FicWad

Manic sat down at a table across from Sonic and Sonia to eat lunch before they left high school for the day.
A few minutes later, Surge sat down beside Manic. She started playing with Manic’s spines. “Hey, you finally dyed the tips of your spines black.”
Manic grinned. “Yeah, did it last night.”
“It’s awesome.” Surge said, grinning. “But you always look cute.”
Manic laughed. “Thanks.”
Surge continued talking, but Manic was barely listening to her.
Sonic and Sonia exchanged glances, though Manic was oblivious to anything around him aside from Surge.
“She’s so cute when she smiles.” Manic thought. “Wait. When did I start thinking she’s cute? She’s like a sis- well, I’d rather her be my girlfriend now, no sense playing that stupid denial game.”
Surge waved her hand in front of Manic’s face. “You there, dude?”
Manic snapped out of his thoughts. “What?”
“I asked you if you want to meet at the skatepark this afternoon.” Surge said.
“Yeah, sure.” Manic replied. He looked across the table and saw that Sonic and Sonia had gotten up and were talking to Shadow on the sidewalk. “I gotta go. Do you need me to walk you to your car?”
Surge got up. “Alright.” She said, holding her hand out to Manic.
Manic helped her up and held her hand as he walked her to the car.
*
Dr. Eggman turned to face Surge as she came down the elevator. “So you’re getting awfully friendly with Manic.”
Surge crossed her arms. “Were you spying on us?”
“No more than usual.” Dr. Eggman said. “Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble. We can use that punk’s feelings to our advantage.”
Surge sat down in one of the empty chairs. “I think I’ll have to draw the line there.”
Dr. Eggman raised an eyebrow. “That wasn’t an act on your part, was it?”
Surge bit her lip. “Hmm….”
“It wasn’t.” Dr. Eggman said. He sat down on his chair. “Okay, so now we’ll have a new deal.”
Surge swiped her arms in front of her in a “no way” gesture. “Deal’s off.”
“Don’t be so hasty.” Dr. Eggman replied. “You help me take over this world; defeat that blue rat, Shadow, and Knuckles and I’ll let Manic live. Or you don’t help and I’ll do all of that without you and Manic will be one of the casualties.”
Surge scoffed and shook her head. “You’re bluffing.” She said, sitting down.
“No and I should tell you it won’t be a pleasant death.” Dr. Eggman said. “I want to know why he doesn’t have the powers Sonic, Shadow, and Knuckles have. To find out, I’ll have to dissect him.”
“Couldn’t you just give him a blood test?” Surge asked.
“I could, but I’ll still dissect him.” Dr. Eggman said. “Something along the lines of that movie you and him were watching last week. Was it Robocop two you were watching with him? I’m not sure dissection was the right word off the top of my head since the storm kept me up half the night, but you get my point.”
Surge slumped in her seat. “It’s vivisection and I get your point.”
“You noticed I hadn’t resorted to having my robots beat you to persuade you to agree.” Dr. Eggman said. “I haven’t shocked you either. I think you’re too old for that and you’re too valuable to me to risk killing you.”
“Thanks for that.” Surge muttered.
“Now, you can either sit back and watch me take over the world and have your boyfriend killed.” Dr. Eggman said, sliding his chair over to his computer. “Or you can help me and I can spare his life. Both of you will be free to go. You can get married and have his babies for all I care. I just want Sonic and Shadow gone.”
Surge leaned against the arm of the chair. “So how are you gonna kill Sonic or Shadow?” She asked. “You haven’t been able to do it before?”
“Allow me to demonstrate my latest plan.” Dr. Eggman said, pressing a button on his computer.
Surge shuffled out of the room.
Kit, who was sitting in the hall, stood up. “I overheard everything.” He said. “I’m sorry I designed the new drones.”
Surge walked Kit to their rec room and sat down on the couch. “You gonna talk sense to me?” She asked. “Go ahead.”
Kit sat down beside Surge. “Do you really love Manic?”
“Yeah, that’s the only reason why I’m considering this.” Surge said, pulling her knee up. She laid her arm on her knee. “You and Manic are the only ones I ever believed cared. Tell anyone I said that and you’re dead.”
Kit chuckled.
“So?” Surge asked.
“If you take the deal and Manic somehow finds out you went along with his brother’s death, he won’t ever forgive you.” Kit replied. “It may be a risk to tell him, but Sonic and Shadow are capable of fighting Eggman. They have an army too and I might be able to shut the robots down remotely.”
“Thanks, I better tell him.” Surge said, getting up.
*
-Meanwhile-
Manic sat down beside Sonic. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” Sonic said, setting his guitar back in his case.
“How do you know when you’re in love with someone?” Manic asked.
“I’m not sure if everyone would describe it the same way or not.” Sonic replied. “Why do you ask?”
“I think I’m in love with Surge.” Manic said.
“Not surprised, but when did this happen?” Sonic asked.
“A couple of weeks ago, I guess.” Manic said. “Until then, I thought about her as much as I did any of my other friends. Now, I think about her almost constantly. I love it when she plays with my spines. I… I think I can talk about this for hours, but I know you don’t have the attention span for that.”
Sonic chuckled. “Oh, yeah, you’re definitely in love.”
“Should I tell her?” Manic asked. “I don’t want to ruin our friendship or make her uncomfortable.”
“She was totally flirting with you earlier.” Sonic replied. “I think she feels the same way, bro.”
Manic furrowed his brow. “I don’t remember that.”
“That’s probably because you were off in your own world, with that stupid grin on your face, while she played with your spines.” Sonic replied. “She was practically drooling over you. Trust me, I’m sure she does feel the same way. Sonia and I had thought there was something between you two for a couple of weeks.”
Manic checked his watch and got up. “I’m supposed to meet her at the skate park soon.” He said. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck.” Sonic replied.
Manic picked up his backpack. “Should I dress up to tell her or…?”
“I don't think that’s yours or her style.” Sonic said. “But, if anything, just wear one of your plain t-shirts.”
“Thanks, bro.” Manic replied.
“Don’t mention it.” Sonic said. “Have fun, bro.”
*
Manic sat down next to one of the ramps.
Surge sat down beside Manic. “Hey, you okay?”
“Yeah.” Manic replied. He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. “I really like you, Surge. Actually… I hope this isn’t too weird to say it right now, but we’ve known each other for a while. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Surge said, sliding her hand over Manic’s hand.
Manic grinned. “Awesome.” He replied. He noticed the ice cream cart. “You want an ice cream?”
“Sure.” Surge said.
Manic got up and ran over to the cart.
Surge sighed. “I need to tell him.” She muttered under her breath. “But he’ll be mad that I’m working with Eggman. Maybe he’ll never find out. He’s an overthinker, but he doesn’t research anything that triggers his anxiety. I doubt he’d dig into it if Egghead does kill his bro.”