Chapter 10 - What? We're a team now?

"I'm sorry to ruin this moment, but I need to run some tests on Commander Rouge." A doctor interrupted, causing me to quickly release Rouge's hand and blush madly. I caught a glimpse of her blushing as well, so I took the moment to sneak away and regain myself. Damn why does that happen? Ugh she's so confusing, she brings out a side of me that I know nothing about. I stood outside the room waiting for the doctor to walk out, after a few moments he walked out and sent me a glare.

"I recommend you stay with her overnight, I put her on some medicine that's very effective, but it's known to give patients harsh dreams."

I nodded as he turned and walked off, writing down notes on his clipboard. I simply returned to Rouge's bedside and sat next to her. For the most part, she seemed normal.

"Welcome back Shady." She said with a smile.

"I was gone for 5 minutes at most." I said with a straight face.

"Oh come on, don't act like you didn't miss me."

"Rouge… I was right outside the door."

"Oh excuses excuses, anyways wanna do me a favor?"

"What is it that you need?"

A smile crept back on her face, I knew this was gonna be trouble.

"I would love a massage."

"I've never given one before."

"There's a first time for everything Shadow, plus you have such a strong grip, you'll be great!" her tone changed to a more seductive tone she tended to use to get what she wanted. To nobody's surprise, it always worked.

"Fine, perhaps I owe you that much."

"That's the spirit! Now turn around so I can take my clothes off."

"Wha- what?!" I looked at her like she was crazy, yet she simply laughed it off.

"Oh my you've got a lot to learn don't ya. Turn around and I'll tell you when to look."

"Rouge…"

"AH AH, Shadow, trust me!"

With hesitation, I turned and faced the wall. I heard her skin tight suit unzip and I heard her moving around behind me, after a moment she climbed back onto the bed and spoke to me.

"Okay Shady, you may look."

Reluctantly, I turned and blushed madly at what I saw. She was lying on her stomach wearing nothing but a black laced thong. She had her head propped on her hands glaring at me. Once she saw my reaction, she laughed and called me out on it.

"Oh Shady, my eyes are up here hon." She said in that same seductive tone. I glanced up and met her emerald eyes, they screamed pleasure. She loves fucking messing with me doesn't she?

I walk up to her and glare at her. "Now what?"

"Climb on the bed and sit on my legs, massage my back and shoulders please!"

I obeyed, I climbed onto her and began to rub her shoulders. "Like this?"

"Ye- yeah holy shit that feels amazing!" she said, letting out a moan filled with pleasure. I began blushing again as I continued massaging her, I couldn't help but keep glancing down at her toned ass. Shadow snap out of it, why the hell am I having these thoughts? Ugh, why is everything so confusing when I'm around her? With everyone else, they're friend or foe, but with her it's like... Ugh.

I continued over the next hour massaging her deeply, we made small talk and chatted about little things, before long she was fast asleep beneath me. Being determined as I am, I finished the massage even though she had fallen asleep. After I finished, I slid off the bed and pulled the covers over her body. This should keep her warm… sleep tight, bat.

After watching her sleep for a few minutes, I felt myself begin to drift off as well. It wasn't long after I had fallen asleep when I was awakened by her scream. I shot up quickly to find her sitting up in bed, panting rapidly.

"Rouge what the hell, are you okay?"

She glanced over and saw me, it was like she instantly calmed down, then I saw a tear roll off her face. I quickly stood and sat next to her on the bed.

"I- I…. I thought you were dead… I was just dreaming." She hugged me tightly, I felt her warm tears rolling down my back.

"Rouge… I'm okay it was just a nightmare, the medicine you're on tends to do that."

After a long embrace and her finally regaining herself, she pulled away and laid back down, still wrapped up in the covers.

"Shady?"

"Hm?"

"Please stay with me tonight."

I chuckled. "I was here when you woke up wasn't I? I'm not going anywhere."

"No, I mean stay with me tonight." She patted the bed next to her, and it hit me that she meant she wanted me to sleep next to her. I suddenly remembered this had happened before my memory was wiped. Don't make a habit of this bat. I remember saying to her, yet here I was, climbing into bed with her once more. She threw the covers over me and wrapped her arms around me immediately, I closed my eyes and laid next to her, except something was completely different this time than it was the last time. I thought on it for a moment, then it hit me. I quickly opened my eyes to find Rouge smiling widely, I felt my face burning up.

"Rouge you realize-

"That I'm not wearing a shirt and my tits are pressed against your chest? Yes Shadow, I'm aware." she said with a giggle.

"I'm guessing you're not gonna put a shirt on?" I asked nervously.

"Awe Shady, does someone not like it? She said in her same seductive tone.

I was still blushing, and to hide my face from her I decided to bury my face in her neck. I felt her relax a little as I whispered to her.

"Goodnight bat."

I felt her lean over, then I felt her lips on my cheek.

"Goodnight, hero." She said, leaving her arms wrapped around me as she pulled me back up, just to place her head on my chest. She drives me crazy… and I like it… what the hell is wrong with me?

The next morning, I found myself still tightly cuddled into Rouge. She hadn't woken me up since her dream, so I assumed she didn't have anymore incidents. I opened my eyes to find her head buried in my neck, I felt her cool breath on my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. Should I wake her, or let her sleep? Fuck it, she had a rough day yesterday… I'll let her sleep. Instead of going back to sleep, I found myself thinking back on the adventure me and Rouge had been on since I landed on the planet. When I laid next to her last night, memories began to flood my head from the past. I assume since we've done this before, it reminded me of the past… I remember so much now, the jewelry store, the RV… such a roller coaster of emotion lies between us… it's almost like we're supposed to be in each other's lives… The thought sent chills down my spine once more. Does that even make sense? Maybe I'll bring it up and ask her once she's-

"Good morning Shady!" her voice broke my thoughts, I glanced down and was met with her warm smile.

"Good morning, I assume you slept better after your dream?"

She nodded, not removing her head from my chest.

"How do you feel?"

She looked up, her eyes still slightly closed from just waking up. "I feel better, I'm not 100% but hey, after yesterday I'm lucky to even be here right now."

I nodded in agreement. "You're damn right, I thought for a second you were actually gonna go off and die on me."

She lifted her head off my chest and was now inches away from my face.

"So you were worried?" she said with a smile.

If it were anyone else this close to me, I would've felt uncomfortable, but with Rouge I was starting to get used to her behavior, she was very hands on, very up in my face and seductive. I could see why she tended to get what she wanted.

"Yes… I was worried about you." I said in a low tone.

"Ah what was that? I couldn't quite hear that Shady."

"Oh bullshit." I said quickly.

She snorted with laughter. "Oh someone doesn't wanna play today?" She held that seductive tone she loved to use against me.

"We need to get you home so you can rest." I replied calmly, lifting her off me and standing from the bed. I was about to grab my shirt when I felt her tug on my boxers, so I turned and met her.

"What now Rouge?"

She held a smile, almost an evil looking one. "Oh nothing, I just wanted to admire your abs before you throw your shirt back on." she snickered and rolled out of bed. I quickly turned away realizing she still had no bra or shirt on.

Dammit, I can't believe I slept with her half naked, what the hell was I thinking.

"Oh so you can sleep with me but you're too embarrassed to look Shady?"

"Let's not discuss this." I quickly shut down the conversation and walked into the hallway, where I met the doctor walking towards the room.

"Ah yes the lovely couple is awake! She's good to go, I checked in on her earlier but you two seemed rather occupied so I let you be." the doctor said after writing some notes on his clipboard.

"Wait… couple?"

Before he could respond Rouge walked out. "Am I good to go doc?"

"Yes Ms. Rouge, just make sure you take about a week off before returning to work, and if you happen to train any before then, no contact allowed, understood?"

"Completely understand doc, thanks for your help."

"No problem." They shook hands, then he glanced over at me. "I trust you'll make sure she doesn't do anything dumb over the next week?"

"I'll make sure to look over her until she's well."

With that, me and the bat headed back to Club Rouge, once we arrived I sat her down on the couch and got her a pillow and a few blankets, she specifically asked to stay on the couch since she didn't have a TV in her room. I ordered us a pizza and told her to watch whatever she wanted, we ate then talked back and forth about our journey.

"Hey Shady?"

"Yes?"

"We've come along way, you know?"

"Somewhat, I remember most of what we've been through."

"Well, I just wanted to say thank you." she held a warm smile, she wrapped her arms around my arm and leaned against me.

"For what exactly?"

"Hmmm, for being there for me after my break up, or how about saving me when GUN shot me? Or even the time where I convinced you to sleep with me on the RV!"

"I enjoyed the jewelry store fiasco we went through, even though you ended up shot, the acting was quite entertaining."

"Yeah, we played good as a couple…" her voice trailed off a bit at the end.

"Is something wrong?"

"No Shady, everything's fine I promise. Hey! Remember that one time you went off and fought Sonic then left me worried all night about you, just for you to return and practically leave me! Jeez I really hated you that day… I didn't show it but I was so disappointed you wanted to leave."

"Well, I'm sorry that happened but, think of it like this, we're together now right? As a team, nobody can stop us! Now, get some sleep okay? If you need me, I'll be up, just yell for me."

"Shady, thanks for everything you do for me."

"Don't worry about it, you'd do the same for me."

After exchanging looks and a quick hug, Rouge laid back and began to fall asleep. Me on the other hand, I was wondering about what was to come. I decided since I would be around Rouge for a while, she would become my main priority. I'll protect her at all costs, once she's well again I'll help her with whatever she needs until I find some other purpose. I know Maria wants me to help others, but after taking down Towers and Eggman, it'll likely be a while before someone else steps up. I'll take this time to grow my friendship with Rouge, there's still a lot I don't know about her…

Suddenly my communicator vibrated, I quietly snuck out and answered.

"This is Shadow."

"Shadow, this is Commander Topaz, I have a proposition for you!"

"I'm listening."

"How would you like to work with GUN?"

"No thanks." I went to hang up but she stopped me.

"HOLD ON! Hear me out, we're gonna give you your own team, a small 3 man squad, what do you think?"

"Hm, as long as I may handpick my other members, then I shall consider it."

"Name them."

"Rouge and Omega."

"Done. Do we have a deal?"

"Deal."

"I'll inform Rouge and Omega that they'll be forming a team with you, any idea what you should call it?"

"You choose, but don't tell Rouge, I'd like to surprise her."

"Okay Shadow, see you next week."

The call ended and I walked back inside, Rouge was sound asleep so I decided to wait until she wakes up. I sat in the chair next to her and leaned back. Should I turn the TV on? Nah, I don't wanna wake her… I closed my eyes and let my mind trail off. I don't wanna wake her? I don't understand these feelings, I don't know why I feel so protective of her, why I'm so comfortable around her… I've never felt it before. No matter, maybe I'll ask her about it. It wasn't long before I felt myself doze off to sleep.

Shadow.

I opened my eyes to find a blond haired girl standing across from me.

"Maria?"

Hey silly, how's my favorite hedgehog?

"Is this a dream?"

Not exactly, I've been given the ability to give you advice. It's up to you if you decide to take it or not, at the end of the day you're your own man.

"Well, what kind of advice do you offer?"

It's about your friend, Rouge.

"You know about her?!"

Haha, yes, I watch over you Shadow, I guess you could call me your guardian.

"My guardian? Maria, I've missed you so much… please stay!"

Shadow, I never left… I'm always here. She pointed at my chest. I'm always in your heart Shadow, I always will be. Now listen I don't have much time, the team you're starting with Rouge and Omega will face some tough challenges soon… you're going to find out who you can truly trust and who's out to get you, but I need you to trust me when I say this, Rouge is the only one that truly seems to go out of her way for you. Make sure you show her you appreciate everything she does for you Shadow, like you did for me back on the ARK, when you got Gerald to cook us some dinner and let us talk about Earth, remember?

"I'll never forget…"

Protect her Shadow, show her you care.

"I… I will, I promise."

Good. I'll be seeing you, Shadow the Hedgehog.

"Maria! WAIT!"

Before I knew it I felt myself shaking awake to find Rouge standing over me.

"Shadow you okay hon? You were shaking like you were having a bad dream."

I sat up catching my breath, I noticed how hot I was. "Yeah… I'm fine, thank you for waking me." I stood up and glanced back at the bat, she had her hand placed on her hip and had a worried expression.

"Shady, why don't you take a shower?"

"Good idea. Are you going out?"

"No, I figured I'd stay in with you tonight… I need to recover anyway."

"True… okay, I'll see you in a little bit then."

"Of course ya will handsome." She said in a seductive tone, walking back over to the couch and lying down. Something about her was mesmerizing, the way she walked, the way she grabbed my attention the way no one else could. What the hell is wrong with me?

I walked into the bathroom and quickly threw off my shirt, I turned the water as hot as possible and let the steam fill the room. I stood glancing at myself in the mirror as my image faded away, I was freaking myself out, my heart was beating out of my chest. Maria… why couldn't you have told me why this happens. I slid my pants and boxers off then jumped into the steaming hot shower, after a moment I adjusted to the water and let it run over my quills. I felt so relieved in the water, as if I had been stressed and the burden was lifted from my shoulders. Show her I care… ugh, I have to try something…

After a few minutes of cleaning and thinking, I hopped out and wrapped myself in a towel, then walked into the living room to find Rouge not on the couch but in the kitchen. Here goes nothing.. I walked over and leaned against the counter, waiting for her to turn around. She was pouring chips into a bowl, for a snack I presume. She turned and smiled widely at me.

"Well look at you all clean and handsome, if I didn't know any better I'd say you like teasing me with your shirt off!" She said with a laugh. Even I had to smirk a bit, I didn't intentionally try and mess with her, but I slowly began to pick up on what she likes.

"Come here." I simply said, in fact it wasn't asking, it was almost a demand. Without hesitation, she placed down the bowl and found herself right in front of me. I leaned off the couch and stood in front of her, then I embraced her deeply, I felt her cool breath against my neck, it sent chills down my spine.

"Thank you for everything you do for me." I whispered into her ear, causing her to shiver as well.

"Shadow… what's gotten into you!" She said with a smile as we pulled out of the embrace.

"I care about you, and I want you to know that."

With a slight blush and the same big smile, she walked closer and grabbed my hand. "And I care about you Shady, I feel so.. so safe around you, I don't know how to describe it, but I feel like you'll never let anything happen to me."

I felt my lips begin to curl upwards, larger than usual. I was actually smiling, and she took notice. "I'll never let anything happen to you, you're right bat."

She grabbed my chin and rubbed it. "You need to smile more."

"You're the only one who's managed to make me smile thus far, but I'll work on that."

We embraced once more, then she walked off with her bowl of chips and sat on the couch.

"Let's watch a movie Shady!"

I walked over and stood behind the couch, arms crossed.

"Not yet."

She quickly looked back and saw my serious expression.

"What's wrong?"

"I have news."

"… well?"

"You, me, and Omega have been selected to an elite group at GUN. I accepted upon our behalf."

She sat for a moment, I honestly expected to see anger, but in response I was pulled over the couch and rolled next to her. Glancing up, she had placed herself on top of me and held my towel closely.

"You just can't stay away from me, can you Shady?" She said in that tone, the tone that always got to me. She ran her hand along my abs and played with my chest fur, then placed a kiss on my cheek.

"I'll happily fight beside you, though I think we could live without the robot."

"He'll grow on you… now can I get dressed now?"

She glanced down at the towel and laughed. "Of course Shadow, go ahead." She rolled off me and gave me a seductive look, I knew the game she was playing, and I liked it.

1 Week Later… GUN Briefing Room with Topaz, Shadow, Rouge, and Omega.

"Agents, I've brought you in here today to officially assign you as a team, as of today, you'll go by Team Dark. Shadow will lead you, but there will be certain missions where you will switch roles, depending on expertise and scenarios. I hate to bring a mission on you guys so early, but we have a rather urgent matter…" Topaz ended with a tone change, from proud to almost nervous.

"What's the problem hon?" Rouge asked.

"Well… Eggman and Towers are still in prison, but one of Eggman's old bases has been having some odd dark energy emitting from it… I need you guys to go check it out."

"I'll check it out, Rouge and Omega need to work on chemistry." I responded.

"Shadow, you need to work with them too!"

"I've worked with them both, I know how they work."

"Fine, Rouge and Omega, you two do training exercises while Shadow investigates and reports back to me, understood?"

"UNDERSTOOD."

"Understood Topaz."

With that, Rouge exited with Omega close behind, while Topaz followed shortly after giving me a nod of approval, I chaos controlled to Eggman's base, not knowing what I was walking into. Upon arrival I could feel the dark energy, it was… unsettling to say the least. I felt how cool the air was, as if some dark entity was nearby. I walked into the base and heard noises coming from the old lab room. Once I entered I saw a dark hedgehog, much like myself, except with dark blue, almost grey stripes along his quills. Across from him was an injured Blaze the Cat. I walked closer and he quickly turned, meeting me with his cold eyes.

"Ah, about time you showed up… Shadow the Hedgehog."

AHHH, cliffhanger for the finale of this story?! IKR, but hey, sequel is in the works as we speak! I finished telling the first "chapter" of Shadows journey in my eyes, and now he will have to face not one, but TWO major enemies. I'm sure if you're familiar with the Sonic games you know who I described there at the end, and I haven't given any hints on who the second villain will be, you'll just have to read my next story for that. Keep your eyes out for "When Darkness Rises." With that being said, feel free to review and let me know what you guys think of Shadows progression, not only with himself but also with Rouge, she's obviously going to play a major role in his life! Feel free to let me know where you see them going, will they always be just partners or will they be more?! Hope you all enjoyed, next story is already being worked on but I probably won't release anything until after Christmas, happy holidays everyone!