Archive of Our Own

The Day Grows Old Much Too Fast With You

Sonic knew he should feel honored, and he couldn’t lie and say getting a text from the ultimate lifeform didn’t make him happy, but he wasn't too keen on spending extended time around water. His inability to swim was definitely his biggest weakness, considering all he had survived during his adventures. But through it all, the blue hedgehog never managed to shake his aquaphobia. Whatever, he could tolerate water for a chance like this. Shadow was vague in his invitation, it could be something as silly as a water balloon fight.

As he made his way up Shadow’s stone driveway the hedgehog took note to remind himself to be on his very best behavior; Sonic couldn’t jeopardize their progress, and this evening could make or break it for their complicated yet improving relationship.

“Glad you could make it,” Shadow called out from afar, startling the blue hedgehog, effectively knocking him out of his thoughts. His head snapped up to trace the source of the voice from whatever its obscure origins were.

The hybrid in question appeared from the side of the quaint little cottage. His origins were still unknown, but Sonic could deduce his previous actions by the gardening spade still in his hand. Sonic put a hand on his hip, gazing at the little home owned by the hedgehog. “So this is the infamous casa-de-edgehog.”

It certainly wasn’t what Sonic expected from him, he either expected something dark and dank, some hole in the middle of squalor. Or maybe a minimalist apartment in the business district of a city, but never this.

Shadow rolls his eyes as he approaches his house guest, “Casa Robotnik.” He gestured for the hedgehog behind him to follow as he led him up the stone path that fed to his front door. This whole situation was quite strange from the invite down to the very home Shadow owned. His cottage was quaint from the ornate gothic windows to the arabesque fixtures all tied together with a faux thatched roof. Not to mention the flowers that lined the house and its perimeters from front to back that were all obviously cared for with Shadow’s own tentative hand judging by their prospering condition.

The inside matched the outside from what Sonic could see as he followed the hybrid like a duckling would with its mother. The living room walls were a soft variety of sage green beneath an authentic wood ceiling. On his mantel and hutch varnished the same shade as his ceiling he held frilly nick nacks like framed pressed flowers and porcelain china sets reminiscent of a grandmother’s garage sale.

Sonic swung his head around, back and forth until Shadow finally came to an abrupt stop. The pause was a bit awkward as Shadow took the time to hastily brush off his couch, ridding it of whatever invisible contents it didn’t currently hold. Sonic shrugs at the oddity of it all, clasping his hands behind his back “Ah, what did you wanna show me?”

Shadow promptly took a seat on his gingham couch. He smirked, patting the chair beside him. “Calm down for a moment, will you? Would you like anything to drink?”

For a moment, Sonic forgot he was here with the sword of Damocles hanging over his head. “I'm okay…” Shadow’s cottage was as mysterious as Shadow himself. To his knowledge, only Cream, Charmy, and Espio had been here before. Not even his own teammates have been here. Now he was one of the select few on this exclusive guest list welcomed into his humble abode and he be damned if he would tarnish this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Shadow continued, losing his smirk and forcefully replacing it with his usual frown of indifference. His voice wavered, he spoke with measured care, “Right. Anyway, how was the run over here?”

This unique brand of meaningless circumlocution was no stranger to Sonic; small talk was a simple, unfortunate fact of life. What had him confused, however, was who it was coming from. He never knew his rival to be one to humor such a frivolous thing. His whole bad boy schtick had him under the impression that he would never voluntarily participate in it, much less initiate it.

Maybe he was just nervous? Sonic knew how he usually operated and he could see by his brief observations that the hybrid’s demeanor was unusual. Shadow was never the conversationalist, maybe he needed to test the waters with such platitudes. “Scenic to a degree, but I got a bit lost since I avoided the roads.” He giggled, intent on keeping the mood light-hearted.

Sonic felt his nerves ease as Shadow relaxed his stringent posture ever so slightly into the side of the sofa. “I was going to say, you were slower than I’d expect.”

“Hey, watch it.” Sonic swatted at his rival’s arm, though his intent was quickly understood for its playful reality.

What he wouldn’t have anticipated, however, was the hybrid’s reaction. He seemed entranced by the brief contact, Shadow’s eyes were locked onto the arm that graced him, mesmerized by it.

It made Sonic a bit self-conscious. Never had he seen Shadow so distracted, especially not on him. “What?”

Regretfully, Shadow tore his eyes from his arms to his eyes, meeting them still with his hazy quality. The vestige of his fascination still remained in a light smile. “Nothing.”

Sonic returned the light smile in good faith, but the source of his atypical action from his rival still entertained the curious part of his brain. “Seriously Shadz, you’re killing me. What?”

Even from the brief exchange of words that they had begun to share, Shadow had started to noticeably relax. He let his back hit the seat as he threw up his hands in resignation “Nothing! I swear.”

The hero was eating up the atmosphere that had grown between them. He thrived in easy conversation like this and Shadow had a unique quality about him that the hero always failed to place that made banter with his especially easy. He smirked as the other had done before, “Are you even real? Like, who are you and what have you done with the Shadow I saw the other day back in the city?”

Shadow faltered a bit, he didn’t pick up on the shift in ambiance that persisted between them. He was always on edge, but he looked particularly troubled today. He kept a light smile on his features, “It's nicer here, ‘makes me feel less tense because no one is around. nothing to be judged for..”

Sonic realized that his taunting lilt hadn’t properly carried over and what Shadow was implying when he mentioned judging, the city must bring up some memories of the invasion. It really infuriated Sonic the way they treated Shadow during that whole fiasco. But, for now, he had to focus on moving away from the sensitive topic. “Oh wait… No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way or try to make you think of-”

Before he could finish, Shadow interjected “-Hey, Sonic. It’s okay, I know you're just teasing me. You wouldn't be up here if I didn’t L…” The hybrid brings his voice to an abrupt stop. Perhaps he lost himself because he had suddenly become much too comfortable in the hero's presence. “..nothing.”

Sonic, on the other hand, could not decipher his rival's strange ambivalence. One moment Shadow was relaxed, joining him in the mirth of their exchange and then suddenly he would revert to the apparent discomfort Shadow had starting their meeting.

The hero smiled awkwardly, lightly rocking in his seat. “So uh, was there something you wanted to show me? Or..”

“Yes, actually. Come.” Shadow promptly stood up in his stiff, cumbersome way. Every movement somehow seemed overly calculated yet simultaneously horrifically clumsy and obtuse. He extended a hand to assist Sonic in getting off the couch only to snatch it back the moment their fingers made contact. Shadow tried to play the situation off like it wasn't horrifically awkward by gesturing for him to follow.

Silently, Shadow led him out of the living room, all the way past his pale yellow kitchen with open windows obscured by ornate lacy curtains to a set of stained glass sliding doors that complemented the rest of the house’s soft features. If he didn’t already know, he would have guessed that a garden fairy owned this place but by the looks of it, Shadow was the cottage’s only resident.

Before stepping out of the conditioned air into the oppressive heat, he noticed that there seemed to be a staircase from a dining room. But, if he wasn’t mistaken, he already saw Shadow’s bedroom off the dining room. What could one man need with all this space and upstairs area?

Finally, Sonic gives up on his fruitless pursuit of deciphering the mysterious nature of Shadow’s whimsical home to enter the great outdoors. His view of the backdoors was limited from both the inside and the front lawn as both regions of the house were equally fitted with tall flowers to the point that he couldn’t get much of an idea of what lay behind the Ultimate lifeform’s personal abode.

But now, seeing what was in store as Shadow descended down the stone path that led to his personal 9th circle of hell, Sonic couldn’t help but be filled with dread. Shadow had the luxury of living right on the water, a sizable yet empty lake left for his leisure.

Shadow knew of his hydrophobia, right? It was common knowledge to anyone who knew him for a significant amount of time that Sonic had an aversion to water. Was this all a ploy to torture the poor hero? Or was Shadow truly unaware?

Whatever the case may be, Sonic kept his trepidation to himself and wordlessly followed. The backyard had various amenities outfitted for activities he’d much rather be doing than practically anything that had to do with the water. He looked at the bonfire pit longingly. He could picture sweet drinks and long talks with his friends, or even Shadow’s company alone, if he’d allow him. But alas, these tulpas were a mere figment of his imagination.

Even the treehouse looks preferable to being left to Shadow’s whims at this moment. “Treehouse” But under more scrutiny that Sonic allowed himself to indulge in to escape his perail, he had to ask why there was a treehouse in the first place.

“Did you build that?” Sonic couldn’t help but to ask. It seemed so out of character for the hybrid, he was all about efficiency. What would he need with a treehouse? But when considering the entirety of his stay up to this point everything seemed out of character

To the relief of Sonic, Shadow stopped in his grim journey to the waterfront to join Sonic in admiring the treehouse. His voice was small and tender. Sonic couldn’t tell if he imagined it, but Shadow even seemed bashful. “Yeah, when the kids were here we worked on it together, now it's their space entirely. I know they both love it up here, but ensuring they have their own area is important.”

Oh yes, the kids. Sonic remembered Shadow mentioning Cream, Charmy, and Espio ending up there. That was when the hybrid first proposed that Sonic join him at the cottage. It wasn’t an offer he was going to refuse in his right mind so here he stood, marveling at the man next to him for his generosity. “That's really thoughtful of you… no wonder they like you so much.”

It was strange to hear that dreamy tone in the hero’s voice. Shadow had gotten so used to the overconfident inflection in the other’s voice, so it took him off guard to hear such softness. He couldn’t help but blush and he decided to turn his head, avoiding eye contact. “Heh, I'm an acquired taste but the ones who like me tend to last…” He had done it again. He babbled on more than need be and tarnished the mood once again.

To most, Shadow was considered soft-spoken. He was generally reserved; it could be hard to entice words out of him a majority of the time. But, with Maria as his witness, he could be quite the conversationalist if he deemed you trustworthy. But even when they were acquaintances, Sonic had the exclusive ability to make him talk, whether it be participating in silly banter or the more recent option of him spilling all his secrets.

Sonic noticed Shadow’s face fall ever so slightly. As cute as his bottom lip looked protruding out as it did now, it wasn’t the desired reaction he was hoping for. He still felt a bit nervous, both from the water and the slippery slope of appeasing Shadow to stay in his house but he devised to continue regardless. “If you're taking me swimming, I’ll kill you and then go back home. No one will ever discover the body.”

Shadow managed to find his composure, returning to his usual state of indifference. “Well I figured, I'm not that ignorant. So…” Suddenly, in the tell-tale flash of light, Shadow disappeared from where he stood in a chaos control.

Sonic furiously whipped his head back and forth, looking for where his rival may have gone. “Hey! Where did you-?” His dread returned as it dawned on him where his rival must’ve fled to. “Uh.. shadow. Shadow!”

His actions were simply instinctual; he rushed up to the dock almost to the point of falling off before his hydrophobia took into effect. As he suspected, Shadow was standing proud on a boat he only now realized he had. To his horror, he heard the rev of the engine being started. Sonic cups his hand around his mouth, “What the fuck!”

As rare as it was, Shadow couldn’t help but express his laughter. Sonic looked so offended in his cute, childish way. “Watch your mouth, youngin. I figured you won't stay in the water, but I can take us there this way.”

It was made evident by his face, Sonic wasn’t convinced. “You do realize I can run on water, right? Or better yet, why don't you teleport us?”

Shadow rolled his eyes, but the slight smirk on his features let Sonic know that it was all in good faith. “What happened to being an adventurous person, Sonic? Come on, it’s worth it I promise.” Sonic remained still, the hybrid understood he would have to push further. “Please? For me?”

Seeing Shadow look so earnest and beg like that? It almost made Sonic feel guilty. He decided he didn’t have much of a choice in the matter and relented, although reluctantly, to Shadow’s strange proposition. “Fine. but only if I have a life jacket.”

Shadow continued on his playfully mean streak, “Seriously? You saved the world a hundred times by now, yet you need a life jacket? What happened to you running on water?”

Sonic groaned. He appreciated seeing Shadow letting loose a bit but that did nothing to ease his active aversion of water. “Shut up. Jacket, now, or I go back home.”

It seems a compromise was in order. Shadow grumbled as he hopped off the boat, dragging his feet all the way till he found himself at the shy little garden shed that matched the unique aesthetic of the house. He traversed the layers of lawn supplies and garden care products until he could fish out the life vests. “Come here, hopefully, I have one that fits.”

Shadow seemed to own multiple child-sized vests and a singular vest that was much too big for the both of them put together. Shadow passed him the largest of the child-sized vests, “I can’t promise it will fit.”

“Is that a challenge?” Shadow couldn’t say he was surprised to hear the word challenge uttered. It was what incited their friendship in the first place. It really wasn’t the challenge Sonic thought it was, but if it was what was going to get him on that boat, Shadow wasn’t going to contest it. “Watch me, I’ll make it fit.”

Sonic, without any real caution or concern, attempts to situate himself inside the vest. He couldn’t seem to keep both arms in the ‘arm holes’ at the same time. He fumbled with the thing for a moment, every movement he made appeared ungraceful and despite his efforts, he didn’t seem to be making much progress.

Shadow couldn’t stand the sorry sight much longer and took it upon himself to help Sonic with the ill-fitting vest. “Let me adjust the buckles.” He fidgets with it, pulling and prodding until their combined efforts finally resulted in sonic wiggling into the life jacket.

Sonic smiled gallantly, posing with his hands resting at his hips thanks to his victory. “How do I look?”

Without a beat, Shadow answers. “Stunning.”

For a fraction of a second, Sonic stares back at the hybrid with wide eyes, completely and entirely taken aback by the unanticipated compliment. But his flattery was only fleeting and it faded the moment it registered in his mind that it was sarcasm. Sonic laughed it off, “Yeah, right.”

Even in a colorful child's swimming vest Sonic still managed to look jaw-dropping, according to Shadow. With a face full of food stains he was still worthy double-takes, just getting out of bed he was leagues more gorgeous than any model posed on a cover of a magazine. He was simply beautiful to the hybrid inside and out, he had him utterly infatuated.

But he wasn’t going to tell him any of that. He breathed easy seeing that his compliment was understood to be a joke. “Right uh, let's go before it gets dark.”

This was puzzling, Sonic looked up at the sky and there was more than enough sunlight to spare. “But it’s not even dusk?”

“Shut up.”

Shadow’s curt response left Sonic confused. It seems another of the day’s sudden mood swings had possessed him and the hero would have to wait for it to pass. They returned back to the dock, Shadow hopping in the boat as he assisted an incredibly concerned Sonic join him.

It was evident by furrowed brows and an unimpressed countenance that Shadow’s idea of fun didn’t appeal to him. It was like swimming in the way that he was surrounded by water but, instead of swimming where he is left to fend for himself in the unforgiving liquid, he is now expected to hover over it, to wait patiently for their inevitable demise.

He felt like he was going to be sick if he stared at the violent blue expanse any longer. He shifted his focus to something easier on the eyes. Shadow manning the boat.

His feet were firmly planted a foot apart, his hands at 10 and 2 as he tamed the beast of a contraption to his will. He resembled a fearless pirate, his position was evocative of a motif of the captain of a deadly ship in the middle ages. He threw the wheel, spinning the boat in a k-turn. Everything about him from the way he handled the boat to his piercing stare ahead said he was in control. Obviously, Shadow knew what he was doing, it put Sonic at ease. “You’re really good at this!”

Shadow only quickly glanced at Sonic before turning back to the water. “Thanks, it's a part of my programming.” Shadow waits in silence for a beat, realizing how strange what he said may have come across. “Sorry, that was weird.” In his near-constant solitude, he forgets that his peers preferred topics of conversation and liberal usage of colloquial speech is much different than from what language was on the Ark. It isn’t typical to talk about one’s ‘programming’ out of the blue.

Sonic, however, didn’t seem to mind as a reassuring smile took his features. “No no, don’t worry about it! that actually makes me feel safer.” He wasn’t lying, it was nice to know Shadow knew the ins and outs of this torture device. He consciously moves to sit closer to the wheel, to which Shadow lightly blushes at the proximity.

The hero manages to relax in the seat a bit. He spends some time with his eyes closed, letting the air breeze past him. It wasn’t unpleasant, nice even. He opened up his eyes to admire the passing scenery. For what might have been the first time in years, the sight of water wasn’t nauseating.

The turmoil in his mind finally managed to subside all before he noticed the boat veering into a tight ravine with protruding rocks and uneven walls. Sonic was quick to speak up, “Shadow? wrong way.”

Shadow simply continued his journey, uninterested in Sonic’s concern. “No no, this is a shortcut.”

The hybrid’s explanation didn’t work to ease Sonic. He turned back to him, just as distressed as before. “Shadow, this is really not a good idea. I mean, look at those rocks!”

To Sonic’s horror, Shadow didn’t falter. Rather, he simply shrugged. “It’s okay, I do this all the time.”

It was frustrating not being taken seriously, and he understood that with his usual carefree demeanor he was typically expected to be willing to go with the flow. But, with his smile gone and his voice strict, he turned to Shadow to make sure he understood this was serious. “Well, I don’t! This was nice, but I want to go back now.”

Shadow finally wavered in his stance. This wasn’t supposed to make Sonic uncomfortable, it was supposed to be enjoyable for the both of them! Maybe he underestimated the hedgehog’s hatred of water but he’d still hate to turn back now. “Sonic, Do you trust me?”

The hero wasn’t anticipating that question, he stuttered a bit with his words “Well, I…”

Regrettably, Shadow found himself slightly offended. He didn’t have to think twice if he trusted Sonic or not, the answer was a resounding yes. He wanted to know his rival’s honest answer, in an attempt to steady him, or maybe just in fear of his departure no matter how silly that thought was in hindsight, Shadow reached out to grab Sonic’s arm beyond the wheel. Shadow attempted to keep his voice measured. “Look at me and answer honestly. Don’t lie because you're stubborn. Do you trust me?”

Sonic was entirely prepared for the contact. Shadow’s hand on him was firm but never painful. He was sure this wasn’t intentional, but Sonic could feel his strength in his hold. His raw power seeped into everything he did, it seems like. He answered his rival’s desperate, expectant face with a breathless “Yes. yes I do.”

Shadow offered a small smile, his brief offense placated. “Then we’ll be okay. You can close your eyes if you want.”

Though Sonic did truly trust Shadow, the Ark incident could contest that, he still didn’t trust the water. “No, I can't. Sorry, I don't feel comfortable not seeing.”

Shadow struck him with a confident smirk, his fangs exposing themselves in the process. “Okay, then watch this.” He began effortlessly steering them around rocks, taking them through sharp turns as he showed off, trying his very best to impress Sonic. Said hedgehog was frankly torn between being terrified and being enamored.

Sonic was relieved to find that they were nearing an open area when suddenly the boat shifted direction under Shadow’s control and veers under a waterfall. Instinctively, Sonic shrieks and latches onto Shadow like his life depends on it. The hybrid would be thrilled, though outwardly irritated if this was under normal circumstances. But truthfully, a premonition of guilt starts to gnaw at his soul. He can’t help but feel dirty for lying.

Sonic backed away from Shadow with unprecedented speed, almost like he was disgusted with touching him. The poignant feeling of regret hit Shadow as he pulled away, but the laceration only deepned hearing Sonic’s bitter tone “What the hell was that? Why on earth would you put me through all that knowing how much I hate water? And after you made me say I trust you, you trick me into thinking this was safe and then pulling a stunt like that!”

Shadow’s shame was apparent in his body language, his ears laid flat, he attempted to maintain eye contact but continuously failed. He swallowed, letting his voice carry him through his complicated feelings. “Sonic I’m so sorry, I knew you’d say no so I didn't want to face that rejection but I know I crossed a line. I can teleport you back, but in a minute? please? I promise that part is over.”

Remorse was a strange look on Shadow and Sonic couldn’t say he didn’t like it. It was a strange change of pace from what is typical of him but from previous private conversations Sonic knew for a fact that Shadow struggled with feelings of guilt. It was hard to maintain his glower while Shadow was taking down his metaphorical walls, but then again, Sonic was pretty pissed. “I don't, I can't…” Sonic lost his tentative train of thought, trailing off as he took in the world around him. In his frustration, he failed to notice the change of scenery. “Where are we?”

“It's a little grotto, I suppose. We definitely aren't the first to be in here, but it's pretty deserted.”

Sonic never did truly leave Shadow though. He hadn’t left the boat and he hadn't returned to his seat. He crept a little closer, feeling his heart warm back up to the hybrid. “It's pretty… and quiet.”

Shadow hums in acknowledgment, continuing to pilot the ship as Sonic creeps closer ever so slightly closer. He wasn’t completely aware of his actions, th hero was much too busy gazing up at the surrounding area in awe. They were under a canopy of stone, sporadically illuminated by the fading sunlight that crept through the fractures in the stone. Even with the ambient lighting there still managed to be an overabundance of vegetation along the walls and ceiling as stalactites of ivy hung from the ceiling. Shadow had to consciously avoid the patches of lily pads sprinkled over the water.

In the absence of their voices, they could hear the quiet rush of waves against the wall of rock created by the boat. They could hear the faint chirping of birds and the boisterous croak of toads. Sonic relaxed in nature’s song, but Shadow was entertained by it; he was much too involved with his own thoughts. “I'm sorry…” He started, keeping his tone dulcet and sincere. “I abused your trust and didn't respect your boundaries. Even though I know what that feels like, I put you through it… I’m sorry sonic.”

Sonic had to cock a brow. Full of surprises, yes, but his rival didn’t seem all that stubborn today.
“Shadow, shh. It's fine, we’re good, and I'm happy now. I may have overreacted a little, a turn and some rocks aren't the end of the world. Honestly, I’m honored you invited me out here with you.” Sonic’s innate quality of impulsivity commanded him to act, so who was he to deny himself? Shadow just looked so delightfully soft in this moment after all. Sonic closed his eyes and let his face keel over onto Shadow’s shoulder. “Thank you for trusting me too.” Shadow was sorry, and Sonic wasn’t one to hold a grudge. Even if Shadow was a dumbass from time to time.

Shadow was practically beaming, his wobbly smile and furious blush said all the things words couldn’t. “We’re almost there.”

The hero’s sleepy head popped up from the hybrid’s shoulder. “Huh? But I thought this was what you wanted to show me?”

Though he missed the head on his shoulder, SHadow maintained the placid air about him. “No no, just another minute. It wouldn't take this long if I had the motor running, but I don't want to disturb anything living here.”

“It’s okay, this is nice right now.” Sonic yawned, he had been up bright and early this morning, intent on appearing put together for his striped friend. It seems as though he was a bit overzealous in his preparations as now he was half asleep.

Seeing his exhaustion, Shadow offers up the neglected seat for the wheel to the blue hedgehog. But to the charitable gesture, Sonic’s face fell “But what if you want to sit down?” The hero knew by now that Shadow preferred standing, but he had become greedy. He would miss the feeling of Shadow’s fur against his in his absence.

And at that, a seemingly genius idea came to Sonic. “Why don’t we share it? It looks human size, I think we could both fit.”

Shadow certainly wasn’t opposed to the close contact, if he were to be honest he was rather excited. Of course, Shadow would not allow himself to openly express his excitement, instead opting for his listless display of begrudging agreement as he shifted over into the seat and gestured for Sonic to follow.

The seat was, in fact, not big enough for the two of them but it remained an unspoken fact that both parties were fully aware of this before getting comfortable. Shadow still had to pilot the ship, so his arm was situated behind Sonic’s head, urging his head onto Shadow’s chest. The aforementioned hero’s legs were also forced onto Shadow’s own by the lack of space, they were practically cuddling as far as he was concerned. But as taboo a thought that was, cuddling up with your rival, your only equal in arms, he couldn’t find it in himself to be bothered by it.

As observed before, Shadow was soft and the day had begun to grow old. He adored the sights around him, he lapped it up like a kitten and it’s bowl of milk. Everything in his vision was beautiful but he couldn’t fight back the heaviness residing in his eyelids.

Sonic’s breathing evened out, his continuous mind grew fuzzy and unreliable. He was seconds away from sleep but the sudden occurrence of light dragged him back to reality. His eyes fluttered open, trying to adjust to the sudden introduction of light. Once the initial fog of exhaustion subsides in his vision he starts to take in his environment.

They were long out of the grotto, there wasn’t any stone to be found. Instead, it seems as though they found themselves encased entirely by nature. Their boat was in the center of a pond, the water so still, it worked as a mirror for the blanket of stars above them. A willow tree hung over the water, fireflies and the tiki torches that reflected on the water and allowed them to see in the sun’s absence.

This place had to be man-made, the copacetic placement of the flowers and the porch swing on one of the willow’s hanging branches. Though it was artificial, it was no less beautiful. To Sonic, it was more lovely than anything mother nature could have created herself, much like Shadow himself. “Oh my, shadow. You.. this is..”

That was the reaction the hybrid could only hope for, awe and fascination. He had to continuously restrain his tail from rapping against the seat, trying to keep the dizziness from his tone though his candies tone proved his attempt unsuccessful. “Do you like it?! I mean, water aside. You’re the first person I’ve taken here.”

Sonic’s voice was low and wistful as he turned to look back at Shadow, “Why me?”

“Sometimes I see things and know that they can only be shared with someone in particular. When I found this place, I only thought of you so I knew we must come here.” Shadow avoided Sonic’s gaze, keeping his eyes ahead.

“Shadow?”

The hybrid finally forces himself to face Sonic. “Yes?”

The thought terrified him but there was something about Shadow against the soft light, looking down at him that made Sonic just want to grab him and kiss his stupid, sweet lips. He wanted to kiss him, he really wanted to kiss him. Was it his sleepy mind? Because he looked so perfect and Shadow is right there in front of him looking down with that gaze of reverence. They were so close, he could just lean in and make the moment happen.

But he couldn’t bring himself to do it, no matter how bad he wanted to. He chickens out and turns away, bringing his attention back to his surroundings.

Shadow noticed the quick shift in attention but he decided not to bring it up, figuring it was a social cue thing that he failed to understand. “Are you okay with us parking the boat and hopping off for a bit?”

The hero was under the impression that his idiosyncrasies had gone unnoticed. He smiled in relief. “What kind of question is that? Get me back on land already!”

Shadow couldn’t help but laugh at his over-enthusiasm. Sonic really did hate water, didn’t he? It was a miracle he managed to stay on the boat for the entirety of the trip, Shadow could only hope it was worth it for him.

He backed the boat by the shore, hopping out of the boat. He assists Sonic out, who promptly tosses his life jacket back into the boat the moment his feet touch solid ground. “Thank god, where to now?”

Shadow scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Come along, dramaqueen.”

“Hey!”

Despite the other’s offense, Shadow offers a hand which is quickly accepted. They walk around the pond in silence for a while, both simply enjoying the feeling of each other's hand. There wasn’t a need for words when both party’s minds were reeling.

Shadow leads him to the base of the overgrown willow tree, gently pulling Sonic to sit beside him. Sonic was still pretty sleepy, he leaned his head on the other’s shoulder, wedging his body in the nook between the trunk and Shadow’s side. Sonic wouldn't admit it, but he was starting to feel a bit chilled.

Shadow could feel the hedgehog twitching in discomfort beside him, but he couldn’t figure out how to break the silence. He wished his mangled alien-lizard genes weren't so useless when it came to producing heat, and now the hybrid could sense that the hedgehog was cold because of him.

But he never would have anticipated what was brewing in the silent hedgehog’s mind.

“I hate to do this now, but what are we?” The blue hedgehog asked, trying to mask the wavering in his voice. This would require introspection at a different time but, did his voice falter due to the cold or the sheer weight of his words. But, for now, he had to hope his heart didn’t burst from the anticipation of the other’s words.

Shadow tensed from the question, it caught him off guard. But Shadow had to ask himself in trying to conjure up an answer, did he even have an answer? He hummed in thought, trying to grasp at a possible way to communicate how he felt about the blue blur, but the only thing his mind could focus on was Sonic’s breathing and occasionally jolts. “I’m not sure,” he started, treading carefully on such integral words. “Is that okay? Labels have never been something I’m good with, but I understand if it’s something you need.”

Sonic sat up to pull his knees to his chest, resting his chin atop them; “I was going to kiss you… Back on the boat, I mean.” He grumbled flatly, hoping Shadow couldn't see his flustered cheeks.

“Oh! So that’s what that was?” The realization hit him like a truck, he responded with a sharp laugh, followed by some residual giggling. If it didn't sound so impossibly adorable, Sonic would have kicked him in the shins for sure. Instead, he opted to dig his heels into the dirt, scraping along the thick protruding roots.

It took all of Sonic’s channeled grouchiness to give him enough confidence to look over at the other hedgehog who was still watching him keenly; “You could have helped me out a little, you know?”

Shadow was stunned for a moment, blinking rapidly from the cranky complaint. “I had no idea what you were doing, honestly,” he confessed, trying to reassure Sonic that he didn't tarnish the moment on purpose.

Sonic’s expression softened and his frustration melted a little, he had completely forgotten that Shadow wasn't the best regarding interpreting social cues. He wanted to apologize for the insensitive teasing, but he figured the hybrid had already faced the brunt of his screw-ups today.

“Besides,” Shadow continued slowly, “You looked really cute the whole time, with the sunset glow and all. I mean, you still do, but… I trust you understand.” He coughed abruptly, eyes darting down to his shoes. He began nervously fidgeting with his inhibitors, but forced himself to stop and clasped his hands once he sensed Sonic watching him.

The blue hedgehog wanted to just grab him up and kiss him at this very moment without another word, but with what confidence? Any sense of courage he may have had left was lost to the boat and the question asked beforehand. This wasn't some idyllic movie or some cheesy fanfiction, and the last thing he wanted to do was scare Shadow off. Still…

“Can we… Would it be ok if we kissed now? Since you don’t seem to mind, that is…” Sonic offered, trying to pry his eyes away from the hybrid’s lips.

Shadow slowly lifted his head from his gaze at his hands, eyes darting around in a failed attempt to hold eye contact, especially when he noticed where Sonic was looking. “Wait, you want to kiss me? Really?”

Sonic’s nerves melted away and were replaced with a dumbfounded expression that teetered on frustration; “Shadow? I… Yes. Yes, yes of course I want to kiss you, why else would I say it?”

“Sorry, I figured it was just a suggestion. I mean, okay, it’s fine if you kiss me. Well, it’s better than fine, I just wanted to make sure-” Shadow started, but his flustered and apologetic rambling was cut off by Sonic's lips crashing onto his, knocking them both back into the grass.

The hedgehogs laughed into the violent kiss and the ebony hedgehog placed a hand on Sonic’s side to keep him from falling off.

Sonic’s irritations died with the warm contact as he melted into the embrace, eventually breaking the kiss so he could look at Shadow again. “How’s that for a first kiss?”

“Be careful you clutz, we almost rammed right back into the tree trunk,” Shadow scolded playfully, eyes scrunched and fangs exposed from how wide he was grinning.

Sonic stuck his tongue out, “You better stop making me wait for things!” He ordered, sporadically peppering Shadow’s face with kisses between each word.

Besides his flapping hands and the occasional tickle-squirms from when Sonic’s quills brushed against his face, Shadow didn't seem to protest. He simply had no reason to. There was no one around for miles, he had no fears about anyone catching them in this intimate moment. He was free, he wouldn't have to shove the blue hedgehog off and pretend like he wasn't happy right now.

“You’re making me go soft.” Shadow confessed earnestly, cheeks remaining flush from the affection but otherwise content.

“You always were a sap.”

Shadow made a small noise at that in a weak protest before he buried his face in Sonic's neck, arms wrapped tightly around the hedgehog’s waist.

For a moment, they stayed exactly like this. It could have been seconds, or minutes, or even hours, but that didn't matter to either hedgehog, time was lost to them. The feeling of complete, uncomplicated safety was unlike anything they had experienced before, either separately or together, and neither Sonic or Shadow seemed ready to pull away.

Shadow was the first to break the silence, his light voice muffled as his face was still pressed into his partner. “I like what this is… does it count as a date?”

Sonic laughed from the buzzing and sighed lovingly, “Only if you want it to be.”

Shadow sighed, both in adoration for Sonic and frustration at himself. “Pretty sure I always wanted this, I just didn't know how to ask you out.”

“Then it’s a date,” Sonic confirmed, “Albeit a horrible one.”

Shadow's sanguine mood immediately dropped. He quickly pulled back to look at Sonic with intense worry, trying to scan his date’s expression for any semblance of reassurance. “What?” he asked quickly, his voice strained.

The blue hedgehog laughed and shook his head, “You took me on a boat; water dude. Come on, really?” He whined teasingly, squishing Shadow’s face.

Shadow relaxed in turn, relieved to find Sonic was still pleased. He lightly bonked Sonic on the head with a fist, “Don’t you dare scare me like that, let it go! We’re on land now, aren't we?” Shadow waited for a beat, switching to a more serious note despite his mouth still scrunched in the squish. “We can teleport back if you want.”

Sonic laughed sheepishly, only now realizing what he had initially implied. Shadow’s reaction suddenly made a lot more sense. “No, I want to stay here. It didn’t mean it like that... It’s really nice here, and I’m comfortable.”

“No you’re not, you’re cold.”

Sonic giggled at that. “I got lake water on me and it’s breezy!”

Shadow grumbled and shoved the hedgehog off of him before making his way back to the boat. “Wait here a moment, I have something.”

“Where are you-” Sonic began but was quickly hit in the face with a warm, dry fabric. Pulling the garment back, he realized it was a hoodie that was much too big for a mobian. “Are you cheating on me with a human?”

The striped hedgehog snickered and began rolling out the blanket he had carried over in addition to the clothing. “I like oversized clothes so I can smack people with the sleeves, it's mine. Or yours if you want it,” he offered.

Sonic happily wiggled into the hoodie and got up to slap the hedgehog like how he had just professed. “You’re always one to choose violence, aren't you?”

“Violence for violence is the rule of beasts.” Shadow smirked, closing his eyes and ignoring the fabric being whipped at his face.

Sonic smirked, wiggling into the hoodie multiple sizes too large for him. “Is that so? Just because I said it’s a date it doesn't mean we can’t-”

Shadow rolled his eyes, “Don’t even think about that, don’t even. We aren’t fighting on our first date. Come here, the ground is dirty.”

“I was kidding,” Sonic giggled, “you’re a real gentleman after all.”

Shadow patted the seat beside him, squirming to make room to accommodate his partner. “Come.”

The blanket was plenty big for the pair, they could sit down and pull it over to keep them warm so that they would not yet need a fire. Sonic snuggles up to Shadow like he had on the boat before, mumbling into his arm “Thank you… This has been fun.”

A sweet, soft smile found itself up Shadow’s face. “Thank you for staying, I know there were times you wanted to run but you didn't.”

“Shad, you underestimate how much I enjoy spending time with you.” Sonic opened his eyes to look up at the other’s face. He didn’t look convinced. “I’m serious Shadow, you did a good job. I appreciate it.”

Shadow was glad to hear it, but he couldn’t lie and say he was convinced. “Hm, still. we didn't start great.”

The hero rolled his eyes, punching him in the arm to return to the playful mood. “Well, it's ending great. Actually,” Sonic started without much thought, but he soon realized what sort of toll what he was asking could take. “..nevermind.”

Shadow inched closer as if Sonic was whispering, “No, what is it?”

Sonic rapped his digits against his thigh, “Can I… Ok I know this is stupid but can I maybe stay for a couple of days? I know you like your alone time but-”

Shadow preemptively cut off Sonic’s up-and-coming rambling with a forehead kiss before resting his chin between Sonic's ears. “You stay however long you like. I love having you here, that’s why I invited you.” It was true that Shadow’s ‘social battery’ was pretty abysmal, but he trusted that Sonic would respect that he needed a breather from time to time. But he didn’t tire of Sonic as he did with others. He had his limits even with Rouge but with Sonic he never had the chance to exhaust his presence.

With a face of perfect contentment, Sonic snuggled back up. “Okay. I’ll stay.” He had perfectly stable living conditions back in his humble little abode with Tails. But the thing was, Shadow was very good at falsely advertising himself. He portrayed himself as an emotional monolith, someone only capable of the finite emotions of anger and misery. But tonight was more than enough to prove that it was only a myth perpetrated by Shadow himself.

Sonic wanted to see more of this Shadow, the sweet, tender, nervous Shadow. Now that he got a taste of him like this, he didn't want to give it up already. It was so rare for either of them to feel this sort of serenity, their lives were always so needlessly complicated and full of strife but with Shadow, he had a break from that and could finally be free of the weight of the world on his shoulders. He felt secure.

The heavy feeling of sleep had started to creep back up into Sonic’s heavy eyes once again. The rhythmic pattern of rising and falling of Shadow’s breathing worked to lull him back to bed. Before sleep claimed him, he took a moment to look back up at Shadow, just to have the image of his face not defamed by scowls in his mind as he conceded to unconsciousness.

He was surprised to see him watching the stars longingly. Everything about him was so picturesque from his fur against the soft blaze of the torches to the way his eyes fixated on the constellations above. Sonic had to wonder what went on inside that elusive head of his. “What is it?”

His voice was as wistful as his gaze, weak and distant. “It’s just that.. The stars, they’re so far away.”

Sonic could tell his attention wasn’t entirely on him, he could deduce from his complicated past what he might be eluding too. “Is it cool if I rest for a bit? The whole boat adventure wore me out.” He decided not to pry. He wants Shadow to trust him, he wants him to confide in him about his struggles, he wants to be the one to soothe him and to know all his secrets but it could all wait.

“Yes,” Shadow responds, “we can stay here.” For now, they simply had each other and the stars above as their witness. For now, Their lives could fall to the wayside for later. For now, they allowed themselves to indulge in the warm feelings that permeated between them.

Sonic’s voice was reduced to nothing more than a weak mumble against Shadow, “Thank you.” Before he finally gave up the fight and left himself to the night’s whims.

If he had been anymore lost in the stars, Shadow wouldn't have noticed the exhaustion calling out to him. He was deep in thought by now, considering what he ever did to feel this lucky in this moment. But the warmness beside him reminded him of his current reality, keeping him firmly tethered to real life. There were a lot of things to think about for someone such as him, and it was hard to believe after all he had been through and the purpose of his being that he would have something as pleasant as life was with Sonic by his side.

He didn’t believe he deserved it, but not an ounce of him would ever be ungrateful for what he had today in all of its awkward, clumsy, warm, and genuine glory. “Goodnight, Sonic.”