Chapter Text
It started with a call from Abraham Towers. G.U.N. required Shadow’s immediate assistance and the hedgehog had no choice but to comply. Although Shadow was too powerful to be kept on a leash, they found another way to control him, money. The agency would continuously pay Shadow to carry out certain missions and Shadow could easily refuse if it went against his morals. It was however more convenient for him to agree, since he could always foil any malevolent plans from the inside.
The mission was fairly simple, investigate a recent wave of badnik attacks and bring back a sample, so he agreed. Abraham asked Shadow to meet him in his office before starting the mission.
He halted his motorcycle upon reaching the gate, raising his right hand to the security guard, who responded with a quick nod and opened the gate. Shadow entered far too often and was far too recognizable to go through standard security procedure. He made his way through the east parking lot, finding an isolated location that hopefully would keep shit drivers from scratching the bike. Luckily he’s yet to have that experience, but it’s only due to the immense care he takes of the Dark Rider.
He parked his bike and made his way towards the backdoor entrance.
When he opened the door he saw Rouge standing there, she was waiting for him. The bat wore tight black clothing, more covered up than usual. When on stealth missions, she would often wear black to be less noticeable. She wore a grin on her face as she sipped her morning coffee.
“I’m guessing the mission is with you.” he started walking forward, the bat quickly following behind him.
She flew backwards as she faced Shadow.
”Oh no hun! I wish I could see you complete this mission, but sadly I was tasked to something else.” She shrugged and flew to his side, now walking by him with a smug look on her face.
Shadow suddenly stopped, his eyes narrowing warily.
“Why do you say that? Why are you smiling?” He gave Rouge a deadly glare.
The bat’s smile widened as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Come on, handsome. I don’t want to spoil your fun.”
“If you’re smiling it is not fun.” He continued to walk forward. Rouge simply stayed behind and waved goodbye.
“Bye hun!” she flew back in the opposite direction.
Shadow kept his pace, reading the plaques in the doors. Why were there so many endless hallways? After a few minutes of searching, he finally made it to the right one. He started opening the door to see Tower debriefing someone. As he pushed the door wide open, making space for him to enter, he got a view of who was next to Abraham, Sonic. Fuck. Why Sonic, out of all people, why Sonic? He scooted back and made an effort to close the door he just opened, but he reacted too late.
“Hey, Shads!” The blue hedgehog waved excitedly.
“Sonic.”
“Agent Shadow, you're here, good. ” Tower gestured to a seat, inviting Shadow to sit down.
“Of course I’m here but why is he here?” Shadow pointed to Sonic, clearly furious.
“What's wrong Shadow, afraid I'll take your job?” Sonic teased and crossed his arms, displaying a smirk. “Don’t worry, I don't want it anyway. Not much of a rule guy, or an office guy or a job guy.” The blue hedgehog zoomed over to the side of his counterpart and wrapped his arm around him.
Shadow glared at him, electricity starting to course through his eyes in fury but Sonic only smiled in response, teasing him further.
“We know he isn't ideal, but he has the information necessary to help you. He was there in every badnik attack and is an ideal witness.” Tower interrupted.
Shadow let out a hmph and crossed his arms, facing away from Sonic.
“Come on, Shads. Just for today, you'll get back to your brooding later.” Sonic released his grasp on Shadow and started walking out the door.
Shadow sighed and followed Sonic shortly after.
“So where are we going?”
“The village next to Rocky Bottom, race ya there!” And with that the blue hedgehog ran at full speed.
Shadow growled, he wasn’t going to let Sonic show him up. The dark hedgehog ran to catch up to his rival, pushing him with his shoulder.
“Shads, why do you always have to cheat?” Sonic spindashed him into a tree and continued to run forward, leaving him behind. He looked back to see Shadow back on his feet.
“Ha! You’re too slow-” he was interrupted by the pain of ramming against a tree at mach speed. Sonic quickly sat up, trying to regain his composure.
“Hmph! Try to keep up.” The black hedgehog zoomed past him, flashing his teeth in a smile.
Sonic quickly stood up and sped forward. When he caught up to him, shoulders brushing and shoving each other, Sonic felt…different. While he and Shadow maintained the same speed, Shadow’s eyes pinned him down. Suddenly, he felt hot. Trying to push away what he thought to be discomfort, he focused on another aspect of Shadow, pretending to pin him down as well. He observed how his quills brushed in the wind, the beautiful contrast of red and black shining below the sun. He never noticed how soft Shadow’s quills looked, they were clearly well maintained and from the close proximity, he could smell the dark hedgehog’s quills. Shadow smelt of lavender. Sonic wanted to get closer, taking a better whiff at his scent. He wanted to be intoxicated by Shadow’s scent. What is he thinking? Sonic quickly looked for another aspect of Shadow to focus on, he needed to distract himself from those weird thoughts. His gaze ventured to his lips, they looked soft and delicate. His smile was sharp but beautiful and Sonic wished he could see that smile forever…
“Eyes on the prize, hedgehog.”
Sonic felt his face flush with embarrassment, or at least, he thinks it's embarrassment. After a bit though, he felt himself drawn back to Shadow’s face. He never noticed how handsome he was. His deep red eyes had a hint of orange that hypnotized him, like the flames of a fire and he couldn't help but stare at those eyes he had been trying to avoid.
He and Shadow stopped, they’re here.
“It’s clear that I am the superior racer, you’re exhausted,” Shadow scoffed.
Sonic tilted his head slightly.
“Hey, we both arrived at the same time! Besides, why do you think I'm exhausted?”
Shadow approached Sonic, barely leaving any space between them and grabbed Sonic’s muzzle.
“Youre a fool if you think you can hide it from me.” He released his hold and crossed his arms. “Your face is red and you’re sweating, you also didn't talk as much on your way over.
Sonic hadn't realized he was red or sweating and he didn't feel exhausted either.
“Oh, miss the sound of my voice, Shads?” He teased and tapped Shadow’s chest, before blushing at the feeling of the soft fur. Realizing, he quickly looked away.
“The badniks are over here, you'll be fine on your own right?” Sonic clasped his hands together and pointed towards Shadow nervously. “Of course you will! Look at the time, I gotta go! Forgot I promised Tails to help him out with something. BYE!” Sonic sped out of sight, leaving Shadow alone to inspect the badniks.