Alright, I must apologize for not updating this story for so long. It's almost the end of summer vacation and I've nearly forgot about this story. I'm surprised and happy that people have been reading, reviewing, and favoriting this story even in its lengthy hiatus. So, please bear with me if my writing isn't like how it was a few months ago.

A Short but Bittersweet Reunion

It was a Wednesday afternoon, when Shadow the Hedgehog walked through the doors of Club Rouge. He was being steadied by Mami who was dressed in a black and white maid outfit.

Rouge, Knuckles, and I walked up to him as we showed them to the long cushioned seats along the back of the Dance Hall. Shadow sat down, slowly, as his teeth gritted in sync with the pain coming from his treated gunshot wound.

Taking in Shadow's attire which consisted of black pajama bottoms, a black tank top, and a black jacket with its hoodie laced with thick white fur; Knuckles commented on whether Shadow was actually released or escaped his hospital room. He was quickly silenced when Rouge jabbed him in the ribs with her midnight black, manicured nails. Even I sort of thought of the same question, as I noticed Shadow moving with a little difficulty due to his wound.

"Shadow insisted on coming here first before going back to his condo to rest." Mami talked while Shadow took out what looked like a newspaper article from his jacket pocket.

"There was another killing three nights ago," Shadow spoke passing the newspaper to Rouge, who's eyes widened. "This time it was right in front of the club, in one of the alleys. But by the looks of it you guys haven't even heard the news, yet."

"No, it's been busy the past few weeks. The case hasn't even been on our minds during then. But damn, so fucking close?" Rouge sounded more angry than scared. But my feelings were completely vice versa. The killer was here, right in my new home, only a few nights ago and killed someone. My mind reeled back to the incident that put Shadow in the hospital.

I guess the look I had on my face was enough to get Shadow's attention.

"Amy? Are you alright? Did you see anything that night?"

I just shook my head and sat down on one of the bar stools, "Who was the one that got killed?"

Mami's eyes started to water as her lips begun to quiver, and small gasps escaped her breath. For some reason my heart sank to the bottom of my chest knowing that I was the one that made Mami cry, but why did I feel so guilty?

"It was Ashlen. She's one of the maid's at the café. She took the rest of my shift last night after my boss told me to go home and rest after my nosebleed. If I had stayed rather than leave then maybe she would've still been alive . . ." Mami couldn't finish when Shadow's eyes quickly bore right into her.

"You can't just keep basing things on chance Mami. Who knows, maybe his other victim would've been someone in Club Rouge or the fucking gas station." Shadow's voice rose a little. With the complexity of Mami and Shadow's relationship, I could easily guess he was shaken up at how close Mami was to death, again. And not even that, all of us.

My mind went back to the date I had with Sonic at Parfait Café, where Ashlen worked. This killer really needs to be caught before he strikes too close to home and ends up killing someone close to me. I snapped out of my thoughts to see everyone discussing plans on how to sharpen the security, just in case another killing happens nearby and everyone can be ready to take action. I looked at Shadow as I noticed him stand up and cringe a bit.

"Alright, how about we discuss the plans later tonight? Shadow really needs his rest and I doubt he'll make it to his condo." I said.

Shadow looked at me, and he realized what I was motioning at, "You want me to rest here, in your room?"

I jumped off the stool and nearly fell over.

"What? No! I meant on the couch or something."

"Amy's room? That's a good idea. She just finished wash her bed sheets, so that will be fine. Rest up Shads, and don't worry Knuckie will make sure Mami goes and comes from work unharmed." Rouge exclaimed while grabbing Knuckles arm in merriment.

Before I could even object Shadow was straddling up the stairs to my room. I puffed my cheeks out in annoyance. Oh great. A jackass is going to be in my bed now, too.

Knuckles escorted Mami out the glass doors to his car, as I could see him soon speed off down the road and disappear from eye view.

This is going to be a long day. I made my way up stairs to make sure Shadow hadn't fallen down in front of my door, as much as I sort of hoped he would. When I made it in front of my room and tried the door it was locked. I pounded on the door, and received no answer. But a few minutes later my phone vibrated.

Shadow wrote:

I'm currently resting to recover from my wounds, due to your generosity. So please, leave me be till my shift tonight. And another thing, I'd advise you not to leave your panties out in the open like that. I understand pick is your favorite color, but in thong form is not quite my . . . taste.

My face turned the color of beet red, after I read my text. I quickly ran downstairs, to the bartending area, and started to drink some Vodka Black. I didn't care when Rouge started giving me weird stares, but was surprised when she decided to join me anyways. Having a friend like Rouge is both a blessing and a goddam curse from fucking hell.