Sonic stands in front of Shadow's door, fist raised but unmoving. He's a blue bundle of nerves and can't bring himself to knock on the door. This is it. It's finally time to tell Shadow how he feels, but honestly? He's not sure how to say it.

Cream and Amy tried to help by giving him a script, and Sonic has recited the planned confession for the last week now. But the words are not coming to him. He's pulling blanks and can't form a coherent sentence.

Suddenly he's face to face with Shadow.

"Hey. I heard you arrive 10 minutes ago... I wanted to see if you were ok."

Sonic feels a little stupid. He didn't even realize he'd been standing there for so long! "I'm good! Welcome back, Shads!"

He pulls Shadow into a hug, relishing in the warm embrace that's returned to him. Shadow guides him inside, his hand on Sonic's lower back. Crimson eyes finally leave Sonic's face and roam over his body when he steps back to remove his shoes.

"I thought you lost that jacket."

"I may have fibbed." Sonic grins, twirling and blowing a kiss. "But I look good, right?"

Shadow parts his lips, seemingly thinking about what to say before settling. "You do."

Sonic slips the jacket off slowly, knowing Amy will scold him for not wearing it for more than a few seconds. Oh well. Clothes are just a bit annoying, and this jacket doesn't fit his style all that much anyways. When he glances over his shoulder, Shadow has a gaze that just seems so hungry in a thrilling sort of way. Sonic thinks that's a good sign.

"Did you do something with your quills? You look different. You smell different too."

Sonic grins, placing a hand on his hip. "Yeah, I got all dolled up just for you. You like?"

Shadow rolls his eyes but doesn't comment. After one last smoldering look over, Shadow tilts his head towards the kitchen and turns his heel. Sonic follows close behind, taking a seat on a stool. Shadow begins stirring a pot of something on the stove. It smells divine and awfully familiar... But Sonic doesn't want to get his hopes up. "So how was your mission?"

Shadow frowns, taking a deep breath before replying. "I don't want to talk about it. There were some things that are not for light discussion."

Sonic nods, feeling a pang of guilt. He knows that GUN sends Shadow on missions that cause him to question his faith in the world over and over again. He wishes he could do more to comfort Shadow, but he knows distraction works well.

"Well then, what did you make me today?"

Shadow grins wide, and Sonic can't help but stare at fangs. "You're going to love it."

A second later the agent sets down a plate of two chili dogs and homemade fries. Sonic feels like crying.

"I figured I'd give your favorite food a go. It's my first time making chili, but I think it's pretty good. I also made an obnoxious amount, so go stupid."

Sonic is already done with his first one. It's literally one of the best chili dogs he's ever had in his life. And for this to be Shadow's first attempt? Sonic can't wait to taste the perfected version.

"Are you alright?"

Sonic blinks away tears, trying to get a clear view of Shadow. Wait, when did he start crying? Shadow looks so confused and apprehensive that Sonic bursts into laughter. How is he so cute?

"Yeah, I'm good." He wipes the tears from his eyes, laughing harder when he sees Shadow's confused frown.

"Are you sure? What were you thinking about?"

"I just love you so much, Shadow."

Sonic doesn't even realize that he has said that out loud until Shadow's face morphs into the most shocked expression he's ever seen. Plush lips part to reveal a bit of fang, red eyes are wide and unblinking.

"Excuse me?" Shadow's voice shakes and cracks. Somehow it's comforting. Sonic smiles nervously.

"I love you. I have for a long time now."

Shadow blinks slowly before the tension fades away. His shoulders loosen, and ears droop. Shadow's watching Sonic with an intensity that warms his core.

"I... I wanted to ask you out. If that's ok with you? We don't have to, but--"

Shadow raises a hand to stop Sonic all together. "I love you too, Sonic. I would love to take you out on a date."

Sonic can feel the tears welling up again, but before they spill over Shadow sighs. "Give me a minute."

Sonic watches in confusion as Shadow leaves out the back door. He runs to the window of said door, and sees Shadow jogging in the open field behind his home. The hybrid comes to a stop far enough away that Sonic can hardly see him and starts to yell. Sonic only knows because he can hear it, even with all this distance.

"YES! YEAH, BABY, YEAH! FUCKING FINALLY!"

Sonic immediately chortles. To think, Shadow, of all people is so excited by this that he literally ran into the wilderness to scream. Maybe his friends were right. He tries to calm his laughter as he sees Shadow walking back. He runs to sit on his stool.

Shadow enters the kitchen quietly. Well, nearly. He's disheveled and panting, and the sight of it takes Sonic's mind to dangerous territory. Shadow shakes himself and like magic he no longer looks a mess.

"You good there, faker?" Sonic can hardly keep his voice steady, laughter threatening to escape at any moment.

"No, I'm not." Shadow replies smoothly, as if the last few minutes didn't happen. "I've been waiting for you to ask me out for a very long time."

Sonic giggles nervously. "For real?"

Shadow rolls his eyes and crosses his arms with a huff. "I've been flirting with you for about a year now, thanks for noticing."

"Really? When did you start liking me?"

Shadow doesn't think on it for long. "You know that day you called me a fucking asshole?"

Sonic nods with a frown. He isn't proud of his word choice that day. "Then. Of course I thought you were attractive before then, but that was when it really clicked for me."

"You thought I was attractive?" Sonic teases, curling his words. Shadow just smirks in return.

"Of course I did. I do. You're hot as hell and to make things worse, you know it." Sonic giggles. He's not wrong.

"You're gorgeous, inside and out."

Sonic tucks his head in embarrassment. It's so nice to be praised with such sincerity but it's also overwhelming. Compliments just feel different coming from him. Shadow grabs his hand from across the counter. It's nice to know that it isn't just a friendly gesture.

"So were you surprised at all by me liking you?"

Shadow squeezes his hand, and the smirk only grows. "Not at all."

"How?"

Shadow shrugs. "I could tell from your body language and some of the stuff you would say. You like to tease, but there was something that rang different about the stuff you'd say to me. Once we really got to know each other it wasn't a stretch. You also unconsciously performed a lot of hedgehog courting rituals. Instinct doesn't lie. And I have a very sensitive nose. I could smell some of your... intentions."

Sonic is currently rethinking everything he thinks he knows. He was so careful, and normally he can hide away anything that threatens the whole cool guy image he's got going on. And Shadow apparently knows about hedgehog culture? Which shouldn't be as suprising as it is. But wait.

"Smell my intentions? What the heck does that mean?"

Shadow rests his chin on his hand. "I can smell arousal."

Sonic's stomach practically hits the floor. So this whole time...? Shadow must see the question on his face because he nods.

"Yeah, I could tell. The movies and the party. But a few times before that too. Usually during fights."

Sonic has to cover his face. He can't be seen right now. But Shadow just chuckles and talks in that tone that will be Sonic's downfall.

"Don't hide from me, love. The feeling is mutual."

He saunters around the counter to where Sonic's sitting, caging the hero in with his arms. "I've been holding a candle for you this whole time, idiot. You've been on my mind more than I care to admit."

Sonic shudders. The low rumble of Shadow's voice is riling him up and he doesnt know how to hide it. Or if he even should. It apparently doesn't matter.

Shadow leans in, pressing his chest against Sonic's back. "You don't know the hell you've put me through."

Oh he really shouldn't whisper like that, it's positively sinful. And chaos is he purring? Shadow is actually purring and Sonic can't deal.

"Will you finally let me care for you, darling?"

Sonic nods his head frantically. He really needs Shadow to take care of quite a few things right now. Sonic moves to spin and face Shadow fully. Luckily the hybrid shows mercy and allows him to.

As soon as they lock eyes Sonic feels his entire body heat up. The look he's met with is better than any dream he's had. Shadow looks like he'll eat him up here and now - and Sonic would let him.

"May I kiss you?"

"Yes. Please." Sonic isn't sure how he croaks the words out. He sounds desperate, but the flash of approval in Shadow's eyes tells him maybe that's a good thing.

Sonic holds his breath as Shadow leans in. And then releases it shakily as Shadow kisses his cheek. Striped arms come from where they've been caging Sonic so that Shadow can cradle his face.

Shadow peppers his face in kisses - his cheeks, brow, even the tip of his nose. Sonic loves the attention, but he's also eager to get to the main event.

Apparently Shadow can tell, because he whispers against Sonic's cheek. "So impatient."

He pulls back slightly, and they lock eyes once more before lips meet. Sonic feels like he's going to explode. Somehow his whole body feels like it's on fire, while also being electrocuted? He never knew such shock could feel so good. Shadow's lips are soft and skillful against his, turning him into a mess.

Shadow pulls back to admire his work, taking in Sonic's face with devotion. It's enough to throw Sonic even deeper. "You have no idea how long I've wanted this, hedgehog."

"No, you have no idea how long I've wanted this." It's not his best retort but even so Shadow huffs a laugh through his nose.

"I have a pretty good idea, actually."

He pulls in and teases peach lips with his tongue. Nervous but mostly curious, Sonic parts them, granting Shadow access. He quickly learns why people seem to like this so much.

Shadow explores his mouth in a way that has him moaning, the sounds muffled between them. One hand moves from his face to instead grip his hip. Shadow pulls him impossibly closer, and Sonic wraps his legs around Shadow's waist on instinct. He's rewarded with a growl and fangs nipping at his lips.

Shadow moves to nibble and suck at Sonic's neck. Each touch sends shivers down his spine, but what really gets him is when Shadow decides to tease him with fangs before biting down. It's just a touch painful but it only serves to make the pleasure even more intoxicating - it's exactly what Sonic dreamt of.

Actually, it's better.

The moan that leaves his mouth is filthy and catches him by surprise. He startles and pulls back, and instantly Shadow stops. He pulls back slowly to study Sonic's face.

"Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah. Just got a little worked up. Not too bad, for a faker."

Shadow rolls his eyes, but Sonic knows that there's no real annoyance behind it. It's a moment before he realizes that he's still wrapped around Shadow. It's strange how... comfortable this all is.

"We can stop. I'm sorry, I got carried away." Sonic snorts. Never did he think he'd want to take something slow, but here they are.

"Do you want to talk again?"

Sonic breathes a sigh of relief. He wants more - definitely - but not right this moment. He's just glad he doesn't need to vocalize it. "Oh! Yeah, definitely. I've got, like, so many questions."

Shadow carefully removes himself from Sonic's form and returns to the stove, then serves each of them a few chilidogs. "So, go ahead. What do you want to know?"

Sonic thinks on it while inhaling a few chili dogs. There's so much he needs to know about, but what to ask first?

"Why did you wait for me to make the first move?"

"You needed to decide what you wanted on your own, without my desires clouding your judgement." Shadow nibbles on a few fries while Sonic watches him intensely. "I needed to make sure that whatever happened between us was something you truly wanted."

"But I barely realized I had feeling for you! You could have been waiting forever."

Shadow shrugs. "Yeah, but how did it make you feel when you realized your feelings? You needed to figure things out, and me telling you how I felt and what I wanted wouldn't have helped."

Shadow sighs, rubbing one of his inhibitor rings. "I just made it clear that I liked you, but didn't do more than flirting and caring for you in my own way. I would have waited as long as I needed to. It's not like I don't have the time." His smile is lopsided and a little sad.

"Honestly, I would have been fine if you decided we would never have more than a platonic friendship. I just want to see you happy."

Sonic frowns. "But you deserve to be happy too."

Shadow raises a brow. "Yeah, I do. Unrequited love isn't gonna stop me from being happy. Better to have loved and all that." He places his dish in the sink. Sonic doesn't remember even seeing him eat.

"That's part of the reason I didn't tell you. Even now, you're finding ways that you could have theoretically made me happy if I had confessed and you didn't return my feelings. Aren't you?"

Sonic bristles slightly. "I was not!"

"Liar."

It almost rings in the silence between them. Shadow is looking at Sonic with something that's almost bittersweet.

"It's in your nature to take care of people, and to make them happy even if the cost is your own joy. I couldn't let you do that for me."

Sonic hangs his head in guilt. Shadow isn't wrong and it just makes him feel...

"Hey. Don't stress about it. You care more than the average person." Shadow grabs Sonic's hand once more. "It's one of the reasons I love you."

Warmth spreads from Sonic's chest to the tips of his fingers. He doesn't think he'll ever get used to hearing those words. He finishes his food in a flash, forgetting that he doesn't have to hide his feelings anymore.

Shadow grabs his plate and washes their soiled dishes. Sonic watches the task with gusto. He doesn't get how Shadow can look so good while doing the most mundane of tasks. Watching corded muscle under black fur has Sonic feeling ready for more. Maybe they won't have to take things slow afterall.

"Do you think this is weird? Like, I just confessed but right now everything just feels... normal?"

Shadow shakes his head. "It's because we've had feelings for each other for awhile now. The only thing that's different is now we are both aware of it."

Sonic takes the jab without a fight. He taps his fingers onto the counter top before firing off his next question.

"So you're my boyfriend, right? I know we haven't had an official date yet but..."

Shadow glances over his shoulder, grinning. "Yes. We're boyfriends."

Sonic beams, cheeks hurting from how hard he's smiling. Things are going so well! He waits for Shadow silently, too preoccupied with watching his boyfriend to say much.

A few moments more and Shadow is turning to him, wiping bare hands with a towel. Wow, those claws look sharp. Sonic stares shamelessly and nearly whines when Shadow puts his gloves back on.

"Do you want to finish that movie? From last time?"

Sonic remembers what he said when he was half asleep all those days ago, and how Shadow had actually agreed. He had convinced himself that it was a dream. "Oh? Is this our first date?"

Shadow simply walks away and drops himself on the couch, looking at Sonic with a shy playfulness. "If you want it to be. I could always take you out, if you'd like."

"No, this is good. But I am curious to see what a date planned by you looks like." Sonic plops himself right next to Shadow, snuggling close. "You seem sort of old school."

"Well, I'll be sure to make our second date memorable." Shadow wraps his arm around Sonic and holds him close. Sonic melts in the touch, purring when Shadow massages his scalp.

"Whatever you say, old man."

Shadow fiddles with the remote and Sonic decides to check his phone. The group chat has been active with him gone. Everyone wants to know how things are going - what Shadow has said, and of course Rouge would be the one to ask if they've made out yet.

Sonic feels like stirring the pot. Just a little.

Me «heyyyy guys! it's great i told him how i feel and we talked it out. and rouge... yes ;)»

Immediately his phone starts going off like crazy. It makes him feel good that everyone seems so excited on his behalf. He's glad they stood by him and helped him through this, even when he was being dumb.

"Is everything alright?"

Sonic looks up to see that Shadow has the movie pulled up already. He is looking at Sonic with an open curiosity, glancing from his face to the phone in his hand. It's practically shaking with how many texts Sonic's getting.

"Yeah! I, um, told a few people about us. Is that cool?" Sonic probably should have asked him first but hey. He was excited.

"That's fine. Let me guess, Rouge and Tails?"

Sonic nods and adds a few emojis to the chat. "Amy and Cream too."

"Amy?" Shadow sounds... emotionless. It's bizarre considering how open they've been with each other since Sonic arrived.

"Yeah?" Sonic sits up slightly so he can study Shadow's face. "You good?"

Shadow narrows his eyes, considering. "Please don't tease me too much if I tell you, ok?"

Sonic tries to hide his smile. "I can't promise that so just tell me, babe."

Shadow's eyes flash with heat before he sighs and relents. "Well since you asked so nicely..." His sarcastic drawl only amuses Sonic further. "I'm jealous."

"What?" Sonic sits up straight, staring at Shadow in shock. "Why?"

Shadow throws his head back on a groan. "You really don't know?" Sonic shakes his head timidly. Shadow sighs. "You two are always hanging out and she is very physically affectionate with you."

"You and Rouge are very physical too though."

"Yes, we are, but it's different." Shadow runs his free hand over his face. "While I can understand how we can be frustrating to you and Knuckles, we aren't in a faux relationship."

Sonic blinks in shock. There's a lot to unpack here. "Well first off, is that why you and Amy have been weird with each other? Because you two used to be cool."

Shadow nods, turning his face to stare at the screen. His embarrassment shouldn't be so adorable. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"And have you fight me for it? No thanks. That would have ruined any chance I had. We weren't together and Amy is your soft spot. Besides, jealousy happens. But you know that."

Shadow glances at him smugly and Sonic decidedly ignores that last bit even though his ears are burning. "What do you mean faux relationship?"

Shadow looks guilty suddenly, eyes darting away from Sonic's face once more. "Ignore that. I'm just bitter."

"No, you're not gonna get off that easy! Tell me!"

Shadow scoffs and glares at him. "Or what?"

"Hmm, well I guess you won't have anymore smooches from yours truly." Sonic singsongs.

Shadow instantly scowls, crossing his arms. "Fine." He spits out, eyeing Sonic in betrayal.

"We all know that you aren't into her. But... As much as she says she's into you, Amy doesn't actually like you." Sonic's eyes widen in shock. Shadow knew?

"How do you know?"

Shadow looks Sonic up and down before frowning deeper. "It's a feeling. Her body language doesn't make sense. And I'm not calling her a liar but there's just something off when she says she likes you. I asked her about it and... It didn't go well."

Sonic stares down at his hands, wondering. He really needs to talk to Shadow about all his observations.

"I'm sorry."

Sonic looks up quickly. "What? Why?"

"It's a sensitive topic and it's none of my business."

"Don't sweat it. I'm just surprised that you knew when I didn't." Shadow perks up. "Me and Ames talked about it. She's supportive of our relationship."

Sonic doesn't say more. He probably shouldn't have confirmed Shadow's theory either, but it was too shocking not to comment on. Shadow doesn't ask for details, which is a relief. Instead bites his lower lip, worrying the tender flesh as he thinks it over. Sonic wonders what conclusions he's drawing.

"I suppose I owe her an apology. I'll have to stop by her cafe sometime."

Sonic feels touched. Shadow decided to apologize on his own. A few years ago the very idea of that would be laughable. Sonic really is proud of how far he's come. And it would be great for them to make up. Once they do, all of Sonic's closest friends will be getting along. That's the dream!

But Sonic is still wondering about what Shadow said.

"So... you've been jealous of Ames this whole time?" Sonic teases, somehow excited at the idea.

Shadow rolls his eyes, but lips curl into a half smile. "Yes. But if you're going to tease me, beware." Sonic tilts his head and narrows his eyes.

"Who told you?"

Shadow now wears a full blown grin at Sonic's expense. "No one had to. I could tell. But Tails did point me in the right direction at some point."

Sonic feels his stomach drop before his face is cradled, lips pressing against his. Shadow lingers before leaning back, eyes shining with something Sonic can't place. Whatever it is, Sonic likes it.

"Your growl wasn't subtle." Sonic groans at the memory but Shadow doesn't stop. "But I knew before that, sometime after our dinner. Tails and I were talking when I had mentioned that you were jealous. He quickly cleared the air and alerted me to the fact that you were likely jealous of him, not me. I had a few suspicions, like when we went to the movie with Cream, but had always assumed it was my own jealousy and desire to be with you clouding my judgment. So after that I looked back on our most recent interactions and it just made a lot of sense. He also suggested that we try a few things to confirm his theory."

Sonic tucks his head, ears pressing against his skull. He's spent the last few weeks tearing himself up over it. It's just so embarrassing to talk about this.

"Don't be embarrassed, love. I rather like knowing you're a tad possessive. Besides, your growl is sexy."

"That's kinda twisted, Shads."

But Shadow just shrugs before kissing Sonic again and again. Its soft and tender, slow and careful. Sonic can feel his tail wagging wildly at the care. He honestly feels so loved and he didn't think that was possible. It's only when Sonic's quite literally breathless does Shadow relent his affections.

Sonic gasps before diving back into their conversation. "What did Tails suggest to confirm his theory?"

"He suggested that I avoid talking to you directly at the start of the Halloween party. He said that you'd get jealous and distract yourself before circling back to try and find me alone."

Sonic feels his jaw drop. Tails knows him too well.

"Safe to say, he was right. He's been right on a couple things, actually."

Sonic narrows his eyes. He doesn't want to know but he has to know. "Like what?"

"He knew you'd love my costume. Most notably my fangs."

Sonic groans and hides his face with his hands. "Shut up!" It's muffled but he doesn't care. The sound of Shadow's laugh makes him peak through his fingers. It's a full on belly laugh, shaking the entire couch with its force.

"What's so funny?"

"If you're embarrassed now, wait until you see the videos." Shadow wheezes and laughs even harder, but Sonic can't even enjoy it. He finally knows why Tails looked so devious that night.

"No. No. No way. Please tell me you're joking. Please."

Shadow finally calms down, but his voice is still laced with humor. "I'm not joking. You're so cute though."

Sonic grumbles, most of his anger leaving his body with the statement. "I'm not cute. You're cute."

Shadow snorts. "You're adorable. Handsome. Sexy. Stunning. Gorgeous. I'm in awe that you have any attraction for me."

Sonic grabs Shadow's face for a kiss. It's sloppy but passionate and needy. He's never had compliments make him feel so good. Sonic holds on to striped quills for dear life as he pulls Shadow closer. He's in control and wants to savor having Shadow so soft and pliant under him.

When they separate Shadow's eyes are glazed over, lips swollen and glossy. His cheeks are a deep crimson, ears folded, body relaxed and soft to the touch. Sonic really likes this. Shadow leans into his touch further with a sigh.

"So I must say, I think I like your case a lot."

Sonic's blissed out mind takes a few moments to piece together what Shadow means. "You like it? I asked Rouge where you got yours and she got me in touch with the artist. I just got it, like, 2 days ago."

Sonic retrieves his phone from his quills and passes it to Shadow, so the hybrid can study it further. Its black with a red bumper, gold glitter adding some glam. In the left corner there's a small, cartoonish version of Shadow. This chibi is in the agent's infamous fighting stance - arms up and ready for an attack, palms open and ready to knock out his opponent. Sonic's favorite part is the face, though. This tiny Shadow wears a smug grin, as if challenging the viewer.

"It's like you're telling everyone that I'm yours. It's... nice. Hold on, I have an idea."

Shadow nudges at Sonic until he gives the agent enough space to move. He runs to the kitchen, rummaging through a drawer before returning. He removes Sonic's case carefully, before writing a note inside.

Sonic's heart is in his throat as he watches.

Shadow passes it to him with one of those rare smiles - or maybe they're not so rare anymore - and Sonic loves that it's a bit shy. "So you don't forget."

Sonic reads the message inside aloud, face feeling hotter than it was a few minutes ago.

"I am yours, as you are mine." Sonic swallows the lump in his throat and finally meets Shadow's gaze. That look is back again, and now Sonic is starting to think the ebon is showing some possessiveness of his own. Sonic decides he doesn't just like it - he loves it.

He scrambles to get Shadow back on to the couch and as close as possible, straddling him as he presses kisses against plush lips.

"Who knew you were such a sap, babe."

"Shut up, hedgehog."