Tags: mlm, gay, sonic, shadow, first meeting, sonadow, slow burn, romance, strangers to lovers, friends to lovers
Tw: Alcohol
Ooc: hey, sorry it took me a while for part 3, I get loads and loads of new ideas that I love in the moment and then abandon as soon as I have a new idea :/ But anyways, enjoy this new chapter!!
Shadow bid the rest of the customers goodbye right before closing time , looking over at sonic while he picked up his rag, wetting it in the sink and wiping off the booze-stained tables.
"It's almost time for you to head home, sonic." The hybrid watched the blue hedgehog through the corner of his eye, Sonic shifted in his seat.
"About that..." Sonic spoke cautiously, rubbing the back of his head and looking around the bar for the right phrase. Shadow's ears perked up unconsciously, slightly worried for his favorite customer. Although he would never admit that.
Shadow paused from wiping down table to look at sonic, dedicating his full attention to him.
Sonic chuckled softly, but it was an awkward laugh. Not the kind that makes you smile.
He looked down at the barely empty glass in front of him, running his fingertips along the smooth, cold glass before clearing his thought. "I'm gonna be honest... I've been staying at my buddy Tails' place for a while but... He's going to college soon and there won't be anyone at the house so..." Sonic straightened his posture and slicked his quills back with a shaky breath.
"I have about another two weeks before I won't have-" he choked on a bittersweet laugh, looking up and blinking a couple times to hold back tears.
"a home." His last two words felt like the anchor that was pulling down shadow's heart had finally plummeted. Shadow's hands tensed at his sides before speaking, a shaky voice that wanted to sound reassuring to some extent.
"If you don't mind, I think Rouge would be just fine if I brought a guest over for dinner."
Sonic finally looked to shadow, surprised.
"Y-you're serious?" Sonic blinked. "I've only known you for a couple weeks though, are you sure?"
Shadow nodded with a soft smile, one that he didn't intend. But liked.
Shadow took the rag and slung it over his shoulder, slightly regretting the scent of alcohol so close to his face. "Yes. And I'm overall finished tidying the place so I think we should get going. Don't you?"
Sonic smiled and almost leaped out of his chair with excitement. Waiting for shadow at the door as he adjusted his coat. Shadow couldn't help but roll his eyes at the childish behaviour, but he enjoyed it.
The two hedgehogs left the building with a faint ring of the bell behind them, locking up the place before stuffing their hands into their pockets and beginning the walk to the house.
