By: BlueBlurBoy

It was Christmas Eve and everyone was getting ready for the holiday, and for Santa to arrive. Snow was falling outside and the fire was warm and inviting. The smell of baked goods and delicious food wafted around the house, making stomachs rumble.

“Sonic, they’re ready!” A pink hedgehog exclaimed as she set some chili dogs on the table. After removing her gloves, Amy fixed her new red dress. It was like the one she had but with a little more flare.

She wore a red dress with white fake fur on the bottom and sleeve ends. She had a big red bow in her hair along with boots on. Her and Cream had a matching set, but the rabbit had a sparkly pink dress on.

Sonic whizzed into the room with a wooly red scarf on. It trailed behind him and sat over his shoulders, making him warm.

The blue male dove for the chili dogs and scarfed one down.

“Seems like you’re enjoying the party.” Knuckles smirked as he grabbed some grapes from the table. He was dressed in a green sweater, with Rouge by his side in a skin tight dark red dress and Santa hat.

Sonic gulped down his bite and smiled. “The party is awesome! I’m so excited for everyone to open their gifts. I think I really nailed mine this year.” He beamed.

“I hope it’s not socks again.” Tails chimed in as he flicked his Santa pom hat out of the way.

“No way, man. I bought everyone gifts that are actually good this year.” The blue male smiled as he side–hugged his best bud.

“Speaking of useful things, thank you for the new silverware set you gave me, Amy. You’re too kind, you really didn’t have to.” Ms. Vanilla said from the kitchen.

Amy walked into the kitchen as she started up a conversation with the elder rabbit.

“Looks like everything is all set, and everyone is here.” Rouge said as she sipped her wine. “This year looks like it will be a Christmas that we won’t forget.”

“Yeah, and to think we pulled it off in the nick of time. Who knew Sonic would jump on the tree to try and put the star on top.” Tails rolled his eyes as he looked at the blue culprit, who had his face stuffed with cookies.

“It worked!” Sonic argued.

“Barely.” Knuckles grunted. “But you did a good job back there, the tree looks nice.” He said with a side smile.

“Thanks.” Sonic beamed. “So! Are we all ready to start?”

“Um, Mr. Sonic?” Cream asked in a small voice as she gently pulled on the hero’s scarf.

“Yeah, Cream? What’s up?” Sonic asked as he turned to face her, smile warm and welcoming as he sensed a serious question about to be asked.

“Where is Mr. Shadow? He said he’d be here tonight, but I can’t find him. I wanted to give him his present but…” Cream sadly asked as she held a perfectly wrapped box in her hand. It was small in size, but Sonic knew that the gift would be something worth cherishing.

“I don’t know. It’s already late enough that I don’t think he’s coming, kiddo. But it’s very kind of you to think of the old grouch.” Sonic said truthfully with a chuckle.

Cream’s ears went down as she sighed. “Oh,” she said simply. “Ok.”

Ms. Vanilla watched from the kitchen as she worried looked at the blue hero. Sonic made a small gesture with his head, nodding it quickly before Cream saw. Thankfully, the rabbit seemed to get the message.

“Cream, dear? Can you help me with the frosting!” She asked.

Cream perked up. “Alright Momma, come on Cheese!” She chirped as she ran into the kitchen. Instantly getting to work as she began to frost a delicious looking chocolate cake. Adding her own decorations as well.

“Rouge, a moment?” Sonic asked.

Rouge put her drink down and followed Sonic to the window. They were alone and were able to talk in private. “So, let me guess. You’re gonna ask about Shadow, aren’t you?” She crossed her arms and looked at Emerald eyes.

Sonic nodded. “Did he say anything to you about not coming?”

Rouge sighed. “No, never said anything about going either. He’s probably in the city, brooding about something.”

“Do you know where he might be?” Sonic asked, hoping to get some clues.

“Sonic, you can’t be serious. You’re actually going to try and look for him? I mean, you of all people should know that once he sets his mind to something, he is or isn’t doing it. I wish he was here as well, but I really don't think he wants to be found.” Rouge tried to reason with him.

Sonic sighed and looked out the window. “I know, but I gotta try. I don’t want him to be alone on Christmas Eve or Christmas day.”

“Alright big blue.” Rouge smiled to herself. “You win.”

“Thanks Rouge. So got any idea where he could be?”

“There’s three places in the city he could be, but one is out of the option. Which is my bar, since he knows it’s closed. The others would be under the bridge of Twinkle park, or on top of the 5 Star Hotel Palace.” She informed him.

Sonic swiped his nose and smirked. “Thanks Rouge.”

“Oh and if you do find him, give em a kiss for me will ya?” Rouge winked as she went back to the party, not caring how red the poor hero’s face went.

Sonic shook his head and tightly wrapped the scarf around his neck. “Be back in a flash!” He called to Tails, before zooming off to find the darker hedgehog.

---

Shadow stood atop the roof of the hotel building, looking out into the sea of lights below him. The wind whipped through his fur, but he couldn’t feel a thing. Since he was able to withstand the cold, this was a perfect spot to be alone.

Christmas lights blinked red and green as shops were decorated in gold lighting. Making the black and red hedgehog think of Maria. Her gold hair used to sway gently as she walked; it made his heart ache.

Shadow had never forgotten the beauty of her blue eyes when she told him stories of the holiday. Telling him about a man that roamed the world in a single night, to deliver presents to all the good kids on Earth.

“Maria.” He whispered to himself as he swallowed a lump in his throat. “I wish you could have seen this.”

---

Sonic skidded as he stopped under the bridge. His eyes looked around for an angry striped hedgehog. “Shadow? Ya here, buddy?” He called to no one, his voice echoing.

The blue male shrugged his shoulders and figured that he must be on the hotel roof. So he zoomed off. Blowing through the streets while leaving a blue streak behind him.

As he got to the building, he saw a figure on the top of it and smiled. Knowing exactly who it was, he charged up the side of the building. The cold wind hit his face as he landed on the top with no sound.

Sonic slowly stepped forwards. His eyes never leaving the male in front of him who seemed to be deep in thought.

“Hey, Shadow!” Sonic called out. The older male jumped slightly as he was ripped from his thoughts by an annoyingly happy voice.

Shadow turned around to see a blue hedgehog looking at him. A large smile was plastered on Sonic’s lips as he waved to the other. Red scarf stark against his cobalt fur making Shadow growl.

“What are you doing here, faker?” Shadow spat.

“Whoa, someones in the Christmas spirit.” Sonic chuckled as he walked closer to his so–called friend.

“Go away. I want to be alone.” Shadow insulted as he turned back around.

“Awe, don’t be like that Shads. You know I can’t leave, I just got here!” Sonic joked.

Shadow turned around and growled at the happy hero. His stance was threatening as his ears went back slightly. “I won’t ask again. What the hell are you doing here? How did you find me?” He snapped.

Sonic looked at the male and sighed. “I…I wanted to find you, so you wouldn’t be alone on Christmas Eve.”

“And you found me, how?” Shadow pushed, ignoring the sentiment.

“Uh, ha ha. Funny thing–” Sonic chuckled awkwardly as he scratched the back of his ear. Shadow squinted his eyes at the male.

“Was it Rouge?” He asked.

Sonic bit his lip. “Yeah, it was Rouge.” He confessed. Shadow let out a low groan as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“But, it was my idea to come and find you.” Sonic said as he sauntered over to the male. Looking Shadow directly in the eyes as he played with the hems of his scarf. “So don’t take it out on her.”

“Tch,” Shadow remarked.

“Shadow,” Sonic paused. “You know that party I invited you to a few weeks ago?”

“Not interested.” Shadow quickly retorted before turning around to look at the scene again. Hoping that the blue hero would take a hint and leave him alone already.

“Oh come on, Shads! Everyone is waiting for you.” Sonic begged as he tried to catch the others attention once more.

“Leave me alone, faker. There’s nothing I want more than some peace and quiet right now. I don’t understand why you waste your time with this holiday. It doesn’t even mean anything. What is so great about buying stupid gifts anyways!?” Shadow bursted out.

“Shadow,” Sonic spoke softly. “Christmas isn’t about the material things. It’s about what's in here.” The blue male said as he placed a hand over his heart.

“Oh for fucks sake, Sonic. Don’t give me that mushy crap. I don’t see any good things about this holiday.” Shadow growled once more.

“Shadow, there’s lots of good things.” Sonic tried.

“Like what? Making cookies?” Shadow mocked.

“Yes!” Sonic retorted. “There’s cookies and chili dogs to make. There’s carols and lots of fun gifts to wrap. You can ice skate and make snowmen, and all of those things are to make memories.” Sonic said as he desperately tried to make the darker hedgehog see what he sees

“Oh yeah? And who the fuck gives a damn about making a snowman? That’s a waste of my time, and everyone else's.” Shadow growled as he balled up his fists, ears pinned back. 

“I do, and millions of others care. Because it’s not about making it, it’s about the memories that you build! Being around your friend and having fun. It’s not all about the specifics, Shadow.” Sonic sighed back.

Shadow’s eyes widened slightly as the words soaked into his system. A spark hit something in his chest as he remembered all the memories he had made with the Doctor and Maria. Memories that he will forever hold dear.

Shadow shook his head. “Whatever.” scoffed and sat down, dangling his legs over the side as he did so.

Sonic bit his lip and walked to sit next to the male. “Ya know, it’s pretty nice up here.”

Shadow hummed as he looked at the lights. His eyes never focusing on anything as he thought of the ones he had lost so many years ago.

“Shadow,” Sonic asked. A black ear flicked, signaling the blue hero that he heard him.

“I don’t blame you for not liking the holiday.” He said slowly. “But Christmas is the time of year to be with the ones you love, and the people who love you. To be with family and friends and make new memories. What about the people who care for you?”

Shadow dropped his head and looked at his inhibitor rings. He watched the gold glint in the light as he remembered hearing Maria scream. “It doesn’t matter.” He whispered.

“What?”

“Besides,” Shadow said as his eyes drifted over the city. “No one cares about me. And I don’t blame them. Why would they?” He sighed, ears and shoulders drooping. “Everyone who cared about me isn’t around. And I’ll never see them again.”

Sonic’s breath hitched as he mentally kicked himself. Of course he had to screw up everything by bringing up his past.

“I don’t matter, Sonic. So just go home. Stop wasting your time.” Shadow sighed as he held his body with his own arms.

Sonic’s heart broke as he looked at the saddened male. “That’s not true.”

Shadow’s ear flicked. “Wha–”

Sonic took a deep breath in and extended his hand out. He gently cupped the side of Shadow’s muzzle, making the older male’s breath hitch. His soft fingers turned the black and red males face towards him.

“I said, it’s not true. You do have people who care about you.”

“Who–”

“I care about you.” He confessed. “I know Rouge and Omega care about you, along with Cream and Cheese.” Sonic smiled softly. Shadow casted his eyes down, feeling somewhat bad for writing those people off.

“Shadow, I know you’re hurting right now. I can’t imagine, but just know that I would do anything to lift this pain from you. You don’t deserve it.” Sonic whispered as he stroked the tan cheek.

Shadow snapped his head up, red eyes wide as he looked into gorgeous Emerald ones. He finally took in the hero's features. Sonic looked sad and cold, but a small smile was still visible on the hero’s lips.

“Sonic…”

“Yeah, Shadow?” The blue blur asked.

“I–” Shadow tried but his voice cracked. He quickly hid his face in Sonic’s hand as a single tear slipped from his eye. It slid down his face as he bit his lip so hard it almost bled. Not wanting to let any sounds come out.

Sonic wrapped his arms around the male and held him tight. As he gently ran his fingers through black and red striped quills, Shadow buried his face into the blue males neck as he tried to steady his breathing.

Sonic gently tilted the males head up and smiled at him. “You know, everyone is waiting for you at the house. I know Cream has something special for you.”

Shadow let go of Sonic and shook his head.

“S’that a yes?” Sonic asked.

Shadow grunted as he got up. Sonic did as well and at that moment, the wind picked up and blew a gust of snow right in their faces. Forcing Shadow and Sonic to cover their faces.

“Jeez! It’s freezing up here.” Sonic shivered as he rubbed his arms. “Aren’t you cold?”

“I’m the Ultimate Lifeform, I don’t get cold.” Shadow grunted as he dusted off some snow from his shoulders. Sonic rolled his eyes and unraveled his scarf from his neck. He walked over to Shadow and smirked.

“Alright, tough guy.” He said before wrapping the red scarf around a black neck.

“What the hell, faker!” Shadow protested as he was wrapped in wool.

Sonic tied the front into a bow and chuckled to himself. “Ultimate Lifeform or not, Shads. I won’t let you wear nothing up here. And besides, it looks good on you.” He confessed.

Shadow grunted and growled under his breath, not wanting to admit that it was much warm with the scarf.

“Oh, and one more thing.” Sonic said as he gently pulled Shadow in by the woolly thing.

Sonic closed his eyes and leaned in, closing the gap between them. Forcing Shadow’s eyes to widen in complete shock as he tried to comprehend what was happening. Since Sonic’s lips were so soft and warm.

The blue male pulled away and smiled. “Rouge asked me to give you a kiss when I found you.” He said.

“Liar.” Shadow said as he grabbed Sonic’s slim waist and pulled him close again. “You just wanted a reason to kiss me, faker.” He said as he placed his forehead on blue’s.

“For once, I’m not lying.” Sonic said as closed his eyes.

Shadow chuckled and gently tilted up Sonic’s chin with his index finger and thumb. “Sure faker.” He whispered before closing his eyes. Sonic did the same as he gripped Shadow’s chest fur.

Their lips touched in a searing kiss as the wind blew against them. They melted into each other as Sonic gently slid a hand to cup Shadow’s cheek again, tilting his head to the side as they kissed the cold away.

Shadow gently bit Sonic’s lip before pulling away. Teeth gently pulling the bottom lip, as Sonic’s legs started to feel like jelly. His blue ears were down and his body felt warm and tingly, the feeling similar to drinking hot cocoa on a cold day.

Sonic opened his eyes and gazed into red ones. “Merry Christmas, Shadow.” He smiled before kissing a darker tan cheek.

“Yeah,” Shadow smirked as they pulled away.

“Ready to get your tail kicked by me beating you to the house?” Sonic smirked as he got into his running stance. 

Shadow scoffed. “In your dreams, faker.” He fired up his boots and got himself ready.

“Last one to the house loses. Winner takes all the chilidogs!” Sonic laughed as Shadow raised an eye ridge at him. “Alright alright, winner takes all races.”

“That’s a better challenge.” Shadow agreed.

Green and red eyes met as the two males nodded. “Ready, set, go!”

And off they were like a bolt of lightning, kicking up snow and debris as they raced to the warm house that waited for them. Along with loving family and friends who couldn’t wait to start a new year with them.