Shadow was home sick with the flu.

Shadow had argued with the doctor that no, this was not possible.

"I was created to be –atchoo! –immune to all sicknesses and diseases. You must be mistaken," Shadow growled. The doctor shook his head and forced Shadow to sit back down –nearly losing his finger in the process.

"You need to rest," informed the doctor. "I know that you are the Ultimate Lifeform, but even YOU must get sick every decade or so. It is the way of life."

"The way of life my a~"

"Thank you, doctor," said Rouge, voice sour as she cut Shadow off, the sick hedgie glaring holes through her back. "I'll pick up the medicine later. Should I pay with a credit card or check?"

Rouge was wearing a black tank top -a little tight in Shadow's opinion - and tight blue jeans with a small red jacket. She had glittering black and pink boots that went knee high, like normal. Unknown to Shadow, this is what Rouge felt was like dressing like a commoner (I dress like this, so BLEH to Rouge.)

While they talked, Shadow was busy in thought. 'This shouldn't be happening… Gerald had told me that my body would just heal… at this rate I should be cured by… tomorrow,' he decided. But groaned at the thought. A day of doing nothing, and feeling like this. Great. Just great.

Rouge's gaze flickered over to the depressing hedgehog and sighed. "It's just a little cold for somebody like you, hon," she coaxed. "Besides," she said, her voice growing quiet. "You'll be alone with me. Who takes better care of my ailing hedgehog than me?"

Shadow rolled his eyes. "I am supposed to be a patient," Shadow mumbled. "Not a sex toy."

"What was that, babe?"

"Nothing."

"That's what I thought," said Rouge with a dazzling smile. She walked over to Shadow, wrapping his scarf around his neck and muzzle to protect him from the cold. You see, this would have been a genius idea.

If it were not the middle of August.

And ninety eight degrees outside.

"Rouge, I'm fine. Really. I will heal," and then lower, in a grumble, "And this scarf will only make me melt." Louder, he said in a wheezy voice, "I can go home by myself, Rouge."

Rouge snickered at her friend. "Sorry, hon. Orders are orders, and the doctor said I would have to take care of you."

"He said no such thing."

"Yes he did! Don't you remember? He was telling you that after he prescribed the medicine."

"You just made that up," accused Shadow, crossing his arms over his chest. Finally, he couldn't stand the heat of the woolen scarf and ripped it off, throwing it to the ground.

"You're such a baby sometimes," Rouge giggled, picking up the dirtied rag. She put it into the pocket of her jacket gingerly, folding it before sealing the cloth away.

"And you're a slut. Get over it."

'... He's actually not that far off...' thought Rouge with a sinister grin. 'Oh well, I guess I'll have to "help" him into bed.' She giggled at the idea, almost bursting out in laughter at the quizzical look on Shadow's face at the outburst.

Rouge helped Shadow into her sleek red BMW M3 convertible. Just for him, she threw her jacket over his face, puzzled at the confused cursing and shouting.

They had finally reached Rouge's home. It was modern, rich colors painting the walls. The hardwood floor shone as the sun burst in through the window, making Shadow hiss.

Rouge escorted him to her guest room. It had creamy white walls and a gigantic king sized bed placed in the center. A silvery lamp was placed on a neat end table, a few books stacked on the side. The bed had dark red sheets, the pillows nearly larger then Shadow himself.

Shadow just stared. "THIS is your guest room?" he asked.

Rouge nodded. "I had to give on of the smaller rooms to my guests. Of course, the largest is for me." Rouge helped the frail hedgehog into bed. "The remote for the TV is one the end table and I picked out a few books for you to read. Or if you want other entertainment," her eyes glittered, "You call me."

"I'm fine for now Rouge," Shadow sighed. 'Must she always act like this?' he pondered.

"Well, I'm going out to get you some medicine. Stay in bed, don't open the door for strangers," and in a rushed voice, "Oh and by the way, your friends are coming to visit later! And Sonic will be here to take care of you in an hour with Tails! Bye!" she called. Rouge ran out of the room so fast she could have been mistaken for Sonic.

"What?" shouted Shadow. His only response was the slamming of a loud door. His only thought was: 'this is going to be a loooong day.'

Yay! First chapter done. Time to sleep.

Shadow: What? But you took a nap only an hour ago! And why is Rouge taking care of me? I'm not quite ready to lose my virginity…

Sonic: When do I come in? I wanna annoy Shadow, too!

Don't worry, Sonic. Your time will come. And better, you can be with Shadow!

Sonic: Wahoo! *looks at Shadow with a seductive smirk, sending Roxie screaming with laughter.*

Shadow: … Fuck off… both of you… *slowly walks to the door before Sonic barricades the exit.*

Well that's not nice! And Sonic, the cement for the bricks should dry in an hour, okay? The rope to tie Shadow to the chair is in the basement. And stop trying to call the cops, Shadow! Its hard to cover up a kidnapping! But anyway, see ya next chapter!