Chapter Text
Shadow and Rouge were relaxing after a long week of missions. Omega was busy, but the other members of Team Dark had decided to spend some time outside together. It was a beautiful, sunny day, perfectly warm and bright. Those kinds of days were common around this area, but Shadow was still awestruck by the beauty of nature. His youth on the Ark had been spent wondering what earth was like, longing for the beautiful landscapes he'd heard some of the scientists talk about. Now that he could finally experience it for himself, he understood their love of the world outside. It was gorgeous.
Shadow and Rouge sat in a flower field, marveling at the vibrant wildflowers. Nobody planted these, yet they still grew into such beautiful arrangements. This calm, serene place would grow without intervention by humans or Mobians. They had grown without help and would continue to flourish even if left alone for years. Butterflies flew around the field, landing on colorful flowers and displaying their stunningly gorgeous wings. They flitted lazily around the plants, for there was no reason for them to rush.
One butterfly seemed to sense the two newcomers intruding on their sanctuary. It drifted closer before settling on Rouge's hand. It seemed to decide that she was a comfortable resting place, because it stayed there even when she shifted to sit more comfortably.
"Beautiful, isn't it, Shadow?"
"Nature often is," he replied.
She laughed softly, "What brave little creatures. They're not afraid of us at all." One butterfly landed on her wing. "So delicate, but they don't let it stop them from exploring new things."
Rouge watched as the butterflies took interest in Shadow. They seemed to flock toward the bright spots in his quills. Several latched on to the thick white fur of his chest. Shadow sneezed as one fluttered too close to his nose. A few were dislodged from their places on his body, but they quickly landed again.
Rouge giggled. "They seem to like you a lot."
The next few minutes passed in content silence. They had nowhere to be, and it was nice to just sit down and relax with each other. The grass was comfortable to sit in.
"You know," Rouge begins, "our wings are very different." She points to a butterfly as Shadow tilts his head in consideration. "They're so delicate, but they're beautiful. My wings are more powerful, but they're not nearly as bright or pretty."
Shadow hums in consideration. "That may be true, but beauty isn't the only purpose they have. I think both kinds of wings are perfect for their uses."
Rouge looks into her teammate's eyes. He seems to be remembering something from a long time ago, perhaps before she even met him. "Like what?"
"Well, butterfly wings are bright, but they're only like that to scare off predators. Yours allow you to hide if you need to, but they also won't take attention away from the rest of your beauty. And can you imagine trying to find clothes that match something so colorful? It would make it a lot harder to have as many pretty outfits as you do." Shadow knew how much she enjoyed putting together the best outfits she could. "When you want to steal something, they might get in the way, too."
Rouge may enjoy a challenge, but a constant handicap like that would stop being fun very quickly.
"Hm, you're right. It wouldn't be as fun if I got caught that easily." She nodded. "My fashion sense is nothing special, though. You make me sound like some princess."
Shadow took her hand in his (the one that didn't have a butterfly on it) and brought it to his mouth, kissing it gently with a cheeky smile. "Are you not royalty?"
Rouge laughed with him. Beauty comes in many forms, and she had no reason to stick to one standard. Butterflies may be pretty, but they're not perfect.