Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I’m not afraid, Rouge.” Shadow stated defensively. “You know that!”

The bat merely chuckled. “Oh, hun, you know I only mean well.”

The two Mobians - the self-proclaimed Ultimate Lifeform, and the world’s greatest jewel thief and professional G.U.N. field agent - were housemates, and had been ever since Shadow returned to the world of the living nearly a decade ago. As close as friends could be, the two still got into minor spats on occasion. Their friendship would remain strong as ever, however, and they both knew it.

“Shadow, most of your life on Earth has been the same things over and over again.” Rouge continued speaking. “I know you like it that way, but if you’ll allow me to offer my opinion, I think that broadening your horizons a little might do you some good!” She told him genuinely.

“Hmmph.” Shadow grunted, not quite dismissively, but almost. His immediate reaction was to completely dismiss her words, but for as long as Shadow had known Rouge, she’d never let him down. Her opinion, her advice, mattered to him. So, begrudgingly, the hedgehog took her words and began to consider them.

On the outside, Rouge watched as Shadow merely walked away, heading towards his bedroom. The bat had grown accustomed to her housemate’s behaviors, however, and she knew that she’d struck a chord in him. She smirked a little, unable to resist adding one last remark. “And you never know, maybe you’ll get the courage to finally ask your favorite boy-toy out on a proper date!”

Shadow, caught off-guard by the remark, found his body trying to both freeze up in surprise and keep going forward. A small, embarrassing stumble later, and he decided to pointedly ignore Rouge’s remark. It wasn’t the first time Rouge had teased him about Sonic, not by a long shot. He really should have seen that one coming.

Shadow heard the bat chuckle lightly behind him, the sound growing slightly quieter as he gained distance. Entering his bedroom, the hedgehog not-quite-slammed the door shut. Plopping down onto his bed with a huff, Shadow finally let himself relax.

And then, as it had many times before, his thoughts drifted. At first, he thought of Rouge’s advice. Of trying new things, getting into unfamiliar (and therefore very uncomfortable) situations.

His mind drifted more, applying the word ‘exotic’ to the imagined scenarios.

Which then drifted further, down a… particular territory. Familiar shades of blue in unfamiliar positions, a familiar voice alternating between sweet nothings and blissful moans. Particular motions. Vivid imagery that stirred a certain feeling within the lower half of Shadow’s body.

Catching himself, Shadow shook his head vigorously, trying to dispel the arousing images in his head.

As if that would ever happen, he thought to himself. Sonic is a friend. Nothing more. He would never want anything more…

The two had been semi-friendly rivals for years, until one fateful day on a cliff top overlooking the sunset. Sonic the Hedgehog had approached him that evening, asking if they were friends.

Shadow had told him the truth; at the time, they weren’t. Just rivals. But before his rival could leave in sadness, Shadow added on that this didn’t need to always be the case. That a friendship was possible, if they both made an honest effort.

Since then, the effort had been more than made. The two grew close, their relationship blossoming into a close friendship akin to that between all of Team Dark.

The two hedgehogs still had the occasional fight, but they would reconcile afterwards, talking through their issues and coming to an agreement that satisfied them both.

They still raced, they still sparred, but now they also - in Sonic’s words - ‘hung out.’ Meeting up for games or a meal, talking about recent events in their lives, and generally just enjoying time spent together.

Two years ago, Shadow realized that he could no longer imagine what his life would be like without the blue one’s presence. Nor did he want to. In fact, Shadow found himself wanting more of the blue blur.

In more ways than one. Spending more time with Sonic, yes. But also different times.

Oh, how Shadow longed to be with Sonic. To hold his hand as they walk down a street. To take the man’s cheeks in his hands and kiss him right on the lips. To be involved more deeply in his friend’s life.

And yes, to have more… carnal interactions, as well. But those could come much later. Shadow’s desires truly veered more in the romantic direction than the lustful.

Two years. Two years since he’d figured it out. 22 months since he’d come to terms with it, and 19 months since he’d confided in Rouge about it.

The bat had been nothing but supportive to him about the whole thing, and had even offered to play matchmaker - to which Shadow had vehemently declined.

…Blue and peach colors filled his mind, cute words whispered softly. The sound of muffled moans. The feeling of Sonic’s lips against his. Shadow imagined Sonic’s lips were likely chapped, but he didn’t care. It was Sonic.

Just as tongue began entering the picture, Shadow realized he had drifted again, and shook his head to rid himself of the oh-so-wondrous thoughts.

This was no mere crush. This was pure, genuine love.

And Shadow just knew it was doomed.

Before his mind could drift into that territory, however, the black hedgehog made a pointed effort to think of other things.

The end of the year is coming up, he thought to himself. Christmas was just a few days ago. He glanced at the small motorcycle model on his desk, gleaming in the light streaming through the window. A small, gentle smile washed across his face. Sonic always knows just what to get me.

Shadow took a deep breath before slowly letting it out, forcing his mind to focus. Rouge’s words from earlier echoed in his mind. ‘Broaden my horizons?’ Hmm. New Year’s is coming up. What’s that silly tradition? ‘New Year’s Resolution.' As if you need the start of the year to make a needed change in your life.

Even after a decade spent in the modern world, some traditions still confused Shadow, or simply struck him as ridiculous. After all, if something needed to be done, why wait until a man-made holiday to make it happen? Just do it.

Wait… That’s it! Shadow realized with a start. I can follow Rouge’s advice, and participate in another cultural tradition. Everyone seems to like it when I do that.

…But what should my resolution actually be?

As if a lightbulb appeared over his head, Shadow realized exactly what it should be.

A small smirk appeared on his lips. Next year… I will be Fearless.

Chapter Text

Sonic had not known what to expect when Shadow texted him one February morning. The only information he had was the text itself, which was… Yeah.

‘9:00 AM Wednesday. Berrigan Street, corner of Oxley. Make sure you’re hungry. And clear your schedule for the day.’

“A little cryptic, but I’ll roll with it.” Sonic muttered to himself, leaving his house at 8:55 that Wednesday’s morning. “It’s not like Shadow’s ever steered me wrong before.”

And off he went, zooming through the wilderness outside the city, and then into the city streets. Dodging cars, pedestrians, and streetlights alike, the blue blur zipped through the city towards his destination, knowing he had plenty of time to make it there.

Normally, Sonic was known for being… let’s say ‘fashionably late.’ But for a reason he refused to identify, the hedgehog always took care to be on-time when it was Shadow who came calling.

Arriving at the corner of Berrigan and Oxley, just as Shadow had instructed, Sonic paused and looked around excitedly. This section of the city - indeed, all of Berrigan Street itself - was well known for hosting many good places to get food; bakeries, diners, steakhouses, even some fast food restaurants. Whatever you wanted, Berrigan Street had it.

The smells wafting in the air were intoxicating . Sonic’s stomach - already hungry, as instructed - growled carnivorously. Maybe skipping my late-night snack last night wasn’t such a great idea, Sonic thought to himself.

Sonic still couldn’t find his friend who’d invited him, and after one last scan, the blue hedgehog was about to text Shadow and head off to the nearest food service. Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke from behind him. Closely behind him.

“Looking for someone, or are you just happy to be here?” Shadow the Hedgehog quipped from only a few feet away, stepping out of the darn corner that Sonic hadn’t even noticed.

The blue hedgehog nearly jumped out of his skin. “Yikes!” He exclaimed in a high-pitched voice, whirling around reflexively. “Yeesh, Shadow, do you always scare people like that- oh, who am I kidding?” Sonic chuckled good-naturedly. “You saw that corner and couldn’t resist getting the drop on me, could you?”

Shadow smirked in amusement. “No comment.” He responded simply. Nail on the head, he clearly meant.

Sonic laughed. “Well, you got me.” He admitted. “Good one. So, what are we doing here?” He asked, interested in whatever his friend had planned.

Shadow gestured down the road with his head. “I figured we could do some… experimenting.” He replied. “Try some new foods we’ve never had. See what we like. My treat.”

Sonic blinked in surprise, and then grinned widely. “Now you’re speaking my language!” He exclaimed. “I’m always up for trying something new and tasty! What’s first?” He asked excitedly.

Shadow chuckled. “Eager, are you?” He asked rhetorically. “We have all day… and the whole street.” He replied with a small smile - which, for Shadow, was essentially an enormous grin - and gestured again down Berrigan Street.

Sonic’s jaw nearly hit the ground. “You… You want to try it all!?” He asked in disbelief.

“Don’t let flies in, hedgehog.” Shadow remarked, nonchalantly reaching over and pushing Sonic’s chin back up, closing his friend’s mouth as casually as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Sonic had to shake his head back and forth for a moment, rebooting his brain. With a cheeky grin, he spoke. “Who are you and what have you done with Shadow?” The blue hedgehog joked, both hands on his hips.

“Well, if we’re going that route,” Shadow began, playing along, “I suppose I’ll be… Hmm, Guy Fieri.” He quipped with a small chuckle.

Sonic snorted. “Wow, and you’re joking alongside me? Somebody pinch me.”

The blue hedgehog regretted his words a moment later when the darker hedgehog began to reach over to do just that.

Sonic leapt back. “Oh-ho, no you don’t, buster!” He laughed, pointing a finger at Shadow. “I know the strength in those fingers of yours, you aren’t pinching me!”

Shadow rolled his eyes, but the smirk on his lips never left. “Then maybe you shouldn’t leave yourself open to it, Faker.”

Sonic chuckled again. “Faker, eh? Haven’t heard that one in a minute. Well, you’ll find this stomach of mine is anything but fake! If you’re paying, you might want to pay attention to your wallet.”

Shadow shook his head. “G.U.N. pays very well. And I want for little, materially. Believe me, I have the funds.” He replied.

“Well, good.” Sonic replied, calmer than before. “I would've felt bad eventually, and stopped.”

“No need. I know what I’m getting into, and I’ve chosen this.” Shadow reassured him. “Just don’t try and get chili dogs at every location.” He said with a smirk.

“Hey, any place that doesn’t carry chili dogs has gotta be doing something wrong!” Sonic retorted with a grin, playing along with his Shadow’s joke.

Shadow merely shook his head in amusement, the smirk never leaving his face. “Are we going to stand here talking smack all day, or are we going to pick a place and prove you wrong?” He asked.

“Oh, we’re going. But I’m not wrong.”

“Yes you are.”

“Listen here, bucko-!”

“Dude, if you’ve never had an egg sandwich using toasted waffles as your bread, you’ve never lived.” Sonic stated.

“Then I suppose my life begins now.” Shadow replied, taking a bite. He chewed, letting the flavors flow throughout his mouth. His eyes widened, and the black hedgehog glanced down at the breakfast sandwich in his hand in surprise. “This is… really good!” He exclaimed.

“Told ya.”

“Okay, you’ve been right once.” Shadow said to the blue hedgehog across the table from him. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late.”

“I shouldn’t have opened my mouth.” Shadow shook his head in amusement.

“Then how are you going to eat your sandwich?” Sonic teased. “Or are you going to give it to me?”

“Over my dead body.”

“Ten years.”

“I’m aware.”

“Ten. Years.”

“Yes, and?”

“You’ve been here on Earth for ten years, Shadow, and you’ve never tried stromboli!?” Sonic exclaimed in sheer, utter disbelief.

Shadow rolled his eyes. “There are many foods I have yet to try, Sonic.” He replied. “That’s the reason we’re here.”

“Dude. Stromboli. It’s basically rolled-up pizza. How have you not had it in ten years?”

“I’m going to kick you.” Shadow threatened, doing everything in his power to hide the amused smirk that was working its way onto his face.

“I’m gonna kick you in your stromboli-less stomach!” Sonic retorted.

“Give it a few minutes, and that won’t be the case.”

“Ten years!”

“I like some spice on my chili dogs, but this is a bit much.” Sonic said, glancing nervously down at his plate.

“Ghost chili peppers.” Shadow stated. The black hedgehog plucked a piece from his own plate and ate it, chewing as if it was nothing.

“Dude, you’re an alien.” Sonic stared in disbelief.

“...Partly, yes.” Shadow replied with mild amusement.

Sonic blinked, only just realizing what he’d said. “N-Not like that!” He exclaimed. “Dude, how are you just… eating that? They’re one of the hottest peppers on the planet!”

“I like the feeling.” Shadow said simply. “Spice doesn’t affect me the same way it does you.” He explained. “I just get a curious tingle in my mouth. I don’t feel the burn.”

“...Remind me to never get into a pepper-eating competition with you.” Sonic half-mumbled, before glancing nervously at his plate again. “Well… here goes nothing…”

“...Are you hot? You’re suddenly sweating. A lot… Sonic?” Shadow watched as the blue blur vanished from his seat, the door to the restaurant’s bathroom slamming open in the blink of an eye.

The black hedgehog chuckled. “Can’t take the heat, eh?” He said under his breath. “Oh well, more for me.”

Shadow nonchalantly reached over and grabbed the peppers off of Sonic’s plate.

“Never tried it myself, but I’ve heard this place has some of the best meatloaf in town.” Sonic said, eagerly tying his napkin to his neck like a tiny apron.

Shadow raised an eyebrow at his friend’s behavior, but decided against commenting on it. “I’ve had it before; it’s definitely up there amongst the greats.” He replied.

“And you’re getting dumplings instead?” Sonic asked him incredulously.

“It’s a menu item I haven’t tried.” Shadow told him. “And they’re not just any old dumpling you’d get in a soup; this is their ‘Dumpling Meat Medley’ dish; pork, beef, chicken, even some bacon dumplings.” He explained.

“Hm… That actually… sounds kinda good…” Sonic trailed off, thinking about it. “Maybe I’ll steal some from you.” He joked.

Shadow picked up his fork. “I’ll stab you.”

“You’d have to catch me.”

“Don’t think I won’t.”

“I’m sure you’d try.” Sonic chuckled.

“Touch my food and you’re dead, hedgehog.”

“I’ll touch whatever I want to.” Sonic quipped, a cheeky grin on his face.

Shadow raised an eyebrow at the euphemism.

“I know what I said.” Sonic stated, his grin only widening.

“...You’re getting stabbed.”

“Wait, pancakes for dessert?” Shadow blinked. “I thought pancakes were for breakfast?”

“Usually, but this is a little different.” Sonic replied. “It’s got cream cheese frosting and some strawberries on it.”

“Strawberries. And… cream cheese?” Shadow tilted his head, trying to imagine it.

“Cream cheese frosting. It’s different.” Sonic corrected him. “Warm. Tasty. Amazing. I’ll let you try a bite, if you say ‘please.’” He teased.

“The day I beg is the day pigs fly, simpleton.” Shadow retorted, the tiniest hint of a smirk on his face.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that speech before, Shads.” Sonic replied nonchalantly, waving his hand dismissively. “But once you get a taste of this greatness, you’ll never look back!”

“I doubt it will beat the classics.” Shadow stated. “A simple ice cream sundae is practically unchallenged in its position of reigning champion of desserts.”

“I can think of a dozen people who would disagree with you.”

“They’re wrong.”

“Says you.”

“I’m right.”

"Is this an ‘Ultimate Lifeform’ thing?”

“It’s an ‘ice cream is unbeatable’ thing.”

“That’s pretty subjective.”

“Bring your face over here and I’ll show you subjective.”

Sonic raised an eyebrow and grinned cheekily. “Did you even try with that threat? Usually I’m the one saying stupid stuff like that.”

“I’ll turn your ribcage into an exoskeleton through blunt force trauma.”

“There we go.”

“So this is an oreo… drumstick?” Shadow said hesitantly, staring at the object in his hand.

“Yep!” Sonic replied cheerfully, having already taken a bite of his own. “It’s chocolatey goodness in a cone!”

“It does remind me of a typical ice cream cone…” Shadow muttered to himself. It’s oreo with more chocolate, it’s not like you can go wrong. He mentally shrugged before going in for a bite.

Oreo drumstick: A chocolate waffle-cone filled with cookies-and-cream ice cream, and the ice cream above the cone covered in a chocolate coating. (Author’s Note: If you’ve never had it, find it at your grocery store and give it a try. It’s amazing).

“...Oh… oh my.”

“Right!?” Sonic chuckled.

“...I might need to order a second one.” Shadow took another bite.

“Make it two.”

The sun had already started setting by the time the two hedgehogs called an end to their culinary adventure, and began walking home. Both had eaten enough food to have fed them for three days, let alone one. But despite their full stomachs - or perhaps in part because of them - the two speedsters were in high spirits. Even the one who was normally melancholy.

“That was… better than I expected it to be.” Shadow spoke quietly, almost to himself. “Much better, even.”

“Food is great!” Sonic exclaimed with a big grin. “And great food with great company is one of the best things in the world!”

Shadow chuckled. “Indeed.” He replied. “I might have to agree with you, there.”

The blue hedgehog glanced at him, a cheeky smirk forming. “Shadow the Hedgehog admitting to agreeing with me?” He asked rhetorically. “Somebody pi- No, don’t you dare, you fiend!” He exclaimed, putting up a hand to block his friend’s move.

Shadow, his arm halfway outstretched to pinch him, only chuckled. “You were about to say it.” He stated.

“And now I’m not.” Sonic replied. “I win.” He said cheerfully, as if that was the end of some minor conflict.

“Oh? Win?” Shadow raised an eyebrow, and smirked. “Well if that’s the case, what’s your prize?”

“...You know, I hadn’t thought that far ahead.” The cobalt hero admitted after a moment.

“Not surprising.”

“Oh-ho-hokay, mister ‘I’m too smart for you.’” Sonic taunted, though the smile on his lips and the gleam in his eyes betrayed the fact that he was only messing. “At least I’ve had stromboli!”

“And now, so have I.” Shadow stated calmly, though he couldn’t help the tiny smile forming on one corner of his mouth. “You can’t claim that as an advantage anymore, Faker.”

“And as I’ve proven, this stomach ain’t fake by half!” Sonic gestured to his belly. “I’m pretty sure I ate twice as much as you did.”

“Doubtful.” Shadow merely replied. “But regardless, I’m glad that today happened. This was… fun.”

“I am the life of any party.” Sonic said cheekily.

“You do have a certain charisma about you.” Shadow admitted.

“Wow, a compliment? Today has been really unusual!” The blue hedgehog joked.

His darker companion chose then to continue. “A charisma of annoyance.” He stated, schooling his face so as to not give away his amusement.

Sonic rightfully took it in jest, anyway. Letting out a laugh, the energetic speedster shook his head. “Suuuure.” He drawled sarcastically. “But you gotta admit; I keep things interesting!”

“That you do.” Shadow nodded. A moment of quiet passed between the two friends.

“Hey…” Sonic began after a moment. His voice was calm. Almost quiet, even. “Thanks for inviting me.” He said genuinely. “This was a real blast.”

“It was.” Shadow agreed wholeheartedly. “Much better than I had even hoped, if I am to be honest.”

“Glad I could be a part of your good day.” Sonic replied happily. “So I gotta ask; what brought this on? I’m curious.”

Shadow let out a “Hm” of a chuckle. “I’m… trying something different this year.” He began after a moment of thinking. “A conversation with Rouge gave me the idea. She often pesters me about things I don’t typically do.” He began to explain.

“Like?” Sonic tilted his head, curious and enraptured.

“Things I, in her words, ‘avoid.’” Shadow answered. “Situations I don’t put myself in. Experiences that I don’t let myself feel. Circumstances I keep myself from encountering.”

“That’s… possibly the most descriptive, yet vague answer I’ve ever heard.” Sonic said with a chuckle.

“I’m trying to explain.” Shadow retorted, feeling instantly guilty about the tiny bit of bite in his voice.

“Shoot, sorry.” Sonic apologized immediately. “I didn’t mean it like that.” He said hurriedly. “I just mean… Well, I don’t really understand what you said.”

“It’s fine.” Shadow waved a hand dismissively. “I shouldn’t have snapped. My apologies.”

“I… you know what, I’m gonna not start an argument over which one of us should be apologizing.” Sonic said, reigning himself in and finishing with a chuckle.

Shadow continued to explain as best he could, so many words swirling in his head yet at the same time refusing to leave his lips. “It’s… There are… I just…” He stopped with a heavy sigh. “I don’t know how to explain it.” He finally admitted.

“That’s okay.” Sonic reassured him. “Take your time. I’m right here.” He put a comforting hand on Shadow’s shoulder, and smiled softly at him.

Shadow glanced into Sonic’s eyes for a moment in gratitude, before quickly looking away, feeling awkward and self-conscious. A few moments passed as he tried to collect his thoughts and form coherent sentences. And pointedly ignore the rapid beating of his heart, due to the object of his affection’s close proximity.

“There are… many situations that I’ve avoided.” Shadow began again after some silence. “And… I had an idea, a couple of months ago. Just before New Year’s. Rouge had teased me again about the things I avoid. And I thought of the tradition of New Year’s Resolutions.”

“Not everybody actually makes those, you know.” Sonic told him.

“I never did.” Shadow replied. “I never understood the point of it; why wait for a man-made milestone to start a change that you can just… start right away?”

“Heh.” Sonic thought for a moment, having never considered that. “Some people just… need the extra kick, I guess.” He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I remembered how, on the rare occasions I participated in cultural traditions, you all enjoyed it.” Shadow recalled. “You, Amy, Knuckles, Tails… everyone that I would consider a friend. Or a close acquaintance, anyway.” He amended.

“I think it’s more that you’re there and participating in something with everybody.” Sonic thought aloud. “That it’s some cultural tradition probably doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you’re doing something with us.”

Shadow absorbed that statement silently for a moment, pondering it and shifting the information around in his mind. Processing it and analyzing it for future consideration.

“...Anyway, you were saying, about resolutions?” Sonic asked after a bit, pulling Shadow back out of his thoughts.

“Right.” Shadow took a breath, gathering his words again. “I was thinking of all of those things. Rouge’s teasing. Situations and experiences that I’ve never had. New Year’s Resolutions. And suddenly, it all just clicked together.”

Shadow glanced at Sonic again. “I could participate in the tradition. Make a New Year’s Resolution to try new things. Make a point to identify things I’ve never done, experiences I’ve never had, places I’ve never seen. And my resolution? Try them.”

Sonic processed that for a moment before chuckling, his eyes widening a little in understanding. “That’s… really good of you, Shadow!” He said with a smile. “Seriously, that’s cool!” He patted his dark-furred friend on the shoulder. “You’ve got my support, that’s for sure!”

“I…” Shadow was at a loss for words for a brief moment. “...Thank you, Sonic.” He half-whispered, his heart leaping into his throat. “That means… That means a lot to me.”

“If you want me to come along on any other adventures, you just let me know.” Sonic told him softly. “I’ve got your back, and I’m always up for having a good time with a buddy.”

Shadow nodded, his gaze drifting back to the ground yet again as he partially withdrew back into his thoughts. “I… will keep that in mind.” He said thoughtfully, already imagining what might come next. “I just might take you up on that offer.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

A good twenty seconds of comfortable silence passed between the two as they walked, now nearing the point where they would go their separate ways for the night.

Shadow took a breath. Maybe… “...Sonic?” He half-whispered.

“Yeah, Shads?” Sonic focused on him, patiently waiting for whatever Shadow was about to say.

“I…” love you, he tried to say. The words caught in his throat, and he stood in uncomfortable silence for what seemed like an eternity, but was really only a couple of seconds. “...I had fun today.” He eventually finished, inwardly disappointed in himself for being unable to say what his heart had been screaming all day long.

“I did, too.” Sonic replied, blissfully unaware of the struggle going on behind Shadow’s eyes. “It’s been awhile since we just… hung out.” He continued. “I kinda missed it. Thanks for inviting me, Shads.”

“I… you’re welcome.” Shadow spoke quietly. With a mental sigh, he gave up on his attempts to confess tonight. “I’ll… let you know… when I’ve decided what to try next.” He eventually stated. “If applicable, I’ll most likely invite you along.”

“Looking forward to it!” Sonic flashed him a thumbs-up. “G’night, Shadow.” He said sincerely. “See ya next time.”

Shadow was not quite ready for Sonic to leave him, however. His mind raced, desperate for any reason to snatch a few more moments with the blue blur. “A-Are we still up for our usual race, this weekend?” He asked, internally wincing at his stammer, and desperately hoped Sonic hadn’t noticed.

Sonic had not noticed. “You betcha!” Sonic grinned. “And hey, if you want to grab a bite to eat afterward…”

“I’d-I’d love to.” Shadow stammered out, his mind trying to catch up with reality and regain control over his faculties and the situation unfolding around him. “Loser buys?”

Sonic’s grin never left his face. “You’re on.” He replied. “Catch you on the flip side, Shadow!” He said cheerfully, before speeding off into the distance.

Shadow watched the streak of blue shrink grow smaller and smaller, before it turned the corner and vanished from sight entirely.

“...You’ve already caught my heart… Sonic…” Shadow whispered longingly.

It took some time for him to tear his gaze away from where the last bit of blue had been visible. Forcing himself to look away, Shadow turned to head home, letting out a small sigh.

…If only I could catch yours.

Chapter Text

The next three weeks went by in a whirl, with time seeming to pass in the blink of an eye when Shadow wasn’t with Sonic. The two met up often to race or spar, but now they also got together almost weekly to do something different. Some days, they would have lunch and just talk. Other times, they played a game together - whether a videogame, a board game, or a fun activity that Sonic thought would work outdoors.

Only a few weeks after their big, culinary adventure on Berrigan Street, Shadow offhandedly mentioned how he was planning on traveling. Seeing the world. Places he’d never been to, or only spent time in while on-duty with G.U.N. and unable to take in the sights.

Sonic was immediately ecstatic. “Man, I could show you so many places!” He exclaimed with almost childlike glee.

“Oh?” Shadow raised an eyebrow. “Traveler of exotic lands, are you?” He asked, though he already knew the answer.

“I’ve been all over the world a bunch of times!” Sonic replied with a grin. “There’s Spagonia, Holoska, Chun-Nan, there’s Never Lake and Little Planet - although that doesn’t appear until August - Soleanna, Babylon-”

Shadow, amused, stopped his friend’s rambling in its tracks by physically intercepting the words. Putting a gloved hand over Sonic’s mouth, the black hedgehog couldn’t help but laugh when the blue bundle of excitement suddenly froze and stared down at the hand in something akin to confusion. It’s almost like his brain needed to reboot, Shadow thought with a chuckle.

“I get the idea.” Shadow said with an amused smile. “Perhaps you can make a list? We’ll compare next week, and go from there.” He suggested.

Sonic nodded vigorously, seemingly unaffected by the hand still covering his mouth.

Shadow chuckled at the lack of attempt to remove said hand. “You really do just roll with everything, don’t you?” He asked rhetorically.

Sonic nodded vigorously again. His adaptiveness was a point of personal pride.

Shadow finally removed his hand from the blue hedgehog’s mouth, granting permission for Sonic to speak once again.

“This is gonna be AWESOME! ” Sonic shouted immediately. “With our speed, we can be anywhere in the world in a matter of hours! We could just… go!” He exclaimed, gesturing elatedly as he spoke.

Shadow thought for a moment, and then nodded in agreement, realizing that the blue blur was correct. So long as I use my vacation days, we could even spend the whole day wherever we choose…

Shadow felt himself becoming more and more excited for the near future. He would be seeing new, interesting places. Trying new things (and even if he didn’t like them, it would still be an enjoyable experience because of Sonic’s presence). Spending all of that time alone with Sonic.

…Spending all of that time alone with Sonic.

The thought sent shivers of both anticipation and nervousness down his spine. He truly loved spending time with the blue hedgehog, who always found a way to make literally anything somehow enjoyable. But being in such close proximity to the source of his heart’s desires, for such a long time, was always a daunting task.

It took much willpower to not grab Sonic and unceremoniously mash their lips together. At the same time, it took no small amount of bravery to even come face-to-face with him, so worried was Shadow of Sonic not returning his affections.

In the end, Shadow always acted exactly like a close friend. Nothing more, nothing less. Facing his fears to the point of showing up and remaining composed, but unable to challenge his fears and confess his love for his blue companion.

But every day, he could feel himself falling only ever deeper in love for Sonic.

Only time would tell what may eventually happen.

Time… and the beating of their hearts.

“It’s taller than I thought it would be.”

Sonic blinked. “Wait… all these years, and you’ve never been to Paris?” He asked Shadow.

“Paris, yes. The very street where The Eiffel Tower sits? No.” Shadow replied. “I was only in Paris once, briefly, several years ago. G.U.N. assignment - no time to take in the sights.” He explained. “I spent all of two hours in the city, most of it inside the safehouse with a team of agents, planning the upcoming operation.”

“Well, you missed out.” Sonic stated with a shrug. “But I guess that’s why we’re here now.”

“Indeed. It’s even bigger than I expected.”

Sonic snickered. “That’s what-”

“Finish that sentence and I’ll rip your tongue out.”

“...Killjoy.” Sonic muttered, though the smirk never left his face, nor the amusement leave his voice.

Shadow only rolled his eyes, knowing Sonic well enough by now to know the blue hedgehog had not taken any offense. A moment of silence passed between them as they stood there, gazing up at the wrought iron beams of the Iron Lady, the bronze-gold coloring sparkling in the evening sunset. Many locals and tourists walked the streets around them, going about their days. Some paused and turned to face the magnificent Parisian monument, awaiting a particular moment. One that was coming soon, and would come again on the hour through the rest of the evening and into the night.

As the Sun dipped below the horizon, and the skies darkened from the reddish-orange into the blueish black of night, excited tourists and patient locals stopped and turned, knowing that the moment they were waiting for was coming quickly. Mere minutes remained.

And then, as the night consumed the skies and naught but city lights remained to brighten the area, it happened.

As if a switch was flipped, the Eiffel Tower lit up. Thousands upon thousands of bulbs activated, shining brightly into the night. Cameras flashed, phones started recording video, people chattered excitedly and gazed with awe at the sight.

And amongst it all, two hedgehogs stared up at the tower, gazing at its marvelous splendor.

“...Beautiful, ain’t it?” Sonic asked softly, his eyes not leaving the lights above them.

“Yes.” Shadow replied. “Quite.”

Shadow glanced at his companion, and found his gaze transfixed for a moment. Blue quills shining in the light, eyes gleaming with wonder and cheer. Sonic, in all his splendor, was a beautiful sight all on his own.

“...Breathtaking…” Shadow whispered, so quietly that even he barely heard it.

It took a herculean effort for him to eventually tear his eyes away from Sonic’s form. But it helped that there was another. The Eiffel Tower gleaming above them, lights shining for the next few minutes, illuminating the night sky and the city around them.

Visible or not, though, Sonic was there, close beside him. A warm and familiar presence that provided comfort, protection, and no small amount of affection in his own way.

His head turned upward, face unseen and unnoticed by all, Shadow smiled.

“No, Sonic, we’re not going to race along the length of it.” Shadow said for the fifth time.

“Aw, c’mon!” Sonic pleaded, clasping his hands together as if to beg. “It would be so much fun! ”

“We’ll get kicked out.” Shadow replied simply.

“Dude, it’s the Great Wall of China! ” Sonic exclaimed. “You can’t tell me you don’t want to!”

“What I want, and what we should do, are two different things.” Shadow stated pointedly. “I’m not saying it wouldn’t be an interesting race. I’m saying that if we raced here, we’ll only be able to see this place again in online pictures and trashy tourist videos.”

“Ugghhh!!! Fine!” Sonic finally relented. “You and your stupid logic.” He muttered under his breath, though pointedly loud enough for Shadow to hear.

Shadow rolled his eyes, knowing that Sonic was only teasing at this point. “Enjoy the sights, hedgehog.” He told his friend. “Take in the scenery - we’re only here for a day.”

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Somewhat dark joke in this section. Read at your own discretion. If you want to skip, go to the next section, with Soleanna.

“‘A symbol of freedom, opportunity, and hope.’” Shadow summarized. “For such abstract concepts, they certainly came up with an interesting way to visualize them.”

“People all over the country see it as those concepts personified.” Sonic stated. “The Statue of Liberty is one of the best-known symbols of America in the world.”

“It’s certainly a welcome sight to anyone who’s crossed an ocean.” Shadow replied. “Imagine spending months at sea, hoping you’re still on-course, and then you see such a monument as this.”

“Heh. Quite the relief, I’d bet.”

“Indeed.”

Sonic continued staring at the statue as Shadow turned slowly around, taking in their surroundings.

Looking behind them toward New York City proper, Shadow gazed at the buildings dotting the horizon. Eventually, however, his eyes narrowed in confusion.

“...Sonic? …Where are the Twin Towers?”

Sonic snorted. “Nice one, Shads.” He said. “A bit dark, though, even for you.”

“...What?”

Sonic blinked, slowly turning to stare at his friend. “You’re not serious.”

“I am serious. The Twin Towers were well-known by the time I went into stasis.” Shadow replied. “But they’re not there.”

“You… Wait, I thought you were from the fifties?”

“I was created in the fifties.” Shadow corrected him. “1959, to be exact. I went into stasis in 1974. The Twin Towers had been completed for three years. They were meant to last for decades, if not centuries.”

“...Dude.” Sonic deadpanned. “You’ve been here for ten years, and you don’t know what happened?”

“Apparently not.”

“Oh boy…”

A few minutes later, and Sonic had to stop an enraged hedgehog-alien hybrid from storming off to another continent in search of vengeance.

“It’s no Festival of the Sun, but Soleanna still has some amazing Winter traditions.” Sonic exclaimed with an eager grin.

“I remember coming here once, a while back.” Shadow remembered. “It was… early Autumn, I believe.”

“Wait, was this perhaps seven years ago?” Sonic asked suddenly, a thought having struck him.

“...Yes, actually.” Shadow answered. “How did you know?”

“I didn’t.” Sonic admitted. “Not really. But it was the same time I came here to watch the Festival of the Sun. Had some sort of weird feeling in my gut around then, too. Like I’d forgotten something important. Never did figure out what, though.”

“Hm.” Shadow grunted, unsure what to say. “Well, my mission never took me into the city proper.” He explained. “Just into the region. Rouge was on a solo op, but ran into more trouble than she’d expected. Requested backup. I was on standby, and showed up in time to help out.”

“Nice. Did the rest of the mission go smoothly?”

“Smooth enough. Turns out that Rouge only ran into trouble because she pursued a…” Shadow chuckled. “Let’s call it a ‘secondary objective.’”

“Jewel?”

“Jewel.”

Sonic laughed. “Figures. What happened?”

“Ironically, if the guards had been doing their jobs correctly, Rouge would have been fine.” Shadow began to explain, recalling the details. “But one had wandered away from his post, and was slacking off. He spotted Rouge slipping into the base’s vault from what should have been a blind spot in the patrol routes. Long story short, the local security was a lot more numerous than our friendly bat was comfortable with.”

“Wish I was there.” Sonic said with a smile. “I’d have lent a hand. Showed those guards what happens when you mess with our friends.”

Shadow smirked. “No need; I showed them plenty. Rouge and I escaped unscathed. G.U.N. got their data, and Rouge got her precious jewel.”

“All in a day’s work?”

“Something like that.”

Before their conversation could continue, the hedgehogs were interrupted by a sudden explosion in the sky. A wave of color washed over their faces.

The fireworks show had begun.

Soleanna’s Festival of the Sun may have been its most popular and well-known attraction, but the famed ‘Aprilworks Fireshow’ was beautiful all on its own.

The way the sparks in the sky lit up the night, illuminating the snowy hilltop the two speedsters were standing on, was breathtaking. The air was filled with the pops and bangs of fireworks and firecrackers going off in tandem. The Soleanna Artwork Events team planned, organized, and executed grand demonstrations of the culture, music, and otherwise beauty of the city and its island kingdom.

Every year was a new show. Every event was a treat for the eyes or ears. A new example of the wealth of culture, the breadth of talent, and the dramatic beauty spawned by the imaginings of the city’s most creative hearts and minds.

The two hedgehogs lapsed into silence, gazing in awe and wonder at the choreographed fireworks show playing out in front of them. Shapes, symbols, and even entire words spelled out in small, fiery explosions high up in the air. Tonight, the Artwork Events team had apparently chosen to tell a common historical piece in perhaps the most dramatic of ways.

But as that story unfolded in the air above them, Sonic found himself slowly gazing more and more at the dark hedgehog beside him. The many lights illuminated Shadow’s form, the myriad of explosive colors washing over him. Silhouetting him before Sonic’s wandering, wonderstruck eyes.

Wow… Sonic thought to himself in awe. Does he even know… how beautiful he looks?

The many, wonderful times the two had spent together over the years flashed through Sonic’s mind. The joys, the experiences, the comradery. The affection and trust. The bond they shared. And he realized that… he really only wanted more of it all. And perhaps more of…

Heh. Figures I’d fall for him. The only guy who could ever really keep up with me. Sonic chuckled internally. And who knows? Maybe one day I’ll even tell him.

That night, a heart began to long for another, unaware that such longing was already reciprocated.

That night… true love was born.

Chapter Text

Despite having grown quite comfortable around Sonic, Shadow still struggled with being social around those he didn’t know quite so well. Rouge, Omega, and Sonic were people he was able to relax around. Anyone else, however, and his metaphorical walls came up quite quickly.

Even before Rouge’s teasing the previous calendar year, Shadow knew that being social was one of his weak spots. That being able to so much as carry a decent conversation with others was a difficulty he needed to overcome.

It just so happened that Shadow’s motorcycle ran into a mechanical problem the other day, along with some minor, accumulated damage to part of its plating. Shadow had the tools and knowledge to fix it himself, but as he was about to start, it occurred to him that he could kill two birds with one stone.

And so, one morning in the first week of May, Shadow found himself standing in front of the garage entrance to Tails’s workshop.

There was a large, typewritten sign just in front and to the side of the garage door, detailing the times and days that Tails’ workshop was open for business. Tails had opened up only an hour ago, today. It was still mid-morning.

Shadow recalled that Tails had started a small-time repair shop business a couple years ago. More as a hobby than anything else, though no doubt it still provided some level of revenue. Sonic had once mentioned offhandedly that the myriad of patents Tails had, along with whatever consulting work he decided to pick up, provided more than enough in the form of financial cushion for the two of them to live comfortably without a true job, so to speak.

All the better for the both of them to be always-ready if a world-ending threat shows up.

Before stepping any closer, Shadow took another moment to gaze at the surroundings, reflecting on the two characters who lived there.

Sonic and Tails lived in a house that was… unique. A hybrid of the typical design for the area, and the fox’s own myriad of additions. While the actual house section was fairly typical and unsurprising, it connected directly to Tails’s workshop, making it all technically one building. However, as Shadow knew from having been there before, the workshop was only connected to the house by a single hallway. Even the external walls between the two sections were separate. To the far side of the workshop sat a small runway, where Sonic or Tails could take off on their plane, the Tornado.

The environment around the place was almost tropical, with the more coastal areas even seeing coconut and palm trees. Grassy plains gave way to rocky mountains of considerable - though not legendary - size, as well as bona fide forests. The edge of the Mystic Jungle was only a few minutes’ walk away.

Enough gazing at nature. Shadow shook his head, refocusing his thoughts.

Shadow walked his motorcycle up to the workshop’s garage door, and then set the parking brake in place to keep it upright. Shadow left the motorcycle where it stood and walked over to the front door of the workshop.

Last chance to back out, he thought to himself. …Chance considered. I’m committed. Without any further hesitation, he reached up and knocked on the door.

A familiar, muffled voice sounded from within. “Coming!” A metallic clang followed, along with an “ow!” that sounded more inconvenienced and annoyed than hurt.

Shadow snorted in amusement. He could already picture Tails being underneath whatever his latest project might be, hearing the knock on the door, and banging his head as he scrambled to stand up.

A few moments later, the door unlocked and opened. A bright yellow fox stood in the opening, notably a bit taller than he’d been only a year ago. Bright blue eyes widened in recognition. “Heya, Shadow!” Tails greeted him cheerfully. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here!”

“Prow-” Shadow caught himself. “Tails.” He nodded, returning the greeting.

The fox smiled a little wider at Shadow using his preferred nickname. “Good to see you.” Tails said. “What brings you over to these parts?” He asked, referring to their location.

Tails’s workshop was a small ways outside the city, with the nearest building being several miles away.

“I…” Shadow began, but even though he’d practiced in his head before coming here, his words suddenly failed him for a moment. I wanted your help with my motorcycle, he wanted to say. But asking for help - indeed, admitting a flaw in general - was something the ebony hedgehog had always struggled with.

“My motorcycle.” Shadow eventually resorted to stating plainly. “It’s damaged.”

Tails blinked at the obvious struggle that Shadow had undergone to say those words, but then simply shrugged. “Okay.” He said casually, but in an upbeat manner, clearly willing to take a look and get to work.

Less than a minute later, the two stood inside the workshop’s garage, Shadow’s motorcycle in front of them. Tails knelt down next to it to get a closer look.

“Let’s see…” The fox mumbled aloud, both to Shadow and to himself. “Front plating has a hole in it. Looks like a typical steel alloy, full-plate snap-on style. Easy replacement… Gear shift is bent. Needs a new lever, and some testing to make sure the internals aren’t damaged, but shouldn’t be too bad either way… And the front wheel spoke is dented - looks like an impact against something. Something hard, at that.”

Shadow nodded to himself, noting that the fox had quickly discovered and analyzed all three issues in only a few seconds of observation.

The fox glanced behind him at the hedgehog. “Sonic’s told me enough about how much you care about your bike.” He stated. “This damage is pretty minor, all things considered. I know for a fact you have the parts and know-how to do all this yourself.”

Shadow blinked, surprised at being called out so quickly. “That’s true.” He admitted. “I could take care of these problems. Quite easily, in fact.” He wanted to elaborate, but found himself unable to speak further. Some small part of him rebelled against coming clean with the true reason for his visit.

Tails gazed at him for a silent moment, before simply shrugging as he stood and dusted his gloved hands off. “I know you’re not the explaining type.” He said.

“I… have my reasons for coming here.” Shadow eventually admitted.

Tails tilted his head in curiosity, but after a moment he simply shrugged. “Well, it doesn’t really matter, ultimately.” He states bluntly. 

Shadow raised an eyebrow. “You’re not curious?” He asked.

“Oh, I’m very curious.” Tails answered. “But in the end, If you don’t want to tell me your business, then it’s not mine to know.” He stated matter-of-factly. “I’m okay with that.”

Shadow shifted where he stood, uncomfortable with the tension he perceived as present.

Tails gestured dismissively to reassure him. “You came to me for a bike repair, you’re getting a bike repair.” He stated succinctly. “You’re a friend; I’m not exactly gonna turn you away. I’m happy to help!”

“I…” Shadow was at a loss, having not expected such a warm response. “...Thank you.” He eventually finished.

“Sure thing! Help me roll your bike in, will ya?”

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’ve never actually been on a motorcycle in my life, and I’m definitely not a mechanic. I took a physics class in high school, that’s about the extent of my ‘real’ knowledge. So… TLDR, pretty much everything motorcycle-based in this chapter is entirely made up. Please don’t crucify me lol.

Shadow watched in mild fascination as Tails worked on his motorcycle. The fox clearly knew what he was doing, and had his own collection of impressive tools and useful materials to get the job done to the genius’s high standards.

Tails had immediately gotten to work, expertly removing the armored plating from the motorcycle, took some small measurements of it, and then typed a series of commands into a nearby terminal.

A machine close by whirred to life, and Shadow realized with a start that it was a 3D printer. Clearly of Tails’s own design, the machine printed an exact replica of the steel plating Shadow’s bike had had, but now without the damage.

“I’ll melt this old one down for the raw materials.” Tails explained, holding the damaged plate. “Unless you want a keepsake, that is?”

Shadow shook his head. “No, thank you.” He replied.

Tails nodded with a smile, setting the damaged plating off to the side and pulling out another set of tools from the belt on his waist. “The gear lever you had is effective, but rudimentary, if you ask me.” He told the hedgehog. “If you’d like, I can install another one that can give you a readout of certain stats on your bike.”

Shadow raised an eyebrow, curious. “Like what?” He asked with interest.

“Whatever I program into it.” Tails responded. “Speed, gas level, mileage, even an estimation of structural integrity, if you plan to take this thing on missions.”

Shadow’s eyes widened in amazement. “That… would be extremely useful.” He admitted with barely-concealed awe. “Would the performance of the bike be impacted?” He asked.

“Not at all.” Tails answered with a grin. “I’ll scan your whole bike with my virtual designer-” Tails gestured to a nearby machine that Shadow wouldn’t even begin to guess the usage of “-and design a new lever to match the specs. A quick calibration, and your bike will run just as good as it used to. Maybe even better.”

“Sounds like you’d need to get into the guts of my bike to install the software and wiring.” Shadow thought aloud.

“Yep.” Tails nodded. “But trust me, once it’s done, you won’t regret it. And on the outside, it won’t even look any different.”

“That’s… incredible.” Shadow admitted. “You certainly know a lot more than I thought.”

“Vehicles are interesting to me.” Tails said with a shrug. “I like tinkering with them. Maintenance, repairs, those are good for getting a deep understanding. But the really fun part, to me, is seeing how I can improve them.”

“I can relate.” Shadow nodded. “Although only with motorcycles. I read up on cutting-edge technology and innovations in the motorcycle industry.”

“Motorcycles Weekly is trash.” Tails stated bluntly, though his eyes gleamed with joy as he realized he was with a kindred spirit.

Shadow snorted. “Agreed. They’re unforgivably late to reveal new tech, and their ‘tips’ section is so basic that a beginner’s course could cover their entire catalogue in a few hours.”

Tails chuckled. “Exactly.” He said with a smile. “I like to read the research papers and R&D files that the leading companies post. That’s where you get the most up-to-date stuff.”

Shadow smirked. “True, but aren’t the R&D files redacted for competitive reasons?” He asked rhetorically.

“Half the fun is guessing what they’ve blacked out.” Tails said with a grin. “I analyze it, make some guesses, and when the new stuff officially comes out, I see if I’m right.”

“And are you?” Shadow asked, though he suspected he knew the answer already.

“Most of the time.” Tails replied. “I’ve been surprised on occasion, but usually it’s stuff I’ve already thought of.”

Shadow nodded, an amused smile threatening to form on his lips. “I remember when Cheroda released their newest model last year.” He said, recalling a local Station Square company that designed and built their own products. “They had that-”

“-terrain-based tread adapter!” Tails finished excitedly. “Yes! I’ve incorporated that design into some of my own inventions!”

Shadow chuckled. “I see you’re a fan.” He remarked.

“Definitely.” Tails replied. “Although the design in Cheroda’s model is a bit basic, compared to the upgrades I’ve come up with.” He stated, clearly failing to remain humble.

Shadow raised both eyebrows. “Oh? Like what?” He asked with great interest. “A larger terrain catalogue?” He guessed, curiosity piqued.

“Larger terrain catalogue, better wheels, faster transitions, vastly improved scanner, and…” Tails performed his own drum-roll on a nearby desk. “...A ridge-based modular system that can adapt individual sections of the wheel, either independent of the rest or altogether, depending on what the terrain scanner identifies.”

Shadow could barely fathom the complexity of such an invention. “Adapting sections of the wheel, in case the terrain isn’t all one type…” He marveled to himself. “I doubt I’ll understand all of it, but I would be very interested in listening to your explanation of it.” He told the fox, failing to contain all of his enthusiasm.

Tails grinned wider than he probably had all week. He had an interested audience who could follow along on a more-than-intermediate level!

“Settle down and get comfortable, Shadow.” He told the hedgehog eagerly. “You’re about to get a deep-dive into terrain ergonomics and wheel physics.”

Sonic the Hedgehog had been lounging around in his home most of the day. Aside from his usual morning run, he’d hardly even been outside today. A lazy day now and then never killed anyone, right? He thought to himself rhetorically.

Still, he found himself feeling a bit… lonely? Yes, lonely was the right word. Sonic itched to interact with someone other than himself. So he reluctantly got up off the couch he’d been laying on, set aside the adventure book he’d been reading, and decided he would visit his brother in the fox’s workshop. Tails is always up for a casual chat while he’s tinkering.

Crossing the hallway connecting the house and the workshop, Sonic’s ears twitched reflexively as he heard the muffled noises of talking coming from the workshop on the other side of the door. Somebody’s in there with Tails. Wait, I recognize that voice!

Sonic pushed the door open - not loudly, but not really trying to be quiet, either - and stepped inside, shutting the door behind him.

“-and then the vectors just… line up!” Tails exclaimed, having apparently finished some sort of explanation. “I mean, when you do the math, once the adapter is calibrated, it really is just ‘course of least resistance.’”

“Incredible.” Shadow the hedgehog stated, almost breathlessly. “I’m following, but… I’m amazed at how simple you make it all seem.”

Clearly, neither Mobian had noticed Sonic’s entrance. Sonic opened his mouth to boisterously greet the pair, but then it occurred to him; Shadow and Tails so rarely interacted outside of ‘saving the world’ business, nevermind one-on-one.

To see the two of them so elatedly discussing… whatever they were talking about… Sonic decided he wanted to see more of it, even if he wouldn’t even try to grasp the intricacies of their mechanical techno-babble.

The blue hedgehog simply leaned back against the wall  behind him, crossing his arms and one leg as he got comfortable. 

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Shadow and Tails seemed to have a never-ending amount of information to speak about, the two bouncing back-and-forth with ideas, opinions, and suggestions almost equally, although it seemed that, for once, it was Shadow who was the learner, and Tails the mentor.

It took Sonic an entire minute of listening to realize they were even talking about motorcycles. Not that he was trying to follow the advanced nerd-speak they were using - all that stuff flew over Sonic’s head, and he was fine with that. All Sonic needed was to see that the two were bonding. Genuinely bonding.

It brought a peaceful smile to his face. His brother and one of his best friends - now his latest and greatest crush - bonding like they’d been friends for years. In a way, they had, although Sonic knew better than most that Shadow’s definition of ‘friend’ was far stricter than the common one.

In truth, even now you could count the number of people Shadow genuinely considered a friend with one hand. Rouge, Omega, and Sonic were pretty much it. While there were a great many acquaintances that Shadow would readily admit that he greatly respected, that was different to him than calling them a friend . Sonic himself had only broken into that bubble with great effort on both his part and Shadow himself.

It had all started a number of years ago, though less than a decade. Sonic, fresh from his adventure on Starfall Islands, had been doing some introspection. Evaluating various aspects of his life, the people around him, and what he really valued and cared about. He realized that the relationship at the time between him and the Ultimate Lifeform was… vague. Sonic had been uncertain where they really stood with each other, and eventually decided to track the black hedgehog down and set the record straight for both of them.

Sonic smiled with a hint of mirth as he recalled the event. Shadow, in his characteristic, blunt manner, had stated full-stop that they were not friends. But as Sonic had been about to leave dejectedly, Shadow added on that they “could be.”

They both had to put in the work, and they did. Talking out issues between them, airing out grievances and expressing doubts, confronting each other when there was hurt or confusion.

But it had well been worth it. The two grew closer than they’d ever been in a matter of months, and now, years later, Shadow was even in Sonic’s list of top five closest friends.

If Sonic had to be honest, his list would be Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Shadow. From there, it widened significantly, encompassing a sizable number of people whom Sonic was indeed very fond of. But those core four were the ones he’d trust with anything.

Sonic’s mind, ever-racing, eventually drifted to other thoughts. His newfound romantic affection for the black hedgehog before him.

Shadow was certainly quite the looker. Sonic had known that ever since they’d met; he’d admit it. Shadow looked good. Handsome, but in that ‘bad-boy’ kind of way, whilst simultaneously giving the impression of a man who was very put-together; collected, calm, and in complete control of himself. The kind of person who could be your best ally or worst enemy in the blink of an eye, depending on if you chose to side with him or against him.

Various aspects of Shadow drifted through Sonic’s thoughts.

The dark hedgehog’s muscles were subtle in their outward size, but very impressive if you got close enough to feel them. It was clear with even a light grasp that Shadow had enough strength to throw you across the room if he chose to.

Sonic would never admit that someone of such strength sent a… particular shiver down his spine, when he was in a certain mood.

Shadow’s black fur gave him a kind of natural silhouette 24/7, and the red streaks in his quills accentuated his facial features quite nicely, in Sonic’s book. His red eyes were unusual, but that only excited Sonic more. ‘Different’ had only ever meant ‘exciting’ to the blue hedgehog, and Shadow was very much an example of that.

Shadow’s overall physique was actually quite similar to Sonic’s; lithe, athletic, and slender, but with a hidden strength that could crash through concrete. If pressed, Sonic would begrudgingly admit that such a physique was exactly to his tastes.

Honestly, as far as looks, how had Sonic not fallen for Shadow a long time ago? In terms of physical preferences, Shadow was a walking embodiment of pretty much everything Sonic liked.

Sonic’s thoughts drifted away from physicality after that, and he thought of Shadow as a person.

Shadow the Hedgehog was… blunt. But honest, and that was a quality Sonic admired and appreciated. Shadow did not mince words when something needed to be said, and he made sure the correct message got across. The latter part had been something the two had worked on over the years since they’d truly become friends.

Shadow was loyal. Extremely so. To his morals, yes. To his friends, absolutely. But most importantly, to his word. When Shadow made a promise, he would keep it, come hell or high water. This had gotten him into trouble before - in fact, their very first encounter with each other had them face off as enemies because he had given his word - but it was typically more endearing nowadays than anything else. It spoke of him as a person, his character. In short, Shadow was reliable.

Shadow put up a front, a facade, of being aloof. Uncaring, to the point of being antisocial at times, even. But the truth was that, deep down, he actually cared too much for him to really handle. Not necessarily about specific people - other than those closest to him - but rather about the world. The state of the world, the people, the cultures, the nations, all of it.

He cared too much about protecting the world to bother being particularly kind about it.

But he was not cruel, either. In fact, he would stand against cruelty whenever he saw it. Sonic had seen this firsthand on several occasions.

Cruel managers had been verbally put in their place. Corrupt officials found themselves behind bars as soon as Shadow caught a whiff of the suffering they’d caused. Even G.U.N. personnel, even those who outranked Shadow, were not immune to his efforts to eradicate cruelty in the world.

On a smaller scale, Shadow really was kind, in his own way. He just didn’t know how to show it. The traditional methods were often uncomfortable for him, or confusing. He didn’t know how to verbally express affection, so he showed it in his actions. Listening when his friends spoke, remembering details that most would forget. Acting to their benefit, even when they didn’t know. Gifts quietly left at their doorsteps or mailed to them.

And the many, many little things.

When Sonic and Shadow had read books together, and Sonic had unknowingly dropped his bookmark, Shadow had wordlessly picked it up and placed it within Sonic’s reach without the blue hedgehog ever even noticing. He didn’t know until several days later, when Shadow had offhandedly mentioned it.

When Rouge lost a case of lipstick, Shadow took it upon himself to go out and buy a replacement, leaving it on the counter of their shared domicile with only a simple “here you go” note. Shadow didn’t even indicate it was from him, although Rouge deduced it right away (“Omega wouldn’t know lipstick brands if they smacked him in the face”).

When G.U.N. engineers had been training a junior apprentice, and hadn’t noticed when some parts of a routine maintenance operation had thus been performed incorrectly, Shadow used his own mechanic tools to re-perform the entire maintenance operation by himself. To this day, Omega adamantly stated that Shadow had done a better job of it than G.U.N.’s entire team had ever done.

All of this, without being asked, and often without any expressed desire for even mere recognition. Simply because he cared.

Sonic eventually realized he’d been lost in thought, staring at Shadow and Tails as the two droned on about motorcycle intricacies, for nearly twenty minutes by now.

The blue hedgehog shook his head to clear the metaphorical cobwebs, stepping away from the wall he’d been leaning on and beginning to walk over to the pair.

“Heya, troublemakers!” He greeted them cheerfully. Shadow, having been facing directly away from him, spun around on reflex. Sonic snickered. “Did a ghost tap you on the shoulder, Shads?” He asked cheekily.

Shadow’s cheeks burned. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about, Faker.” He retorted lamely.

Sonic only grinned a little wider. “Sure thing, big guy.” He turned to his brother. “How’s it going, bud?” He asked. “Having a good time with mister clueless?”

Sonic could feel the ebony hedgehog’s glare burn a hole in the back of his head, which of course only encouraged him more.

“Oh, Shadow’s great!” Tails exclaimed excitedly. “We were just talking about ways to improve motorcycles, and he even gave me a few ideas I could try out on his bike-”

“Anything experimental on my bike, and you’ll pay for it in blood, fox.” Shadow interrupted. Although he’d tried to say it in a threatening tone, the prior conversation between them still had a grip on him emotionally, and the words instead came out lighthearted and almost comedic.

Tails and Sonic both chuckled, knowing such a threat was all bluff.

“Don’t worry, Shadow.” Tails reassured him. “I won’t do anything you don’t green-light first.”

Shadow nodded, satisfied. “So, what brings you here, Sonic?” He asked.

“Just wanted to see my best bud.” Sonic said honestly. “Didn’t realize my best friend was also here, but that’s just a plus!”

Tails grinned. “Happy to have you around, Sonic!” He exclaimed cheerfully.

The two shared a brief, one-armed hug.

Tails glanced back at Shadow, a smile still on the fox’s face, and then suddenly gasped in shock. “Your bike!” He exclaimed. “I got distracted while talking! I didn’t finish the repairs!”

Shadow put up a hand as if to say ‘slow down’ to the fox. “All is fine.” He reassured Tails. “I have nowhere else to be, truthfully. This has been… enjoyable.” He admitted.

Sonic glanced at the clock. “Hey, you know…” He began thoughtfully. “It’s almost dinnertime. Might as well stick around, Shadow.” He offered happily. “I’m making a Sonic special recipe, lasagna-style.”

Shadow smirked cheekily. “Anything you cooked is either a chilli dog or poison, Sonic.” He deadpanned jokingly.

Sonic laughed heartily. “That’s what you think!” He exclaimed. “But I’ve been taking lessons; I’m a lot better than I was last year!”

“You nearly burned down your kitchen making pizza.” Shadow retorted. The story had been recounted to him after-the-fact by Sonic himself a few days afterward.

“A LOT better!” Sonic repeated. The amused grin did not leave his face, however. Jest, teasing, and otherwise banter between the two was virtually their primary form of communication.

“I guess I’ll have to be the judge of that.” Shadow replied with a shrug. “That is, if Tails or I survive the night.”

Tails chuckled. “I can vouch for Sonic’s cooking, actually.” He told Shadow. “And the lasagna is an old recipe he found on Christmas Island a few months ago; it’s really good. Better than anything I’ve had from a restaurant in the city.”

Shadow rubbed his chin, as if deep in thought. “Well… I suppose I’ll give it a try, then.” He nodded. “I’m in.”

“Awesome!” Sonic cheered, throwing his arms in the air as if to celebrate. He clapped his hands together in front of him. “This is gonna be life-changing!”

“‘Life-changing?’” Shadow snorted, though there was a visible smile on his lips. “This had better be the lasagna of the century.”

“Hey, you already said you’re in.” Sonic teased. “You’re stuck with us now, Shads!”

I wouldn’t want it any other way, Shadow thought to himself.

Shadow had been over to Sonic’s house a few times over the years, but not often, and rarely for longer than an hour. Still, it had been enough for him to have a basic familiarity with the ground-floor layout. The front door opened to the Living Room, containing a couple of couches and a coffee table, all sitting in front of a large, flatscreen TV. A few, older gaming consoles sat beside the TV monitor, inactive but still plugged in.

At the far end of the Living Room, behind the couches, was the stairs leading up to the bedrooms of the house. Shadow recalled Sonic mentioning that he has a guest bedroom for when friends want to stay the night. There was also a decent bathroom, kept well-stocked with commonplace medicines and a hefty amount of medical supplies; you never knew when you might get hurt while fighting to save the world.

Shadow had been upstairs only once, and he’d only seen the inside of the bathroom. Though he knew where Sonic and Tails’s bedrooms were, he had never glimpsed even a peek at the contents of either.

Taking a left from the front door would take you to what would normally have been the Family Room of the house, but according to Sonic has long since been converted into essentially a “cozy storage room.” Shadow had never been inside properly, but occasional glimpses confirmed Sonic’s words. Bookcases, cabinets, and even industrial shelving units sat inside the room, stuffed full with various trinkets, tools, utilities, and other miscellaneous objects.

The last room in the house was, of course, the kitchen, which doubled as the Dining Room. A medium-sized dining table sat directly in the center of the room, big enough to seat six people comfortably, or eight if you wanted to use the ends as additional placements. Currently, only four chairs were present, pushed in so as not to block any walking space.

Shadow idly wondered if Sonic had additional chairs somewhere, and concluded that he most likely did; the hedgehog had been known to host small gatherings with all of his closer friends. Shadow himself had only participated in one - though not for lack of invitations to others - and recalled that that party had seen seven people present at its largest. Food had been planned, and was cooking, but the ebony hedgehog had been called away for an emergency G.U.N. mission before any had been served.

Like usual, he had mostly been a wallflower of sorts - being social was not his strong suit. Shadow typically preferred observation over interaction, and only shared brief conversations with the people who deliberately approached him, otherwise remaining silent and separate from everyone.

The black hedgehog noted to himself that that was also something he wanted to work on; being social with others, especially during what is specifically intended to be a social gathering.

The clinking of metal tore the ultimate lifeform out of his thoughts, Shadow refocusing in an instant on the source of the noise.

Sonic was setting out some plates and silverware for the three of them; Sonic and Shadow, of course, but also Tails, who had reassured them he would join them for dinner in a few moments; he just had to ‘wrap things up’ in the workshop.

By now it was getting into the evening, and the Sun would begin to set soon. The lasagna that Sonic had promised sent a smell wafting throughout the kitchen, delicious and hinting at various spices and tastes that made Shadow’s mouth water slightly at the mere thought of.

Perhaps this will be a good meal, after all , he thought to himself with an unseen smile. I suppose I ‘win’ either way; either it’s bad and I get to tease Sonic, or it’s good and I can enjoy a delightful meal. He silenced a chuckle at the thought before it could surface. His stoicism was both a natural part of him and a practiced appearance, one he prided himself on as much as Sonic prided his adaptability.

Sonic set the now-filled bowls of lasagna down on the dining table carefully, making sure that the hot contents couldn’t spill. Sure, it wasn’t something liquid like soup, but it’s the thought that counts, right?

The blue hedgehog walked over to his own seat and began to sit down, forcing himself not to chew his own lip in his nervousness.

As soon as he and Shadow had entered the kitchen, it had occurred to him that he was officially making food for Shadow. Shadow, the one who his heart had recently decided to desire very much .

And thus, his nerves decided to absolutely lose any sense of control. Sonic had told himself in his head a dozen times already that he’d made this dish several times in the past, and it had always been incredible, so why was he so nervous now!?

The answer was obvious, of course. Shadow.

In short, Sonic didn’t want to disappoint him. Shadow’s opinion had always mattered to the blue hedgehog, even more so since they’d grown close. And even more so after that night in Soleanna where he’d fallen in love.

Still. Recognizing something consciously doesn’t always help with being nervous. The unconscious part of the mind was… finicky, like that.

So Sonic found himself almost incapable of taking a bite until he saw Shadow’s reaction. Fork hovering just in front of his lips, Sonic watched with bated breath as Shadow’s first bite disappeared into the hedgehog’s mouth.

Shadow chewed thoughtfully, looking down at his bowl in what Sonic dared to hope was not displeasure, before swallowing and glancing up at the blue hedgehog.

“I’ll admit it.” Shadow began positively. “I was wrong.”

Sonic blinked. “...About what?” He asked.

“Your cooking.” Shadow answered, a small smile gracing his lips. “This is very good.”

Sonic’s face lit up like he’d been given the best news in the world. “You like it!?” He exclaimed cheerfully.

“Indeed.” Shadow nodded. That grin is more than a little cute on him, the black hedgehog thought. “The unique blend of spices and herbs is quite interesting, and compliments the lasagna better than anything I’ve ever had from a restaurant.”

Most places had some combination of garlic, butter, and often some grated parmesan cheese. Sonic’s recipe had all of that, but also other herbs and spices that produced a complex taste, one that took the taste buds on an adventure comparable to something a wine connoisseur would experience with an aged vintage.

When it comes to food, simple is good. Good complex is incredible. And the recipe Sonic had found was clearly top-tier.

The cobalt hedgehog across the table from Shadow was practically vibrating with excitement, so great was his joy at Shadow enjoying the home-cooked dish.

“‘Course he likes it!” Tails exclaimed, sitting in his own spot beside Sonic. “The recipe is amazing, and you’ve gotten pretty good at cooking!” He reassured his brother.

“You’re just saying that because the kitchen is still standing.” Shadow teased, a smirk on his face. The dark hedgehog’s eyes stayed focused on Sonic’s, goading the cobalt speedster into reacting.

“I’ll have you know that we’ve only had to put out one kitchen fire this week!” Sonic retorted, a joking grin spreading across his lips.

“Perhaps there’s hope for you yet.” Shadow replied sarcastically.

“Only with lasagna.” Tails added on, joining in on the ‘tease Sonic’ game.

“Whoa! Both of you?” Sonic exclaimed, though the grin on his face gave away that he was enjoying himself. “How can a man be expected to overcome such a terrible betrayal?” He proclaimed dramatically, clutching his chest as if to grab his very heart.

“Oh no, we’re killing him.” Tails remarked, his voice devoid of any concern. “Well, Shadow, I guess the house is ours, now.” He stated, turning to the darker hedgehog.

“Dibs on the bedroom.” Shadow said immediately.

“Ooh, then the TV’s mine.” The fox replied, nodding as if making a business deal.

“Man, right in front of me as I’m dying here?” Sonic exclaimed, struggling to keep from laughing. “You guys have such kind hearts.”

“Get wrecked, Faker.” Shadow shot back, unable to prevent a genuine smirk from forming on his face.

“Oh!” Sonic gasped, grasping at his chest with both hands now, and arching his back as if in his death throes. “The final straw!” He exclaimed dramatically. “I am dead. Woe be upon me and my corpse!”

The blue hedgehog placed the back of one hand on his forehead, as if shading his eyes from a bright light, before fake-collapsing into a ‘lifeless’ heap on the floor beside his chair. The tip of his tongue flopped out of his mouth and onto his cheek, reminiscent of a comedic death pose that one might see in a comic book.

Shadow glanced over at Tails and raised an eyebrow conspiratorially. The fox grinned mischievously in response, and without a word, they began to move.

“AGH! NO, NOT THE TICKLES!!!” Sonic shouted at the top of his lungs as he was suddenly ambushed by the conniving pair.

“Shush. You’re dead.” Shadow mock-scolded him.

“Remind me never to leave you two alone in a room again.” Sonic remarked, though there was a cheerful grin firmly planted onto his face.

“Truly, your resulting destruction would be absolute.” Shadow replied jokingly.

An hour had passed since dinner, and the three Mobians had spent the entire time socializing. Sonic, Shadow, and Tails all traded jokes, banter, and casual chit-chat alike the entire time, each thoroughly enjoying themselves.

It warmed Sonic’s heart to see Shadow get along so well with his little brother. And Shadow was pleased that he hit it off quickly with Tails.

Indeed, very quickly. The level of social interaction - both the quantity and the casualness of it all - was something that had taken Sonic more than a year to reach for Shadow. Now, here they were, a single day, and Shadow could legitimately see himself returning to spend time with the fox, just casually socializing… or ‘hanging out,’ as Sonic often put it.

The fox reminded Shadow very much of Sonic himself, in a way. While the younger man was definitely his own person, there were clear signs of Sonic having raised the twin-tailed genius. His love for nature, for others, for life in general. The kindness, generosity, courage, and overall care for others with which Tails conducted himself. And the sense of humor…

Well, ‘two peas in a pod’ just about summed it up, in that area.

Tails had grown from an eight-year-old child to an 18-year-old man, and carried himself with an integrity that few could truly match in life.

Sonic must be so proud - and he should be, Shadow thought to himself. Against all odds, he raised Tails tremendously well. Even compared to full, traditional families. The lack of a true mother figure - not to mention the fact that Sonic himself had still been growing up at first - clearly hadn’t hampered either of them in the slightest.

Shadow almost felt proud just for knowing them. How far they’d come, and against such odds. And yet they had triumphed. More than that, they had thrived. In a way, Sonic and Tails were still thriving. They lived a life they enjoyed, and the two were clearly happy.

…Oh, how Shadow wished he could be a larger part of that. To be more involved with them. If only he could pour his heart out to Sonic. Truly confess his feelings for the blue hedgehog.

…If only Sonic could reciprocate.

Shadow had long ago determined that Sonic was not the kind of person who got involved in a romantic relationship. The cobalt speedster simply never showed any interest whatsoever in anyone. Indeed, even the topic seemed boring to him.

And so Shadow would never ask. After all, if he knew Sonic couldn’t reciprocate, why make things awkward?

Before that train of thought could go any further, Shadow was wrenched out of his thoughts by a familiar laugh, one that tugged at his heartstrings.

Sonic, looking directly at him, had suddenly started chuckling, remembering something.

“Wait-Wait a second…” Sonic began between bouts of laughing. “You and Tails were dividing up my stuff, and… you chose my bedroom?” He recalled with a grin.

Shadow’s eyes widened, and he tried to fight off his embarrassment. “I-I just… figured that your… mementos would be… interesting.” He managed to stammer out. It was the first thing he could think of.

“Y’know, you don’t need to use an elaborate murder-inheritance scheme to get into my bed.” Sonic quipped nonchalantly. “Could’ve just asked.”

“Ex-EXCUSE ME!?” Shadow exclaimed, taken aback and suddenly very red-faced at the innuendo.

Sonic cackled at the deer-in-headlights expression on Shadow’s face. “Oh, man!” He wheezed. “Oh, wow!”

“Sh-Shut up, hedgehog!” Shadow lamely growled - or rather, attempted to growl. It came out more like a whine. “You’re such a nuisance!”

Sonic could barely regain control of himself, the comedy of the scene was too much for him. “Man, if I knew dirty jokes could get that good a reaction out of you, I would’ve been doing them long ago!” He exclaimed breathlessly.

“You’re an incorrigible jerk.” Shadow shot back, but there was no venom in his voice. Indeed, even the subsequent elbow to Sonic’s side was far more playful than rough.

“Yeah, and you love me for it!” Sonic replied with a cheeky grin.

If only you knew… “I’m going to separate your head from your neck.” Shadow threatened, trying and miserably failing to sound menacing.

“Aw, but then you’d miss out on all my jokes!” Sonic shot back smoothly.

“Blissful silence, at last.” Shadow retorted, unable to fight off a smirk from appearing on his lips.

“You’d miss me one day.” Sonic told him, grinning playfully.

“Only when the rest of your friends drive me out of the whole country with their incessant nagging for what I did with your body.” Shadow quipped.

“Doing stuff with my body, eh?” Sonic noted, and Shadow realized his choice of words was… poor. “What kind of stuff do you want to do with my body, Shads?~” He asked luridly.

Many things…

Shadow hoped his cheeks weren’t as beet-red as they felt. “I-You-None of-” He stammered, caught off-guard by the conversation’s sensual shift. “...Shut your mouth, pest!” He lamely growled.

Another laughing fit on the blue blur’s part followed.

“I enjoyed today.” Shadow stated simply to Sonic.

The blue hedgehog beamed. “Happy to hear it!”

“I had thought that getting along with your brother might have been difficult for me, but it was… far easier than I would have ever guessed.” Shadow remarked. “I didn’t realize that we had such shared interests. And even his personality did not seem to clash with mine.”

Sonic nodded in agreement. “I noticed you two getting along really well, back in the workshop.” He stated. “I was basically over the Moon about it.” He admitted.

Shadow allowed himself to smile softly. “I am pleased, as well.” He told the blue hedgehog. “Repairing my motorcycle was, admittedly, a secondary objective.” He revealed. “The true purpose of my visit was to see if I could interact with Tails; someone I have not grown close to.”

Sonic’s eyes lit up in realization. “Your new experience of the day, right?” He asked excitedly.

The black hedgehog nodded, his smile widening ever-so-slightly. “That’s right.” He confirmed. “It’s… a small step, admittedly, but… well, to borrow a common phrase, ‘progress is progress.’”

“Nail on the head, Shads.” Sonic grinned widely. “And hey, it was nice. Having you over for dinner.”

Shadow nodded in agreement. “It was a good experience.” He replied. “You’ve raised your brother well.” He complimented Sonic.

“I… Thanks, Shadow.” Sonic said softly, earnestly. The entire subject of his raising Tails was extremely important to him, and receiving a genuine compliment on the matter made the cobalt hero’s heart soar. Nevermind even that it was from Shadow.

Shadow nodded, gently placing a friendly hand on Sonic’s shoulder and looking him in the eyes. “Tails has grown to be a truly remarkable individual.” He stated sincerely. “You should be proud.” He told Sonic wholeheartedly. “I almost feel proud just for knowing him.”

Sonic fought to keep tears of joy from welling up in his eyes at the sincere praise. “Shadow, that… I… Thank you.” He eventually managed, ending in a whisper that threatened to choke out into joyful sniffles.

Knowing that Sonic was not a fan of letting strong emotions overtake him, Shadow decided to redirect the blue hedgehog’s focus quickly, rather than let the moment sit. “I’m still going to leave you in the dust the next time we race.” The dark hedgehog stated, gently elbowing his blue counterpart playfully.

Simple as it was, the trick worked.

“You- Oh, you’re gonna eat those words, tough guy!” Sonic retorted, the banter almost reflexive to him.

“Mm. Am I?” Shadow asked rhetorically, smirking. “You’ll just have to prove it to me, this weekend.”

“Anytime, anyplace. You’re on.”

Shadow nodded, and turned to leave. Just as he was about to open the door, however, Sonic spoke again.

“Hey, Shads?”

The ebony hedgehog turned to face his rival, hand still on the doorknob.

“...Thanks.” Sonic told him softly. “Seriously. For… well, everything.”

Shadow nodded silently, a small smile forming once again on his lips. For you… anything.

“You know…” Sonic began, the metaphorical gears turning in his head. “If you wanted to, we could… I don’t know, make this a regular thing?” He suggested hopefully.

Shadow gave the idea a moment’s thought, and realized that was all it needed. “That would be good.” He responded. “A more relaxed environment than we normally have.” The darker hedgehog remarked, thinking aloud. “The change of pace was… nice. I could be persuaded to do this again.” I would do it in a heartbeat, would be his more honest answer.

Sonic could almost explode with excitement and happiness at the prospect. “A-Awesome!” He exclaimed, pointedly ignoring his cheeks starting to turn a little red. “I’ll text you later, after I discuss it with Tails?” He suggested.

Shadow nodded with a soft smile. “I’ll be around.” He reassured the speedster. “Good night, Sonic.”

“G’night, Shadow!” Sonic waved goodbye, a truly enormous grin on his face. The blue hedgehog fidgeted in place for a moment, clearly wanting to do something, but hesitating about it.

Shadow observed this, and merely raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

“...Permission to hug?”

Shadow let out a soft chuckle. “Granted.” He said quietly, a sincere smile on his face.

In the blink of an eye, the black hedgehog was enveloped by peach-colored arms, Sonic burying his face into Shadow’s shoulder.

Shadow chuckled again, before giving in to the moment. He wrapped his own arms around Sonic, closed his eyes, and let himself enjoy the moment. Enjoy the warmth of Sonic’s body against his.

And for a moment, Shadow was happy. For a moment, all was right with the world.

For a moment, he was with the one he loved.

Chapter Text

“You look fine, big guy.” Rouge stated plainly, trying her best to reassure Shadow. “Blue won’t have any complaints, I promise you.”

Shadow had spent the last twenty minutes fussing over every little piece of his appearance, nervously questioning even the tiniest imperfection. A single quill out of place was unacceptable, it seemed.

The black hedgehog fidgeted, but consciously, he knew Rouge was right. The last five minutes he’d accomplished exactly nothing in altering his appearance, simply staring at every inch of himself in the mirror and constantly asking himself if there was anything he could do to improve.

I can’t find anything wrong, Shadow eventually admitted to himself. And plus… Well, it’s not like Sonic’s ever particularly cared about appearances. Imperfections have never truly bothered him.

The ultimate lifeform reluctantly acquiesced, stepping away from the mirror and leaving the bathroom.

Rouge looked at him with a comforting smile. “You look great, Shadow.” She told him confidently. “Trust me, Sonic’s jaw is gonna hit the floor.” She grinned. “So let’s go knock some socks off. And maybe more.~”

“I-I’m not trying to seduce him, Rouge!” Shadow retorted, although weakly. “I just… I want to look good for him.” He tried to explain.

“I get it, big guy.” Rouge said reassuringly. “Really, I do! This old bat’s got some experience in the area of love, if you can believe it.”

It was true; Shadow had been almost uncomfortably privy to the bat’s love life in the years since they’d met. The details she was willing to share - in fact, often shared with him whether he wanted to hear them or not - were sometimes… baffling, in their intimacy.

Fortunately, she stopped short of describing events that went on behind closed doors. A small mercy for Shadow’s ears.

Shadow knew that Rouge was simply teasing him a little, and he chose to move on. The two grabbed their packages and swiftly left their shared house.

It was a warm - but thankfully not too hot - June evening, and a very special day.

Sonic’s birthday party awaited them.

Tails had just finished his mental checklist of tasks when he heard yet another knock at the door. “I’ll get it!” He called out, knowing that otherwise Amy would rush over from her spot in the kitchen to grab it.

The twin-tailed fox calmly jogged over to the door and opened it up, a cheerful smile already adorning his face as he made to greet the newest guests.

“Shadow, Rouge!” Tails exclaimed. “It’s great to see you guys!”

“Likewise, Tails.” Rouge replied smoothly, a warm smile on her face. “Glad to see the place hasn’t burned down yet, from all the excitement.”

Tails chuckled. “The night’s still young.” He joked.

The fox stepped aside to let the two in, exchanging friendly nods of greeting with Shadow.

Tails and Shadow had grown much closer since that day almost two months ago. The black hedgehog had accepted many of his and Sonic’s invitations to come over for an evening, and in only two months had already spent a dozen late nights with the pair. Bonding, socializing, and just enjoying spending time together. Shadow had even spent the night over a couple of times, using the guest bedroom. Both times, the two brothers had awoken to the smell of cooked eggs and fresh pancakes.

Tails knew, of course, how the two hedgehogs felt about each other, although neither was aware that he knew. And he intended to keep it that way; it wasn’t his place to interfere, and the fox was wise enough to know that rushing a romance typically only spelled disaster in the long run.

When they were ready, his brother and Shadow would get together. Until then, Tails would support them in spirit, content to simply enjoy the newfound comradery with Shadow that was still growing strongly.

After shutting the door behind the two guests, Tails walked over to the nearby kitchen, where Amy was finishing up preparations on a couple of the party’s later dishes. “How’s it going, Amy?” He asked her.

“Just about done, Tails!” The pink hedgehog responded cheerfully. “Pizza is in the oven, drinks are already on the party table, and the salads just need a bit of parmesan sprinkling.” She reported succinctly. “The chili dogs are in the warming cabinet, so they’re kept fresh for our VIP.” She said with an amused smile.

Tails chuckled. “Don’t let Sonic hear you call him that, or he won’t shut up about it for the rest of the week.” He joked.

Amy laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he doesn’t hear a word.”

The fox glanced back into the living room, where the present guests - besides Amy herself - were chatting away, passing the time until everything was done and the party officially started.

Tails was pleased - though mildly surprised - to see that even Shadow was socializing with everyone, though he definitely seemed slightly self-conscious. Still, he seemed to be enjoying himself, as was everyone around him.

A few minutes passed, and preparations were nearly complete; food was essentially done entirely, and the planned games were almost finished being set up ahead of time.

Shadow inquired with Tails where Sonic was.

“Oh yeah, I’ve banished him to the upper floor for now.” Tails said with an amused grin. “I didn’t want him getting a peak at anything ahead of time, so he’s not allowed down here yet.”

“Doubtless he’s losing his mind with impatience.” Shadow smirked.

Tails laughed knowingly. “If you want to go up there and keep him company, you’re more than welcome to.” The fox said, resisting the urge to wink.

Shadow nodded thoughtfully. “I believe I shall, thank you.” He replied, taking one last sip of his lemonade before throwing the disposable cup away and heading upstairs.

At this point, Shadow had the room layout of the entire house memorized; the upstairs bathroom first on the right, Sonic’s bedroom first on the left. Followed by Tails’s bedroom on the same side, and the guest bedroom opposite. The far end of the short hallway led to a small library - Sonic had stated that the room had initially been a study or office of some kind, but neither of the brothers had much use for that, so they’d converted the room into a tiny library.

Sonic fidgeted, putting back down one of his many mementos for the fifteenth time. Memories from past adventures. Tokens, trinkets, and bobbles from all over the world marked the journeys he’d been on. The places he’d seen, people he’d met, and adventures he’d experienced.

Tails had ‘banished’ him to the upstairs floor only an hour ago, but it had felt like an entire day had gone by at this point. Sonic had never been good at waiting.

Unexpectedly, the door to Sonic’s room gently cracked open, and a familiar, dark-furred head poked inside. “Boo.” Shadow deadpanned jokingly.

“Shadow!” Sonic exclaimed, leaping up from his bed where he’d been sitting and practically teleporting to the door to let the black hedgehog in.

The two embraced in a quick hug. An occurrence that, while not regular, had become increasingly common between them. Sonic had always been big on physical affection for those he was fond of, but in the past he’d respected Shadow’s being touch-averse. Recently, however, Shadow had confided that he enjoyed the rare hugs between them, and gave Sonic permission to do so when in private.

The two separated after only a moment, but the large grin on Sonic’s face remained, shining brightly even in the bedroom, lit only by a single lamp beside the bedpost.

“Great to see you!” Sonic exclaimed joyfully. “Thank you so much for coming!”

“Of course.” Shadow replied easily. “I wouldn’t miss it.” He stated. “You’re… important. To me.” The dark hedgehog admitted, ignoring the slight blush creeping onto his cheeks at the… more accurate statements swirling through his head.

Sonic’s heart leapt inside his chest, threatening to burst out of him simply at the admission of fondness from the one he now loved. “Right back at ya, my guy.” He said smoothly, hoping a slight blush of his own wasn’t visible. “You, uh… Wow.” The blue hedgehog began, giving Shadow a quick visual once-over. “You look good.” He complimented his counterpart. “Really good!”

Shadow blushed deeper, and this time it was clearly visible. “I… Thank you.” He replied hesitantly. The dark hedgehog had never been good at dealing with compliments. “You… You as well…” He added on awkwardly.

Sonic chuckled. “Thanks, Shads.” He said sincerely. “So! How’ve you been?”

The two quickly settled into a comfortable, relaxed conversation. Discussing recent events since they’d last seen each other, plans for the near future, and developments in the TV shows and movies that they watched.

Before either of them knew it, several minutes had passed. In the middle of an animated discussion about a new video game they were both excited for, the hedgehogs were interrupted by a voice calling from down the stairs.

“Sonic! Shadow!” Tails called out. “We’re all set! You can come on down now!”

As the two immediately got up to leave, though, a cheeky grin crept onto Sonic’s face. “Yeah, I can sure come down on something, alright.~” He quipped, pointedly elbowing Shadow gently.

Shadow immediately blushed a deep red at the… less than innocent thoughts that his love’s statement produced. “You-I- You know what?” He stammered out lamely. “Shut up.” He (gently) elbowed Sonic back playfully.

Sonic just laughed heartily, casually walking out the door like nothing had happened.

This hedgehog is going to kill me one day, I swear… Shadow thought to himself with an unseen grin. And I’m probably going to ask him to.

The party had been in full swing for a little over half an hour, and Shadow had to admit, he was enjoying himself surprisingly well. Casual conversations with others, listening to others’ recounting of recent adventures or funny memories, and some discussions of small, future plans.

Everyone had eaten their fill of delicious food, prepared mostly by Amy Rose herself, although Tails had also bought potato chips, fruits, and vegetables. Sonic, of course, had been utterly delighted by the specially-made chili dogs, and the sheer joy on his face when they were brought out was so infectious that it nearly caused Shadow himself to smile.

Needless to say, all of the chili dogs had been devoured within a minute, although Sonic had been generous enough to let those who wanted a bite to each have a chili dog to themselves. There were more than enough to go around.

Amy had announced when the food was first brought out that desserts - cake, ice cream, and cookies - would be served after all of the party games, although if anyone had to leave early, they could take home a piece for themselves to eat later.

When everyone had clearly finished eating, the tables were cleared of plates, and then the tables themselves were removed. Knuckles and an armadillo that Shadow hadn’t met before lugged the tables to the storage room they’d come out of, quickly returning and reorganizing the chairs left behind, shifting them all into a large circle.

At that point, Tails announced that the first game would be Musical Chairs (“Sonic, Shadow, no super-speed!”).

Shadow fidgeted, hesitating on whether to join the game. He’d planned to when he had first arrived, but now…

In previous years, Shadow had never participated in any of the party games. Always electing to stand in a quiet corner. Observing, but not participating. Shadow made it a point to go to these social events, even though he found them awkward, but these silly little games had always seemed a little too childish for him to be willing to join in the fun.

Shadow shifted in place, resisting the urge to bite his lip as he thought. I wanted to dive in when I walked in the door, but now… Shadow started to turn uncertainly for the barest corner. I’m really not sure if-

“C’mon, Shadow! Over here!” Sonic’s voice cut through the black hedgehog’s internal thoughts.

Shadow glanced back. Sonic was sitting in one of the game chairs, eagerly patting an empty one beside him.

The dark hedgehog glanced back to the corner he’d been about to go in, and then back again at Sonic. The blue hedgehog’s ears started to drop a little, realizing Shadow had been about to isolate himself again.

Shadow did not want to see Sonic sad. His decision made, Shadow immediately walked over to the chair Sonic had been indicating, the blue hedgehog’s ears perking back up right away. Sonic’s smile widened with every step Shadow took closer.

Shadow settled into the seat, feeling very self-conscious about what was about to happen. He knew how Musical Chairs was played, but he’d never participated in it himself. This all seems a little… immature, he thought to himself, feeling quite awkward.

A small tap on his elbow caused Shadow to glance at Sonic, who was gazing at him in understanding.

“Don’t worry.” Sonic reassured him. “Nobody’s gonna care what it all looks like. We’re all ridiculous.” He finished with a wink and a grin.

That… actually helped. Shadow felt a little better, although still definitely a bit self-conscious.

Before Shadow knew it, the game had begun.

Music would begin playing, cycled between several songs, all of which caused Sonic to head bop to the rhythm (“Aw, yeah! I love this one!”). Everyone in the game would stand up and begin walking in circles around the chairs, of which one is removed every time the players stood up. When the music stopped, everyone would scramble for a chair. When there were no more chairs, and only a single person was left standing, that person was ‘out’ of the game.

Shadow refused to admit it, but the brief moments of low-stake ‘panic’ when the music stopped were… amusing. And, in a way, exciting. Jovial laughs were had whenever someone was out, smiles on every face. Everyone was just having a good time playing a silly little game, and no one cared about how childish it all was.

Nobody was judging him for playing it. Indeed, most didn’t even spare him a second glance, and first glances were merely smiles and greeting nods - Shadow would return the nods.

When it got down to the last three, it was Shadow, Sonic, and Tails. Then it was just Shadow and Sonic.

In the final round, Shadow reached the chair first, but Sonic didn’t seem to have even looked, just diving rear-first for the chair and ended up landing directly on Shadow’s lap.

Shadow’s cheeks burned bright-red. “Get-Get off of me, hedgehog!” He stammered out, embarrassed.

Sonic, his face equally red, hopped up immediately with a self-conscious, nervous smile. “S-Sorry, Shads!” He exclaimed, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

Shadow refused to admit that the brief, warm contact was actually quite nice - although the full weight of Sonic landing atop him wasn’t exactly comfortable. Shoving that intimate thought deep, deep down, Shadow mumbled back a dismissal, letting Sonic know that his apology was accepted and no feelings were hurt.

Musical Chairs went on for two more matches. Near the tail-end, Espio, out of seemingly nowhere, turned and gave Rouge a pointed glare.

The bat looked at him innocently for a moment, before the chameleon wordlessly held his hand out for something.

Rouge gave a simple shrug of ‘well, I tried,’ reaching behind her and pulling out a keychain, placing it into Espio’s hand with a playful smile.

“I’m a ninja.” Espio said to her. “I know when someone’s trying to mask another action.”

“Can’t blame a girl for trying.” Rouge replied in her characteristic, flirtatious tone.

“Points for skill, however.” Espio added as a compliment. “Had I been less focused, I would not have noticed at all.”

Shadow rolled his eyes, knowing what had just happened. Rouge liked to ‘keep her skills sharp,’ and would playfully pickpocket items from her friends - she would also try to return said items unnoticed, but was never embarrassed or ashamed if it was discovered.

The next game was Twister. Great, Shadow thought sarcastically. Well, at least it trains flexibility, he reasoned, trying to find a practical justification for the game so as not to feel so self-conscious.

Sonic tried to reassure him again, stating that “being silly is part of the fun!”

It didn’t help much, but it was at least another train of thought to consider as a distraction.

The final three contestants ended up being Sonic, Shadow, and Rouge, all of whom were extremely flexible and athletic. As was almost a guaranteed trope for Twister, Sonic and Shadow ended up with their bodies pressed closely together, both blushing furiously but refusing to back down, their competitive natures coming to the forefront.

This ironically ended up costing both of them the victory, when they finally got too much in each other’s way and caused them both to collapse to the floor in a chaotic heap of tangled limbs and struggling muscles.

Shadow refused to let himself think about the fact that he’d ended up accidentally touching parts of Sonic’s body that he only dreamed of touching more intimately. And vice versa.

After a few minutes of socializing and relaxing to cool down from Twister, it was time for the next game.

Tails announced that it would be Truth or Dare. “Nothing too crazy!” He warned. “Let’s keep this lighthearted and fun.”

Everyone picked a chair and settled in. Shadow found himself sitting between Sonic and Rouge. By this point, Shadow found himself becoming surprisingly comfortable with the party games. He still felt a little self-conscious, but it was no longer enough to give him any real hesitation. The ebony hedgehog was able to relax a little, and actually let himself enjoy the games.

Questions and dares abound. Knuckles had to stand on his head for a full minute. Amy showed off her skill with cards, flicking one of her tarot cards into a hastily-set-up bullseye on the wall from across the room. Rouge admitted to having pickpocketed Sonic on more than one occasion (“How do you pickpocket quills!?” ).

Shadow learned that the armadillo’s name was Mighty, and that he’d known Sonic for longer than most of the people present at the party; the only ones who’d known Sonic longer were Amy and Tails.

There was a flying squirrel named Ray who’d met Sonic at the same time as Mighty. Shadow found him annoyingly energetic (even more so than Sonic), although clearly compassionate.

Espio the Chameleon used his natural camouflage ability, coupled with his ninja skills, to snatch an item (an empty jar) from Tails and make it ‘float’ in the air as if haunted.

When it came to Shadow’s turn, he was asked if could sing. “I can…” He admitted slowly, “...But not very often, and only when I’m alone.”

A slight twinkle of interest in Sonic’s eyes went unnoticed by Shadow.

Sonic was dared to lift Knuckles up in the air with only his arms. The ensuing struggle was quite amusing to Shadow.

And so the game went. Laughs were had, minor trivia bits were revealed, and a good time was had by all. More party games were played; Hide-and-Seek, Limbo, Simon Says (Sonic tried to get the name changed to ‘Sonic Says,’ but was laughingly denied, giving a faux-annoyed pout in response).

“Okay, everybody!” Tails announced after another hour of party games. “We’re moving onto the last game of the night! This one has a bit of a twist!”

Everybody perked up, curious.

“It’s a variation of ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey,’ but here’s the twist.” Tails began to explain. “The ‘Tail’ is this piece of colorful tape,” the fox held up a square of tape that was, indeed, quite colorful, “and the Donkey is Sonic!”

“Wha-Huh!?” The blue hedgehog exclaimed, clearly having been kept in the dark about this plan.

“Everybody gets a piece of tape.” Tails continued, ignoring Sonic’s outburst of confusion. “Sonic is allowed to use his speed to evade, but he can’t leave the ground floor of the house! Everybody can work together. If anyone manages to stick Sonic with the tape, we all win! If Sonic stays tape-free for the next ten minutes, he wins!”

Shadow looked directly at Sonic, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Sonic glanced over at him, saw the look, and gulped. I know who my biggest opponent is going to be… Sonic thought to himself.

The game was on. Sonic deftly avoided most; Knuckles, Tails, and Amy laughed after each failed dive to tape their friend. Mighty and Ray were not fast enough, either. When Sonic sidestepped the echidna again, he unintentionally drew near Rouge.

The white bat, a wicked gleam in her eye, let the unaware hedgehog draw closer and closer, ignorant of the mounting danger. Rouge waited until Sonic was only a few feet away, and then dove, her wings springing out to give her an extra burst of speed. Her arms outstretched, Rouge was about to slam the tape in her hand onto Sonic’s shoulder, and then…

In the blink of an eye, Sonic dodged, leaping to the side and leaving Rouge to land in a heap on the floor. “Nice try, Rouge!” He exclaimed with a grin.

Shadow took that opportunity to make his first attempt, although he didn’t really expect it to succeed.

A forward dash was easily sidestepped by the blue hedgehog. “C’mon, Shads!” Sonic goaded him with a smirk. “I know you can do better than that!”

Shadow returned the smirk with one of his own, leaping again at the cobalt hero, trying to keep him on his toes more than actually getting him. “It wouldn’t be much fun if the game ended so quickly, would it?” He asked rhetorically.

“Haha! That’s the spirit!” Sonic laughed playfully, enjoying the current events quite thoroughly.

For the next several minutes, the game continued on as such. Everyone tried over and over again to get their piece of tape onto Sonic, but the blue hedgehog easily avoided them, even without using his characteristic superspeed. Sonic was fast even without it, and he had always been quite agile, able to duck and weave farther and faster than most his entire life.

Shadow watched others’ attempts more often than he made one of his own. Analyzing both how his fellow players attempted to ensnare Sonic, and how he deftly avoided them like it was nothing, a wide grin never leaving his face.

This was… fun. Shadow realized he was actually enjoying himself. Quite a bit, at that. Shadow had never been one to play, but he was genuinely having fun tonight. A tiny smile had formed on his lips, and refused to leave.

As the other players kept fruitlessly trying to catch Sonic head-on, each attempt getting no closer than the last, Shadow stood slightly off to the side, gazing around the playspace and analyzing the environment. Using his military training, the hedgehog identified what, in combat, would have been chokepoints and critical areas, slowly coming up with a plan.

When the game reached the nine minute mark, only sixty seconds left for someone to get the piece of tape on Sonic, Shadow finally enacted his plan.

Waiting patiently for a good opportunity, Shadow found one when Sonic had his back to him, having just dodged yet another swipe from Rouge.

Shadow, taking care to keep his footsteps silent, strode up behind Sonic until he was within a crucial range. At the last moment, he suddenly dove forward. Sonic didn’t even realize he was coming until the black hedgehog was in the air, far too late to dodge.

Shadow slammed into Sonic at full speed, bodily tackling him to the floor. The two hedgehogs scrambled for a moment, but Shadow had quickly and efficiently restrained the blue blur underneath him, pinning his arms to the floor and holding him in place.

Sonic struggled briefly, but quickly realized he was stuck, facedown on the floor and helpless to get out of his sudden, newfound predicament.

“Situational awareness, Sonic.” Shadow teased him lightly. “It’ll get the best of you, if you let it.”

Sonic chuckled. “Yeah, you surprised me, I’ll give you that one.” He admitted. “So…” The blue hedgehog’s voice suddenly dropped in pitch, and went from loud talking to a near-whisper. “Pinned to the floor, defenseless against a good ravaging… Is this how you want me?~” He asked jokingly.

It was only then that Shadow realized their hips were still touching. As well as most of their entire bodies. Bright red immediately exploded onto Shadow’s cheeks as the black hedgehog scrambled up from Sonic in an instant. “I-You-!”

Laughter exploded from the blue blur on the floor, Sonic practically wheezing at Shadow’s reaction.

Shadow pointedly shut his mouth, looking away and desperately trying to ignore how his entire face burned a bright, cherry red. He most definitely ignored the lurid images his mind conjured up, of Sonic underneath him in a very different context.

Based on the confused looks from everyone else at the party, it was clear that only Shadow had heard what Sonic had said to him.

A loud beeping suddenly sounded, and Tails scrambled over to a watch that had been set aside on the nearby counter. “And that’s a wrap!” He exclaimed with a grin. “Game over!”

“I won!” Sonic exclaimed joyfully, bouncing up from the floor. “That was fun!” He announced genuinely, a massive smile on his face.

Shadow cleared his throat, only now regaining control of all of his faculties. “Not so fast.” He spoke up.

Sonic turned to him and blinked. “Huh?”

Shadow gestured towards him.

Sonic glanced down, blinked again, and looked back up at his darker counterpart. “You sneaky little…” The blue blur grinned good-naturedly, though.

Shadow had gotten his piece of tape onto Sonic during the tackle, sticking it to him before they had even hit the floor.

Cheers erupted from the whole party, everyone pleased that Shadow had secured them all the victory. The black hedgehog received several high-fives and thumbs-ups from all the other players.

Sonic gazed at Shadow as the hedgehog found himself surrounded by appreciative partygoers, each one ecstatic both of their victory and of Shadow’s very presence. A small, soft smile formed on peach lips as Sonic watched, the blue hedgehog happy to see one of his best friends being earnestly welcomed. Shadow looked like he was finally starting to be happy to be here. Not merely tolerating everyone’s presence, but enjoying it.

It brought flutters of joy to Sonic’s heart. Best. Birthday party. Ever. He thought to himself. Sonic didn’t care a bit that he’d lost the final game; he’d had a grand time, his friends had fun, and even Shadow ended up enjoying the party games. That was more than Sonic could ever have asked for.

Shadow, surrounded by friends and friendly acquaintances, found himself… smiling. Not a large smile, but a small one that was clearly visible. His heart beat with happiness, and he found himself enveloped in the afterglow of a triumphant victory and the conclusion of a fun game.

It was a good night. A great night, even.

Shadow looked forward to tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Shadow had enacted part of his next plan during Sonic’s birthday party. Near the beginning of it, before the games had begun, Shadow had collected phone numbers from those willing - Amy, Knuckles, and Espio, specifically. He told them of his resolution for the year, and that his big, final step was to build more friendships; specifically, with them. Those Shadow knew, but weren’t exactly close to him.

Shadow hoped that the rest of the year could add one more to that sentence; Yet.

His first opportunity came even quicker than he’d thought; only a couple of days after the party, Amy Rose invited him over, asking if he would be willing to help her move a new piece of furniture into her house.

“Aaaand… There!” Amy stated cheerfully. Together, she and Shadow gently lowered the couch they’d been carrying down onto the floor. Once done, they took a step back, surveying the placement.

“Perfect!” Amy exclaimed happily. “Thanks for the help, Shadow!” She told him with a big smile.

“Of course.” He replied softly, nodding and giving the pink hedgehog a tiny, brief smile in return. “I’m grateful to put my strength to good use.” He stated.

Amy chuckled. “Happy to give you an opportunity, then.” She replied, her cheerful smile unchanged.

“Is there anything else you’d like my assistance with?” Shadow asked, suddenly feeling self-conscious; he was standing in her home. Unfamiliar territory to him. And there was a lull in both purpose and conversation. The black hedgehog felt like he stood out, like he perhaps didn’t belong.

Amy, oblivious to his internal struggle, glanced around in thought for a moment. “Ummm…” She vocalized, thinking. “Not that I can think of.” She eventually answered with a shrug. “But that’s fine! Want any tea?” She asked. “I can brew some up pretty quick in my kitchen.”

Shadow shrugged hesitantly. “It’s… not my usual drink of choice.” He stated slowly. “I don’t want to be a bother.”

“Oh, no bother at all!” Amy exclaimed, smiling reassuringly. “Don’t worry yourself one bit, Shadow.” She told him. “Honestly, my kettle is a little too big for me to make tea just for myself.”

The black hedgehog considered that for a moment. “I… suppose it’s alright, then.” He said. Social intricacies did not come easily for him, and he didn’t want to make a faux pas based on some unspoken principle that he wasn’t aware of.

“Great! What kind would you like?” Amy asked. “I have green tea, black tea, oolong…” Amy began to list various types and flavors that, honestly, went right over Shadow’s head; the only tea he’d ever drank was typical iced tea from a restaurant. And even that, only rarely.

Amy’s smile, and the obvious happiness in her body language, put Shadow at ease, however. The black hedgehog allowed himself to relax, just a little, and decided to pick one of the many, unknown flavors at random.

He ended up enjoying it, although it didn’t beat his traditional raw coffee beans.

Early July.

Knuckles’s first clue that there was someone else on Angel Island was when one of his traps in the treeline was sprung. A flurry of movement, the intruder trying to dodge the net, followed.

“Who’s there!?” The echidna called out from where he stood at the Master Emerald’s altar.

A familiar, black hedgehog stepped - notably not trapped - out of the treeline, his hands held up in a peaceful position. “Just me, Echidna.” Shadow stated in reply, loudly so as to be heard from the moderate distance between them.

The red guardian relaxed, knowing Shadow typically posed no threat to him or to the Master Emerald - not out of capability, but because Shadow had no reason to be a threat - and left his combat-ready stance, returning to his favored position; standing in place, arms folded across his chest, staring down at the newcomer.

“This is a surprise.” Knuckles stated.

Shadow gestured at the trap he’d deftly avoided moments earlier. “Is that how you greet all of your guests?” He asked as a joke - an attempt to break the ice.

Knuckles snorted, mildly amused. “Only the pesky ones who shouldn’t be here.” He replied. “No one like you, though.”

Shadow let out a vague grunt in reply. “I couldn’t find an intended route to get here.” He continued.

“There isn’t one.” The guardian admitted. “Sonic and Tails usually just fly on the Tornado and land right in this clearing.”

Shadow processed that information for a moment. Knuckles beckoned him to come closer, so he ascended the stairs, walking briskly but unhurriedly. When he reached Knuckles’s level, the echidna met him at the edge of the stairs, greeting him with a handshake.

“You’re an unexpected guest.” Knuckles stated. It wasn’t a question, but it was still friendly. “What brings the Ultimate Lifeform to Angel Island?”

“You, actually.” Shadow answered.

“Does something need punching?” Knuckles was always willing to throw fists for a friend.

“No.” Shadow shook his head. “I just wanted to… To talk.” He admitted, feeling self-conscious now that he was actually here, doing this.

Knuckles blinked, surprised. “Okay.” He said with a shrug. “Not like I don’t have time.” He quipped with a small smirk. “Although I’m not the best conversationalist.”

“Believe me, neither am I.” Shadow replied with an amused smirk of his own. Both of them understood. A moment of solidarity passed as they both gathered their thoughts.

“Just don’t touch the Master Emerald, and you can stay as long as you want.” Knuckles told him welcomingly. “I don’t let just anyone on the island, but you’re alright; if you had any interest in the Master Emerald, you would’ve made a move a long time ago.”

“Rest assured, your reasoning is correct.” Shadow replied. “The Emerald’s energy, however, is of academic interest to me.”

“Academic?” Knuckles asked, raising a curious eyebrow.

“Despite my proficiency with Chaos Energy,” Shadow began, “I don’t know all that much about it on a scientific level.” The black hedgehog admitted. “I know how to use it for my abilities, but I don’t know how it truly works beyond an instinctual level.”

“But I do.” Knuckles realized aloud, nodding in understanding.

Shadow nodded. “I wish to learn.” He stated. “Even if nothing practical comes of it, the subject itself is interesting to me.”

Knuckles smiled warmly. “I’d be happy to teach you what I know.” He told the hedgehog. “Although I won’t pretend that my knowledge is complete. Some of your abilities, for example, I have no idea how you pull them off.”

Shadow processed that. “Perhaps…” He began, thinking aloud, “we could teach each other, then.”

“That sounds like a great idea.” Knuckles said cheerfully. “Let me grab a couple of things, and we can get started right away.”

The echidna left, returning a couple of minutes later with a warm rug to sit upon and a small basket of grapes for them both to snack - Shadow ended up only having a few, while Knuckles ate the rest of the bunch.

The two conversed animatedly, discussing concepts about Chaos Energy. What it is scientifically, how it works, how it flows as an energy, and how it is used by someone capable of doing so.

“It’s not so much ‘controlling’ Chaos Energy as it is directing it.” Knuckles explained.

Shadow nodded. “That matches with how it feels when I use my more powerful abilities.” He replied. “Less like I’m doing it myself, and more that I’m letting the energy flow through me in a targeted manner and direction.”

“Exactly.” Knuckles stated cheerfully. “You’re not commanding the energy, you’re asking it, and using your body as a conduit for it to do what you’re asking.”

The intellectual conversation continued for far longer than Shadow thought it would. By the time he got up to leave, the Sun was starting to set. It had been morning when he’d arrived.

Knuckles eagerly asked if Shadow intended to return another day and continue their conversation. Shadow assured him he would; “It would take a disaster to keep me from doing this again.” He joked.

Knuckles chuckled. “We’re friends with Sonic; there might just be one.”

Shadow rolled his eyes, and a tiny smirk of amusement appeared on his face. “And knowing Sonic, he caused it.”

The echidna laughed heartily at that. “He definitely would!” Knuckles exclaimed with a grin.

The two exchanged pleasant farewells, and Shadow left to return home for the night, planning to come back to Angel Island in a few days. He felt… cheerful. It had been a good day, and there was promise of more on the horizon.

Only a week had passed since Sonic’s birthday party, and Shadow had begun to bond with two of his love’s closest friends. A true bond. Not one that relied on Sonic, but was unique to them and Shadow.

“Control your breathing.”

Shadow steadied himself, closing his eyes and concentrating on the rhythm of his chest. Each breath, each heartbeat, was identified, measured, and used to calculate the next.

The hedgehog hybrid had sought out Espio the Chameleon the previous week, wanting to know more about how the ninja was able to move around unnoticed so easily.

Shadow had not expected there to be so many elements. It wasn’t one single trick, it was a combination of multiple factors, each vitally important, and taking advantage of the intricacies within them all.

Some of the more obvious elements; lighting, sound, and speed. These were easily guessed as relevant by Shadow. What he hadn’t counted on were the other, myriad factors that also had influence.

Espio championed control over one’s self as an oft-forgotten component with “an unexpected amount of impact.” The past two sessions had focused on teaching Shadow how to quickly calm himself from various emotional states. Now, the chameleon had moved on to another aspect, albeit tangentially connected.

“Your breaths must be slow, steady, and moderate. Not shallow, not deep, but enough to keep you quiet and comfortable.”

Shadow, his eyes closed, listened attentively, adapting his breathing pattern to fit what he was being told.

Espio noticed. “Good.” he said quietly, his voice only just above a whisper. “Whenever you have to move, whenever you have to freeze, remember your breathing. Find your pattern, and use it to steady yourself.” He instructed the hedgehog.

Shadow nodded slowly, remaining focused on his breathing.

“There is a trick they teach snipers in the military.” Espio continued, moving on, somewhat. “You might already be familiar with it. A breathing technique to steady your aim briefly.”

Shadow nodded. “I’m familiar, but tell it to me anyway.” He replied.

“Very well.” Espio began, a pleased and respectful note in his voice. “It works in three stages. You start with little breath in your body - not necessarily empty, but small.”

Shadow let out the breath he’d just taken.

“ Slowly.” Espio said sternly, his voice remaining quiet nonetheless.

Shadow immediately stilled his breathing for a moment before resuming his exhale again, this time much more slowly.

“Breathe in deeply. Most or all of the way you can.” Espio continued coaching. “Pick a slow tempo, but not an unbearably slow one. Keep to it. Breathe in deep.”

Shadow did so, filling his lungs with precious air, all the way to where his lungs felt full, but not uncomfortably so. Straining was the antithesis to this technique, he already knew.

“And now, slowly, let it out halfway.” Espio stated. “As you near the midpoint, slow your exhale even further. And when you reach half of your lung capacity… freeze.” He instructed after a dramatic pause. “Hold your breath at the midpoint, and you’ll find your arms, your legs, your entire body has suddenly become much steadier for a few, precious seconds.”

“Enough time to aim a long-range shot.” Shadow remarked, satisfied that his knowledge of the technique was adequate.

“Indeed, or steady your vision to see something particularly far away.” Espio replied, nodded.

For the first time in over a minute, Shadow the Hedgehog opened his eyes. The small dojo the two stood in - one of Espio’s own design and craftsmanship - greeted him. The lone, dim lightbulb provided only the minimum of illumination necessary (“All the better for a quiet meditation,” Espio had remarked).

“I should be going soon.” Shadow eventually stated, remembering he had other responsibilities - mostly paperwork for G.U.N. reports.

Espio tilted and nodded his head in polite acknowledgement. “Then I shall see you off.” He replied softly, a warm smile adorning his lips. The chameleon was happy for the opportunity to teach others his precious knowledge. “Next time, we shall work on moving around silently.” He added.

Shadow nodded. “That sounds good.” The hedgehog stated. “...Thank you, Espio.” He said quietly after a moment. The thanks was genuine, but saying it still made him feel self-conscious, in a way.

The chameleon, however, was happy to accept. “Of course.” He replied gently, smiling brightening slightly. “I shall look forward to our next meeting.”

Shadow already was.

August.

“And… Go!” A shout rang out in the clearing.

Shadow, signal received, rocketed forward, sprinting towards Knuckles, his arm primed for a strong punch. The hedgehog reached the echidna and swung his arm, attempting to deliver said punch straight to Knuckles’s face.

But as expected, the echidna smoothly dodged the opening strike. This was no surprise; Shadow had purposefully telegraphed it clearly. It wouldn’t be fun if the whole thing ended in one move, would it?

Knuckles sidestepped out of the way, but Shadow didn’t give him an opportunity to counter-attack just yet. The hedgehog spun around, launching another punch with his other arm. The echidna ducked this attack, as well, Shadow’s fist passing safely above his head.

The echidna reached up and grabbed hold of Shadow’s outstretched arm with both hands, spinning around and pulling hard. Shadow was thrown off of his feet, helplessly tumbling over Knuckles and landing on his back on the grass beneath them with a grunt.

Knuckles swung his arm up in a half-circle, priming for a powerful, downward smash. Shadow recovered quickly, however, and rolled out of the way before the echidna’s fist struck the ground where Shadow had been a split-second earlier. Had he not, the engagement would have been over right then and there.

Shadow rolled away to his feet, and quickly lunged forward, not letting Knuckles have an opportunity to recover from his failed finisher. Knuckles grunted, finding himself bodily tackled by his opponent while he was still bent over from smashing the ground.

Both fighters rolled on the ground together for a moment, both struggling to gain the upper hand. But in the end, they both broke off from each other - Shadow was too clever and fast for Knuckles to outmaneuver, and Knuckles was too strong for Shadow to overpower.

They both separated, rolling away from each other and coming back up to their feet a few meters away.

Both stood still as they faced each other, fists raised. A few seconds of silence passed as neither made a move.

Knuckles suddenly gave a satisfied nod, dropping his fists and relaxing. Shadow dropped his combat stance, as well.

“A good fight.” The echidna stated calmly. “With no clear victor.”

“Indeed.” Shadow agreed. “If we were to fight until a real victory, we would likely be at this for an hour.”

The Master Emerald’s guardian laughed. “And a pyrrhic victory it would be, most likely.”

The ultimate lifeform let out a single chuckle. “It would definitely be costly.”

A month had passed since the two had started bonding. Today, Shadow had casually brought up the idea of sparring together, honing their skills in short battle sessions against each other. Knuckles eagerly accepted the challenge. This had been their fourth round, and so far, neither had managed to land a proper blow on the other.

But that did not mean they hadn’t found room to improve each other.

“You overcommitted to your opening strikes.” Knuckles told Shadow. “The first one was on purpose, but the second attempt was just predictable.”

The hedgehog nodded, taking the criticism with no offense. “Your attempted finisher was too slow.” He replied. “I was able to recover and escape before you had finished readying it.”

The guardian nodded back to him, accepting his words as well. “So… How can we both improve?” He asked. This was the rhythm they had decided upon; the two would spar, come to a good stop, and figure out what they each did wrong. Then they would put their minds together and come up with how they could each do better next time.

Shadow already had one idea. “When you swung for the finisher, you brought your arm back and upward before striking down.” He recalled. “A straightforward, downward punch would take less than half the time.”

Knuckles absorbed that information. “A weaker strike, but one that gives the opponent significantly less time to react.” He thought aloud. “As for you… The second attack is still good, in principle, but going for another punch attempt was too predictable - I was ready to duck it before you even turned around. Perhaps try a backwards kick?” He suggested.

Shadow pictured this change in his head, visualizing it and concentrating on the movements. After a moment, he nodded, satisfied. “Shall we go again?” He asked.

Knuckles grinned, raising his fists again. “On your go, this time.”

Late August

“I… typically only buy necessities.” Shadow admitted, looking at the shopping cart in his hands.

“Not today, buddy!” Sonic exclaimed cheerfully, (gently) clapping Shadow on the back of his shoulder. “Amy and I are gonna show you what you’ve been missing out on!”

The trio of hedgehogs had gathered at one of the larger shopping districts in the city. A couple of malls, surrounded by numerous single-business buildings, awaited them. Shadow had set aside half of the day for this adventure. The whole thing was Amy’s idea, and Sonic’s presence had been at Shadow’s request - eagerly accepted, of course.

The pink hedgehog was practically shaking with excitement. “This is going to be so much fun!” She half-shouted, grinning widely.

Sonic chuckled. “Reign it in, Ames.” He told her with an amused smile. “You’ll tire yourself out if you go that hard all day.”

Amy chuckled at his jest. “Don’t you worry about me, Sonic.” She told him. “This isn’t my first rodeo.”

It was true; The pink hedgehog usually went on a shopping spree every other month or so. Despite the name, however, only a moderate amount of items would actually ever be bought. Most of the time, it was only browsing. Still, it was one of the many ways Amy Rose enjoyed spending her free time, and today, she had invited two of her best friends along with her.

Just another lovely day in August.

The three began walking together, visiting store after store after store, perusing and browsing, looking at this and that, chatting about endless topics the whole time. Before any of them knew it, three whole hours had passed. Shadow found himself with a new, bright flashlight and a tiny laser pointer. Sonic bought himself a set of knee and elbow pads, small enough to stay aerodynamic but durable enough to lessen the kinds of impacts he would sustain at his usual speeds. Amy, on the other hand, already had half a dozen items, mostly of a culinary or cosmetic nature.

The friends stopped for lunch. Sonic suggested pizza from a local pizzeria - Shadow and Amy both teased him about it not being chili dogs, though Sonic just laughed and took it in stride - and the three purchased delicious food and ate.

Shadow spent that time recounting what he and Knuckles had learned together. Chaos Energy’s intricacies fascinated him, and it showed. Sonic’s heart beat warmly at seeing the normally-reserved hedgehog animatedly babbling excitedly about a topic he was clearly deeply interested in.

Years ago, it would have been difficult to get more than a few words out of Shadow. Now, he had been talking nonstop for almost five whole minutes. Sonic eagerly absorbed every word, letting Shadow’s deep voice wash over him, pouring through his ears and soothingly exciting every inch of his brain. It didn’t even matter what Shadow was talking about; just hearing his voice was enough for Sonic to be invested.

As for the topic itself, Amy was clearly interested as well, but her comparative inexperience meant she couldn’t quite follow everything Shadow spoke about. Still, she was happy to see her friend so animated, and cheerfully encouraged him to keep talking, asking questions when she thought of them. Shadow answered to the best of his knowledge and ability.

After lunch, the trio resumed shopping, visiting stores of all kinds. By the end of the day, they had all found various bits and bobs that each thought were interesting enough to purchase.

In the evening, as they were all loading up their purchases to leave, Sonic was surprised when Shadow suddenly approached him with an unknown item in his hand.

“Heya, Shads.” Sonic greeted him with a smile. “What’s up?”

“I… saw this.” Shadow began, suddenly hesitant. What if he doesn’t like it?  “It… made me think of you. Th-That you might like this.” He stammered, cursing his unexpected nervousness.

Sonic gasped happily. “A gift!?” He exclaimed with a wide grin. “Wow! You didn’t have to! Thank you, Shadow!”

Shadow smirked, his nervousness gone and heart leaping triumphantly in his chest at Sonic’s excitement. “You don’t even know what it is yet.” He chuckled.

“It’s a gift from you.” Sonic answered. “I’ll treasure it regardless.”

Shadow’s cheeks were not suddenly much warmer. Nope. Definitely not.

The black hedgehog cleared his throat before thrusting the object in his hand out to Sonic, almost like he was just now remembering that he was supposed to give it away.

Sonic eagerly grabbed his gift, sticking his hand into the small bag and withdrawing… “No way!” He exclaimed joyfully. “Where on Earth did you find this!?”

In Sonic’s hand was a plastic model of a chili dog. But not just any regular plastic model. This one had wheels, and could be rolled around like a toy car.

Shadow smirked, a mischievous glint suddenly appearing in his eye. “I guess we’ll have to do this again sometime.” He said conspiratorially. “And maybe I’ll tell you.”

Sonic laughed. “You sly rascal!” He joked, pointing an accusing finger at his friend.

“More clever than you by half.” Shadow responded, a playful smirk on his face. “And don’t you ever forget it.”

“Careful; I might include you in one of Tails’ and I’s prank wars.” Sonic cautioned him with a not-so-serious grin.

“Only if you wish it to be your downfall.”

Sonic chortled. “Don’t tempt me.”

Smiling fondly, Shadow turned to walk away and finish packing his own purchases.

“Oh! Hold on a sec!” Sonic exclaimed.

Shadow paused and turned back to face his friend again. The blue hedgehog had already turned to his own things, and was rummaging around in one of the bags.

“I was going to give you this next time we raced, but…” Sonic started to explain. “Well, I might as well give it to you now.”

Sonic produced a medium-sized food package, glancing at it for confirmation before handing it to Shadow with a grin. “Ta-da!”

Shadow took the package with a nod of gratitude, only then glancing down to read what it was.

“Sugar-coated… coffee beans?” Shadow read off the label, his interest (and volume) raising exponentially with each word.

“I know you’ve got a sweet tooth,” Sonic began, “and you’ve said before that raw coffee beans are one of your favorite snacks.” The blue speedster shrugged. “I saw this, and figured ‘why not combine the two?’”

Shadow’s mouth watered in anticipation. “These… are definitely getting eaten tonight.” He stated after a moment.

Sonic laughed heartily. “Glad to hear it!” He replied cheerfully.

“Thank you, Sonic.” Shadow said gratefully. “This was a wonderful gift.”

“Yours, too!” Sonic exclaimed. “Just try to savor them, yeah?” He said with a playful grin. “Downing them all in one sitting means you can’t enjoy them later on.”

“No promises.” Shadow responded with a smirk.

Sonic chuckled. “That’s what I thought.”

It was now early September, and Shadow found himself inside Tails’ workshop, searching for the fox’s expertise. This time, however, it was in a subject that Shadow truly did not know well enough to fix by himself.

“I’m capable with basic electronics,” Shadow began to explain, “but G.U.N.’s wrist-mounted tools are out of my league.”

Tails nodded thoughtfully, gazing down at the disassembled device on his desk. “Yeah, G.U.N. makes some complex devices.” The younger fox replied. “But… I think I can fix this.” He concluded, looking up cheerfully at Shadow.

Shadow smirked. “I had no doubts.” He stated warmly. “How long will it take?”

“That depends on what kind of fix you’re looking for.” Tails answered him. “I can do a quick-and-dirty fix that’ll get it running for a few more days. That would only take a few minutes.”

Shadow snorted. “Pass.” He wasn’t interested in letting his own tools break down constantly.

“That’s what I thought.” Tails chuckled. “Option two will take me a couple of hours, but the device should be good as new. Or…” The fox trailed off with a grin.

Shadow raised an eyebrow. “Or?” He asked suspiciously,  one corner of his mouth twitching upward. He knew this was going to be good.

“Or… I could upgrade it.” Tails answered, a glint of excitement in his eye. “That might take me the rest of the day, possibly even some time tomorrow. But you’ll get your device back and it’ll work even better than factory-new.”

“I don’t have another mission anytime soon.” Shadow stated. “Let’s go with the last option.”

“Woo-hoo!” Tails cheered. “This is gonna be awesome!”

Shadow chuckled - The fox was always enthusiastic about getting to work on high-complexity tech. His brain ‘enjoyed the puzzle,’ Tails always said.

The black hedgehog turned to go back into Sonic’s house, having stayed the night again and still needing to pack up his things.

“Hey, Shadow?”

The darker Mobian turned around to face Tails again.

“I just wanted to say…” Tails’ voice had gone quieter. Softer. “These last few months… They’ve been incredible. Really.”

“I’m… glad?” Shadow raised an eyebrow, curious as to what exactly Tails might be referring to.

“You and Sonic.” Tails began. “You two have grown a lot closer lately, and it’s shown.”

Shadow opened his mouth to correct the fox, already forming the words to say that he and Sonic were not ‘involved.’ But Tails continued speaking before he could get the chance.

“Sonic’s always been a cheerful guy.” The younger Mobian stated. “But lately, he’s been all smiles, all the time. And it’s because of you.”

Shadow blinked. He hadn’t expected that.

“You’re… important to him.” Tails said softly, shifting back-and-forth in place on his feet. “Really important. And having such a close bond with you now… Sonic’s been just over the Moon every time you’re around.”

Shadow… was not sure how to respond to that. His cheeks warmed, and he didn’t even realize there was a small smile forming on his lips.

“It’s… nice, is all.” Tails smiled fondly. “My brother carries a lot of weight on his shoulders, even though he never lets anyone see it. When you’re around, it’s like he’s as light as a feather. And I’m happy that he’s happy.”

“... As am I.” Shadow finally replied, his voice nearly a whisper.

Tails smiled wider at that. “I’ve got nothing but happiness for what you two have together.” He stated. “And if either of you decide to take it further… Well, you’ve got my support.”

Shadow wasn’t entirely certain what the fox meant by that, but he felt the sentiment deserved gratitude anyway. “Thank you, Tails.” The hedgehog said softly.

“Of course.” The fox grinned playfully. “Now get your butt out of here so I can work, unless you want me to test one of my gizmos on you.”

Shadow laughed at the fake threat. “Point taken.” He reached over and nonchalantly ruffled the top of the fox’s head, just like Sonic would occasionally do.

Tails reacted exactly the same way. “Wha-Hey!” He exclaimed, giggling. “Stop it! You’re gonna mess up my fur!”

“Sonic would say it was worth it.” Shadow retorted playfully.

“Then Sonic can get over here with a brush and fix it himself!” Tails shot back, but he was grinning happily.

Shadow chuckled at that, finally heading out to pack his things and head home.

It was only late that evening that he realized he had essentially both asked Tails for help again, and also even admitted a weakness. And he’d felt no worry, no awkwardness, nothing. Just trust.

Trust… and an almost familial love.

Late September

Shadow crept silently around the corner of the building. His eyes darted both ways, double-checking that his route was clear and unobserved. Satisfied, he moved swiftly forward, treading silently.

His steps were intentional, measured, planned. Every placement of his feet was calculated, and made no discernible noise even to himself.

His target lay in front of him. A male hedgehog, standing at a table, tinkering with some small, mechanical gears with the help of some tools. The man was facing away from Shadow, and with the black hedgehog making no audible noise of any kind, there was no way for him to know that Shadow was there.

Shadow closed the distance quickly, but silently. The morning Sun rising, nearing midday, beat down on him and his target. The wind flowed towards Shadow, giving him a mild whiff of his target’s work; tinges of metal, a hint of rust, and a light scent of oil from the small gears and other mechanical pieces.

The ebony hedgehog reached his target, now standing within arm’s reach of him. It was time to act. To ambush.

Shadow reached forward with one arm. In the same instant as his hand made contact with his target’s shoulder, he spoke. Quick, deep, and booming bass rang out in the quiet air. “Boo!”

“WHOA!!”

Sonic the Hedgehog practically leapt out of his shoes in fright, diving away from the hand on his shoulder and simultaneously whipping around to face the unexpected presence behind him.

The blue speedster, now several feet away and to the side, raised his hands up instinctively, entering a fighting stance and ready to defend himself against his would-be attacker.

But upon seeing who his ‘attacker’ was, confusion and surprise immediately covered his face. “Wha… Shadow!?” Sonic exclaimed.

“Surprise.” Shadow deadpanned, a clearly-proud-of-himself smirk on his lips.

“How the fu…” Sonic shook his head, as if clearing the cobwebs from the surge of adrenaline he’d just experienced.

Shadow chuckled. “I take it my presence was unexpected?” He asked rhetorically.

“...Dude, you nearly gave me a heart attack!” Sonic exclaimed, but he couldn’t keep a small chuckle out of his voice as he spoke.

“Considering how fast your heart typically beats, that would be quite the feat.” Shadow joked.

“Oh, har har.” Sonic mock-laughed, the amused grin still creeping onto his lips. “Seriously, though, how did you sneak up on me?”

“You can thank Espio.” Shadow answered truthfully. “He’s been teaching me in the ways of stealth and all things subtlety.”

“Well, he’s doing a good job. I had no idea you were even here.” Sonic admitted.

“That was the point.” Shadow told him, amused. The ebony hedgehog jerked his head towards the table, the mechanical pieces atop it having been dropped and forgotten. “What are you working on?”

“Oh yeah!” Sonic chuckled, walking over and picking back up the gear he’d been holding when Shadow had surprised him. “Just some parts for the Tornado.” He answered, referring to the plane that he and his brother shared.

“I thought Tails was the mechanic?” Shadow asked, although he had a slight idea that it wasn’t the whole truth.

“He is.” Sonic replied. “But the Tornado is technically still my plane. I help take care of it, on occasion.”

“Suddenly you’re an aircraft engineer?” Shadow deadpanned jokingly.

The blue hedgehog snorted. “Nope.” He answered simply. “Tails does all the upgrading. I just help maintain the simpler stuff. These are just some spare gears for the more basic components.” He explained, gesturing to the pieces strewn about the table.

“So you are more than just legs, up there.” Shadow remarked teasingly, playfully tapping on the side of Sonic’s head.

Sonic lightly swatted Shadow’s hand away, chuckling. “Yeah, yeah, I might not be the smartest tool in the shed,” he admitted, “but I know my way around my Tornado.” He stated proudly. “I can take her apart and put her back together good-as-new.”

“Even with your brother’s additions and upgrades?”

“...No comment.” Sonic quickly turned back around, playing up his embarrassment for the pair’s mutual amusement.

Shadow chuckled lightly. “That’s what I thought.” He replied teasingly.

He really had to thank Espio one of these days. Shadow had truly learned a lot from the chameleon. He was nowhere near finished learning, far from it, but his progress in only two months was already incredible - even Espio had stated as such.

Shadow was shaken out of these thoughts by a tiny gear plinking off of his head; Sonic had lightly tossed it at him for his verbal dig.

“You shouldn’t have done that.” Shadow said, his voice low and quiet, but not too quiet to have been heard by the playful speedster in front of him. A dark, mischievous grin crept onto the hedgehog’s face as he formed a fist and leapt forward.

Seconds later, if anyone glanced at the field adjacent to Sonic’s home, they would see two hedgehogs sparring rapidly. Their eyes gleamed with equal parts cheer and focus. Fists swung, legs kicked, and blurs of red and blue zipped around the field faster than the eye could track.

And, if one listened closely, they could even hear the occasional, carefree chuckle emitting from either combatant.

October

Shadow and Amy sat down at a nearby table to eat their lunches together. The black hedgehog had helped the pink one with more home renovation tasks, and Amy had decided to buy him lunch out of gratitude.

Shadow had taken some persuading to accept the ‘payment,’ but in the end he’d caved to the pink hedgehog’s request.

“Thanks again, Shadow.” Amy stated with a warm smile

“Of course.” Shadow nodded, a tiny smile of his own in return.

And with that, they both began to eat. Chatting about this and that, sharing jokes, bringing up memories both old and recent, and generally just enjoying spending time with a friend.

And that was what they were, now. Shadow could honestly call Amy Rose a genuine friend at this point; they were close enough for that now. And that made him feel good.

“...And then Sonic just goes ‘what do you mean, there was an elevator?’”

Shadow almost snorted his mouthful of sandwich out. He quickly swallowed. “The idiot actually thought twelve stories of stairway was the only way up?”

“He made a whole show of it!” Amy laughed at the memory. “Whining about how his legs would never survive, that he’d be crawling up the last story, yada yada.”

The two giggled at the mental picture. One in remembrance, the other picturing it clearly.

“And after all of that, did he even remember to bring the package?” Shadow asked mirthfully.

“Nope!” Amy laughed, laughing so hard that she was nearly in tears. “He had to go all the way back down.” She grinned even wider. “And I didn’t tell him about the elevator until he’d come all the way back up again.”

Shadow snorted again, putting one hand on his forehead and shaking his head in (greatly) amused disbelief. “I swear, he’d lose his head if it wasn’t glued to his shoulders.”

“I think even glue wouldn’t stop him from losing it.” Amy replied.

“Definitely not.”

“And yet, we love him anyway.” Amy chuckled.

Shadow smirked. “Sonic is a good person, and a wonderful friend.” He agreed.

“That he is.” Amy nodded. “And I’m glad I was able to move on and be happy with just his friendship.”

Shadow nodded, remembering the years gone by. “You used to pursue him romantically.” He recalled.

“Yes.” Amy confirmed. “But eventually he figured himself out, and realized he couldn’t make me happy. Not the way I wanted him to, anyway. And he told me that.”

“He couldn’t?” Shadow asked, wondering if what he suspected was true.

“No.” Amy told him. “Sonic and I are… well… incompatible. That is, I’m not compatible with him.”

Shadow nodded in sympathy. “I know the feeling.” He stated, freezing after he realized what he’d just said.

Before he could take his statement back, however, Amy giggled. “You too, huh?” She asked.

“I…” Every fiber of Shadow’s being wanted to deny it. To shrivel up and run away. But he couldn’t. If anyone could understand his situation, it would be Amy Rose. “...Yes.” Shadow eventually admitted.

Amy smiled sadly. “He turned you down?” She asked softly.

Shadow shook his head. “I never asked.”

Amy blinked. “Oh… Is he… already with someone?” She asked. “I didn’t realize he’d found somebody.”

“I… What?” Shadow blinked. “What do you mean? Sonic is incompatible.” He stated, repeating the pink hedgehog’s words from earlier. “With anyone.”

Amy gasped. “O-Oh! You mean…” She tried and failed to suppress a tiny giggle, one hand’s fingertips up against her mouth.

“Sonic isn’t interested in anyone, Amy.” Shadow stated sadly, already so deep in his own head that he didn’t even hear the giggle. “He never has been, and he never will be. It’s obvious. He can’t.”

And Shadow tried, desperately tried, to not hold that against him. To be content with the friendship he and Sonic already had. To ignore his veritable NEED for more. To be closer to him. To love him.

But it was so hard.

“Shadow…” Amy began softly, smiling slightly. “I… think you might have the wrong idea.”

Shadow stared at her, confused. “Then… what do you mean?”

“Sonic and I are incompatible… because I’m a girl.” Amy stated. “Not because I’m anyone.”

“...I don’t follow.”

Amy leaned in, her voice practically a whisper. “Shadow… Sonic is gay.”

Three words. Three words, and Shadow’s entire world had suddenly been turned upside down.

“He’s…” Shadow whispered breathlessly, failing to even utter more than a single word.

“I could never make him happy…” Amy told him, “...but you could.”

Shadow’s heart threatened to leap out of his chest. His mind was running at the speed of light. No… faster. His emotions were a whirlwind, his thoughts were scattered and incoherent. The only thing he could grasp were those three words, repeating over and over in his head.

Sonic is gay.

Sonic is GAY.

I HAVE A CHANCE.

…Do I?  “I…” But even still, Shadow struggled to even let himself believe it. “...Are you sure?” He asked in a whisper, his eyes wide.

Amy smiled warmly. “He told me himself, years ago. Back when he figured it out and came clean to me about my chances with him.”

Shadow really, truly had no idea how to react. Or even how to comprehend this revelation. His whole head was suddenly a jumble, and nothing stayed in one place long enough for him to grasp it. Not a thought, not an action. Not a thing.

Amy giggled as she watched her friend effectively freeze in place, staring off into space and failing to react even when she lightly poked him in the shoulder.

Oh, Shadow… you’ve got it BAD, don’t you? She thought with a chuckle.

Meanwhile…

“Thanks again for the help, Blue.” Rouge said appreciatively, shutting the door to her home behind her.

“Sure thing, Rouge!” Sonic stated cheerfully, setting down several bags of groceries.

The two had bumped into each other by chance at the local supermarket, and Sonic, being the ever-helpful spirit that he is, offered to help the bat carry her groceries home.

Rouge glanced around the room. “Looks like Shadow isn’t here, unfortunately.” She stated. “He might still be with Amy. Guess you missed your shot at seeing the big guy, hun.” The bat smirked.

“Wha- I…” Sonic began to deny it, but realized quickly that there was no point. Rouge could virtually smell secrets. Sonic had secretly hoped to see Shadow while helping Rouge - he would have offered his help anyways, but the possibility of seeing the one who made his heart do gymnastics was irresistible.

“...I’m that obvious, huh?” The blue hedgehog admitted in defeat.

Rouge chuckled lightly. “I’m not just anyone, Sonic.” She replied. “Don’t feel bad; I deal in secrets for a living. Even Shadow can’t keep one from me.” She reassured him.

“I was hoping nobody knew.” Sonic said quietly.

“No worries, Blue.” Rouge said softly, putting a gentle hand on the hedgehog’s shoulder. “You’re my friend; if you don’t want me to tell anyone, then my lips are sealed.”

Sonic looked Rouge in the eyes. He could see the honesty in her words reflecting in them. Relieved, the now-comforted hedgehog nodded meaningfully. “Thank you.”

“For what?” Rouge smirked conspiratorially. “All we did was carry groceries. I should be the one doing the thanking.” She stated, turning around to unpack some of the groceries on the counter.

Sonic snorted. “Right.” He said, playing along. The feeling of exposure was gone, lifted up and carried away from his chest. In its place was… comfort. More than that. Relief. His closest secret now had a confidant.

“Actually…” Sonic began on a whim. “Could I… talk to you about that?” He asked. “About… before?”

Rouge instantly picked up both what Sonic was really referring to, and the seriousness. She turned back, giving him her full attention. “Of course.” She replied, ready to listen and offer whatever might be needed - be it a word of guidance, a shoulder to cry on, or even just a simple, willing ear.

“I really…” Sonic began, trailing off as he struggled to find his words - an unusual situation, for someone as talkative as he. “...I really like the guy.” He said after a moment. “Shadow is… amazing. He’s smart, strong, fast, brave, principled..”

“Handsome as all get-out?” Rouge added on, smirking playfully.

Sonic chuckled. “More than.” He agreed. “Seriously, everything about the guy is incredible. And I love every single second I get with him…” The blue hedgehog’s mood shifted as he trailed off again. “...But it tears me apart that nothing more could ever happen between us.”

Rouge cocked her head inquisitively. “What do you mean?” She asked.

“Well, when has Shadow so much as looked at another person?” Sonic asked rhetorically. “He’s not exactly the kind of person who goes out and hooks up with anybody. He’s never shown any kind of appreciation for the Mobian body beyond its practical abilities. He’s walked right past people of Hollywood-level looks, men and women, without so much as a glance. I’ve seen him do it!”

Sonic let out a frustrated huff, staring up at the ceiling for a moment before hanging his head in resignation. “...The guy would never be interested in dating. Not me, not anyone. He’s not… He’s not like that.” He’s asexual and aromantic, Sonic meant. Stated in all but exact words.

A long moment of silence hung heavily in Team Dark’s kitchen. Sonic continued to stare at the floor, his head filled with thoughts that screamed over and over about how his desperate wish for a certain other’s love was an impossible goal.

“...You’re wrong.” Rouge said quietly, but confidently.

Sonic didn’t react for a moment, but then he processed her words. The blue hedgehog blinked in confusion and looked up at her. “...Huh?”

“You’re wrong.” Rouge repeated, this time at a normal volume. The bat took a step closer to Sonic, as if about to whisper a secret to him. “Shadow walks past those people because he isn’t interested in them. That’s true. But you’re wrong about him not being capable of it.”

Sonic stared at her, unsure what she was trying to tell him.

Rouge glanced down the nearby hallway, her eyes darting to the doorway into Shadow’s unoccupied bedroom. “I made a promise, so I can’t say much.” She began. “But I can tell you under no uncertain terms that Shadow definitely enjoys the company of men.”

“I… what?” Sonic’s world became a whirlwind.

“Let’s just say that I was the one who had to remind Shadow to delete his browsing history once in a while.” Rouge remarked mischievously, giggling a little at the memory. “I’ve seen his search results.”

“You’ve seen his…” Sonic shook his head wildly. “ Nope! Not gonna go there!” He exclaimed.

Rouge threw her head back and laughed heartily at her friend’s panicked backpedaling. “Oh, but you haven’t even heard what he wants someone to do behind closed-”

“NOPE!” Sonic shouted over her, covering his ears with his gloved hands. “~Na-nana-nana, I’m not listening!” He yelled in a singsong manner.

This only made Rouge laugh even harder. Truthfully, she wasn’t going to share anything she’d discovered. But teasing Sonic with it was just too entertaining to not do anything.

Secretly, Sonic actually did want to know what made Shadow tick… but he only wanted to hear it from the source. And he was not mentally ready to go that far. To be that intimate. As much as his body might crave the idea.

It was several minutes (and more than a few teases) later that things finally settled down between the two friends - one embarrassed, the other milking the situation for her own amusement.

But when Sonic eventually left the house that afternoon, he did so with a flicker of newfound hope in his heart.

He had a chance.

Mid-November

“Another win for the Ultimate Lifeform.” Shadow said smugly, folding his arms together in satisfaction.

“Aw, c’mon, that doesn’t count!” Sonic whined. “You bumped my arm in the menus! I’m playing with a character I’ve never used!”

The two hedgehogs had met up to spend a few hours at a local arcade - one of the few surviving stores that still had genuine video game arcade machines. As is a surprise to no one, they had immediately started competing with each other to see who could get the best high scores in each of the games.

“You have twice the hours that I do in this game.” Shadow countered. “I think my victory is a testament to my superior skill.” He taunted.

It was all banter, of course. Both hedgehogs had a smile on their faces - Sonic’s wide, Shadow’s small - but the fact that it was visible at all meant he was enjoying himself immensely.

“Give me another round, and we’ll see if you eat those words!” Sonic shot back, his eyes sparkling with equal parts amusement and joyful enthusiasm.

“If you get another round, then so do I.”

“Fair’s fair. Just don’t bump my arm this time.” Sonic lightly jabbed an elbow in Shadow’s direction with a smile.

Shadow snorted. “Please. As if I need to resort to cheap tricks to beat you.” The previous bump had truly been an accident, but both hedgehogs’ machines locked the choices in before either could backpedal, so they’d decided to go with the flow.

Shadow’s resulting score had beaten Sonic’s by over a hundred points.

“Hey, at least you make things interesting!” Sonic stated, slotting another coin into the machine in front of him. “Last time I came here, my ex couldn’t even figure out the turbo boost.” He remarked nonchalantly. “It’s literally a giant button that says ‘turbo.’ How do you miss that!? ”

Shadow froze, glancing over at Sonic out of the corner of his eye. A moment passed as he processed Sonic’s words.

‘My ex.’

Sonic had dated someone.

… Could Amy have been right?

Shadow shook his head slightly, jogging his brain back into motion. “You went on a date?” He asked, carefully keeping his voice level, his tone casual. To an outside listener, it would sound like no more than a mild tease. A rhetorical question from a joking friend.

Sonic, his eyes having never left the screen during Shadow’s miniature episode, replied simply and casually. “Yep.” He confirmed, entirely ignorant of the mental whirlwind he’d just sent the other hedgehog into. The blue hedgehog snorted at the memory. “The guy could not play video games to save his life.”

Guy.

GUY.

Shadow, his mind reeling, processed three things at once. Three things that overtook any other thought in his head and tossed it out the window, screaming throughout his skull with reckless abandon.

One: Amy was right. Sonic was interested in men.

Two: Sonic trusted Shadow enough to reveal this so casually that it might have even been an accident, had it not been immediately repeated.

Which led to Three:

Shadow definitely had a chance.

The ebony hedgehog managed to refocus and compete against Sonic for the rest of their social outing, but the rest of the day was simply a blur to him. Shadow’s mind was overcome by a single thought echoing over and over, louder and yet softer than anything else in his head…

…I have a chance.

Chapter Text

It was now the first week of December. The air had grown cold, the ground had a light coating of snow, and Sonic was very comfortable in his warm bed. He had only partially awoken, not even cracking his eyes open yet. The morning light drifted in through the curtains of his bedroom window, but he resisted the Sun’s call. He did not want to get up yet.

…His alarm clock had other ideas.

Grumbling against the harsh noise, Sonic eventually couldn’t take it any longer. Shrugging off his delightfully-warm blanket, the hedgehog stood up and shuffled over to the annoying device, strategically placed on the other side of the room so he couldn’t set it to snooze and fall back asleep.

Sonic might have been a morning person, but that didn’t mean he could wake up instantly. It took him a couple of minutes.

The blue hedgehog, his eyes still clearing the fog of sleep away, walked slowly over to his bedroom door, ready to start the day. Albeit reluctantly.

Shuffling out into the hallway, Sonic noted that the guest bedroom door - diagonal to his in the hallway - was already open. Shadow had spent the night, and clearly he was already up and about.

It was only then that Sonic’s nose picked up the heavenly scents of breakfast foods drifting up the stairs from the kitchen. Eggs, pancakes, maple syrup, and even hints of fresh fruits… Sonic’s mouth watered instantly.

A pep in his step now, Sonic walked a little faster down the stairs, turning into the kitchen when he reached the bottom. “Smells like a great morning already.” He quipped, his characteristic grin already starting to form on his lips.

“You’re just in time.” A familiar, deeper voice replied. Shadow didn’t even turn around from the stove he was standing in front of. The ebony hedgehog had to ensure that the pancakes he was cooking were good, and the last few moments were crucial.

Sonic’s eyes wandered, his mostly-awake mind having no problem looking at some eye candy first thing in the morning. His gaze drifted up and down Shadow’s form, taking in all of the curves, the musculature, and even the unique way Shadow’s quills stuck out, angling upwards rather than down like most hedgehogs.

It took several seconds for Sonic to even realize he was blatantly eyeing up his best friend. The blue hedgehog gasped silently, blushing a deep red as he swiftly tore his gaze away from Shadow’s hindquarters.

If Shadow had turned around during any of that, Sonic might have just died of embarrassment on the spot. As it is, the black hedgehog was completely unaware, focusing intently on the task at hand and sparing not even a glance in Sonic’s direction.

The cobalt speedster pointedly directed his gaze elsewhere, settling on the dinner table in the kitchen. His eyes widened. “Wow, Shadow.” He exclaimed. “You’ve really outdone yourself, today.”

A veritable feast sat patiently awaiting hungry Mobians to consume it. Scrambled eggs, a plate of strawberries and blueberries, a bundle of bananas, a stack of waffles, a jar of maple syrup, and an empty platter that Sonic guessed was for the pancakes Shadow was currently cooking. All of these covered the majority of the dinner table, freshly prepared and glistening mouthwateringly in the kitchen light.

“I’m not even sure Tails and I could eat all of this!” Sonic joked with a grin.

“Well, then it’s a good thing that I’m here, too.” Shadow replied lightheartedly. “A chef has to taste his own cooking from time to time, doesn’t he?” He joked.

“Dude, you should open up a restaurant or something.” Sonic stated. “Everything here looks immaculate.”

Shadow smiled appreciatively, picking up the now-finished pancakes and depositing them smoothly on their platter. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” He replied. “My cooking is only for those I care about.”

Sonic’s mouth somehow watered even more at that. Knowing that Shadow’s delectable culinary skills would only ever service his taste buds, and a handful of others. That he was part of an exclusive group who were the only ones allowed to taste firsthand what Shadow could do in a kitchen.

“I’ll get Tails up, and then we can eat.” Shadow stated, taking off the apron he’d been wearing and heading for the stairs. He knew where Tails’ room was.

Sonic could hardly wait.

Down the hill, up the incline, past the split tree stump, around the rocky corner, through the loop-de-loop, and leaping off the ledge. Sonic let out a whoop as he soared briefly through the air before landing and smoothly tucking into a somersault as he hit the ground, rolling back up to his feet and blasting forward yet again.

A black blur was a mere half-step behind him.

The two speedsters were on their morning run - a Sonic tradition, and one that Shadow decided to participate in today. It wasn’t a race, but they were certainly moving fast. Faster than Sonic normally took this route, but by racing standards, they would have been extremely slow. No, they might have been running, but they were by no means sprinting.

And neither was really trying to get ahead of the other. The goal was not to beat the other to a destination, but rather to stretch their legs and get some good exercise in to start the day off right.

Having company for once, especially company that was similarly speedy, had plastered a permanent, massive grin onto Sonic’s face. Shadow himself even had the beginnings of a smirk going, though he wasn’t entirely aware of it at the moment.

Both were simply enjoying the experience. The wind whipping through their quills, the adrenaline coursing through their veins, the mild challenge of nature’s obstacle course, and the social bond of running alongside each other.

I could get used to this, they both thought to themselves.

It was Sonic, of course, who eventually decided to up the ante. A playful nudge to get Shadow’s attention, a mischievous grin, and suddenly Sonic blasted ahead. But rather than the direct route of a race, Sonic headed towards any interesting obstacle he could find. Jumping over logs, hopping on each rock big enough to stand on, climbing up a tree and leaping from branch to branch, whatever the blue adrenaline-seeker could do to diversify his movements.

Shadow understood within moments. A dark smirk began to form on his lips as the black hedgehog began to follow Sonic’s example.

But of course, he had to one-up his rival. Instead of merely jumping from each rock, Shadow would do a cartwheel, landing and pushing off with his hands on every other rock, rather than his feet. Instead of a simple jump over an obstructive log, Shadow would perform a parkour maneuver, often incorporating a theatrical spin or flip. And for branches, the black hedgehog refused to not somersault in mid-air between each one.

And if a hanging vine was strong enough, Shadow would latch onto it with his legs, swinging upside-down on his way to the next branch.

Familiar, joyful laughter reached Shadow’s ears, and it warmed his heart. The black hedgehog didn’t even realize he was genuinely smiling until several minutes later, when the pair finally cleared the local jungle.

Lunch was a cheerful affair for the pair of hedgehogs. A local diner stylized after the 50s, ambience included. Old-timey music flowed sweetly through the air, accentuating casual conversations and lifting the spirits of everyone present. Waiters and waitresses took orders with a friendly smile on their face, and the restaurant’s long-time regulars knew them all by name.

Sonic and Shadow were pleased to find a place they could relax together in peace. They ate unhurriedly, chatting about this and that, passing the time with someone truly dear to them.

Shadow vocally reminisced about his recent interactions with the new friendships in his life. Discovering new things about Chaos Energy with Knuckles, tea-tasting with Amy Rose, learning advanced motorcycle mechanics with Tails, and also training in the more subtle arts with Espio.

“I’ve even managed to use what I’ve learned on a G.U.N. mission.” Shadow recalled, referring to his stealth training under the chameleon.

“Oh? Cool!” Sonic exclaimed. “Did you scare anyone as bad as you got me?” He asked with a grin.

Shadow smirked. “Yes, though not quite as peacefully.” He stated slyly. “Let’s just say that a number of guards did not see me coming before they were already restrained.”

Sonic chuckled. “I’ll bet a few of them needed a change of pants afterward.”

“Possibly.” Shadow said simply, choosing not to comment one way or the other definitively.

“And how about gadget stuff with Tails?” Sonic asked. “You mentioned before that you were thinking of having him upgrade some of your G.U.N. equipment?”

Shadow nodded. “I did. Your brother has managed to take those tools and bring them to levels I hadn’t even considered feasible. And yet, all without introducing any new downsides.” The black hedgehog stated fondly. He was thoroughly impressed with the fox genius.

“Heh. Knowing Tails, even some of those downsides have been trimmed out.” Sonic chuckled.

“Indeed.” Shadow confirmed, a small huff of an exhale being the equivalent of laughter for him. “Battery lives have been tripled, processing speeds quintupled , and even the more mechanical devices are faster, quieter, and in some cases stronger than they’ve ever been.” The Ultimate Lifeform explained, listing the many improvements that Tails had brought about for his equipment.

But none of it compares to just being able to spend time with you, Shadow wanted to say. But he didn’t. Even knowing he might have a chance at Sonic’s heart, the black hedgehog was nervous. Anxious. Scared, even, although he stubbornly refused to admit that part to even himself.

He didn’t know if he could survive rejection.

“Say, how about a rematch in Smash Hogs?” Sonic’s voice suddenly pierced through Shadow’s thoughts, instantly catapulting him back to the real and present.

“You mean a rematch for the tournament I beat you in ten-to-four?” Shadow snarkily replied. “Sure, if you’re willing to get your butt kicked again.”

“Hey, I was off my game, that day!” Sonic exclaimed defensively, although the smile on his face betrayed how he really felt. “Besides…” The blue hedgehog’s eyes gained a mischievous gleam, and his voice dropped an octave. “...There are other ways to get your hands on me.~”

Moments later, anyone who glanced over at the table would see a black hedgehog, cheeks very bright red, spluttering incoherently, and a blue hedgehog roaring with laughter. The hint of a blush on Sonic’s cheeks wasn’t quite as visible.

“I'm about to show you what I'm made of!”

“Oh? I thought you were comprised of reckless speed and endless stupidity.”

“Just you wait until I activate my- Hey! How did you-?”

Sonic stared aghast at the screen as his character staggered away, all of his windup for an Ultimate Attack now for nought.

Shadow smiled, his voice radiating smugness. “Activate your what?” He asked, feigning innocence. “From where I'm standing,” he continued, his own character marching forward to press his advantage, “you don't seem to be leading up to much of anything.”

“That's where you're wrong.” Sonic countered, realizing his character's stunned state would wear off just before Shadow reached him. “I'm just getting warmed up.”

“Do tell.” Shadow replied confidently.

“I'm more of a show-er.” Sonic quipped. The stun wore off just as Shadow's character began winding up for his attack.

With a well-timed button press, Sonic's character blocked right as Shadow’s struck. The split-second timing not only prevented the attack from landing, but also put him in a stunned state.

“What the-”

“Hyah!” Sonic exclaimed aloud, his character immediately launching into a heavy strike of his own, which Shadow was helpless to defend against.

Shadow grunted in displeasure, watching his character get slammed into the floor without a single way to defend himself. “I guess I need to up the ante.” The black hedgehog said, his voice icy cold.

Shadow’s character stood back up, no longer stunned, and the back-and-forth fighting resumed, with neither opponent getting a clear, decisive hit in. Blow for blow, both Sonic and Shadow withstood hits and blocked others in a tense exchange of fists, feet, and gamified fury. No holds barred, but neither of them was getting beat down without a fight.

All the while, the two competitive hedgehogs bantered back-and-forth, their game as much a verbal one as it was digital.

“You’ll give in eventually, hedgehog.” Shadow stated confidently.

“Me? Surrender to you? Not a chance, Shads.”

“I didn’t say you’d get a choice.”

“That’s because I don’t need one.” Sonic retorted.

“Pull the plugs out of your ears and pay attention to reality, Faker!”

“I could say the same about the wool over your eyes!” Sonic exclaimed.

“I don’t need to see to know that I’ve got you outmatched.”

“Then you’re as delusional as you are blind.”

“The only delusion here is you thinking you can win.” Shadow taunted.

“A moment more, and it won’t be thinking.”

“Keep talking.” Shadow said confidently. “The bigger your ego, the harder the fall, and I do so love watching you fall.”

“You love watching me, eh?”

Shadow’s eyes widened, and he spluttered frantically, stammering out something about how he most certainly does NOT watch Sonic… but the momentary distraction was all it took.

Sonic capitalized on the moment, and before Shadow could recover, his character was rapidly losing what little health he had left.

“Aaaand that’s my victory!” Sonic declared ahead of time. He knew it was too late for Shadow to make any kind of comeback in the match.

“Actually,” a voice spoke from behind the hedgehog pair, “I think it’s my victory.”

Silent for the last couple of minutes, and completely forgotten about by the speedsters in their competitive haste, the genius fox had been patiently waiting in a different corner of the map the whole time, passively observing as his two opponents dwindled away their health whilst he sat entirely unharmed.

Both hedgehogs realized their tactical error far too late, as Tails’ character swooped in and smoothly eradicated the dredges of health they both had left, swiftly and easily scoring a victory for the fox with almost no effort beyond simple patience.

A pair of groans rang out as both hedgehogs watched the fox’s character receive the victory trophy for that match. Tails cackled with glee, more than pleased that smarts had won the day yet again.

Sonic and Shadow exchanged a look. They both nodded silently to each other.

The next round, Tails found himself ganged up on, eliminated less than a minute into the match.

“Today has been awesome.” Sonic stated bluntly.

One side of Shadow’s mouth twitched upward. “Indeed, it has.” He agreed.

The two hedgehogs were sitting at a table inside a local restaurant. Tails had been invited, but the fox had opted to stay home and continue tinkering with his machines - Sonic had made him promise on threat of death to eat something before the end of the night.

“I uh… I really appreciate these times with you.” Sonic said, initially sounding hesitant. Self-conscious. “You’re… a really, really good friend, Shadow.” He stated sincerely. “You’re my best friend.”

Shadow blinked, unused to such a direct admission of affection, especially from Sonic. “...Alright, who are you, and what have you done with my annoying rival?” He jokingly asked.

Sonic chuckled, his voice immediately taking on a faux-dramatic tone. “Beware, for I am… I am…” He trailed off, struggling to think of a name for a moment. “...Uh, I am Devastator the Almighty, and I shall claim this realm!” He announced like a cliche, one-note villain.

Shadow lightly flicked him in the nose (“Ow!”) “There. Defeated.” The black hedgehog said simply, an amused smirk on his lips.

Sonic laughed as he swatted Shadow’s hand away before he could get flicked again. “Yeah, yeah, you got ‘em. Nice going, buddy. Another victory for the forces of good!” He joked.

Shadow simply shook his head in amusement, the small smile never leaving his lips.

“For real, though,” Sonic continued, “Amy’s been trying to get me to, uh… ‘open up more,’ she called it.” He said, giving an air quotes gesture. “ Saying things, instead of just leaving them implied. Stuff like that.” The blue hedgehog shrugged. “Figured I’d try with you.”

“Then allow me to return the gesture.” Shadow replied smoothly. “You’re my best friend. The one I spend the most time with of anyone on this planet. Not out of necessity, but by choice. I want to be around you.” He admitted.

“I-” Sonic blinked. “...Wow, Shadow. That was… actually really nice! Th-Thank you!” He stammered out, a tiny blush adorning his cheeks. “A-And right back at you!”

“You relax me.” Shadow continued, though he nodded in recognition of Sonic’s thanks. “Around most people, I keep my guard up still. Even amongst those that I consciously know I can trust, I still find myself on edge. Watching their movements, listening for tell-tale signs of an attack, analyzing everything they say or do…” The dark hedgehog trailed off with a sigh.

Sonic fidgeted in place, familiar with what Shadow spoke about - it had come up every so often over the years they’d been friends.

“...But not with you.” Shadow eventually continued, his gaze refocusing on Sonic’s face. His eyes stared straight into Sonic’s, crimson red meeting emerald green. “When you’re with me, I relax. My mind, my body, my soul . You are…” Shadow’s voice dropped to nearly a whisper, his eyes glazing a little as his focus turned inward. “...You are the person I treasure most in the whole world.”

Sonic was truly speechless. He stared at Shadow, his jaw dropping slightly, blush now covering his cheeks. But the blue hedgehog’s heart had perhaps never beaten faster. A smile, a genuine smile from deep inside his heart, began to grow on his lips.

“Maria would have loved you immensely.” Shadow told him. “And I will always miss her. But with you as my friend… the sting of her absence cannot overcome my happiness with my life as it is now.”

A silent moment of peace and serenity passed between the two hedgehogs, their hearts beating as if in unison. They stared warmly at each other, comfortable in embracing their deep friendship in a moment of peaceful, blissful silence. A few tears of joy rolled down Sonic’s cheeks, but he refused to acknowledge their existence.

“...Dude… How on Earth do I top that!?” Sonic eventually exclaimed, throwing his hands out in joking resignation.

Shadow hung his head, hiding an amused snort and accompanying smile. “Leave it to you to break the atmosphere with a self-centered remark.” He teased, but there was no venom in his voice.

Sonic laughed heartily, having gotten the exact reaction he’d hoped for. “Sonic Extraordinaire, Breaker of Emotional Moments, at your service!” He declared proudly, playing the jester to Shadow’s stoic disbelief.

Shadow rubbed his eyes as if exhausted. “Ugh, train him for ten years, and I still can’t take him out in public!” He exclaimed, as if Sonic was a troublesome pet or mischievous child.

Sonic practically cackled. “I live to disrupt and ashame!” He stated like it was a proud career.

Shadow sighed dramatically, internally enjoying the comedic turn of events. “Just eat your food, idiot, before I force you to take it home and show you some real shame.” He faux-threatened.

“Hey, leftovers are great! Don’t diss the almighty microwave!”

The walk back to Sonic’s house was a pleasant one. The night was calm and peaceful. The cold wind blew softly, merely a gentle kiss upon the urban roads, the street lights, and the many buildings of all types and sizes. Sonic and Shadow walked quietly, both content with the camaraderie of silence and the feeling of their sated stomachs - dinner had been a delicious affair.

The serene atmosphere followed them most of the way home, like a cloak draping across the dark skies above them. Shadow in particular was pleased to have a moment of quiet. His introverted nature embraced the affair wholeheartedly, reveling in the stillness like a parched traveler finding an oasis of cold, fresh water. A tiny, content smile, unnoticed by both Sonic and even Shadow himself, formed on the dark hedgehog’s lips.

…Home. With a start, Shadow realized that it was true; he had begun to view Sonic’s house as a second home, right alongside Rouge’s place. He was comfortable there. At ease.

As he was with Sonic. Relaxed, almost lethargic sometimes. He felt safe - not just physically, but socially too. The mental walls Shadow put up around others came down when it was just him and Sonic. In private, he was entirely at peace, even when around the blue hedgehog walking beside him, and not truly alone.

And… It pleased him. Simply spending time in Sonic’s house - in Shadow’s new, second home - brought him peace and joy in equal measure. Just thinking about it brightened his smile. The newfound awareness of the source of his serenity only strengthened it further.

He felt like he was home already. For truly, home was no longer merely a place. Home was a person.

Home was Sonic. Wherever the blue hedgehog was that Shadow had spent all these years rivaling… was where Shadow was happiest. Where the world was brightest.

And I don’t ever want it to end.

Shadow’s thoughts were interrupted when Sonic stopped in place, lazily stretching as he let out a yawn. The blue hedgehog turned his head as he did, catching Shadow watching him. A soft, casual smile greeted Shadow’s eyes, and the ultimate lifeform’s heart did a cartwheel at the beauty of it.

“Man…” Sonic began, nearly at a whisper. “A whole day with you.” He said as if reminiscing about some old, nostalgic event. “You’re too good to me, Shads.” He joked with a wink.

Shadow raised an eyebrow as he smirked back. “Oh?” He chuckled. “Am I, now?”

“An amazing breakfast, the best morning run of all time, being able to hang out and have fun all day?” Sonic grinned. “If this is a dream, I don’t ever want to wake up.”

“It was very… fun… for me as well.” Shadow replied, hesitating to use a word that he typically didn’t. “I enjoyed myself today… Your company was acceptable, as well, I suppose.” He finished with a cheeky grin.

Sonic laughed, the sound bouncing off the front walls of his home - which Shadow only now realized they had arrived at - and vanishing into the smothering snow coating the ground around them.

“Acceptable , huh?” Sonic repeated. “Well, coming from you, I guess that’s as good a win as I’ll ever get.”

“Just about, hedgehog.” Shadow laughed quietly, accepting the mirth of the situation.

The one he loved so dearly let out a contented sigh. “And then a wonderful dinner with you… and the things you said…” he recalled with a smile, “... Today has been perfect, and it’s all thanks to you. Hehe, I could almost kiss you!”

I wish you would, Shadow thought.

“...W-What?” Sonic’s asked, his suddenly tiny. “You… You really…?”

Shadow’s eyes widened as he realized he had spoken that thought aloud. “I-I mean… I, um… I-” Shadow spluttered, his cheeks burning a deeper crimson than his own eyes. His heart pounded faster than it might ever have pounded before.

“Sh-Shadow… You…?”

Shadow took in a deep, shaky breath. There was no backing out of this. He knew it was time… for Sonic to know just how deeply his heart longed for him. “...Yes.” Shadow stated quietly, his voice little but a whisper.

The black hedgehog’s gaze focused squarely on the ground beside Sonic, unable to so much as glance up and see the look on the other man’s face. “Yes, I want you to… More than anything…”

Sonic couldn’t believe his ears. He had to be dreaming. In a state of shock, the blue hedgehog stared at Shadow, his mind almost failing to comprehend that sudden admission that his heart’s dream was coming true right before his eyes.

Shadow continued to speak, still only just above a mere whisper in the quiet wind. “I’ve wanted to be with you for so long… Your presence, your touch, your love… You are the one I’ve longed for… for years, now…”

Sonic took a step closer to Shadow, almost unconsciously. His eyes never strayed from Shadow’s face, transfixed.

Shadow heard the footstep, but still didn’t look up. “Sonic, you have been an integral part of my life since the day we met. And when we became friends, I discovered a fondness for life that I hadn’t truly felt since I lost Maria all those years ago.” He admitted. “I was only surviving… but you helped me to live… And when I fell for you…”

Finally, Shadow made himself look up at Sonic’s face. The blue hedgehog’s eyes were wide open, staring into Shadow’s in a mix of shock and… Shadow scarcely dared to believe the hint of love he now saw.

“...When I fell for you,” the ebony hedgehog continued, “I discovered yet again that the world still had new and wonderful things to show me. And this year was the epitome of that very fact.”

Sonic, his gaze not straying for an instant, reached out and grasped one of Shadow’s hands. Their gloves rubbed softly against each other. His touch was gentle. Their fingers interlaced.

The words that before had always escaped Shadow now came to mind as if they’d been there all along. Suddenly, he just knew what he was going to say. How he would pour his heart out to the one he so dearly loved.

“This last year…” Shadow continued, still focused on pulling his thoughts out of his head. “It has been a… transformative era in my life.” He stated, struggling with what words to use, but determined to finish his declaration. “I may have started the journey, but you were a pivotal part of it. Without you, I never would have tried so many new things. I never would have gotten anywhere near where I am today.”

“What you said at the diner…” Sonic recalled with a whisper.

Shadow nodded. “I never would have been able to say those things, or this, without the many experiences of this year. And with your support… I’ve flown far higher than I ever would have alone. With your presence, I felt a comfort, a safety, that I never knew I’d been missing. You gave me the confidence to truly stretch my boundaries… and you make me happy.”

“You make me happy, too, Shadow…” Sonic replied, his face inching closer to Shadow’s.

The dark hedgehog took a deep breath. He felt the grip of Sonic’s hand on his, the gloved fabric over their fingers brushing together. He felt Sonic’s breath on his cheek, a warm embrace against the biting cold. He felt, now, the true warmth in Sonic’s gaze. Warmth for him.

“Sonic, I… I love you.” And with that, he leaned in. And their lips met.

Shadow had heard that when you kiss your true love, it was like fireworks going off inside of you. He hadn’t understood it, then.

But he did now.

Physically, it was a quiet, almost serene affair.

But inside… ‘fireworks’ could hardly even compare to what they both felt.

Though chaste, the torrent of love flowing through both of them was unmistakable. They could hardly breathe, and yet they couldn’t get enough. A wave of emotion, cascading back and forth through their connection at the lips, flowing deep into their hearts, sending a single, all-important message.

I love you.

Sonic didn’t need to say it back. Shadow could feel it in the way the blue hedgehog kissed him. Pressed into his lips with a subtle passion that concealed a fountain of affection, all for him.

Connected in love, the pair stood there, lips slipping into place against each other like they were tailor-made. Romance was in the air, and their hearts could finally beat in true unison, finally aware that the one they loved so dearly… loved them just as much in return.

The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but to the two of them, it felt like hours. And they cherished every moment.

When they eventually, slowly separated, they stared into each other’s eyes. Breathed against each other’s faces. Smiled at the love in each other’s gaze.

“Shadow…” Sonic whispered. But he was unable to say any more. His mind could not form a single sentence, so overcome with pure, unfiltered love for the man in front of him.

But he did not need to speak. Shadow knew. Finally, Shadow knew . And loved him back.

“If you’ll have me…” Shadow spoke softly, his free hand coming up to trace a thumb ever-so-gently against Sonic’s cheek, “then I would be the happiest hedgehog in the world… to try one more new thing… and call myself yours.”

“Yes.” Sonic answered without hesitation. “ Please.” He added longingly, almost begging.

“Then so it is.” Shadow stated with a nod, the wide grin on his face betraying his attempt at stoicism. “I am yours. And you are mine.”

“Shadow the Hedgehog… my boyfriend.” Sonic said softly, testing the words aloud. His heart fluttered in eager agreement. The blue hedgehog smiled. “That sounds… perfect.”

The two embraced, the romance now official in their partnership. Arms wrapped around shoulders, lips meeting together in a physical gesture of love and longing. Their second kiss was deeper than the first. It was still chaste, and there wasn’t even much movement. But the passion was tenfold .

Where before their lips had only gently glided against each other, now they pressed strongly together. Their hearts overflowed with joy, and the depth of love was almost unimaginable. The desire for the other’s company, their companionship, their affection, their romantic touch… it burned like a bonfire larger than the world had ever known.

And expressed in a simple gesture of lips against longing lips.

This kiss lasted much longer, and when they eventually, reluctantly separated, it was merely because their lungs were screaming for fresh oxygen.

Arms still wrapped behind each other’s necks, Sonic and Shadow breathed heavily, their chests pressed together and their cheeks mirroring a rose in beautiful bloom. Their breaths were hot against each other’s faces, and the loving warmth was felt to their very cores.

A full ten seconds passed as they simply stared lovingly into each other’s eyes. The silence spoke far greater volumes than words ever could. The depth of love in their hearts, the desire for the other’s embrace, and the anticipation of a lifelong companionship.

And of course, Sonic chose then to speak. “Dude… You’re at two for two on the incredible emotional speeches. I’m never gonna catch up!”

Shadow couldn’t help it. A real, loud guffaw erupted from his mouth, his head dropping forward and landing against Sonic’s shoulder as the dark hedgehog laughed uncontrollably. Sonic quickly joined him, giggling like the world’s greatest joke had just been told.

“Chaos, hedgehog…” Shadow muttered into Sonic’s shoulder, grinning ear to ear. His breath tickled as it flowed through Sonic’s fur, and the blue hedgehog chuckled even more. “...I really can’t take you anywhere. Not even home.”

“Aw, you know you love me!” Sonic laughed in reply.

“Yes. Yes I do.” Shadow admitted. Just being able to say the words made his heart leap with joy, threatening to burst out of his chest. “Despite your complete inability to take any situation seriously.” He added on teasingly.

“Guilty as charged!” Sonic stated proudly. “Now either take me inside, or kiss me again. I’m getting cold.” He demanded. Had Shadow ever dislodged his head from Sonic’s shoulders, the blue hedgehog would have accompanied his request with a wink.

Shadow snorted. “So needy.”

“You bring out the worst in me.”

“And you bring out the best in me.” Shadow stated lovingly, finally lifting his head up. He looked into Sonic’s eyes, love pouring out of his gaze like a bolt of lightning. “So, allow me to give you the best I can offer, and do both.”

The two shared one more kiss, lasting only a mere second but just as cherished, before heading indoors.

The night was young, and their newfound partnership younger still, but true love would guide them toward the many, happy years to come.

Sonic and Shadow would cherish every moment.

FIN