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Shadow's never been good at subtext.
If it's not said outright, chances are he won't get it. It's a bit of a curse, really. That he takes everything literally. He's realized this by being best friends with the queen of subtly. Thankfully she sees Shadow for who he is and is literal with him. Others? Not so much.
Sonic comes to mind. Everything is a game, with that one. Everything a joke, one with a punchline that Shadow just doesn't get. So when Sonic finds Shadow at the library with a novel in hand, the striped hedgehog sighs.
Time to feel... uncomfortable.
"Hey there, Shadow! Fancy meeting you here," Sonic whispers.
Shadow looks up from his book and grunts, making a point of ignoring the hedgehog. He came here to be alone and get some quiet, not to be bothered by the one person that makes him feel inadequate.
"Now that's not very nice. What you got there?" Sonic leans in close, and Shadow leans away slightly. The hero smells like grass and sunshine, and it makes Shadow feel something he can't place. He shakes his head and grits his teeth.
"None of your business," Shadow whispers gruffly. But Sonic doesn't let up, he leans in closer, and wraps an arm around Shadow's shoulders. The hybrid stiffens and frowns. "What are you even doing here?"
"Chill, Shadow. I come in peace." Sonic rubs Shadow's shoulder and smiles. "Tails needed some info for a new project. I decided to tag along; It's been awhile since I've been able to just relax and enjoy a book, ya know?"
Shadow nods. That's why he's here too, after all. He turns back to the book in his hands, and continues reading.
"Huh, I never figured that you'd be the type to read romance." Shadow glances at Sonic and sees the hedgehog reading along with him.
Shadow huffs a laugh through his nose. "So I've heard. There's a lot you don't know about me."
Sonic blinks and looks at Shadow in surprise. A second later a smile forms onto his face. "Well, I do know one thing."
"And that is?" Shadow asks when Sonic doesn't continue immediately.
Sonic's eyes narrow playfully, and his voice gets that lilt that makes Shadow's heart flutter. "Baby, if you were a book, you'd be fine print."
Shadow cocks his head in confusion. He knows it's a compliment, but it's an odd one. It doesn't even make sense, really. Sonic is looking at him expectantly, smile smug. Not wanting to leave without repaying nice words - even if they were stupid as shit - Shadow rolls the idea in his mind.
"I suppose if you were a book you'd be a graphic novel, with adventure being the focus, of course. Something eye-catching and fierce."
Sonic blinks in surprise once more. His smile falters, and he looks uncomfortable for a brief second. Shadow cringes. Did he say the wrong thing?
Then the moment passes, as if it hadn't happened at all. Sonic smiles brightly and chuckles. "That's actually pretty nice of you to say! Who knew you were capable of giving compliments?"
Shadow rolls his eyes and shrugs off Sonic's arm. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"
Sonic steps back and shrugs. "I'd rather be with you, but you're right. Tails might be looking for me." Sonic winks and twirls, walking away with a spring in his step. Shadow shakes his head.
He looks down at the book before him and closes it. He decides he'll take it home. The love interest is rather interesting. Almost reminds him of Sonic.
Though he'll never admit it.
...
A few days later, Shadow finds himself at Ms Vanilla's Cafe. He has come for a bite to eat and he's actually excited. He hasn't eaten in days. He knows he shouldn't push himself like this, but it can be hard to treat himself kindly.
Shadow feels dazed and dizzy. He groans as he holds his pounding head. Just a little longer. He takes a sip from his water and leans back into the cushion of the booth. He closes his eyes in an effort to stop the world from spinning.
"You ok there?"
Shadow cracks open an eye and sees Sonic looking at him with concern. The hero wears a frown, arms crossed. He hates to see that expression. He sits up and fixes Sonic with a blank look. "I'm fine."
"You don't look it." Sonic invites himself to Shadow's table and has a seat on the opposite side of the booth. "Wanna tell me what's going on?"
Shadow groans and rolls his eyes. "It's none of your concern."
Sonic's frown deepens. Really, Shadow wishes he would stop that. Where's the smile he's grown to love? "I'm gonna worry until you tell me. So spill."
Sighing, Shadow decides he will. If only to get Sonic smiling again. "I haven't eaten anything since last Wednesday."
"Shadow!" Sonic eyes widen in shock and he looks angry. "You can't keep doing that to yourself! I know you're different from other mobians but you can't just starve yourself like that!"
Shadow shrugs. "There are more important things to do."
"Taking care of yourself is important, dummy." Sonic shakes his head and leans back. "So get yourself something, ok?"
"What else would I be here for?" Shadow asks blandly.
Sonic rolls his eyes this time. "Maybe you were just here to visit Ms Vanilla. You do that sometimes, you know."
Shadow grunts in admittance and Sonic smiles triumphantly. He chews on his bottom lip for a moment before he seems to realize something. "Wednesday? Isn't that when we last saw each other?"
Shadow nods. Sonic gets that look again, playful and smug and delightful for reasons Shadow doesn't care to admit. "Looks like you're probably deficient in vitamin me."
Shadow must be hearing things. He could've sworn Sonic said 'me' just now. But that's just ridiculous. Maybe he is worse off than he thought.
"I suppose you're right."
Sonic's eyes widen and he looks over the moon. "Really?"
"Surprising that you're so happy to be told you're right." Shadow chuckles and picks up the menu. He glances at it, contemplating. "Do you know which foods are rich in vitamin E?"
Sonic makes a whining noise and Shadow looks at him in concern. The hero has visibly deflated, looking like a kicked puppy. This is significantly worse than Sonic's worried expression.
How did Shadow fuck up this time?
"Are you alright?" Shadow asks. Sonic jolts, and then it's as if the moment didn't take place. His trademark warmth radiates off of him, a chipper smile in place.
"I'm good! To answer your question, I'm not sure."
"Hm." Shadow pulls out his phone and looks it up, then scans the menu for the items that popped up in the search.
"Oh there you are! Sonic, our table is over here." Shadow looks up and sees Amy Rose, hands on her hips as she scolds Sonic. She turns to Shadow all smiles. "Hey there, Shadow. Mind if I steal him away?"
Yes, he does, actually. But Shadow tries not to let it show. "By all means."
Sonic sighs in defeat. Amy and Shadow look at him in surprise. He avoids eye contact as he gets out of the booth and stretches. When he turns to Shadow his smile looks forced. "Til next time, Shadow."
Shadow nods in acknowledgement. As he watches Sonic walk away, he can't help but wonder what he did wrong. If only he knew the rules to this game.
…
It isn't until two weeks later that they meet again.
Shadow finds Sonic at his favorite hotdog stand. He came to get one himself, the taste acquired because of the hero. Shadow steps behind Sonic and taps his shoulder.
Thinking of what Sonic would say, Shadow greets him. "Funny seeing you here."
Sonic whips around and grins. "No way! How have you been?"
"Order. Then we'll talk." Sonic nods and orders for himself and Shadow. Extra peppers, just how he likes. They grab their food and find a bench to sit at.
"To answer your question, I've been fine." Shadow takes a bite of his chili dog, as Sonic takes a bite of his.
"Why just 'fine'?" Sonic asks. "Why not great?"
Shadow shrugs. "I haven't put much thought into that. Things are just as usual."
Sonic hums. "Maybe that's why. Not enough adventure in your life lately."
Shadow shrugs. That probably isn't it. He goes on many adventures when duty calls with G.U.N. When he thinks about what's been missing these last few days, there's only one thing - this blue idiot.
But Shadow is not going to admit that he's missed Sonic. Not a chance.
"Maybe that's it."
They chat about how things have gone in the time since they've last seen each other. Sonic has done lots of charity work, since Ivo Robotnick has been rather quiet. Sonic seems happy, though Shadow can tell he isn't at ease. Always at the ready, this one is.
"So what do you want to do now?" Sonic asks after he collects and throws away their trash. "I'm free for the evening, so I'm down for anything."
Shadow considers. He did tell Rouge that they could have a movie night, but he could cancel. She's always telling him to get out of the house, anyway. He pulls out his phone and texts her that they'll have to try another day.
"Is there anything you want to do in particular?" Shadow asks. When he looks up from his phone, Sonic is fixing him with a look that makes him feel warm.
"I'd love to take you to the movies, but they don't allow you to bring your own snacks."
Sonic looks him up and down, grins and waits for Shadow's response. Shadow cocks his head and frowns. "You don't sneak in your own snacks? Candy, at least. Concession prices are so high."
Sonic smacks his head on the table. "That's not what I meant," Shadow hears him mumble.
"Then what did you mean?"
Sonic sits up, cringing. "Nothing. Let's forget about it. It's not important."
Shadow doesn't feel like arguing, so he nods and leaves it at that. Sonic offers him a small smile in response, and he figures whatever he misunderstood won't ruin their night then.
They head to the nearest store and buy some candy, hiding it in their quills before they head to the theater and buy tickets. There isn't much showing, but they agree on an action film.
It's entertaining, for the most part. Illogical and campy, but that's half the fun. When the protagonist pushes his love interest against a wall and kisses her senseless, Shadow finds he doesn't mind the romantic subplot. He can't help but glance at Sonic.
He wonders what that would feel like.
…
A month later Shadow sees Sonic at a party thrown by Miss Rose. Rouge dragged him here, saying that he needed to socialize. He thought it was ridiculous, but arguing with her is an uphill battle. Better to suck it up.
Shadow leans on the kitchen counter, sipping a fruit punch. He knows it's only a matter of time before the bat steps away from the party goers and finds his hiding spot. He sighs, wondering where he can drift to next and not be bothered. Then he sees brilliant blue.
"Hey, Shadow!" Sonic walks up and pulls Shadow into a hug, nearly spilling his punch. Shadow stiffens, but softens after a moment. He'll never admit it, but being touched by Sonic makes him… happy.
"Did Rouge drag you here?" When Shadow nods, Sonic snorts. "Figures. I know these parties aren't your thing but you could at least try to look like you're having fun."
Shadow rolls his eyes. "Pretending isn't my thing." He pauses, a barely there smile forming. "Besides, now that you're here, I might not have to."
Sonic's eyes widen and his mouth forms a perfect circle. He's silent for nearly a minute. A miracle, Shadow thinks. When he recovers, it's with a smug expression.
"So you're saying you like me?"
"I wouldn't go that far."
Sonic laughs, hearty and deep. "You're a riot." Shadow pulls out his phone, texting Rouge that they can stay a little longer. Sonic hums, pulling his attention away.
"I thought you hated phones. But lately you seem to have grown attached to yours."
Shadow shrugs. "They're pretty incredible. Convenient and capable things. Though I've only been using mine for two months or so."
Sonic cocks his head, that charming smile contrasting his words. "Do you like yours? Because I think something is wrong with mine."
Shadow's ears tilt. "Oh? Can't your brother help you?"
Sonic shakes his head. "Nah. I think it's because it's missing your number."
Shadow narrows his eyes. "I wouldn't say that's a real problem."
Sonic rolls his head with a sigh. "Oh come on," he mumbles. He pulls out his phone from his quills. "What's your number, Shadow?"
Shadow relays the digits without a fight. For what reason, he isn't sure. Sonic texts him a simple smiling emoji and chuckles. "There. Now don't be a stranger, ok?" Sonic pulls Shadow into another hug and walks off.
Shadow watches the sway of Sonic's hips with interest.
...
One week later, Sonic invites Shadow to dinner via text. The hybrid agrees with excitement that he tries to bury. He speeds through training at work, and heads down to the restaurant they agreed to meet at.
Only he isn't alone. Unfortunately.
"So Blue just… Invited you to dinner? And you agreed?" Rouge asks. Her pretty lips are turned into a pout.
Shadow shrugs. "Yeah, I guess."
She runs to step in front of him, blocking his steps. "Holy shit, this is a date, isn't it?" Shadow stares at her blankly.
"No."
"Oh my gods it is." Rouge jumps and squeals in excitement. "I'll get my own table, ok? It'll be like I'm not even there. I'll see if Wave wants to hang out."
Shadow rolls his eyes and steps around her. He walks into the restaurant and sees Sonic sitting at a table in the back. He let's the host know that his party is already here and heads that way. He hears Rouge ask for a table for two and chattering on her phone immediately after.
Shadow makes it to the table, watching Sonic's eyes light up. The hero slips his phone away and looks at Shadow fondly. "Hey there, big guy."
Shadow isn't sure why he likes that. "Hello." He sits down, glancing at the menu. "Do you know what you're getting?"
"Geez, this is normally where people would make small talk." Sonic raises and eye ridge and looks him up and down. "The uniform is new."
Shadow looks down. During field training all agents are required to wear flight suits. The one Shadow wears is dark gray with black accents, the patches showing G.U.N's emblem and his rank in his left breast.
When Shadow looks up at the hero, he gulps. Sonic's smile turns into something hungry, almost sinister. His eyes go half lidded, and his voice is a purr.
"Other than being sexy, what do you do for a living?"
Shadow blinks and cocks his head in confusion. "Sonic, you know I work for G.U.N."
Shadow faintly hears Rouge roar with laughter somewhere behind him, but he pays her no mind. Instead he's watching Sonic's face, as the hero's falls and shows disappointment.
How curious.
"Today was field training day." Shadow clears his throat, looking everywhere but Sonic. "If that's what you meant."
Sonic sighs, then laughs lightly. He looks at Shadow with a face that is a mixture of annoyed and fond. "Sure. That's what I meant. So tell me more?"
Shadow does. He answers all of Sonic's questions, chest puffing with pride when Sonic sounds impressed. He's worked hard for his position, afterall.
Other than that… bit in the beginning, dinner goes on without a hitch. Shadow manages to make Sonic laugh so hard that he cries, and he finds that the sense of accomplishment he got from it is unparalleled. After Sonic covers the bill, they head out the door together.
Out on the sidewalk, Sonic goes from heel to toe, hands behind his back. He looks nervous, which throws Shadow. Sonic is hardly ever nervous. At least not noticeably so.
"Hey, Shadow?" Shadow grunts in response. Sonic looks up at him and chuckles. "Tonight was great. Let's make it a habit."
"I could think of worse ways to spend my time."
Sonic rolls his eyes and laughs. He hugs Shadow, squeaking when Shadow hugs him back. They stay like that longer than what Shadow would deem normal, but he doesn't mind. Having Sonic so soft and pliant in his arms is making his heart do flips.
Sonic pulls away with a shy expression. "I'll see you around."
"See you."
Sonic walks off, tail wagging. Shadow watches him with a smile, charmed. He doesn't expect to be tackled from behind.
"Holy shit." Rouge turns Shadow around and begins shaking him by the shoulders. "You just went on a date with Blue! And it didn't end badly!" She laughs, releasing him so she can hold her belly. After a few minutes, Rouge finally calms. She pauses, pouting. "I thought you'd be more excited by that pickup line, though."
"What?"
Rouge rolls her eyes. "When he asked you what you do for a living."
"Him asking about work like that was weird. Why would I be excited by that?"
"Not that, you idiot!" Rouge palms her face. Shadow feels himself shrink. Even Rouge knows he did something wrong? "Did you not hear him call you sexy?"
Oh. That. "He kind of does that a lot, actually," Shadow says casually. He messes with the fabric of his gloves before realizing Rouge has been silent for some time. He turns to her and laughs when he sees her face.
Rouge's jaw has dropped, and her voice is shrill. "He what?"
…
Team Dark and Team Sonic join forces two days later when a flurry of bots swarm the city. They split into pairs - Tails and Omega, Rouge and Knuckles, then Sonic and Shadow. Before they split up, Rouge pulls Shadow to the side.
"So are you going to make a move?"
Shadow narrows his eyes and crosses his arms. "We're on a mission."
"So!" Rouge glances back and looks at the object of Shadow's affections. "You can't keep him waiting any longer. Baby boy is desperate."
Shadow grits his teeth. "Rouge," he warns. "I can't do that. Not now."
"Well you like him, don't you?" Shadow nods hesitantly. He's only admitted this to himself and to her within the last 48 hours, so it's still a bit strange to think about. "Well then go get him! Speak his language."
"Rouge, I'm fluent in 8 languages and none of them can prepare me for this."
Rouge snorts. "Well try, loverboy. Keep me posted, alright?"
Shadow nods and waves her off. She runs over to Knuckles, and the pair runs off to the east. Tails and Omega head west, while Sonic and Shadow head south. There isn't much time for talking, as the fight begins as soon as they make it onto the downtown streets.
Left and right, Shadow and Sonic down Ivo's drones. They make quick work of destroying the bots, working effortlessly as a team. They work their way toward the city center, where they meet with the other teams.
"Looks like we've cleared the city, but let's not celebrate yet," Rouge's voice booms. "Tails, Omega, head to the highest point in the city and keep watch. Knuckles and I will run the perimeter. Sonic, Shadow. Sit pretty and wait here. If any more bots come, this is where they'll head first."
Everyone nods and follows Rouge's orders. When the bat flies past Shadow she winks. "Go for it,'' she mouths. Shadow gulps.
Shadow glances at Sonic and sees the hero watching him. There's something there in his gaze, something expectant. Shadow doesn't know what Sonic wants from him. Scratch that. He has an idea, but actually making it happen is something else entirely.
"Let's head to the roof?" Shadow points to a tall building to their left. "So we have a better vantage point."
Sonic nods and they head over in silence. It's quiet, most civilians either hiding or outside the city. They take the elevator, standing in close proximity. Sonic smells like sweat and dirt and oil and Shadow feels his blood warm.
They reach the 11th level of the building, and have to take the stairs for the last flight. When they exit, Sonic runs out and spins around. He breathes in deep, and turns to face Shadow. "It's a shame Eggman chose today, of all days. It was beautiful out."
"Agreed." Shadow watches, enamored with the way sunlight shines off cobalt fur. "I'm assuming you had plans."
Sonic shakes his head. "Nope. I was just going to nap the day away." He walks up to Shadow, hands behind his back. "I knew you'd be busy, so."
Shadow raises an eyeridge. He steps out of the doorway, closer to Sonic. The door clicks shut behind him. "Is that so?" Sonic nods and Shadow glances at peach lips. His phone goes off, a convenient distraction. He glances at it, and sees that Omega has sent a message in the group chat.
"What is that?" Sonic asks. He's looking at Shadow's phone, face incredibly close when he meets crimson eyes. "Is that some sort of code?"
Shadow glances at Omega's message, sent in Morse code. It reads: The city appears to be clear. Should I commence stalling? Rouge messages immediately, hers reading: Yes. Stall until Shadow gives the all clear.
Shadow is annoyed yet thankful for his nosey teammates.
"It's Morse code," Shadow explains. He watches as Sonic gets that look again, that look that sets him aflame.
"Morse code? I always knew you were one who could tap that."
Shadow blinks and tries to process. It makes no sense. He's not tapping away at a machine like the days of old. But he stops that train of thought. He has to do as Rouge said and see another side.
So Shadow tries. He thinks of what seems to be the most significant part of the sentence. Apparently tapping. More specifically, 'tap that'. But why that? What does that mean? What is that slang for? It must be slang, because otherwise it makes no sense. He swears he's heard Vector use that phrase before, in regards to Vanilla…
Oh. That's funny.
Shadow laughs. It's a startled thing, tumbling from his mouth without warning. Sonic jumps in surprise, mouth open in awe. Shadow rarely laughs so freely. After a few moments, Shadow calms and he sighs. "That one was funny."
"Wait." Sonic cocks his head and points at Shadow. "You got that one?"
Shadow nods. "It wasn't very good, but it was funny enough."
Sonic blinks owlishly. "It really wasn't one of my best." He palms his face. "Out all of them, this whole time, that's the one you get…"
Shadow huffs a laugh through his nose. "If you're going to flirt with me, you should try a more direct approach."
Sonic snaps his head up and looks at Shadow incredulously. "I was pretty damn direct, Shadow." He steps closer, pointing again but this time poking at Shadow's chest. "Most people would have understood what I was doing. Most people would have had a sensible chuckle, might I add."
Shadow shakes his head. "You of all people should know I'm not like most." Sonic rolls his eyes but doesn't say anything on that. Instead he takes one step closer, hand resting on white chest fur and body against Shadow's.
"What made you realize I was flirting with you?"
Shadow brings his hands to Sonic's hips, thrilled when the hero doesn't shy away. "Rouge. She alerted me of it after we had dinner. She overheard your line and scolded me for not getting it."
"She heard?" Sonic's voice cracks in embarrassment. He takes a step back, looking everywhere but Shadow. "How am I gonna live that down?"
Shadow shushes Sonic and draws him back in. "I'm in a far worse position. I wasn't aware that you desired me, though looking back it's rather obvious."
Sonic snorts. "You're telling me. I would literally call you babe and sexy and shit. How did you not get that?"
Shadow shrugs. "You've called Rouge sexy in the past, as well as Blaze. You also have that habit of joking with everyone so I assumed that's just what you were doing. Joking."
Sonic sighs. "It feels as if we're speaking two different languages sometimes."
"Exactly." Shadow chuckles. "Though I think I've developed an ear for yours."
"Oh yeah?" Sonic says, teasing. "So I won't be rejected so often?"
"I wouldn't say that." Sonic punches Shadow's shoulder lightly. "But I think I can try speaking your language."
Sonic cackles. "No offense, but I don't think that's gonna happen. Would love to see it, but it's doubtful."
Shadow glances at Sonic's lips, then emerald eyes. He takes a deep breath, and thinks of what Sonic would say. Then he takes the leap.
"They say that kissing is the language of love. Care to have a conversation?"
Sonic's reaction is immediate. His eyes widen, his blush evident by his ears. They stand straight up in attention, flushed red. He looks startled and sweet. Shadow could eat him up.
Before Shadow can ask if that's the appropriate response, Sonic pushes him by the shoulders, until Shadow's back hits the door behind him. "Start talking," Sonic demands.
And so Shadow does.
Shadow closes the distance between them and captures Sonic's lips with his own. The high whine Sonic makes is music to his ears. He kisses Sonic slowly at first, savoring each gasp and sigh and press of their lips. But when Sonic's hands move from his shoulders to his backside, Shadow growls in approval. He pulls away before he spins them, slamming Sonic's back against the door in a flash.
Shadow doesn't give Sonic so much time to gasp before he's on the hedgehog again. He licks at Sonic's lips, begging for entrance. When he's granted it, Shadow moans. He rubs Sonic's tongue with his own, hands digging into the flesh of the hero's hips. Sonic answers in kind, fondling Shadow's ass and sucking on the slick muscle invading his mouth.
They explore each other like this for a while, losing track of time. It's not until Sonic's communicator goes off that they pull away from each other for more than a few seconds. Panting, Sonic pushes Shadow away gently. The hybrid doesn't let go, but peppers kisses on his face.
Giggling, Sonic answers the call. "Hey! What's up?" He nods as Tails relays that there has been no sign of any bots for some time, so they should be in the clear. When the fox asks what he and Shadow were up to, Sonic laughs nervously.
"Shadow was just teaching me a new language." Sonic glances at Shadow, playfully staring into crimson as he says, "Not to sound cocky, but I think I'm getting the hang of it."
Tails praises his brother for spending his time wisely, and hangs up after telling Sonic to meet him downstairs. Shadow snickers and Sonic joins him. Shadow plants one last kiss on Sonic's lips, moving slowly as to draw it out.
When they pull away, gasping, Shadow rests his forehead on Sonic's. Looking into green eyes, he smirks. "On the topic of languages, I know 8. In which would you like to hear 'Good morning' tomorrow?"
Sonic flushes deeper, looking flustered and irresistible. Shadow chuckles when Sonic pulls him into another kiss, desperate, before he mumbles "Spanish would be nice."