As was said earlier, Shadow and Rouge were sitting on couch, watching TV. Shadow was slowly drifting to sleep, but he didn't want to seem weak in front of Rou- Scratch that, he wasn't weak. He was the strongest of all, The Ultimate Lifeform. But even he needs to sleep. Rouge looked at him. "Shadow?" She called him, sweetly, looking at him. Shadow nodded; the sign to continue. "Are you tired? It seems you need to sleep." Rouge then looked at his stomach. "And you need to change the bandage to new one." She looked at his face, waiting for the answer. "Damn." Shadow thought. How can she read him so well? Shadow was silent. "I agree about the bandage." He replied "I'll go and change it." Shadow was about to go upstairs, to his room. But... "No Shadow, I'll go and change it. For you." Rouge said, as she grasped hedgehog's hand. The hedgehog himself remained silent. For you? That was unexpected. Rouge put her other hand on her mouth, blushing. "I-I mean I'll change-" "Let's go." With that, Shadow walked upstairs, followed by Rouge. Little did he know, that he was holding her hand. He was blushing, but his face was serious. That looked funny. Once they were upstairs, Shadow opened the door that led to his room. The first thing he saw, was the opened window. "Knuckles." Shadow whispered, gritting his teeth. "What was it?" Rouge asked, standing behind. "Nothing." Shadow muttered. Rouge nodded. "You seat there, I'll be right back." Rouge said, as she ran to her room. Shadow seated himself, holding his head. Everything was so confusing. Rouge quickly ran back. "Lay on the bed, Shadow." Rouge told him, as she held bandages and alcohol. With hesitation, Shadow obeyed. Rouge sat on the edge of his bed. Rouge slowly removed his bandages. They were soaked in blood. Rouge shook her head. She felt bad for Shadow. "Poor Shadow..." She thought. "He's been through all of the suffer and he still manages to stay strong." Rouge thought again. She opened the bottle of alcohol. "What is that?" Shadow asked, scooting away from Rouge. "It's alcohol. I must rub it on your wound, or else you'll get infection." Rouge replied. "No. Just put the new bandage." Shadow almost demanded, crossing his arms. "Shadow this has to be done. Or else it'll get worse." Rouge put her hands on her hips, a little irritated. "Hmph." Shadow said, as he looked away. Rouge was getting more angrier. "Shadow, do you trust me?" She asked, sounding hurt. He opened one eye to look at her. "What?" He asked, hopping she'd drop that. "Do you trust me?" She asked again, her ears low. Shadow's heart tingled. She looked too hurt. Not physically but mentally. "I..." He thought for a moment. Rouge was closest person to Shadow, despite Maria... "For example, I trust you, Shadow..." Rouge looked at him, blushing a little. The tingle in his heart increased. "I trust you...too." Shadow said slowly, looking in Rouge's eyes. She smiled a bit. Pouring alcohol on the bandage, she gently wrapped it around Shadow's stomach. He groaned In pain, It stung. A lot. "There, there, Shadow." Rouge smiled at him. "Now it won't hurt. I promise." She put her hand on the new bandage. "Feeling okay?" The bat asked, looking at Shadow. He could do nothing, but nod. "Good night, Shadow~" Rouge smiled, as she stood up. "Good night." He replied, not looking at her. He was too embarrassed. Rouge smirked, closing the door.

Rouge changed her clothes to her robe. Sighing, she sat on her bed. The bat smiled. She was glad that Shadow is staying at her Club. He was so mysterious. That attracted Rouge very much. She then shook her head. "I am acting like a stupid girl that fell in lo-" She thought then stopped. Rouge layed on the bad. She soon fell asleep, thinking about The Ultimate Lifeform.