The salty breeze from the ocean whipped through the air as you stood on the walkway of Eggman’s Egg Carrier. The wind was a welcome contrast to the cold, metallic labs you usually worked in. Today, however, your thoughts drifted away from your usual chaotic projects and back to something—someone—else entirely.

Sonic.

You sighed, pushing the thoughts from your mind, but it wasn’t long before the shrill alarm blared through the ship. You groaned inwardly.

“Intruder alert!” The PA system blared, followed by the unmistakable sound of Sonic’s footsteps.

You didn’t need to look to know who it was. Sonic. Again.

You rolled your eyes and walked toward the disturbance. Sure enough, there he was, strolling along the outside of the ship with that cocky grin on his face.

“Well, well,” Sonic called, arms crossed. “If it isn’t my favorite villain. What’s up? Missing me already?”

You tried to keep your cool. “I’m not missing anything,” you snapped, voice sharp. “You always show up at the worst times.”

Sonic chuckled. “Nah, I just came by to check in on you, see how the evil genius life’s treating you,” he teased, leaning in closer than you liked. “You know, I could help you shake things up a bit. Sounds like you’re getting a little bored with all the villainy, huh?”

You crossed your arms. “I’m good,” you muttered. “Just get out of here before you cause any more problems.”

Sonic raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Sure thing, but admit it. You missed me. Just say it,” he said, winking.

You took a deep breath. “I didn’t miss anything,” you shot back, even though a small part of you hated how easily he could get under your skin.

The tension lingered in the air as Sonic leaned in closer, his grin stretching wider. Rivalry, and something more…