Work Text:
“So, I ran into your boyfriend today.” The quite teasing tone of an older gentlewoman made it’s way into Shadow’s ears.
“My what?” Shadow barked back at the woman.
“That little blue hedgehog of yours. On the way to work today there was a traffic accident with some of my cousin’s robots and he was there. One of the robots crashed into my taxi and he was kind enough to not only evacuate me from the flaming car but he also carried me all the way here too!”
Now the hybrid hedgehog looked up from his security station to see his sister beaming at him.
“He’s not Mine in any way. And what were you doing getting pulled into something so dangerous?”
Maria just rolled her eyes at her brother. “As if I could help it!”
Shadow grumbled, grabbing her clearance badge quickly and with more aggression that what was properly appropriate.
“Just get going, your already late as it is.”
Maria laughed at him, “This isn’t over! I expect you to come pick me up for lunch!” She took back the badge after it had been scanned and she was clear to go through the security check point and into the GUN facility.
Shadow let out a huff but nodded nonetheless, not able to fully keep the fond smile off of his face as his elderly sister hurried along.
Shadow sometimes felt as though he was still getting used to that.
On the ARK he thought that Maria had been shot and killed, never to be seen from again. She had indeed been shot, but just in the arm, blood had splattered everywhere but it was nothing fatal, the shock however had been enough for her to pass out right as Shadow’s escape pod as been released into space.
After that Shadow had been captured by GUN experimented on and ultimately put on ice. He was deemed too dangerous to be released but too advanced and important to destroy. What he did not realize in the whole mess was that Maria was still alive and living aboard the ARK and his cells were still being used and analyzed on the space colony.
She had been cured, for the most part at least well enough to move back to Earth when she was in her early thirties thanks to his blood.
Sadly the professor had died not long after and she had taken over his research, that’s when she found out what had happened to the ultimate life-form. She worked almost non-stop to try and get accessed to him. Further more to wake him up and use him as a force of good, citing her own research as an example.
Sadly GUN never gave her permission, instead after nearly fifty years he was stolen and woken up by her cousin all while believing that she was dead. After several mix ups the truth had come out when she her self was able to patch in the ARK transmitter and prove that she was alive with the help of Tails and Sonic who somehow were in on all of it.
The details of all of that were blurry at best. But not long after he had settled down working at GUN as both a field agent and once a month for a week as a security guard at the front gate so that he actually got more time to see his sister and make sure is was doing well.
Maria had never married, by the time she was able to really live her life she was already in her thirties and love no longer had the appeal it once had from readings her romance books. She was too involved in her research anyways. It was a joke between them that she was married to her lab.
Shadow was excited to be back in her life, even if he had missed most of it, here they were on Earth together, both healthy and alive like they had always dreamed.
The only downside was that Maria tried to live vicariously through him, trying to get gossip from him or inserting herself into the lives of his friends and most annoyingly trying to find a romantic partner for him.
It was half joking, half serious. She would never force or argue with him about it, but she did want to see him happy and had thought that maybe a certain blue hedgehog he was always getting into fights with might be an appropriate future partner.
Shadow did not see it.
At least that’s what he told himself.
the hybrid let out a sigh after watching Maria finally enter the building, clear the interior scanner and make her way down the hall to where her lab would be.
He looked back down at all the paperwork he had to do. Really that is all guard rotation was for field agents like himself. A time dedicated to doing paperwork with the added bonus of having small breaks from it in the form of checking ID badges in and out of the building and general permitter security if they needed a walk around gates to keep moving.
A good work disguise for the antsy employees of the field devision to be sure.
He got on with his job of looking over files and creating reports for his most recent missions and soon enough lunch time was upon him. There was nothing exciting. Only a few late employees. There was one second where there was a strong wind, but nothing came up on the monitor and Shadow had his noise in papers when it blew past. He only looked up from what he was doing once he started to crave something to eat.
Being the ultimate life-form meant that he had a near perfect internal clock and got hungry at the exact same time everyday. Which did wonder for Maria’s schedule who often got so caught up in her work she would miss meals more days than not.
He waited a moment for his replacement for the hour to come out while he put his files away. Once they had gotten everything sorted out he left to go inside the building and find his sister.
The first place he always checked was her lab. That was usually where she was at any given moment. Surprisingly though when Shadow had arrived she was not there.
The second bet was that Maria was probably in the bathroom or submitting a report. Something quick enough that he could just wait at the lab for her and she would be there soon enough.
He waited for five minutes before he got annoyed. What could be taking her so long? He started to tape his foot. Maria had asked him to come and get her so that fact that she was no where to be found was annoying. He was about ready to take over the intercom system and scream for her. He was hungry and when he didn’t eat he got angry quick.
He had just made up his mind to do what he had threatened when one of Maria’s lab assistants came crashing into the lab like a tornado. They was practically tripping over the papers toppling out of their hands that covered their vision.
“Look out!” Shadow called out watching as they began to trip over a wire on the floor. Luckily Shadow was able to speed over and grab the small body just in time.
“You gotta watch yourself, Dr. Robotnik has important experiments in here!”
Shadow was lucky enough to catch the kid before they could spill everything and possibly hitting experiments that were in progress.
That’s when he noticed not only was it a mobian that was under all of those papers, it was none other than Miles Prower.
“Prower?” Shadow asked confusion written all over his face as he put the fox down. He grabbed the papers from his shaking arms and began to set them on a desk he knew was designated for paperwork that would not be looked at for about a week. “What in the world are you doing here?”
“Oh, I came in with Sonic! He said that you were at the gate, we were moving a bit too fast to see you in the box, but apparently he did wave at you!” The fox happily replied to him, taking a seat to relax after his delivery.
“Sonic is here?”
“Yeah, apparently Maria had dropped something this morning when she was on the way to work and Sonic had come back to return it.
“So that’s what’s taking her so long then…” Shadow mumbled to himself.
“Yeah, the two got caught up talking, and I was kinda feeling awkward there so Dr. Robotnik had me run some errands for her.” Tails finished up, pulling out his Miles Electric from practically nowhere and starting to tape away at the screen.
“Humf, that makes sense, Sonic talks to much, and Maria can’t say no to having long winded conversations now that’s she older. So Where are they?” Shadow gave an amused smile. Despite not enjoying waiting, or that fact that Sonic had snuck past him to get into the building, he found it oddly enduring that the two most importa-, NOPE. Two most frequent characters (that’s better) in his life were getting along.
“I’m not sure you want to.”
“Nonsense, Maria asked to meet me for lunch. I only have half an hour before I have to be back in that box.”
“Oh, well they were in the court yard, they ended up walking there last I was with them.”
“Understood, well I’ll let you rest….. Prower, why did you say I wouldn’t want to?” Shadow asked curiously looking at the other as he was exiting the door.
“Um, that’s because they were talking about you!”
“Me?”
“Yeah.”
Before the fox could say anything else Shadow zoomed out of the room, activating his air-shoes even though he was not supposed to do that inside of the headquarters building.
In just a few seconds flat he was in the garden, zooming around looking for the pair. The garden was full of biological experinments focused on finding plants that could consume more carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air than regular ones. The air here was extremely fresh and it was distributed around the rest of the base, but it also served to be a relaxing centerpiece to the headquarters that employees could go and destress at.
“Well speak of the devil!” A familiar laugh and laid back voice said before he had even fully registered that he had found the two.
“What the hell are you doing?” He spat back at the blue hedgehog that just grinned at him.
“Oh, well Maria dropped a file earlier and I was just-“
“Not being here, Prower already told me that, I meant what are you and Maria plotting?”
“Plotting?” Sonic seemed to burst out laughing at the serious expression on the darker hog’s face.
“Now Shadow, we were not plotting anything. We were just talking about you is all.”
“As I feared.” The hybrid grumbled out.
“Why do you say that?” His sister had a teasing smile as he innocently tilted her head at him.
“You have become devious in your old age, Maria.” Shadow crossed his arms looking at his now much older sister.
“Don’t worry. We really didn’t say much, just talking about how stressed you are at work and how you deserve to relax. I mean you must be pretty badly off if you are starting to jump to conclusions about your dear sister.” She teased.
Shadow just narrowed his eyes, not really believing her not to mention he was the ultimate lifeform. Stress wasn’t really an issue for him.
“Whatever, let’s just get some lunch before I have to go back to work. I’m starving enough that I might just eat someone.”
Maria gave a little laugh at that. “Alright Mr. Grumpy, sine you seemed to have waited enough already.
Shadow grabbed her by the arm and started to drag her out of the garden.
“Um Shadow, actually-“ Sonic had started to talk when the hybrid had turned around and pinned him with a glare. He. Was. Hungry. Damn even Sonic, he was going to get food.
The other stopped, not looking at him, but instead slightly to his right where Maria was standing. A look of confusion on his face.
Shadow looked over just in time to see Maria moving her hand across her neck before stopped as she saw the dark hedgehog look at her.
“Uh, I’ll just ask you later. Have a good lunch!” Sonic called off, his confused turned taking on more confidence as he finished up and then he speed out of the garden with a little wave.
“I don’t even care anymore. Food. Now.” The hybrid growled out as Maria laughed.
The two left the base and went to the nearest restaurant. The hedgehog not wanting to waste anymore time. They needed up at a small curry shop, it wasn’t the best, but it would do for now.
“Did you get your stuff back from the hedgehog?” He asked between bites after he had vacuumed up half of the meal.
“Yeah, it was just some files on your latest blood tests. I was seeing if I could just it to connect to the chaos emeralds to make a battery.”
“Sounds like something you might do.” Shadow answered back taking an extra large bite. “Is that how I came up as a topic, then?”
“Conveniently.”
Shadow narrowed his eyes at her, practically asking for a further explanation on what that meant.
“I was, just…seeing how well things might go if yooooou, so happened to ask a certain hero out….on a date.”
“WHAT?”
“It’s February dear brother.”
“And?”
“Valentine’s day is coming up!”
“AND?” Shadow was starting to choke on the large amount of food shoveled into his face, not able talk around it anymore. Finally swallowing it with a audible gulp.
“Oh, come on Shadow. We both know your not that upset at me for poking around.” She spun her spoon in her curry giving him a knowing look.
Shadow ignore it. He also knew it was pointless to fight her on this fact, so he would just skip the part where he would normally do that too.
“So…”
She smirked at him, her grey hair falling out of her bun a little as she looked down and went back to eating. “In a moment. Let me eat first, I am hungry too, and I am no longer young enough to wolf it down like you do.”
The hedgehog rolled his eyes at her and her antics but finished his meal before waiting patiently for her.
After a few minutes she had finished up and the two got up to pay for their meal and started to leave the shop.
“He’s just as bad as you are. Seriously. Either he is oblivious to the fact, or he is trying to hide it.”
“Hide what? What facts are you going on about.”
“Dear Shadow, I think he likes you just as much as you like him but you are both trying to burry it so deep that I’m not quite certain. He seems to enjoy talking about you and spending time with you quite a bit. I don’t know him like I know you after all.”
Shadow blinked a couple of times. He never once though that it could be him with the blue blur. Surly it would be his pink counterpart, Amy. He was certain that the two help special feelings for each other. Amy’s was obvious, but Sonic showed that he cared for her in his own special way. He felt it was inevitable that the two would get together. Everyone else seemed to be convinced of it.
“Would you at least consider trying? I hate seeing you lock up your feelings like this.”
Shadow just snorted, Maria sighed.
Maria was surly just making things up. Even Sonic’s friends had Amy and him pegged as a couple. His sister was right about one thing, she did not know Sonic all that well. He talked and hung out with all of his friends plenty.
The conversation and his spiral of thoughts left him in a bad mood as the siblings walked back in silence. They hybrid not sparing his elder sister more than a glance when they got to the security gate and waved goodbye.
They did live together so they would see each other tonight, or whenever Maria decided she was done with work for the day- usually well past the time the sun went down.
The rest of his shift he tried his best to just focus on his paperwork. Every time he let his thoughts slip he just ended up getting angry. How dare his sister get even an ounce of his hopes up. He knew it was impossible.
The next few days Shadow buried himself into his fieldwork as well, trying not to have a conversation with his sister about the blue hero until well after the holiday was over. Maria looked a little disappointed that she was not being taken seriously, but she seemed a little worried at the angry expression crossing her brother’s face more often than it had done in years.
Shadow tried to forget the stupid holiday and tried to focus on other things. Amy and him were going to get lunch together and catch up on the latest chao news and chao safe toys. Both of them loved taking care of the local chao and it had created an interesting bond where the two would try to meet up a couple times a month to either help out with the chao or just simply cross notes on how their chao were doing.
Shadow was good at hiding his true feelings and his friendship with Amy was something special enough that he really did not mind that she was his rival in love. She would win anyways if he did make a deal out of it.
Shadow entered the cafe and spotted the pink hedgehog sitting in the corner already with two cups in front of her. One cup of tea for herself, and another of the darkest coffee for Shadow.
After some polite greetings he sat down and he was instantly wrapped up in hearing the drama from the Chao Kindergarten that week. Time flew by and he found himself forgetting about the hero and his anger for a little while.
That was until someone who he did not recognize came up to the table.
“Amy? Are you on a date?! I thought you had your eyes set out on a particular blue hero.” The girl bubbly asked as she walked over. Shadow could feel himself bristle at the comment but it was not his place to say anything to this stranger so he just sipped his coffee and let Amy deal with her friend.
“Oh, no. This isn’t a date ahaha. Can’t a girl just hang out with her friends?”
“Not when they are that attractive!” Shadow debated if the girl had seen the fact that he had ears and was indeed actually present for the conversation.
Amy for her part looked kind of uncomfortable and a little irritated at the comment too.
“Well, then too bad. Shadow and I were just catching up on the latest chao news, That’s all. My heart still belongs to Sonic. He’ll agree with me that were dating soon enough.”
They said a little more to each other, but Shadow had tuned them out. He was suddenly reminded once again that Amy was technically his rival in one was just as much as Sonic was in a different way.
He no longer wanted to be there and was about ready to just excuse himself so that Amy could talk to her friend when the friend left and Amy’s attention was back on him.
“Sorry about that. She likes to talk a lot.”
“That’s fine.” Actually, this might be a good time to get some info to shut Maria up about the upcoming holiday. If Sonic already had plans with Amy he could easy tell Maria that it wouldn’t even matter if he tried.
“So, um. Valentine’s day is coming up. Got Sonic roped up in some plans again this year?” He tried to sound casual about it all, but he was certain that his awkwardness bleed into it.
“Ohoho, the Ultimate Life form asking about Valentine’s day?”
Shadow just gave it a shrug, “Didn’t know if I should be prepared to see you two making it official on the news or something.”
Amy let out a giggle. She might not chase Sonic down like she used to do, but that did not mean that she was any less in love with the hero.
“To be honest, I don’t think that will happen.” She fiddled with her tea cup for a moment before looking up to see Shadow’s confused face. Thank chaos she couldn’t hear his sudden pounding heart. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to ask him out and plan out some stuff, but…. I think he might just go along as a friend. I know what I said earlier, about him coming around to dating me but I don’t think that will ever happen.”
Before he could think he was already blurting out, “And why is that?”
“He has always just treated me as a friend, and lately when I ask him out on dates he has started making excuses rather than just going along with me. We were never official so I can’t say we broke up, but it kind of feels like we have.”
Shadow could see she was upset and gave her a gentle pat on the hand with his own. Spending the past few years with Maria had mellowed him out just enough that he knew he should at least try to comfort his friends.
“Time with him is still important, even if it’s just friends, right?” Shadow calmly said.
“Right, and as long as he’s happing and having fun. I can live with the fact it might always only be that.” She replied, but a single tear from her eye gave away how much that admission had hurt her.
After that they tried to go back to their conversation about chao but neither of their minds or hearts were in it anymore and it wasn’t long before the two split apart to go their separate ways.
When Shadow has seen Maria next he told her that Sonic already had a date for Valentine’s day with Amy and did not want to hear anymore about it. She had enough sense to leave it alone after that but shock her head saddened that her brother did not take his feelings seriously at all.
Shadow got back to work, and knowing that this holiday was going to pass just like all the rest was able to rest assured that he would not be forced to out himself idiotically like his sister wanted. There was another part of him that was annoyed with himself for not trying but he could not care less.
Soon enough the day of the event was finally upon them. Shadow would just have to hear about how the date went from Amy later.
The day started off like others, Shadow looked up what he was supposed to do that day, ate his coffee beans and watched the news.
Strangely enough an odd sense of profound sadness had crept into his mind. This was just like all the years before, Amy and Sonic would go on a date, he was sure to see it on social media. He would just go to work and keep his heart locked up as always.
But it wasn’t the same as years before. Maria said that he should give it a try before it was too late or at least do it for her just this once which he had ignored. He never ignored his sister’s wishes, is that why he was sad? Or was it the fact that for the first time it seemed as though Sonic’s heart might not be as connected to Amy as Shadow had believed and he under utilized that information nonetheless?
He tried to shake the thoughts from his head as he went through his care routine, going through seventeen of the twenty steps of his skin care rituals when his phone buzzed.
It was from the Commander.
It seemed as though he had put in way too much overtime over the past few days that there was next to nothing for him to do at the office. He only had one meeting before he was ordered to take the rest of the day off to comply with labor laws.
A little strange of him to say. The hybrid had known that he had taken on a lot more work to keep his mind off of Sonic lately, but the commander was not one to really care.
He soon got his answer when Maria came into the bathroom.
“Excited to have most of the day off?”
“How did you know about that?”
“I was the one to point out your clocked in hours to the commander.” She gave him a wink.
“I should do the same for you.” He growled back.
“Please don’t. I finally get to see the results of some bacteria I have been growing today.”
“How many different projects do you having going on right now?”
“None of your concern. Now I know your little blue gum ball of your’s is off with that delightful Amy today, but try not to brood all day alright? Go outside and live a little hmm?”
Shadow glared at her, although it was not harsh as he simply just finished up his skin care routine.
“For me please?”
“Fine fine. For you.” He agreed as he applied the last serum. Maira gave him a thumbs up and started getting ready herself.
Shadow took the two of them to work that morning, then went to his meeting after waving her goodbye.
Part of him wanted to just go to her labs afterwards and spend the day looking at her various experiments and try and catch up on all of them. However, he knew that if he did he would also probably end up working as her lab assistant and the commander might blow a blood vessel if he was caught since Maria had already kicked up a fuss.
The meeting wasn’t too long, it was just an update on the footage of different eggman bases, he seemed to be inactive right now, or at least not gearing up for anything big. They had no leads as to where the good doctor was now so there was nothing more to do.
Once he was done he decided to go and walk and eventually went out on a run through the countryside.
It was nice to finally get his mind off of everything happening around him. Maybe today could just be relaxing.
Shadow stopped at the edge of a cliff looking over the city, a slight breeze jostling his quills. He could just enjoy nature for once. He did not often get to because of his busy schedule so it would probably be good for his mental well being to reconnect with the area. Maybe he could work on some chaos techniques and connect to the entities residing in the power while he was at it.
Yeah, camping out here would be nice, he would just take a quick run home and get any camping gear he needed. The dark hedgehog sent off a text to his sister to tell her that he was going to camp out that night and once he got a thumbs up emoji reply he started to take off again towards his apartment.
The hybrid was taking in the surrounding scenery as he continued to run when suddenly he ran face first into something and found himself being flung back and hitting the ground.
Shadow found himself cursing as he hit the ground unceremoniously.
“What the actual fuck-“ He began cursing wondering how he could have run into something with how well he knew these woods when he opened his eyes. He stopped when he saw a flash a blue and heard a familiar groan.
“Sonic?” His voice was barley a whisper. He had actually managed to keep his thoughts off of the hero since the meeting. Suddenly being faced with him, and on today of all days made him instantly blush unprepared for the encounter. If Sonic had been on his mind all day, he would have such a reaction under control. Otherwise he would be blushing almost all day everyday outside of serious missions.
“Ugggh, that was one nasty crash.” The hero groaned as he began to pick himself off of the ground.
The blue hog got up and walked over to Shadow who still had not moved from the ground, his mind focusing on the single thought to calm down first.
“Need a hand Shadow?” The insufferable blue idiot smirked with his eyes practically closed. His head was tilted just slightly allowing for the rays coming through the trees to catch on his quills and make them glow with a golden shine. A slight glitter effect appeared on the ends of the shorter quills making Shadow lose track of what he was supposed to be doing and instead breaking out into a deeper blush.
He just stared up at the other, brain stopping all functions.
Sonic after a second opened his eyes fully. Taking in his rival as he too stared at the other hedgehog. After a moment the blue hero’s own face started to heat up and Shadow noticed that his ears and cheeks seemed to be more pink that usual. This of course did nothing to help the hybrid get ahold of his thoughts, his eyes only widening trying to take in the moment not sure when he might see it again.
Sonic never blushed. Not really. At least that Shadow had seen and his insane little rat brain was going to take in every second. The world seemed to narrow to just the other’s face, everything else fading to static.
Then it was broken in an instant as Sonic shifted his foot, the tip of shoe tapping slightly.
Shadow blinked once.
Then twice.
What was he doing?
Realizing that he had totally been staring at the other while blushing with no remorse for a whole minute he quickly slapped away his rival’s hand and stood up himself.
He coughed as Sonic seemed to come to his senses too and looked away.
“What the hell are you doing out here?” He tried to slip into his usual mask.
“Hmph, good morning to you too.” Sonic replied laughing a little at the other as his smirk returned.
“On your way to see Amy I presume?” He dusted off his arms and legs, making sure he had not injured himself in the collision.
“Hah, the opposite actually. It’s been a while since I have had her chase me down.”
“Chase you down?”
Sonic flicked his nose with a little snort, “Yeah, when we first met, she used to chase me around-“
“I already know that.” Shadow growled out, “What I meant was that you two have some strange dates is all.”
“It’s not a date.” Sonic said a little too quickly. The hybrid just stared at him with a frown.
“Look, I know nothing’s official-“ the agent started to say.
“Shads, seriously. There is nothing like that going on.” Sonic crossed his arms.
Shadow just put one hand on his hip while rising one of his eye ridges. Sonic rolled his eyes.
“Why does everyone think we’re dating?” He mumbled, if it wasn’t for his superior hearing he might not have caught it.
“May have something to do with being with her every Valentine’s Day.” Shadow growled out himself.
“Because we’re friends.”
“Friends who plan to get married.” He was not sure why he said that. It was a fear that lived inside his mind and he had no idea why it had come out now.
Sonic gave him a disgusted look.
“What in Chaos are you saying.”
Shadow tried to back track, already ruining this interaction he really didn’t need to piss off Sonic anymore than he usually did.
“Well at least that is what Amy says. We get brunch every now and then, so I have heard all about it.” Not a lie. Of course Sonic would take it like that’s all they talked about with his inability to think.
“You and Amy get together and talk about weddings?” Sonic’s signature smile dropped into a frown, his eyes gaining an angry glint.
Shadow felt like his stomach dropped with the expression changed, but he tried to not let it show on his face.
“Don’t get jealous now, it’s clear it’s all for you. I could never marry her.”
Sonic’s expression seemed to soften. Shadow mood soured. Was Sonic only pretending not to like Amy because he himself did not realize his own feelings or something? It seemed obvious to the hybrid after that that Sonic obvious had feelings about Amy and him planning a wedding.
“She really needs to knock that off. I like her don’t get me wrong but not like that you know?” Sonic’s eyes looked at Shadow with a strange pleading like he was trying to communicate something.
Shadow had no idea how to interpret that so he just ignored it instead. “Suuuure.”
Sonic fixed him with an unamused glare before letting out a sigh.
“Whatever. Either way, this year I’m not spending today with her even as friends.”
“Afraid you might catch feelings finally.” Why was he like this.
“Dude. Just. Drop. It.”
Shadow raised his hands up as he moved past the other hoping to get home quick and try his best not to die of embarrassment over this conversation. He wanted to be around Sonic, but at this moment he really just wanted to be by himself before he did anything more stupid.
Damn this stupid holiday. It was making him think irrationally.
“Well, good luck with whatever you were doing then, I got my own plans to attend to.”
Sonic looked like he got gut punched as he quickly sped in front of the hybrid.
“You, plans? For….Valentine’s day?” I thought you were free…” The last part was mumbled as Sonic’s hand seemed to twitch towards his quills like there was something there he had to check.
Shadow rolled his eyes. He just started to walk forwards pushing Sonic aside, not wanting to acknowledge the way his heart flipped at the thought that maybe Sonic had sought out his company on a romantic holiday.
“What a date or something?” The hero followed him, an almost scared edge to his voice, but Shadow knew he must have just imagined that.
“No, nothing absurd like that. I was just going to spend the day outside and go camping later.”
He could hear Sonic mumble, “It’s really not that absurd.” Before he continued at a proper audio level.
“Heh, that sounds pretty good, mind if I join you?”
“Why?” Shadow almost felt like was asking that question to both of the things Sonic had just said.
“Well Amy’s trying to hunt me down, and this sounds like a good way to stay hidden. Plus, spending the day with you sounds pretty good anyways.”
Shadow blinked at him. Well spending the day with Sonic was…acceptable. He just nodded at his rival stiffly.
The blue hedgehog jumped up into the air with a little whoop before running over and putting his arm onto the hybrid’s shoulder.
“So, what’s first? Want to race?”
Shadow fought the urge to lean into the touch and instead just brushed the hand off. “Actually I was going to practice Chaos techniques, but I guess I could always use them on a moving target.” He smirked at the hero.
Sonic just smirked back accepting the challenge, “Sounds like fun. I could use some easy dodging practice. Keep up my agility and all that.”
“Easy? Is that what you think this will be?” Shadow grinned at the other summoning a chaos spear into his hands.
“Aw come on Shads, look at what day it is, you can’t try and actually hurt me today!”
“Since when has the calendar dictated how I treated you?”
Sonic just laughed at him starting to run as Shadow threw the first spear.
He found himself actually having fun. Originally he wanted to see if he could find a new technique, but that would require some peace and quite. But this was fine. He was training being able to summon his different techniques, yup that’s why this was alright.
It had nothing to do that he and his rival were both having a great time chasing and teasing each other through the woods like the sheltered and innocent hogs there were not.
Eventually the game came to close as Shadow let out a small chaos blast that knocked Sonic out a tree and he landed unbalanced and found himself slipping and falling with his face in the ground and his tail in the air.
“Amy would love to see you like that.” He bent over looking at the other’s head upside down to his own.
Sonic let out a laugh but it sounded forced. “Sure she would, but she’s not here. You are.”
Shadow simply smiled down at the other putting out his hand, helping the other hog up.
“What’s next?”
“I need to get some stuff from my apartment for camping. Give me a moment.”
Sonic pouted at him. “Aw, can’t I come too?”
“Can’t you survive two minutes without me?” Shadow felt his heart skip a beat as he looked at the big green pleading eyes.
“But, it’s more fun with you around.”
“Fine, but only if you can keep up.”
They both grinned at each other, and before Sonic could count them down Shadow speed away. The blue blur shouting at him with fake anger and a healthy dose of laughter. Shadow found himself laughing back as he turned his head to look at the other.
Damn he really was screwed. For a moment he watched the lithe form of his rival move. It was truly extraordinary how the other could move. He moved with such grace and agility that Shadow found himself hypnotized. Enough that he actually managed to slip up a little as the ground gave way to a steep drop and he once again had to face forward.
The race was not a particularly interesting. Usually they tried to trick and mess with each other. this was much more easy going, neither really into proving anything, instead they just enjoyed running with each other. Once at the apartment it did not take long for Shadow to get his hands on cooking supplies.
He might have brought a sleeping bag but he knew how much Sonic like to just simply sleep out under the stars against a tree, and honestly Shadow was not against the idea of joining him.
Maybe if it got cold he could offer snuggl-
Nope. Mind was not going there. Just because it was Valentine’s Day did not mean anything. He should just enjoy the other’s company and not look for reasons to mess things up. Even if he wanted to deep down.
Once ready he put the small pan and gas canister into his quills and stepped back outside to see Sonic tapping his foot impatiently.
Shadow would normally make fun at him and his poor ability to wait, but instead he found himself huffing out a breathe of air fondly.
Sonic turned to see him, his smile dazzling in early morning sun reminding Shadow of his sunny super form his breathe catching in his throat for a second before he walked up to the other.
“Finally. I thought maybe you had tried to escape me.” He sheepishly scratched his quills.
“As if I could.” Shadow found himself saying before he could think about his response.
“Is that you admitting I’m fast?”
“Sure.”
“Aw wow, today really must be special if I’m receiving something of a compliment from you!”
“Now your just saying whatever you want.”
“I ALWAYS say what I want.” Sonic elbowed him. Shadow gave a soft fond smile, Sonic returning the look briefly before turning away, his ears twitching, “Well, wanna race back.”
“We could just run. It doesn’t have to be a race.”
Shadow tried not to look at Sonic, unsure how he would respond. They always raced. Because they were rivals. Trying to remove the competition…well Shadow was not sure how Sonic might take it. It would be a change in their dynamic for sure.
“Sure. Sounds good.” Sonic finally responded. Shadow turned to look at him, but Sonic’s head was turned away from his again.
The two took off, going a little slower than they normally went. Running alongside each other this time just enjoying the activity together.
Once back in the woods the set on going fishing for dinner. Sonic could not wait for the fish to bite and Shadow found himself the victim of the ADHD hero.
Sonic started playing with his quills. He first set them perfectly. Then once that was done he moved on to braiding the quills and doing various other hair styles while Shadow dutifully continued to fish.
“You learn this from Amy?”
Sonic paused for a second. “I guess so. It’s just something friends do…I guess.” His voice held a bit of an edge to it and Shadow somehow felt as though he had taken a misstep so he just shut up.
Sonic moved away from his quills after fixing them once again and he went to playing with one of Shadow’s hands.
Sonic was squishing it trying to figure out his finger shade under the padding. He poked searching for his claws and seemed surprised when he found himself being poked through the gloves from the sharp claws.
Shadow just let him do what he want without thinking too much about it. Sonic was just bored that was all. It’s not like they were holding hands or anything. Nope. Shadow was not panicking over the contact at all. No way.
Luckily Shadow was soon saved as the the pole in his other hand began to shake and he pulled the other one way from Sonic to secure their dinner. He was a little sad to do so, but he needed to calm down his heart before it exploded.
As he went to cook the food, Shadow received a text from Maria.
‘Hope your having fun! ;)’
The hybrid just ignored it as Sonic began to burn different sticks in the fire. He would hold up the burning sticks and look at Shadow through them.
“What are you doing faker?” Shadow asked without any malice.
“The fire. It just reminds me of your eyes is all, so I was just… I don’t know comparing them.”
Thank chaos Shadow had his blushing under control by now, he could not stop the slight wave of tail or his ears twitching though. Sonic was thinking about him in such a cute way, he couldn’t help it.
Sonic seemed to have noticed it, laughing a little at his reaction. Shadow felt slightly mortified and focused more on the food.
After cooking they ate. There very little conversation as they stuffed their mouths, but plenty of staring as both of them were caught up in their own thoughts about what was happening between them.
The sky was finally starting to get dark and a few stars started to glitter in the sky despite the fact that it was not yet night. It seemed like being far away from the city as well as the special day seemed to bless them.
Once they finished and cleaned up everything the two laid back and looked at the stars and planets through the leaves. Sonic, despite enjoying looking up at the night sky, knew surprisingly very little about it.
Shadow was raised on a space station and found himself enjoying explaining the various things about the celestial bodies. After he talked about all the ones he could make out at this time, the two decided to take a walk. The light still allowing them to see their surroundings.
This time it was Sonic’s turn. Shadow had learned of some of earth’s plants through his training at GUN, but it was just to know which ones were edible and what could be used as medicine.
Sonic knew the names of the different flowers and were to find the best smelling ones in a field full of different types of wildflowers. Shadow found himself amazed at the knowledge the other had about where the planets grew and were the most beautiful were likely to bloom
At some point the two came across some lavender and Sonic quickly picked it before presenting it to Shadow.
“They’re your favorite, right?” He handed them to the other with a little bow and a smile.
“Yeah. I’m surprised you remembered.” He took a deep inhale of the flowers, a gentle feeling welling up in him, one he was afraid might led him to say things he was not yet ready for so instead he decided to deflect, “But I guess you would know everyone favorite flowers with your expertise.”
Sonic knitted his brows taking a second to respond, “I mean, yeah I do. But….” He trailed off and Shadow was too scared at that moment to question it.
“Thank you.”
“No problem, I’m happy you like them.” Sonic skipped a little ahead going ahead with a spring in his step. Shadow felt his heart seemingly grow with love as he looked at the other.
Yeah, he was in love, he could finally admit it.
Shadow found himself chasing the other through the flowers to catch up. He would just have to enjoy their time together. It was going to end, sure, but he could take these few moments for himself.
Sonic suddenly stopped and Shadow barreled into him, the two rolling down a steep hill. Oh, that must be why Sonic stopped.
Shadow couldn’t help he he started to laugh and they rolled together. Sonic seemed to stop panicking at them falling down and started to laugh as well holding onto the other as they formed a big ball rolling down the side of the hill easily.
Once they landed at the bottom the two both uncurled themselves and laid down in a field of dandelions still laughing.
Shadow then looked over at the hero. He was so screwed. His heart pounding against his chest, this was easily the most fun he had in a very long time. Maria would be happy to hear that.
Sonic looked over his laughter dying down, “OH no, your lavender.”
Shadow looked up to see that the lavender in his hand was all crushed and bent.
“That’s okay. Don’t really have a vase out here to keep them anyways.”
Sonic looked over with a little sad look but just nodded as they picked themselves up. The light was starting to fade faster and the two decided to settle down and find a camping spot before they lost all the light.
The found a fallen tree that would serve nicely as a seat and when they finally slept would be nice to curl up against and protect them from one side.
They sat down facing the sunset as in finally hit the horizon, more stars twinkling. Soon the whole sky would be full of them and maybe they could fall asleep as Shadow told the stories of them to Sonic. That would be a good end to the day.
Shadow may not have asked Sonic out a date like Maria had wanted, but he was happy to have spent the whole of the holiday with the other, even if it was just as friends. Shadow had felt like their relationship had really shifted over the course of the day.
They sat there for a stretch of silence taking in nature before Shadow finally decided to break the silence.
“Well you avoid Amy all day. So, mission accomplished.”
Sonic looked at him with an expression Shadow could not really decipher, but it seemed amused and confused.
“Actually I had been looking to spend the day with you anyways.”
“Is that why you were upset when I said I had plans.”
“Heh, not upset per say, just confused. Maria told me you had the day off so I thought.. well your always fun to go and bother.”
Shadow lifted his eye ridge at the other, amused.
“And why did you let me join you, hmm? Usually you push people away a little more.”
there seemed to something in the air. Some sort of tension made it’s way into the space between them.
“Your not as annoying as you used to be.” Shadow narrowed his eyes pointing at the speedster.
Sonic scooted closer to him, “Aww, are you going soft?”
Shadow found himself leaning towards the other, “Of course not, I’m just learning the best way to be around you.”
And why would you want to do that?” Sonic’s voice seemed to have dropped.
“Would it be so surprising to you if I said your company is not…horrendous to me?” Shadow’s one voice lowering to a smother tone.
“Be careful, that almost sounds like we might be friends.” Sonic had scooting to just a mere hand length away from him.
“Friends? Surly not.” Shadow suddenly found his mouth dry as he looked at the amused look in the other’s eye.
“Oh? If not friends then what? Rivals that don’t hate each other? Co-workers against Eggman?”
Shadow found himself pausing, not ready to say what he wanted, but the tension inside of him demanding that he finally come clean. He knew he did not stand a chance to Amy but he really needed to let Sonic know before Shadow got the wrong idea with how much the other seemed to enjoy his company.
Sonic also seemed to be anticipating something as his breathing became slightly more erratic against Shadow’s superior hearing.
“Sonic. I love you.” He stared into the other’s eyes. The green seemed to get brighter, like they were glowing. It almost looked like tiny fireworks were bursting. Shadow found himself captivated.
He could not look away, he felt completely hypnotized, every single thought leaving his brain as the only thing he could comprehend was the creature in front of him. His world shrunk to the bright blue hog shining like an angel with the sunset highlighting is face perfectly as the wind moved his quills just enough that Shadow found himself distracted by the beautiful movement of his favorite color for a moment.
The next moment he suddenly could not see anything but that magnificent hue.
Sonic was leaning into his face with his eyes closed, Shadow found himself frozen when the feeling of fire sparked through his body. There was a pressure on his lips and with it, he could feel all the chaos energy is his body get so hot and erratic that he went numb before he could feel the sensation of sparks bursting gently against his mouth.
A second later he realized what was happening. Sonic was….kissing him.
He felt like his heart was going to burst at the realization. He slipped his eyes closed too as he he focused on the sensation. His mind completely feeling like it was stuffed with clouds. Like he was in the air, the ground completely gone all he could feel was the pressure on his lips gently moving against his own.
Oh chaos how he had dreamed of this moment. It honestly still felt like a dream, his thoughts running so fast he could not actually focus on a single one. Except for the mantra of;
‘Sonic’s lips are on mine, Sonic lips are on mine, Sonic’s lips-‘
He found himself so amazed by the fact that he opened his mouth because he wanted to scream out his joy, or maybe so he could start chanting the single thought like a prayer.
Instead of getting a sound out he suddenly found it harder to take in air. He was already so full with feelings that the sudden intrusion made him feel like he had been plugged up. He might just explode.
What was in his mouth, he wanted to bite down on it, but instead moved his tongue up to investigate. And what he found.
Fuck.
His tongue had touched something very similar to itself. The soft muscle had touched another tongue that had dived in and was happily caressing one of his fangs. However, when his touched the other instantly jumped to his.
The two wet appendages began to dance around each other inside of Shadow’s mouth. The two distinct tastes began to disappear as they swilled around each other. Soon enough the tongues had managed to create one singular taste and Shadow found himself feeling more weightless than before, his chest felt like a super nova was going off as his soul sung out to the other next to him. His happiness could not be contained. The thought that these two could become one short circuiting his brain again.
His whole body started to vibrate violently from the purring. Oh chaos he was going to die. He was going to explode as the chaos energy reacted to his heart and stated to burn through his veins. He was going to die, but at least it would be the happiest he had ever been. Maria would understand.
It wasn’t until Sonic put his hand on his waist that the alarm bells in Shadow’s head started ringing. This wasn’t right. Sonic shouldn’t be doing this with him. Sonic liked Amy.
Shadow went rigid and Sonic instantly stopped looking at him with a worried look. Shadow pulled back his face completely.
“Is this the type of shit you pull with Amy?” He growled at the other pushing him off of him.
“What the fuck are you-“ Sonic was forced to stop talking a fist landed on his stomach. Not long after another punch landed on his cheek causing him to stumble backwards.
Shadow then teleported behind him and kicked out the hero’s knees before he could respond.
“Shadow you got it wrong.” Sonic pushed up onto his hands before spinning his body around in a defensive spin.
Shadow jumped back doing a back hand spring to avoid the limbs. “Sure. Then you just mess with me instead of dealing with your feelings for her? What you practicing for her? Or just checking to see if she is the one?”
Sonic sprung back up bring his hands up to defend his face and Shadow spin dashed towards that dumb yet gorgeous set of green eyes.
“Me and Amy are not going to date! How many times do I need to say that!” The hero pushed him off. Shadow landing before teleporting to kick the other in the back of the head.
“What in chaos are you pulling then? You think it’s funny to mess with me like that?” he screamed as the other ate dirt.
“Chaos! You really can’t take a hint despite being the ultimate agent or whatever can you!” Sonic screamed back as he turned around. His face knitted in frustration as he started to ramp up speed. His legs turning into a figure eight as his hands dug into the ground.
“And what hint is that supposed to be? That you think I’m some kind of a joke?” Shadow teleported again trying to slam a kick down onto the blue hedgehog’s head but the other had released himself.
Sonic blasted forward before turning around, grabbing his rival as Shadow landed. The speedster grabbing onto the other as he launched both of them off of the ground.
“I’m in love with you too!” He screamed as they flew through the air. Shadow’s whole body tensing and forgetting he was in the middle of a fight.
He landed on the ground hard, the impact only got worse as Sonic landed on him. His eyes bright and watery as he started down at him. “You dumb bastard, Shadow. I don’t want to date Amy. I want…I want you. You fucking dickwad.” The hero weakly punched his chest as tears started to stream down his face.
Shadow found himself sitting speechless the sting and the whole forest seemed to disappear. His hand twitched as he watch the other cry.
“Damn you! Why did I have to catch these dumbass feelings for such a heatless bitch. Maria is full of shit. Love is full of shit. This whole day is so full of shit!” Each sentence was emphasized with a punch to his muzzle as tears fell like stars glittering in the night sky falling directly into his own eyes, yet Shadow did not blink once or look away.
“Hey. Wait a moment…” Shadow whispered.
“No! Fuck you! I don’t want to hear what bullshit your bitchass mouth has to say. You absolute dickhead.” Sonic sniffled as he crumpled into a ball on top of Shadow.
Shadow decided to keep his mouth shut for now. He had said plenty of unreasonable things all day to the other after all. Thinking throughout everything that it was Amy Sonic wanted to be with. He deserved Sonic’s anger.
As Sonic began to shake from the tears Shadow raised his arms and brought them around the other lightly. When it seemed as Sonic would no longer lash out at him he strengthened his grip pulling the other as close to him as possible.
How could he do this to the other? He loved Sonic and yet he made the other feel invalid in his own feelings. He wanted the other to be happy yet denied him the opportunity of a fun evening and finally delving into the romance both of them craved from the other. He was such an idiot.
he rubbed his hand down the other’s back. Gently brushing down Sonic’s quills trying to calm him down.
“All day.. all fricking day..” Sonic whimpered out as his tears dried up.
“Shhh, I know. I’m sorry…I just.”
“I don’t want to hear it. Not now.” His blue body started to relax into the dark hedgehog’s touch.
“What do you want then?”
“Can we just stay like this a moment?” He almost sounded scared. Shadow did not blame him. even after Shadow had confessed to him, Shadow had still denied Sonic any affection.
Shadow responded by simply hugging the other harder. The hand stroking down his back moved up to the quills onto his head. He started to fix the quills on his head as Sonic got his breathing under control and started to hug him back.
“What did you mean by Maria..?” Shadow asked quietly not really expecting an answer.
“When we had talked when I returned the file. She made it seem like you…well she convinced me that maybe I should try something different today is all…”
Shadow would have to ask her more about that later, right now Sonic finally seemed like he was not so upset anymore and Shadow did not want to push his luck. He was also content to just have Sonic here with him. He didn’t really want it to end.
They stayed like that a moment. Underneath the stars they just held each other. The only sounds were their gentle breathing and the soft sounds of insects and birds of the night calling out to each other as the day was coming to a close and darkness overtook the landscape.
After what felt like forever Sonic moved his head so that his muzzle was shoved into the crook of Shadow’s neck, his body starting to vibrate as he began to purr.
Shadow’s hand’s stilled for a second. But only a second this time. Sonic wanted this. Shadow wanted this. This was okay. He was allowed to touch Sonic and have the other enjoy it.
It finally dawned on the hybrid.
Sonic had said….Sonic loved him? Sonic actually wanted….him?
It felt like pop-rocks were popping in his brain. Part of his felt relief while another part felt anticipation. There was a unknown energy buzzing through him again. Was that the same as the happiness as before? It felt like a live-wire had been hooked up to every nerve on his body, like his whole body was about to vibrate into a million sparks; he could contain the pure glee.
“Sonic.” It was the only thing could say, it was the only thing the hybrid could think of.
“Yeah, Shads?” The blue hedgehog pulled off a little to look down at him. Shadow let out a little wine at the lose of contact.
The moonlight casted Sonic’s face in shadows, but still the hybrid could tell that those bright eyes were fixated on his own. Waiting.
“Sonic.” He still could not find any other words to say. The other smirked down at him, obviously seeing something in the eyes of his rival.
Chaos that was such a beautiful expression. Shadow found himself unconsciously gripping the other harder, trying to keep his body and mind together as this beautiful demon looked at him like Shadow held his life and their future in his hands at this very second.
“Sonic.” He whispered it out like a wish.
“Shadow.”
The hybrid swallowed, “Can we, can we have a do over?”
Sonic gave a slightly confused look.
“Sonic I love you.”
Sonic snorted a laugh as he smiled down.
“I love you too, you big dumb idiot faker.”
Shadow might have been offended by such a blatant insult at any other time, but his body actually felt like it was going to burst with those words. The only way to keep himself together was to get that energy moving. To do something.
He surged forward as he took in a deep breath bringing his mouth to the other.
Once again it felt as though the sun was exploding against his lips. The cold of the ground and the impending night disappearing as the energy burst forward.
It wasn’t long before the flood of energy was causing him to purr against the other hedgehog, his tail thumping happily as Sonic once again moved his lips happily against his. But Shadow felt more frantic, a storm brewing through his veins.
Hit bit down on Sonic’s lip causing the other to open his mouth to groan. Shadow dove in exploring the other’s mouth this time. His grip on the hero turned into him wrapping around the other trying to pull their bodies together into one just like their mouths and tastes had become.
All the energy dancing through his system burst forward like a broken dam. Chaos energy flowing through his body and causing it to glow. Sonic’s own natural instinct to take in chaos energy easily absorbed it.
The hybrid was so focused on devouring the other’s mouth and attempting to crush them into one being he had not realized that they had started to float up into the air slightly until he heard Sonic pull back slightly taking in big gulps of air.
Shadow opened eyes he had not realized he had closed. Sonic was..glowing. There was a shimmer of gold running through his quill, almost threatening that his super form might come forward.
Sonic looked like the sun and Shadow found his breathe gone for more reasons than one.
Sonic brought up a hand to his cheek, a soft smile gracing his lips.
“Your starting to glow like the moon.” Sonic softly spoke looking at him like he had hung the stars in the night sky that he just noticed that they were floating towards.
Shadow looked down at himself out of embarrassment as Sonic let out a little laugh. That’s when he noticed Sonic was not just complementing him. His quills were laced with a silver gold-like color. The color of his super form.
Were they..?
Were they going super from kissing? How much chaos energy did their feelings for each other kick up?
Shadow looked back at Sonic with wide eyes as he noticed that they were floating just above the trees.
Sonic noticed the situation too and looked back at him with a big smile. Damn Shadow wanted to kiss him again.
Before he got the chance to though, they two were falling down. The energy dissipating without any emeralds to keep it together and they crashed through the trees back to the ground.
Shadow landed with an oof, Sonic once again landing back on him. Good thing he was the ultimate life-form or he might have broken a rib by now. Sonic just started bursting out laughing.
After blinking a couple of times, finally able to process what was happening Shadow found himself joining in.
“Happy Valentine’s Day I guess.” Sonic managed to say as he stood up, dragging Shadow up with him. Shadow just hmphed at him in response, rolling his eyes, but grabbing the other’s hand, bring it up to land a kiss on it.
“Happy Valentine’s.” He rumbled out, his voice slightly scratchy from their activities.
Sonic smiled at him, pulling their hands as he began to jog through the woods. Shadow was not sure where they were going now, but he would happily follow the blue hedgehog anywhere.
Maybe this could work out after all.
He would have to be sure to thank Maria later.