The run to Shadow's is therapeutic. Sonic's head is less of a jumbled mess, and he has time to actually think about what Tails said. He's still reeling, but with distance things make more sense.

Well, only a little.

He totally sees how Tails is frustrated when it comes to Amy. For whatever reason Sonic does leap to her defense even when he's hurt by her actions. Even in his conversation with Rouge days before, he felt slightly offended on Amy's behalf. It's just... complicated. He doesn't know why he does it. She's one of his closest friends and Sonic just feels so protective of her. He always has.

Tails thinks it's got something to do with Sonic thinking he deserves that love, or wanting to feel love. Sonic isn't so sure. He's just never thought about it. He's never wanted a romantic relationship to begin with. Amy is his friend, and someone he cares a great deal about. This isn't about romantic love - not for him. If anything, he's always felt that Amy needed him. Maybe letting her believe that they're dating isn't the healthiest way to go about it, but he's always thought that she needed it. Somehow.

As for the other thing... it seems like Tails thinks someone loves Sonic properly. But who? Does Tails think Shadow likes him too? First Rouge, and now Tails. What is going on that two of the smartest people he knows have got things so wrong?

Sonic knocks on Shadow's door, trying to soothe his nerves. He can think about all that other stuff later. Right now he just wants to savor the quality time he has with his crush.

Shadow opens the door and Sonic is surprised to see he's wearing an apron. It's a lovely mint green, with large gold polka dots.

"Hey, Shads." Sonic holds back a laugh when he notices that the ebon is also wearing hot pink slipper socks. They look fluffy and soft. "Quite an outfit you got there. I didn't realize it was fashion week."

Shadow moves to slam the door, but is stopped by Sonic's red sneaker.

"Hey! Take it easy." Sonic giggles, slipping inside and removing his shoes. "I'm pretty sure you invited me here for more than just a peek of all this."

Shadow grunts, and crimson eyes take in Sonic's form slowly. Somehow Sonic doesn't mind the prick of lust he feels from it. Really doesn't mind when Shadow closes the door and steps into his space, those eyes aflame with something that makes Sonic preen.

It's over too quick.

Just when Sonic's breath begins to quicken, Shadow's face falls. It's so fast even he couldn't keep up. Eyes furrow and a dark muzzle scrunches before the ebon takes a step back. A split second later Shadow's trademark blank face is in place.

"What's wrong?" Sonic hates how his voice is higher than normal. But that was weird. What the heck? He files through his brain for an explanation. "Oh, shoot. Is it my cologne? I thought it would fade by the time I got here."

Shadow shakes his head, mouth quirking into a frown. "No. You smell good. It's something else." He turns to walk to the kitchen, motioning for Sonic to follow.

"So are you gonna explain that or...?"

Sonic looks around and notices that the photos from last night are hanging on the fridge, held up by heart shaped magnets. Cute. Shadow keeps his eyes fixed on the cabinets before him, removing two large bowls. "I don't think that would be wise."

Sonic crosses his arms with a frown. "Well why not?"

Shadow finally glances at him, a lopsided smile forming on his face when he sees Sonic leaning on his wall as if he owns the place. "Its not important."

Sonic pushes himself from the wall in a practiced, fluid motion. He steps behind Shadow and wraps his arms around a suprisingly slim waist. Sonic inhales deep, savoring the naturally spicy scent of Shadow. "Just tell me, faker."

Shadow sighs and leans back onto Sonic's chest. He squeezes his eyes shut. It's strange, he almost seems nervous. But this is Shadow. Mr Ultimate doesn't get nervous.

"You smell like Amy."

Sonic rests his chin on a black shoulder. "Oh... is her perfume strong or something? I hung out with her earlier. I didn't realize that you'd be able to smell her on me."

Shadow tenses for a second before relaxing. "... Sure. That's it."

Sonic gets the distinct impression that Shadow isn't telling him something. And that's super weird. Shadow's always super honest, even when it's not a good idea. Maybe he should ask him about it after dinner.

Shadow begins to move and Sonic takes a step back, immediately missing the warmth. His phone begins to vibrate and he pulls it out in a flash. He unlocks the screen hoping it's Tails but is disappointed. It looks like he's just gotten a load of texts from Amy.

Wifey «Hey sweetheart I'm sorry about earlier»

Wifey «I just get so worked up when you put other people before our relationship»

Wifey «What are u up to???»

The messages continue on like that and dear chaos they just keep coming. He really needs to change her contact name. Wifey? That's a bit much, even for her. He opts to mute his phone completely, hoping she gets the hint that he's with Shadow and won't be on his phone all that much.

"Do you need help with anything?"

Shadow shakes his head. "No, I've got everything. You can sit at the table and have some of these though."

Sonic follows Shadow to the dining room, where he places a dish of tiny cabbages in the center. Huh. "What's up with the baby cabbages?"

Shadow looks at him incredulously. "Have you never seen a brussel sprout?" Sonic shakes his head and Shadow bursts out laughing. "Holy fuck! How are you in such great shape when you eat like shit?"

He serves Sonic a small plate of the vegetables, pushing in the chair when Sonic takes his seat.

"They're good, trust me. They're roasted, drizzled with a bit of olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. They don't need much."

Sonic nods, embarrassed by how apprehensive he is. Shadow offers him some wine but Sonic refuses. He asks for an orange soda instead, and Shadow rolls his eyes before pouring him a glass.

"I only have this gross ass shit in the fridge for you, you know."

"Excuse you, my tastes are super refined. I'm not the one who had to have some sort of palette training with Rouge."

Shadow grunts but doesn't say anything further. When he returns to the kitchen, Sonic takes a deep breath before taking a bite. He's pleasantly surprised by the light flavor that hits his tongue. The texture is nice too, the sprout being firm but not too much so. It's even a little crispy on the outside. He's done with his serving before long. He was skeptical, but he can say he actually liked them.

Sonic pulls out his phone to text Tails. He apologizes again, and hopes that maybe the kid will actually respond. He knows that typing things out can be easier for his brother.

When Sonic looks up Shadow has already served them dinner, sans apron. "Ohhh, what is that?"

The main course looks like a sort of pasta, with chicken. There seem to be pepper, and peas? It looks amazing and smells delicious.

"It's a simple chicken carbonara."

It's all Shadow offers, but Sonic doesn't mind. He digs in and immediately melts. The sauce coating the noodles is delicious. It's cheesey but not too much so. The chicken is perfectly tender, bursting with flavor and paired perfectly with the sauce. The peppers and peas add not only bursts of freshness but also texture. Sonic is surprised by bits of bacon that add a savory crunch.

Sonic tries to eat slowly to not gross Shadow out but its proving challenging. Soon the silence is broken.

"Is everything alright?"

Shadow breaks his daze, voice heavy with concern. Sonic nods his head, swallowing a mouthful before asking some questions himself.

"Yeah? Why?"

Shadow twirls his glass before taking a sip. "You seem distant."

"Sorry, I just argued with Tails and I'm feeling guilty about it."

Shadow nods, taking a bite of his pasta soon after. Wait. He's not surprised? No...

"But you already knew that, didn't you?"

Shadow fixes him with a curious look. Bold, considering he's just been caught. "Tails did tell me about it, yes. But I did want to know that you're ok."

Sonic rolls his eyes. Really? Tails had to tell Shads about this? The fox knew he was headed over here. He gets that the two are friends or whatever but Tails knows how Sonic feels. He should've kept it to himself. Sonic doesn't want Shadow to think badly of him. And Sonic feels like he should be able to vent to Shadow. Just him.

"Why'd he even tell you? That stuff was between me and him."

Shadow places down his fork, speaking slowly. "Your brother and I are good friends. I am honored to be someone he feels he can talk to in times of distress. But I can understand how it may bother you."

"Stop. Just stop." Sonic knows he isn't being fair, but this is just annoying. "Stop with the nice words and tell me how you really feel."

Shadow grits his teeth, words muffled as they spill through. "I think it's stupid that you're going to catch an attitude with me over something so trivial."

"That's more like it! About time, faker. Enough with the nice guy act."

"Fine!" Shadow snarls and suddenly all of Sonic's anger is gone. This was a mistake.

"You fucked up. Tails is upset and he has a right to be. I don't know all the details about what you guys talked about - it's none of my fucking business - so don't get all prissy with me. You're obviously dealing with shit, but don't give me that attitude, dipshit. I really just wanted to make sure you're ok. I know that you hate fighting with your brother and you're probably fucking tearing yourself apart for something you said out of anger."

Shadow squeezes his eyes shut with a low growl. The silence gnaws at Sonic, but he waits. He was annoyed but didn't mean to push Shadow that far. The least he can do is wait for Shadow to speak first.

"I apologize for losing my temper."

Shadow leans back and rubs his temple. He taps at the table, the taps getting slower with each deep breath. Soon he seems relaxed. Well, super annoyed, but no longer angry.

"I did not mean to lash out."

"Nah, that's my bad. I just got frustrated and took it out on you."

"It's alright, it happens." Shadow rolls his shoulders and actually manages to smirk at Sonic, raising his glass to his lips.

"You don't need to be jealous you know. You're always going to be his big brother, even if he talks to someone else about his feelings."

Sonic nearly chokes and has to pound at his chest to dislodge the food stuck in his throat. "Jealous?"

Shadow cocks his head to the side, smirk growing even more devilish. "You are. Don't feel bad about it. I think it's adorable."

Sonic feels like a fish out of water. He feels that his mouth is gaping, and he grows stiff. He is jealous - just not of Shadow. He's jealous that Tails and Shadow are friends, that Tails got to vent before he could. He's even a little jealous that the hybrid is on Tails' side, despite the fact Sonic knows he messed up.

But adorable. Shadow said it was adorable. He's misread the situation but thank chaos because he called Sonic adorable.

"Tails is going to be ok. He's not one to be driven by emotion alone. He's frustrated by a number of things, and since he seemingly sees the solution to the problems in front of him it just feeds the flame. Even now it's likely that he isn't angry, just frustrated. But you would know by what better than me."

Sonic grimaces. He knows it's about Amy and him. Tails told him point blank. And Shadow is right; the kid isn't one to let his emotions get the best of him. Tails sees something Sonic doesn't and is frustrated that he isn't operating in the most logical way. But does Sonic even want to know what Tails sees?

"I don't know, Shads. You two seem pretty close..."

Shadow snorts. "Not as close as you two."

They finish up and Shadow gathers their dishes. "Get comfortable while I get these washed. It'll only be a few minutes."

"You sure? I can help clean up if ya want."

Shadow scrunches his muzzle in distaste. "I got it. Besides, a slob like you couldn't possibly be much help."

He turns to the sink, and with that Sonic is left to fend for himself in the living room. He grabs a blanket from the ottoman and settles into the leather cushions. Instantly he's bored. Sonic pulls out his phone, thankful that it's got enough uses to keep him occupied. But after seeing his notifications, he immediately wants to chuck it against the wall.

Amy has called him twelve times. Twelve times in the last hour. What is her problem? She hasn't been this clingy since they were kids. He's also gotten an overwhelming number of texts that he cannot stand to look through. Message after of message of 'where are you, what are you up to, call me' makes Sonic bristle with annoyance. Why is she being like this?

She calls again and out of guilt Sonic answers.

"There you are! I've been trying to get a hold of you all day! Why haven't you been texting me back? We need to talk about our costumes! I know yours fits perfect but mine is--"

Sonic pulls the phone away from his face so he can sigh as she rambles on. He doesn't understand how she does all this and then scolds him. He waits for her to take a breath before he interrupts.

"You know I'm at Shadow's, Ames. We've been hanging out and I just haven't been on my phone."

She huffs and Sonic just knows she's got a hand on a hip. "And? I'm pretty sure Shadow wouldn't mind you texting your girlfriend back. I've been worried sick about you!"

Sonic rolls his eyes, thankful she can't see him. "Why? You don't have to worry about me. I'm Sonic the Hedgehog, remember?"

"It's not any adventures that I'm worried about."

"Then what are you talking about?"

Amy groans and practically snarls at him. "You think I don't know?"

Um. Alright then. Sonic's currently trying to figure out what that means. Amy has never spoken to him like that. Ever. She's screeching and raving about something but Sonic as long since blocked her out. He does not appreciate being spoken to like that. At all.

"Well this has been nice and all, but I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow."

Sonic hangs up and tosses his phone onto the couch. That was just... what even was that? He can feel a growl of frustration just barely being held back in his chest. He knows he shouldn't have answered. But it's Amy. For whatever reason he always gives her chances and lets her in. He has too. She's never talked to him like that, so something must really be bothering her. But what?

He's so lost in thought that he doesn't notice that Shadow has finished the dishes until a heavy hand is resting on his shoulder. He looks up to see Shadow's face twisted in concern, plush lips curled into a pout. Sonic's irritation fades away as he takes in that handsome face.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Sonic shakes his head, pulling at the hem of his sock. "Nah. It's just Ames. She just gets really overbearing, ya know?"

Shadow nods, eyes turning dark with something that makes Sonic nervous.

"I'll be ok. After a night she'll calm down and I'll see her tomorrow. Let's watch these movies!"

"You're seeing her tomorrow?" Shadow asks. It's wrong - stilted and too slow when it leaves his tongue. Sonic raises a brow.

"Yeah? She wants to make sure our costumes are perfect for the Halloween party or whatever."

"Ah."

That dark something grows, leaving Shadow stiff as he turns on the movie. He sits on the other end of the couch, back straight as an arrow. Sonic feels as if it's his fault, but can't figure out how.

He watches the movie the best he can, knowing that Shadow likes it and will want to discuss it later. But his eyes keep darting to where Shadow has hardly moved. He hates how he's not being looked at, or touched.

Well then. Time to take charge.

Sonic scoots down the couch until he's leaning onto Shadow's side. "It's cold." It's all he offers as an explanation, but immediately he feels Shadow relax. Finally. He dares to peak and sees Shadow glancing back with a barely there smile.

"I'm sorry. I was... thinking about some things."

"S'kay. I get it."

They sit like that for a short time before Shadow pats Sonic's knee. "I believe I owe you that dessert."

"Ah yeah! Awesome! What you got for me?"

"You'll see." Shadow leaves to the kitchen and returns with a bowl of something that looks divine. "Peach cobbler with vanilla bean icecream."

Sonic scoots to steal the arm rest, swinging his legs over Shadow's thighs when he sits down. He's thrilled when Shadow allows it to happen, even more so when the ebon doesn't pass him the bowl. Instead, Shadow offers him a bite.

"Open up."

"You know I was joking about that, right? You don't have to actually spoon feed me."

Shadow shrugs, a smirk on his face. "I don't mind it. I like you enough to spoil you."

Sonic faces feels hot. He eats from the spoon, hoping it'll hide the fact that he's been left speechless.

And by chaos that is good. The vanilla icecream is perfectly sweet, and pairs nicely with the flakey crust of the cobbler. The peach filling is spiced and Sonic can't get enough. He moans after swallowing, unbelieving that he gets a whole bowl of this to himself.

His eyes flutter open to witness black ears straight in attention, ruby eyes blown wide, tan lips slightly parted, and a light dusting of red on Shadow's muzzle. It's a look that Sonic absolutely adores. Suddenly dessert is only second best.

Shadow blinks slowly before offering him another bite. Sonic takes it and stares at Shadow until his knee is slapped.

"Watch the fucking movie." Shadow growls at him, though he doesn't actually sound annoyed. Maybe... flustered?

Sonic giggles at Shadow but complies. He turns his head for another bite and Shadow serves him. They continue this dance like that until the bowl is empty.

"Can I have some more?"

"Sure." Shadow cocks his head and raises a brow at him. "But only if you feed yourself."

Sonic groans and flails his legs. "Boo! That's so lame."

Shadow laughs, and Sonic watches the way his eyes crinkle with a warmth in his chest. "I guess you're done for the night then."

"I guess." Sonic crosses his arms and turns his cheek with a huff.

Without warning a gloved hand is guiding his face back, a thumb running over his bottom lip.

"Even with me feeding you, you're still a mess." Shadow brings his thumb to his mouth, licking off the mess while staring at Sonic's lips. "What am I going to do with you?"

It's suddenly very hard to breath.

Sonic's body flushes with heat, hands suddenly clammy and legs like jelly. He sits up a bit more, leaning into Shadow's space hesitantly. Half lidded bright eyes watch him, then suddenly Shadow is leaning in too.

"What do you want to do with me?" Sonic whispers into the space between them, feeling bold. He wants so badly to pounce and pin Shadow to the couch, to lick at his mouth and steal away his breath.

Shadow practically purrs. "I could think of a few things."

Oh fuck.

Feeling returns to his legs and Sonic prepares to push Shadow down. He doesn't know what he's going to do after straddling Shadow but he doesn't care. He's ready, he--

A loud boom startles him and he falls off the couch. Is this real life? Sonic glances at the tv screen where there's an epic battle scene taking place. Oh shoot, did he really miss Burch's arrival to the Mystic Lake?

"I can rewind it. Get up here." Shadow's voice is laced with amusement as he helps Sonic up. Sonic plops down onto the cushions with little grace. Shadow wraps an arm around his waist and Sonic sinks into it. The gentle touch eases the sting of embarrassment.

He's feeling so thrown right now. He and Shadow were so close just then. It's not just him, right? Something is going on here, right? Somic glances at Shadow and sees he's relaxed. Maybe it was just him? Blowing a normal interaction out of proportion? It wouldn't be the first time.

Shadow pulls him closer, and it makes Sonic's head go blank. It's nice to just be held close. He feels safe, and that's not something he experiences with others often. Sonic is so used to being the protector; It's nice to know someone outside of his family has his back, and that they can make him feel secure.

They watch the rest of the movie in a comfortable silence. After the first movie ends, they shift so that Sonic is laying down, head resting on Shadow's lap. It's so comfy and he feels sleep calling to him, but he fights it off.

It's a losing battle.

Shadow begins to comb his fingers through Sonic's quills and it's so soothing. No one's ever touched him like this before; quills can be dangerous even when relaxed and Sonic's never been someone to cuddle with anyone other than Tails. And Shadow too, now. Apparently.

Before he knows it, Sonic is suddenly in motion. He feels it before he can open his eyes for a look around, met with Shadow's chest fur right in front of his face. He reaches up to touch it, fingers lacing through it. It's fluffy. Sonic's tempted to take of his gloves and see how silky smooth the fur really is.

Shadow lays him on the guest bed gently. He tucks Sonic in and the hero feels like his heart is spilling over. He hasn't been cared for like this in a very long time. "I'm sorry, Shads. I didn't mean to fall asleep."

Shadow shakes his head. "It's alright. We can finish the movie next time."

Sonic chuckles, curling onto his side. His eyes are already shut as he breathes out the last few words. "It's a date."

Maybe it's a dream, because he feels the faintest brush of lips on his temple. It's his nicest dream yet, because what Shadow whispers next makes Sonic swoon.

"A date it is, my love."