“Come on Sonic! I still have things I have to do today!” Scourge yelled up the stairs, getting impatient.
“I'll be down in a minute. Chill out.” he replied.
Scourge rolled his eyes. “Don't toy with me Sonic. Unless you want to live on the street, I suggest you get down here now!”
“All right, I'm coming. Jeez...” He came running down the stairs cheerfully. “What do you have to do today that's so important anyway?”
“Unlike you, I actually have a job I have to go to each and every afternoon. So it's either we go and get back before work or you'll be living on the street because I won't be able to keep up with the payment on the house if I'm unemployed.” Scourge hissed, getting irritated.
“Oh yeah. I forgot about that.” Sonic replied, a nervous laugh escaping his breath.
“Now come on. We have to get going.”
“Okay, but remember, it's my choice.”
“Of course. Just choose wisely.”
The young couple stepped outside into the beating sun. Scourge squinted as he walked, not enjoying the blinding light in his eyes. Sonic walked next to him happily without a care in the world. He was just excited about finally having a little one to care for.
It wasn't long before they reached their destination. The building itself looked rather inviting despite being an orphanage. The windows were clean and shining, the door ajar, welcoming even, and various different flowers were growing out front. Laughter of Chao playing outside could be heard. Sonic walked inside happily with Scourge trailing close behind.
“My name's Marcus. May I help you?” The wolf behind the desk asked.
“Yes, we're looking to adopt.” Sonic replied.
“Well then you've come to the right place. If you'll just follow me right this way, we can get started.”
“Okay~” Sonic cheered and looked at Scourge, a huge grin on his face.
Scourge looked back and smiled slightly. “Come on Babe. Lead the way.”
They followed the wolf quietly. Sonic looked around with wide-eyed amazement. He saw many Chao all around him. “Uhm sir?”
“Yes?” Marcus asked, stopping to look at him.
“What's up with the ones that are different colors?”
“Depending on how Chao are raised, they change colors and some Chao are just born to be whatever color they are. Was there a specific color you wanted?”
“N-No...” Sonic replied. He continued walking around and eventually stumbled outside. He looked at the little creatures playing and smiled warmly. His eyes shifted from each one, looking for the lucky one he would take home.
“Find one yet?” Scourge asked.
“Nuh uh, but I know I'll find one soon.” Sonic replied.
“Choose wisely. I won't let you trade in once we get out of here.”
Sonic giggled a bit. “Okay, okay. Just chill a minute.”
The blue hedgehog looked around and spotted a Chao sitting in the shade under an apple tree. His eyes brightened and he walked over to it. “Hey little guy~” He said softly, kneeling down to pet it. The Chao quickly moved, hiding behind the tree. Scourge walked up next to Sonic with Marcus close behind.
“What's wrong with him?” Scourge asked.
“It's scared. This particular Chao has had a terrible life so far. When it was born, it witnessed its parents being killed by poachers. It nearly made it out alive. It needs a good home where it'll get the love it needs.” Marcus replied.
“Aww~ I want this one Scourgey~” Sonic cooed. “Please~”
Scourge sighed a bit. “All right, but don't complain about it later.”
“I won't. I promise!”
Scourge looked at the wolf next to him. “I believe paperwork is in order?”
“Yes. Follow me and we'll get everything finalized.”
“Right.” The green hedgehog looked down at Sonic. “You coming?”
“Nah. I wanna get him first. That way we can leave after you're done.”
“Whatever... But don't take too long.”
“I'll only be a few minutes.”
Scourge left after that to go fill out the paperwork needed to adopt the Chao in question. Sonic held out his hand for the Chao. “Come here little guy. I won't hurt you. I promise.” The Chao just watched him. “Come on, I'll give you a nice place to live.”
The Chao stared at him with its big eyes for a while. The ball on it's head turned into a heart and it skipped over to him cheerfully. Sonic picked it up and cradled it lovingly. He walked into the office where Scourge was busy filling out forms. He looked up when he heard the door close.
“Well I can see you got him.” he commented.
“Yeah. Guess he trusts me.” Sonic replied.
“Good. Now name it and sign this form so we can go.” He looked at his watch. “I have to leave in about an hour and I still haven't gotten ready yet.”
“All right, all right. Keep your shirt on.” He walked over to the desk and signed the form first.
“What are you going to name it?” Marcus asked.
“I was thinking of naming him Joey...” He blushed lightly.
“Joey?” Scourge questioned, looking at him.
“Y-yeah... You don't like it?” He lowered his ears and looked at the floor.
“No, no. It's okay. Cheer up Babe.” He caressed his cheek and raised his head. “I think it's a nice name.”
Sonic smiled a bit and pecked his cheek. “I'm glad you like it because I'm not changing it.”
Scourge kissed him back tenderly. “And that's okay, but I thought Chao didn't have gender.”
“They don't, but I'd rather call it a him instead of an it.”
“Yeah, that makes sense.” He reached out to pet Joey, but he whimpered and hid his face in Sonic's chest. His ears lowered, feeling hurt.
“Shh... It's okay sweetheart.” Sonic reassured, petting him gently. “It's only Scourge. He's not going to hurt you.”
“Let him adapt to you for a while. He'll open up to me eventually.”
“All right, but don't you want to love him too?”
“Well yeah, but he's still afraid. Let him adapt slowly. I don't expect him to like someone as scary as me.”
“You're not scary looking dear. He's just afraid.” The blue hedgehog looked at Marcus. “Can we go now?”
“Of course. And I recommend reading up on Chao if you want to take care of him properly. Chao can be quit mysterious.” Marcus replied.
“I'm sure we can handle it.” He looked back at Scourge. “Come on~”
Scourge followed him out of the orphanage and smiled a bit at how loving Sonic was with Joey.
