Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

1. Adoptive relationship

Lancelot halted in his steps, breathing shallowly. He was in his mother’s lake and he could already feel the immense power she held even without her physical presence. The air was different, heavier. The atmosphere had a regal sense. The leaves bristled. He lifted his visor, seeing the undisturbed surface of the lake. His right hand momentarily brushed against Arondight’s handle. As he inhaled deeper to reach his lungs, his nostrils twitched. His ears swiveled, picking up the sound of swishing water.

Nimue.

He automatically knelt on his right knee, bowing so only the grass was in his view.

“My son.”

Lancelot felt the corner of his lips curl up at her voice, instantly assured and reminded of home.

“Mother. Forgive me for taking so long to visit you.”

Nimue had already stopped right in front of him, the hem of her dress near the toe of his shoe. Soft, gloved hands caressed his cheeks and gently guided his head upward for him to see Nimue’s pink quills, motherly smile, and bright green eyes. She was still as enchanting as ever. Nothing but pure joy was on her features and Lancelot couldn’t help the grin breaking on his lips, affected by her palpable excitement.

“Hush now, child. I understand being the king’s closest knight as well as a Knight of the Round Table is no easy task. And why, pray tell, are you kneeling down? Rise up, Sir Lancelot.”

Lancelot chuckled at her light and airy tone, doing as his mother said and rolling his eyes playfully. Nimue giggled, a dainty hand in front of her mouth.

“Why, if the Lady of the Lake so pleases, I shall do so as such,” he returned with an exaggerated bow which made Nimue laugh again.

As they walked, she linked their arms together. Lancelot found comfort in her closeness and familiar scent of water lilies.

“’Tis just pleasant for you to come and visit me. My heart is glad at seeing you well and unharmed.”

“Alas, no foe is too big for I to handle,” he couldn’t help but brag and he received a smack to the arm. Lancelot shrugged, unbothered. Nimue just sighed though he could see a small smile on her face. He cleared his throat, readying himself for his next sentence. “Although, it would be unchivalrous of myself to claim only my assets to thank.”

Nimue raised a questioning brow, their pace slowing before entirely stopping in place.

“Whatever do you mean?”

“You, Mother.” Nimue blinked, eyes widening. Lancelot couldn’t understand her confusion when she raised him as her own. When he was who he was because of her. “You’re a large part of the reason on who I am today. I’ve learned my manners, my values, and my lessons from you, all because of your guidance and unwavering devotion.” He slowly pulled his arm away from her so he could turn to her properly. He took her hands in his. “So thank you.”

Nimue’s eyes glittered with tears. Lancelot panicked, thinking he had said something wrong and planning on atoning by bowing multiple times but she stopped him with a hand on his armored shoulder, a serene smile growing on her mouth.

“Oh dear Lance. Raising you was nothing but a pleasure and a joy.” He smiled. She straightened and released her hands from his hold to fan and dab at her eyes, sniffling. Lancelot felt quite guilty for causing her to break down like this. “Bend down to my height and close your eyes, good sir. I shall bestow upon you my gratitude.”

Lancelot did as told, no questions asked. He heard his mother giggle again before feeling warm and soft pressure on his forehead. His eyelids flew open just in time to see Nimue leaning back, smiling so hard her teeth showed.

“Wh—”

“What? I had to reach your forehead somehow, my dear boy.” She started to walk away, a skip in her step. “Ah, to have a son towering over you has its perks indeed.”

Lancelot didn’t move, too shocked at playing right into Nimue’s trick so she could plant a kiss on his forehead. He blinked before a warm pink sensation grew on his muzzle, hurriedly replacing his visor back in front of his eyes so she couldn’t see his face.

Too bad it didn’t cover his goofy smile at being treated like the child he was years and years ago. And Nimue definitely saw this yet graciously didn’t comment on it.

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2. Sibling-like

“I’d like to saw my feet off.”

His companion, several steps ahead of him, paused to turn toward him and lift up her sunglasses, amusement dancing in those green eyes.

“What a roundabout way of saying your feet hurt.”

“I’m relieved you caught my meaning quickly when few would understand.” Shadow was glad. Amy Rose only laughed. “But seriously,” he jangled his arms laden with numerous shopping bags filled with the pink hedgehog’s newly acquired items, “we’ve been here for three hours. Rouge expects me by six in the evening. It’s nearing five.”

“That’s more than enough time for me!” chirped Amy. “Now come, there’s still three more stores I wanna check then I’ll let Sonic handle the rest from here.”

She skipped ahead humming a tune, the image of Sonic suffering the same fate as him a slight reprieve for Shadow the Hedgehog as he continued becoming Rose’s ultimate hanger for the remainder of their time together.

Oh, joy.

At least she asked him what he wanted and paid for it even though Shadow insisted he’d pay for his own items. Rose was adamant in telling him she’d pay so to appease her, he backed off. New things for today: a checkered black and white scarf, matching sunglasses with the one Rose donned, and a pen.

Those were added to the list of things Shadow would have to thank Amy Rose for, aside from reminding him of Maria and their promise.

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3. Allies

Amy narrowed her eyes at the black hedgehog before leaning right toward Sonic, distrustful gaze still on the new figure.

“I don’t trust him, Sonic.”

“I do.” His confident statement made Amy turn her eyes toward him, surprised and disbelieving. Sonic only smirked and scratched a thumb under his nose. “What?”

“I—how could you say that so casually? You don’t even know him! Remember how he tried to destroy the world?”

“I don’t need to know his life story to tell he’ll do what he can to save this world. Besides, what you pointed out was the past.” Amy sputtered, mind unable to think of a coherent argument to convince Sonic Shadow just won’t do. Uncertainties was something dangerous in their operation. She couldn’t afford that. Sonic grounded her by holding her shoulders, Amy’s mind calming and forcing her to focus on nothing but his determined gaze and firm mouth. Amy lost a breath. They were really doing this, huh? “You may not know him. I may not know him very well either. But I know enough to put my trust in him. I hope you trust me on this too, Amy.”

Amy blinked. How could she say no when he was imploring her to trust his decision? How could she refuse when it seemed glaringly obvious Sonic trusted Shadow to be here, in this team?

She sighed.

“I… well, if you trust Shadow then I trust you.”

Sonic beamed. Amy, heart in his hands and always wanting for his happiness, offered a weak smile back before walking away to handle other things needed. Because Shadow rested by the door, Amy was really going to pass him by. They locked gazes for a moment, Shadow tipping his head toward her in acknowledgement. Amy nodded back and continued on her way, a silent agreement formed between them.

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4. Unspecified

If you asked Amy what her relationship with Shadow was, she’d blush, stutter, and run away faster than Sonic. And that was saying something.

If you breached the subject with patience and understanding, she’d tell you bit by bit. She’d start off with how Shadow made her feel. Warm cheeks, comfort, clammy hands, safety blanket, tingling skin, long conversations, and just… the feeling of being seen and validated. Then she’d go on to share some of their experiences like fishing, watching a play, joyriding, you know, mundane stuff they didn’t get to enjoy because of the lives they led protecting the world.

Oh, and they kissed too. But it happened like, so long ago! It didn’t matter. It’s been thirteen days. No one was counting. (Amy was.) They hadn’t seen each other since the kiss. Until today.

Currently, she was by the corner, trying valiantly to hide herself behind a curtain while knowing she stuck out painfully like a sore thumb. Who had curtains with the shape of Amy Rose?! It was ridiculous! But this was Cream’s birthday party and she had invited both Amy and Shadow, her dear friends, not knowing of the turmoil and drama between them.

“You know,” Amy squeaked before blushing and turning to the left, seeing Sonic’s raised eyebrow and easy smile. Her cheeks warmed some more, “the tension between you and Shads is just so thick I could make it a treadmill, know what I’m saying?”

Amy only mumbled something unintelligible before hiding herself some more. Sonic only rolled his eyes and yanked her to his side effortlessly, forcing Amy to have a full view of Shadow interacting with the birthday girl, kneeling down to her height and nodding along to her story. Amy squeezed her eyes shut. Oh no, he was too cute! What was she to do?

“So,” came Sonic’s whisper in her ear, “what’s your relationship?”

“Friends.” The lie came so automatic it made Amy want to throw up.

“Yyyeah I’m not buying that.” She knew Sonic wouldn’t fall for such a silly excuse. He wasn’t the brightest on a lot of things but he was certainly keen about matters like lies. “There’s obviously somethin’ else going on. Care to elaborate?” Sonic teased, making Amy flustered.

“Sonic!” she hissed before pushing him away. Sonic laughed heartily. “Well, okay we’re not friends. We’re not lovers, either.” She took one glance at Shadow before pulling on Sonic’s arm and dragging him behind the curtain, ignoring his surprised yelp. “So I guess we’re walking a fine line between friendship and romance and I don’t know what to do about it. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable by approaching the topic but I certainly don’t want this thick wall of tension between us.” She bit her lip. “What do I do?”

Sonic smiled more genuinely now. He laid a hand on her shoulder.

“Ames, why are you asking me? You’re the expert between us in the feelings department. I’m just here to make you see that… you know, you’re not the only one having heart problems.” Amy frowned at his choice of words. Sonic chuckled nervously. “Heart matters, I mean.” Amy still was unsure. Sonic sighed heavily. “Look, I’m not gonna force you to come outta there ‘cause it’s uncool. But hey, maybe talking things out would help. Who knows? If Shadow asks, I’ll tell ‘im I didn’t see ya.” He winked to ease her and it worked, Amy’s shoulders falling as tension seeped out and her smile coming out easier and more natural.

“Thanks, Sonic.” She kissed his cheek. Sonic smiled his boyish smile she loved dearly before leaving her alone.

So with nothing much to do, Amy leaned her back on the wall and focused on getting her breathing steady, closing her eyes and paying more attention to her heartbeat. Once under control, she took the chance to peek from the curtain again, spotting Shadow conversing with Vector and Blaze by the couch. Her lips unconsciously curved upwards, seeing the black hedgehog enjoying himself. The guy deserved a break, after all.

As if sensing someone watching him, Shadow’s red eyes roved to hers. They made solid eye contact for two, four seconds and Amy’s fur stood on alert as she hid herself again, heart acting on overdrive.

Oh no. Just when she had managed to calm down some, too. Her cheeks were burning. What was she to do?

“See something you like?”

Amy squeaked and hid further in the curtain, cursing the boys for always scaring her. Her heart raced. Oh no… he caught her staring. Oh, this was mortifying.

“N—not really.” The lie tasted acidic in her mouth.

A clear of the throat. Then a gentler tone of voice.

“I… I’ve been meaning to speak with you, Rose. A moment, please?”

Amy peeked at him again, all bashful and avoiding eye contact, a slight red color on the usual black of his fur. Somehow, seeing him act like how she was feeling managed to calm her down, giving her courage to actually stand upright and give a reassuring smile.

“I… yes, I’m free.” She smiled wider now. Behind Shadow, Sonic gave a thumbs up before dashing off. She internally rolled her eyes but knew he deserved some thanks as well for helping clear her mind.

Shadow offered a hand. Amy gulped and took it, an electric feeling erupting from the physical contact, traveling through her arm and shooting down her spine. Judging by the slight widening of his eyes, she wasn’t the only one to experience it.

They exchanged shy smiles before walking off to a secluded place to have their much awaited conversation.

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5. Lovers

Shadow hadn’t dreamed of being ‘in love’. He didn’t fully understand the concept, either. Yet here he was now, holding hands with his beloved and walking home with her after a fantastic dinner.

It had just finished raining so puddles were around. Amy, bubbly girl she was, had a goal in mind to jump into every puddle she saw. It didn’t bother Shadow; after all, whatever she did was endearing and worth a million praises. Still, he held the transparent umbrella above their heads and kept a hold on her hand even with her jumping motions and the specks of water falling upon his shoes and lower legs.

“Shadow you’ve really got to try this. It’s fun!”

“I’m content watching you enjoy yourself.” He meant it.

Amy wiggled their joined limbs. “You’ll regret not jumping in a puddle, I tell you.”

Shadow raised a brow, a light scoff escaping him.

“Oh really?” He sensed the challenge. Amy grinned wider, slyer.

“Yes, really.”

Who was he to turn down a challenge?

So Shadow jumped into the puddle where she was, Amy squealing and giggling and both of them running into puddles they saw. Shadow laughed, closing the umbrella and hobbling along with her.

Then Amy stopped, Shadow simmering down the joy at seeing the concern shine in her eyes. The hold on their hands loosened and Shadow watched in place as Amy crouched to collect an injured baby bird in her palms, taking the time to build a makeshift nest on the sidewalk near the tree she found it. Shadow opened the umbrella and propped it right beside the bird’s new home, Amy smiling at him in thanks.

They walked home, their joined hands in Shadow’s coat pocket.

“You have a good heart, Rose,” he couldn’t help but comment.

Amy giggled softly and nudged at him. “You do, too. Thank you for giving the bird the umbrella.”

Shadow shrugged. “I was only following your example, love. Besides, we can always buy another umbrella.”

“True.” She exhaled and snuggled closer to him. “So, had fun with the puddles?”

“Yes,” he answered. “When we get home, freshen up while I prepare hot chocolate.”

“Mm sounds like a lovely idea to end the day. Thank you, Shadow.”

“Of course.”

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5. Lovers

Shadow didn’t think he’d be in love. He wasn’t even well-versed in the concept and what it entailed. Yet here he was now, tightening the straps of the protective helmet of one Amy Rose, his girlfriend of five (six next week) months.

“You be careful out there, Rose.” His hands slid down from the straps to her biceps, squeezing them briefly. She smiled.

“I know. You too. Don’t think you don’t matter to me, mister. Your days as sacrificial hero are over, you understand?” Her eye ridges joined momentarily. He read that as worry. His heart clenched. He didn’t understand the feeling of a romantic partner being worried about his well-being. It both pained and endeared him for someone to care so much. “You’ve got someone to come home to.”

Shadow smirked, thinking of them cuddled somewhere after this was all over. “Yes ma’am.”

Sonic sped over to them, cutting their moment short.

“Tails is ready with the portal. Everything good here? Amy? Shads?”

Amy nodded in determination. Shadow gave a short nod. Sonic grinned.

“All set, Sonic! I’ll meet you there,” reassured Amy.

“Great. The others are waiting, too. Shadow, remember we have to meet up with Marine?”

“Of course. What fool do you take me for?”

Sonic smirked and held his hands in surrender. “Hey man, not a fool. Just reminding ya.”

As quickly as he had arrived, he was gone in a blue flash. Shadow rolled his eyes.

He double-checked everything before deeming her ready for her own mission. Amy gave him a comforting smile.

“See you in a couple hours.”

“See you.”

Shadow watched her walk away from him, frowning in confusion when she stopped in her steps to turn to him.

Without a word, Amy ran towards him and jumped, Shadow reflexively catching her as her legs wrapped themselves around his hips. He held her close, one hand around her shoulders and the other by her waist. He closed his eyes to savor the moment, basking in her warmth, presence, scent.

“I miss you already.” He heard the whine in her voice.

Shadow chuckled and gently set her down. “It aches for me as well to see you go, Rose. But there are bigger things to take care of.”

Amy sniffed and clenched her fists to prepare herself. With another smile, she went on ahead, this time without another glance. Good. He figured it was better for both of them if she didn’t look back.

When she was gone, he let out a silent prayer for her protection and safe return before dealing with his own mission with Sonic.

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6. Enemies

She couldn’t understand this. Why was he on the enemy’s side?

Amy growled as she swung her Piko Piko Hammer, narrowly missing Shadow’s nose as he jumped back away from her. He scowled.

She exhaled, the breath blowing her bangs up momentarily.

“I don’t understand. Why would you do this?”

Shadow frowned. He straightened. “Do what?”

“Attack us!” She gestured around the falling debris and trees. Amy glared at him. Shadow, infuriatingly, only stared back unaffected. “I thought we were allies.”

“We are. But the mission from G.U.N. comes first and it’s to retrieve these plans to hopefully stop Country A from invading Country B.” He gestured to her. “You have priorities.” He pointed to himself. “I have mine.”

He started to run away from her. Amy took one last shot at attacking him yet Shadow only dodged and spin-dashed a good distance from her.

Still, Amy wasn’t done venting out her anger.

“I can’t believe you’d do this! There’s a clear divide between what Sonic wants and what your agency strives for. Can’t you see it’s getting in the way of world peace?”

Shadow gave her a pitiful frown. It didn’t sit well with Amy. It made her want to punch Shadow. It made her feel… inferior in a way. What did he know? Why didn’t he just snort or scowl or throw some harsh words at her? She could take those. Why this response?

“Oh Rose.” He shook his head, as if lamenting something about her. It made Amy mad. “Not everything is as black and white as it seems. Faker’s idea of world peace is different from our long-time goals to uphold and keep the peace he wants.”

“But—!”

“So long for now. But this isn’t the last time we’ll see each other.” Then he disappeared in a blast of Chaos Control. No trace of Shadow remained.

A horrible pit akin to defeat made a home at the bottom of her stomach, ears drooping on the top of her head.

Was she maybe going about this the wrong way? What if Shadow’s words held some truth?

Still, she hoped if she ever did see Shadow again, it would be on better circumstances. Not when they were on opposite sides.

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7. Acquaintances

Amy didn’t personally know Shadow.

But Sonic did. And she saw how his death affected her hero. Amy wanted to be there for Sonic but didn’t know how to without coddling him or appearing insensitive to his feelings.

Shadow the Hedgehog.

Black fur, red eyes, tan muzzle, and a mysterious air about him.

She chuckled quietly to herself at remembering their first meeting, mistaking him for Sonic and back-hugging the life out of him while saying how she thought she wouldn’t see him again. Then she noticed the different body build, the fur color, the quills, and pushed him away!

Oh that was so embarrassing!

But he didn’t treat her with cruelty or indifference; merely looked back at her with confusion and something else in his eyes before Eggman started talking about chasing after her and Amy had no choice but to run.

Shadow the Hedgehog.

Would she meet him again? See him again? Find him again?

She didn’t know.

Yet, she wished she knew more about him than just his appearance and selfless sacrifice. She wished they had more interactions than just her convincing him on why Earth was worth saving. He seemed like such a deep and caring individual despite his cold and indifferent exterior.

She didn’t know him.

She mourned for him anyway, and the various “what ifs” and “what could have beens”.

Chapter Text

8. Substitute babysitter

“Shadow the Hedgehog speaking.”

“Hey Shadow! It’s Amy.”

“…”

“Are you still there? Hello?”

“Yes I’m still on the line.”

“Great! I got worried there for a second. I thought you’d gone or the line cut.”

“What do you want?”

“What? Why would you think—can’t I call just because?”

“Rose. You know I don’t have much patience for idle chatter. Get on with it so I can get back to my damn salad.”

“Ugh okay fine. Sheesh, why can’t I hide anything from you? Anyway, in true Amy fashion, I booked myself today for two things: babysitting Cream and helping out in the local charity. They both have the same times and obviously I can’t be in two places at once so I was wondering if you’d be willing to take on one of those tasks. If you’re too busy right now, I understand. You were just the first person I thought to contact.”

“Well it can’t be helped if you’ve accidentally set yourself up for two appointments.”

“Yeah I know. I’m not usually this scatter-brained, I promise.”

“I believe you. As is the case, I wouldn’t mind watching over the kid rabbit again.”

“Charmy Bee would also be in today.”

“No problem. I’ll just have to watch two instead of one.”

“Even so, you shouldn’t treat babysitting as a light task. It’s still a big responsibility to be entrusted with someone else’s children.”

“I understand.”

“You really don’t mind?”

“I don’t have a mission as of late and I don’t have any plans for today so taking over your babysitting duty won’t be too much of a problem.”

“Okay. Thank you so much, Shadow. I’ll be sure to reciprocate!”

“Negative. There is no point to ‘return the favor’. Now go to your charity; I’ll head on to Vanilla’s after this.”

“No I respectfully reject your rejection. I’ll take you shopping next time. Send pictures, okay? If you’re still having trouble with the gadgets, Cream will be more than happy to help you.”

“Much appreciated. See you when I see you.”

“Yup! Bye Shadow! Thank you so much again.”

“Have a good day, Rose.”

Chapter Text

9. Friends

Shadow watched Amy pace the waiting room anxiously, upper teeth chewing repetitively on her lower lip. If she didn’t stop soon, she might bleed.

“Rose, sit down.”

She made no indication she heard him. She continued to pace, wrangling her hands together and eye ridges furrowing deeper every time.

Shadow sighed. His eyes looked at the clock. She’s been in this state for almost thirty minutes. He understood she was worried for Sonic who was currently having an appendectomy. They were assured by the doctors and nurses the surgery usually took to only an hour but at this state seeing Amy worry for nearly half of that hour, it appeared several days had passed.

Tails and Knuckles were by the cafeteria. Rouge was off flying somewhere while Omega remained in sleep mode by the corner of the waiting room. Cream and Vanilla had said they would stop by later with cards and gifts for Sonic.

“Rose, are you sure you don’t want to eat or drink anything? I could bring something back if you’re too anxious to move.”

“N—no I’m fine.” She was not, he snorted to himself but of course if he said it out loud she would vehemently deny. She stopped her pacing altogether, standing in her spot with her head low. Her fists clenched. Even then, they trembled slightly. “W—I’m just… so worried.” She lightly shook her head. “And—and I know it’s irrational of me because come on it’s Sonic but I can’t hel—help this… part of my brain coming up with worst case scenarios and it’s not helping.”

Shadow remained silent, waiting for her to speak some more should she want to.

When Amy didn’t say anything, Shadow stood after pushing his hands to his knees, walking slowly toward her. He didn’t know the first thing about comfort but he knew he wanted to be reassured if he was intensely worried about something. He figured she’d need the same reassurance.

“Can I touch you?” he asked softly as soon as he was a good distance in front of her, not too far to not see and hear her yet not too close to ensure she had her personal space.

He saw her swallow before nodding. Shadow slowly reached his left hand out to lightly squeeze her wrist before bringing that same hand to hold her own. She neither resisted nor responded.

He led her back to the seats, reclaiming his own and waiting for her to settle beside him. She did, ears drooped on her head and shoulders slumped, conveying despair and utter melancholy. He arranged the hand hold so their palms were kissing though their fingers weren’t intertwined. The back of his hand faced skyward and their joined hands rested lightly on Amy’s right thigh. She sighed deeply, head and shoulders rising briefly before ultimately slumping against his shoulder, emotionally exhausted.

“Wake me up when the doctors come?” Her eyelids struggled to stay open.

“Of course. Get some rest.” And she did, out like a light almost instantly.