It had begun with a race to the edge of the lake. A tie, not that either hedgehog would admit it. Either way, they’d decided to take a break upon finishing.
Sunlight cast through thin branches and translucent leaves, its reflection bouncing off the calm surface of the crystal clear water. Shimmering liquid beads leisurely rolled down the blades of grass poking out of the pool. The drops impacted the water, creating a dazzling ripple effect.
A sturdy bough hovered over a peaceful, secluded section of the lake, forming a cool shadow over the otherwise shimmering surface; the ends of the branch reached into the water like a hand tenderly caressing its lover. The limb then shook to the timing of graceful yet quick footsteps before the disturbance in question plopped down near the base, causing one last protesting quiver from the thick appendage. A pair of sapphire feet appeared above the liquid, the bottoms grazing the water’s surface prior to dipping in to its cool essence. Feet swayed and toes wiggled at the vibrant golden fish darting about the new intrusions.
A lighthearted laugh rang through the fresh, slightly misty air, complementing the quiet rustling of trees and singing of flickies above.
“Hey, Shad! What are ya just standing there for? Come join me already.” A playful grin.
Shadow shot a mild, indignant glare at the blue hedgehog casually seated on the bough with gloved hands supporting a lithe figure and legs gently swinging into the refreshing pool. He snorted silently but complied without another thought, taking a moment to remove his jet shoes and other articles from his feet until only two gold inhibitor rings remained.
A minute later, the ebony lifeform sat with his back to the other, their spines meshed and pushing against each other’s. One leg propped up so that the hedgehog could rest his crimson-streaked arm on it, his free opposite hand rested on the branch to support his body much like his cobalt counterpart. Red eyes gazed at the shadowy surface of the water but focused on nothing at all, the black hedgehog’s mind blissfully blank yet, somehow, in deep contemplation.
They stayed like that for a while, one arbitrarily toying with the fish using his toes and the other daydreaming about whatever little nuance danced in his mind. Danger, rivalry, obligation—all of it dissipated, their little bubble of peace shielding them for at least that instant in time and space.
“Shadow…”
“Mm? Yes?”
Half-lidded eyes glanced at Sonic for a second before switching back to their original position, read irises shining in the darkness. His face held a small, neutral frown.
“…Sonic?”
The hero’s emerald eyes focused on the sparkling water and the rapidly swimming fish; a simple, pure smile rested on his fawn muzzle.
“…Nothin’.”
Another moment of nothing passed. Then something.
Scarlet eyes widened, a silent gasp hanging from tan lips. Sights instantly locked onto his hand, surprise evident on his face. But then obsidian lids shut over crimson, the corner of his mouth turning up in a miniscule smirk. A short, quiet chuckle.
It had begun with a race to the edge of the lake. It had ended with a gloved hand resting upon another.
