This hospital always made her feel uneasy, not that being around sickness or death made it uncomfortable to be here, but the fact every time she came here someone couldn't help but flirt with her. She was used to it when she was on the job, but she'd like not to get asked out every five minutes. She tried not to attract too much attention to herself, with her stature and looks it was difficult to trek unnoticeably. The young bat wore a black pencil skirt with a slimming blazer. Her breasts were covered, or course, yet she could feel the hungry stares of overconfident doctors and lonely older patients. The sooner she got to her friend's room the better. She had some news to share and while she was never a fan of good-byes she felt at least those two jerks deserved one. Her heels clicked softly as she stood in front of the room door, almost deciding to just keep it as things were, just leave and Shadow and Knuckles find out themselves of her departure, but she shook her head. She could never. Not even if she wanted to.
Click. Ker-chak!
The sound of the doorknob alerted the once slumbering hedgehog of the woman's presence. He had been expecting her, but not at this hour since she usually visited in the evening. Knuckles laid resting in his bed, no longer dressed in a gown with numerous I.V cords attached to him like an extension cord, but wearing his old boxing gloves and shoes with some new special arm and leg wraps. It had been a month since Shadow and Knuckles started their training and the doctors had ordered for special upper arm and lower leg wraps for them both. Seeing as Knuckles had been out of commission, mal-nourished and severely brutalized just a little bit over two months ago, after recovering from being bed-ridden for 3 weeks; it was obvious such things would be needed. Shadow had decided a while back that he too had gone too long without cardio training and was losing his speed and edge and figured that he should train alongside the echidna. With this plan in mind he acquired some arm and thigh wraps to ease the tension in his legs and biceps, he even took the liberty of wrapping red sports tape around his hover shoes. He couldn't depend on the rocket function to make him fast anymore. He needed to rely on his own speed.

Rouge felt at ease in the older one's presence even if she was physically older. There was just some form of exuberance emanating from him despite his morose temperament. He eyed her as she rested on the chairs besides her slumbering friend. A few moments of silence passed before she began to softly laugh,

"You haven't been training him too hard have you Shadow? The poor guy looks exhausted. And those wraps?"

"He's not strong enough yet. I have to keep him on a strict regime if we're going to see results. The wraps will help tone and keep his muscles balanced enough to handle a little strain."

"A little strain? It's too soon to be pushing him this hard. He was hooked up to every machine in this room just a couple months ago."

As mission-oriented and strict as the hedgehog was Rouge knew he cared deeply for Knuckles' well-being, so much so that he'd purposely abandon work to check on him, all because of that flat line scare. However, he'd never admit that he cared about him and whenever asked why he was so emotionally invested, he'd just brush it off and insist it was 'just orders'.

'Yeah, whatever' she thought.

Shadow remained soundless, not even making noise for a breath. She took this as a good chance to share her news.

"I got an assignment from the president to locate Lyric and the Doctor. I'm leaving tomorrow."

Shadow remained silent, not seeming to exhibit shock or concern. 'Well, I wasn't expecting tears, but…' she wondered what it was the hedgehog was pondering at that moment. Was he trying to find the words to say, was he simply uninterested or was he trying to stay as stoic and unfeeling as ever? Well, whatever he was doing she took it in stride, used to her former partner's attitude towards most things by now. She turned her attention to Knuckles and reached out for him, but hesitated and retracted her hand. She wanted to hold his hand and tell him she was going to miss him. She sat there with her hand slightly extended, face blank and ears drooped. She had remembered when they first met and when they fought on the ARK and just how much they had grown since then. She'd visit him and he'd give her the softest smile, calling her 'Bat-girl' less and less with every meeting and referring to her real name more often.

It always sounded nice the way he said her name, flowing off his tongue like air, like he couldn't breathe without saying it.

She hadn't realize until now how much she had loved him. But, even she knew what that kind of love would get her and using her better judgement she never went further than mindless flirting whenever they spoke to each other. Her glance moved from one guardian to the other, still sitting in his seat, legs crossed and face resting on the back of his hand. His expression had changed. He had a biggest scowl and it almost frightened her how upset he looked and she wished she could just hear what was in his head at that very moment.

Shadow hadn't even thought about Lyric or Eggman during the month of training he spent with Knuckles. Every day was filled with laps around the base, weight lifting, dieting and an echidna whining for the hundredth time about getting up early.

How did he forget so easily? To him it was just an objective, to get Knuckles stronger and fit to fight. What he was fighting for? Neither of them had addressed it since they started. Knuckles' episodes lessened and they spent time together talking more about training than anything else. It wasn't until Rouge told him about her mission today did he snap out of his routine and remember what his own mission was. To save Sonic, to restore the Master Emerald, and to liberate Mobius from the technophile terrorists. What was G.U.N. planning on doing with Rouge? She was a top-notch spy and fighter, but to send her to track the foe head-on? It sounded like a suicide mission and Shadow just couldn't bear thinking about her getting hurt. She was one of his first allies and friends when he was awakened, even if she was working against him at the time, she genuinely had his back.

He didn't hear her chair scuff against the ground or her heels clicking on the floor, or her steps halting once they made it to his side. Instead, he felt her. He felt her embrace him, herself resting her head on his shoulder and her arms holding him tight. Shadow didn't know what to do. The last time he was hugged was on Prison Island by that little pink girl and that was just a mistake; this was intentional. He let her hold him and knew this was her way of easing his neurotic mind. She knew how much he worried for others even if he didn't show it, like how he rescued her from the bomb on their first mission, despite how easy it would have been to leave her behind. Or how he battle Overlord Metal Sonic despite his target, Eggman, being his only concern. And also how he put aside his past life to destroy the Black Comet. She hoped he knew that too, about how much of a hero he really was, no matter how things seemed to be falling apart around him. Letting go, she turned away quickly and bolted through the door, lest he should see her pained expression.

Knuckles didn't know what to think of anything he just saw. He kept quiet, not stirring or making it obvious he was awake. He just laid there, with one eye slightly open to see Rouge hugging Shadow. He was confused why they didn't say anything, why Shadow looked so dismayed and why Rouge left so quickly. He closed his eyes again and wondered if Shadow would tell him when he woke up.

He didn't.

Knuckles adjusted his shoe straps and kept his eyes on Shadow who had not said a word since the echidna got out of bed. Shadow just nonchalantly put on his jacket and ran his hand through his quills. The echidna didn't know what to think of his friend's behavior and couldn't fathom Shadow omitting something from him. Until today they told each other everything, their likes, dislikes, history and feelings, so why was today so different? Knuckles stretched his arms above his head and decided to take matters in his own hands.

"I haven't seen Rouge today yet. I've been meaning to show her how much I've improved in my training."

"We're doing reps today. 5 sets of 10 push-ups. 10 sets of 10 sit-ups. 2 sets of 2 laps around the base, understand?"

"Um, hello? I was just asking about Rouge?"

"…"

Knuckles wasn't fazed anymore of Shadow's excessiveness when it came to training, but he was a little peeved that Shadow just flat-out ignored him. Shadow walked out the room with Knuckles following shortly after, his shortened locks brushing against his shoulders at a rapid pace. It was times like this that he was reluctantly grateful for the unwanted haircut. He had leaned early in his training it was dangerous to have long hair during a battle. Especially around Shadow. There was an incident where Knuckles dreadlocks came undone from a poorly made ponytail and Shadow reprimanded him by yanking them harshly. A blessing in disguise he supposed.

They entered the courtyard behind the base after an uncomfortably long and quite walk, Shadow not even speaking to the agents and doctors around him. Knuckles went to an open area of the yard and knelt down to start his reps.

"Remember, 5 sets of 10 push-ups."

Still nothing but exercise talk, this was getting annoying.

"Yeah, got it."

Knuckles began his sets and after a few minutes he was almost done with only 2 more sets to go, but he felt something heavy suddenly push against his back and he turned his head around to see Shadow's foot on his shoulders.

"What the hell are you-"

"Don't stop. Keep going. You need to be strong enough not to only handle your weight but the weight of others. You can't save anyone if you can't even carry them."

Knuckles scoffed and continued his push-ups, pushing against Shadow's force each time. When he finished he swatted Shadow's foot off his shoulder and brushed his back off of any dirt he got on him. Shadow knelt on the ground in front of Knuckles as the echidna began his sit-up reps. The hedgehog placed his hands on top of Knuckles' feet and stared at him blankly as Knuckles pushed himself off the ground with his hands crossed against his chest. His cheeks heated up every time he got close to Shadow's face when he went up and became flustered when every time he laid back down he was constantly in Shadow's line of sight. 'Why is he just staring at me? Usually, he'd just stare at my feet or stand off to the side. This was just weird. Something is definitely bothering him. Why won't he just tell me what's up?'

"5 more sets to go, echidna."

"I know, I know. I'm counting too, y'know."

Actually, Knuckles didn't know. How'd he do them so quickly that he's already half-way through? 'Maybe this ridiculous regime is working after all.' When he finished his sit-ups he swiped his feet from the hedgehog's hold, face red from the awkwardness of it. Shadow stood up and took out a stopwatch from his jacket pocket, examining it before pressing the start button.

"Laps start now. 2 sets of 2 around the base. Let's try to not slack off on the last lap like last time, okay?"

Knuckles tightened his leg wrap, face twitching from being tired of hearing nothing but exercise talk from the other so far. Shadow fiddled with his stop watch while Knuckles knelt on the ground his arms extended on the ground in front of him with his legs bent, ready to spring himself forward once the timer had started.

"Remember to not focus so much on the speed, it's the endurance and stamina you need to train-"

"I know already!"

Beep! Beep!

Knuckles pushed off the ground and bolted down the yard, dust erupting from the ground at the force of the echidna's feet. Shadow was left wide-eyed and surprised, caught off guard at the outburst while he watched the echidna barrel down the concrete.

'Knuckles…'

"Hey, Knuckles! Wake up already, lazy-ass!"

Knuckles stirred in his sleep, turning from his position on his back to his sides to look down at his visitor. Sonic stood at the foot of the altar holding a basket as he bore a goofy grin. Knuckles rolled of his resting place on the Master Emerald and called out to his visitor a little grumpier than he meant to.

"What are you doing here, Sonic?"

"Come on, Knuckles, don't be like that. I brought snacks so come down here and let's eat!"

Knuckles smiled shyly as he came down the steps, unsure why the hedgehog was such a sappy romantic. 'What an idiot.'

After the items in the basket had been devoured they relaxed on the bottom steps of the altar. Knuckles rested his body against Sonic's chest, a position he never thought he'd be in six months ago. He couldn't put it into words how strongly he felt for the hedgehog; was it admiration, adoration, or simply love? He didn't know if it was time yet to say that word yet, but he knew his chest was pounding and his hands felt sweatier than usual so that was definitely a tell-tell sign of it, wasn't it?

B-Bmp!

B-Bmp!

B-Bmp!

Knuckles could feel himself being lulled to sleep by the soothing sound of Sonic's heartbeat, his own heart almost in perfect sync. A gloved hand slipped unto his waist and rested delicately against it. Normally, he'd freak out at this kind of contact and end up punching Sonic for being so forward, but right now he felt so calm and relaxed that it didn't bother him in the slightest. It just felt right, to be here, to feel this way, and for the first time he felt completely happy.

"Knuckles."

Strange, Sonic's voice sounded deeper, maybe he was uncomfortable? Knuckles didn't want to think like that, Sonic was the one that initiated this whole thing so why would he be uncomfortable? Knuckles hesitantly looked up, but he wasn't comforted by those emerald eyes, filled with kindness and love. Instead, he saw blood-stained irises, eyes that only knew pain and loss. He glanced down in panic as he saw his boyfriend instantaneously turn into…

"Shadow?"

The hedgehog didn't speak, but his eyes, though piercing and lined with darkness from his past, looked solemn and stoic. His fur softened under the other's touch and Knuckles didn't know whether to be happy to be with his friend or upset that his boyfriend was gone. Knuckles jumped from his position, pushing Shadow away and dashed up the altar away from this intruder. His legs felt heavier with each step he went up and the altar seemed to ascend endlessly, but he would not be deterred. His heart pounded, his legs screamed for rest, and a distant voice called for him.

Knuckles…

Knuckles.

Knuckles!

"Sonic!"

Knuckles screamed back for the hedgehog as his eyes snapped open and his body fell hard against the ground. He rolled, gravel and dirt scratching his crimson fur, his impact against the ground as powerful as a fallen star. When the momentum finally stopped dragging his body across the land he felt his entire body ache and pulse. His heart was erratic, beating hard and fast, while Knuckles throat felt so dry that even breathing was a challenge. He couldn't move, all he could do was stare at his legs spread apart and his dreadlocks messily covered his face. 'Why?' He thought. 'I haven't dreamt about Sonic or had an episode in weeks, so why?' The echidna feared that the dreams returning was a sign, a sign that Knuckles was starting to relapse.

"All because of that asshole, I bet."

Knuckles managed to cough out that last comment as he staggered to lift himself up, elbows starting to buckle. He felt broken, in more ways than one, and he couldn't fathom why he'd let something so stupid like Shadow not telling him about Rouge set him off so badly. 'No, it's not Rouge. It's…'

Shadow raced down the track, looking for wherever Knuckles could have gone. The echidna was well past his time quota and knowing that made Shadow wonder if Knuckles' body finally gave out. .

'Maybe Rouge was right. Maybe I am pushing him too hard. But, he has to get stronger! He wants to find that hedgehog so badly and…I want him to.I just want him to understand how I feel.'

It didn't take long before Shadow saw a figure resting on the ground and when he saw that it was red he kicked it into high gear and wished the echidna wasn't too hurt.

"Knuckles…"

The echidna opened his eyes again.

"Knuckles!"

He lifted himself one more time and as his body finally found the strength to sit up he watched as that dark hedgehog called out for him again, looking quite aggravated.

"Knuckles!"

Shadow fell to his knees as he looked over his friend, checking everywhere from his head to his body. This kind of close inspection was making Knuckles uncomfortable and he had to turn his head away again to avoid showing the other his reddening face.

"You're not bleeding are you? I don't see any bad gashes. Chaos, how hard did you fall? I guess that's it for training today."

Knuckles looked back at the hedgehog, who seemed so genuinely concerned about him that he had to tell him right now how he felt. Raising a hand he grabbed Shadow's arm which rather confused him.

"Knuckles? What is it?"

Knuckles wondered if now was the right time for this, but if not now when? He didn't want to ever feel like this again, like he wasn't strong enough to handle words as well as fighting. He wanted Shadow to know that he wanted be his equal, his partner, but he had to make one thing clear first,

"Shadow?"

"Yes?"

Shadow…

"I hate liars, and if we're going to be partners you have to start trusting me. No lying, no omitting, just straight truth, okay?"

"Knuckles…"
Shadow had that solemn look again.

"Shadow, please. Tell me what's going on."

"Okay."