Later at eight o'clock that night, Sonic and Shadow had met up, as promised. The scenery was perfect, almost as if someone had pulled it right out of a movie. The moon was just rising, spreading wavy light across the ocean. Neither of the two hedgehogs really knew what to do, now that the beach was practically deserted, except for themselves and any other earthly animals that wandered during the night. A gentle breeze blew onto their faces, making their spines flow along.

"Sooo..." Sonic shuffled awkwardly. "What do you want to do?"

In the dark part of Shadow's mind, he knew exactly what he wanted to do, but he also knew that it would have to wait until and if he gets into a strong relationship with the blue hedgehog.

"Uh..." Shadow shifted his weight to his other foot. "We could go swimming, I guess..."

Sonic automatically perked.

"Hey, y'know what? That's actually not a bad idea!"

"Really?"

"Yeah, why not!"

Before Shadow knew what was happening, Sonic had took him by the hand and ran out toward the water. He wasn't going his full speed, but it still thrilled him beyond explanation. Next, he was dunked into the cool ocean water, shocking his whole body. It was only in shallow water, though he expected to be thrown in deep water. The ebony hedgehog recovered quickly, and responded by playfully bringing a huge splash of salty ocean water upon the blue hedgehog's body. Sonic chuckled merrily

"Hey!" he immediately turned and gave Shadow payback by sending a miniature wave crashing upon him.

"Oh, so that's how it's gonna be, huh?" he replied, grinning. "BRING IT ON!"

They laughed and played in the water for what seemed like hours. They were having so much fun that they didn't have a clue how much time had passed. By now, the sun had gone completely down, and the moon was rising and spilling upon the ocean, making it shimmer and sparkle. With the sun away, it wasn't so warm as it was the previous afternoon. Shadow noticed how perfectly the moon was shining on Sonic's wet spines. Whenever he looked at him, his eyes shined with their emerald green lust.

Sonic... I wonder if you know just how much you mean to me... how much do I mean to you?

Shadow suddenly noticed that he, himself, was shivering. It was, after all, getting colder. He tried to keep his teeth from chattering. Sonic didn't seem to be bothered by the cold. In fact, he was still enjoying himself. He laid flat so he was floating on his back. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He just seemed so... relaxed. It was nearly impossible for him to relax. The adrenaline was pumping through him, and his heart was beating fast. He couldn't help but to stare at the hero. He imagined feeling Sonic's ever-so-soft-looking fur, wrapping his arms around him in a lovable embrace. He imagined feeling his warmth, hearing his heartbeat... even Sonic's lips on his own, and almost tasting the inside of his mouth. Just the thought of all this made him want to drool. But, knowing he was in the presence of his crush, he would not allow himself to do that. In the deep, dark depths of his mind, he also imagined Sonic on a bed with satin sheets, completely nude. He smacked himself for picturing such a thing, but the thought of it was just so... intriguing? No. Sexual, yes, but their was a better way to think of it. It was more... Beautiful. He felt a certain spot down below getting jacked up and hard.

Oh, no no no no no! Don't you even dare! Cut that out!

He thought embarrassingly.

"Hey, Shadow!" Sonic kept his eyes closed as he spoke.

"Yeah?" Shadow replied, feeling slightly awkward.

"I've noticed something."

"Hm?"

"You haven't been calling me Faker, lately."

"Is that such a terrible thing? Do you want me to call you Faker?"

"Not necessarily. It's just a little... odd."

Shadow began unconsciously moving closer to the aqua hedgehog.

"What makes you say that?" He was glad that it was dark. They could still see, but blush wouldn't be visible unless he stood directly in the moonlight.

"It's just... not you."

"Not... me?"

"Never mind..." Sonic stood up in the water, then suddenly realized how close Shadow was. He jumped, but then quickly disguised it as a dive. He came up a few seconds later. A cold breeze blew against the two hedgehog's wet fur. Shadow began shivering.

"Hey, Shads?" Sonic brightened. Now was the perfect time.