18
Joline and Charlotte were cleaning up the property that Joline bought for her barkery, Charlotte was gonna help her start it and get it up and running, making sure she was okay in her own and then her and Daniel were going back to California. She wasn't looking forward to being alone again but she decided to enjoy her time with her sister while she can.
She looked up from sweeping when her sister called out saying there were people coming in. When the door opened she smiled politely and apologized, "sorry but were actually not open right n- " she paused when she turned around and saw that same hedgehog that she found in her house, but this time he was wearing clothes and with another, bluer hedgehog. He seemed to recognize her instantly but before either of them could say anything two more kids walked in, the ones she ran into when Poe ran away that first night. They seemed to recognize her too.
"Oh it's you!" Tails smiled at the familiar lady, she had her hair tied up in a ponytail and she was wearing a plain grey hoodie with bright pink shorts.
"Oh um, hi. It was Tails, wasn't it?" She smiled as her sister kinda just looked between the group of kids and her.
"Yeah! And you've met Knuckles," he started, pointing to Knuckles.
"And I'm Sonic, I know, it's crazy seeing a hedgehog as amazing as me. I do give autographs!" He grinned as Shadow rolled his eyes at the introduction.
"Joline." She introduced herself with a smile, shaking his gloves hand. "This is my sister, Charlie. Her and her husband are gonna help me start this bakery."
"That's awesome, it's about time we get a bakery around here!" Sonic smiled before turning to shadow and pulling him forward, their hands still connected from earlier. "This is shadow, he's a bit of a grump but he's super fun to tease!" Sonic snickered as Shadow growled lowly at him.
"C'mon Shads, be nice to Joline" Shadow pushed Sonic's face away from his own and held his hand out to Joline, "It's a pleasure to meet you miss." He spoke quickly.
She noticed the slight shake to his hands and wondered if he was scared of her, instead of mentioning it though she smile and shook his hand. "No need to be so formal kid."
"Yeah Shads, loosen up and have fun." Sonic stuck his tongue out at shadow who in turn, shoved him away again.
Charlotte watched from her spot at the window and suddenly a memory came to mind.
~
"C'mon J, loosen up, you seem so tense. Have fun!" The girl, Olivia, laughed as Joline blushed and pushed her face away from hers.
"Cut it out livvy, I gotta make a good impression on these folks." Joline stood straighter and crossed her arms over her chest when Charlotte walked over. Here comes the teasing.
"Aw look at you two love birds." Charlie cooed and Joline blushed at her sister's words while her girlfriend (since that morning) laughed.
~
"You kinda remind me if someone." Charlotte spoke up as she help her hand out for Sonic to shake.
"I doubt they're as cool as me!" It was only one sentence but paired with the look Charlotte gave her, Joline could only think about the similarities between Sonic and Olivia.
They both had bright and cheerful personalities, seemingly attracting the quiet ones. She thought about herself and Olivia as she looked between Sonic and Shadow. "She was amazing." Was all Joline said with a sad smile.
The use of the word was instead of is definitely dampened the mood, for a few second before Tails cleared his throat.
"Well, I'm sorry for you loss and I hope you get this place up and running with no problems, everyone will love it." He smiled gently and waved goodbye as he and the others left.
"Aw man, I really didn't mean to sour the mood." Sonic pouted, squeezing Shadow's hand in his. Without thinking Shadow squeezed back and Sonic smiled softly.
"It's not your fault, some people just get reminded of the ones they lost when they see someone similar." Tails pat Sonic's back.
Suddenly a soft sound behind them made Shadow's ears prick up, despite keeping an ear out he kept walking like nothing happened. A few second later, when Sonic and Knuckles were arguing over what the best movie is he heard it again. It was quiet and well masked but he could tell the sound was footsteps, someone or something was following them. He tapped Sonic's hand in his with one of his fingers and the other stopped his argument with Knuckles to look at him. Keeping his head forward Shadow traced out letters F-O-L-O-W-D till he was sure Sonic got the idea, act normal but be wary. Sonic apparently had a pen and paper in his quills so he used his free hand to grab them and write a quick and messy note before discreetly slipping it in Tails' hand.
The fox quietly opened the small paper and Knuckles read over his shoulder.
' were being followed '
It was simple and not new but it still shot fear through the two, Tails let out a nervous laugh as he tried to continue their previous talk, acting normal.
"I don't know, I think wicked is my favorite movie."
"Wicked is good but definitely not the best, it's has to be something with Keanu in it, like speed or John Wick. He's such a good actor and his voice is breathtaking." Sonic grinned at his little brother.
"Wall-E is the superior movie." Was all Knuckles responded with, he seemed confident in his answer.
"What about you Shadow?" Sonic asked, looking at the other hedgehog who's ears perked up at the sound of his name.
"Bambi." He paused for a second, " or Lilo and Stitch." Both of these answers seemed to surprise the others. "What?" He glared at the other three.
"Nothing, just didn't think you would watch those movies." Tails waved his hands.
Shadow was quiet for a second and Sonic grinned. "There's another one isn't there." He snickered when the other flushed green.
"I suppose that The last unicorn is not a bad movie either." Sonic almost laughed at the embarrassment on Shadow's face.
"Those are pretty good movies, but still not the best." He said instead, watching as Shadow's ears flicked to face behind them. Interesting.
"I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree." Tails smiled before Knuckles chimed in, "Or fight to see the winner of the movies." He punched his palm and grinned at the others. Tails grabbed Knuckles' hands and slowly lowered them. "Maybe not..."