It wasn't unusual for GUN faculty parties to get out of hand, especially when it was a group of field agents alone with some alcohol. Sure, it was fine to enjoy a drink every now and then, but on occasion, it could be taken a little too far.
And tonight was one of those occasions.
It seemed like every agent who was able to consume alcohol had done so. Even Shadow, who usually abstained from liquor, was nursing a whiskey. Nobody exactly knew what it was that made everyone drink; it could've been that the weather had gotten so nice, or that GUN had a particularly good season in the way of field work. Regardless, the agents happily occupied a private meeting room of a high class restaurant, drinking themselves into a stupor. They were agents for one of the most important organizations on the planet, they should dine style, should they not?
Shadow took a sip of his whiskey, watching as his coworker and roommate Rouge the bat waved down a server from outside the room. He read her lips for another gin and tonic, perhaps her third... Or was it her fourth? The frown on his face deepened as slipped back into the room and joined him. "Are you still on your first drink, Shadsy?" She purred, her voice more rosy and playful than usual.
He ignored her, taking another sip. The ice in his glass clinked together as she narrowed her gaze on him.
"I'm guessing you're a lightweight." She giggled.
"I want to enjoy a drink, not get smashed."
"But getting smashed is big fun," she chimed as the server came back with another drink. "Besides it makes everyone hotter,"
Shadow grumbled as Rouge swirled her drink before taking a heady sip. To some, her flashy purple dress, tall heels and elegant makeup, she would have seemed like a stunner, a knockout. And in part it was the truth, Rouge was gorgeous.
He remembered one time that another agent asked why he didn't do her. It wasn't a surprise to him, not in the least. They were constantly sent on missions together, knew each other for ages, hell they even lived together. Yet, Shadow didn't see her in that way. She was like an elder, wilder sister to him. Perhaps a little generous, but regardless. The wild sister needed the strait laced brother to care for her.
"We should go soon." He said over the hollers and hoots of agents.
"Oh, but it's barely midnight!" She glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. The hands were perched between 1 and 2. The hedgehog exhaled through his nose as Rouge rolled her eyes. "You love spoiling my fun, don't you."
"I'm not letting you go home by yourself." He said.
"Well there's no way I could." She muttered. "You wouldn't drive over here."
"And for good reason." He said as the bat took a long sip of her drink. The hedgehog frowned as one of the other agents had gotten the stereo working. Fingers worked madly across a piano as a dulcet vocalist - hers sweeter than the freshest honey - dripped as the lyrics hummed from the speakers.
"Mmm... I love this song," Rouge murmured as she nudged Shadow. "Dance with me."
The hedgehog shot her a scathing look. "I'd rather not."
"Oh c'mon," she whined. "Just one? For me?
"No." He said. "Now finish your drink."
"Fine. Don't dance with me. I'll find someone who will." The bat frowned as she got up, tapping another agent on the shoulder and asking them to dance. She shot a smirk at Shadow as his fingers clasped around his drink.
The hedgehog watched as Rouge and her partner gently swayed in time with the music, their feet gliding across the hardwood floors. The last time he had danced had been with Maria, when she had gave him lessons on how to waltz. It had been a very long time since then, those memories had become so sacred and dear to him that dancing with another woman seemed... disgraceful.
The music had become much softer and slower. The vocalist held a long note, professing her undying love for another that she could never have. The piano played madly before coming to a sudden halt as the song ended. He swirled his drink before downing the rest of it and getting to his feet.
Rouge glanced his way before planting a kiss on her partner's cheek and walking back to her table, gulping down the rest of her gin and tonic. The two said farewell before donning their coats and escaping into the dying winter cold. Smashed as she was, Rouge still held herself like a lady. The few times he had seen her sway or stumble, he intervened offering his arm for support. They entered the subway station and boarded it, heading northward to the edge of Night Babylon. The second they found seats on the car, Rouge passed out on Shadow's shoulder.
Thankfully with Rouge being drunk, it saved Shadow from obnoxious conversation about their latest job and the obvious attention she'd given Shadow. She slumped against his shoulder, obviously regretting the four g-and-t she'd drank. They'd been refreshing at first, but now only served to make her feel like the team's bike had run her over.
The train began to slow down at Emerald Station, allowing passengers off. Shadow attempted to help Rouge up, but the girl was pretty much asleep. He frowned, picking her up bridal-style and beginning to skate back to their place. Emerald Town was pretty much shut down for the night. The street lamps shone overhead, but the rest of the town was darkened. The only light emitted from a house, was that from Shadow and Rouge's residence.
The hedgehog carried Rouge up the steps of their place before knocking on the door, his hands full with the bat. He waited a moment before hearing feet shuffle against the ground and stop in front of the door. He adjusted his grip on Rouge as the locks slid and the door opened.
There, dressed in her green skirt and white top stood Tikal. Her blue eyes were wide with concern as they fell upon Rouge. The hedgehog entered as Tikal grabbed the door, shutting it again. "What happened to Miss Rouge?" She asked.
"She just had too much to drink." He said as he continued down the hall.
The echidna followed him down the hall as he entered Rouge's room laying her down upon her bed. "Let me help." Tikal said, sliding beside him.
The bat groaned loudly as she rolled onto her side. Shadow pulled away her spiked heels and heavy coat, dropping both onto the carpeted floor. Tikal peeled back Rouge's silk sheets, allowing for Shadow to position her on the mattress. She loosely braided Rouge's hair, keeping it away from her face.
The hedgehog frowned as Tikal gingerly tucked Rouge under the blankets, pulling them to her chin before leaving. "Why were you still awake?" He asked as he shut the door to Rouge's room.
"Well, I was resting but Knuckles wanted to speak with me." She explained.
"And how did you do that?"
"Chaos Connection." She said before tapping her blue bands. "He tapped into the Master Emerald and since I'm connected to it, we could speak."
"I see." He muttered as he sauntered back to the living area. On the floor sat a weaving pattern of Tikal's. The echidna blushed as she began to clean it up. "So I'm assuming you lied."
Tikal looked at him with wide eyes before shaking her head. "I couldn't sleep... Well, I don't exactly need to, being a spirit and all." She said before wrapping her yucca up. "I'll return to my room so you can sleep."
The hedgehog set a hand on hers. The echidna froze dropping the material back to the floor. "It's fine." He muttered as her gaze met his. Her blue eyes entranced him, full of mystery and youth - surprising for a 4000 year-old spirit.
Her hands fell to her sides as she quickly rose to her feet. "Would you...care to have a cup of tea with me?" She asked, a blush singed her cheeks. "I promise I won't start a fire this time,"
The corner of his lips creased in a smile as he nodded. Tikal rose to her feet and retreated to the kitchen. His eyes wandered to the burgundy-black diamond pattern she was weaving. It didn't look easy in the least. His fingers traced the unusually soft fabric, gaze softening on it.
Tikal returned with two mugs handing one to him as she sat down on the couch, contrary to where her work was. She took a sip from her mug, clearing her throat. "How was the party?" She asked.
"Drunken and ridiculous."
"Oh." She said. "So I take it you didn't enjoy it?"
"I don't particularly like parties." He muttered.
"Hmm. Neither do I."
Her gaze met hers, the echidna blushing. Her eyes darted back down to her tea. Something took him by surprise. The mood possibly: the closeness and intangible relationship they bore together. Their plight or the mission they'd both been assigned to. But it was then that Shadow felt something grow inside him. Something odd that he felt obliged to listen to.
"Tikal?"
"Yes?"
"Would you care to dance?" he found himself asking.
"I'm afraid I haven't danced in centuries." she said, staring down into her cup of tea. "And I only know the sacred dances of my clan."
"I haven't danced in fifty years." he said.
"We don't even have any music." Tikal said, keeping her gaze from him. The hedgehog was quick to fix that. He was on his feet a moment later, opening the cabinet that held the stereo. His fingers danced across the control panel before powering on the turntable. Static filled the air as Shadow opened another cupboard, removing a collection of vinyl records.
"Mister Shadow, it's late. Should you not rest?" she asked.
"Perhaps, but I'll be fine." he said, turning to see Tikal staring at him. Her gaze widened as his met hers. "Will you join me?"
He scanned the collection, flipping through thick rows upon rows of thin, plastic discs. His eyes settled on one, removing the cover and slipping the disc out. He gingerly laid it upon the turntable, lifting the needle and placing it gently on the record. Static filled the air as he adjusted the volume dial, music lavishly rising through the air.
"You might wake Miss Rouge... It's too late for this,"
"It's too early for bed,"
"The sun set hours ago. You should really rest while you can."
"Strange. I thought she was here with me," The words slipped from his mouth before he could realize what he'd said. The echidna blushed a shade of crimson as Shadow approached her, intently studying her face. Her eyes were still downcast into her tea, hands clutching it tightly. He recalled upon the waltzing lessons Maria gave him and the hours of etiquette she'd made him get right. Foggy memories returned of him, bowing his head and asking for her to dance.
The music had just begun, the heavy octaves of a woman's voice quietly filling the room. Shadow held out his hand to her, shutting his eyes as he bowed his head. "Tikal, may I please have this dance?" he asked.
The echidna bit her lip before inhaling deeply. She couldn't escape this, he would simply find ways upon ways of changing things to his favour. She set down her cup with a gentle clink, her eyes scanning his figure. He was well dressed, in a black button down with crimson bow tie that hadn't been loosened at all. Overtop of his shirt was charcoal grey vest, that hung slightly over a pair of black slacks. Tikal, who had never been so close to the opposite sex before, blushed a deep shade of crimson. For Shadow looked very handsome all dressed up, and that she was horribly underdressed in comparison in her regular green skirt and cream top.
But nonetheless, the echidna took his hand. Burning red, she laid her hand in his. He pulled her to her feet as Tikal bowed her head, before holding her hands out to him. It would be terribly impolite to refuse. She thought as his eyes met hers. "You'll have to guide me." She said quietly. "Of course." He rumbled lowly.
Then, he gently guided her hands: the right to meet his shoulder, his eyes glancing back to hers to make sure he wasn't crossing an invisible line that he didn't know of. Tikal's eyes focused on his, studying him. He rested his hand on her waist, curious if this would trigger an alarm within her.
But it didn't. Instead, Tikal blushed when he took her left hand and locked hers in it. He looked back to the echidna, her gaze meeting his. "Follow my lead." he said quietly.
The hedgehog took a step backwards, causing the echidna to swiftly follow his lead. She was quick, for whenever he took a stride, she followed. Her gaze never broke from his, crimson locked on azure. Thankfully the living room was large, allowing for Shadow and Tikal to dance around the room in perfect time with the music.
Shadow allowed his mind to wander for a moment. This moment seemed perfect, as if a plan had been put into motion without his knowing. Maybe Maria had known that he'd be put into a situation like this. She'd always had those blue eyes, filled with knowledge; as if she knew something the rest of the world didn't. Prophetic in that way...
He wasn't quite clear why he was doing this. Maybe it was the drink getting to his senses. Maybe Rouge had rubbed off on him. Or maybe it was something about Tikal: how her face looked innocent but wise in the dimly-lit living room, the gentleness in her actions and movements as she danced, or how all seemed less chaotic and frantic when she appeared. Something had compelled him to have her to dance with him.
The record slowed to a stop, the singer's voice holding a note as the rest of the band died off. Tikal still held his gaze as the record went to static, the needle slipping off of the record.
They stood in silence for a moment, static filling the air. Shadow studied her features, her long dreads, soft muzzle and sweet eyes, the gentle curve of her body against his. Heat radiated from her person, spreading warmth through his body. Her touch seemed to electrify him, possibly due to her strong connection to the Master Emerald. His hand slipped from her waist, trailing up her arm, to her shoulder until it met at her muzzle. Her eyes softened, growing half lidded. Her cheeks were warm and sent shivers through Shadow's frozen body.
Tikal gripped his hand, holding it in place. So close to him, so damned close. It had been a long, long time since either of them had been so close to another.
The moment was perfect: bodies curved together. An electrifying atmosphere. The only sound being the gentle and steady thud of Shadow's heart. And yet, with this stillness and perfection, both of them still wanted more.
Gently, he tilted her chin and slowly led his lips to hers. Tikal hesitated briefly, but slowly leaned closer to him, enveloping herself in the embrace. The echidna reached up to touch his quills, her fingers caught in them.
At first it was just a brush, to test and make sure no lines had been crossed. But the moment he began to pull away, Tikal tentatively pulled him back, her lips meeting his once again. He had intended for it to be a momentary peck, something insignificant, something mindless. But the hunger in her kiss and the airy breaths she stole in between their union were enough to say that she wanted this. And perhaps he did too. Just like their dance, they moved in sync, eventually finding themselves hungrier and more fervently kissing. For a moment, Shadow pinned Tikal against a wall of ugly, modern photographs.
He slowly moved from her lips to her muzzle, to the curve of her jawline and down her neck. He peppered her collarbone and shoulder with kisses, encouraged by the little gasps of delight from her.
Then, suddenly, she grew stiff against the wall. Shadow stopped his necking and looked to her. Tikal's brow was furrowed and her gaze stark and frightened. He pulled away immediately, their embrace broken. He tried to say something to her, something romantic, something dashing, but instead...
"Thank you for the dance, Guardian Tikal." He found himself saying.
The echidna moved one of her dreads back over her shoulder, covering her neck and shoulder that Shadow's lips had just graced... or disgraced. A sweep of crimson covered her muzzle as she nodded quickly. Her voice, quiet and wavering, broke through the silence. "You are welcome." She muttered under her breath as Shadow studied her for a moment. His gaze, so piercing and enticing, made Tikal want to run far from him but also to his arms.
And in the end, she picked the prior. "Please excuse me." She said, grabbing her weaving supplies and loom before hurrying away.
She brushed past him before she left. Her shoulder and dreads gently hit his as she rushed away. Her scent, her warmth... it lingered in the air long after she left.
He turned to the record player, removing the album and restoring it to its sleeve before sitting in his arm chair. He sat for hours, wracking his mind why he had asked Tikal to dance. Why he had kissed her, and moreso, why she had kissed him back. Why they had both become so painfully aware of their passions and romance in that moment, and acted on them?
He watched as nightfall shed her clothes, dancing across the sky as the younger, ever brighter daybreak took his place in the clouds. But before he did, Shadow noticed how beautiful a violet and pink the sky was... Pink, like Tikal after we kissed... He thought.
With all this mediation, all this thought, Shadow did not have answer. So, he carried on as usual. He rose from his chair and began to prepare for yet another day of work.
A/N: thanks for reading!
this shit is so old but i still kinda like it
This was a birthday gift for kokolockhart and uploaded at her request! The rest will be uploaded someday when i have my shit together lmao
- ru ❤︎