Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Raven was his last hope, and he would thank whatever god that existed every day as a gratitude for bailing him out of prison. Shadow was escorted out of the lobby of the prison, Raven was there waiting, leaning against his car on his phone. He was clearly impatient and pissed off for who knows what. Shadow didn’t really want to anger him even more, having just spent thousands of coins to bail him out and fight for him in court.

The cuffs around his wrists were released and the doors slammed shut after he was outside of the building, the noise grabbing the attention of Raven who finally put his phone away to get back into the car. He said not a word as he helped Shadow get out of the wheelchair and into the car. Folding it up and putting it in the trunk before getting in himself.

Shadow still wanted to tell his gratitude to Raven, even if he won’t talk to him, saying the words will have the same effect, right? The car started up and they were on the road in no time, Shadow stared out the window, looking at all of the new buildings and structures that weren’t there before. He waited for a perfect time to speak, when Raven had calmed down a little bit.

“Hey,” Shadow started, voice barely a whisper, but loud enough for Raven to hear. He didn’t do anything for Shadow to acknowledge him listening, but he spoke again anyways, “Thank you.”

Raven shifted himself better in the carseat, keeping his eye on the road as they came to a red light and stopped.

“Don’t thank me,” He said. “You can thank me by repaying your bail sum back to me one way or another—just don’t get caught again.”

Shadow breathlessly laughed, “You? Encouraging me to commit crimes again? What have you done to my little Archie?”

“Don’t call me that,” Raven grumbled.

“How much was the bail anyways?”

“Twenty grand.”

Shadow spurted, “You expect me to repay that back to you as a thank you?”

“I expect you to, yes. Not only because you’re an annoying little pest, but because I need that money for my dad.”

“Your dad?” Shadow asked.

“My dad’s in hospice care.”

He blinked, “Why did you use the money to bail me out then? Why didn’t you just use it for him? Why use it on me? I would’ve stopped bugging you to bail me if I had just known.”

Raven held a hand up for him to stop talking, focusing on the turns on the road. “There’s more reasons. As much as I hate admitting this, I need you as much as you need me. But for now, I won’t get into it.”

“Admitting you need me? How bold.”

He could sense Raven rolling his eyes at him.

“I need you to listen to me, there are some house rules and standard rules you will, without question, follow. If you do not, I can and will easily kick you out of the house,” Raven started.

Shadow was now full on listening.

“One; do not judge me and my way of life, shit went downhill after my dad was sent to hospice, so the house is a mess. Two; you will help me clean the mess up, doesn’t matter how long it’ll take, you will help,” he turned down towards a neighborhood of apartments, “Three; you are not to go outside without my permission and you will tell me where you’re going, and do not lie to me.”

Shadow laughed, “What am I? Your kid?”

“A convicted criminal with a long history of violence, robbery, and heists.”

Shadow shrunk in on himself, “Touché.”

Raven continued, “Four; you will help me at the shop down the road whether you like it or not, because—one of the reasons I bailed you—I need help with it since I’m on my own now.”

“What kind of shop even is it?”

Raven ignored him, “Five; 75% of your paycheck belongs to me.”

Shadow’s jaw metaphorically dropped, “Seventy-five percent? Might as well take the whole thing then!”

“It’s for repayment and rent for living under my roof. I have bills to pay and a shop to keep running so I can pay those bills. I know you’d rather not be on the streets and I’d rather not let both of us on the street. Yeah?”

“How much is the average paycheck at your little shop anyways?” Shadow asked.

“Around four hundred every two weeks.”

“So I’m giving you three hundred coins.”

“Yes. For repayment and rent.”

Raven heard the other sigh as he pulled into a driveway and parked the car. Shadow looked out the window to see the grand house that— …was an apartment?

It was multiple stories, the parking lot was full of different cars, stairs within the middle of the buildings that led up to the other stories. The redish color was bland and normal for apartment complexes, the white trimming along the balconies and roof was unoriginal.

Shadow looked back at Raven getting out of the car, “I thought you said you lived in a house . This is not a house.”

Raven rolled his eyes once more, “Of course not. I don’t live here. My boyfriend does. I’m just picking something up.”

He whipped his head around, “Boyfriend?! You’re gay?”

Raven stared at him unamused, “Isn’t that literally the entire reason we became friends in high school was because I’m gay and you were bi?”

“Oh, right.”

“Are you still?”

“I don’t know anymore, Archie.”

Raven glared, “Do not call me that.”

“Whatever you say, go get your thing or whatever,” Shadow smirked.

“I’ll be right back, do not mess with my precious civic or I swear I will drag you back to prison and have them lock you up again. ”

Shadow looked shocked, he held up his hands and connected them by their wrists as if wearing handcuffs again, “Hands in lap, I won’t mess with your stupid car.”

Raven glared at him for a little bit longer before leaving to the apartments. Shadow watches him knock upon a door on the first floor, it opened almost immediately and a beautiful woman answered it. Her hair was a shining blonde with gorgeous ocean blue eyes.

He would never admit it to someone, but blondes are definitely his type, sue him.

He saw how she shook her head, but allowed Raven inside the apartment anyways. Perhaps who he was looking for isn’t there right now. Shadow was tempted to roll the window down, but he refrained from doing so.

Until a rev sound interrupted him as he looked over at the apartment’s parking lot entrance—a motorcycle had entered the premise. It parked right next to Raven’s civic, turning off the motor and taking his helmet off to—

Reveal the brightest fucking red hair mankind has ever seen—so bright the fucking sun reflected on it. Save for the black streaks that made it look like fire made it tolerable to look at - but only slightly.

Raven came outside with a bag in his hands and a few pillows. The motorcyclist notice him and waved— do they know each other?

Shadow questioned it until Raven got up close to the other and… kissed him. That’s when Shadow decided it was a good idea to roll the windows down now.

“‘EY!” Shadow shouted at the two of them. “What’re you doing touching my friend?!”

Raven groaned. The redhead looked over at the car and chuckled, “Hello to you too, blue boy.”

Shadow pouted.

“Don’t mind him, Blaze,” Raven said. “He’s the one I told you about.”

“You talk to your boyfriend about me? Wow, I’m flattered,” He smiled.

The redhead— Blaze —smiled back at him and waved, “Heya! Sage, right?”

Shadow glared at him, “It’s Shadow.”

Blaze disregarded it, walking up to the open window to speak one on one with him, “I’m Blaze, Raven’s boyfriend and soon-to-be-husband, don’t tell him that though .”

“Ew.”

Raven walked around the car to open the opposite back door and shoved the bag and pillows into the seat. Closing the door and coming back over to Blaze, dragging him away from the window.

“Don’t be telling him anything, Blaze.”

“What? I’m just talkin’ to him! He looks cool,” The cyclist pouted, back bending dramatically.

“Blaze,” Raven warned.

“Yeah, yeah, convicted criminal,” he waved his hand around, “Can’t I just say hi to your new friend?”

“Old friend. We’ve known each other since high school,” Raven glanced at Shadow for a split second. “I wouldn’t bail a random person out of jail, Blaze.”

He shrugged, “You never know.”

“I do know, because it’s me,” Raven said.

“I never know what’s going on in that pretty little mind of yours, Rav.”

Shadow gagged dramatically loud.

“Ugh,” Raven groaned, “I’ll see you tomorrow, hon. I have to get this guy settled in at home.”

“We still on for tomorrow?” He asked.

“I’m not too sure, I might have to cancel. Depending on how this guy settles in,” Raven looked over at Shadow again. He rolled the window up while staring at him.

Blaze laughed, “Alright, just shoot me a text if you’re on or off. I don’t mind, I know how things have been for you recently.”

“I will, thanks,” Raven kissed him goodbye and they both parted their ways. Raven got back into the car as Blaze went inside of the first apartment room.

It was quiet for a bit while Raven started the car, until Shadow finally spoke; “So..”

“So what?”

“Who was the blonde girl?”

“Daria, Blaze’s sister, also, she’s taken.”

“Damn,” Shadow pouted.

“You and blondes, I swear,” Raven shook his head in disappointment.

“Not my fault they’re gorgeous.”

“I have no idea what you see in them.”

“YOUR BOYFRIEND HAS HAIR THAT REFLECTS THE FUCKING SUN, YOU CANNOT BE TALKING!”

Raven smiled, but he didn’t let Shadow see.

Shadow pouted, crossing his arms and sinking into the seat. He stared out the window as they left the apartment complex, going back the way they came and turning down the road inside the city of Crispia. So much has changed since the last time Shadow roamed the streets. Many new areas and expansions to previous buildings. 

Town square was different, the big tree at the center was decorated in red and green lights as if a festival was coming along. That reminded Shadow; he doesn’t know what the date is. 

“Hey, Archie,” Shadow nudged. 

Raven sighed, ignoring the nickname, “What do you want?”

“What’s the date?”

“You don’t know what year it is?”

“They never told us, and I never kept up with the cycles of the seasons. I was in isolation for five years, Archie. Everything’s changed.”

Raven went quiet, straightening himself in his seat, “You served seven years.”

“Seven? I thought it was only five years…” Shadow mumbled, scratching his head as he counted his fingers with the other, “Man, I don’t even know how old I am!” 

“If my math is correct, I think you’d be 29 or so. Last time we communicated was a decade ago before you turned towards those… Beasts.” 

Shadow fell silent. 

It was like that the rest of the drive, only for the last five minutes or so since they were close to home anyways. Raven pulled into a parking garage, immediately parking in the first spot at layer four. A reserved parking spot for residents, Shadow was now even more confused. 

“Do you live in a hotel or a house, Archie? Just tell me the truth already, damn,” Shadow said, waiting for Raven to open his door. Raven got the wheelchair out of the trunk and unfolded it.

“It’s a technically a hotel, but it’s not an overnight paid stay—I live here. My entire house is the thirteenth floor,” Raven explained, he looked at Shadow, “Aren’t you going to get out the car?” 

Shadow scoffed and mockingly said; “I thought you didn’t want me touching your precious Civic.”

Raven gave a disgusted look, “Get out of the fucking car, Sage.” 

“Ugh, fine,” he pushed himself up and into the wheelchair Raven was holding still. “And get my name right for once, it’s Shadow.”

“I’ll call you what you want when you start calling me Raven, cease your Archie nickname.”

Shadow groaned, keeping his hands under his arms as Raven took the bag and pillows out of the car, he locked it, gave the items to Shadow to hold as they began to move towards the elevator, Raven pushing the wheelchair.

“How do you know how long I served if we lost contact over a decade ago?” Shadow asked, watching the elevator doors open.

“I hate to break it to you,” Raven said, pressing the thirteenth floor number of the elevator. “But your arrest was all over the news for like a year.”

“Oh,” he replied. “I must be famous.”

“More like infamous.”

Shadow sighed. Rejoining society as a normal person is going to be harder than he thought, especially when most of the city would know his name and appearance. 

The elevator halted to a stop, its door opening to reveal a small hallway with one more door at the very end of it, no doors on either side of the hallway halls. Did Raven really live within the entire floor? 

Raven began to push the wheelchair to the end of the hallway, taking out a keycard from his pockets and scanning it across the door handle. It opened to reveal a grand room, dark wooden floors with a lighter tan walls, finished with the white popcorn ceiling. 

The kitchen to his right had marbled countertops and the same dark wood for the drawers. Silver fridge at the edge, followed by the stove, microwave, and the sink. The pantry was against the opposite wall of the kitchen that headed towards the necessities like the laundry hallway, bathroom, and extra coat closet. 

Raven pushed him to the left where the living room was, a couch with two loft chairs at the sides, marked with brown clean leather. A small coffee table in the middle and a television that seemed flatter than what Shadow was used to. 

Down the hall to his next left were three doors that led to bedrooms, Raven took him inside of the room on the right, opening the door for him. There was the bed in the center room, covered in blue bedding and sheets, a desk at the right with a vanity, and the closet to the left. 

The bedroom—even the living room and kitchen—was spotless. So what mess did Raven need help cleaning up? He said not to judge his living conditions, but where is there to judge?

“Settle in, I’ll make dinner,” Raven said. “There’s clothes in the closet, most of it is my old clothes so they might not fit. If you can’t find any, go into the room down the hall and look in that closet.” 

“Let me guess, your dad’s room?” Shadow looked over his shoulders at him, pushing himself into the room and turning around. 

Raven nodded, “Yes. Leftover clothes he didn’t take with him to hospice care. Be out in an hour, food will be ready then.” 

“Whatcha making?” 

Raven said naught but smiled, “This is your first real meal after seven years of prison food. It’s a surprise~” 

“Hm, I’m excited!” Shadow said, backing up towards the bed. Raven left the room and shut the door behind him, leaving Shadow to think. 

Shadow stood up with the help of the bed frame, moving the wheelchair towards the edge of the bed where he can access it easier. 

Looking over, he noticed a cane—it’s pathetic, really. Shadow hates how this is what he’s been reduced to, after learning he’s infamous. The great Sage of the criminal stage reduced to a “walking” hazard.

Least it’s blue. 

Soon he’ll be back on his feet, having no problems walking or even running. It’s a long ways from now, but he’ll make it. But he’ll also have the whatever shop to look after as well, if Raven would tell him what kind of shop it is.

He can’t wait until things start to get smooth.

Shadow sighed, “Welcome back to society.”

Chapter Text

Walking with a cane was a struggle. 

A cane didn’t support both of his legs, only one. Whichever hand he held it, it supported the opposite side. Not to mention the fact that he’s barely had enough physical therapy within prison to even be able to stand properly.

They gave him about two sessions after finding out he’d be bailed, and no more than that. They gave him a wheelchair and threw him to the outside world thinking he’d be perfectly fine. 

He’s thankful they gave him a physical therapist but they still could’ve been nicer about it. 

Shadow held onto the walls for support as he struggled out of the room. Turning the corner to smell the delicious dinner Raven was making, who noticed Shadow’s struggle and quickly took off his hand mats to go help. Wrapping his arm around his shoulder, helping Shadow towards the dinner table. 

“Thanks,” Shadow said, laying the cane against the chair as he sat down. Watching Raven set the table for the two of them with bowls and forks, bringing the pot of food over to the middle. There was also another plate being sat down, which displayed freshly cooked meatballs. “What’s this?” 

Raven cleaned himself up and looked over, “Alfredo pasta and meatballs, take as much as you’d like.” 

“Alfredo pasta? Sounds yummy.” 

“You’ve never had Alfredo?” Raven questioned. 

“Never heard of it.” 

“Well, you’re in for a treat. Try it.” 

Shadow did. Scooping some into his bowl and dumping a few meatballs inside, taking his first bite of the real world. It was delicious—and it felt so good to be free. Shadow moaned in delight, eating more and more. 

“Slow down there, hotshot, the food’s not going anywhere,” Raven laughed. He sat himself down across from Shadow, filling his own bowl up. 

“This shit is good as hell!” Shadow mumbled, mouth full of pasta. 

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, that’s rude.” 

Shadow swallowed, “Sorry, but this is amazing.” 

“Glad you like it.” 

It was silent for the rest of dinner. The two eating most of the pots’ contents, the meatballs already devoured. Until Raven was cleaning the table up and putting the dishes in the sink did the silent break. 

“Did they tell you when your physical therapy sessions are?” Raven asked from the kitchen. 

Shadow looked up, “Uhm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, I think. By the way, what’s with the cane? It doesn’t really help much.” 

Raven dried his hands off, “I’d thought it’s be somewhat useful for you. Don’t want to ride the wheelchair all around the house, least it’s a substitute for now until your crutches arrive.” 

“When do they arrive?” 

“Some time next week, I think.” 

A week of using the wheelchair and suffering with a cane that barely works with him.

Shadow went silent as he looked out the clear balcony doors past the dining table. There was nothing on the balcony except for two lawn chairs that faced towards the outer city near the beaches. Shadow could see the prison in the far distance over the horizon, memories of his loneliness came back full swing. 

There was only one person in prison that made the wait worth while, they never had exchanged names to each other, only calling them by their given prison names. It was an embarrassment to, but it’s better to embrace it than force it away. The name tries to break you, gives people a reason to beat you up in the courtyard. Embrace it and they can’t do anything but accept that you don’t care anymore. 

“Shadow” was apart of that name, despite being a name that could instill fear into someone, it was not. Shadow was only the first part of the name—after release, he dropped the second part and only kept “Shadow.” He was no longer in that dump, so he didn’t need to keep pretending he embraced the embarrassment. 

Pearl was her name. The prison called her Black Pearl, she was somewhere in between the ranks. Feared by the lower classes, but ultimately submitted to the bigger inmates. Shadow and Pearl had a similar personality, they became friends quickly—without friends, you’re destined to be picked on or beaten. Though, the word “friends” wasn’t tossed around there much. They were friends, of course, but they called each other … acquaintances when it came to others.

To be honest, Shadow hated leaving Pearl behind, but being released was the greatest thing he could have and he is forever grateful to Raven for bailing him. He just wished he could take Pearl with him. As much as he wants to, Shadow would never ask Raven to bail her out, too. One, he doesn’t know Pearl like he does Shadow. Two, he already spent twenty thousand on his own bail. Three, Pearl is probably a little overly dramatic for Raven, even though Shadow is too, Raven is used to his over-dramatics. 

Perhaps after repaying Raven, he could try to make some money to bail Pearl out. She’ll be in there for at least another five or ten years - somewhere between that. She never told him what she was in for, but if Shadow had to guess, it very well could’ve been murder or genocide. There was a time she had almost killed an inmate because they stole her food. Shadow learned to never mess with a woman’s food after that. 

“Hey,” a voice interrupted his thoughts. Raven was back at the table on the opposite side of him, the dishes were gone from the sink and the table clean of any messes. The candle was back in the center, relit and flickering about. Shadow noticed more than just that, a candle was next to the sink as well, lit and flickering just like the one on the table. 

There were candles everywhere, he’d realize. They weren’t there when they arrived earlier today, unless Shadow just didn’t pay that close attention to the room’s details. There was also another lit candle on the coffee table behind them, two potted ferns next to the candle to add to the scenery. 

Were they scented? Shadow couldn’t tell. The aroma in the room was a mix of something burning and the smell of dish soap. Perhaps they weren’t scented, the burning smell was just the candles melting their wax. Shadow stared down at the candle on the table, watching the wax drip down its body. 

The candles reminded him of himself.

Scattered about, lit up like the world was his but never realizing how badly such beauty could melt one’s own life. The wax, slow and beautiful, would eventually crumble the candle. 

Raven was waving his hand in front of Shadow’s face to get his attention again, repeatedly speaking to him but his words fell on deaf ears. He was looking around the room as if he didn’t know where he was. Raven sighed, he then snapped his fingers at Shadow, another attempt at gaining his attention. 

What he didn’t expect was Shadow to jump out of his seat like a scared cat. 

Shadow stood on shaky legs, they were visibly trembling under the weight of his own body. He stood tall, hands to his side like he would be in the army. Raven flinches away from the sudden movements, quickly recovering himself to catch Shadow has he finally realized what happened and let go of the pressure in his legs. Raven caught him before he hit the ground, carefully bringing him down to relax. 

“What the hell was that?” Raven asked, watching the heavy breathing of Shadow trying to regain his awareness. Shadow was vibrating, shaking like a leaf in a whirlwind. 

Shadow inhaled, “Sorry, my bad. I didn’t mean to do that. What were you saying?” 

“I wasn’t saying anything,” Raven said. “I was trying to get your attention. You spaced off for like an hour then jumped out of the chair like some terrified animal. Are you okay?” 

Shadow went quiet, processing the information.

“Yeah. I’m fine,” Shadow replied.

Raven was not convinced. But he didn’t push it.

What happened in prison, stays in prison, unless Shadow wants to talk about it himself. If not, Raven will not pry into it. Prison can be harsh, and knowing some things that can happen, Shadow being disabled during his sentence probably got him a lot of backlash and mocking.

Raven sighed, “Do you want the wheelchair?” 

“Yes, please,” Shadow said quietly, almost too quiet where Raven couldn’t hear him—probably didn’t want him to hear, but the other was too close to him not to hear. He sounded ashamed.

Raven carried Shadow easily and sat him down at the couch as he left to the guess room to get the wheelchair. Shadow let it happen, arm over his stomach almost curled up on himself. 

Shadow wanted to die in a hole. 

He heard the drag of the wheelchair, coming into his vision as he looked up at Raven waiting. He looked … plain. Shadow couldn’t understand his blank expression. Impatience? Pity? Guilt?

Gripping the wheelchair, his hand shook. 

Raven took notice. 

“Shadow,” he said softly, a whisper only he and the heavens above could hear. It made his grip tighten. Raven continued, “I know this can be overwhelming. Having been in prison for seven years and having to readjust to society. I understand, your emotions are out of control, and you don’t know how to feel. You’ve been spacing out since we’ve got here. It’s okay to take it easy and just… let go for a bit.” 

Shadow wanted to. 

He did. 

But something in him told him no. 

Don’t do it. 

Shadow released his grip on the chair, exhaling the breath he’d been holding in. He smiled as he looked up at Raven, “I’m fine.” 

Raven frowned. 

But once again, he did not pry. 

“It’s late,” he started. “You should get some rest. It’s about time you sleep in a proper bed.”

Shadow pushed himself into the wheelchair, “Of course.” 

…Why did it sound like he was following orders?

Raven watched the other move himself to the guess room, open the door, and disappear for the night. He sighed, rubbing away his tiredness as he turned off the lights and left to his own room. 

They’ll pick back up another time.

To say that Shadow had the best night’s sleep was an understatement. He doesn’t remember the last time he’s sleep like a baby and wake up feeling so refreshed that he just didn’t want to move from the bed at all. The blankets were cozy and soft, the pillows nice and cool, the sheets fresh and scented like lavender; Shadow wanted to die in that bed. 

But, unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. 

From the hallway was Raven frantically walking back and forth from his room to the living room. He was speaking to someone, perhaps on the phone—Shadow couldn’t hear who it was, but what Raven was saying it seemed like it was either urgent or just him ranting about. 

Shadow sat up from the comfy bed, reaching out to the wheelchair when he noticed something. There were now two canes leaning against the bedside table, at the bottom were four legs with softballs—makeshift crutches. Shadow was grateful for the easier change, but now it felt like he was an elder needing life support. 

He would never say that in front of Raven when his own father was in hospice care. But it still felt like it, can you blame him?

Taking the canes in his hands, he lifted himself up from the bed and sighed in relief. It wasn’t a good form of handmade crutches but it still worked just the same as them. His hands hurt, but it would have to do for now. It’s better than the stupid wheelchair. 

Raven’s voice had sounded from the kitchen, staying there and not moving. Shadow peaked around the walls, watching Raven run around the kitchen for things while another voice came through his phone that was prompt up against the paper towel holder, now on speaker. 

“Calm down, Raven,” the voice spoke, “If you can’t find it, I can easily pay for the meal, no worries!”

“Blaze, you can barely afford to stay with your sister and her girlfriend, don’t talk about money to me,” Raven snapped.

Shadow laughed, gaining the attention of the other. That’s when he noticed, upon getting to the kitchen counter, Raven was dressed up in a tight black suit, white undershirt, a green tie, and the cleanest white gloves he’d ever seen. His long raven (ironic) hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, parts of it released from the band and gelled to the side of his face to give an impression of curled bangs. 

Shadow blinked, “What are you all dressed up for, Archie? You look like you’re about to go to a wedding!” 

Raven blushed, looking away as he continued to look for something, “I’m going on a date with Blaze, nothing that special.” 

Shadow looked at the phone on the counter, it was on face time, Blaze was looking at him like he knew something. Shadow stared, before opening his mouth in awe, realizing what was about to happen tonight. He was about to say something—

Blaze changed topics, “Good-morning, amigo!”

“You’re Spanish?” Shadow questioned. 

“I could be!” 

He blinked. 

“What does that even mean!?” 

“I don’t know!” 

“Archie, your boyfriend is weird.” 

Raven chuckled, “Well, that’s what I love about him, I guess.” 

“You love me so much, Windy, you will never get rid of me!” Blaze said confidently—but also very cringe. 

Shadow smirked, “‘Windy’?” 

“Just a nickname,” the other said, spotting something near the door and reaching out to it, “Yes! Finally. Okay. I found my wallet, must’ve sat it there yesterday when we came back.” 

“Ugh, finally! I’ve been waiting for ages!”

“You better not drive here on that stupid motorcycle, Blaze,” Raven snarled. 

“I’m not, I’m not! I know how you hate riding it with your suit. Daria’s dropping me off there.”

“Isn’t she at work?” 

“No, her and Luna are going to the beach this afternoon. She requested off today,” He said. 

“Damn, missed opportunity for a double date.”

Blaze seemed to have lit up, “That’s what I told her! But noooo, she wanted to go to the beach.”

Shadow decided to but in, “Why didn’t you two go with them if you wanted a double date?”

Raven paused. Blaze looked small. 

“Blaze hates the water,” Raven settled on. 

“I don’t HATE the water… I just—”

“You hate water, Blaze, there’s no denying it.”

“You… Ugh, fine, yes, I hate water.”

Shadow snorted. The silence was comforting.

“Hey, Daria’s here, I’ll see you in a bit, Windy.”

“Okay, bye, Blaze!”

“I love you!”

Raven took his phone, “I love you more!” and hung up the call, not giving Blaze a chance to fight for it. 

“You two are cute,” Shadow said. 

“Thanks?” 

Shadow watched him get ready to leave, sitting at the dining table as the canes were leaned against the chair. 

“There’s cereal in the pantry, I think there’s milk, I’m not sure. I made you some lunch and there’s leftover Alfredo from last night you can eat for dinner,” Raven fixed up his ponytail and put his phone into his pocket. “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone for but probably all day. You can watch T.V. on the couch, there’s Netflix and other streaming services. I may have popcorn, don’t know about that one. I’ll see you later tonight, Sage.” 

“It’s Shadow,” he mumbled. “See you later.” 

The door closed and the silence became deafening. He could hear the beeping of the elevator sounding, then it stopped. The silence came back and it wasn’t pleasant. Shadow’s thoughts became loud when there’s nothing to focus on—and all he could think about was how much he’d failed. 

Raven keeps calling him Sage.

Why? Is he annoyed at him?

Why does he act differently in front of others?

Does he still see him as criminal?

He might as well still be one.

He could fail this, fail him.

Like he failed them. Failed her.

Shadow pushed himself out of the chair and sat down at the couch, turning on the television to distract himself for the next twelve or so hours. 

He didn’t bother eating.