*Sonic's POV*
Shadow had decided to come with me to work, try to be a bit more social, but he refused to talk to anyone and just sat at the counter where I was at. It wasn't until my boss came out of his office that he finally spoke to someone other than me.

"What are you doing? You can't be back here." I said once I saw Shadow jumping the counter and was now standing incredibly close to me. Watching what I was doing very closely.

"Calm down. Your boss basically shoved me here. Said you could teach me." Shadow had his arms crossed, looking very irritated.

"He has some nerve. I'm surprised you haven't tried to kill him." I laughed and nodded as I passed him a bottle of whiskey.

Shadow shrugged and grabbed it as he glanced around, taking in where everything was located. "Better than being bothered by others." To my surprise, he already knew how to mix drinks. He saw I was staring at him in shock and decided to explain. "Rouge drinks. A lot."

"Right. So I'm guessing this isn't at all your second time at a bar?"

"No. Rouge would drag me around to all sorts of things." I nodded at his response.

"You know, more people will bother you behind the bar." I explained and was immediately proven right when a girl went up to him asking for his number. I chuckled and let him handle it, but Shadow did not look interested at all. "Do you have a preference?" I asked when the girl left.

"No." He flatly responded.

The rest of the night went on the same way. We had a lot more customers than usual and a lot more tips, making the rest of the staff annoyed and irritated over how much attention Shadow and I were getting. When my shift ended, my boss paid Shadow for his time, and we both started walking down the street, heading to my house. The streets were empty and dark, the moon was the only light guiding our path. It started to rain, and Shadow tried to run to my house, but I laughed and grabbed his wrist, preventing him from running.

The rain grew heavier, creating puddles around us, and I decided to jump on one, which caused Shadow to get splashed. He growled at me clearly annoyed and snatched his hand away.

"You're almost 30, Hedgehog. Stop acting like a child." Shadow said, rolling his eyes and waiting for me now on my front porch for me to open the door.

"Come on, Shadow. You've got to losen up a bit. Growing up doesn't mean you have to lose what makes you happy. Come here." I pointed beside me. "Come on." I smiled. "We can stay out here all night."

Shadow refused to listen to me until I showed him my house keys and shaked them in front of him. He sighed and gave in, walking towards me. He was about to reach for the keys, but I dashed behind him and grabbed his shoulders, then moved my hands underneath his arms and made him stretch them to the sides. Shadow tensed up instantly but soon gave in and let me guide him.

"Now close your eyes and enjoy the rain." I let go of him. He was hesitant but did as I told him anyway. "Just relax, I don't think I've ever seen you enjoy anything." I chuckled. "Life isn't just pain and suffering like you make it out to be, Shadow. It can also be about the little things in life, like rain, jumping on puddles just for fun, staying up all night talking to someone, laughing to your hearts content. Give it a try someday, will yah?" I patted his back once I saw his shoulders relax. I walked to the door and unlocked it, Shadow looked at me and walked towards the front door.

"I'll get us some towels." I laughed as I saw just how drenched we were. Shadow didn't look mad anymore. In fact, he seemed calmer than usual yet also very tired. I walked to the bathroom and took the towel back to Shadow as I dried myself. I handed it to him, and he did the same.

"Thank you." Shadow yawned as he used the towel to dry his quills.

"You should take a shower before you catch a cold." I advised. Shadow didn't say anything else and went to take a shower. I knocked on the door to say goodnight and went into my room where I had a private bathroom. I took a shower and went to sleep.

I woke up around 9 in the morning and noticed Shadows' door was open. I went to check and saw he was still asleep, he looked so calm and peaceful, it was strange to think that I used to be afraid of him to an extent. Shadow and I may have had a rough start, but I was thankful of where we were now.

Maybe it was a good thing that Shadow found me after all these years. No matter how many bad memories it brought to see him again, the friendship we were finally starting outweighed the bad.

I made my way to the kitchen and made some breakfast, making something to eat for Shadow as well then went back to my room to spend some time before my brunch date with one of Spikes friends from out of town.

"I made food for you. It's in the microwave." I said as I got out of my room when it was time for me to leave and saw Shadow walking down the stairs. He turned to look at me and nodded.

"You're going out?" Shadow asked as he made his way to the kitchen, and I followed.

"Remember, I told you I had a date today." Shadow looked at the time. The stove blinking 1pm taking him off guard. "Yeah, you overslept. You looked so calm I didn't want to wake you up."

"I've never slept this late before." He admitted then started eating after he heated up the food. "You're going on a date this early?"

"Yeah. Brunch date. I don't usually go on dates at night since that's when I work if I am in town." I looked at the time again. "I should go already." I waved at him and dashed off.