Blind Date ch19

Blind Date
Chapter 19
Krissie: 7/7/19 4:24pm time to start ch19.
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Rob smiled in amusement as he was called to come to the border to greet Shadow the Hedgehog.
"Hello there," he extended his hand to him.
Shadow returned the gesture with a nod.

"So what brings one of GUN's most renowned agents to my country?"

"Just a personal visit. Nothing government related, Sir... You're majesty." 

Rob chuckled, "Just Rob is fine, Shadow."

Shadow nodded. 

"Would you like a tour guide to see some of our most popular destinations? Or would you prefer a map to go about on your own?" 

"I prefer to travel on my own. But do you have brochure of sorts?"

Rob thought for a moment as the two walked out of the airport. "No. Not really, but maybe we should consider one. I can write notes on a map for you though."
"That will be fine."
The two shared idle chit chat as they got into a car. Rob scribbled on a map several points with small notes about each point. Shadow paused as they stopped by a small wooden house by a lake.
"Are you hungry by any chance?" Rob asked as he paid the taxi driver. Shadow followed him out of the car. There didn't seem to be any other buildings around the home.
"Is this a restaurant?"
Rob laughed as he shook his head. "No, it's my home." He gestured for him to follow him inside. It took a moment for Shadow to move.
"Pardon my rudeness, but shouldn't a king be living in a castle?"
Rob turned towards him with a smile as he placed his hand on the door. "The castle was sieged during Robotnik's global take over." The glassy look in his eyes disappeared as he blinked. "But you know, living amongst the people is better. It grounds us to better take care of them." He opened the door with a large arc. "I'm home and with company!"
Shadow stood stunned as Rob went back to his jolly self.
"Welcome home," Marian greeted as she popped out of the kitchen. "You're just in time for tea."
"Ah!" Rob clapped his hands as he turned towards Shadow. "Since you're here, please join us. Do you like tea, by chance?"
Shadow nodded as he stood at the doorway.
"Well come on in!" Rob waved him in.
Marian smiled at him. "What kind of tea do you like?"
"Any is fine." Shadow walked into the house and took note of the tick marks on the door frame. He arched an eyebrow at it. Had an assassin entered the home before?
"That's where we measure Jon. He used to be so small." Rob pointed to the first tick mark, a proud smile on his face.
Marian opened the window and leaned out, "Jon, time for tea!" Her voice was loud and carried along the wind. Shadow watched as Rob set the table. Jon came running inside. He had twigs sticking out of his quills. He smiled sheepishly as he took note of Shadow. He gave a nervous wave before turning to go to the bathroom to remove the sticks and wash his hands.
"How was your hike?" Rob asked as Jon walked back in.
"It was good." Jon stood by his chair.
"Are you still mad about him stealing your phone?" Rob mused. "Jon is afraid of you."
"He already apologized. I wish him no hard." Shadow stated.
Jon breathed a sigh of relief. "Do you want me to get Amy?"
"Nah. I should be able to get her attention." Rob grabbed his bow with a grin. He walked into the living room and pulled a random arrow out. He aimed above the railing of the second floor. The arrow flew and entered a room. There was a small boom sound.
"ROB!" Amy hollered as she left the smoke filled room. The smoke was harmless and it looked like she was exiting a witch's cauldron. She glared at him. "What was that for?"
"Fun." Rob smiled.
Amy growled.
"Time for tea," Rob beamed as he turned on his heel and entered the kitchen.
"You're still a jerk." Amy groaned as she marched down the stairs. She smoothed out the blanket she had been working on. She carefully moved her needle and made a few more stitches. All the while grumbling about Rob. She entered the kitchen and smiled at Marian as she carefully placed her stitch work on the counter. She paused as she noticed Shadow.
"What brings you by?" She asked as she glanced at Jon.
"Sight seeing." Shadow stated. "I mean your cousin no harm."
"That's good." Amy walked up the chair next to him.
Jon followed her and pulled out her chair.
"And I'm still not allowed to get my own chair," Amy sighed as she sat in the seat.
"Manners are important," Marian stated as Rob pulled out her seat. "We want to make sure that you know what it's like to be treated properly. Jon too."
Jon sighed as he sat next to Rob. He picked up the sugar and placed a single spoonful in his cup. "Sugar anyone?"
"Pass the honey," Amy asked. Shadow grabbed it and passed it over. Rob took the sugar.
Shadow felt oddly out of place. It felt like he was sitting for a tea party. But instead of Maria wearing a princess custom trying to get a silly hat on his head, it was replaced with Rose and the O'Hedges. There was a soft hum of small casual conversations. The sandwiches were light and soft. It felt so unnatural to Shadow. Like he didn't belong here. Almost like it was some lucid dream. Yet, he sat there; drinking tea calmly and chatting like it was nothing. He even had his cup of tea refilled two times.
They all told Shadow of places that he might enjoy. Amy even grabbing the map and circling a few spots herself. Her handwriting was different then her cousin's. Rob's handwriting was similar to that of old handwritten documents. Amy's was neat, but larger and was easier to read.
Once tea was done, Shadow stayed to help clean up. Jon rushed back outside.
"What are you working on, Rose?" Shadow gestured to the cloth she was stitching.
"Oh, I'm embroidering a baby blanket for Bunnie and Antoine!" Amy beamed. "Though, now my room is full is going to be full of smoke and dust for the next few hours." She growled at Rob.
"Oops," the teal hedgehog shrugged as he avoided eye contact. He suddenly felt the need to reorganize the dishes in the cabinet. Marian rolled her eyes.
"Well maybe working in some fresh air will do you some good." Marian poked Amy in the cheek.
Amy sighed. She wanted to argue, but knew it was a fight she'd lose.
"There's a nice breeze out. It'll be nice by the rivers or one of the lakes. You can work there."
Amy collected her stitch work in a bag with some thread and needles. "I'll be back by dinner." Amy announced as she left the house a few steps behind Shadow.
"Shadow, come visit us again!" Marian bid farewell to him as he left.
Shadow gave a court nod as he walked out of the house.
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KRISSIE: 7/25/2019 6:43PM I hope you're all enjoying this story so far.
NEXT

Beware of the Job Interview Scam

So I have been looking for full time work so that I can have better stability then the current part time job I have. It can be discouraging especially since everything is online, but we all know how online works. Unfortunately job sites are littered with scams and it's very upsetting. So you either have to find these companies on their website, but we don't always know if these companies are hiring or not. It really just boils down to who you know and it's like a maze of knocking on numerous doors and getting nowhere.
So I received this email from Bernita Thompson ( bernitathompson81@gmail.com ) on July 15th, 2019 at 11:01 am. I was too shocked and hopeful about the job. Though I was very confused about the 35$ an hour statement. I've only been asking for 10$ an hour for full time work.

I also received a text from 16144346615 at 12:28pm. It basically said the same thing. And that's when I checked my email. I forgot to screencap the text. I might add it later. 

But I informed my boyfriend and he told me it sounded too good to be true. But still I attempted to remain optimistic. But he told me to call the company to make sure that the people contacting me were real. I also informed my friend T who also said it sounded scammish. But I have nothing to lose by going through an interview. 

I tried to call the Darlene Banks ( darlenebanks01@gmail.com ) via google hangouts, since I figured that's what they were wanting to do. Instead, they kept everything via text. Which was the major red flag of sketchy sketch. But I played along.

I did attempt to contact the company yesterday, but I got voicemail, so I believe they were closed. This morning this Darlene Banks told me to contact my training supervisor ( jasondavid857@gmail.com ). I decided to take my chance and call the company again and the gentleman who answered was polite enough to inform me it was a scam, but did tell me if I was looking for work, I could apply on their official site. He sounded very apologetic and I appreciate that. I just feel bad that there is nothing that can either be done, or is being done to stop people like this.

So for those of us who are trying with stars in our eyes, beware of people like this. Don't trust anything that says work form home. If you see a job posted on sites like INDEED, Ziprecruiter, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, any of those job sites, It would be best to go to that company's official website to apply.
Something similar to this has happened to my boyfriend as well. With them sending him a fake check and his bank informing him so. He called the company and the website were he applied. They couldn't do much to stop them. He took the fake check to the police station to report it and the police officer told him, "You know I can arrest you if you attempt to cash that."
It was rude and made my boyfriend wish he never tried to do the right thing. The only thing we can do is be mistrustful because the internet is full of lies, but most companies when you arrive tell you to go online, so it's like a cycle of do I trust the internet? Does this even reach them? The personality tests are also rigged because if you hit too many red flags on that, your resume is flagged for do not hire. It's depressing. But I am determined to carry myself forward the best I can. I hope the same for the rest of you as well.

Blind Date ch18

Krissie: so here we are, chapter 18. Forgiveness on both sides almost achieved.
Previous
Shadow walked into his door and found Rouge and Omega sitting in his living room. "Did you pick the lock?" He opened the door wider to check for marks.
"I have a copy of your house key," Rouge picked the keys up from the table. 

"Oh." Shadow closed the door and sat in his recliner and looked at them.

"Rouge has been concerned." Omega stated blankly. "You have been sleeping less which is not good for organics."

Shadow nodded. 

"So I thought we could have a sleep over!" Rouge announced as she gestured to the dvds that were laid out on the table.

"I do not require sleep. Though I don't understand the need for movies if you are going to sleep." Omega looked at the movies.

Shadow smiled slightly. "That's because you don't sleep at sleep overs Omega," he turned to Rouge. "I have been on edge a lot the pass few weeks huh?"

"Yup, that's why we're here." Rouge took a sip of her water. "So what are you in the mood to watch?" 

Shadow got up to look at all the movies. He picked a b rate movie that he knew would be a horrible watch. Rouge must have grabbed some of Knuckles' dvds by mistake. "I'll go make some popcorn," he dashed off to the kitchen.

Rouge groaned as she looked at the dvd he picked. "Where did this even come from?"

"That data disc most likely belongs to the red echidna who owns the Master Emerald," Omega stated. He went quiet for a few moments. "New data to be added, does Angel Island have access to electricity?" 

Rouge and Shadow both paused. Shadow took the bag of popcorn out of the microwave. Shadow placed the bag in a bowl and walked back into the living room. It was a good question. If the answer was yes, Shadow add the perfect follow up; how. He looked at Rouge with questioning.

Rouge nodded, "He does have some electricity. I think Tails put it in. Some kind of solar or wind power thing."

Omega nodded. "New data added."
"Well you should thank him for the torture we're about to endure," Shadow turned on the tv. Rouge changed the channel to the dvd player as Shadow placed the dvd on the tray.
Shadow sat back down as the advertisements started. His phone then began to ring. Loudly. Rouge glared at it. Shadow sighed as he looked at it and saw that it was Rose. He glanced at Rouge, "It'll just be a moment," he mouthed as he got up to answer the phone.
"Hello," he greeted.
"Hi Shadow!" Amy greeted cheerfully.
Shadow smiled at the sound of her voice as he leaned against the counter in his kitchen. "Hello Rose. How are you?"
"I am well. I just wanted to let you know that Jon owes you an apology." There was a pause, "Don't you Jon?"
Shadow could hear the teen whimper on the other side. "What for?"
"Jon stole your phone and sent all of your draft messages earlier today." Amy stated bluntly.
Shadow's eyes widened. "How did he manage that?"
"I don't know." Amy sighed. "But I got a bunch of messages from you like a bomb went off and it took a minute before Jon fessed up. But there might be other messages sent to other people you weren't ready to send just yet."
Shadow took a deep breath. "I'm sure I'll manage." The only draft messages on his phone were to Rose anyway. "Just don't bother reading those messages Rose." He couldn't recall what were in all those drafts. Most were pictures of flowers and good morning messages. But just in case.

"I'm going to put Jon on the phone now," Amy handed the phone to Jon.

"I'm very sorry Mister Shadow," Jon wheezed through breathes. "I'm oh so very sorry."

Shadow arched a brow. What had Rose done to the boy? He stayed silent as Jon apologized for a good few minutes. The ads on the DVD were over now and the main menu music was playing. 

Rose took the phone back. "I'm very sorry about my cousin." 

"Well at least I got to hear your voice, so I'm not exactly complaining." Shadow mentally wanted to kick himself after those words escaped his lips. It sounded cheesy and corny. And it ment he was reading too many romance novels. 

Amy giggled, "Well good night Shadow. Try to get some rest."

"Sweet dreams to you as well Rose," Shadow stated as he hung up. He stared at the phone a moment before placing it on the counter top in the kitchen. He walked out of his kitchen to find his coworker leaning against the wall on the other side. 

"You and Amy made up?" She mused with a grin that told Shadow he was in for a ribbing.

"I ran into her while getting ice cream today," Shadow walked to his chair.

"So what did you talk about?"

Shadow shrugged, "Normal average stuff." 

"Don't play coy. Did she apologize about the hole she left in your floor?" She pointed towards the newly done patch next to his chair. 

Shadow shook his head. 

"Well why not?"

"She's not ready to talk about it yet." 

"Uh huh," she tapped her fingers on the arm of the couch as she sat down. "And did you apologize?"

Shadow shot her a glare before his eyes fell onto the remote. "Let's just watch the movie." He snatched the remote up and pressed play.

Rouge stayed silent during the movie. Though she was the only one who laughed during the movie. Omega pointed out that several scenes made no sense. Shadow just enjoyed his pop corn as the movie played. Once the film was finished and Rouge was done explaining to Omega that movies didn't have to make sense they were entertainment.

"Now about Amy?" Rouge grinned. 

"What about Rose?" Shadow questioned back.

Omega chimed in, "You seem to be in a better mood since the pink hedgehog called."
"Have I?" Shadow leaned his head into the palm of his hand.
"Affirmative." Omega nodded, "Analyzing data..."
Shadow turned to look at Rouge as she huffed.
"Did she forgive you though?"
Shadow shook his head. "I did apologize though."
Rouge's eyes went wide. "You apologized? Like with words?"
Shadow rolled his eyes. "I can swallow some of my pride for a simple apology."
Rouge shook her head. "You must like Amy a lot more then I thought if you actually said I'm sorry." Most of Shadow's apologies weren't with words, but with actions that could barely be interpenetrated as an apology.
Shadow arched an eyebrow at her.
"No denial?" She grabbed some pop corn. "I'm so proud that you've grown out of the ew coodies phase."
Shadow snorted as he looked away from her.
Rouge grinned, popping a piece into her mouth.
"Data analyzing complete."
They turned to the robot.
"The presence of the pink hedgehog causes Shadow's aggressive levels to drop by 5 to 10% on average." Omega stated.
"Really? That's what you were thinking about?" Shadow crossed his legs. Tapping his fingers on the raised leg.
"I have also noted that your presence causes the pink hedgehog to be calmer by 15%, but raises her heart rate by 2.5%." Omega stated slightly proudly.
"You certainly observe everything Omega," Rouge patted the robot's arm. She turned to Shadow. "So let's dish about how bad your crush is."
"It's not a crush," the statement was quick and firm.
Rouge leaned over the arm of his chair with a smirk. "Less aggressive by 5 to 10%. On average." She waved her hand towards Omega. "Are you saying Omega is lying?"
"I am never untruthful. Being untruthful just causes problems and interferes with my object to destroy Eggman's inferior robots."
Rouge nodded as she looked at the ebony hedgehog.
Shadow sighed. "Omega is always truthful. I am merely stating that I do not have a crush on Rose."
"Hm-hmm."
They all sat in silence for a few minutes. The sound of the grandfather clock ticking was beginning to get on Rouge's nerves. She took a deep breath.
"So how do you feel about Rose?"
Shadow sucked in a breath as he leaned into his chair. How did he say this and not get teased for the next few months? He looked up and Rouge in thought before turning back to stare at his shoe. He could go around and round in circles or he could just say it. "I love Rose," the sentence escaped in a quick breath.
Rouge beamed a huge smile as she sat up straight. "Like what kind of love? Like a close friend, a partner, a sister? Which kind?"
Shadow sighed as he shook his head. He didn't want to go through this right now. He eyed the dvds on the counter.
"No more movies. Talking."
Shadow glared at her before turning his glance to the wall. "Like the love where I want Rose to live here and never leave. Like I want to come home from work and talk to her about anything and everything. Cook and eat dinner together. The garden too. I just want to do everything with Rose." Shadow refused to make eye contact with anyone in the room.
Rouge rubbed his arm.
"Analyze complete," Omega chimed up.
The two looked up at the robot.
"The type of love Shadow feels is akin to Romantic love."
Shadow's quills puffed up out of annoyance.
Rouge smoothed them out with her hand. "There is one thing though," Rouge held up a finger.
Shadow arched a brow at her.
"The whole sex thing."
Shadow's face turned bright red.
Rouge sighed. "Still not completely mature I see."
"I am plenty mature." Shadow insisted.
Rouge smiled as she continued to smooth his quills out with her hand. "Listen, I'm not saying sex is a requirement to a romantic relationship. But it will come up. Not at first, but eventually. It will come up. How does the idea of possibly having sex with Amy make you feel?"
Shadow, face still bright red, glared. Normally his glare silence everyone, but Rouge had no fear for a glare. She stared back with a stern face.
"I am not opposed to the idea." He chose his words carefully.
"Alright. Alright." Rouge nodded. "Amy might want kids one day. Do you think you can handle adopting a child?"
Shadow tilted his head.
"I just want to cover all of your bases so you don't get side swiped or hurt in the future."
Shadow nodded as he understood her point. "I'm not very good with children. Maybe I can talk her into a pet?" His shrugged slightly.
Rouge nodded. "Maybe. But that will be a conversation you will have to have. Best sooner then later."
"But we're not courting." Shadow stated simply.
"No. But that doesn't mean you can't." Rouge booped his nose. "So you have my blessing and help in getting a date with Amy. Something you've already had. So it won't be too hard to get another one."
Shadow sighed.
"Ask Amy out to dinner or somewhere were you can talk about everything. And then go from there."
"Is this how you start conversations with Knuckles?" Shadow mused.
"Yes. It's best to have an open airway of communication." Rouge smiled.
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KRISSIE: And now this chapter is done. I am kind of pleased.
NEXT

Stories from Work 7/5/19

So yesterday, July 5th, there were several customers who just didn't or couldn't listen and follow basic instructions. Where I work we have several rules. None of them unreasonable, Just basic rules.
So the first one was a guy who came up to get a budlight. He had an ID from Mexico that was falling out. I told him several times that I am not allowed to accept foreign ids or temporary ids and asked if he had a US ID or passport, as I can accept those. I pointed to the sign on the bar that stated such. I had it so many times, I just went about cleaning the bar and kitchen. He asked if we had anyone who spoke Spanish and I told him, "No. We only have English speakers here."
He returned later with a woman who's ID stated Republica De Gautatamale on the top. It said it was a councilor ID card. It said something about Atlanta, Ga on the back. So I took the ID to my manager at the amusement counter to have him approve it. He said I could accept hers, but the man with her couldn't be served because he didn't have a proper ID.
I went to the bar and explained it to both of them. That I could not serve him because he didn't have a proper ID. I even pointed to the sign at the bar that stated such for them.
The woman several times tried to order two drinks and I had to reiterate several times that I could only give her one. I also told her that she can not give him her drink, since she got a budlight. The drink he was originally trying to get. I told her that if she gives it to him, the drink will be confiscated and they will be asked to leave. She seemed to understand. She paid for her drink and I poured it. I gave it to her.
And what does this woman do, she sits at the table right in front of the bar. Her back to me and puts the drink in front of the man. My manager had walked up and I told her to get them at the table as I walked around the bar to get to them. My manager and I both reiterated that the man could NOT drink anything in the store because he didn't have an ID. I took the drink back to the bar and told my amusement manager what happened over the mic. I was super pissed and annoyed. I mean come on. You didn't even try to hide your disrespect of the rules. She came up the bar, having taken off the wristband I had given her and said ID a few times. She was trying to sound innocent. I'm sure I had glared at her.
"No," I said sternly. "I'm not serving you anything else after that."
Morris had made his way to the bar. "Where's the drink?"
"I have it," I held it up to show him before I poured it out into the sink.
It put me in a sour mode for the rest of the day.
I had several groups of people come in with outside food and drink and try to eat them in the store. I had to hound them, telling them they can't have it in the store. That they needed to take it out. Several times. I left the bar to tell them too. Because I just didn't have it in me to let anyone break anymore rules today.
Also, it seemed like we were short on bowling staff today, because I spent at least an hour in the shoeser (A small walk-in closet that holds all the shoes that I have to put on racks for customers to get there shoes from on the other side.) I went in there during slow time at the bar to disinfect, match, and put the shoes up. So there was that. yeah.
Let's hope today will be a better day.

Blind Date Ch17

PREVIOUS
Amy arched a brow as her communicator beeped.
"A message from a friend?" Rob asked as he took a bit of his ice cream. They were taking a break from negotiations with the government officials. One of the officials had suggested the ice cream vendor. Amy had felt embarrassed when the vendor had recognized her. She glanced at her communicator and saw the new message.
She nodded as she went back to eating her ice cream. "I'll read it later."
"Well, we don't have much time before we have to go back to negotiations, so you might as well read it now," Mari-an stated as she stole a bite of her husband's ice cream. Rob shot her playful glare and she simply smiled back sweetly.
"Save me, they're flirting." Jon muttered as he stared at her communicator.
Amy chuckled as she pulled her cellphone out of her pocket. She opens the message. Her eyes go wide as she reads Shadow's name.
"Aren't you two fighting?" Jon whispered.
Amy gulped as she nodded.
"Maybe it's an apology?"
Amy scoffed. "He never apologizes."
Mari-an and Rob took notice. They both wanted to ask, but decided not to.
Jon arched a brow. "I'll buy the next round of ice cream if I'm wrong." He hovered his finger over Shadow's name as he looked at her, awaiting permission.
Amy sucked in a deep breath as she pressed it.
They both paused as they stared at the photo of Sonic in the water. Jon began to shake as he attempted to hold back the laughter. Amy, however, couldn't keep her composure and leaned herself on the table as she lost it laughing.
"Do I want to know?" Rob asked.
Amy looked up at him with a hug bubbly smile. She shook her head as she put her phone away and ate some of her ice cream. "You're buy next round," Amy pointed her spoon at her nephew. Jon laughed as he ate the last bite.
"What flavor do you want?" Jon hopped out of his seat.
Amy hummed as she finished the remains of her ice cream. "Vanilla with caramel swirl."
Jon nodded as he went to the vendor cart.
Jon arched a brow as he looked up to see Sonic and Shadow right in front of them. "Sonic?" Jon spoke up.
Sonic's ear twitched as he turned to look at him. A smile appeared on his face, but Jon could see the slight nervousness in his eyes. Shadow saw it too and became suspicious of the young teen. "What's up Jon?"
"Nothing much." Jon stated.
"What are you doing in Apotos?" Sonic asked as they moved forward in line.
"Getting ice cream." Jon smiled as he placed his hands in his pockets.
"You live in Mercia." Sonic stated as he arched an eyebrow.
"Oh... you mean that." Jon nodded. "Mom and dad are having some meetings with some people."
"Oookay," Sonic nodded.
Shadow just looked between the two; confused.
"Hi, I'm Jon O'Hedge!" Jon waved at Shadow. "You're Shadow, correct? How are you liking Apotos so far?" He offered his hand in a friendly gestured.
Shadow arched a brow. "I am. It's nice."
Jon look sucked in his lower lip and moved it back in forth as he looked from the ebony hedgehog to his hand and back. "Not much for handshakes, I see." He put his hand in his pocket. He noticed the sudden awkwardness. "So what kind of ice cream are you getting?"
Sonic rattled off the chip special. It was a ice cream concoction that was huge with 3 flavors and several toppings. Shadow rolled his eyes. He had sweet tooth, but he wasn't in the mood for all that.
"I'll stick with vanilla and strawberry with caramel syrup." Shadow stated as he took a step forward.
"Ah, those are good choices." Jon nodded.
Shadow zoned out as the two spoke of ice cream. He felt like he had heard that name before. He just couldn't recall where. He hated that his memory was so faulty. There was only two other people in front of them when Shadow finally remember why the name sounded so familiar. "O'Hedge is the name of the royal family of Mercia." Shadow said in disbelief.
Jon smiled. He seemed to take some enjoyment in Shadow's reactions.
"How many government officials and royal families do you know?" He asked Sonic in awe.
"Well, when you're the hero of Mobius, you can of just meet people in charge?" Sonic shrugged as he greeted the vendor. He gave his order and paid as the vendor made it.
"You also meet a lot of people in charge, don't you, Shadow?" Jon asked politely.
"Yeah, but normally people within GUN or one side of the planet. I don't think I've met any officials anywhere near Mercia." Shadow answered  after giving his order to the vendor.
"Well you should visit Mercia sometime. I would be happy to show you the sites." Jon greeted the ice cream vendor with a nod.
"Back for seconds already?" The ice cream vendor chuckles as he washed his scoop.
"Yes sir." Jon smiled, "On chocolate cone and one vanilla cup with caramel."
"So are you parents sharing an ice cream cone?" Sonic mused as he munched on his ice cream.
"No, they're too busy flirting," Jon gagged. "This is mine and this one is Amy's."
"Amy's here?" Sonic tilted his head. He knew Shadow and Amy weren't getting along currently and didn't want to be apart of them coming to blow.
"Does Rose know everyone you do?" Shadow arched a brow.
Jon burst into laughter. "Nah. She came to visit. Would you like to come say hi?"
Shadow looked at Sonic. He was tempted to stalk Jon and find Rose. He didn't care if he spoke to her. He just wanted to see her.
Sonic sighed as he took a step forward. "It would be rude not to say hi since we're in the same place." He felt reluctant. But he saw that Shadow was going to go rather Sonic went or not.
Jon smiled as he walked up to the table. He slid the cup in front of Amy. "I ran into some friends!"
Amy arched a brow as she picked up the cup of vanilla ice cream. "What kind?"
"The run at the speed of sound kind," Jon gestured to the two hedgehogs walking behind him.
Amy's eyes widened as she looked at them. "How was your swim in the waterway?" She asked Sonic.
Sonic's brows rose for a moment before turning towards his ebony friend with a glare. "You took a picture?"
"I thought I saved it to my drafts." Shadow took a bit of his ice cream.
"Well, take a seat," Rob gestured towards the table. Sonic grabbed two chairs and sat next to Amy.
Shadow chose to sat next to the teal hedgehog wearing brown boots and brown jacket. Shadow took notice of them female echidna wearing a brown dress with some sort of embroidery on the sleeves. Shadow had no clue who these people were. He didn't feel comfortable being around strangers.
"You're a new face mate, I'm Rob. And this is my wife, Mari-an." Rob gestured to lady beside him. Shadow nodded at the small wave she gave. "What's your name?"
"Shadow," he stated simply.
"Nice to meet you," Rob extended his hand.
"Shadow isn't one for physical contact, dad." Jon took a bit of his cone, creating a loud crunch.
"Ah, my bad." Rob smiled. "How do you keep my fair cousin from killing you with hugs then?"
Shadow arched a brow in confusion. Sonic decided to find the sky very interesting at this point as Amy quietly ate her ice cream.
"Only just met your son." Shadow pointed a finger towards Jon.
Rob chuckled, "Then are you acquainted with Amy?" He propped his head in his hand.

"Yes, I know Rose." Shadow declared proudly. Rob grinned at this and Shadow glared back.

Rob turned towards Amy, "Dear cousin, please tell me how he keeps you from killing him with hugs?"
Amy sighed, "You act like I bear hug everyone." She turned her head as she took a bite of her ice cream.
"You're related to him?" Shadow muttered in disbelief.
Amy gulped as she looked at Shadow. She nodded.
Shadow pointed towards Rob and Mari-An. "But their the Mercian royal family."
"That is true." Rob said in a soft sing song voice.
Amy bit her lip as a blush came over her face. She didn't like telling people she was royalty.
"So your cousin married into royalty. The family events must be awkward." Shadow tried to make small talk. Rob only snickered. Shadow arched a brow at him. He felt like there was something everyone else knew and he didn't and he didn't like it.

"Actually, I married into royalty. Rosebud was born into it." Mari-an explained. "It's okay for not knowing though, Rosebud doesn't like to broadcast it. But someone likes to tease." She pinched her husband's cheek playfully as Rob shrugged with laughter.

Amy simply blushed as she finished her ice cream. Jon gagged. 

"Stop flirting, it's weird." Took the last bite of his cone. He wiped his hands and mouth before staring at the cup Amy clutched in her hand. 

"Very well " Rob pouted, "It is time to get back to the conference room. It was nice meeting you Shadow." Rob patted Shadow's shoulder and gripped it firmly as he looked at Sonic. "It was nice seeing you as well Sir Sonic." 

Shadow sat frozen. Of all the interactions he had had over the years was the first anyone had done that too him. It was odd and he didn't know how to process it. 

"Can I hang out with Sonic and Shadow instead of going to the conference?" Jon pipped up.
"I don't mind." Sonic shrugged, "What about you Shadow?"
Shadow looked at Sonic and nodded his head. It was his usual indifference to everything.
"We'll meet back here in two hours then." Rob stated with a smile. "Cousin will you be coming with us or going with them?"
Amy looked at Jon. She could see in his eyes that he was ready to unleash a millions questions on to either of the guys. "I'll watch over Jon."
Rob nodded as he helped his wife out of her chair. Mari-An reached over the table of gave Jon a hug and a kiss. Jon protested verbally, but allowed it. Mari-an smiled as she wrapped her arms around Amy.
Amy smiled as she returned the hug.
The two returned to the conference hall as Jon wiped the 'mommy kisses' off his check.
"You know she's just going to kiss you more?" Sonic teased.
"Does your mom still kiss you?" Jon asked pointedly.
"Yep!" Sonic beamed proudly. "I think it's a mom thing."
Jon rolled his eyes. "I'm doomed." He looked at the cup Amy still clutched in her hand. "Let's go see the sights," he offered a hand to Amy. Amy smiled as she grabbed his hand and stood.

"What do you want to see?" Sonic stretched.

Jon hummed in thought. "I don't have a preference," he shrugged. 

"Then a walk it is!" Amy cheered as she pushed in her chair. 

Shadow followed suit. He reached his hand out for the cup. "I'll throw it away," he spoke softly. He could tell Amy had been avoiding eye contact, but he didn't mind as much. He had pushed her into a mental corner a few months ago and she had the right to be upset with him. He, however, wasn't about to back down now.
They found themselves walking along the water way. Sonic walking on the far side.
"I've gotten personal enough with the water way for the day. And ever. Thanks." He commented when asked was he was walking so far away.
Amy chuckled as she enjoyed the breeze that stayed along the waterway.
Shadow took noticed of Jon and Amy tapping on each other's arm at random intervals. It was code. A code he didn't know.  He crossed his arms as he followed behind the two. He glanced at Sonic to see if he noticed.
The blue hedgehog was smiling and laughing like nothing was wrong. Either he didn't notice the Morse code or he was good at hiding that he noticed.
"Ooh! Snacks!" Sonic pointed to a food stand.
"Why don't you and Sonic race a head to get some?" Amy smiled at Jon.
"Yes," He released Amy's hand and race forward. "Come on Sonic!"
Sonic laughed as he followed behind the running echidna. "You know I'll easily win right?"
"Go easy on me," Jon placed his hands together and made a jokingly pleading face.
Amy shook her head at the two before stopping and waiting for Shadow to beside her before walking again. "Thank you for the photo earlier. It was very funny."
"You're welcome," Shadow looked down at her to find her watching the ripples in the water.
"How have you been, I haven't heard from you in a while." Amy spoke softly.
"I've been alright," Shadow nodded. "I've been trying to give you the space that you wanted."
Amy smiled, "Thank you for that. So are there other funny photos that you wanted to send me but didn't?"
Shadow shrugged. "I'm pretty sure my draft folder is full right now."
"Well, you can send them now," Amy stated as she stopped to get a closer look at a flower growing through the concrete.
Shadow looked over and noticed that Sonic and Jon weren't at the food vendor stand. "Where are Sonic and your cousin?"
Amy smiled as she stood. "I told Jon to take Sonic for a run so we could talk."
"Ah the Morse code." Shadow muttered.
Amy giggled as she wrapped her hand around his arm. "It's good to have several different ways of communicating silently. I can teach it to you if you'd like."
Shadow eyed her hand as her finger made a squiggly line on his arm. "What does that mean?"
Amy smiled with victory. "Hmm... perhaps that was too difficult a phrase." She made another motion on his arm. "That means hello." 

He nodded. "How do you say nice weather we're having?"

Amy chuckled, "you say that as you secretly communicate. Not with the secret language."

"So what do you say with the secret language?" 

"Hmm..." She hummed as they walked, "Stuff like stay strong. There are spies hiding here or there. Things like that."

"How about I'm sorry I forced you into a mental corner?" He stared straight ahead, scanning for an signs for Sonic.

Amy signed on his arm, "That way."

Shadow repeated the movement on her arm.

Amy responded with a few squiggles and dots. 

"What does that mean?" Shadow mused.

"That I am almost ready to forgive you," Amy ran her hand along the railing. 

"Key word almost," Shadow scanned the area for Sonic again. Shouldn't they have seen them by now?

"Time will change almost to definite." Amy stated as she noticed Shadow scanning the area. 

"Do you want to find Sonic and Jon?" 

"I have a feeling that they've gotten into trouble," Shadow tapped his foot on the ground. 

Amy chuckled, "That is a flip of a coin if they are or aren't." 

They found the two sitting in a park playing with marbles.

"Where did they find marbles?" Shadow muttered in disbelief as they approached them.

"Jon carries a collection with him," Sonic answer, his ear turning towards Shadow's voice as he adjusted the angle of his thumb to hit the marble into the others.

Jon whipped his head up to look at the two approaching and then back at Sonic. 

"He has good hearing. It's a good trait to have." Shadow nodded at Jon's confusion.

"How? With all the explosions that go on around when you fight Eggman?" Jon asked as he scooted closer to Sonic. He stretched straighter to look inside his ears.

Sonic shrugged. Between explosions, rock concerts, Tails' workshop, and even running at his top speed, he wasn't sure how his ears were still so good either.
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