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Neither of them expected this outcome.
While Sonic and Shadow have long since established that they don't actually hate each other, the rest of their feelings remained unspoken. They have not gone beyond the label of "rivals" either. Not that it ever posed as a problem.
Their rivalry brought about routinely spars. As they say: "Actions speak louder than words," and the more they sparred, the more they learned.
Sonic knew Shadow's goals just as much as Shadow knew his—what they strive for, what they fight for, who it's all for—and while the path they take to get there may differ, they never lose respect for each other, in fact they only gain more.
With years of wrangles and banter, they've learned to understand each other without a need for vocals. Most times, a nod is enough. Sometimes, a gaze. This almost telepathic manner of communication took years to cultivate.
As of late, they've begun to welcome rest alongside each other. By dusk, their spars would end. They'd found themselves sitting by each other in silence, breeze flowing through their quills as they watched the sun set.
Truthfully, that was all they had. This routine and its results were all they had. All of it was what Shadow was used to. The absence of words never being a problem between him and Sonic was what made their meetings tolerable (and enjoyable, but he'd never admit that outloud).
So why now?
"I'm sorry, Shadow."
Why did he feel the need to speak?
It's not that he hates noise. He doesn't hate talking either, not really. Most of the time, Shadow simply didn't know what to say. He wasn't one for words, only ever contributing when needed be, or perhaps during those rare occasions where banter entertained him enough to urge in a quip or two. That's all.
This moment called for neither of those. Maybe to others it would've, but not Shadow. Especially not after what he thought their routine—their relationship—was like.
"For everything. The whole" —Sonic spun his wrist with a frown— "not listening thing, with the prism, then Nine. And you know..."
Then he trailed of, turning away with a sigh as his shoulders hung low.
Ah, Shadow thought. I do.
Would that even matter though? What good would knowing do? Must he reiterate himself? Talking was never part of the script. This was not something Shadow had prepared for. He was used to their silent exchanges, their gestures had always been enough of a tell, he didn't think they'd need more than that.
Yet lo and behold, he now sat beside his rival, forced to face the music.
Shadow's ear flicked upon hearing soft scratches, and immediately, he knew Sonic was picking at his gloves. Sonic was getting antsy.
So he called out, "Sonic," and through the corner of his eye he caught the former flinch. "You aren't invincible. Your lack of self preservation" —worries— "annoys me."
Sonic turned to look and was met with a glare. He failed to conceal a small noise.
Then Shadow's features softened, having realized what had slipped him. He turned his gaze back towards sky, watching golden hues shift into darkened blues.
That wasn't what he meant to say. Yes, Sonic's naivety with differentiating the folk of the Shatterspaces was nothing short of annoying. But in the end, he pulled through. Shadow would like to commend him for that. Even when most of his behavior had been insufferable, Shadow understands—Sonic did all of it because he cares. Not just for the population of Green Hill and the land itself, but for all.
Shadow knows why he's the hero. But does Sonic? Because he doesn't seem to realize heroes require care too.
Oh.
Oh.
Maybe that's what Sonic needs to hear.
Shadow took a deep breath.
"I thought I..." Sonic's ears perked up. Shadow shook his head, "we lost you."
Sonic tried to mask his surprise and failed terribly. He may have changed his expression quick, but Shadow caught it anyway.
Regardless, Sonic tried to play it cool. He rolled his eyes and snorted, "Didn't think my gloomy rival would ever cheer cause I lived, yet here we are."
"And I thought you, dumb as you are, would never come that close to death, yet here we are."
Always quick to draw for banter. That's what was easy. Making fun of Sonic just had a certain charm to it. Shadow's glad Sonic thought the same, because at his retort, Sonic burst out laughing.
Then it was silent again. Their gaze shot back towards the sky. Out came the moon and the stars, their light gleaming upon the trees and grass beneath. It was yet another pleasant sight to behold. Yet even so, Shadow couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. The air turning colder certainly did not help.
He wondered if Sonic truly understood what he meant. It's great he had a laugh, especially after everything they'd been through, though that's not enough. Shadow needs Sonic to understand that his former actions were much too risky, that he should show the concern he shows for others right back at himself.
Shadow needs Sonic to realize that losing him was a thought he could not fathom.
"Feels like just apologizing wasn't right though," Sonic cut through his thoughts, as if feeling his anxiety in the air. Shadow looked at him, and Sonic was smiling, that big cheeky grin of his that always seemed to make Shadow feel all confused.
"Thank you."
"...Don't do it again."
Sonic didn't answer. Instead, he scooched closer to the other, still maintaining a comfortable distance, but enough to allow him to do what he wanted.
Shadow let him, and soon enough, the cool breeze no longer had an effect on him, for there was a welcomed warmth on his paw. Shadow glanced towards it briefly, then turned towards Sonic again. He seemed nervous, "is this okay?" written all over his face.
Shadow thought he was unsure, yet he nodded almost immediately, as though his body knew better than the mind.
Once more, they admired the sky together. This felt right. It was just like all their other days, save for interlaced paws and conversation.
Shadow still thinks talking isn't his strong suit. It remains strange to him, even foreign at times. Yet he finds himself thinking about his and Sonic's future spars ending just like this.
Perhaps in time, he will grow to be better. Sonic talks so much already, and with Shadow reciprocating tonight, he's sure Sonic has taken this as an opportunity to talk more. Shadow will find a way to answer in more ways than one.