Chapter Text
The van was definitely in a terrible condition. The back part was full of ashes and smoke from the multiple explosions they had set up before leaving Eggman’s rocket station and setting the place ablaze.
Omega seemed very pleased with himself while he sat in the back of the vehicle, the same couldn’t be said for the rest of the team.
Shadow had worn out most of his chaos energy with destroying that rocket and he was having a massive headache, his quills were all over the place and his black fur was full of white little particles from the rocket explosion.
Meanwhile Rouge’s entire espionage gear was completely ruined, she had to throw it away and put over an ugly disgusting sweater they found in a nearby store. That had definitely set up her bad mood.
Thankfully the white hat had been able to get one of the contacts to hand them over a van before the mission began. Now it was practically ruined, they would have to ask GUN to loan them some money to fix it or maybe, even buy another one for the guy.
Currently, they were miles away from their apartment on Station Square and due to Shadow’s inability to teleport them back home, they were forced to have a small road trip across the country.
The killer machine in the back of the van didn’t seem to mind at all, too focused on reading some of the magazines they had found on one side of the road.
Shadow wouldn't be surprised if they turned out to be a murderer’s secret diary, maybe that’s why Omega was so entertained.
Suddenly he felt Rouge start to pull over the road and finally gathered the strength to straighten back up.
“What are you doing?” He asked in a half-groan. The headache was truly killing him.
“Darling, I won’t be driving anymore until I get my hands on a cup of coffee” She said while parking the car next to a convenience store.
“And you want me to go buy it?” Shadow said, annoyed and puffing.
“You also need to buy an aspirin for your headache. I almost feel like you’re transferring it to me with your frown” The bat teased, even more by booping his nose.
“I look like shit, Rouge” Shadow growled
“But you are not wearing this disgusting sweater! Besides I’m driving, I win” The spy said with a smirk.
The black hedgehog groaned again but finally got out of the car, he didn’t pretend he wasn’t annoyed however and slammed the car door hard.
Upon entering he went straight for the coffee zone, pouring the coffee just like he knew Rouge liked it, if not a little more strong so it would help her keep awake. He decided to buy a more simple cup for himself along with the headache medicine.
With that, he walked towards the counter.
“Oh hi Shads!”
Suddenly everything froze in time and he almost let go of the coffee cups.
That familiar fucking voice.
He finally gathered to guys to drag his crimson eyes upwards and almost smacked himself in the face when he saw no other than Sonic standing behind the counter and smiling at him.
Shadow wished he had brought the gun of the van with him, that way he could have shot himself here and now.
Not now, no way Sonic was going to see him in the state he was-! All dirty and tired and with his quills looking like a mess! But here he was, the blue boy was wearing the store’s uniform, he looked disheveled himself, it was noticeable that his shift had been way too long but still, he didn’t look bad.
He was still wearing a bit of make up on his face, Shadow could tell even though Sonic did it extra simple, it looked good on him. And his quills were actually brushed (unlike his).
“What are you doing here? You guys on a mission?” The blue hedgehog said between giggles.
Shadow finally snapped himself out of it, feeling embarrassed when he stuttered a little.
“Yes. Just got out, the van almost blew up”
At that Sonic looked through the window, probably looking at the van. Shadow needed to make this quick, he wasn’t even wearing his air shoes, he had changed them for some sandals! He looked horrible!
“Oh yeah I can definitely see the damage” The boy chuckled. Then Shadow remembered the very hot coffee he had on his hands and put it over the counter, Sonic started typing on the screen after looking over the drinks.
“Why…why are you here?” Shadow suddenly asked. It was strange, why would Sonic work in such a place? In the middle of nowhere?
“Cuz I need the money” Sonic laughed.
“Some of us don’t get paid by the government, y'know? And nobody wants to work here, there's too many bandits around, although you know, not a problem for me” The black hedgehog also put over the pills he was buying with a bit of shame, thankfully Sonic didn’t comment on it and simply scanned the item.
Gaia knew Shadow disliked the idea of somebody telling on his few physical vulnerabilities.
Being sick, it felt wrong for someone who was meant to cure all illnesses, it meant he hadn’t been made the way he was supposed to and that made him want to throw up due to the anxiety it caused him.
Rouge had tried to push it once, told him that he was perfect just the way he was, weaknesses and all. The hybrid did not agree.
“You…don’t get paid for saving the world?” Shadow growled, a slight feeling of anger rising on his throat. After everything Sonic did, the least they could do was give him some money to live off.
“Nah, most of our income comes from Tails’ scholarships but I want him to use that money for his inventions, I have to pay the essentials not him”
I’m the adult.
Went unsaid, despite that not being the truth. Sonic was young as he was.
In his team’s apartment, Rouge, the grownup, paid most of the bills from her salary from GUN and the things she definitely didn’t get legally, while Shadow was allowed to use his salary to indulge in his personal things.
That was definitely not the case for Sonic. In his house, there were no actual adults, it was him who fulfilled the role.
“I see” Shadow said simply, because saying more would be too much.
“I think you should still get paid by what you do”
“Eh, it’s okay” The hedgehog said with a smile, giving Shadow back his things.
“I put a note on the coffee so you know which is which”
He winked at him and the black hedgehog tried his hardest to not react.
“Whatever” He grumbled.
“Guess I’ll see you around!” Sonic said as a goodbye
“I guess” Shadow said, unable to cover his face due to having to carry the two cups of coffee.
He temporarily saw his reflection on the crystal door and contemplated suicide, he truly looked absolutely horrible and ugly and Sonic had just fucking seen him.
When he arrived at the van he practically threw the cup onto Rouge´s hands.
“Oh! Blue is working here” She said laughing after reading whatever note the blue hedgehog left on her coffee.
Shadow was quietly observing his own cup, his face going red but remained silent until the bat decided to look at it.
“Oh my god! Yours has a kiss mark-”
“Shut up and drive!”