Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Four years had passed since Shadow had awakened from cryogenic stasis. He now wandered a world he had once studied extensively, yet everything about it felt unfamiliar. Earth had changed drastically over the last fifty years, and what little he thought he knew was now obsolete—especially when it came to humanity.

As if being an alien hybrid created in a laboratory wasn’t enough, he now carried the weight of a past he could never escape. The memory of once seeking to destroy this planet still haunted him.

For months, he had lived alone. He spent his days traveling, taking on missions for

G.U.N.—the very organization he once loathed. Yet, in an ironic twist, their goals now aligned. He fought for this planet’s protection, even if he still felt like an outsider.

He had once lived with Rouge and Omega. Their companionship had been... interesting. But in time, he realized he preferred solitude. The quiet of the forest suited him. Rouge loved the bustle of the city, and Omega required constant access to power plants and

maintenance facilities—moving with him had never been an option.

“You have to visit us!” Rouge had insisted, wiping away a stray tear. “Your room will always be there if you ever want to come hang out.”

She was like an older sister to him, much like Maria once had been. One of the few people he trusted. One of the few he allowed into his new life, despite her loudness.

His life had become quieter. Peaceful. He rarely ventured into the city anymore. The only reason he did was—

“Shadow!” Amy.

This had become their routine. She would find an interesting location, and together, they would explore it.

--------------

“The Earth is a beautiful place, Shadow! You should go and travel the world!” “Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't know where to go.”

“Then I'll accompany you! We’ll find the most beautiful places and eat the best food! I promise, it’ll be fun!”

“If you say so.”

--------------

For several years now, they had done just that. But their trips had become less frequent due to their busy schedules. For some reason, that bothered Shadow more than he wanted to admit.

Amy had found out he was back this week and had texted him three days ago about a place she’d been eager to visit: Ice Paradise. The name didn’t excite him—he wasn’t fond of the cold. But Amy, knowing this, explained that winter was essential because a rare type of flower bloomed beneath the northern lights.

He had already seen the northern lights during his missions. But he never told her. Not because he didn’t want to, but because when he first saw them, the only thought that crossed his mind was her—and how the colors reminded him of the warmth in her eyes.

Somewhere along the way, he had started comparing the most breathtaking sights to her. Imagining how she’d react. What expression she’d wear if she were standing beside him.

The truth was, it didn’t matter if she led him to the coldest, most desolate place on Earth. As long as she was there, it would always be the best day for him.

Their meetings had started as something simple. At first, he had gone out of curiosity. Against all logic, he kept showing up.

And then, there was that evening.

--------------

Amy had been practically bouncing as they walked through the dense forest. “I read about this place ages ago! It’s supposed to be like a fairytale!”

“Fairytales aren’t real,” Shadow said, unimpressed. Amy gasped dramatically. “So boring!”

Shadow rolled his eyes, but before he could respond, she grabbed his wrist. “We’re here!” A wide expanse of beach stretched out before them, the dark water shimmering under the moonlight. The plankton on the shore created a cool glow that made the waves appear to be lit up, as if the stars from the night sky had fallen into the sea.

Amy turned to him, grinning. “See? A fairytale.”

Shadow stayed silent, lost in contemplation of the beauty of the place.

With a contented sigh, Amy slipped off her shoes and let her toes sink into the cool, soft sand. She plopped down, patting the spot beside her. “Come on, sit with me!”

He hesitated but eventually sat next to her. The silence between them felt right, no words necessary.

Amy smiled softly. “I knew you’d like this place.”

“Why?” He asked, his voice quieter than usual.

She turned to him, her emerald eyes twinkling. “Because I know you.”

The words had struck something deep within him. Something he hadn’t been ready to acknowledge.

Then she leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

So warm.

They just stayed there, surrounded by the night and lights. Eventually, Amy broke the silence. “You should try it sometime,” she said.

“Try what?”

She smiled softly. “Just relax and admire the beauty around you.” And then, it hit him.

A quiet ache started deep in his chest—something more than admiration, more than friendship.

It was at that moment, he realized— He had fallen deeply in love with her.

--------------

Now, as he watched her wave at him with that same unwavering joy, reality settled in. She always made his day better.

His mind has told him to keep his distance. But he already knew that his heart wanted something else.

“Amy.” His voice was steady, but something in him trembled.

Every time they met, she seemed even more beautiful. Her smile, her laugh—it was all too much.

“I thought you weren’t coming! I was afraid you’d be sent on another last-minute mission like last time…”

Her nose and cheeks were flushed from the winter cold. He should have anticipated her arriving early, despite coming an hour ahead of schedule himself.

Her hair was braided in a graceful Greek style, and she wore a long crimson coat that hugged her waist and brought out the brilliance of her emerald eyes. Flat leather boots completed her look. Shadow couldn't help but secretly enjoy when she wore flats instead of heels—it reminded him of just how petite she really was. For some reason, he took quiet

pride in being so much taller than her.

Stop staring.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t tear his gaze away. “I told you I would be here.”

Amy smiled, tilting her head. “Yeah, but you’re always so unpredictable. I half expected you to vanish again.”

Shadow didn’t answer. He just watched her.

She noticed his stare and blinked. “What? Do I have snow on my face?” Before he could think, he reached out.

Amy stilled as his fingers brushed against her cheek, sending warmth shooting to her face. “There was some snow,” he murmured.

What the hell am I doing?

Amy’s breath caught.

The touch was fleeting, gone in an instant. But the warmth lingered, sinking deep into her bones.

Shadow cursed himself inside as he stepped back quickly. Amy didn't move. She just stared at him, her heart beating fast.

"You're different lately," she said softly. Shadow's shoulders tensed. "How so?"

Amy tilted her head, her eyes still locked on his. "You're warmer."

Her words hit him deep. He always kept people away, thinking he was just a weapon, not someone who could feel warmth. But around her...

Shadow clenched his jaw. "You're imagining things."

"Maybe," she whispered, "or maybe you're just bad at hiding it."

A small smile crept onto her face. Maybe he wasn't as cool as he pretended to be. For a second, he thought about reaching for her hand. But he didn't.

Lately, he couldn't stop thinking about her. His mind kept replaying the moments they shared over and over again. At first, he thought it was nothing. But over time, those

thoughts grew stronger.

He suddenly remembered the night he finally talked to Rouge about it.

--------------

Shadow exhaled sharply, pressing his back against the cool wall. His hands were clenched into fists, gathering the courage to speak.

"Rouge," he began, his voice low. "I have a problem."

Rouge arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "You? A problem?" She leaned forward. "This should be interesting."

Shadow hesitated, then sighed. "It's Amy."

Rouge's smirk widened knowingly. "Oh? What did she do this time? Or rather—what did you do?"

Shadow looked away. "That's the problem. I haven't done anything. But I can't get her out of my head."

Rouge's teasing expression softened. "Oh." She folded her arms. "And how long has this been going on?"

"...A while," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "Every time I see her, it gets worse. Every time I leave, I think about when I'll see her again. Every time she smiles at me..." He trailed off, frustration tightening his jaw. "I like everything about her, but at the same time, being around her makes me feel like I'm losing control of myself."

Rouge hummed thoughtfully. "Sounds like love to me." Shadow huffed. "I know that."

Rouge blinked. "Wait—so you do know?"

"I'm not stupid, Rouge," he said, irritation creeping into his tone. "I love her." Rouge stared at him. "Then what's the problem?"

Shadow hesitated. "What am I supposed to do about it?"

Rouge tilted her head. "You tell her, and then become a lovely-dovey couple!" she said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Don’t be ridiculous." Shadow muttered, his hands balling into fists again. "We are different. She deserves someone who can give her everything. Not someone like me."

Rouge frowned. "And what exactly is 'someone like you'?"

Shadow's gaze darkened. "An experiment. A weapon. I was created for destruction, not love. You know that."

Love, he thought, was something that came with expectations—marriage, children, starting a family. But he was different. He was a product of a lab, a thing shaped by experimentation, by cold science, not by the bonds of affection. What could someone like him possibly give to someone as vibrant and alive as Amy?

Rouge's expression softened. "Shadow... is that really what you think?" Shadow looked away. "It's a fact, Rouge."

Rouge studied him for a moment, her gaze softening. "You know, Shadow," she said quietly, "I think Amy loves you too."

Shadow’s heart stopped for a second, and he quickly shook his head, not believing it. "No," he muttered, his voice tight. "That’s not possible."

Rouge let out a sigh. "You’re not hearing me. I can see the way she looks at you. She cares about you, maybe more than you realize."

Shadow flinched slightly, his mind racing, but he kept his cool. "Even if that’s true," he said, his voice quiet but strained, "her loving me would just make everything worse."

--------------

He couldn’t stop thinking about that conversation with Rouge. It kept playing over and over in his head for days. What he said was true. But it didn’t change the fact that Amy was a hopeless romantic, full of warmth and dreams. She could have anyone. She could find someone else easily—someone who could give her everything she deserved.

Then it hit him. Could he really just stand there and watch her fall for someone else? The thought alone made his chest tighten. Seeing her laugh with another guy, holding his hand, sharing her life with him—it was unbearable. Jealousy wrapped around him, twisting his insides, and left him with a bitter ache he couldn’t shake.

I can’t let that happen.

Was he being selfish? Yeah, he knew he was. And he had no idea what to do about it.

"This is so confusing," Shadow muttered.

Amy’s presence always made his thoughts spiral. Every time she looked at him with that soft smile, he felt his carefully built walls crack. He wasn’t supposed to want more. But he did.

Amy looked at him with a bewildered expression and tilted her head. "What’s confusing?"

Did I say that out loud? Damn.

"I thought we agreed to meet at 4:00 pm," he said quickly. "Oh, that’s right!"

"Then why did you arrive more than an hour early?"

Amy sheepishly looked away, tapping her fingers together. "Well, I was just really excited to see you. It’s been a while, you know..."

And there it was. She always said things like that—things that made him think of

impossible scenarios, things that stirred something deep inside him, an almost irresistible pull toward her. The slight flush in her cheeks whenever she looked at him, the way her eyes lit up in his presence, how she always remembered even the smallest details about him. The way her laughter sounded just a little different when it was just the two of them. He had noticed all of it. He always did.

And every time, he forced himself to dismiss it. To tell himself it meant nothing. Amy was kind to everyone. They were friends, after all.

Friends...

The word echoed in his mind, hollow and unsatisfying. That’s all they were supposed to be. That’s all he should allow them to be. But the truth clawed at him—he wanted more.

"Um, Shadow?"

Her voice broke through his spiraling thoughts, soft but tinged with concern. She was closer now, standing just within reach, snowflakes settling in her hair and on her shoulders. Shadow stiffened, his body tensing as if forcing himself to stay put. His fingers twitched at his side, instinct urging him to reach for her—but he clenched his fist instead. He took a half-step back, just enough to put distance between them, but not enough to truly let go.

“Is something bothering you?"

He turned to face her. She was watching him carefully, her gaze lingering. "Huh?" he asked, trying to mask his disorientation.

"You seem a little distracted." Her voice was gentle, but there was something else there, something more vulnerable.

"If you want, we can leave and reschedule—"No."

The word came out too quickly, too firm. He softened his expression when he saw her eyes widen slightly. "I’m fine," he said, quieter this time. "I’m sorry for worrying you. I missed you… so please, let’s just go."

The words fell from his lips before he could stop them. But he didn’t want to take them back.

Amy’s cheeks turned pink, the color spreading up her neck. Lately, he’d been slipping up more and more, letting the truth peek through in ways he wasn’t sure he could control anymore.

And then there was the way she looked at him now—soft, uncertain, hopeful.

It was happening more often, these moments where the distance between them felt like it was closing, where her smile held something deeper, something unspoken. And for just a second, Shadow let himself wonder...

Maybe she felt it too.

"Th-Then... let's go!" Amy said, trying to smile, but it looked kind of nervous.

She felt Shadow looking at her, and it wasn't just a quick glance. He was looking at her differently softer, like he was really noticing her. He didn't do that with anyone else.

He always stayed away, always keeping his guard up. But with her... it was different. When he spoke to her, his voice was kinder, and his smiles felt real, as if they were meant only for her.

Amy's heart fluttered.

For a while, she wondered if she was just imagining things—the way his eyes stayed on her a bit longer when they made eye contact, the way he seemed to protect her more than the others. But now, it was clear. Shadow wasn't as closed off with her as he was with everyone else.

She could tell by the way he stayed around her, how his walls seemed to come down a bit when they were alone.

Was he just scared to admit it? Or was he trying to hide it? Amy didn't know. He was

always careful with his words, sometimes hesitating like he wanted to say something but didn't. It was clear he was struggling with something, and Amy could feel it.

But she wasn't going to push him. If Shadow really had feelings for her, he just needed to be ready to admit it. And she would be patient.

As they walked through the snow, the only sound was the crunching of their boots in the snow.

Shadow suddenly glanced at her. "How was your day before we met up?"

Amy blinked, caught off guard. "Oh! Um—my day? It was… fine! Just doing normal stuff."

Shadow looked at her with uncertainty. "You hesitated."

Amy froze. "I did?" She shook her head quickly and turned away, feeling her cheeks grow warm. "Well, I guess I was just, uh… getting things ready."

"Ready?" Shadow asked, raising an eyebrow in that way he did when he was curious.

Amy nervously fiddled with her hair. "Y-Yeah, just little things. Checking the weather, making sure to leave early, planning my outfit…" She hesitated before adding, "Which, by the way, was a total nightmare because I had to find something warm but still cute! Do you know how hard that is?" She let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh! And I even made sure we’d have a nice place to eat later!" She laughed awkwardly. "So, yeah… just small stuff. Nothing big."

Shadow’s eyes widened slightly, almost imperceptibly.

"I just like to be prepared. That’s all." She said trying to act casual. "I mean, I don’t get to see you that often lately, so I just wanted today to be… perfect."

Shadow opened his mouth like he was about to say something, but nothing came out. She had been thinking about today. About him.

His chest felt tight, and there was this warm feeling in his heart he couldn’t explain. He already knew Amy liked spending time with him but hearing her try so hard to make today special made his face feel hot.

Because he had been looking forward to today too.

He had checked the time too many times. Left earlier than he needed to. Stared at the calendar, waiting, hoping.

Because it was her.

Amy noticed he was quiet. "Shadow?"

He quickly looked away, flustered. "It’s nothing."

Amy raised an eyebrow but didn’t ask more. She just smiled. "Anyway, I’m glad you could come."

Shadow’s heart raced.

Her voice was soft, warm, and it made him feel something he couldn’t quite explain.

--Ouch! Hey, watch it!

Suddenly, Amy bumped into a stranger. Then another. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the crowd closing in around them.

Oh no… she thought.

Shadow hates crowds! I didn’t expect so many people to show up today... I’m such a terrible guide!

“Shadow, I—!”

Before Amy could finish, she felt a firm yet gentle arm wrap around her. Shadow pulled her close, his presence a shield against the crowd pressing in from all sides.

Her breath hitched. He was so warm. Has he always been this tall?

“Come here. Stay close to me.”

His voice was so close to her ear, it sent a shiver down her spine. It was deep and reassuring, the kind of voice that made her feel safe and cared for.

“O-Okay…”

Shadow, though clearly uncomfortable in the situation, focused solely on keeping Amy safe. He didn’t care about the chaos around them; she was the only thing that mattered right now. His arm stayed firmly around her, pulling her close. And, as they stood there, he caught the faint, sweet scent of her floral perfume.

She always smelled so good. He could always smell her scent when she was around. It was intoxicating. However, he only lately noticed that Amy generally wore perfume only on their outings.

Why would she do that? Her natural scent was already perfect—soft and comforting, like springtime, even in the middle of this snowstorm. Did she wear it for him?

Stop.

He quickly pushed the thought away, but it lingered. He had to focus on keeping himself in check. But his need to be close to her, to protect her, was growing stronger.

Was he holding her too tightly? He wasn’t sure, so he slowly released his grip.

Amy immediately felt the absence of his warmth. The abrupt change in distance left her confused and a little lost.

What just happened?

Before she could ask, Shadow reached out to her.

“Here. This way, we won’t get lost, and we can move faster.”

Amy’s face flushed, and her emerald eyes widened in surprise. Shadow couldn’t help the faint flush on his own cheeks.

She’s so cute.

Amy, a little flustered but still smiling, gently took his hand. “Waah… We must look like a couple now.” She thought.

Shadow’s heart skipped a beat. He knew holding her hand would make everyone assume they were a couple. But there was a quiet satisfaction in that thought— a rare, almost

imperceptible smirk tugging at his lips.

Good.

This way, no one else will dare look at her.

The thought hit him before he could stop it. His grip tightened, just slightly. That part of himself scared him a bit. He was extremely possessive when it came to her.

Amy, however, had always seen through his defenses. She knew that despite his tough exterior, there’s a side of him he rarely showed to anyone. She’d seen it, for instance, on the Ark, when the storm of emotions in his eyes had been clear as day before he nearly destroyed the Earth. It had taken just a few words, her words, to make him reconsider and

choose the right path over the destructive one.

And now, here they were—hands clasped, navigating a crowd, in the snow, together. And for a moment, Amy felt that maybe, just maybe, everything was starting to fall into place.

Suddenly, Shadow tightened his grip on Amy's hand. He tried to hide it, attempting to appear calm for her sake. But Amy could sense it—something was wrong.

Of course! she thought. He’s probably never been in such a crowded place before. It must be too much for him...

As they moved through the crowd, Amy’s attention shifted. She spotted a beautiful

boutique nearby—a home decor store she’d seen on Instagram just a few days ago while planning for the outing.

Almost immediately, she saw it as a chance to escape. “Ah! That shop looks really nice. Can we go in for a moment?” she asked, giving him a gentle nudge.

Shadow turned to face her, his expression tight. The tension in his face made Amy feel a sudden pang of guilt. I shouldn’t have brought him here, she thought. The crowd was bothering him more than she realized.

“Okay...” Shadow agreed, his voice steady, but the faintest discomfort still lingered in his words.

She could read Shadow like an open book when he was uncomfortable, or something was on his mind. There was no point in him trying to hide anything from her.

They needed to get to the shop quickly, even if only for a brief moment of peace.

Amy didn’t hesitate to lead him out, never letting go of his hand. They quickly entered the shop, which was thankfully empty. Everyone seemed focused outside.

As they entered, a young lady greeted them at the entrance. “Ah, welcome, welcome! Come on in!”

"We provide the best quality home decor of all types to meet your needs. You both appear quite young. You're in luck—we recently received a new, very beautiful selection for couples who are just married!" Just married. Married. Married.

Amy's face turned bright red with embarrassment. "N-No! We aren't—"

"I'm looking for a special type of cactus pot," Shadow interrupted, surprising Amy. "It seems there's a more efficient model than the one I have now."

"Of course!" the lady said, motioning for them to come closer. "We have several distinct models. Follow me."

Amy turned to him, still processing what had just happened. He had barely reacted to the saleswoman’s comment. No flustered look, no correction—nothing. He just carried on as if it had meant nothing at all.

Something in her chest ached.

She knew better than to expect Shadow to react like other people, but a tiny, foolish part of her had hoped for something—even the smallest flicker of surprise or hesitation. Instead, he was as composed as ever, effortlessly shifting the subject.

It was probably nothing to him. Maybe she was reading too much into things, seeing signs where there were none.

She bit her lip as Shadow walked ahead, exhaling slowly.

That was close.

He hadn’t expected to feel anything at the woman’s comment, but the way Amy had reacted—her wide eyes, the way her breath hitched, the pink staining her cheeks—had stirred something deep inside him.

It had been instinct to redirect the conversation before he could dwell on it. Because if he had, he knew exactly where his mind would have gone.

The idea of Amy as his. Of a life where he let himself want more.

Damn it.

He shook off the thought and focused on the selection of pots in front of him. Meanwhile, Amy's mind kept drifting back to the words "just married.”

She couldn’t help but blush at the thought. Amy had always wanted to get married and have her own fairy tale romance. She was 22 years old now and had grown to be a mature young woman, but her desire to create her own family remained unchanged. She'd be lying if she said she hadn't fantasized about sharing the rest of her life with Shadow, being able to accompany him as much as possible for a small fraction of his lengthy, immortal life.

Oh, Chaos. I fell too hard for him.

"Rose?"

"Ah? W-What?"

"I asked what you think of this one." Shadow held up a large, intricately designed pot shaped like a fairytale castle.

Amy blinked, taking a moment to register before her face lit up. "Oh! It's adorable! I love it!"

Shadow gave her a genuine, warm smile, one that made her heart flutter. "Then I'll take this one."

Amy watched him, her expression shifting from delight to curiosity. "I didn’t know you liked plants so much."

Shadow glanced at her, slightly perplexed. "I don’t, really. But it was time to replace the pot for the cactus you gave me. It’s grown quite a bit."

Amy froze. "Huh? You... you still have it?" she asked, a soft gasp escaping her lips.

She had given Shadow that small cactus years ago, back when she moved in with Rouge and Omega. It was meant as a simple, cute decoration for his room—something easy to care for, considering how often he was away on G.U.N. missions. She never expected him to keep it for so long.

Shadow raised a brow. "Why wouldn’t I?"

"Oh, um. I don’t know. I guess I just thought that when you move, things get lost, or... forgotten," she trailed off, unsure of what else to say.

Truthfully, she was taken aback. She had chosen a cactus precisely because it required little attention, assuming he wouldn’t bother with it otherwise. But hearing that he had cared for it all this time...

"It was the first thing I took to my new house," Shadow said simply. "You gave it to me, after all."

Amy’s heart skipped a beat.

She stared at him, unable to form words. He wasn’t trying to be romantic—he was just stating a fact. But that made it all the more meaningful.

He kept it. All this time. Because she gave it to him.

Over time, Amy noticed that in the subtlest ways, Shadow held onto the things that mattered to him.

And she mattered.

Amy swallowed hard, forcing herself to smile before her emotions overwhelmed her.

Oh, Chaos, I think I love him even more.

Shadow smirked slightly. He had noticed how his honesty affected her. Whenever he said something sincere, her cheeks, nose, and ears would flush a beautiful shade of red, and her emerald eyes would sparkle like diamonds. It fascinated him. He could hear her heartbeat quicken, could see the way she fidgeted under his gaze. And knowing he had that effect on her? It drove him crazy.

So, naturally, he did it more often. Even if he knew he was crossing a line, he couldn’t bring himself to stop.

"Shadow... why are you—"

"I see you’ve decided on this one," the saleswoman interrupted, snapping Amy out of her thoughts.

She breathed a sigh of relief, realizing she had no idea what she was about to ask.

Shadow, on the other hand, looked momentarily displeased at the interruption but quickly regained his composure.

"Yes. I’ll take this one," he confirmed before turning back to Amy. "Are you getting something, Rose?"

"Not this time. But they have so many beautiful things here—I’ll definitely come back soon," she said, smiling.

The saleswoman nodded. "Great choice. Just remember, repotting a cactus can be tricky. If you’re not careful, you might damage the roots, and it could die."

Shadow stiffened slightly. He hadn’t considered that. He had been so focused on getting a new pot that he hadn’t thought about how delicate the process might be. What if he messed it up?

Amy noticed his hesitation and immediately stepped in. "Oh, that’s no problem! I can help you, Shadow."

Shadow turned to her; lips slightly parted in surprise. "You would? I don’t want to waste your time."

Amy waved off his concern. "Of course! It won’t take long."

An idea suddenly popped into her head. She glanced around the shop and, noticing the growing crowd, made a quick decision.

"How about we go now?" she suggested.

Shadow blinked. "Now? What about the flowers you wanted to look at?"

"Well, we can always come back another time, preferably when it’s less crowded," she reasoned. "Besides, it’d be a shame to leave that adorable little pot sitting in a bag. And..."

She smiled playfully. "It’s been a while since I visited your place. Maybe you can show me around?"

Amy. At his house. Alone.

A chance to have her all to himself, even if just for a little while. He should say no. It was too dangerous.

"Okay, then." He agreed faster than he would have liked, hoping Amy wouldn’t think he was too eager to leave.

Suddenly, Amy’s face lit up with the biggest smile. "Great! Let’s go then!"

Chapter Text

After getting everything they needed, they got ready to head to Shadow's house. Since it was far away and the snow made traveling even difficult, teleporting was the best option.

“Can you teleport without an emerald?” Amy asked.

"Miles made this necklace for me,” Shadow said, touching the chain around his neck. A green gem sat in the middle of a sleek black pendant. “It has a piece of a fake emerald inside.”

Amy leaned in a little, curious.

“I can teleport short distances fine, like in battle,” he said. “But for longer trips, it has to recharge for a bit. Still, it's really useful .”

Amy blinked, realizing he must have used it to get there.

"So... can you teleport both of us?"
Shadow agreed. "Yeah."

He held out his arm, like he was waiting for her to take it.

Amy paused for a second, then smiled and slipped her hand into the bend of her arm. Her touch was warm, and she held on just enough to feel steady.

Shadow's heart started beating faster. She was really close . He tried not to think about it too much—he needed to focus on getting them home.

Before they could say anything else, they disappeared.

--

Amy felt as though the world shifted around her, almost like she was floating, before her feet touched solid ground again. The cold air disappeared as quickly, replaced by the warmth of the cabin's wooden walls. She Shivered slightly, blinking as she opened her eyes. The room was dimly lit, with a lamp giving off a soft glow that made long shadows on the walls. Outside, the wind howled, and the snow taped lightly on the windows.

Shadow's cabin was tucked away among big evergreen trees, their branches covered in snow. The light coming through the windows made the cabin feel even cozier.

Amy released her arm and looked around, brushing a few loose strands of hair from her face. “Still as cozy as I remember,” Amy said, glancing at Shadow.

Shadow exhaled slowly, willing his heart to steady. “I don't like the cold,” he admitted simply, stepping away to give himself some space.

Amy walked toward the couch and ran her hand along the fabric. “I can tell. It's nice, though. Feels…homey.”

Shadow wasn't sure how to respond. 'Homey' wasn't what he had aimed for—he just preferred a quiet, functional space, away from everything. But hearing her say it made something unfamiliar stir in his chest.

She unbuttoned her coat and slipped it off, draping it over the coat rack near the door. Shadow was in the middle of taking off his own coat when he froze. His red eyes held on her for a moment longer than he intended. She wore a simple but elegant white dress, its clean lines and soft, flowing fabric drawing Shadow's gaze.

The dress hugged her form in just the right way, accentuating her curves without being too tight. The way the fabric shifted with her movements, catching the light, made it even more striking. She looked graceful, almost ethereal. It was… stunning.

Amy noticed his stare and tilted his head. 'Something wrong?' she asked.

Shadow quickly looked away, hanging his coat up as if nothing had happened. “No,” he muttered, but his mind still clung to the image of how beautiful she looked in that dress.

Amy glanced around, noticing the little details this time.

“It really suits you,” she said with a small smile. “Last time, I didn't get a good look, but now I can really see how nice it is. You know, at first, I thought you might prefer something dark and dramatic. Maybe with big gates and security drones patrolling around.”

Shadow scoffed, crossing his arms. “I don't need drones.”

Amy just laughed. “I know, Mister Ultimate Lifeform.”

Shadow moved toward the fireplace. "You can check it out while I get the fire started, if you want," Shadow said, his eyes on the flames as he lit the wood.

"Sure!" Amy said, her voice full of excitement.

The faint smell of burning wood filled the air as he carefully stoked the flames.

Amy continued to take in his house—the way the light fell on the walls and how cozy everything felt. Then, she spotted a door that caught her attention.

"His room."

She hesitated for a moment, but her curiosity won. Then she stepped inside.

As she crossed the threshold, she was immediately struck by the scent—his scent—lingering in the room like a quiet presence. It was a comforting blend of lavender. It was calming, and for some reason, it made her feel at ease.

The room had a certain vibe that felt just like him. There were a few shelves with books, pictures, and small rocks and crystals, some shiny, some rough. There were different minerals too, some she didn’t recognize, and a few pieces that looked like they belonged in a museum. She couldn’t help but wonder what stories they held, what meaning they might have for him.

Nearby, a stack of books caught her eye—most of them were about space, stars, and the universe. Some had pictures of galaxies, others had diagrams of planets and constellations.

"Shadow interested in space? I guess that makes sense." She smiled softly to herself, her fingers brushing over the pages. He had layers she hadn’t fully understood and made her realize he had some pretty cool interests.

Amy couldn’t help but picture Shadow lying on the little couch after a long day, maybe reading or just resting.

Then, something on the rack above the bed caught her eye. It was a photo of young Shadow with Maria. Shadow had his arm around her, and they both looked so happy. Maria’s smile was huge, and Shadow, though he still looked serious, had the smallest, softest smile on his face.

Amy leaned in to get a closer look, her heart warming at the sight. Her fingers hovered over the frame for a moment before she gently leaned in to get a closer look, her heart swelling at the sight.

You were so cute, she whispered to herself, not realizing that her smile mirrored the one on the photo. The simplicity of the moment, the unguarded joy in their faces, made her feel more connected to him than she expected.

Suddenly, she heard the soft sound of footsteps behind her. The floor creaked slightly under his weight, and she turned quickly, heart skipping a beat. Shadow stood in the doorway, his red eyes watching her with a quiet intensity.

“You’ve been in here for a while,” he said, his tone casual, but his gaze was searching.

Her face turned pink. She suddenly felt like she had been caught somewhere she wasn’t supposed to be—not because he was upset, but because she had seen something deeply personal. Something that mattered to him.

Shadow stepped inside, moving closer without hesitation. “It’s fine,” he said quietly, his voice lower now. He followed her gaze to the picture and she noticed the way his expression softened.

 “Professor Gerald took that,” he said after a beat.

Amy tilted her head toward him, her voice softer. “Yeah?”

He nodded. His gaze stayed on the photo, but something about his posture made him feel… open.

Amy looked at it again. “You look happy,” she murmured.

Shadow was silent for a long moment. Then, almost too softly, he answered—

“…I was.”

The air between them felt different now, thick with something unspoken. Amy didn’t know why, but her heart ached, like she had just stepped into a moment that wasn’t meant to be shared—but had been, just for her.

Amy didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to. Everything she felt was in the way she looked at him, in the way she didn’t back away.

Shadow barely thought before he reached out.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she felt his fingers brush against her cheek—gentle but deliberate. Her heart skipped fast.

“…Shadow?”

He carefully tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, his touch lingering for just a second longer than necessary. His fingers grazed her skin as he smoothed it into place, then hesitated before muttering,

“It was in your eyes.”

Amy blinked up at him, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of pink.

She smiled, “You seem to do that a lot.”

Shadow blinked. “Do what?”

Amy gave him an uncertain look. “Find excuses to touch my face.”

Shadow froze, his eyes widening for a split second. Find excuses? His mind raced. Was it that obvious? He had always been careful about hiding his feelings, but with Amy… everything felt different. He hadn’t meant to make it so obvious, but there was something about her presence, her warmth, that made him want to be closer.

He shifted awkwardly, unsure of what to say. Part of him wanted to be honest with her, to finally admit how much she meant to him.

“I—” he started, but the words didn’t come out right.

He hesitated, his internal conflict making his chest tighten. 

Amy, sensing the clear conflict within him, decided not to push him.

“I was just kidding,” she said with a soft, fake smile.

Shadow blinked, caught off guard by her sudden shift in tone. For a moment, he just stared at her, trying to process what she’d said.

“It’s okay,” she added gently. “I was just messing with you.”

He felt relieved, but there was also something in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't really explain it, but it was like she wasn’t telling the whole truth, even though she was trying to cover it up with that smile.

Still, he let it go. “Alright.”

Then, glancing next to his bed, she spotted the very reason she had come there in the first place.

“Oh! The cactus!” she exclaimed, a little too loudly. “We still need to repot it!”

--

For a while, they worked side by side repotting the cactus. Amy, the expert, guided the process while Shadow remained silent, his hands idly assisting. But his focus wasn’t on the plant.

It was on her.

The way her fingers moved, gentle yet precise, handling the fragile roots with care. The soft glow of light catching in her hair, the quiet determination in her expression. She was beautiful—not just in appearance but in the way she poured warmth into everything she did.

The cactus was more than just a plant—it represented something deeper. Its tough, spiny exterior mirrored their own experiences, yet, like the cactus, something between them was quietly growing, taking root in the spaces between silence and shared moments.

Amy cleaned her hands on a napkin and looked up at him, her smile warm. “There! Now it has a proper home.”

Shadow said nothing, only watching her, wondering when her presence had become something so captivating.

Shadow’s gaze lingered on the cactus, and then slowly shifted to Amy. His thoughts were a tangle of emotions—admiration, tenderness, love.

It was surreal how easily she fit into his world, how natural it felt when she stepped into his space, making everything feel somehow… right.

She turned to him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “So? How does it look?”

His mouth opened to speak, but the words that came out weren’t the ones he had intended.

“I like it.”

Amy’s lips curled into a playful smile. “I’m happy to help!”

Shadow stood there, his heart beating a little faster, wondering if she could ever truly understand just how much she meant to him. There was something about the way Amy brought life into his world, even with the little things.

“I have the perfect idea for where it should go!” Amy exclaimed, a gleam of excitement lighting up her face. She gently lifted the newly potted cactus, cradling it with care, and walked toward Shadow’s room, her steps light and purposeful.

He followed, intrigued, as she carefully placed the cactus next to the framed photo of him with Maria, their smiles frozen in time. “There! This little guy will remind you that good things can grow in unexpected places,” she said, her voice gentle.

He felt a warm glow inside, appreciating her words. After a brief moment of silence, he finally spoke, saying, “It’s perfect, Amy. Thank you.” He responded with a warm and sincere smile that lit up his face.

Amy smiled brightly at him, her happiness spreading. “And remember, even the toughest plants can have beautiful flowers. So, don’t be afraid to let your own flowers grow.”

As they stood there, Shadow started to wonder if he could share the parts of himself he usually kept hidden with her.

After a pause, he added, “Do you want some coffee?”

Amy smiled, relieved by the shift in conversation. “That sounds great. Thank you.”

Shadow nodded, leading her toward the kitchen. And as they moved, Amy realized—being with him felt… comfortable. In a way she never expected.

--

Amy and Shadow sit across from each other in the high-backed chairs, each holding a steaming cup of coffee. The table’s surface is smooth and polished, reflecting the gentle light from overhead lamps, highlighting the beautiful grain of the wood.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, warm and comforting against the cold of the snowy world outside. Amy cradled her cup in her hands, savoring the warmth as she glanced around the cabin. It was peaceful here, a kind of serenity she hadn’t realized she’d been craving.

Shadow leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping lightly against his own cup.

Stay calm. But no matter how hard he tried, his heart raced faster.

After a few moments of silence, Amy’s gaze naturally drifted toward the large windows. The view outside was captivating.

"They’re meant to let you see the world outside," he said slowly, like he was actually reading her mind. His voice calm and thoughtful. "To make the forest feel like part of my home. You’ll understand if you look through them long enough."

Amy was intrigued by his words. "See the world outside..." she murmured, considering his meaning. She took another sip of coffee and turned her attention back to the windows, letting her eyes trace the outlines of the trees, their bare branches heavy with snow.

Just as she was about to ask more, something caught her eye. A shape moving just outside the trees. She blinked, leaning forward as her eyes adjusted. At first, she thought it was just a trick of the light, but then she saw it more clearly. A wolf, sleek and white, appeared from between the trees, its form almost blending with the snow. Amy gasped softly, her heart racing with excitement.

Before Amy could say anything, another wolf appeared, then another, and soon there was a whole pack of them. They were pure white, their coats shining like snowflakes, and they moved with such grace, blending perfectly with the snowy world around them. Amy’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Shadow!” she whispered loudly, her voice filled with awe. “Look at them! They’re so beautiful… and they’re so close!”

Shadow glanced over at her, then at the wolves. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Seeing Amy so thrilled about it made him feel a warmth inside he hadn’t expected.

Without a second thought, he stood up from the table and walked toward her. “Let’s take a closer look,” he said, his voice quiet, but there was a touch of amusement in it. Amy’s excitement was infectious.

Amy jumped up from her chair and quickly followed him. They both moved toward the large windows, the warmth of the cabin contrasting with the cold air outside. When they reached the windows, Amy stepped up first, her hands coming to rest on the cool glass.

As she leaned in, the wolves stopped in their tracks. One by one, they turned toward her, their eyes locking onto hers. Amy’s breath caught in her throat, and without thinking, she pressed her palm flat against the glass, her face lighting up with excitement. The wolves didn’t break their gaze, studying her with calm curiosity.

Shadow stood beside her, watching the scene unfold. The wolves seemed to be as curious about Amy as she was about them.

“They’re staring at me,” she murmured, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief.

“They’re curious,” Shadow said softly, his eyes flicking from Amy to the wolves. There was something different about the way the wolves were watching her, like they were drawn to her presence.

“They’re so beautiful,” Amy whispered again, her eyes wide, her excitement impossible to contain. She turned to him, practically glowing. “This is amazing, Shadow!”

He hadn’t expected it, but watching her experience this moment, watching her light up in his space, made him feel something soft inside.

“I’m glad you’re here, then” he said, his voice quiet but genuine.

Amy’s heart fluttered, warmth spreading through her chest. “Thank you for letting me into your special place,” she replied, her voice gentle, the words holding more meaning than she expected.

They stood side by side, gazing out the window as the wolves moved gracefully through the snow, their coats shimmering in the fading light. The world outside seemed to slow down, just for them. Neither of them spoke for a long moment.

Then, Amy broke the silence, “You know what? We should go for a walk!”

Shadow blinked, momentarily thrown off by the sudden shift. “Now?”

She nodded, her smile wide and carefree. “Yeah, why not? The weather’s nice.”

Shadow is hesitant, “Amy, it’s not safe. The wildlife and the weather can get unpredictable. Didn’t you just see the wolves outside?””

She waved him off with a playful grin. “And what? I know you’ve found some safe way around them.”

That was true. Shadow had spent so much time exploring the forest that he knew which paths the wolves didn’t take. Plus, he could smell them from a distance, giving him a heads-up.

“Shadow, please! It’s beautiful out there. I just want to feel the snow, take a few pictures. I promise we won’t go far.”

Suddenly, Shadow remembered something—a place not far from here he’d been meaning to show her. A quiet, secluded spot where was also a big, frozen lake he often skated.

“You know,” he said, getting her attention. “There’s a place near here I’ve been wanting to show you.” His eyes met hers, “It’s... peaceful and beautiful. You’ll like it.”

Amy tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her face. Then, her smile brightened, mischievous and excited. “So, you’ll be my guide today?”

He couldn’t help the slight grin that tugged at the corner of his lips. There was something about this moment that felt different—maybe it was the way she trusted him to guide her to something unknown, or maybe it was just the idea of sharing a part of his world with her that made him feel something more than he expected.

“Then let’s go.”

They step outside together, walking farther from the safety of the house into the thick woods, where the snowflakes are falling harder.

--

"Wow! It’s so beautiful here, Shadow!"

"We're still a bit far from the place I mentioned," Shadow exclaimed. "But this path is beautiful too."

"Yeah, I get it now," Amy said, her voice soft with wonder. "I can see why you love it here so much." She glanced around, then added with a smile, "It’s peaceful. Like everything’s in its own little world."

Shadow glanced at her from the corner of his eye, his heart beating a little faster at the quiet appreciation in her voice. It wasn’t easy for him to let people into his world, but with Amy, it felt like the most natural thing in the world, even if his mind kept trying to push her away.

Amy continued to take in the surroundings, her gaze settling on the forest floor where something bright caught her attention. She crouched down to get a closer look, her breath visible in the cold air. "Hey, look at these!" she said, excitement lacing her voice. "Winter aconites. I didn't know they could grow here."

Shadow stopped walking, turning to face her. "Aconites?" he asked, a little surprised. He hadn't realized she knew about them.

"Yeah, they're one of my favorites," she said, her fingers gently brushing the small, golden-yellow flowers that poked through the snow. "They bloom even when it's freezing outside—kind of like they're defying the cold. I always thought that was amazing."

Shadow took a step closer, intrigued by her enthusiasm.

Amy smiled up at him, her eyes lighting up. "I was hoping to see something like this when we went to Ice Paradise, actually. Flowers that could survive the winter... " She looked back down at the aconites, her hands cupping them gently.

Amy stood up, brushing the snow off her knees, and looked at him, her smile soft. "They remind me of the kind of person you are, Shadow. Strong... and patient."

Shadow was caught off guard by the weight of her words. His mind raced, trying to process what she’d just said.

He wanted to say something in response—anything— but she always left him speechless.

Before he could gather his thoughts, Amy smiled again, a little shyly this time, and the tension between them seemed to ease. Shadow exhaled, though his heart was still beating a little faster than usual.

“Thank you, Amy,” he said softly.

Amy’s smile grew bigger, her eyes lighting up as she looked at him.

Suddenly, something red caught her eye against the white snow. She knelt down, brushing the snow away to uncover small clusters of berries.

“Look at these!” she exclaimed, carefully picking a few. “These look like winterberries—perfect for pies.”

Shadow raised an eyebrow and stepped closer. "You know a lot about plants," he said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Of course! I picked up a lot during my adventuring trips with my older brother Knuckles. I’m practically a first-class explorer!” She said proudly.

Knuckles.

He’d never gotten along with her brother. What would he think now, about her being here, in this isolated forest with him? A small, mocking smile tugged at his lips.

Maybe I really am the gremlin he always thought I am.

Amy didn’t notice his shift in mood as she continued, “How about we use these for a pie later? What do you think?”

Shadow glanced down at the berries in her hand. Just as he was about to reply, Amy added, “I promise, I won’t make it too sweet—just enough for you to enjoy.”

Shadow paused and met her gaze for a moment. Normally, he wasn’t big on sweet things, but there was something about Amy's desserts that made him actually look forward to them. “It’s Ok. Your desserts are the only sweet thing I like,” he said, his voice softer than usual, but genuine.

Amy’s eyes lit up at that, and she laughed, a light blush creeping onto her cheeks. "I'll take that as a compliment."

They shared a quiet moment, and as they stood there, Amy couldn’t help but think that this snowy walk had already become one of her favorite memories.

--

A long time passed as they walked through the snow-covered forest, Shadow’s senses suddenly were already on high alert. Something felt… off.

It was quiet. Too quiet. Normally, there would be the sound of wind rustling through the trees or animals calling from a distance, but now, it was dead silent. Shadow paused for a moment, eyes narrowing as he scanned the surroundings. There it was again—a barely audible shift in the trees, like something moving just out of sight.

Shadow stopped and looked around, squinting as he tried to figure out what was off. Then, he heard it—a tiny sound, like something shifting in the trees, just out of sight. The wind carried a strange smell.

Shadow’s senses went into overdrive. Even the ground beneath his feet seemed to pulse with something unnatural. His instincts told him something was coming, but Amy was completely unaware. She was humming a little tune, taking photos, lost in the joy of her plant discoveries, completely distracted by the world around her.

Amy’s excitement over the find had pulled her so far ahead of him that she didn’t notice how much distance had grown between them. Shadow closed his eyes, listening for anything out of the ordinary. The strange scent was stronger now, and the rustling in the trees had turned into something more distinct—dry branches snapping under pressure. But there was nothing in sight.

Suddenly, the ground beneath him vibrated—a deep rumbling that seemed to come from the very core of the mountain. His heart rate kicked up, his eyes snapping to the surrounding trees and snow. Something big was coming.

Before he could shout, the avalanche hit. A deafening roar filled the air as the snow above them shattered and tumbled down the mountainside, faster than anything he had ever seen.

"Amy!" Shadow calls out, but it’s too late—Amy, caught off guard. The ground beneath them shifts violently, and the rumblings increase, signaling the eruption of an avalanche.

Amy is in immediate danger. The snow is barreling toward her, and Shadow knows he can’t reach her in time. His usual teleportation technique requires contact, and she’s too far ahead. Even if he could reach her, he knew the fake emerald's remaining energy might not be enough to teleport them both.

In that split second of realization, fear grips his chest—not just fear for Amy, but for what he knows he must do to save her. He can’t afford to wait for the avalanche to consume them both. He needs to act now, and that means he must morph into his Black Arms form.

Shadow has always dreaded this transformation—he sees it as grotesque, a monstrous form that reminds him of his painful past and his connection with Black Doom. And more important, he was terrified Amy will see him as a monster.

But he knows there’s no choice. He can’t let her be consumed by the snow.

With a surge of energy, Shadow’s body transforms—his sleek black form expands, twisting and growing into the horrific shape of the Black Arms giant squid.

The force of the avalanche threatens to consume her, but Shadow’s massive form moves swiftly, carving a path through the snow with his tentacles, pushing the avalanche back and creating a safe zone for Amy.

His body absorbed the full force of the snow, shielding her from the impact.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, softly, Amy whispered,

“Shadow…?”

Chapter Text

Silence blanketed the mountain, the aftermath of the avalanche leaving nothing but an eerie stillness. For a long moment, not a single sound broke through the thick layer of snow.

Shadow had taken the full force of the collapse, his body battered and momentarily unconscious.

Then, a familiar voice cut through the quiet, pulling him back to reality.

"Shadow…?"

Amy.

Her voice was unmistakable to him.

Slowly, he forced his eyes open. He swiftly used his tentacles to brush away the snow, clearing the path with precise, fluid movements.

his vision swimming as he adjusted to the light. The first thing he saw was Amy’s wide, emerald eyes—filled not with fear, but with surprise.

The memories returned in a rush. The avalanche. His desperate attempt to protect her. The transformation. He had assumed his Black Arms form—a monstrous, towering squid—to shield her from the devastation.

It’s over.

A sinking dread spread through his chest. He knew, without a doubt, that Amy would never look at him the same way again. His grotesque form, the unnatural shape he had taken—surely, it would make her recoil in fear, in disgust. The thought of her seeing him like this—seeing him as something inhuman—crushed him.

"Amy… I… I'm sorry. I-"

He wanted to run. To hide. To disappear until he could revert to his normal self. But he couldn't. He couldn’t leave her here alone.

And then, something he never expected happened.

Amy stepped closer and, with the utmost care, cupped his monstrous face between her hands. Her touch was warm, soft—so gentle it sent a shiver through him. Her expression was soft, her wide eyes filled not with horror, but… curiosity.

"You saved me," she whispered, a breath of relief in her voice. "I didn’t even see it coming. I got distracted by the winterberries and wandered too far without realizing… I’m so sorry." Her gaze dropped, guilt flashing across her features.

Shadow stared at her, stunned. There was no disgust, no fear. But he still couldn’t believe it.

"You’re not… afraid?" he murmured.

Amy blinked, tilting her head. "Afraid? No. I just… I didn’t know you could do this. Is this transformation new? When did you get it?"

She wasn’t recoiling. She wasn’t running. She was asking about it as if it were any other part of him.

"Amy, don’t I seem… repulsive to you?"

Her brows knitted together. "Repulsive?" she echoed, confused.

"Yes," he said, his voice low. "I… I’m sorry you had to see me like this. I had no other choice."

Amy’s expression softened. He could see it in her eyes—the understanding, the way she could read him better than anyone else.

Shadow exhaled.

"This form… it’s part of my Black Arms heritage," he admitted, glancing away. "I don’t use it often. I don’t like what it means. What it reminds me of. It’s a last resort. When there’s no other way."

Amy’s hands remained against his skin—his strange, alien skin. "But it’s still you," she said simply.

His breath hitched.

“Shadow,” she said gently, her voice carrying the warmth of a promise, “you could never be repulsive to me. No matter what form you take. I will always love you.”

His heart slammed against his ribs. His breath hitched. What… what had she just said?

Amy felt the shift instantly—the way the air between them seemed to tighten, how his entire body tensed as if bracing for impact. She hadn’t meant to startle him, hadn’t meant for her words to sound so… heavy. But they were true. Every word of them.

Shadow’s mind spiraled, desperately grasping for logic, for an explanation. She didn’t mean it like that. Amy loved everyone—she was kind, affectionate, always overflowing with warmth. Of course, that’s what she meant. It had to be.

He inhaled sharply, as if on the verge of saying something, something she so desperately wanted to hear. But just as quickly, the moment slipped away. His expression hardened, his walls slamming back into place.

“You shouldn’t say things like that to just any man,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Some might get the wrong idea.”

Amy’s heart clenched. A dull ache settled in her chest, disappointment pressing down like a weight. She lowered her gaze.

Shadow felt it instantly—a sharp pang of guilt, a deep, gnawing ache. Had he just dismissed her feelings?

The thought of hurting her, of making her feel rejected, was unbearable. He would rather endure any pain himself than let her believe, even for a second, that she didn’t matter to him.

"Amy, I—"

Before he could finish, a sudden heat surged through his body. Steam began rising from his skin, and in an instant, his massive form began to shrink. He was changing back.

"Shadow?"

" I’m returning to normal. Could you… close your eyes?"

Amy hesitated, then nodded, stepping back slightly before shutting her eyes.

It took a moment, but she could feel the immense presence of his Black Arms form shrinking around her.

A few seconds later, Shadow stood before her in his human form once more.

"You can open them now."

Amy’s eyes fluttered open, only to be met with his face—his breathtakingly handsome face.

Her breath caught in her throat.

How can someone look so effortlessly gorgeous?

She narrowed her eyes slightly, taking in his sharp features, the way his hair fell over his forehead, the way his deep crimson eyes burned with something unspoken.

Shadow, oblivious to her thoughts, swallowed hard. "Amy…"

She shook her head slightly, snapping herself out of it. "You’re back," she said softly.

"Yeah."

Suddenly, Shadow’s legs gave out, and he collapsed.

Amy barely managed to catch him, but the force sent them both tumbling to the ground, tangled together in a mess of limbs and snow.

"Shadow! Be careful—you’re still not fully recovered!" she scolded, her voice filled with concern.

His breathing was shaky, his body still weak from everything he had endured. But instead of responding right away, he just held her.

"Amy," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Her heart skipped a beat. "Wha-what?"

He wanted to warn her. To tell her it wasn’t safe to be this close to him, that he was too unpredictable like this. But the words never left his lips. Instead, he just buried his face against her shoulder.

"You’re freezing," Amy said after a moment. "I’ve never felt you this cold before."

"It’s normal," Shadow admitted. "That transformation took everything out of me."

Amy didn’t even hesitate. She tightened her arms around him, pulling him closer, sharing as much warmth as she could.

"Then I’ll keep you warm," she said firmly. "I don’t want you getting sick."

Despite himself, Shadow let out a small laugh. A real, genuine laugh. "Amy, I don’t get sick. I’m the Ultimate Lifeform."

"I don’t care! I’m doing it anyway."

Shadow sighed, but instead of arguing, he let himself melt into her embrace, wrapping his arms securely around her.

"Alright," he murmured. "Just a few minutes…"

Amy held onto him without a second thought. But as the silence stretched between them, something shifted.

She felt like she already had come too far to turn back now. She didn’t want to pressure him, but she needed an answer—or at the very least, to know if he truly understood what she was trying to tell him.

"Did you really not understand what I meant when I said I love you?" she asked suddenly, her voice quiet but unwavering. "Or are you just running away from me?"

Her cheek remained pressed against his chest. Shadow’s entire body went rigid. His breath caught in his throat.

She wasn’t letting him dodge this.

He couldn’t lie to her. For a long time, he had done his best to keep her from noticing his feelings, knowing that if she ever asked him directly, he wouldn’t be able to look her in the eyes and deny it.

Slowly, he pulled her even closer, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear as he whispered,

"You make this so difficult for me, Rose."

Amy’s heart nearly burst out of her chest.

Rose.

He called her that sometimes, and every time he did, it felt like the world stopped. It was a name he only used in moments like this—when something real and unspoken lingered between them.

She swallowed hard, gripping his jacket. "What exactly is ‘this’?"

Shadow was silent for a moment.

Then, finally, in a voice so low and raw it sent shivers down her spine, he whispered,

"Me trying to keep my hands off you."

Amy’s breath hitched.

Her face was buried against his chest, but she could feel it—his heart pounding just as hard as hers.

Loud and Fast.

That made her whole body feel like it was on fire, and yet… neither of them moved.

Slowly, though, Shadow’s arms, which had been wrapped tightly around her, loosened just a little. Amy hesitated, then pulled back just enough to look up at him. His red eyes were intense, filled with something she couldn’t quite name.

“Rose…I-“

And then—

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

A high-pitched alert suddenly blared from Shadow’s smartwatch. He frowned, glancing down just as the device vibrated on his wrist.

"Shadow?! Are you okay?!"

Rouge’s voice burst through the speaker, frantic and urgent.

Amy flinched at the sheer panic in her tone.

Shadow stiffened. "...Rouge?"

"Your vitals are dangerously low! My smartwatch just alerted me that your energy levels have hit critical! What the hell is going on?! Did someone attack you?!"

Amy’s eyes widened, and she whipped her head toward Shadow. Critical levels? Was he really that bad?

Shadow sighed, rubbing his temple. "Calm down, Rouge. I’m fine."

"Fine?! Your energy readings say you’re barely holding it together! Are you even standing right now?!"

Amy bit her lip. He had collapsed earlier…

Shadow exhaled sharply. "...I’m sitting."

" Then w hat happened ?"

Amy hesitated before speaking up. "Rouge, he… he transformed to protect me from an avalanche."

There was silence on the other end.

“An avalanche?!” Rouge’s voice dropped. "Then… you used that form?"

Shadow didn’t answer right away. "...Yes."

Another pause. This time, Amy could feel the weight of Rouge’s worry through the speaker.

"I had no choice, Rouge." Shadow muttered. “I wasn’t going to let Amy—" He stopped himself, clenching his jaw.

Amy’s breath hitched. He wasn’t going to let her what? Get hurt? Die? Was he really willing to push himself this far just to keep her safe?

Rouge exhaled slowly. "You reckless idiot."

Shadow said nothing.

"Listen to me. You need to conserve what little energy you have left, alright? If you keep pushing yourself, you’ll crash completely, and I don’t know if you’ll be able to regenerate properly. And you know that.”

Amy frowned. "to regenerate properly?"

"Yeah, Amy. His body takes time to recover after that form. If he overdoes it, he could end up in a full shutdown."

Amy felt a lump form in her throat. "Shadow, why didn’t you tell me?"

He looked away. "It doesn’t matter."

Rouge scoffed. "Of course it matters!”

There was another pause before Rouge sighed, her voice softening. "Listen. I don’t care what happened or why you did it. Right now, I just need you to get out of there. Or I'll come pick you myself!"

Shadow let out a tired chuckle. "Noted."

Amy, still reeling from everything, finally found her voice. "We’ll check in soon. I promise."

Rouge sighed. "Good. And Amy?"

"Yeah?"

"Watch him."

Amy’s chest tightened.

"...I will," she whispered.

"Alright. Rouge out."

The watch went silent.

Amy turned to Shadow, her gaze searching. He avoided her eyes, shifting slightly like he was trying to shake off the conversation.

But she wasn’t going to let it go.

"Shadow… you’re really not okay, are you?" she asked softly, touching his cheek.

Shadow exhaled. "...It’s nothing."

Gently, she reached out, taking his hand in both of hers. His fingers twitched slightly but didn’t pull away.

"Then let me help," she murmured.

Shadow finally met her gaze, red eyes tired but unreadable.

After a long moment, he gave her hand a small squeeze.

"...Alright."

Amy smiled softly. "Good. Now, let’s get you out of here before Rouge storms in with a rescue squad."

Shadow huffed. "She would."

Amy laughed, and together, they slowly got to their feet—this time, side by side.

--

The snow crunched softly beneath their boots as they walked side by side, their pace slow, while neither of them could focus on anything except the way their hands were still intertwined.

Amy hadn’t let go.

And Shadow was holding her tightly..

His palm was warm despite his earlier exhaustion, fingers wrapped around hers like it was the most natural thing in the world. But his mind? His mind was spiraling.

His heart was hammering against his ribs, and the worst part? He wasn’t even trying to stop it.

He wanted to hold her hand.

The realization should’ve scared him—it used to scare him—but now?

Now, he just felt nervous. Very nervous.

He sneaked a glance at Amy, only to find her already glancing at him.

They both quickly looked away.

Amy swallowed hard. "S-Shadow?"

"...Yes?"

He sounded so tense.

Amy peeked at him through her fingers. "...Are you nervous?"

Shadow hesitated for half a second—just half—before exhaling.

"Yes."

Amy nearly tripped.

"You— wait— what?"

Shadow didn’t look at her, but she could see the slight tension in his jaw. "...I’ve never done this before."

Amy’s heart stuttered.

"Done what?" she asked, almost breathless.

Shadow’s thumb brushed against her knuckles absentmindedly. "...Let myself hold on."

Amy’s brain short-circuited.

The way he said it, like it was something he had been denying himself all this time—like he wanted this just as much as she did—made her entire chest feel tight.

Shadow finally turned his head slightly, meeting her eyes. "...Your face is all red."

Amy quickly shook her head. "No— I mean yes! I mean—"

Shadow smirked.

Amy groaned, hiding her face in her free hand. "You like seeing me flustered, don’t you?"

Shadow hummed. "It’s interesting."

"Shadow!"

The smirk softened into something far too gentle.

"I like seeing all your sides, Rose."

Amy’s breath hitched.

He meant that. She could feel it.

Shadow looked away again, the tips of his ears burning red.

Amy narrowed her eyes. "Your ears are red."

Shadow groaned. "It’s your fault."

They kept walking, the cabin finally coming into view through the trees.

Neither of them let go.

--

The cabin’s silhouette stood against the snowy backdrop, a welcoming sight after everything they had been through.

Amy’s grip on his hand tightened instinctively, and Shadow didn’t miss it. He had noticed every little movement—every small squeeze, every lingering touch.

He wasn’t used to this. Not just the physical closeness, but the acceptance—the way she never hesitated, never recoiled. The way she stayed.

Amy stole another glance at him, taking in the tension in his shoulders. He was tired, so much more than he’d ever admit. She could feel it in the way his fingers held hers—not firm like before, but looser now, like the exhaustion was finally settling in.

Her heart ached.

"Shadow," she started softly, her voice barely above the crunch of the snow beneath them. "You don’t have to pretend with me."

Shadow let out a breath through his nose, slow and measured. "...I know."

That was progress. She’d take it.

Amy reached for the handle, pushing the door open. A rush of warmth greeted them—soft candlelight flickering inside, the fire in the hearth still glowing faintly. The contrast between the cold outside and the warmth within was almost overwhelming.

Amy pulled Shadow inside without thinking, their fingers still laced together as she led him to the couch.

"Sit," she ordered gently. "I’ll get blankets."

Shadow opened his mouth, probably to protest, but Amy shot him a look. A stubborn, determined, do not fight me on this look.

To her mild surprise, he actually obeyed.

She made her way down the hallway and into Shadow’s room. She crossed the floor to the small closet, tugging open the door to find a stack of blankets neatly folded inside. She grabbed a thick, dark one. The fabric felt soft and comforting in her hands.

With the blanket wrapped in her arms, Amy made her way back to the living room, where Shadow was resting on the couch. His eyes flickered up to meet hers as she re-entered the room, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she noticed how at ease he looked.

“Here,” she said, walking over to him and carefully draping the blanket across his shoulders. “This should keep you warm.”

Shadow gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod, his gaze softening as he adjusted himself, the warmth of the blanket somehow making him seem even more vulnerable.

“Rest,” she murmured. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”

Shadow didn’t argue, which told her just how tired he really was. His crimson eyes followed her as she stood, lingering on her for a moment longer before finally closing.

Amy hesitated, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. Then, with one last glance, she turned and made her way toward the kitchen.

She grabbed a mixing bowl and started to get things ready for the pie. She had saved the winterberries in her pocket earlier, and now she was going to use them. The berries were cold, but they were a nice shade of purple and red, just like the ones she used to pick back home.

While she worked on the pie, Amy kept looking over at him. He was still asleep, his chest rising and falling with each breath, his face softer than usual.

Her hands moved automatically as she mixed the berries, but her thoughts kept wandering back to Shadow. She couldn’t help it—there was something about the peaceful scene in the living room that made her heart race. It almost made her feel like they were… married.

Her cheeks flushed as she imagined it. What would it be like if this was real? she thought, biting her lip. The thought of them sharing a life together, waking up in the same house, her making him breakfast, then spending their evenings curled up on the couch just like this... She could picture it so clearly, and the idea made her chest tighten in the best way.

She shook her head quickly, feeling the warmth spreading up her neck. The idea of taking care of him, of being his person—his wife, even—made her feel both giddy and shy. Them living together, the way he’d look at her when he came home after a long day, the quiet little moments when they’d simply be together without needing to say anything.

After everything they’d shared today, especially after she confessed her feelings, it was becoming impossible for her to push the thought of a life together out of her mind. The way he had held her so tightly, as if he never wanted to let go, had made her heart race. Maybe she was exaggerating, maybe it was too soon, but that moment—their embrace—felt so real, so right. It planted a seed in her heart.

Would he even want that? she wondered. The thought made her stomach flutter. Could it be possible that he might want a future with her too?

She carefully placed the pie into the oven, her hands shaking just slightly. She couldn’t stop the blush spreading across her cheeks, or the way her thoughts were racing.

Amy glanced back toward the couch, and she watched Shadow’s peaceful face. “I’d take care of you,” she whispered softly, though she wasn’t sure if she meant it out loud or just to herself.

Shadow was still asleep, his body completely relaxed. A wave of tenderness washed over her, and without thinking, she crossed the room slowly, her footsteps soft on the floor. She sat down close beside him, her body nearly brushing his, resting her head on the armchair’s cushion as she watched him. She wanted to reach out, to touch his hair, trace the lines of his fase. Her heart raced even faster now as she shifted closer, careful not to wake him.

She reached out gently, brushing a strand of hair away from his face, her fingers lingering for just a second longer than necessary. As her hand fell back, she couldn’t help but place it softly on his cheek.

“I want this,” she whispered, almost to herself, though her voice was steady.

“I want you.”

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the moment wash over her.

When she opened her eyes again, Shadow’s gaze met hers, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. He didn’t speak at first, but his eyes held a softness, an understanding that made her breath catch.

Shadow leaned into her touch, his eyes closing for a brief moment as if savoring the connection. Without a word, he took her hand in his, holding it softly before pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles.

Amy’s heart skipped, her face flushing as her breath caught in her throat. She remained quiet, unable to find the words, the warmth of his kiss leaving her too flustered to speak. In that quiet, simple moment, her dreams of the future, once so distant and impossible, suddenly felt within reach.

In that instant, she realized she never wanted to be anywhere else but here, with him.

And he understood, deep down, that he could never let her go.

Chapter Text

Snow fell silently outside, blanketing the forest in soft white. The cabin was warm, but the chill of winter still lingered in the air. Inside, the fireplace crackled softly, casting a golden glow across the wooden walls.

Shadow held Amy’s hand close to his lips, his crimson eyes fixed on her. He watched with quiet fascination as her face flushed a deep shade of pink. Her half-lidded eyes lingered on him, as if caught in a trance. He had always noticed how she acted around him—the way her voice softened, the way she fidgeted when he was near. And for the first time, he didn’t want to ignore it. He didn’t want to dismiss it as imagination or coincidence. He wanted to see it all—every fleeting expression, every emotion that flickered across her face because of him.

“You’re still so cold…” Amy finally broke the silence, her voice soft with concern. She had been worried about his recovery, and even now, she couldn’t ignore the lingering chill on his skin.

“Then come here,” he said at last, lifting the blanket in invitation.

Amy hesitated for only a second. The offer had caught her off guard, but she wasn’t going to waste the opportunity to be closer to him.

“Alright,” she agreed quickly, slipping under the blanket without a second thought. She pressed her body against him, wrapping her arms around his torso, resting her cheek against his chest. “Let’s keep each other warm.”

A faint smirk played on Shadow’s lips as he let the blanket fall back over them.

“Yeah.”

For a while, they simply lay there, listening to the wind whistle softly outside the cabin. At first, their heartbeats raced—unspoken emotions hanging between them—but little by little, they began to relax.

Everything about this felt right. The warmth of the fire, the scent of pinewood filling the air, the quiet hum of their breathing in sync. It was as if this had always been their place.

At some point, Shadow drifted off, His breath slowed, steady against her hair, the rise and fall of his chest soothing. Amy, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle over her, almost followed him into sleep. But then she remembered—the pie.

Careful not to wake him, she gently pulled away. But before leaving, she hesitated, taking a moment to watch him—his usually sharp expression now softened in sleep, his features calm, peaceful.

A small warmth spread in her chest.

Acting on impulse, she leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.

“I’ll be right back,” she whispered.

She had barely shifted to stand when, without warning, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

A quiet gasp escaped Amy’s lips as she was suddenly tugged back, the warmth of his body enveloping her once more. His arm tightened around her waist, his hold firm and unyielding, as though even in sleep, he refused to let her go. His face remained relaxed in sleep, but his hold on her was unyielding, as if even unconsciously, he refused to let her go.

“No,” he murmured, the husky whisper of his voice, low and barely audible, sent a shiver skimming down her spine.

She had never felt anything like this before. Shadow had always been distant, always kept his emotions carefully guarded. But now, with the way he was holding her, it was as if he was wordlessly claiming her as his. As if he was telling her she belonged right here, with him.

A quiet giggle slipped past her lips.

As much as she wanted to stay curled up against him, she really couldn’t let the pie burn. With careful movements, she wiggled out of his grip, earning a sleepy sigh from him but nothing more.

“It’s just for a moment, I promise,” she whispered before slipping out from under the blanket and making her way toward the kitchen.

Luckily, the pie hadn’t burned. In fact, it was perfectly baked.

Shadow didn’t need to eat very often, and even though he knew how to cook, Amy knew he only did so when it was absolutely necessary. The kitchen, despite being well-equipped, didn’t see much use from him.

When he first moved in, Rouge had gifted him a full kitchen set, complete with everything needed for cooking and baking. "I’m so grateful to you, Rouge," Amy thought, placing the pie on the counter. "Everything would have been so much harder for me if this wasn’t here."

The scent of warm, freshly baked pie filled the air, blending with the ever-present faint aroma of wood and spices that made Shadow’s cabin feel so inviting.

"I wonder what you’ve been eating. Have you even been eating?" Amy murmured to herself. She knew Shadow had a habit of neglecting himself. He wouldn’t eat, sleep, or rest unless it was absolutely unavoidable. He always insisted that he didn’t need as much sustenance as others, but Amy wasn’t convinced. His biology might be different—superior, even—but he was still half-human, wasn’t he? Maybe even he didn’t fully understand his own limits.

When he had lived with Rouge and Omega, she had worried less. At least then, Rouge would have forced him to eat, even if she had to shove food into his mouth like a spoiled cat. But now that he was alone, she found herself thinking about him more and more. It was one of the reasons she always made sure they ate together whenever they met up.

The truth was, Amy’s desire to take care of him had been strong for a long time. She loved him deeply, and ensuring his well-being had become second nature.

“Amy.”

Shadow’s deep, groggy voice suddenly broke the silence, making her jump.

She turned sharply to see him standing at the entrance to the kitchen, rubbing his eyes, his face still heavy with sleep. His black sweater was slightly rumpled, and his usually sharp expression was softened by drowsiness. The sight made her heart squeeze.

“Shadow! You scared me!” she exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest.

“Sorry… When you weren’t on the couch with me, I thought you had left.”

Amy’s heart ached. He thought she would leave without saying goodbye? She wanted to reassure him, to tell him she would never do that. But instead, she said:

“I can’t leave here on my own. Remember?”

Shadow blinked, and something in his expression shifted. Did she feel trapped here?

“I’m sorry, it’s late, and you probably want to go now. I think I’ve regained enough energy to teleport—”

“NO!” Amy quickly interrupted. “That’s not what I meant!”

Without thinking, she stepped closer, taking his hands in hers. She squeezed his fingers, looking straight into his crimson eyes.

“I was just joking. I don’t want to leave here. Ever. I want to stay with you forever.”

Shadow’s eyes widened, stunned into silence.

It took Amy a second to realize what she had just blurted out. Her entire face burned red, and she immediately let go of his hands, spinning away to cover her face with both palms.

“Ah! I mean…! It’s not like I’m trying to invite myself into your house or anything! I’m sorry if I sounded entitled—I just—I mean—Aaahh…”

Before she could spiral any further, a warm hand cupped her cheek, gently tilting her face back toward him.

“You can come here or stay whenever you want,” Shadow said firmly. His voice was steady, sure. “If it were up to me… you’d never leave.”

Amy’s breath hitched. Then a soft giggle suddenly escaped her lips, breaking the tension. “Didn’t you move all the way out here because you love solitude? I mean, your house is practically impossible to reach.”

“Yes,” he admitted without hesitation. “But that doesn’t apply to you.”

Amy tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

Shadow exhaled softly, as if even he was still trying to figure it out himself.

“I don’t fully understand it yet,” he admitted, “but everything is different when it comes to you. Things I normally hate doing become the most enjoyable when I do them with you. Things I never would’ve tried on my own turned out to be incredible when you were with me.

And when I want to be completely alone… and you come to my side… I want you to stay. Forever.”

His voice was quiet, but firm. Unshakable.

Amy’s heart pounded in her chest.

They had been together for hours now, and yet, here he was—telling her he still didn’t want her to go, and that speaks volumes.

Amy swallowed hard, her heart hammering in her chest.

Amy was a hopeless romantic, but this was the first time someone had ever said such sweet things to her. The truth was, she had never truly fallen in love before—until now.

Shadow was her first love, the first person who made her feel so many deep, warm emotions. Loving him was effortless. Despite what others might think, he was one of the most empathetic people Amy had ever met. And his natural charm only made it worse—he was so handsome, and she had definitely noticed the soft spot he had for her. That only made her fall for him even more.

She smiled softly, her voice barely above a whisper, “You make me feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be—right here, with you.”

Suddenly, feeling the weight of the moment, Amy panicked and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“Ah! I baked a winterberry pie!” she said nervously. “I hope you don’t mind that I used your kitchen while you were sleeping.”

She quickly turned around, cutting a small slice to give to Shadow.

“Rouge really gave you a lot of stuff! It was all super useful!” she added, trying to fill the silence.

Turning back to face him, she held out the piece of pie.

“I promise I didn’t make it too sweet. I think you’ll li—!”

Before she could finish, Shadow suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. With his other hand, he gently took hold of her wrist and leaned in, taking a bite of the pie she was holding.

“Hmm. Yeah. Still too sweet.” He took another bite, then licked his lips. “But I like it.”

Amy froze, her entire face turning bright red. Her eyes were wide, her heart hammering in her chest.

When had he gotten so bold?

Even though he made her incredibly nervous, she couldn’t deny how much she loved it.

“S-Shadow…”

Shadow had stopped fighting his feelings. And hers too. He wasn’t going to ignore how he made her feel any longer. He could hear her heartbeat racing, sense the shift in her scent. He knew she didn’t mind his closeness—if anything, she craved it just as much as he did.

“Amy,” he murmured, her name rolling off his tongue so smoothly it sent shivers down her spine.

She swallowed hard. “Y-yes?”

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, his thumb traced small, absentminded circles against her wrist, the same one he was still holding. His grip wasn’t tight, but it was enough to make her aware of every little touch, every little movement between them.

“I can hear your heartbeat,” he finally said, his voice deep and knowing.

Amy’s breath caught in her throat. Of course, he could. That wasn’t fair.

“T-That’s… um…” She desperately searched for an excuse, but none came. What was she supposed to say? That he was so close, so warm, so incredibly breathtaking that she was losing her mind?

Shadow’s lips curled into the faintest smirk, as if he already knew.

“You’re cruel,” Amy mumbled, looking away, her face burning.

Shadow chuckled softly, and the sound made her stomach flip. “Am I?”

The space between them felt nonexistent now. It wasn’t just the warmth of his body against hers—it was the way he was looking at her, the way his hand lingered at her waist as if he had no intention of letting go. She was burning.

Shadow exhaled slowly, his breath warm against her skin. His hand at her waist stayed firm, his fingers curling slightly, testing her—waiting.

He was letting her decide. Giving her space to pull away if she wanted to. And Amy knew it.

But she didn’t want space.

“…You’re not letting go,” she murmured, meeting his gaze head-on this time.

Shadow’s crimson eyes darkened slightly. “Do you want me to?”

There was no hesitation when she answered. “No.”

It wasn’t just Shadow who had stopped fighting this—Amy had too. She wasn’t hiding from how much she wanted this, how much she wanted him.

Her fingers slid up slightly, resting against his chest. His heartbeat was steady, strong—his control was unshaken, but she could feel the tension in the way he held her, like he was resisting the urge to pull her in completely.

Amy bit her lip, then whispered, “Do you want to let go?”

Shadow didn’t answer immediately, but he didn’t have to. The way his grip tightened at her waist, the way his eyes flickered down to her lips for the briefest moment, told her everything.

Suddenly, Shadow embraced her, his strong arms wrapping around her as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. On impulse, he gently moved her hair aside to expose her soft skin and pressed his lips to her neck. The sensation of his warm, tender kiss was so intimate, so filled with quiet affection, that Amy’s breath caught in her throat. She closed her eyes, sighing softly as the warmth of his touch spread through her body, sending a rush of emotions she couldn’t quite put into words.

"Sh-Shadow…" Amy’s voice trembled, caught somewhere between wonder and the softness of the moment.

"Rose…" His voice was low and husky, a mere whisper against her skin.

But suddenly, Amy’s knees buckled beneath her, her legs giving way as she felt her balance slip. She wasn’t expecting the wave of warmth and affection that flooded her all at once, and before she could regain her footing, she found herself stumbling backward.

Shadow instinctively caught her, but the sudden movement made him lose his own footing. In a blur of motion, they ended up on the kitchen floor together in a tangled heap. For a moment, they both just lay there, breathless, trying to process what had just happened.

"I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to ruin the moment…" Amy said quickly, her cheeks turning red as she instinctively covered her face with her hands, feeling embarrassed by her clumsiness.

Shadow let out a soft, genuine laugh, the sound so rare and so warm that it made her heart skip a beat. It was the kind of laugh that no one else had ever heard, one that only she had the privilege to witness.

"Don’t worry, I like seeing the effect I have on you," he said with a teasing smile, his eyes glimmering with affection. His words, though playful, carried a depth of sincerity that sent a flutter through her chest.

That’s it. He is going to be the death of me.

"Ah." Amy suddenly realized what had happened. "You staggered, so that means you’re still not fully recovered, right?"

"Well, not exactly." Shadow’s expression softened, though there was still a trace of humor in his voice. "I’ve recovered physically, but I’m not used to sleeping so much. My body’s still adjusting, still half asleep, I guess."

"…So much?" Amy’s voice was full of concern, her brow furrowing in disbelief. "Shadow, you only slept for like an hour!"

Damn.

"Yeah, well, I don’t usually sleep that long at once," he muttered, almost as if it were an afterthought. The vulnerability in his voice made her heart ache.

"…How long do you sleep, then?" Amy asked, her concern growing.

"…Usually 15-minute naps," Shadow replied casually, though his words hung in the air, carrying a weight that made Amy’s chest tighten.

"15 MINUTES?! Shadow, that’s insane! How can you—?!" Amy gasped, her hands gripping his arms as if holding onto him would somehow make him understand how deeply this troubled her. "How can you survive on that little sleep?"

"Amy, I’m the Ultimate Life Form, remember?" Shadow’s voice held a hint of playful deflection, but there was a weariness there too, one that didn’t go unnoticed by her. "Besides, I work for GUN. Sometimes the missions require someone like me who doesn’t tire easily."

"Of course I remember!" Amy said quickly, her voice trembling with emotion. "But part of you is human, right? You need to take care of yourself! You can’t keep going like this, not eating, not sleeping properly, not…"

Amy’s words faltered as tears welled up in her eyes. She could feel the overwhelming urge to protect him, to make him stop pushing himself to the limit. She didn’t fully understand how his biology worked, but she did know that seeing him like this—so worn down, so detached from his own well-being—was breaking her heart.

So many nights without sleep—what must he have been thinking? So many moments where he probably didn’t eat because he was alone.

It made her desire to love him, to care for him, to show him what it meant to be cherished, all the more urgent.

Shadow leaned in closer, his gaze fixed on her with a mix of concern and something darker beneath the surface. Seeing Amy cry because of him twisted something inside him, making him feel like an even bigger monster—more monstrous than when he had transformed into Black Arms. The sight of her vulnerability broke him in a way he couldn’t fully explain.

—Amy... —His voice softened, quieter now, a blend of worry and something much deeper that he wasn’t ready to face. —Don’t cry. I’m okay, —he said gently, his hand moving to cup her chin, his thumb brushing the soft skin of her face as he guided her gaze to meet his. —You don’t need to worry about me.

“Of course I worry about you! After all, I—!” Amy’s words stumbled out in a rush, but she quickly cut herself off, her heart pounding in her chest. She had already confessed her feelings to him today. Would it seem too much if she repeated herself? Would she come off as desperate, or worse, too clingy?

Shadow looked at her, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. —You what? —he asked, his voice quieter now, almost a whisper. This time, his face was open, vulnerable even, not hiding behind the cold façade of the Black Arms transformation.

Amy couldn’t look away from him now, her heartbeat loud in her ears. It was as if everything in that moment, that question hanging in the air, was somehow meant to be.

 “I love you, Shadow.”

The words came out so easily, so naturally.

For a moment, Shadow didn’t react. He just stared at her, as if trying to process what she had said—like he needed to be sure he had heard it right.

Amy felt her heart pound harder. “You don’t have to say anything,” she added quickly. “I just—”

“I love you too.”

Amy froze, her breath caught in her throat as the words sank in. For a moment, she couldn’t process them. She hadn’t expected him to say it, not now.

Amy’s eyes shimmered with emotion, and her lips parted, but no words came out. She felt overwhelmed, like everything she’d ever hoped for was suddenly within her reach, fragile and beautiful. It was more than she’d imagined.

"I’ve been… holding it back," Shadow said, his voice steady, but there was something heavy in it. The cabin was quiet, and at some point, night had completely taken over. They hadn’t noticed when the daylight had faded away, when the last bit of sun slipped behind the trees. Now, the only light came from the fire in the living room and the moon, its soft glow flickering along the walls. The kitchen, where they stood, was mostly dark. Making it all even more intimate.

"I didn’t want to say it. Because if I did… it would change everything," he admitted. His thumb brushed over her soft cheek.

His eyes locked onto hers. "But no matter how much I tried to push it away, it never changed how I felt. And you were right, even you noticed the changes in me. It was because lately, without even realizing it, I stopped fighting what I feel. That’s why my guard kept falling, little by little."

The firelight flickered from the other room, casting soft shadows over his face. He let out a slow breath.

“I’m nothing but a weapon. Someone like you shouldn’t be tied to someone like me. And I’m terrified that you’ll leave when you see the truth of who I really am.”

His words hung in the air, and Amy felt her chest tighten. She could see the vulnerability in his eyes. A part of her wanted to argue, to tell him that she didn’t see him that way—that he was so much more.

But instead, she just stood still, listening, her heart pounding as she processed everything he’d said. And then, his voice cut through the silence again.

“But I can’t keep running from this... from you,” Shadow whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I want to take the risk, no matter how scared I am.”

He made a pause, closing his eyes. Then he continue.

“Rose … will you let me love you?”

Amy’s eyes shone in the moonlight, but there was no hesitation in them—only warmth and certainty.

Amy stepped closer, her fingers trembling as they found his hand. She held it tight, as if anchoring him to her. "Shadow…" she whispered. "Only if you let me love you too. I want to be with you—no matter what."

Shadow’s breath caught. Slowly, he lifted his hands, cradling her face with a tenderness that made her heart ache. His fingertips barely skimmed her skin, but the warmth between them was undeniable. He gazed at her, captivated by the way she seemed to glow in the dim light.

Then, with hesitant care, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek. It was soft, lingering—a silent confession of all he’d been holding back. He pulled away just enough to see her expression, searching for any doubt. But there was none.

Encouraged, he kissed her other cheek, his lips warm and reverent, as if memorizing the feel of her. Then he traced a path along the curve of her jaw, savoring her nearness, the way she sighed at his touch.

Amy closed her eyes, melting into him. Each kiss sent a gentle warmth through her, drawing her closer, making her crave more, letting the moment consume her.

When he stopped, she opened her eyes, meeting his gaze with a silent question—her heart racing, her body aching for more. Shadow’s intense stare burned into her, and in that moment, she understood. His eyes spoke volumes, filled with a hunger and yearning that mirrored her own. He wasn’t asking for permission; he was begging for it, his gaze pleading for her to let him take the next step.

Without thinking, she grabbed the front of his sweater, pulling him closer, desperate for the connection. And Shadow didn’t need any more encouragement. He closed the distance, finally kissing her on the lips.

The moment their mouths met, a rush of warmth spread through her chest, making her dizzy. His kiss was hungry yet unbearably tender, as if he was memorizing the taste of her, savoring her.

She could still taste the winterberry pie on his lips—sweet, slightly tart, mixed with the warmth of cinnamon and the deep, unshakable warmth of him.

The kiss deepened, slow and tender, as he guided her onto the floor. Amy barely felt the coolness beneath her because Shadow was everywhere—his warmth, his scent, the firm yet gentle grip of his hands. His body caging hers in, as their lips remained locked in a slow, burning kiss.

Her scent wrapped around him—warm, familiar, irresistible. She smelled like vanilla and sugar, hints of cinnamon lingering from the winterberry pie she had made, mixed with something that was just her. Soft, comforting, and completely enchanting.

“You smell... so sweet,” he murmured, his voice hushed, almost in awe.

An intense blush crept onto Amy’s cheeks. “It’s probably from the pie,” she whispered, trying to make light of it, but Shadow only shook his head, his eyes opening to meet hers again.

“No,” he said softly, his gaze holding hers with quiet intensity. “It’s you.”

He leaned in, pressing his nose into the crook of her neck. Amy gasped at the sensation, the warmth of his breath against her skin making her shiver. His lips brushed against her throat, not quite a kiss, but enough to make her entire body tremble. “You smell so good,” he breathed, his voice low, thick with something she had never heard from him before.

Then he kissed her again.

It was slow, deep, and breathtakingly sweet, his lips moving against hers as if he were savoring every second. Shadow poured himself into it, into her, letting her feel everything he couldn’t yet put into words.

Amy’s heart hammered in her chest as Shadow gently laced both of her hands above her head, holding them there with a quiet strength that left her breathless. The gesture made her feel vulnerable in the most intimate way. There was a deep sense of trust, a feeling she couldn't quite put into words.

As he deepened the kiss, Amy couldn’t help but melt into him, savoring the closeness, the intimacy, the overwhelming feeling of being loved in a way that made her heart soar. He needed her just as much as she needed him. That realization sent a rush of emotion through her, overwhelming in its intensity.

“I’m an just an experiment,” Shadow finally murmured against her lips, his voice hoarse with self-doubt.

“I’m an abomination,” he said again, his words breaking through the kiss.

“I’m too dangerous,” he whispered, breaking the kiss only for a moment, but Amy didn’t want to hear it. She wanted him to know—no matter what he said, she loved him. She didn’t care about his past, his fears—only about the man before her, the one who was kissing her with such intensity, such need.

Every kiss, every touch, sent a spark of warmth through her body. “This is what I want,” Amy said, feeling her pulse quicken. “You are what I want.”

When they finally broke the kiss, both of them breathing heavily, Shadow’s forehead rested against hers. Him holding her hand above her head. His eyes were full of love and longing. “You shouldn’t want me,” he whispered, his voice cracking slightly.

Giving him small, soft kisses all over his face, she smiled softly, her heart full as she cupped his face in her hands. “But I do,” she whispered back, her voice steady with conviction.

“I want you, Shadow. All of you.”

Chapter Text

It was early in the morning. The gentle touch of sunlight filtered through the large windows, slowly making its way across the cozy living room. Its golden rays finally reached Shadow’s face, pulling him from the depths of sleep. He stirred slightly, confused by the light. Why was it shining directly on him? His room had blackout curtains, so he never woke up like this. Then, he felt it.

A soft warmth pressed against his chest, the steady rise and fall of another’s breath against him. The comforting weight of delicate arms wrapped around his torso.

Amy.

His crimson eyes opened slowly, and memories of the night before flooded his mind. They had fallen asleep on the couch together, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the gentle hum of the fire lulling them into slumber. His arms were still securely around her, holding her close as if letting go would wake him from this dream.

Everything came rushing back—the way she had looked at him with so much love, the way her lips pressing against his in that long, breathtaking kiss. They had confessed everything, their words spilling out in the dim glow of the kitchen, where the scent of cinnamon and warm cider lingered in the air. He had kissed her first, tentative and sweet, and she had melted into it, savoring every second.

Shadow felt a deep warmth bloom in his chest, different from the heat of the fire. His entire body tingled at the memory of her hands clutching his sweater, her soft sighs between kisses, everything.

He had spent so long running from this. From her.

And yet, here she was—curled up against him, trusting him, loving him.

He could have taken her to the guest room to let her sleep somewhere more comfortable—but the thought of being apart from her, made something ache in his chest.

His fingers moved gently, brushing a few stray strands of rose-colored hair from her peaceful face. Amy shifted slightly in her sleep, nuzzling closer, her nose brushing against his collarbone as she sighed contentedly. Shadow swallowed, feeling his entire body grow impossibly warm.

A part of his mind still felt guilty, unworthy of being with her. But he would do exactly what he had told Amy he would—stop running and give his all to be with her. He might have been inexperienced in showing affection, but with Amy, it felt completely natural.

There was no turning back now.

Leaning down, he pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the faint scent of winterberries in her hair.

Amy stirred in his arms, her fingers twitching against his shirt as she let out a soft, sleepy sigh. Shadow felt it—her body instinctively seeking more warmth, more closeness—even before she fully opened her eyes.

Slowly, those bright emeralds blinked up at him. She looked so soft, so utterly comfortable against him, it made his chest tighten.

Then, a drowsy, content smile stretched across her lips.

“Morning…” she whispered, her voice coated in warmth.

“Morning,” he murmured back, voice low, rough.

Amy stretched slightly, her body pressing closer before she rested her chin against his chest. “We… fell asleep here?”

Shadow gave a slow nod. His mind was already unraveling the thread of memories—how they had kissed for what felt like forever in the kitchen, the way Amy had gasped softly when he lifted her onto the counter, her legs wrapping around his waist as if she never wanted to let go.

His fingers twitched at the memory.

He had kissed her breathless, again and again, only breaking away when they were forced to catch their breath. Every time he pulled back, she chased after him, eyes half-lidded, lips slightly parted as if she couldn’t stand the distance. He had never felt anything like it.

Even now, the ghost of her touch lingered on his skin.

“Yesterday…” Amy murmured, as if reading his thoughts.

Shadow inhaled deeply, trying to keep himself steady. She was so close. So warm.

 “We kissed… a lot,” her voice barely above a whisper.

Shadow let out a slow breath. “Yeah.”

“…And you slept all night,” she murmured.

"Yes. Apparently, all I need to sleep longer is your warmth," he said, his voice low, accompanied by a sly, almost teasing smile.

Amy's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, her heart racing. "I know your biology’s different, and that you’re the Mr. Ultimate Life Form, but… when you need rest, or after a tough mission, I’d be more than happy to help you sleep," she whispered, her gaze softening as she looked at him. Then she hugged him tightly.

Shadow’s heart fluttered in his chest, his voice barely a whisper as he replied, "I’ll keep that in mind."

Suddenly, Amy’s stomach let out a small growl, breaking the warm silence between them. Her face turned bright red, and she quickly buried it in her hands.

"How embarrassing!" she groaned, her voice muffled by her palms.

Shadow chuckled, his crimson eyes on her. "It’s normal. You didn’t even eat last night with how… occupied we were." His voice was laced with a teasing edge, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. His voice was warm, teasing but tender.

Amy lowered her hands just enough to peek at him, her eyes shimmering with something playful yet affectionate. "That’s true… I had something much more interesting to taste."

Shadow’s breath caught in his throat.

The way she looked at him, the softness in her voice, the way her lips curved ever so slightly—she had no idea what she did to him. His heart pounded as an overwhelming warmth spread through his chest.

He couldn’t help himself.

His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing lazy circles along her soft skin. He could feel the faint heat of her morning flush beneath his fingertips. As he leaned in, Amy’s breath hitched—warm, delicate puffs of air fanning against his lips before they finally met in a slow, lingering kiss. Her lips were warm, soft, parting instinctively under his touch. A shiver ran through her as his other hand settled on the small of her back, pulling her closer. His touch was gentle, cherishing, as if she were something delicate, something precious.

"You can taste me whenever you want," he whispered against her lips, his voice low but full of devotion.

Amy smiled against his mouth, her fingers curling into the fabric of his sweater. "So can you," she whispered back before pulling him in again.

The kiss deepened, a sweet and unhurried exchange of warmth, of love. Shadow’s fingers traced delicate patterns against her back, holding her close, as if afraid she might slip away. He never wanted to let go.

He kissed her softly down to her neck, his lips brushing against her skin like a feather, memorizing her warmth, the way she shivered under his touch. She was intoxicating, and he wanted nothing more than to stay like this, wrapped in her, forever.

But then, another tiny growl interrupted the moment.

Amy tensed, mortified, and Shadow stilled before a quiet chuckle escaped him. He rested his forehead against her shoulder, smiling.

"I forgot… you need to eat," he murmured with a gentle sigh, his hand sliding down to entwine with hers. He never thought about hunger—not the way she did—and moments like this reminded him how different they were. A part of him wondered if he could ever truly belong in her world.

"I’m sorry," she whispered, voice small. "I ruined the moment again."

Shadow shook his head. "You didn’t ruin anything, Rose," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Come on," he said gently, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Let’s eat the pie you made last night. It was delicious."

Shadow thought as he led her toward the kitchen, these little moments—the warmth of her hand in his, the sound of her laughter, the love in her eyes—made him feel more human than anything else ever had.

--

Amy followed Shadow into the kitchen, her fingers still laced with his as he led the way. The air was cozy, filled with the lingering scent of cinnamon and baked winterberries from last night’s pie.

As Shadow reached for the pie, Amy glanced around, noticing something she hadn’t paid much attention to before. His kitchen was surprisingly well-stocked—flour, sugar, butter, spices—all neatly arranged. It didn’t make sense.

She furrowed her brows.

"Wait a second…" She leaned against the counter, her curiosity growing. "How did you even have all the ingredients to make this last night?"

Shadow, now slicing the pie, glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

Amy gestured around. "You never really eat, let alone bake. I’d expect your kitchen to be half-empty."

Shadow smirked slightly, setting down the knife. "I had a guest to consider."

Amy blinked. "A guest?"

"Rouge comes over a lot," he said casually. "I keep a guest room for her."

Amy’s breath hitched slightly, but she kept her expression neutral. "Oh… she stays here?"

Shadow nodded, picking up the plates. "She says this is one of the only places she can actually get some peace."

Amy let out a soft "hm," trying to focus on the pie in front of her. But a strange, tight feeling curled in her chest. Rouge had a room here? She stayed often? She had never thought much about Rouge and Shadow’s friendship before, but now, the realization settled oddly in her stomach.

Trying to shake the feeling, she cleared her throat. "And the kitchen stuff?"

Shadow smirked, clearly amused. "She bought it."

Amy’s lips parted slightly. "All of this?"

"Not all of it," he admitted, setting a plate in front of her. "But the tools, spices… some ingredients."

Amy poked at her pie with her fork, still processing. "So… do you cook here?"

"Sometimes," Shadow replied.

Amy hesitated before asking, "For Rouge?"

"If she complains enough," he said with a small shrug.

That was when Amy finally felt it—that little twist in her chest turning into something unmistakable.

She set her fork down slowly.

"So…” she said, her voice light but careful. "You don’t eat much. You don’t cook for yourself. But you’ve cooked for Rouge?"

Shadow glanced up, his eyes flickering with amusement at her tone. "That’s correct."

Amy let out a short, breathy laugh, but there was something new behind it. She wasn’t upset—not really—but she couldn’t ignore the way it made her feel. Rouge had been here more than she had. Rouge had a room here. Rouge had gotten Shadow to cook for her. That made her feel…small.

Her fingers toyed with the edge of the napkin beside her plate, her appetite momentarily forgotten. It wasn’t fair to feel this way. It was just Rouge. They were friends. But that quiet little ache wouldn’t quite go away.

Shadow had been enjoying her pout, but when he noticed the shift in her mood, his smirk faded slightly. His amusement turned to quiet curiosity.

"Amy," he said, his voice softer now.

She didn’t look up right away.

"I just…" She hesitated, then finally sighed. "I never really thought about you and Rouge before."

Shadow studied her carefully. "What do you mean?"

Amy exhaled slowly, still playing with the napkin. "... I don’t know how I feel about it."

Shadow let out a small chuckle, but it was warm, not mocking. "Sounds like jealousy."

Amy’s head snapped up, her face heating. "I am not jealous—!"

Shadow leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. "Are you sure?"

Amy swallowed, gripping her fork a little tighter. "It’s just… you and Rouge are close. Closer than I realized."

Shadow considered her words for a moment, then leaned back against the counter, his gaze steady.

"You and Knuckles are close too, aren’t you?" he asked.

Amy blinked at the sudden shift. "Huh?"

"You aren’t related by blood," Shadow continued, his voice even. "But you see him like family."

Amy frowned slightly. "Well… yeah."

"That’s how it is with Rouge," he explained simply. "She’s like my sister. We look out for each other, but that’s all there is to it."

Amy’s chest loosened a little, the ache fading.

"And you…" Shadow lifted her chin, making sure she met his gaze. His crimson eyes were warm, unwavering. "You’re the only one I love."

Amy’s breath hitched.

Shadow smiled slightly before leaning in to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "Don’t doubt that."

The warmth of his words settled deep in her heart, pushing away the last bits of uncertainty.

Amy let out a small, sheepish laugh. "Okay."

Shadow smirked, satisfied with her answer.

But then she huffed, crossing her arms. "Still unfair that you never cooked for me, though."

Shadow chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then I guess I’ll have to fix that, won’t I?"

Amy grinned, her heart feeling lighter. Maybe she had been jealous. But now, she just felt lucky. Because at the end of the day, she was the one he loved.

"I’m not as good as you, but I’ll do my best to impress you." Shadow said.

"I'll love anything you make for me," Amy replied with a warm smile.

--

They shared a warm and peaceful moment, enjoying pie while sipping on tea and coffee, the soft sounds of the morning surrounding them.

Eventually, they stood and made their way to the expansive windows, standing side by side as they watched the snowflakes drift down softly, coating the world outside in a peaceful, snowy hush.

After a long silence, Amy glanced at him, her voice gentle with concern, remembering yesterday's events as the snow gently fell.  "Do you feel better now?"

Shadow looked at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I'm 100% recovered," he replied, his tone steady but filled with quiet relief.

"I’m glad.” Amy said with relief. “By the way, you never told me you could do that."

"Do what?" he asked, his gaze lingering on her with quiet intensity.

"Transform like that."

Shadow exhaled. "It’s… complicated."

Amy shifted closer. "How?"

He exhaled slowly. "...It’s not just that I don’t like it." His voice was quieter now, strained. "It’s because of him."

Amy frowned slightly. "Him?"

"Black Doom," Shadow muttered, his grip on her hand tightening. "The one who created me. The one who tried to use me. The one who…" His breath hitched for half a second. "...The one who took Maria from me."

Amy’s eyes widened, her chest tightening.

Shadow’s jaw clenched, and when he spoke again, there was something raw in his voice. "His blood runs through me. That form—it’s a reminder of that. When I use it, it feels like I’m… tainted. Like he’s still there, still a part of me." His lips pressed into a thin line. "...I hate it."

Amy swallowed hard, squeezing his hand gently. "Shadow…"

His fingers twitched in hers.

"But that’s not the only reason," he admitted. His voice was low, but there was no hesitation now. "I didn’t want you to see me like that."

Amy blinked, startled. "...Me?"

Shadow lowered his gaze.

"I thought you’d find me repulsive." He whispered. "You’re… so bright, Amy. You see beauty in everything. But that form? It isn’t me. It’s a monster. And I couldn’t stand the thought of you looking at me like that."

Amy’s heart twisted painfully.

That was what he had been afraid of. That she would see him as something inhuman. That she would look at him with disgust, recoil from him, and never see him the same way again.

She didn’t even hesitate. She reached out, cradling his face between her hands. His breath hitched, his entire body tensing, but he didn’t pull away.

Shadow swallowed hard, unable to look away from her.

Amy’s thumb brushed against his cheek, grounding him. "You’re you, no matter what form you take. No matter where you came from, or what blood runs through you." Her voice softened.

Shadow’s chest ached. She meant that. He could feel it in the warmth of her hands, in the steady certainty in her voice.

Slowly, he leaned into her touch, exhaling. His fingers curled around her wrists, holding onto her as if she was the only thing keeping him tethered to the moment.

For a long moment, Shadow just looked at her—studying her.

Amy couldn’t help but stare at him, her heart racing, her mind a blur. There was something about the way Shadow looked at her, so intense, so... handsome. She felt like she couldn’t breathe, the air between them thick with unspoken feelings.

Before she could even stop herself, the words tumbled out, her voice light but full of affection. “You’re just… so handsome, Shadow,” she said, her gaze never leaving his face. “Even if you are part alien or whatever, I don’t care. I’m crazy about you.”

She paused, cheeks flushing as she realized how casually she’d said it, but she didn’t take it back. She meant it. She was drawn to him in a way that she couldn’t ignore, and no matter what part of him was different, she would never change how she felt.

Shadow’s breath hitched at her words, and for the first time, he seemed a bit off-balance. His usual cool composure faltered as he took in what she had just said. He hadn’t expected her to be so... direct, so confident in her feelings.

“I—Amy...” His voice caught, and he felt a strange warmth spread across his chest. He swallowed hard, still trying to process her words. She wasn’t ashamed of him.

 “I can’t stop thinking about you. Not even if you are from space—nothing will change how I feel.”

Shadow’s heart stuttered in his chest, and before he could stop himself, he was leaning in, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m crazy about you too, Rose.”

Amy’s eyes flickered down, lingering on his lips for just a second. Shadow noticed.

His pulse kicked up, but he stayed still, watching her.

They both wanted it. That much was obvious.

She lifted a hand, fingertips brushing lightly against his jaw, as if memorizing the shape of him. Shadow’s breath hitched slightly, but he didn’t stop her. He just watched, letting her take her time.

It was like he could hear the unspoken words in her expression. Can I kiss you? The question was there, shimmering between them, and Shadow felt his restraint snap like a fragile thread.

He didn’t answer with words either—he didn’t need to. Instead, he cupped the back of her head and pulled her down into a kiss, their lips meeting in a slow, lingering embrace.

Amy sighed against him, her fingers slipping into his hair, holding him closer. She kissed him just like last night—soft yet hungry, as if she had been waiting for this moment just as much as he had.

Shadow groaned quietly into the kiss, tilting his head, deepening it. The warmth of her mouth, the way her body melted against his—it was intoxicating. Addictive.

Amy responded with a quiet whimper, surrendering, pressing against him as their kiss grew deeper, slower, more consuming.

Shadow had never thought of himself as someone who could lose control. He had spent years perfecting restraint, keeping himself composed, always staying one step ahead of his own emotions.

But with Amy, all of that crumbled so easily.

Her lips moved against his with such sweetness, such quiet hunger, that it made his head spin. He felt the way she trembled in his arms, not from hesitation, but from holding herself back, from not wanting to overwhelm him. But Shadow could feel it—how much she wanted this.

How much she wanted him.

Just like he wanted her.

And that realization unraveled something inside him.

He tilted his head, deepening the kiss, his hand sliding from the small of her back up to cup her cheek. Amy sighed into him, her fingers tightening in his hair, her body pressing closer as if she couldn’t stand the distance between them.

Neither of them was in a rush, and yet, neither wanted to stop.

It was the same last night.

As they slowly broke apart, their foreheads lingering close, Amy let out a soft laugh, breathless and warm.

“You make it hard to think,” she admitted, her fingers still tangled in his hair.

Shadow smirked, his thumb brushing over her cheek in slow, deliberate strokes. “Good.”

She rested her forehead against his, her arms slipping around his waist, holding him close. Shadow felt the steady rise and fall of her breathing, the warmth of her body pressed against his, the way she fit so perfectly against him.

A quiet sigh left him. Amy let herself melt into his embrace, her cheek resting against his chest, listening to the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Shadow ran his fingers through her hair, his movements slow and absentminded. He had never been one for words, never quite knew how to put into sentences the things he felt—but here, in the quiet, in the way he held her close, he hoped she understood.

And from the way Amy sighed contently against him, he knew she did.

--

"It's funny," Amy suddenly said, her voice carrying a soft, wistful tone. "Neither of the two places we wanted to go to yesterday worked out. But because of that, we ended up here, together."

Shadow listened to her, his head gently resting against hers. Even when things didn’t go as planned, she always found the good in every situation. That was something he had always admired about her.

"That’s true," he admitted, his voice gentle, but there was a warmth behind his words. "But we can try again today if you want."

She lifted her head to look at him.", her eyes wide and shimmering like the stars. "As… as a date?"

Shadow’s heart gave a small but noticeable thump. A date. They had already confessed their feelings, yet hearing her say it still sent a rush of warmth through him.

A date with Amy.

His expression softened, his lips curling into a small, affectionate smile. "As a date," he confirmed, his voice quieter, sweeter.

Amy let out a small gasp, pressing her hands to her chest. "Our first date! I'm so excited!" But then, her excitement turned into flustered panic. "Ah—No! Wait! I've been wearing these clothes since yesterday! I can't go like this. This is so important! The first date is one of the most special moments in a girl's life! But I want to go today! Aaah! What should I do?!"

Shadow watched her ramble, completely taken by how expressive she was. She was adorable.

To him, it didn’t matter what she wore—she always looked dazzling. But he knew these things were important to her, and he wanted to make her happy.

A soft chuckle escaped him. "Amy," he said, his voice carrying an unmistakable fondness.

She stilled at his touch, looking up at him with wide, startled eyes.

"How about we go to your house first?" he suggested, still holding her hand as if to anchor her in place.

Amy blinked. "My house?"

"Yeah," he nodded, giving her fingers the lightest squeeze. "I can teleport both of us there, and I’ll wait while you get ready. That way, we can still go today, just like you want."

Amy’s lips parted slightly, and when she spoke again, her voice was quieter, more vulnerable. "R-Really?”

Shadow tilted his head slightly, his eyes searching hers.

"Of course."

Her breath hitched. A deep warmth spread across her chest, filling every corner of her heart.

Shadow had never been overly expressive with words, but the way he said things—the quiet sincerity, the depth in his crimson eyes—it always made her feel cherished. Special. Loved.

He let go of her hand only to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for just a second longer than necessary. "The only problem," he continued, his voice softer now, "is that my emerald necklace might take some time to recharge since I’ll be teleporting both of us. But after that, I was thinking we could drive to Ice Paradise in your car."

Amy blinked up at him, and then, just like that, the brightest, happiest smile bloomed on her face.

"Yes! I love that idea! It’s been so long since we’ve taken a drive in my car!" she said, practically bouncing on her feet. "Let’s go then!"

Shadow exhaled a quiet laugh, his chest feeling so incredibly full just looking at her. She had this way of making even the simplest things feel exciting, and he wanted to soak in every second of it.

"Alright," he said, his eyes softening as he took a step closer. "I’ll take a shower, and then we’ll go."

---

The moment they arrived at Amy’s house, Shadow was embraced by a familiar warmth.

Her home was just like her—cozy, bright, and filled with a kind of gentle warmth that settled deep in his chest. The faint scent of vanilla and flowers lingered in the air, wrapping around him like a quiet embrace. It was a scent he had grown used to, one that reminded him of her presence even when she wasn’t near.

Amy had barely stepped inside before she turned to him with a soft smile, her eyes shining with excitement. “Make yourself comfortable! I won’t take long, I promise!” she called, disappearing down the hall in a flurry of energy, her voice carrying that same lightness he had come to adore.

Shadow stood in the middle of her living room, his hands in his pockets, taking in the space around him. It was undeniably hers.

His gaze trailed along the walls, where framed pictures captured glimpses of her life—a photo with her friends, all laughing under a summer sun, and another of her as a child, grinning wildly at the camera.

On the small wooden table beside the couch, little trinkets were scattered—seashells, delicate figurines, and a snow globe with drifting snowflakes falling gently onto a Sakura tree. Shadow picked it up, tilting it slightly to watch the soft flurry swirl inside the glass. "Heh. I brought this back for her from a mission years ago. I didn’t realize she still had it."

His gaze landed on a cushion resting against the couch, its fabric patterned with tiny pink hearts. It looked well-worn, like she curled up with it often. Without thinking, he reached out, brushing his fingers over the fabric, a strange warmth settling in his chest.

Everything about this space was Amy.

Letting out a quiet breath, he sank onto the couch, leaning into the armrest. He wasn’t used to waiting, but here, in her home, it didn’t feel like a chore. It felt—comforting. Like he was being let in, even in her absence.

From down the hall, he heard soft rustling—Amy rummaging through her closet, no doubt still panicking over what to wear.

His lips twitched slightly.

She didn’t need to try so hard. She was already beautiful.

The thought made his chest tighten slightly, an unfamiliar but not entirely unwelcome feeling. He found himself staring at the snow globe again, watching the way the snow inside never truly settled, always floating, always restless.

He wondered if Amy was feeling that way right now—restless, flustered, eager to make this day perfect.

Shadow exhaled softly, shaking his head at himself. She really had a way of sneaking into his thoughts, didn’t she?

Then—

Knock, knock, knock.

The sudden knocking at the door pulled him from his thoughts, breaking the quiet spell of the moment. His brow furrowed slightly as he turned his head toward the sound. Amy hadn’t mentioned expecting anyone. And now she was in the shower.

Slowly, he stood, his movements calm and measured, though there was a quiet sharpness in his eyes. With one swift motion, he pulled the door open—

His expression flickered, shifting from mild surprise to something more guarded.

“…What the hell are you doing here?”

“Knuckles.”

Chapter Text

Amy’s heart fluttered with excitement as she rummaged through her wardrobe, searching for the perfect outfit for her first official date with Shadow. She could hardly believe it. Sure, they’d spent plenty of time together before, exploring breathtaking places and sharing quiet moments, but this felt different—special.

She paused, biting her lip, her thoughts racing. “He’s so cool. So strong and handsome, so perfect.”

Every time they went out, Amy would secretly hope that one day, their outings would turn into a date. She’d even considered asking him herself, but the thought always froze her in place. What if he thought I’ve only been helping him explore Earth because I wanted something from him? What if he doesn't see me the way I see him?

The fear of rejection had kept her silent—until now.

Everything had changed after yesterday. They had confessed their love for each other. It still felt surreal, like a dream she didn’t want to wake up from. Even though Shadow hadn’t explicitly asked her to be his girlfriend, his words echoed in her mind with the same warmth and devotion as when he’d said them:

Would you let me love you?

Her heart raced at the mere memory. She could still hear the softness in his voice, the sincerity in his eyes as he’d said it. It was such a beautiful, tender way of asking her to be by his side. And Amy had no hesitation. Maybe her life would be short compared to his immortal one, but she didn’t care.

All I want is to be with him. To make him happy.

“Ice Paradise…” she murmured, her fingers brushing over the fabric of a soft pink sweater. The outfit she wore yesterday had been perfect—a cozy balance of cute and practical. But she couldn’t wear it again.

“It has to be something equally adorable,” she mused, pulling out a vibrant red winter dress with a fluffy white hem and matching white gloves. She ran her hands over the fabric, feeling its soft texture. The dress hugged her waist just right and flared slightly at the skirt, perfect for twirling—perfect for ice skating.

Her cheeks flushed as she imagined Shadow seeing her in it. Would he think she looked cute? She bit her lip and giggled nervously, already feeling a little shy. To complete the look, she paired the dress with sleek black leggings and matching red boots with white trim that looked cozy and stylish.

Do I really look like someone who could be with someone like him?

With a happy sigh, she admired herself in the mirror, her excitement bubbling over. “This is perfect,” she whispered. She could already picture herself gliding on the ice next to Shadow, maybe even holding his hand if she was brave enough.

She grabbed her towel and slipped into the shower, her thoughts spinning with anticipation and daydreams about the date ahead.

With the sound of the running water filling the room, she remained blissfully unaware of scene in her front door…

--

“…What the hell are you doing here?”

“Knuckles.”

Shadow’s voice was calm, steady, but there was a glint of warning in his red eyes as he locked eyes with the fuming redhead standing in the doorway.

“What are you even doing here, Shadow?! Where is Amy?” Knuckles demanded, his tone sharp with suspicion as his gaze darted around the room, searching for any sign of his sister.

“She—” Shadow started, his usual cool demeanor intact, though he knew exactly how his next words would sound. Still, he wasn’t one to sugarcoat the truth. “She’s in the shower. I’m waiting for her.”

Knuckles’ jaw tightening as he took a step closer, his fists already curling at his sides. “What could you possibly be waiting for?” he snapped, his voice laced with anger. “I’ve been trying to reach her since yesterday! Her phone wasn’t getting any signal, and I was worried sick! Then I come here, and you’re the one I find?”

Shadow met his glare without flinching, his expression unreadable. “Yeah,” he said, exhaling slowly. He knew this was going to escalate, but there was no point in avoiding it now. “She stayed at my house last night. Until this morning. There’s no signal out there.”

Knuckles’ eyes widened at Shadow’s words. A sharp heat rushed through him, his whole body tensing as his mind processed the statement. "What did you just say?" His voice was low and controlled—but there was nothing calm about it.

Shadow met his glare without so much as a flinch, his stance unshaken. He had expected Knuckles to react like this. If anything, he would’ve been surprised if he hadn’t. Crossing his arms, he repeated himself, his tone measured but firm. "Amy was at my house last night," he stated. "And before you start jumping to conclusions, she was safe with me."

Knuckles inhaled sharply through his nose, his jaw tightening as the urge to lunge at Shadow burned beneath his skin. He was seconds away from knocking him out—just one punch—but he forced himself to keep his fists from flying at Shadow’s stupid face.

He squared his shoulders, his stance rigid as his purple eyes locked onto Shadow’s. "You better start explaining, now," he growled, his voice low and threatening.

Shadow exhaled slowly. Predictable.

Explain himself to Knuckles wasn’t his style. And he sure wasn’t going to apologize for what had happened.

But… Even he understood that If he wanted to be with Amy, he needed to do more than endure Knuckles’ anger—he needed to prove he could be trusted, that he respected the bond between them. Amy’s happiness meant everything to him, and he realized it would never be whole if it came at the cost of her relationship with her brother.

He had already known that earning Knuckles' approval—or even tolerance—was going to be a battle. But he had no choice but to deal with it.

"I couldn’t teleport her back here," Shadow said simply. "So she stayed. That’s it." He hid much of the information, but that's basically what happened.

Knuckles narrowed his eyes, his muscles still wound tight with restrained anger. "I don’t trust you, and I sure as hell don’t like the idea of Amy being anywhere near you." His voice dripped with suspicion, each word laced with unshaken conviction.

Shadow met his hostility head-on, refusing to back down. "You don’t have to like me, but if you care about her, you’d better figure out how to deal with me."

“Amy is mine now,” he thought silently, his gaze unwavering. “And no one is going to take her away from me.”

Out loud, he said, with a quiet edge to his voice, “Now we’re going on a date. That’s why I’m waiting for her.”

His words hung heavily in the air. Knuckles was practically vibrating with rage, his fists trembling as he glared at Shadow, who stood unflinching, like an immovable wall. His expression was calm, but his body was coiled, ready to defend himself.

Still, he didn’t want to fight. Not in Amy’s house. The last thing he needed was Amy walking out of the shower to find her living room in ruins and her brother and boyfriend throwing punches. She’d be furious. And that was the one thing Shadow genuinely wanted to avoid.

“Knuckles, calm down,” Shadow said quietly, though there was a warning edge to his voice. “I don’t want to fight you. Not here.”

“Oh, you don’t want to fight?” Knuckles sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “But you’ve got no problem messing with Amy’s head, huh? You know how she is—a hopeless romantic. Did that make it easy for you to play her?”

Shadow’s entire expression darkened. His jaw clenched, and a flash of something cold and furious sparked in his eyes.

“Watch your mouth,” he said, his voice dangerously low. There was no mistaking the anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. “I’m not playing with Amy. I love her.”

Knuckles blinked, clearly caught off guard by the intensity of Shadow’s words, but his anger didn’t fade. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened as he took a step closer.

“I don’t care what you say,” Knuckles spat. “I’ve got no reason to trust you. Stay away from her!”

“You don’t get to decide that,” Shadow interrupted, his voice dangerously low. “Amy makes her own choices, and she chose me.”

That seemed to push Knuckles over the edge. He swung, aiming for Shadow’s jaw, Shadow caught his fist mid-swing, holding it in a crushing grip.

“Enough,” Shadow growled, his crimson eyes flashing dangerously. “I told you, I don’t want to fight you.”

Their locked hands trembled with tension, both of them standing ready to pounce, neither willing to back down. But before Knuckles could try again, a soft voice cut through the tension like a blade.

“Knuckles? Shadow?”

Both of them froze.

Amy stood in the livingroom, her pink hair wet, a towel draped over her shoulders, and her wide green eyes filled with confusion—and a hint of exasperation. She glanced between them, taking in the tension, the clenched fists, and the barely restrained fury on Knuckles’ face.

“What… is going on here?” she asked, her voice calm but firm, like she was daring them to give her a good explanation.

Shadow released Knuckles’ hand, his expression softening as his gaze shifted to Amy. Knuckles, on the other hand, scowled still bristling with unresolved anger.

“Amy,” Shadow said quietly. “We were… having a conversation.”

“A conversation?” Amy raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. She crossed her arms, looking at both of them like a mother catching her kids misbehaving. “Because it looks a lot more like you were about to destroy my living room.”

Shadow glanced at Knuckles, who was still glowering at him, and sighed. This wasn’t how he wanted their day to start.

 “Well?”

Knuckles ran a hand through his hair, frustration boiling over. "Amy, I was worried about you. You disappeared, and I didn't know where you were or if you were safe." His voice softened slightly as he looked at his sister, but the concern was still clear in his eyes. "So I came here to check you but I find this guy here."

Amy's expression softened at that, her arms uncrossing as she approached him. " I’m okay. And—" she glanced over at Shadow, who was now watching her with a quiet intensity, "—I'm actually going on a date with Shadow now. We're going out."

Knuckles’ eyes widened as the words left Amy’s mouth. “A date? With him?” His voice was a mixture of disbelief and growing anger. “You’ve got to be kidding me, Amy!” His fists clenched, and his entire body tensed with frustration. “You really think I’m going to just let this slide?”

Amy’s eyes flashed, a spark of irritation flaring up. "Oh, I’m sorry, Knuckles, was I supposed to ask for permission to live my life? Just because I’m your little sister doesn’t mean you get to control what I do!" Her voice rose, the tension between them thickening.

“I don’t want to control you, Amy. I just—” He threw his hands up in exasperation. “You’re my sister, and I—I'm just trying to protect you!"

Amy crossed her arms, her frustration evident. “You’ve been protecting me my whole life, Knuckles. But you left! You moved into the castle, and I had to learn to live without you. Now you can’t just show up and think you have any say in who I date!”

But Knuckles didn’t stop. His voice cracked as he shot another angry glance at Shadow. "You think I haven’t noticed? I’ve seen the way he looks at you for years! I always knew it!"

Amy’s face turned bright pink, her mind racing. Was everyone able to see it except her?

Suddenly she came back to reality, “It’s not about that,’ Knuckles! It’s about me making my own choices. I’m not some little girl anymore!”

Shadow stood back, sensing the fight escalating between the siblings. He had no place in this, but he couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. He wanted to be someone Amy could rely on, but this… this was family business.

Knuckles glared at Shadow, but his anger seemed to flicker as he turned back to his sister. “You really think I’m just supposed to let you go off with someone like him?! He isn’t even a human!”

Amy’s hands balled into fists at her sides. “Don’t’ talk about him like that! I don't care about any of that. I love him!”

“You…love him?” Knuckles' face paled.

“Yes!” Amy's expression suddenly softened, and a small sigh escaped her. “I was at you and Sonia’s wedding, cheering you on because I wanted you to be happy.” She lowered her gaze, a sad expression crossed her face. “Why can't you do the same for me?”

The words stung. Suddenly a blow of guilt hit Knuckles' chest.

Knuckles opened his mouth to say something, but his anger slowly faded into something else—something more vulnerable. “I know… I just…” He trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Amy took a deep breath, stepping closer to him. “I can take care of myself. And I know you’ll always looking out for me, but you don’t need to be my protector anymore. You have to let me live my life.”

Knuckles looked down, his jaw clenching as he processed her words. For a moment, the fight seemed to leave him, and he gave her a small, tight-lipped smile. “I guess I’ve been a little overprotective,” he admitted, his voice low. “But… I’m still your big brother, Amy. I’ll always care.”

Amy smiled back, though it was a little sad. “I know.”

Shadow watched the exchange with a quiet understanding. He didn’t speak—he didn’t have to. The storm had passed, and the siblings had found their way back to each other, their bond strengthened.

Knuckles turned to face Shadow. With each step, the air grew heavier, his violet eyes fixed on him.

Shadow straightened, his arms unfolding as he faced the approaching red-head. His gaze remained calm and steady, though the faintest flicker of readiness settled in his posture.

The room fell silent as he stopped abruptly just short of Shadow, his eyes narrowing. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Knuckles took a step closer, the difference in their heights and builds unmistakable. Shadow stood his ground, calm and composed, but his mind was already racing.

 “I’ve always been the one looking out for Amy. I’ve had to step in for her, especially when things got rough. Do you think I'll let just anyone take that spot?”

Shadow didn’t flinch at the words. He took a breath, steadying himself before speaking. “I know what I am. I know I’ve done things in the past that don’t make me an ideal choice in your eyes.” He closed his eyes and continue, “I know I have to earn your trust,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost measured. “But I’m not going to stop trying. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to you that I can protect her.”

There was a strength in his words, a sincerity that Knuckles couldn’t ignore.

“Dammit,” Knuckles thought, his jaw tightening. His gaze lingering on Shadow with unease. As much as he hated to admit it, he had seen enough of Shadow’s actions to know he was anything but reckless when it came to the people he cared about. And the way he looked at Amy… Knuckles couldn’t shake it. There was something genuine—something that made him question his own stubbornness.

Amy wasn’t just some fleeting distraction for Shadow. He was serious—maybe even too serious. But that was the thing about Shadow. He didn’t wear his heart; he guarded it like a fortress. Yet somehow, Amy had managed to breach those walls, and Knuckles had to admit, it wasn’t something anyone else could do. Maybe she saw something in him that he couldn’t.

“I’ve always looked out for her,” he said, his voice tinged with something close to vulnerability. “I’ve seen how many people have taken advantage of her kindness—how she trusts so easily, how she always sees the best in people, even when they don’t deserve it. I’ve watched her fall, get hurt. I can’t just step aside and pretend it’s easy to trust anyone with that.”

“I don’t expect you to,” he said. “Amy’s stronger than anyone I know, and I’ll be by her side every time she needs me, even if she doesn’t want me to.”

Knuckles blinked, his brows furrowing slightly as the words sank in. He looked over his shoulder at Amy, her hands fidgeting nervously as she watched the exchange. His gaze softened, and for a fleeting moment, he saw not just his baby sister but a grown woman—someone who had fought her own battles and made her own choices. She wasn’t the same girl he’d always protected.

Turning back to Shadow, Knuckles’ jaw tightened for a moment before he gave a small nod. “Alright,” he said, his voice gruff but less defensive. He was silent for a long moment, trying to process the depth in Shadow’s words. Finally, he spoke, his tone quieter now, less defensive. “You really love her, don’t you?”

Shadow didn’t hesitate. “More than I thought was possible.”

Knuckles let out a breath, his posture softening. There was a weight in his eyes, something close to acceptance. “You’ve got a long way to go before I’ll trust you completely. But if you’re serious about her… then I’ll give you a chance. Don’t make me regret it.”

Shadow inclined his head slightly, a quiet gratitude flickering in his crimson eyes. “I won’t,” he said simply.

Knuckles walked away, lingered near the door for a moment, ready to leave, his hand resting on the doorknob as if he were debating whether to say something more. He turned back slowly, his violet eyes softening as they settled on Amy. The tension that had weighed heavily on the room earlier seemed to dissipate, leaving behind only the quiet hum of unspoken emotions.

“Hey,” Knuckles said, his voice quieter now, almost hesitant. “Before I go… I just—”. For someone so used to being strong and certain, vulnerability didn’t come easily.

Amy tilted her head, her expression gentle as she stepped closer to him. “What is it, brother?”

He let out a slow breath, as he finally let down the walls he had been holding up all morning. “I just want you to know… I’m sorry. For coming in here and losing my cool like that. I was out of line.” His gaze dropped briefly to the floor before meeting hers again. “It’s just hard for me to… let go, you know? You’re my baby sister, Amy. You always will be.”

Amy’s heart ached at his words. She reached out and gently pull him into a tight hug. “I know. And I’m always going to need you in my life. But I’m okay. I promise.” She said, leaning into the familiar comfort of her big brother.

He returned the hug, though there was a hint of sadness in it. “You’ve grown up, haven’t you?” He shook his head, a faint, almost wistful smile tugging at his lips. “When did that happen? Feels like just yesterday you were running around, dragging me into every crazy adventure you could think up.”

Amy laughed, the sound light and filled with fond memories. “I think you’re just getting old.”

Knuckles raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. “Ha. Maybe I am.”

They both laughed, the tension melting away completely. “I’m proud of you, Amy,” he murmured giving her a kiss on the head, his voice rough with emotion. “You’ve become this amazing, strong woman. And if Shadow’s the guy who makes you happy…” He paused, pulling back slightly to look her in the eyes. “Then I’ll try to get along with him. For you.”

Amy felt tears sting her eyes, but she smiled through them, her heart swelling with love for her brother. “Thank you, Knuckles. That means so much to me.”

Knuckles nodded, giving her one last affectionate squeeze before stepping back. He cleared his throat, glancing toward Shadow, “Alright then. Just... make sure she’s happy. That’s all I want for her.”

Shadow nods, his gaze unwavering.

With that, Knuckles turned back to the door, pulling it open. Just as he stepped outside, he threw one final glance over his shoulder. “Don’t think this means I won’t keep an eye on you two,” he added, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Amy rolled her eyes. “We wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Knuckles grinned, his usual confidence returning as he walked out, leaving the door to click softly shut behind him. The room was quiet for a moment, the warmth of the exchange lingering in the air.

Amy smiled, watching her brother walk out. “I think that went better than expected,” she said, wiping away her tears as a sense of peace washed over her. “Although I didn’t expect him to find out so soon. I thought I’d have more time to prepare him for it.”

Shadow smiled gently at her. “I’m just glad you are okay.”

“Thank you. He’s impossible sometimes,” she said, turning to Shadow. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that.”

Shadow shrugged, his usual calm demeanor intact. “It’s fine. He’s just looking out for you.” He paused, thinking.

"I... I'm sorry for telling Knuckles that you stayed at my house last night," His deep voice was quiet, almost hesitant, as if he was choosing his words carefully. His crimson eyes, usually so unreadable, held a flicker of something softer. "I didn’t tell him everything, of course."

Amy tilted her head up at him. He was so close—closer than usual, his warmth almost brushing against her skin. His scent subtle and deep, surrounded her, making it harder to focus.

"Oh? Don’t worry about that," she said, offering him a small smile. "He was going to figure it out anyway. He’s my brother."

Shadow exhaled through his nose, his gaze unwavering. "Yeah. You know I’m not good at lying," he admitted. Then, after a brief pause, his voice dropped to something more certain. "And more than that, I don’t want to lie about how I feel for you. I’ve already decided to give myself to this feeling completely."

Amy’s breath hitched. Her heart pounded against her ribs as warmth rushed to her cheeks. Had he always been this romantic without her noticing? How many times had he held himself back, swallowing down words like these?

"N-no need to worry," she stammered, feeling small under his intense stare. "Your honesty is one of the things I like most about you."

Shadow’s brows lifted slightly, almost as if he hadn’t expected that answer. "Really? Most people find it… troublesome."

Amy let out a soft laugh, trying to ground herself. "Well, sometimes too much honesty can hurt people. But you’re different. You’re kind, even if you don’t want to admit it." She bit her lip before adding, "I think it’s sweet."

"Sweet?" Shadow repeated, his voice laced with mild disbelief. A ghost of a smirk crossed his lips. "That’s not a word I’d ever use for myself."

Amy barely had a moment to react before he shifted closer. It wasn’t just the physical distance—though now, they were only inches apart—it was the way he looked at her, as if she had unraveled something in him he hadn’t realized was there.

Shadow’s fingers brushed against her damp hair, and he frowned slightly. “Your hair’s still wet,” he said, his voice low but concerned. “You’ll catch a cold.”

Amy laughed softly, her cheeks flushing. “I’ll be fine, Shadow.”

He didn’t seem convinced, reaching for the towel on her shoulders. “Let me help,” he said simply, his movements careful as he began drying her hair. Amy watched him, her heart swelling at the unexpected tenderness.

Shadow carefully worked the towel through her damp hair, taking care of her in the gentlest way imaginable. His touch was careful, deliberate, and uncharacteristically soft for someone known to be stoic and reserved. This side of him was allowed to be seen only by her.  The moment was sweet, intimate—and it left her flustered.

Amy just let herself relax, allowing the moment to linger.

She glanced at his face, his usually sharp features softened by concentration, and a quiet smile tugged at her lips. It wasn’t just the act of drying her hair—it was the tenderness behind it, the way he looked at her like she was the most important person in the world.

“Thanks,” she murmured with a soft smile, her voice soft but sincere. “You didn’t have to do this.”

Shadow’s crimson eyes flicked up to meet hers briefly, and a faint smile ghosted across his lips. “I wanted to,” he said simply, his tone as steady as always but carrying a warmth she was beginning to recognize more and more.

Amy’s heart swelled at his words. Her brother would see this someday—she was sure of it. He’d see how Shadow wasn’t just strong or capable, but kind in his own way. He’d see the quiet care that Shadow offered her, the way he made her feel safe and cherished. Someday, Knuckles would completely accept their relationship. She strongly believed that.

Still smiling, she stepped back slightly, her hands lightly tugging at the edges of her towel. “Alright, I should go change,” she said, a hint of playfulness in her tone as she tried to lighten the mood. “Can’t keep you waiting forever, can I?”

Shadow nodded, his usual calm composure returning, though his eyes lingered on her a moment longer. “Take your time,” he said, his voice steady as ever. “I’m not going anywhere.”

As she turned to head to her room, a quiet happiness settled over her. She found herself grinning as she walked, her heart full and her thoughts buzzing with quiet anticipation. She leaned against it for a moment, taking a deep breath as she pressed her palms to her flushed cheeks.

“Calm down, Amy,” she muttered to herself, her heart still pounding. But the thought of Shadow patiently waiting for her, fussing over her like he had... she couldn’t help but smile.

--

Amy emerged from her room, feeling both excited and a little self-conscious. She had chosen a red winter dress with a fluffy white hem, paired with black leggings and matching boots. Her cheeks were already a light pink, partly from the chilly air but mostly from the thoughts about what Shadow would think of that outfit..

He was standing near the door, his arms crossed casually as he waited. When his eyes landed on her, they widened slightly.

“You look… stunning,” Shadow murmured, his voice low and rich, filled with an intensity that sent a shiver down Amy’s spine.

“Y-You think so?” she asked shyly, her voice soft, yet her eyes were sparkling with delight.

Shadow didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he stepped closer, his movements purposeful and deliberate, his crimson gaze unwavering as it locked onto hers. “You’re beautiful, Rose,” he said, his words rich with admiration, the intensity in his eyes making her breath hitch.

Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, and she looked away for a moment, trying to steady the rush of warmth and butterflies fluttering in her chest. “I think I’m the lucky one,” she replied with a playful grin, her voice light, though her gaze remained full of affection as she met his eyes again.

Her back pressed fully against the door as she took a small step back, but not to escape. No, she wanted him to come closer, to erase the remaining space between them.

Amy’s fingers curled against the wood behind her, her breath shallow. Her heart fluttered, and before she could think twice, she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. Shadow responded without hesitation, his hand lightly resting on her waist. The kiss was sweet, her arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer. The world seemed to melt away. Their kiss lingered, soft and warm, as though they were savoring the closeness, the connection.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested gently together, breaths mingling in the shared silence. Shadow’s hand moved to brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her soft skin as he gazed at her, his eyes full of something she couldn’t quite name—vulnerability, tenderness, devotion.

“I’ll always respect your desires, Amy,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “If you want me to, I’ll disappear from your life. But know this… No matter what, I will always protect you. Always. And I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you want me by your side.”

Amy’s heart fluttered, her breath catching at his words. There was such sincerity in them, such rawness, that it left her speechless for a moment. But it also pained her to know that he still felt the need to prove he was worthy of love.

Then, she gently cupped his face, her thumb brushing over the sharp lines of his cheek as she looked up at him with eyes full of affection. “You don’t need to do anything. I’ll always take care of you too, Shadow,” she whispered, her voice full of certainty. “I’ll make sure you never feel alone. I’ll love you the way you deserve to be loved. You’re mine, and I’ll always be here for you—no matter what.”

Shadow’s eyes softened, the walls around him seeming to crumble as he gazed at her. For a moment, there was no need for words—just the unspoken bond between them, full of promises and love. Then, unable to resist, he kissed her again. This kiss was different. It was deeper, more urgent, filled with everything they couldn’t say with words. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer, and she responded eagerly, matching his urgency, both of them lost in the fire that burned between them.

When they finally broke apart, their lips still tingling with the memory of the kiss, Shadow smirked, though the smoldering intensity in his eyes hadn’t faded. “Alright, let’s go before I change my mind and keep you here with me forever,” he teased, but there was an underlying sincerity in his voice that made her heart swell.

Amy laughed softly, her pulse still racing from the kiss. She grabbed her coat, keys and purse, but before she moved away, she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. The gesture was gentle, filled with affection and tenderness and left Shadow speechless.

“Let’s go!”

Chapter Text

They had been lost in each other’s kisses for what felt like forever. Time blurred around them, melting away with every touch, every sigh. It was still hard to believe they had only confessed their feelings yesterday—because somehow, it felt like they had always belonged to one another. As if their hearts had been searching for this moment their entire lives.

Shadow didn’t want to let her go. Every second apart already felt like a quiet ache, and the warmth of her lips still lingered on his. But he had asked her out, and this was the second time they’d tried to make it to Ice Paradise. He wanted to see her smile, to give her the date she deserved. She had spent so much time getting ready—hair perfect, eyes sparkling just for him.

It took everything in him to pull away. To ignore the magnetic pull she had over him. He wanted to make her happy. His sense of responsibility and commitment forced him to let her go.

“Alright, let’s go before I change my mind and keep you here with me forever,”

Amy laughed softly, her pulse still racing from the kiss. She grabbed her coat, keys and purse, but before she moved away, she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. The gesture was gentle, filled with affection and tenderness and left Shadow speechless.

“Let’s go!”

However, when they stepped outside to look for Amy’s car… it wasn’t there.

“W-What?” Amy blinked, completely confused—until it suddenly hit her. Yesterday, she’d driven to Ice Paradise to meet Shadow… in her own car. But after he teleported them back to her house, she’d completely forgotten to bring it back.

“Uhm… I think I left my car at Ice Paradise,” she admitted, her voice small and sheepish as she hid her face behind both hands. “I’m so sorry!”

She was mortified. How could she have forgotten something like that? Slowly, nervously, she peeked through her fingers to glance at him… but instead of frustration, she found him softly laughing.

It started as a chuckle, but turned into a full, unguarded laugh—the kind of laugh so rare from him it made her heart flutter.

He reached out and brushed his hand gently over her hair. “Honestly, I didn’t notice either. I should’ve thought of it. But… I guess we were both too lost in each other to notice anything else.”

Amy’s cheeks burned.

“I think you’re right,” she whispered, meeting his gaze, her voice laced with quiet affection.

“It’s fine. You took so long getting ready that my pendant’s recharged anyway. I can teleport us back there—and then we’ll drive you home together in your car.”

“H-Hey!” Amy huffed in mock offense, playfully nudging him, though her soft laughter betrayed her.

Shadow wrapped his arm around her waist, then teleported them.

--

The world shimmered around them for a moment, and then—just like that—they were back.

Ice Paradise lay quiet beneath a silver-tinted sky, far less crowded than it had been the day before. The excited chatter of families and the hum of background music were still there, but softer now. The snow sparkled under the glow of string lights, and the crisp air smelled faintly of cinnamon and frost.

Shadow immediately noticed the difference. His shoulders relaxed, his stance less guarded than usual. Without the overwhelming crowd pressing in on all sides, he felt like he could finally enjoy the place—and more importantly, enjoy being here with her.

Amy glanced around and smiled. “It’s so much quieter than yesterday…”

Shadow nodded, his gaze sweeping over the glistening paths and ice-covered trees. “Much better,” he murmured.

She glanced up at him, then gently tugged on his sleeve. “Do you want to stop for hot chocolate? Maybe… something to eat too?”

She tried to sound casual, but the words felt awkward coming out. She’d been trying not to hover, not to act too obvious, but it was hard. He hadn’t been eating much. She noticed. Of course she noticed.

Shadow didn’t need to eat often, but deep down, he appreciated how much Amy cared. He knew that, in time, she’d come to understand and accept the way his body worked. For now, though, there was no need to worry her.

Shadow gave a small nod. “Sure. You pick. My treat.”

“Oh, no. That’s not necessary. This was my idea, so—”

Shadow crossed his arms. “Amy, I know you’ve been spending your own money helping others, and working extra shifts too. When you're with me, don’t worry about anything.”

“B-But—”

“No buts. I get paid more than I could ever spend for a single mission. And you're always putting others first. When it’s just us… let me take care of you. That’s not up for debate.”

He gave her a light tap on the forehead with his index finger, like he was scolding her—but with affection.

She wasn’t sure what to say—just that something warm was blooming in her chest again, soft and a little overwhelming.

“…Okay,” she finally mumbled. “But I’ll make it up to you.”

“You already have.”

She blinked. “Huh?”

Shadow didn’t say anything at first. Then, in that quiet way of his, he continued, eyes still facing ahead.

“The desserts. The coffee. The little gifts. The way you defend me when people speak ill of me.”

Amy’s face went warm so fast she thought steam might come out of her ears.

Wait—he noticed? All those things she thought she’d done under the radar? She’d always tried to be subtle. Maybe not subtle enough.

"And after every long mission, you'd always show up with something warm to eat—acting like it was no big deal.”

Amy flushed, trying to explain. "I—I thought you needed it. You always looked like you hadn't eaten anything."

“I did eat, just not like that,” Shadow replied. "But you always made sure it was exactly what I liked. And you never asked anything in return."

Amy looked a little embarrassed but smiled softly. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I know,” Shadow said, his voice softening. "And I noticed. Every time."

Amy hadn't really expected Shadow to pay attention to those little things, and hearing it from him made her heart flutter.

“You don't have to do things like that,” he added. "But you always did. And I appreciate it more than you know."

Amy's cheeks turned bright red. “It's just… you never said anything, so I thought maybe it didn't matter to you… or that you hadn't noticed.”

“I notice everything you do. I just didn’t say anything because if I had…” His voice dropped. “I wouldn’t have been able to keep my distance.”

Amy had always kind of known. Deep down, she felt that he'd seen her feelings all along. But she'd convinced herself he just wasn't interested. That's why she'd been so surprised when he agreed to explore the world with her.

“…Okay.”

She reached for his hand, and they just walked in silence.

--

They found a quiet café nearby, tucked between shops, with warm lighting. Inside, it was calm and warm.

Amy ordered a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a small strawberry shortcake, her favorite. She watched as Shadow scanned the menu without saying much, then pointed to a toasted panini. It was a simple choice—roasted vegetables, cheese, warm bread—but he didn’t hesitate. He always had a soft spot for Soleanna food.

They sat by the window, where the snow outside blurred the world to a quiet hush. Amy curled her hands around her mug and glanced at him as he started eating. She didn’t say anything, but she felt a little lighter seeing him actually choose something for himself.

They ate in easy silence. No pressure to fill the quiet. Just warmth between them and the occasional shared glance that said more than either of them needed to.

Amy took a small bite of her tart, feeling her heart settle and flutter all at once. Somehow being there with him was everything she wanted.

Amy turned to him, eyes glowing with something warm and secret. “It’s still too early to see the northern lights,” she said with a small smile, pretending to sound casual—but her heart was already dancing.

--

They stepped out of the café into the soft snowfall, the cold brushing gently against their faces. Amy tugged her coat a little tighter, her breath visible in the air. Shadow walked quietly beside her, steady and relaxed.

The warmth of the café still lingered between them, making the chill easier to bear.

Shadow raised an eyebrow, looking at the sky. “Then what do we do until then?”

She tried to hide the excitement in her voice, but it bubbled through anyway. “We could… ice skate.”

Shadow looked at her, and for a second, she worried he’d refuse—but then she caught the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.

“Alright, then,” he murmured, voice low and warm.

Amy’s heart skipped at the sound of his agreement. She’d half-expected him to hesitate, but Shadow was always full of pleasant surprises. She tugged him toward the rink, where a few families were gliding effortlessly across the ice.

She could hear the sound of blades cutting through ice, and see the golden glow of string lights reflected off the smooth surface in the distance, painting everything in a dreamlike haze.

The wooden rental hut sat tucked just off the frozen edge of the lagoon, surrounded by snow-dusted trees and glowing string lights that blinked gently in the evening hush.

Amy gave her size at the counter, She was handed a pair of scuffed rental skates. They were white—and didn’t match her outfit at all. Amy sighed, her eyes flicking down in mild dismay. She’d brought her own skates yesterday, had even left them in the car just in case… But today, she’d completely forgotten to go back for them.

They were already here, and Shadow was beside her, waiting. She wasn’t about to waste another minute running back when she could be skating with him.

She made her way to a half-cleared bench, sitting down with a soft sigh and setting her boots aside. The skates were stiff and cold, and she was fumbling with the laces when Shadow silently knelt in front of her, the snow crunching faintly beneath him.

“Let me do it,” he said, kneeling down in front of her.

Amy was slightly surprised, but she understood that Shadow showed his affection through small, thoughtful gestures like that. 'Yes, please,' she replied softly.

His touch was so gentle as he brushed her hands aside. His fingers moved confidently, tugging the laces snug and firmly.

Shadow nodded once. “You must tie them tight. If they come loose, you could slip.”

“Thanks, coach,” she teased, smiling—but there was a flutter in her chest she couldn’t shake.

When he looked up at her, there was something unspoken in his eyes. Not intense, not overwhelming. Just quiet, certain, and steady—like the way he always showed up for her without needing to be asked.

He moved on to the second skate. Calm and focused. As always.

As he rose to his feet, his air shoes shimmered subtly—shifting into sleek, sharp-edged skates like some high-tech transformation.

Amy blinked. “Show-off,” she whispered, though her voice was light with awe.

Shadow held out his hand. No words. She placed her fingers in his, and when he pulled her gently to her feet, her balance wobbled for just a second—but his grip didn’t.

“I’ve got you,” he said.

--

Amy stepped onto the ice first, steady but cautious. Their hands still clasped. She wasn’t a total beginner—she knew how to keep her balance, how to glide a little, turn, maybe stop if she was lucky—but she definitely wasn’t doing pirouettes anytime soon.

Shadow followed after her, stepping onto the rink like he belonged there. There was no hesitation in his movement, no wobble. His posture was upright, confident, graceful. He took a moment to scan the rink like he was sizing it up.

Shadow skated backward with ease, guiding her as she pushed forward gently. Every time she faltered, he adjusted, slowing her with a slight tug or helping her regain balance with the lightest touch on her hip.

“You’re doing fine,” he said, his voice smooth and quiet, just for her. “Don’t overthink it. Let the ice carry you.”

Amy glanced down at their skates, concentrating on syncing her movements with his. “Easy for you to say,” she mumbled. “You’re literally gliding like this is second nature.”

“It is,” he replied without ego, just stating the truth. “But so can you. You’re a naturally quick learner.”

Amy blushed at the compliment. And he noticed.

Shadow shifted slightly, changing their direction without breaking the rhythm, spinning her gently under his arm before pulling her back to him. Amy gasped and laughed, the motion dizzying and thrilling all at once.

They kept going like that—him guiding, her learning, laughing, falling once and Shadow caught her, and laughing again. It was perfect.

Shadow’s expression was cool and composed—just like always.

Too composed.

Too perfect.

Amy tilted her head, watching him more closely as they glided together across the ice. Something was… off. Not in a bad way—just in a way only she could notice.

His eyes flicked toward her more than they needed to. His fingers, though steady, gave a tiny, involuntary twitch every now and then. And then there were his ears—bright red despite the cold. He was doing everything he could to stay calm, to play it cool, but...

Oh. He’s flustered.

To anyone else, Shadow looked like the picture of calm. But Amy had learned to read him better than that. The slight tightness in his jaw, the way he avoided holding her gaze for too long, the almost imperceptible shift in his stance when she smiled at him…

She smiled wider, skating a little closer, and leaned in.

“You know,” she murmured, “you’re really bad at pretending you’re not flustered.”

Shadow blinked, clearly caught off guard. “I’m not flustered,” he replied—but this time, there was a slight lilt to his voice, like he didn’t quite believe it himself.

Amy arched an eyebrow. “Really?”

He exhaled through his nose, looking away like he was trying to will the heat out of his face. “Perfectly composed.”

“You’re ears are glowing.”

That did it.

He let out a soft, breathless laugh—rare, genuine, warm. His shoulders relaxed, and he shook his head, the corners of his mouth pulling into the kind of smile he didn’t let out often. The kind only she ever saw.

“Okay, fine,” he said, laughing again under his breath. “You caught me.”

Amy giggled, heart fluttering. “I always do.”

He looked back at her, the warmth in his eyes undeniable now. “Of course you do,” he said quietly. “You see everything.”

And he wasn’t even annoyed about it. If anything… he sounded amazed.

“You make it really hard to keep my cool sometimes,” he admitted, voice low, soft just for her.

Amy squeezed his hand. “Then don’t.”

For a second, Shadow just stared at her. Then he nodded—just once—and gave her that quiet, crooked smile again.

“…You’re dangerous,” he murmured.

“And you like it,” she teased.

Shadow laughed. “Yeah. I really do.”

They were still skating slowly now, just circling near the edge of the rink, their hands still laced together.

The string lights above them cast a soft golden glow across the ice, turning the world around them into a dream. The music playing over the speakers faded into the background, replaced by the rhythm of their skates and the quiet pull between their hearts.

Shadow glanced at her—really looked at her. “You always do this to me,” he said, voice low.

Amy blinked. “Do what?”

“Disarm me,” he replied simply. “One look from you, and everything I’ve trained myself to hold back just… slips.”

She stared at him, her breath hitched. His words landed somewhere deep in her chest, like a pebble dropped into still water, rippling outward.

“I never expected you to say something like that,” she whispered, her fingers brushing lightly against his chest, over the place where his heart was racing—fast and unguarded.

“I never expected to feel this way,” he answered. “But I do.”

Her eyes softened. “Shadow...”

A long pause stretched between them—gentle, comfortable.

Neither of them spoke. They didn’t have to.

They kept going like that—him guiding, her learning, laughing, falling once and Shadow caught her, and laughing again. It was perfect. Every stumble brought them closer, and every glide smoothed into something more natural.

Eventually, they slowed down. Amy leaned against the side railing, cheeks flushed, grinning like a kid. But she didn’t want it to end.

The idea of skating with him, under winter lights, hand in hand… it had lived in her daydreams for years. She’d watched couples skate in parks, in movies, and always imagined herself beside Shadow.

And it felt better than anything she’d imagined.

 “You’re amazing.”

Shadow shrugged modestly. “I had a good partner.”

Amy looked up at him, and before she could stop herself, the words tumbled out—soft and sincere. “I practiced for this, you know.”

He blinked. “Practiced?”

“Yeah,” Amy said, her voice a little shy now. “I’ve been going to public rinks. Trying to get better. I wanted to be good enough to skate with you. Just in case we ever… got the chance.”

She expected him to tease her. Maybe smirk. But Shadow froze. Not in an awkward way—just in that very Shadow way he did when his heart short-circuited and he didn’t quite know how to process it.

“You… practiced,” he repeated quietly. “For me?”

Amy smiled, eyes soft. “Yeah. I did.”

Amy nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re always so graceful and cool. I didn’t want to be all over the place when this moment finally happened. I know you wouldn’t have minded but… I just wanted it to be special.”

For a moment, Shadow just stood there, stunned.

Those words hit him harder than any explosion, faster than any enemy strike. She had planned for this. Hoped for this. She had carried the idea of skating with him in her heart for so long that she trained for it.

For him.

The usually unreadable, composed, battle-hardened Shadow the Hedgehog… blushed madly.

Even his ears were red, and he looked away for half a second before finding her eyes again—genuinely stunned, and so incredibly touched.

Shadow opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, then closed it again. His expression softened into something wordless and tender. He stepped closer, squeezing her hand tighter..

“Amy,” he said, voice low and a little unsteady, “you don’t have to try to catch up to me. I’d slow down for you. Every time.”

Her breath hitched.

He gently pulled her back toward the center of the ice.

“Come on,” he murmured. “We’re not done yet.”

Amy smiled, letting him lead.

And then he skated with her like he’d never skated with anyone before.

Shadow didn’t hold back this time. He spun her, caught her, let her fall into him laughing. He moved with precision and ease, each motion more fluid than the last, not because he wanted to show off anymore—but because he wanted to share everything with her. The way the ice felt under his feet, the rhythm of it, the rush of cold air against his skin—he wanted her to feel safe in it, seen in it.

He was genuinely happy.

His body moved on instinct, but his thoughts were tangled up in her.

The fact that she had been thinking of this moment… preparing for it… wanting it, made him lose his mind.

Shadow had always been taught to keep his distance. Cold. Detached. In control.

But Amy?

She was different. She made him feel things he hadn’t even known he could. The way her laughter wrapped around him, warm and soft, made him want to hold on longer, just a little longer. He wanted to pull her closer, feel the steady beat of her heart against his. He wanted to feel the softness of her touch, the way she fit so perfectly in his arms and never let go.

Every moment with her was something he never wanted to end. He wanted to lose himself in the way she smiled, in the way her voice made him forget everything else. In that moment, all he wanted was to stay here, with her, for as long as time would allow.

He wasn’t used to wanting things like this.

But now that he had it—her hands in his, her heart laid so openly before him—he didn’t think he could ever go back to the way things were.

They spun once more, slower this time, the rest of the world fading behind a blur of lights and ice and color. And then they stopped—close, breathless, chest to chest.

Amy looked up at him.

Shadow’s hand brushed her waist, slow and deliberate.

Neither of them could get any words out. Everything felt so...right.

He looked down into her eyes, searching them, like he was trying to memorize every tiny piece of her in this moment. Her lashes dusted with frost, her breath visible in soft little puffs, her cheeks still flushed.

He leaned in gently and rested his chin on her head, holding her in his arms.

Then pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.

It was gentle. Reverent.

Amy felt it. She felt everything he couldn’t say, everything he was still learning how to give.

Shadow stayed like that for a moment longer, eyes closed, as if trying to pour all the affection in his guarded heart directly into her through that one, quiet gesture.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes met hers again—softer than she’d ever seen them.

“I’m glad we came here,” he said, voice low, warm, real.

Amy smiled, her heart trembling in her chest.

“Me too.”

They were too caught in each other’s warmth to notice anything, but then…

"Oh! But if it isn't Shadow and Amy."

A familiar voice gently broke through the snowy silence, pulling them out of the trance they’d unknowingly fallen into.

Standing a few steps away, bundled up against the winter chill, were Silver and Blaze.

Silver looked like winter itself. His light cyan poncho hung loosely over his shoulders, the fabric falling in soft folds that moved with each step he took. Around the edges and high collar, thick white fur lined the garment like a snow.

Blaze stood beside Silver, looking every bit the royalty she was. Her coat was an elegant deep plum, flowing down to her calves like a regal cape. It cinched softly at the waist with a matching belt, giving her silhouette a graceful curve despite the heavy fabric.

"Silver! Blaze! I didn’t know you were back around this time" Amy exclaimed brightly. Her cheeks were already flushed from the cold, but her joy at seeing them again added a warmer hue. She had always been close with the pair—especially Blaze. And though she never pried, she had quietly followed the unspoken story between them: the silent love, the difficult circumstances, the yearning that was always just out of reach.

Amy always hoped that maybe, something would change. But so far... nothing.

Blaze’s gaze dropped briefly to Amy and Shadow’s hands—still gently intertwined.

"I see we’re interrupting something..." she said, voice quiet but edged with amused curiosity.

"Ah! This—well, you see, we..." Amy stammered, pulling her hand back halfway before Shadow tightened his hold.

"Yes," Shadow said calmly. "We’re on a date."

He didn’t hesitate. He wouldn’t hide it—not from anyone.

Silver's eyes widened, his expression lighting up like a child seeing the first snowfall of the season.

"Woah! Really? It’s finally happening!" he beamed. But then Blaze turned to him, giving him a subtle but lethal look.

"Finally happening?" Amy questioned, arching a brow, reading deeper between the lines.

"Ah! What I meant was—I knew you two loved each other!" Silver improvised quickly, rubbing the back of his head. "I’ve just been waiting for one of you to finally make a move!"

"Oh, you!" Amy laughed, lightly swatting his arm.

Shadow, however, didn’t smile. His eyes narrowed slightly, thoughts racing.

Silver was from the future. Had he always known this would happen?

And if he did... did that mean he and Amy were meant to be together for years, maybe more?

The thought stirred something quietly hopeful in him—but he knew better than to ask. Silver wouldn’t answer. He is very strict with the rules, especially those that have to do with space-time. But that look in his eyes... it said more than words ever could.

"Ahem. Well, we must be going," Blaze said softly, stepping in before the silence lingered too long.

"So soon?" Amy asked, clearly a little disappointed.

"We don’t want to intrude," Blaze said with a small smile. Then she looked between them again, gentler this time.

"It was lovely to see you both. I’m truly happy for you—especially you, Amy. You deserve to be loved, fully and without fear. And Shadow..." her gaze softened, and her voice was barely above the hush of falling snow, "no one will ever make you feel more deeply loved than Amy. Protect her well."

They both blushed but nodded, tightening their still intertwined hands.

She bowed her head slightly, a princess through and through. Silver, still smiling, did the same, but his eyes lingered on Shadow with quiet knowing.

Shadow watched them go, eyes narrowed. Blaze’s words had weight. Had she known too? Did she see something in the future as well?

No. No point in overthinking it.

Time would answer everything. He just had to live it.

--

Not far from them, Silver let out a sigh once they were out of earshot, brushing snow off his hair.

"Phew! That was close. I was so excited I almost spilled the truth. But they were taking so long to get here, I started worrying about my own existence!"

Blaze chuckled beside him, adjusting her mittens.

"Same. That’s why I didn’t want to interrupt them. I couldn’t risk changing anything. If you don’t exist in the future..." she looked away, her voice quieter, "it would be a very lonely life."

Silver’s face went red, but he didn’t say anything, as always. He simply nodded, and they continued walking through the snow-covered forest trail, the sound of distant laughter and crunching footsteps behind them slowly fading while they were heading to their mission.