new year.” the bat leaned on the table, her eyes both tender and serious. “I also know you haven’t been doing great lately. It’s been a difficult time, and of course it won’t magically be over as midnight comes, but...”

She looked in the distance, her eyes piercing through the windows and their cold winter lighting. Shadow could very clearly feel the bittersweet essence of her expression. This year had also been hard on her.

“We’re in this together, y’know.” she resumed, turning a gentle smile towards him. “And while I can’t resolve every problem we have, I can at least invite my emo bestie to enjoy some chao and indulge in sugary treats!”

The hedgehog chuckled at this, then raised his cappuccino mug. “Let’s have a good time, then. To us bitches.” he said with a knowing grin. “To us bitches!” she exclaimed happily. ”Now drink that ‘ccino, we have chao to cuddle.”

Some laughs and friendly banter later, two chao had found their way on Shadow. One was sleepily nested on his legs while the other was playing on his head, brushing his quills curiously.

“You really have your way with them, just like Omega...” Rouge remarked. She loved the little creatures very much, but she never seemed to attract them as easily as her two partners. No one really knew why and she honestly didn’t mind. It was fun enough to observe them from a distance: no risks of ruined haircut or having one mess with her wings.

“This is the best.” the hedgehog whispered, his voice full of emotion. His friend chuckled. Shadow was endearing in many ways, but his love for plants and creatures was unparalleled in an extremely wholesome way.

“Did you ever consider adopting one?” she asked before biting into her remaining pastry. Shadow’s expression became slightly somber as he looked at her. “I…” he sighed and scratched the sleeping one’s head. “I always wanted to, I guess. Even on the Ark, once we learned about them with Maria, we used to pretend having one. There was a plush, I don’t remember its name. We would play parents, bring it along for walks across the Ark, this kind of things.”

Rouge nodded sympathetically. Maria was less and less a sensitive subject as years went by, but Shadow was still defensive about these memories. Sharing them was one of the most intimate things he would do, and she felt honoured every time it happened.

“Maybe one day.” the hedgehog shrugged with a tired smile. ”Right now our lives are too dangerous. I can’t raise one properly as long as we keep fighting and going on missions Chaos knows where. – Let’s hope we get Eggman and his clique once and for all, then!” Rouge said with a grin. “Can’t wait to have you pester us with photos of your ugly little baby.”

The genuine laugh that followed made the bat beam with happiness.

- - - - -

The very specific atmosphere of New Year’s Eve was not lost to the two mobians as they strolled in the city. Streets were bustling with activity, but in a way that felt distinct from other winter holidays. The ambient anticipation was less frantic, almost… solemn. Instead of rushing for gifts and food, people seemed determined to enjoy the final hours of this year.

Shadow found it interesting, not without its charm. He was more used to strolls in mountains, lonely forests and small paths undulating through fields. The buzzing activity of the city was something else —very nice, though. Plus Rouge knew every neighbourhood surprisingly well, and offered him little fun facts and stories about all sorts of buildings and places.

“It’s a real shame we don’t get more free time between G.U.N and Eggman.” the bat lamented. “There are so many nice spots I’d love to visit with Omega and you. – We do have vacations once in a while.” Shadow replied. “Yeah, but they’re either ruined by some apocalyptic event or by an intense need for rest.” she sighed. “We can’t enjoy the Museum of Arts if we’re falling asleep every two paintings.”

The dark mobian nodded. Technically Omega and him didn’t need a lot of sleep, but being world-saving heroes brought its own kind of mental fatigue. Moments of calm and respite were too few and far between.

“Well. Next time we have some days off we’ll organise a Team Dark afternoon.” Shadow offered. “An exhibit or two, some games at the arcade. Maybe a small concert at a cafe. – Oh my. Hun, I’m impressed to see you take this kind of initiatives.” the bat replied.

The hedgehog gave her a friendly nudge. “Shut up, can’t let you make all the decisions. – I don’t see why not.” Rouge shrugged with a knowing smile.

They suddenly stopped. Without really realising it, the duo had reached the large avenue leading back to their house. As they exchanged a glance, Rouge winked. “Omega must be waiting for us. Let’s move!” she said cheerfully.

- - - - -

An immediate wave of relief filled Shadow as soon as they passed the front door. “Finally some warmth.” he sighed, removing his large coat and thick scarf. “I was expecting your lowered body temperatures.” Omega’s robotic voice answered from the kitchen. “Hot tea and biscuits are ready for immediate consumption. Made with love.”

Rouge snickered and Shadow repressed a chuckle. Both knew Omega was absolutely unable to cook anything without setting fire to it, so the biscuits were probably store-bought. They still appreciated the gesture greatly.

Everyone gathered around the table, remembering stories about the now-ending year and its numerous developments. Adrenaline-filled fights, obscure investigations and exhausting assignments went alongside hilarious mistakes, glorious teamwork… and even celebratory moments with all the other heroes of Mobius.

“Okay, but the award for the best party of the year still goes to Knuckles’ surprise birthday.” Rouge said confidently while helping Omega put on a colourful crochet beanie. “Ughh please. Let’s not talk about it.” Shadow groaned, knowing exactly where this was going. “It was extremely fun. The fireworks accident made it over 200% better than any other celebration.” the robot insisted. “Oh right, I almost forgot about that!” the bat laughed. “Poor Knuckie, having to deal with a fire hazard on his cherished island…”

Memories of the furious echidna shouting frantically brought a grin to Shadow’s face. “But!” Rouge added, ”I mostly remember someone having a few drinks too much and— – NOPE!” the hedgehog exclaimed as he brandished his hands. “No talk of this specific event shall happen in this house. Ever.”

Omega tapped his fingers on the table as he eyed his smaller friend. “It is a shame I did not record it for ulterior viewing.” Shadow’s glare was so intense the former badnik recoiled slightly.

“Oh well, it’s all in the past now.” Rouge mused teasingly. ”Good times, good times...”

- - - - -

The closet was absurdly full of useless trinkets and Shadow was very, very close to “fix” it with a Chaos blast.

Of course he wouldn’t, knowing how preciously Rouge kept all those odd items from her past. Jewels, foreign souvenirs, postcards, old plushies, photographs… All her memorabilia was kept there, in a mismatched mess mixed up with cleaning supplies, spare beddings and various tools.

“They should be somewhere near the bottom!” the bat shouted from across the flat. The hedgehog growled, his eyes desperately scanning the clutter in front of him. Finally he found what he came for.

Fairy lights. The essential accessory to any LRCS —Living Room Camping Session.

Shadow walked back to the main room, where a drying rack and several chairs formed a structure covered by sheets and blankets. Omega was evaluating whether the improvised tent was big enough for him. “It is perfect, Rouge. We will be able to fit within the designated comfy area.” he said before crawling underneath the colourful construction.

The hedgehog carefully hung the string of lights around and inside the tent before plugging it. Rouge grabbed some snacks and scuttled against the large robot, who fiddled with the remote until a title screen showed on the TV.

“Are we really watching this?” Shadow asked hesitantly. “Shadow. We all know your inclination for romance between organic beings. Please come cuddle so we can start the movie.” Omega said. “Don’t tell me you suddenly decided to hate cheesy fiction, sweetie.” Rouge added. “I would rather perish than lose your snarky remarks and teary-eyed spee— – Alright, I get it, I’m coming.” the hedgehog replied with a frown. “This better be good, though.”

It was everything but good. Outbursts of laughter and incredulous stares followed one another as the movie —a romantic parody of the famous blockbuster Attack On Mobius— kept getting more and more absurd. Omega threatened to turn himself off as he struggled to find any reasoning behind what was happening, and Rouge almost choked on her pop-corn near the end of the second part.

When the credits started rolling, the three buddies snuggled together. The winter night cold was no match for a group hug and thick quilts. Shadow eyed his phone and hummed.

“It’s almost midnight. – Does that mean we have to prepare a wish?” Rouge asked in a sleepy voice. “We don’t have to.” the hedgehog replied, glancing at his two friends.

Has to be an odd sight, he thought. A haphazard team with so many differences, united by pure luck in a challenging world. Chilling together in a makeshift tent in the middle of a flat like nothing else mattered. He closed his eyes and took a moment to appreciate the warm feelings. Being surrounded by such amazing souls for whom he really mattered. Knowing all the affection and dedication hidden behind that seemingly cold name, “Team Dark”.

“I wished for a pony.” Both Omega and Shadow looked at their bat friend with tilted heads. “What? They’re cute, I dunno.” she shrugged with a shit-eating grin. “What would you guys wish for? – Dual plasma swords.” the robot replied. “Maybe I should ask Miles when we cross paths again.”

Rouge rolled her eyes, then shouted curse words as she realised midnight was mere seconds away. Omega startled, making the whole tent fall on the team. The striped hedgehog quickly covered his muzzle with his hands, trying to suppress an irresistible laugh. No matter how hard life was, no matter the obstacles in his way, one thing was certain as the year came to an end.

Friendship was all he could wish for.

#sonic the hedgehog #sth #rouge the bat #shadow the hedgehog #e-123 omega #fanfic #team dark

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another-sonic-blog · 4 years

Text

Stages: Recovery

Stages: Intimate Friends: Pt.1: Recovery

ShadAmy (Friends to lovers SLOW BURN)

4k600

Previous: https://another-sonic-blog.tumblr.com/post/190590212605/stages-close-friends-pt4-the-realization

Shadow wasn't doing good.

To Amy, that was more than obvious. She didn't think he was going to take the 'live with me' so seriously. Amy thought that he was going to stay only a couple of weeks until he found a better place to live.

This is Shadow we are talking about after all.

He wouldn't want to live in an old rusty building, and although Amy enjoyed very much his company, she was starting to get annoyed at him.

Annoyed at the fact that he was bringing in females to his dorm at night.

Amy knew that Shadow was hurting and badly and this was his way to cope with Maria leaving him.

Going out Chaos knows where and sleeping with as many girls as possible.

Amy wouldn't have minded at all at the beginning, Shadow was a male hedgehog after all and he had his needs like everyone.

However, this wasn't the beginning.

Amy liked Shadow way too much to see him going out with other girls. Jealousy will overtake her and made her avoid him at all costs.

She preferred to give a blind eye than to see Shadow with other girls simply because it pained her.

Amy laid in her bed, as she watched the moon from her window. It was 4 a.m. and she could hear giggles coming from the other room where Shadow resided.

Female giggles.

She didn't know why she was keeping up with this.

Oh yeah, it was because she loved him.

"Shadow, I don't want to intrude but, if you want to have fun with your friends, there's plenty of hotels out there." Amy added, "Please be considerate, I live here too and um ... I hear everything."

Amy was in Shadow's dorm, it wasn't anything like his apartment but it still had that wet soil smell to it. His room was clean and organized unlike hers.

She was expecting him to be embarrassed or at least show some type of shame but instead, she met calm eyes.

"I'll try my best." He said.

Amy sighed, she can't threaten him to kick him out of the Resistance. She just didn't have the heart nor the energy to deal with that.

She gave him a smile which he returned, feeling relieved that his friend seemed to have forgiven him.

"Anyways, where do you go every night?" Asked Amy, she was about to take a seat on his bed but decided not and with a disgusted look she moved to a dining chair.

"I go drinking to get drunk."

Shadow rolled his eyes in amusement as he watched Amy. Did she believe that he didn't wash his bedsheets?

"I thought you didn't like drinking alcohol."

"Well, I don't exactly drink alcohol."

Amy gave him a confused look, which Shadow enjoyed very much

"You can't get drunk if you don't drink alcohol," said Amy.

"Yes, you can."

"How?"

Shadow then pointed to a green large bottle. To Amy, it looked like a champagne or vodka bottle. But even so, it didn't make much sense to her. To her knowledge, Shadow couldn't get drunk even if he tried. His body would detoxify rapidly and the effect would last a few minutes.

She looked at him once more, intrigued and Shadow gave her a smirk.

Her heart skipped a bit, damn it, she was too into him.

"That is-"

A knock interrupted Shadow and he growled between his teeth. He already had an idea of who could it be.

Amy went towards the door and opened it as it reveled the blue bur.

"Hey, Ames. Ready to go to work?"

Amy smiled at him, "Yes, let's go!"

Shadow watched the couple from afar. He sighed, he took into notice that lately, whenever he had some free time with Amy, their time was always interrupted by Sonic.

He was always taking her to work. Shadow had told Amy that Sonic was unnecessary. He was more than capable to take her to work; or if she wanted, she could take his bike.

And even so, she rejected him. She preferred to go with Sonic and even if Shadow didn't want to admit it ... that kinda hurt him.

She was giving him too much attention and Shadow disliked that. He knew that as a friend, he shouldn't get angry at Amy for wanting to go out with other friends. He was fine when she went out with Rouge or Cream but when it was Sonic.

He felt threatened. He felt as if Sonic would take her away from him at any moment.

Shadow was insecure, insecure at the fact that maybe one day, for some reason the friendship he has with Amy will disappear. Just like Maria disappear from his life.

Amy waved him goodbye and she held Sonic's hand.

And Shadow felt that same feeling of insecurity overtake him.

More giggles.

Amy tried to cover her eyes with her pillow but it wasn't working. She could feel her face get warmer as the giggles stopped.

Now she could hear him. Soft breathing suddenly became heavier and gasp for airs became more frequent. Grunts and delicate moaning filled her room and-

Chaos, she couldn't take it anymore.

As if her prayers were heard, she felt her phone vibrating next to her. She didn't care who it was, she just needed a distraction. She answered her phone.

"Hey Ames, sorry to wake you up but can you look outside your window?"

Amy did instantly and she found Sonic on his phone waving at her.

"What are you doing here?"

Amy sighed, she was always happy to see him. He proved once again that he had perfect timing and that he was truly her hero.

Sonic smiled from down the building to Amy, "Do you want to go for a walk?"

"So, are you ever going to tell him that you lost your job because you fought Maria?"

The reason why Sonic always took Amy to 'work' was that she didn't have one. Amy was hiding from Shadow the fact that she was fired from her job. She kindly asked Sonic to pretend to take her to work, but instead, he would take her to different job interviews.

However, rumors spread quickly and Amy was soon banned from working at other restaurants or shops. She was labeled as a 'troublemaker.'

"I don't think so, Shadow has already too much to think about," Amy said.

"Yeah, because fucking every day takes a lot of thinking," Sonic replied, anger showed in his voice.

"Sonic!"

"What? It's true!"

Although Sonic was happy that Amy tells him everything, he was angered that Shadow wasn't aware of all the things Amy was going through because of him.

But enough of that, he only cared about giving Amy some proper sleep.

He could tell that she wasn't getting enough sleep. He didn't want to tell her but he knew that Shadow's hookups must keep her awake at night.

Sonic placed his arm around her as they arrived at Sonic's apartment. Since he was staying for some time in the city, he decided that having a place of his own would be better than to disrupt the privacy of his two-tailed best friend.

"Thank you for letting me stay tonight at your place," said Amy, she was carrying a white bag which had clothes and utilities she needed for the night.

Sonic gave her a small pat on her back, "No problem, let's get this sleepover started."

Shadow opened his eyes and found a red cat girl on his bed, next to him.

What was her name? Jessica? Emma? Ana?

Not like he cares, she would leave as soon as she wakes up.

Shadow stood up from his bed and picked up a box of cigarettes that were on his dining table. He walked to the door and closed it behind him pretty loudly as if he wanted to wake the female that was in his room.

He hated heights, but still decided to smoke at the rooftop on the Resistance. Lately, he was finding himself doing things he didn't like to do.

As he reached the rooftop, he took a lighter out of his jacket's pocket and tuned on his cigarette. He took a breath out of it and exhale it. He actually liked the smell of the cigarette and he enjoyed doing it.

Shadow looked at the sunrise, he never thought he would come back to this place. Less, that he would become very close friends with the pink hedgehog.

He instantly smiled at the thought of the pink one. Amy's laugh and smile resonated in his head.

A sense of guilt overtook him as he remembered her request.

Amy was always there for him and this is how he pays her? By bringing uninvited guests to her house?

He tried, but he couldn't stop.

Shadow's heart still ached whenever he thought about Maria. He had no other scape, Shadow couldn't get drunk, he couldn't get addicted to drugs or cigarettes and for sure none of the things brought him any pleasure but sex.

His heart was always aching, he tried many things but the only thing that seemed to satisfy his broken heart for a couple of hours was intimacy.

For the moments he shares with other females were his only distraction and pain reliever.

But also, there was Amy. Probably the only one who could put his heart at ease and the only one who steals him a smile from time to time.

But even she was slowly separating from him.

And the more she went away, the more Shadow wanted to look for someone to do the intimacy he was craving.

Shadow finished his cigarette and turned it off properly before going back inside the building. It was a chilly morning and he was planning to go to Amy's room just to make sure she had enough blankets.

And if he was lucky, maybe he could sleep next to her like the time they did before.

Shadow arrived at her door and knocked several times. It was a Saturday and it was her free day, maybe she was just very asleep.

He knocked at again, but once again no response.

He began to think that maybe she was angry at him for bringing in another female to his room.

He knocked loudly this time and when he didn't get a response, he decided to enter her room.

Her room was messy, which didn't surprise Shadow at the minimum. Most of the days her room was like this but Saturday morning she would wake up early to clean. He thought he would find Amy doing some cleaning of the sort but instead he found an empty room.

It was 7:45 a.m. and in Shadow's knowledge, Amy was a heavy sleeper. She should be here, sleeping or cleaning. He walked towards her restroom, hoping that she would be there but nothing. He checked the small kitchen but nothing again.

He checked on the entirety of the Resistance building ... and nothing.

Shadow went back to her room as the same feeling began to overtake him. It was that same feeling he felt when Maria left him.

He sat on her bed as he touched his pounding heart, a bit of comfort came to him when he smelled her scent coming off her bedsheets.

But even that couldn't make him stop feeling this way.

Ever since Maria left him, there hasn't been a single day in which Amy wasn't with him. Even if it was just a couple of hours, Amy was there.

She had become an essential part of his everyday life but today, she wasn't there.

Shadow's heartbeat began to increase, his hands began to sweat and for the first time in his life, he thought he was going to get sick.

Would Amy be able to leave him? Did she really leave him?

No, Amy wasn't Maria.

But once again, he never expected Maria to leave him. He never thought that the one he loved the most would abandon him.

And there he was, holding his hands on his head trying to deny the thought.

Because although he didn't love Amy romantically, he did love her as a friend.

He would never expect her to leave him.

After a well deserved night of sleep, Amy had finally arrived at her home. Sonic and she spend a lovely night together. They watched movies, play video games and she even convinced him to do face masks with him.

It was 5 p.m. and she wondered if Shadow had woken up already. Maybe they could grab or make some dinner together.

She opened the door that leads to her room and she was surprised to see Shadow seating on the edge of her bed with his hands on his head as if he had a headache.

Shadow's head snapped so quickly to look at her that for a second Amy was scared to look at him.

And oh Chaos, if looks could kill, Amy would have been long dead.

"Where were you?"

Shadow's voice was deep, deeper and even had a raspy tone to it.

Amy stood quiet, still not understanding the event that was unfolding in front of her.

"Where were you?"

Shadow asked again, his voice was angrier and if Amy didn't know him well, she could hear that he was hurt.

Shadow approached her and it didn't take him long to find out who she was with.

It was Amy's scent mixed with Sonic's. For the first time, Shadow found something that he loved and hated at the same time.

Crazy thoughts began to fog his head.

It wasn't like he was jealous.

But Amy was wearing short shorts, a white strapless blouse that made every curve of her body stand out. To add to that, her hair was messy, her lips looked plumper and for some strange reason, her skin seemed healthier.

He knew this look too very well.

This was the same look the females would wear when they leave his room.

No, he wasn't jealous.

He was infuriated.

"I am guessing you are also having some fun."

As if it was venom, Shadow's words affected Amy but not the way he wanted to.

"Excuse me?" Amy said, giving Shadow one last chance to back up before she lashes out on him.

"You tell me about keeping it down while you are out there with Sonic."

"Yes, I was with him." Amy wasn't afraid, she was beginning to feel annoyed at Shadow. If he could smell Sonic's scent on her, she was capable as well of smelling the scent of different females in him. "And I don't understand why you are so angry about it."

"I am not angry that you slept with him, I don't give a shit about that," Shadow said. "But I've seen this so many times already that I know what's going to happen."

"Oh, and what exactly is going to happen?" Amy said sarcastically, her anger increased with every word that came out of Shadow's mouth.

Shadow stood a few seconds quiet, recollecting his thoughts. How could she be so calm? Didn't she know the hell she made him go threw just a few moments ago?

"You are going to go fuck other guys." He replied.

Amy felt offended by his comment but realizing that the calmer she kept, the angrier he got and that was what she wanted to see.

"And what if I do? That's none of your fucking business."

This is it, her calmness. Her stance. It looked too much like her.

This was what Shadow always wanted, to have her in front of him. Expressing the things he couldn't say.

He had forgotten, that Amy wasn't Maria.

"It's is my fucking business because I know that moment you become a whore you are going to fucking leave me!" Shadow took a deep breath, giving her the final blow. "You are going to leave me just like Maria did!"

Shadow never thought that the most painful thing he could experience was the hurt look that overtook Amy's face. Her body trembled ever so often and her eyes expressed a certain disappointment and hurt that Shadow couldn't quiet make sure what it was.

Amy wasn't angry at Shadow, on the contrary, she pities him to an extent. Maria was still in his mind, haunting every single aspect of his life and she couldn't do anything about it.

But it also hurt her. If there was one thing Amy was sure about in her life, it was that she was unable to leave Shadow.

Yes, she had to admit that she was avoiding him lately. But it pained her, oh, it just pained her so much seeing him with other girls.

Because even if it was only one night, she wished she was them. The one who could bring him comfort when he needed it. The one he could be intimate with even if it was only for his carnal needs.

And it pained her even more, that she couldn't tell him.

Shadow gave Amy one last look, he just couldn't bear to see her like that. Mostly because it was him the one who caused it.

He walked past her and left her room.

Rouge entered the Central Hospital as fast as she could. Omega followed closed to her and she even ran a little when she noticed Sonic sitting in the waiting room.

"What happened?" She asked, almost out of breath as she used all of her energy to come to the hospital.

"I found her in Shadow's room, on the floor. Next to her was a green bottle. I think it was alcohol," Sonic said. "But the doctors can't seem to figure out what it is."

"Wait, a green large bottle?" Rouge asked, she was thinking of the worse.

"Yes."

"I am calling Shadow," Rouge said as she pulled out her phone but Sonic stopped him.

"Don't, I am sure that Amy is here because he did something to her-"

"We need to know what is in that bottle so we can help the doctors cure Amy." Rouge added, "And Shadow is the only one who knows what's on it."

This time, his head felt fuzzy, he had drunk too much and even with a very beautiful girl next to him, he still felt guilty about yesterday.

Suddenly his door slammed open, revealing a very angry bat, storming towards the hedgehog.

"What the fuck are you-"

"So this is the reason why you didn't answer your cellphone?" Rouge yelled at him, "Sonic was right, you are too busy fucking to even care-"

"Wait, Sonic?"

Shadow's hookup was terrified and the hedgehog and the bat didn't protest when she grabbed her clothes and left the room quietly.

When she left, Rouge's eyes asserted to Shadow again.

Shadow was more annoyed at the fact that Sonic told Rouge about his doings because the only person who knew about this was Amy.

Meaning that Amy most have told him.

Meaning that she trusted him a lot.

Meaning that they were close friends... Intimate friends.

"I was calling you last night! Why didn't you answer?!" Rouge asked again.

"As you could see, I was busy."

"It was important! I needed to know what was in the green bottle you brought with you at the Christmas party!"

Shadow really thought he was going delusional. Was this just a strange dream? Why was Rouge asking such a random question?

"That's none of your business. Nobody should drink that but me." Shadow said as he rubbed his eyes with hands.

"I know but Amy didn't know and she drank of it."

Shadow's heart stopped for a second.

"What?"

"She drank off it, the doctors couldn't tell what it was ... we tried calling you but you wouldn't answer and she ..." Rouge's voice broke and her eyes began to water. "Shadow ... she ..."

She couldn't finish her sentence as she broke into tears. She suddenly felt firm hands around her arms, Shadow had a pleading look and she almost felt bad for faking all of this.

But the boy needed a severe punishment.

"Where is she?" He asked, his voice trembled.

"In Central Hospital-"

And with that, Shadow vanished from her sight.

"I need to see her!"

"Sir, you can't, you need to wait!"

"If you don't let me see her right now, I swear I-"

Shadow felt his voice crack, his desperation had no measurement. His hands tremble and once again that feeling overtook him.

His world began to turn black, he could hear every single beat of his heart and his eyesight began to fail him.

"I need to see her." Shadow said pleading to the nurse, "Please ... I need to-"

"Shadow?"

Shadow came back to himself as he heard her voice. He turned his face to where the angelic voice called him and he felt himself breath again as he saw Amy.

She was holding onto the wall, she was wearing a hospital gown and although her appearance wasn't the best; to Shadow, it was the most beautiful sight he has seen.

He almost felled as he stumbled to get to Amy, his shoes made a squeaky sound as they made contact with the clean floor.

He wanted to hug her but stopped himself on his tracks as he thought that his embrace might hurt her.

"Patient Rose, go back to your room! You shouldn't be standing!"

Now it was very awkward, Shadow was seating on a chair, next to Amy as she layed on her bed.

On one hand, Shadow felt incredibly stupid and he made a mental note that Rouge will definitely pay for this. On the other, he felt incredibly guilty because even if Amy wasn't in any danger anymore, she was like this because of him.

"I wanted to see if you were in your room ... the door was open and I saw the green bottle," Amy said, breaking the silence of the two. "I got curious and I took a sip of it, thinking it was vodka. I didn't know it was poison."

"It's more than just poison, that green bottle has every poison known to humunaity," said Shadow. "It's the only thing that can get me 'drunk' sort of say."

"And you drink that? Shadow, that's bad for you!"

At that moment, Shadow's heart warmed up. There it was again, that new feeling he couldn't describe.

But it made him feel good.

"I am the ultimate life form, I can't die from it." Shadow added, "But you in the other hand, I am surprised you made it."

"Rouge told Sonic about the green bottle and he was fast enough to go to the Resistance and bring it here ... the doctors were able to give me the proper medication and empty my stomach in time."

Once again, Shadow felt anger rise in him. Sonic was again saving Amy, pulling her closer to him with his actions.

But this time, he realized he needed to thank him next time he sees the blue one.

"I am sorry ..." Shadow said as he looked to the floor, embarrassed. "For everything."

"I am sorry too."

"For what?"

"For worrying you." Amy said, "And for avoiding you."

Shadow's eyes now met green eyes and he waited for her to continue.

"I am sorry, I should have been there for you. I just didn't know what to say. I was scared that I might say something wrong." Amy played with her bedsheets, out of embarrassment. "You needed affection and because of that you went to other girls instead of coming to me-"

"No, I went to those girls because I wanted to do things to them I don't want to do with you." said Shadow, "So, don't feel bad-"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Shadow saw that Amy got offended at his comment, she was taking it the wrong way and he didn't want that.

"I am saying that I would never want to have sex with you." He said clearly.

Amy left out a grunt and and pouted, "Well, I am sorry I am that disgusting."

Shadow began to panic again, he didn't want an angry Amy. "No, that's not what I meant!"

Shadow stood up from his seat and he placed himself in front of Amy, making her look at him. "You aren't disgusting, I think you look very attractive! Even with that thin gown! I can see your-"

Shadow stopped himself as he saw Amy's flustered face, she covered her chest area in embarrassment.

Why was it that when it came to Amy, he couldn't think properly?

"What I am trying to say is that you are too innocent to for that, I couldn't-"

"Innocent? Shadow I am a grown woman, I know-"

"Yes, wait no, I mean, we could do it if you wanted to."

"You want to do it?!" Amy exclaimed as she blushed.

"I-"

Shadow gave it a thought. Amy was his friend, but he would be lying if he said that the thought of being intimate with Amy didn't cross his mind before.

But those thoughts soon left his mind when he realized that he preferred a friendship based on intimate emotions than a friendship based on carnal desires.

But the curiosity still was with him.

"Would ... would you have said yes?"

Why the hell did he ask that? What has taken over him? He was feeling angrier now, what was it with Amy Rose that she had him like this?

He felt all emotions when he was with her, sadness, anger, frustration, happiness and something else he couldn't describe yet.

Amy was freaking out mentally, was Shadow serious? Don't get her wrong, she loves that guy and she would give everything to be with him.

She wanted to be with him emotionally and physically. She couldn't deny that fact.

"If it made you feel better then ... maybe ..."

She was nervous. What if she tells him? Was this the right moment to tell him that she loves him? But if Shadow doesn't feel that way then their friendship would be ruined.

And of course, Shadow didn't feel the same. He was Shadow the Hedgehog, a successful G.U.N. agent, and world hero.

And she was only a waitress ... Oh wait no, she was less than that. She was unemployed.

"Amy you don't have to do anything ... You already make me feel happy just by being alive."

The words came out of his mouth so naturally that it even took Shadow by surprise. Their eyes crossed and Shadow got lost in her green emerald eyes. He had seen a lot of beautiful jewels before but none could ever be compared to Amy's eyes.

For a moment, he couldn't control his body as the feeling he didn't know about overtook him. He got closer to her as he held her hand softly. They kept getting closer to each other and Amy wasn't pushing away either.

Suddenly, their moment was interrupted as they heard knocking in the door.

The nurse smiled as she entered the room.

"Greeting Ms. Rose, your boyfriend is here to visit you."

"Oh, yes let him in please," Amy replied.

This took Shadow by surprise, he looked at the door, waiting to see who was the bastard who the nurses referred to as Amy's boyfriend.

And of course, it was him.

Sonic showed up, holding a boutique of flowers and as he gave them to Amy, he said said:

"I am glad you are in recovery now, babe."

A/N: A new arc! Intimate Friends is here! I can write a 4k600 word fic in a day but I can't write a 2000 word essay on Socrates and Machiavelli? Something must be wrong with me lol. Keep in mind this story may have a lot of mistakes, I do apologize for any grammatical errors.

Anyways, this chapter was tuned out to be completely different from what I originally thought of. This was supposed to be a 'fluff' chapter but I realized it wasn't logical. I think that after what Shadow went through, he would be depressed and he would try to cope with it somehow.

So this chapter's title is 'Recovery' because Shadow has finally started to recover from his horrible relationship with Maria.

He still feels insecure but Amy does help him feel better and I will slowly develop Shadow's feelings towards Amy as we go along.

Once again, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Until next time :)

Next: Soon.

#Shadamy #shadow and amy #shadowxamy #shadamy au #shadamy fanfiction #shadow x amy #shadow the hedgehog #Amy Rose #sonic fanfiction #sonic fanfic #amyrose #fanfic #fan fiction #romance

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missielee · 4 years

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A token

Day 4,5&6: Bulky, radio& blade

“….zz… In other news, two people have been missing on recent report by Sheriff Midton… zz..zz”

“Darn this old junk never work! Might as well dump it out in trash” A frustrated male struggled to twist the broken knob jammed to the left side “Oh come on, work you piece of garbage!”

The rouge machine was clearly trying the patience of him, squeakily grumbling against the twisting force. Craig was this close to throw the rusty radio through the window if he can’t switch to his favorite morning show. A “Plop” sound was heard when the turning comes off as Craig growled directly at the poor outdated device.

“Piece of junk! Not a thing works anymore!”

There go his good morning, Craig muttered while biting his toast and putting on his jacket. Without “Jack the Bumpernickel”, he couldn’t even sit at home peacefully to enjoy breakfast. Rummaging the couch for his keys, Craig cursed himself for not putting it on the drawers and probably going to waste half of the morning looking for “dem jingles”.

*Knock Knock*

“Mr. Krimel? Are you home?”

Craig looked up from the table “Just a sec, darn jingles!”

Searching but no avail, he gave up and went for the door.

It opened, showed a young girl in a thick fur coat with red mitts and scarf. A small wool hat covered most of her hair but some got out. Pink face lit up with a toothy smile as blue sapphires gazed up to Craig.

“I had a day off! There is a lot of snow at school so mama told me I don’t have to go to school!” she beamed “I thought I could hang out at your place!”

“How much snow was it that they let ya skip school?” He raised an eyebrow at the petit figure in front of him

Following the direct where the youngling pointed, Craig peeked out to see his truck sank in 5 inches snow, the top was covered in thick white. Groaned in agitation, he knew this day was gonna be sour the moment that radio roared his last glory buzz before going into deathbed. With this weather, driving isn’t an option so either he spent another hour shoveling or walked to Bernie’s to get his stereo fixed.

Wait a minute…

“Emma, did ya tell ya mom that ya here with me?”

Little Emma has already snuck through the wooden door and into the living room to play with Hoppers – the old German shepherd sleeping peacefully next to the fireplace.

“I snuck out through the gate! Momma wouldn’t mind!” Craig frowned

‘This didn’t sound like it’s gonna be good…”

As predicted, his phone rang from the other room. Rushed to pick up, Craig prepared himself for a tantrum from the other line.

“Craig! For godsaken, is Emma at your place!?! She isn’t in her room and I’ve looked everywhere!! Oh please tell me she’s at your house!” the frantic voice of a female bursted louder even though it’s not on speaker

“S’alright, Jane. She’s here. Little squirrel must have forgot to tell ya. Don’t worry, I’ll drop her at yours on the way.”

“Oh thank you so much!! What a relief! Can you put her on so I can talk to her?”

“Later, Jane. You can have a talk with her when she’s back, ‘kay?” He hung up

Head into the living room, Craig saw a very happy Emma rubbing old Hopper grumbling on his bed. Emma is daughter of a florist in town, who likes hanging out with the lumberjack than with her friends around her age for some reasons. Despite living over a mile from the town, this little girl will find her way on his front porch whenever she got a chance. It’s not the first time Jane – her mother, call Craig of her daughter whereabouts.

“Alright kiddo, let’s go. I got a radio to fix and I ain’t letting ya stick around here” Craig whistled “Come on Hopper boy”

“We’re going to Mr. Porter workshop?! Woohoo! Come on Hopper!” Emma ran to get his leash, too familiar with the surrounding.

The old man put on a scarf, gazed at the cigarettes on the table with lighter. ‘Kid’s here, can’t smoke or damn well Jane will give me an earful’

Emma, accompanied by Hopper, was excitingly waiting at the door. She gave him her scarf, saying that “Doggie might get sick!” but Craig already put a different one on her before they went out.

“Looks like we’ll have to walk to town. Are ya down for some boot in the snow, kid?” Emma perked up

“I’m always down! Let’s go!”

__________________________________________________________

The town sparkled in the cold white powder, stores lit in warm yellow lights. Emma ran up ahead with Hopper to join some kids playing in the snow. A few townsfolk were cleaning up snow on the street as well as those piled in front of their shops. Craig told Emma to stay near the town square while he went to Bernie’s. The little one nodded before running off joyfully with the hound. Craig turned his heel and headed towards the wooden store on the left side of the square, Bernie’s Workshop.

The floorboard creaked as the heavy man stepped in, bell chimming woke the sleep male at the counter. Bernie Porter was Craig’s good friend back in the days, but after the incident that cost him his leg, he retired and opened a workshop in town. His shop originally sells weapons for hunters but with people’s demands in fixing household appliances went up, he decided to change it into a workshop, even sells some others tools which earns him quite decent. It’s winter so his orders pile up on fixing heaters, stored up quite a few in the back. Craig went up to counter to greet his friend.

“How ya doin’, old bud? See ya got quite a lot orders here ‘round the cold weather”

“Crappy weather I tell ya! Mah’ knee ain’t lovin’ this icy breeze, crampin’ up and gave me hella hard time!” Bernie scratched behind his ear and put on a worn trapper “Ain’t got no idea why people keep messin’ around with the heater, if ya broke it, better just buy new. What ya got there?”

“Ah, the old rusty bastard broke. Thinkin’ ya might give it a try” Craig put the radio on the counter, along with a singular turner

Bernie gave it a look, grunted in disapproval while taking the whole thing apart. The inside is all dusty and the inner weren’t looking too good. Craig left his friend doing his job while taking a look around. Most of the weapons for hunting seasons have been put away, instead there are tools and materials for multiple purposes. A sharp gleam caught his attention in the corner of the shop. Thick wooden haft, clean-edge blade shone in his eyes. Craig picked up, felt the smooth pine handle and lightness on his palm. It’s been years since he last held an axe this nice, it gave out a homey sensation, so familiar to him.

“She’s a beauty, ain’t she?” Bernie spoke up “Careful now, she’s sharp enough to split a hair. Interested?”

“Hard to resist, I can say. But ya know I don’t do axe no more. I ain’t got the gist like before” Craig admired it before carefully leaned it back to the corner

“You ain’t got the gist? Strong as a grizzly, you ain’t fooling me. I may lose a leg but not an eye” Bernie cackled while twisting the screws.

It’s true that despite being in his 50s, Craig still looks like he’s in his prime. Body stone stiff and bulky, tall like a pine tree. It would be a joke to think that the lumberjack couldn’t handle an axe.

“Maria never likes me leaving these at home. Said it ain’t good if Nancy found them”

Bernie glanced up “Maria ain’t minding that, I’m sure. Holding on to old things ain’t good for ya, Krimel”

“You do you, Bern. Ain’t have to worry ‘bout me” Craig snickered “How’s mah thing? Can ya get it to work?”

“Can’t say I haven’t tried. This thing is a sight for a sore eye. I could always get ya settle on something better...” Dull eyes answered Bernie “…but I’ll see what I can do for the time being”

“Thanks, old pal. I swing by next week to check on it” Bernie waved at his friend as he disappeared behind the snow curtain.

Bernie returned to his work, baffled on how he’s going to get materials for such outdated radio model. “I’ll be damn if I can find where to get quadcoil to fix this wreckage”

On the side carved an inscription ‘For my beloved, Maria Fall”

#inktober #inktober2020 #day3 #lumberjack #original

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sunkissis · 6 years

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Bonjour mes amis,

It has already been two months since our arrival in Paris! I cannot tell you how fast this time has flown by. We exchanged our house in LA with a sweet French couple in Nation (12th arrondissement) for the first two months so we could have time to apartment hunt. I am so happy we were able to live in Nation mostly because we were able to experience a new part of the city we have never seen before.

I feel like I have finally mastered taking Liv to school on the Metro. I used to be confused about which direction the train would go and call myself out as an obvious tourist during the ride by watching for every stop. Now, we know all the lines and have the cool, I can’t be bothered look while on the train. Although once on a crowded train I got my skirt caught in the door.

My hair is huge here. I spend hours flat ironing it and yet the second I go outside it turns into an instant pouf. Must be the humidity, there is so much moisture in the air.

Liv and I usually discuss our plans for the week and how we are adjusting to life in France during the ride. I ask her about the differences between LA and Paris. She makes statements like France is so much more cultural and historic than California. She told me, “In Paris everyone takes public transportation but hardly anyone in LA does. Most people at the grocery store are grumpy but here they care about helping you.” She also said the food here is much better than LA. She’s doing well in school. I have met some of the parents of her classmates (although very few speak English). Her curriculum is very similar to her French school in LA but they go off the campus for PE (which is called sports) and I feel terrible because I can’t help her with most of her homework (only math and English).

After I drop her off, I usually take the bus home because the Metro is very crowded and grab my luggy to pick up the day’s groceries. I still can’t get over how frequently I have to shop here. We go through groceries like crazy!

So far we absolutely love living in Paris. I still cannot believe we are here after dreaming of this for so many years. However, there are some downsides to life in France. Please don’t think I’m some entitled brat complaining about my great life, I just want to keep it real and show both sides of our life.

It is very expensive! So far we have plunked down quite a bit of euros for household items (new towels, shopping at Ikea for our new apartment, basic toiletries). It’s harder to stick to a budget because we had to stock up on basic items. Our first week here I bought Liv a scooter, new clothes and had to replace a pair of shoes she outgrew. This month Antz and I needed some new clothes because we (happily) lost weight! I spend €225 every month on our Metro/bus passes but sometimes in a pinch, we need to use Uber and depending on how far we are from home, it can be expensive. We needed to rush home from Versailles to make it to a birthday party on time and it ended up costing €65 for a 30 minute ride.

Liv really enjoyed her €9 smoothie.

Then Monoprix had to come out with this rad limited-time collab with Maison Chateau Rouge. Just take all my money!

The romper was for Liv but if they had my size I would totally rock it. I pretty much cleared out their home decor display.

However, groceries seem less expensive here than in LA. Like cheese, meat and beverages are super cheap. But let me tell you about the most magical, delicious item in all of France… la beurre!

Back home I buy insignificant Land of Lakes salted butter for like $3.99 on sale. Here, I only buy Sel de Mer de Noirmoutier and it is so delicious. I use it on everything, you could tell me it has crystal meth in it and I would still be like “Pass the butter.” I must say, America is missing out on this fucking amazing butter. It costs €2.35!

However dining out is still costing a fortune. We stopped ordering cocktails and are sticking to drinking water but we can’t seem to keep our bill under €75. Recently, while out on a stroll around the neighborhood we found the famous rue Montorgueil. The heavens parted and angels sang as we discovered the most intoxicating smells of baked bread, meats and fresh fruit. The oldest bakery in Paris is located here. It’s now my favorite place to buy fruit and we fell in love with all the restaurants.

We brought home the best BBQ ribs and a half a kilo of cherries for lunch. Liv gobbled them the whole tray in five minutes! Oh, and I am now a basket lady. I have bought three baskets since I got here. This is who I am now. Note: The fluffy hair.

We found this incredible living wall called L’oasis d’Aboukir. It rains almost once a week so I guess that is why this garden is so insanely green.

There are a few other annoyances here that I can’t seem to figure out. Like getting mail delivered. It seemed to be easier to get our mail when we were staying in Nation but that could be due to our sweet neighbors helping us out by accepting our packages. In our new apartment, we have a mailbox that we put our names on but nothing has been delivered so far. It took many attempts to find which of the local post offices our address belonged to. My French is not as great as I thought it was. I was able to pick up one package (I ordered five weeks ago!) yet three more are in mail limbo because we were told if our building has a locked gate, they can’t deliver packages. Uh, like every single building in Paris has a passcode door so why wouldn’t they at least email me or leave a note so I know where to pick up my stuff? Today I am going to Fed Ex for the third time to pick up a package that was delivered nine days ago! My Mom sent me a huge care package and it took me two weeks to figure out how to track it down.

Another thing I will never get used to is the military presence here. I mean, they all seem like nice soldiers but it’s jarring to walk down the street and then boom, there’s five or six fully uniformed army folks casually carrying guns that look like they belong in a video game. I don’t dare take photos of them but they do say bonjour without a smile as I walk by. Oh, and they wear berets. I suppose I am lucky to live in a relatively safe neighborhood because there have been random knife attacks since we have arrived and sadly, I am always cautious when we are in large crowds.

I also seemed to have a hyper-sensitive aversion to noise. I was equally annoyed by the nonsense noise caused by our hillbilly neighbors (they had the world’s lamest garage band) in LA. Here, the sounds are subtle but torturous. For example, we noticed the first night while in bed, the upstairs neighbor’s toilet must be directly above our heads. Imagine the sounds we heard. They also had some type of saloon door that swings shut. This door produced a boom, bump, bump, bump sound all day long, just about every 30 seconds. I was very close to paying them a friendly visit to offer some felt pads but we moved into a new apartment. Just as we arrived at our new home we were welcomed by the constant cooing of les pigeons. They nest outside of our kitchen window and their incessant cooing sounds make me want to murder.

My final (first-World) problem is our new apartment doesn’t have a separate dryer. They consider this country sophisticated? I was warned about the hard, scratchy towels of Paris so I’ve always traveled with my own towel. The night before we left LA, I took a shower and used my soft, brand new bath towel that I packed in my carry-on. Then as we were re-packing our stuff I realized I only had enough room for either my winter coat or my towel. I was already wearing my camel year-round coat on the plane so I had to make a Sophie’s Choice. I decided it won’t be so terrible to buy new towels in Paris once we arrived. Guess what? Soft, plush towels do not exist here! I was stuck using my face towel for the first week. Monoprix does sell towels but they have a scratchy texture and cost $32.99 each. So, lesson learned, travel with your own pillowcases and towels. I did bring my allergy-free pillowcase covers with me. So, I’m living in 1925 y’all!

I adore freshly dried linen sheets or hand-washed pajamas but putting on stiff as cardboard undies sucks! Now I understand why everyone has to iron clothes here.

In other fun news, it’s peony season! My favorite flower is in bloom and you can buy four stems for 20 euros. Well, that’s how much they were at the marche however Antz found a sweet bouquet for me for Mother’s day for just ten euros.

This is how they look three days later, swoon.

May 1st is May Day. According to Wikipedia, on 1 May 1561, King Charles IX of France received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm. He decided to offer a lily of the valley each year to the ladies of the court. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became custom to give a sprig of lily of the valley, a symbol of springtime, on 1 May. Nowadays, people may present loved ones either with bunches of lily of the valley.

Liv has been a crafting machine since most of her toys couldn’t fit in her suitcase. She has decided she needs a handmade sword and shield.

I took her to La Droguerie to buy a pom pom making kit. This colorful place is located on

9-11 Rue du Jour, 75001 Paris, France

She was able to customize her own glitter! This kid and I were in rainbow craft supplies heaven.

We try to go to visit a new arrondissement every weekend. The parks here are absolutely gorgeous. Just don’t ever step on the grass. When the sky turns blue here, you grab a picnic basket and run outside!

Jardin de Luxembourg Rue de Vaugirard, Boulevard St. Michel, Rue Auguste-Comte and Rue Guynemer 75006 Paris, France

The boat rentals are €4 for 30 minutes. Liv chose Mexico to rep her Grandma Maria.

I think the pony ride was €8. Sweetest pony but our seven year old child is a giant.

Parc Floral 4 route de la Pyramide | Bois de Vincennes, 12th, 75012 Paris, France

We also love strolling our new neighborhood to hunt for Invaders.

Liv pointed out the heart shapes in the window panes.

One evening we took a stroll and ended up on Île de la Cité just at sunset. I swear I am never going back to the US!! Life here is tres beau.

Ask me anything about living in Paris.

Life in Paris: Month Deux Bonjour mes amis, It has already been two months since our arrival in Paris! I cannot tell you how fast this time has flown by.

#Farmers market #Paris #Park

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