Chapter Text
The artificial lights at the G.U.N. base flickered on and off in a steady rhythm, throwing long, warped shadows down the metal hallways. Shadow was sitting at one of the monitoring stations, the screen glowing with mission reports and live feeds. He should have been focused — but then his communicator buzzed, breaking the silence.
Sonic. Again.
Lately, the blue hedgehog had been unusually persistent about keeping in touch — or even just hanging out outside of missions. “Take a break”, as he called it. A breather from the heavy grind they both dealt with. This wasn’t the first time Sonic tried to rope him into something like this, but recently? His annoying persistence sounded different. There was a warmth in his words — something that didn’t quite fit the friendly rivalry they’d always had.
Shadow noticed. He always noticed.
Sonic was good at hiding behind jokes and that trademark carefree grin, but the little things gave him away. Those lingering looks. The casual “accidental” touches. The way his voice softened just a bit when he talked to him. Quiet, subtle moves — but constant. And something inside Shadow was starting to recognize those signs, filing them away with the same precision he used on his toughest missions.
And maybe… just maybe… he was interested, too.
That thought had been sticking around for a while now, one he couldn’t shake. The idea of letting himself give in — just a little — to whatever was building between them. He didn’t know what it was yet, exactly. But he could feel it. In the small moments. The silences — rare, thanks to Sonic’s annoying chatty nature — that somehow didn’t feel awkward. The mutual respect that stayed intact even when they clashed.
Now, finally answering the call, Shadow figured he might as well see what Sonic wanted this time.
“Hey, Shadow! Guess who~?”
“I know it’s you, Sonic. Your name’s right there on the caller ID.”
“Heh, busted.” Sonic laughed lightly, playful as ever. “But hey — did you see my profile pic? Seriously, tell me that’s not peak me.”
Shadow pulled the communicator away slowly and stared at the screen: a badly photoshopped pic of a big-eyed green alien cat. He sighed, already regretting picking up. Unbelievable.
“…Yeah, really captures the intellect level you’re working with.”
“Pff, what? Hah! Come on, man, that was a compliment, right?”
“If you have to ask, that just proves my point.” Shadow closed his eyes briefly, frustration rising. He knew Sonic was just messing with him, but this kind of teasing never worked.
Was he seriously wasting time analyzing Sonic’s subtle hints, only to be cut off by a dumb joke? Ugh. Sometimes he wondered why he even bothered.
“There he is, spreading joy everywhere he goes, huh, Shads?” Sonic laughed again, light and easy. No offense taken — he was used to Shadow’s grumpiness by now.
“No…” Shadow took a deep breath, almost feeling the weight of what he was about to say. “It’s not that, Sonic. It’s more like… ugh. What do you want? I’m busy.”
“Well, I was thinking… maybe you wanna swing by after work. I’m gonna grab some Snickers and Hot Pockets, remembered you like those, so… yeah. Nothing big. Just a thought if you’re up for it.”
The casual tone hit Shadow like a punch right through his frustration. He’d been so busy trying to figure out Sonic’s motives, analyzing every word, waiting for something serious… and now? A junk food invite. So casual. So… Sonic.
Not what he expected. But somehow… it felt more real. Simpler.
Shadow blinked, feeling an odd relief wash over him.
“You really don’t have anything better to do, huh?” Sonic teased, the usual playfulness in his voice — though Shadow caught a little caution under it. “Besides showing up all mysterious and broody out of nowhere…”
Shadow stared at the communicator a moment, not rushing to answer. It was like Sonic had done all the work softening him up, with his teasing and persistence. Something about it made Shadow’s resistance seem almost… pointless. He wasn’t sure if it was the casual invite, the easy familiarity, or just Sonic’s presence becoming more familiar… But maybe relaxing a little wouldn’t hurt.
He took a deep breath, feeling the tension in his shoulders ease. A tiny, almost hidden smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
“Hot Pockets?” he replied, sarcasm dripping in his voice — but more relaxed than he expected. “That’s your big plan?”
“Hey, don’t underestimate the power of junk food and a good show, Shads! Science might not back me up, but I do.” Sonic grinned through the call. “It’s nothing serious, just… chill. Won’t hurt you, promise.”
Shadow huffed softly. And finally — gave in. Whatever.
“I’ll come.”
“Really?! Alright! I’ll get everything ready-” Sonic sounded almost euphoric, like he couldn’t believe he actually pulled it off. “See you soon!”
“Hmm… see you.” Shadow barely got the words out before the call cut off.
He stared at the silent communicator a few more seconds, as if expecting Sonic to say something else. But nothing came.
He sighed, a strange pang of anticipation — or maybe something else — twisting in his chest. He shook his head and shut off the device with a flick. 'Snickers and Hot Pockets', he thought. 'My favorites. How did he…'
“Hmph. Must be losing it,” he muttered.
But deep down, he knew.
Maybe seeing him wouldn’t be so bad.
And if it was... Well, he'd deal with it later.