Beach
The two stopped at the tallest hill of sand and dead, winter grass, overlooking the shore and ocean beyond it. Sonic smiled and slid his hands in his jacket pockets, looking over at the black and red hedgehog standing only a couple feet away from him. He loved taking the dark hedgehog around anywhere he could. Being trapped on the ARK for nearly his entire life, things like this never existed to Shadow. His goal was to make sure the biohog saw everything worth a second glace. How beautiful it all is.
Including the dark faker himself.
He was someone he admired with everything in his being. Shadow had been through more pain and torment then anyone he knew, walked the path of hell to get out if it, then stood up tall and dusted himself off after all of it. He admired how brave he was for that. How strong. Inspiring. It was living proof that no matter how far you fall (literally fall in Shadow's case), you can always get back up.
Shadow had done so much for the world, and especially to Sonic, he had done so much for him. He's done so much that he doesn't even realize. Doesn't get that he's a hero just like the Blue Blur. Doesn't get that he deserves more than what he gets.
Sonic was determined to fix that.
The look on Shadow's face was a good enough award for going out of his way to want to do this. It wasn't even out of his way. He'd learned recently he'd do anything for Shadow; no matter how many miles they run or how high they have to jump. The black and red hedgehog's ruby eyes were gleaming in the cloudy white light, not a frown, but a tiny smile on his face, ears perked up as he looked at the water of the sea and basked in the comfort of it all.
Sonic decides to motion for the black and red hedgehog to follow him over to a bench, the two sitting down side by side, leaning back against the old wooden surface. They're both quiet, simply enjoying this rare moment of serenity, knowing it probably wasn't going to last. They'd relish the peace while they had it.
Looking back over at the ebony hog, he fights that inner battle with himself to finally walk passed that line he's been teading since meeting Shadow. Rouge and Tails both told him to just do it, but it was hard when you didn't know if the person of interest would return the statement. For all he knew Shadow could turn on him, hate him even, but...
He's gotten this far running headfirst into things with little plan, what would be the point of stopping now?
So he reaches for Shadow's hand and takes it in his own, squeezing it firmly with a pounding heart. Shadow blinks and looks over at him, confused by the sudden action, but before he can even question it Sonic is leaning forward, capturing surprised tan lips with his own.
Eyes closed, the two stay together like that for a what seemed like a whole minute, but was actually the span of a second. Sonic pulls back with a red face and stupid grin plastered on it. Shadow is startled, black lids fluttering as he tried to process this sudden act. He doesn't look angry or bothered, however, and Sonic takes that as a good sign. Still squeezing the other's hand, the cobalt hero shrugs as if trying to play nonchalantly. "I'm better with actions then with words," he admits. "Figured I'd just go for it."
Shadow's expression is blank for a moment, cheeks with a slight pink hue to them, as he took in the hero's excuse. Sonic felt his heart leap, worry starting to fill him and make him fidget internally. Did he just make things super awkward? Or was Shadow trying to figure a way out of this? His thoughts are erased however when Shadow sighs and looks away, a very small, almost unnoticeable smirk on his muzzle.
"You're an idiot."
Sonic blinks, ears quirking.
He then smiles like a doofus.
Leaning against his counterpart, he rests his chin on his shoulder, closing his eyes as he squeezed Shadow's fingers tightly in relief and excitement. His nose was practically buried in the side of the striped hedgehog's quills, enjoying the warmth and scent.
"So is it a yes?" his voice is muffled as he asks. He hears another quiet sigh and his head bounces as Shadow takes a turn to shrug.
"I don't see this working out," Shadow says, just as quietly. Sonic pulls back, a look of concern filtered over him, before Shadow continues. "...but I suppose you're going to try anyway?"
Sonic tilts his head, while Shadow turns to look at him. It takes the hero a second, before he smiles and leans back against him.
"Of course!"
The two are quiet, listening to the ocean and seagulls, cold but warm together. Shadow takes his time to answer, leaning back to relax, subconsciously squeezing the azure's hand.
"...don't screw this up."
Sonic grins.
"You know it!"