Shadow did not like that fake hedgehog, Sonic, for the life of him.

His intentions were always very questionable and why exactly the blue one was so desperate to befriend him and get involved in his personal life.

He will never know.

Shadow walked down a path towards his apartment complex just a couple of blocks ahead. He was nearly just about to enter the building until he heard a familiar burst of wind behind him.

"Hey Shads! I've been looking all over for you!"

He turned to face the hedgehog, a lot happier than usual. He was more jumpy, he had the biggest, stupidest smile plastered on his face and clearly he was hiding something behind his back.

"What do you want?"

"Ok, so I know you've been going through a lot of crap and all and especially with uncertainty about everything that's going on with Eggman going quiet and your memory and-"

"Get to the point, Faker."

Sonic shut his mouth closed, his smile slightly fading, "Uh, well, I wanted to get you this."

The sapphire one revealed what he had been hiding from Shadow's sight and it was found to be a blue box with yellow stripes and a red ribbon on it.

"Ta-Da! It's for you."

Eyes glued to the box, he wasn't sure whether to take it or not. Sonic did not just go out to get him a gift, but knowing him…

"Come on, take it. Open it.", he gestured.

Shadow hesitantly took the box into his own grasp and unraveled the ribbon. When opening the box he found a camera within, alongside a small card.

Taking out both items he set the box down and intensely eyed the camera gifted to him.

"So? What do you think?! It's supposed to have the highest picture and video quality and-"

"I don't understand."

Sonic's eyes squinted, puzzled.

"What do you mean it's a-"

"I don't understand you hedgehog, why the sudden lame gift you decided to grant me?"

Sonic's eyes furrowed, "I'm sorry I'm a bit confused, well, the camera it's supposed-"

"I mean what is this?! We're not even friends. I can't stand you, why the gesture? Are you trying to get me to fall for your poker faced trap?"

Dumbfounded and offended by the accusation, "N-no Shadow you don't understand just read the card I gave you-"

"I don't understand? I DON'T understand?! You're the one who doesn't understand! We're nothing but accomplices. Our time together on missions means nothing outside of it."

"B-but wait Shadow-"

"And to prove it I can't be making attachments as such..."

Shadow looked down at the gifted camera knowing what to do to prevent the other hedgehog from bothering him once more with his dull offerings. Before Sonic could make a move, Shadow heaved the camera on the ground beneath, pieces of what once was splattering across the ground top. The camera was beyond repair.

Sonic stood there shocked, eyes widened. A deep feeling of sorrow began to grow. He wasn't sure what he was expecting Shadow to do but it most certainly wasn't that.

"What's WRONG with you?! What's your problem?!"

Shocked by the sudden outburst, Shadow felt mounted as a child being scolded. Sonic was a chill type of guy, not easily angered. He clearly had achieved this.

"All I wanted was to get you a gift. All I wanted was to invite you to our group, to feel included. All I wanted was to be your friend! Apparently that was asking too much!", arms flinged up to the air.

Shadow's face twisted in bewilderment.

"I wanted you to feel included, yeah maybe I was a bit pushy but that's because I know how you've been so hesitant to trust anyone and I've been trying so hard to gain your trust and friendship and approval but no matter what I and the others do you just see it as a major annoyance! I know you've had a troubling past but all I wanted is for you to have something to look forward to, make it worth living and have someone you can lean on and see what life has to give but you keep moping over what doesn't matter anymore!"

He wasn't exactly sure why he was still listening to the Faker but something made him stay. The impending guilt he supposed.

"I had saved up all my rings to buy that camera! If you had just let me explain its significance you would understand why I had wanted to give it to you! A-and all I- I...I w-wanted was to be your frien-", he was tripping over his words, he couldn't finish.

Sonic's eyes watered. He placed his gloved hands over his face taking in a deep breath before he diminished his frustration.

"I-I'm sorry, um, I'm sorry I won't bother you again... I promise this time. I d-don't know what I was thinking. I see my presence is unwanted so I'll fulfill your want. I apologize."

Without looking back at him, he quickly salvaged all the broken pieces of the camera Shadow had thrown in a pit of rage off the ground and ran off leaving the raven alone.

Shadow had made his way up to his small apartment after their encounter. It was now dusk, the night awaiting to take hold. As he pulled out his device from his pocket a card fell along with it. It was the card that came along with Sonic's gift, he had stuffed it away. Picking it up from the floor and settling himself on the edge of his bed he proceeds to read the contents within.

Shadow,

I know this gift was out of nowhere but in case you haven't figured out its significance, think of it as a courtesy. I know you've been struggling with recovering your memories so to ensure something like this won't happen again I thought gifting you something that would preserve the best, special and most important memories to you would be a life saver in case you come to lose your memories again. (Hopefully by Gaia not) You can take pictures of anything and videos of whatever you chose to shoot. I'd hope it would give you a sense of security for the impending future. You never know what could happen so if you do come to lose your memory again, you can always count on that camera of yours. I hope you like it. I had to go store to store until I finally found the one for you. Had to save every leftover ring I had for it. It's apparently one of the best cameras out there in the market so have fun with it. Make some memories!

~ Sonic

A sliver of guilt rose in him. He had been selfish. He thought if he just focused on getting his memories back and focused on what was most important and silenced out all the interruptions everything would work out well.

Little did he realize all Sonic was trying to do was help him, help him be better and be more open. More memorable. Shadow had been struggling with the idea and worried of what if he were to lose his memories again, what he'd do, but a camera that ensured he'd get them back again if it were to happen.

If only he had let Sonic explain his beyond generous gift and allowed him to help him, he would've probably now been in a better place. He saw Sonic as some nuisance but all he was trying to do was help. Help him by trying to befriend him. He had destroyed any chance of gaining his trust and friending him now that he had damaged his gift. He had to make it up to him somehow.

'Somehow…"

Sonic walked into the tech store he had originally bought the camera from the following day. The small ding of a bell caught the clerk's attention as Sonic stood behind the counter. Luckily he had purchased a protection/insurance plan for the camera in case anything happened to it, although he wasn't expecting to come so soon.

Not too far behind, Shadow had followed him. Although he obviously couldn't enter the shop for reasons known he settled to use his enhanced hearing to listen in on the conversation.

Climbing on top of the building and into the air shaft into a vent, he made his way right above Sonic and the clerk. It seemed excessive but he had to.

"Hello, I'm here to talk about my insurance plan for this camera."

The clerk shocked to see the smashed camera sitting on his countertop as Sonic spilled its contents.

"Oh, may I ask what happened to it, Sir?", questioned the clerk as he went to examine the remains.

Sonic sighed, "Let's keep it at giving the wrong person such an expensive item. A mistake on my part."

Shadow's mouth formed a thin line, frowning hearing Sonic's reply.

"I was hoping I could receive a refund or something in return for it."

"I apologize Sir, but all purchases are final. Unfortunately because your camera here is so heavily damaged beyond repair we're going to have to replace it altogether so it'll cost ya."

"But what about the insurance plan for it?"

"It only covers if you lose your photos and videos or if the camera only has mild damages. This camera is completely destroyed, there's no saving it. You're better off buying a new one. I can try recovering everything you have on it onto a seperate device."

'They're telling me this now? Come on…'

"But I'm telling you this purchase was a mistake, there's nothing on it. I don't want a new camera, I would just like my rings back from it."

"I apologize Sir, there's nothing I can do for you without you wasting more money."

He sighed, "So no matter what I do I've lost my money, there's no getting it back?"

The clerk nodded, "I'm sorry, I wish I could do more for you fella but I can't. It's store policy."

"It-It's alright. Thank you anyway.", words said low and a hint of defeat.

With nothing to wager, he piled up the pieces and packed them in a pouch he brought along and made his way out the store. Not only did he lose the chance to befriend Shadow, but he lost all the money that went into his gift. What a stupid mistake. Why did he push it so far? He should've stayed away the moment Shadow asked him to. Maybe Tails can try to repair it, his hands are like miracles in repairing. After all, a camera is nothing compared to a 50 foot tall robot.

Upon Sonic's departure. Shadow was left unsure what to do. He had left Sonic practically with nothing. His generosity went into the ground, the grave, and it was all his fault.

Later that day he had met with Rouge to discuss a G.U.N. project at her home. A knock at the door was unexpected, he pondered if Rouge had invited along one of their co-workers. When Rouge went to open the door, load and behold it was Sonic.

Not expecting to see Shadow either, he made eye contact with him before sending him a quick small smile his way and then turned to Rouge. The real reason he came.

"Ay, Big Blue I wasn't expecting you on this fine afternoon. What can I help you with sweetheart?"

"Hey, sorry for the interruption but you said you had these G.U.N. files in hand for me to pick up?"

"Oh yes! Let me grab them for you. Would you like to come in while I go get them for you?"

Hesitant, wanting to say no but out of respect he nodded. She closed the door behind him as he entered and left to grab the files leaving the rivaling duo alone.

The silence was unbearable. The tension in the room was so thick. Shadow thought he should say something.

"How are you?"

"Peachy." Sonic finished at that, he didn't question him back. He kept his gaze on the hallway Rouge had left awaiting her return. He refused to make eye contact.

Disappointed with the lack of response and refusal to look at him, he thought he'd bring up what Rouge had shared with him earlier.

"I heard in addition to your Freedom Fighters you'd help more on G.U.N.'s side now that you and the Commander have settled on an agreement of coming together against such threats. "

Sonic made a quick glance at Shadow then turned to eye back the hallway, "Yeah." he responded, blatantly.

Again disappointed by the lack of response, biting his lower lip he stared at his hands fumbling on one another. He had to apologize.

"Sonic, um, look I wanted to apolo-"

"Don't. Just don't. I should've listened when you told me to stay away.", eyes remained on the hallway.

Shadow looked down, regretfully. Now that he actually wanted to have an actual conversation, Sonic wanted nothing to do with him, almost once like him again he thought.

It's a lengthy silence between the two until Rouge finally returned with the files.

"These ones on top are G.U.N.'s plans and the ones on the bottom folders are the plans of the Resistance. You let me know if you can get to the bottom of those two and can find a connection. You plan on attending G.U.N.'s meeting tomorrow right?"

Swallowing, unsure. "Can't miss it. Commander's expecting me. I'll meet you there."

"See you Blue."

Closing the door behind her she went back to where she had previously had been sitting near Shadow.

"Sorry, I wasn't expecting him to come by today. Those files have been waiting to be picked up for a better part of the week. Now where were we…"

Shadow's eyes stayed staring at the floor beneath them. Still fumbling with his hands.

"Shadow sweetie, something wrong?"

He looked up at her, brought out of his trace.

"Sorry, I was thinking about something."

"What about?"

Shadow frowned, "I think I screwed up Rouge."

Arms folding on one another and leaning back on her sofa, she was inclined to hear what exactly was wrong with her partner, "How so?"

"With Sonic…"

"Sonic?"

"Yes, maybe so."

She was biting her lower lip, Shadow did not have a liking for the blue one so why suddenly had he become so interested she was unsure.

"Explain more babe."

"Well, you know more than anyone that Sonic was just this annoying person always riling up in my business."

Rouge nodded, asking him to continue.

"But I saw it all wrong, I thought he was trying to get into places that weren't his business but it seems as if he was only trying to help me."

Rouge's head twisted, confused.

"Help me by befriending me."

"Was Sonic's attempts to befriend you a bad thing?"

Shadow shook his head, "That's my point. I kept pushing him away no matter how many times he tried to."

She scoffed, "That's Sonic for you, he's way too kind and wants to be friends with everyone he comes across."

Shadow swallowed, "I thought he was this major annoyance and when I finally understood why he was always getting in my way per say it was already too late."

Eyes furrowed, "Shadow hun I'm a bit lost. What exactly are you trying to explain to me?"

"When Sonic wanted to be friends with me, I pushed him away. Now that I do, he won't even talk to me."

Her mouth formed a thin line, "That's not like Sonic at all. Unless you did something to have led him the other way."

Finally looking up from the floor he finds Rouge staring at him intensely. He looks back down again. "He gifted me this camera. It was suppose to give me reassurance that I wouldn't be too far gone if I were to lose my memories again."

"But?..."

"But I was selfish and ignorant and I got mad and I-I smashed it."

Rouge's eyes widened. Wanting to scold Shadow on how he could do such a thing but reframed herself from doing so as she can see clear as day how incredibly guilty he was feeling. That was enough punishment for her.

"I tried apologizing when he was here but didn't want any of it. I don't know Rouge, I don't know how to make it up to him."

"Soft Shadow. Never I thought I'd see the day you'd actually stopped brooding for once."

Shifting her way to sit next to him, she wrapped an arm around over Shadow neck. "You have to learn to trust people babe, or else you'll end up hurting yourself more and others too. I know and trust me I completely understand that Sonic's eagerness may be irritating but at the end of the day he genuinely cares about so many of us including yourself. You just have to allow yourself to be able to rely. Not everyone is out to get you and you know that."

"So what should I do?"

"Well we do have a G.U.N. meeting tomorrow and both of you will have to be there so, try talking to him after."

He pondered this, he would just need to find the right words.

"Thank you, and I apologize if I had grown naive with you too."

She smiled.

"Thank you, Agents for joining us today in this meeting. I understand you all are incredibly busy but I'll be sure to not take up too much of your time."

The Commander seemed more tolerant than normal. He tended to bark orders and state the facts than offering a nice welcoming to a gathering.

"As you may already perceived, Sonic of the Freedom Fighters has joined us for this meeting. We have decided that our forces alone will not be enough to take down that of Dr. Eggman and if there will ever be a chance, then a truce must be made." The Commander turned to Sonic. "Is that of our agreement Sonic?"

"If I'm working not only under my Fighters and your Agents I'd like to be referred as one as well."

The Commander's eyes narrowed, "Very Well, Agent Sonic. I'd would love to proceed and know if you and the others have been able to find where Dr. Eggman has been hiding?"

"Unfortunately Commander we have no current leads but we have been keeping tabs on his last whereabouts and where his Badniks tend to show up."

"Any idea what he plans on doing moving forward, Agent?"

"Not as of now, but all we know is he is in possession of one Chaos Emerald. What he plans on doing with it exactly is beyond our current knowledge."

"Very well, Agent Rouge and Agent Shadow I suspect you both have something to share."

Rouge proceeds to pull some files she had brought to share of her and Shadow's findings. "Yes Commander, it seems as if the following records of overseas and domestic payments have been distributed under the Doctor's name. It implies that not only is he importing industrials to his current location, he's planning on something big. As Agent Sonic had mentioned, the Doctor is in possession of a Chaos Emerald so he may use the Emerald as a power source towards whatever he plans to bring his blueprints into a reality."

"Adding to Agent Rouge's case, we were not able to track Eggman's location. It seems that the files have been purposely corrupted to prevent suspicion but fortunately for us Agent Dobrin was able to unwind the mess of code."

"Thank you Agent Rouge and Agent Shadow, it seems as we are still stuck on Dr. Eggman's current whereabouts. Agent Sonic if something comes up on our end, you'll be the first to know."

Sonic nodded, "Same goes for you Commander."

"Meeting is adjourned, you are all dismissed."

Shadow quickly eyed Sonic, he wouldn't even look his way.

"Go get him, before he leaves for good.", said Rouge.

Quickly catching up to him before Sonic left his sight, this was his only shot at talking to him.

"Sonic."

Turning to find Shadow, he sighed

"Can we talk?"

"Uh, sorry Shadow I have a lot of important things that require my attention especially with Eggman's silence as of recent."

Shadow took notice Sonic was no longer calling him by his nickname.

"But it is important."

"If it's about what happened a few days ago then no, no it's not. There's nothing to talk about. You do your thing and I'll do mine like you said."

"Look I'm sorry, okay? I was a jerk and ignorant. I didn't know you had wasted all your rings for that camera for me and I was blinded by what I thought was you being annoying but I didn't realize you were just trying to help me. Just give me a chance."

"Shadow I tried with everything to get you to see the bigger picture. I gave you enough chances and you're asking for another? It doesn't work that way."

"Look I can replace that camera for you or return your rings back from it but-"

"You're not listening! For me it hurt more for you to reject my generosity and my attempt at kindness towards you than when that camera was smashed into pieces. Shadow if you don't want anything to do with me then why are you trying?

"But-"

Sonic shook his head, "I'll see you around Shadow."

Once again, Shadow was left behind alone.

It had been two weeks since they last spoke.

It also just so happened to be Sonic's birthday.

How he was able to recall so, he's not entirely sure.

Sitting up from his bedding, Shadow eyes the time. Nearly noon now.

For the past two weeks he'd been trying to actually keep his end of the bargain and stay away from Sonic but it was hard when not only was his rival now more involved with G.U.N. then ever, but because he and Sonic had the majority of the same accomplices, there was no real way of avoiding one another. Maybe he'd take another shot at trying to fix this mess between the two of them.

Clearly the last time around hadn't worked, he realized he was trying to force an apology rather than actually trying to do something about it.

Up and about and ready for the day, Shadow skidded to Rouge's house.

"Tails is planning a party for Sonic this afternoon and invited all of us over, you plan on coming?"

Shadow shook his head, "He wouldn't want me there, I know it."

"Oh please darling, Sonic would never throw you out even in his own party, honest."

"I'm not sure about this time around."

Flustered by his illiteracy, she brought a cup of coffee to the edge of her lips, careful to not drink too quickly as the heat radiates off the morning drink. "Look, you assume Sonic will do all these things to you but you don't really know him, Shadow. You didn't give him the time of day. Maybe he won't settle on talking to you in person but maybe I don't know, uh, send him a card or something. Let him know you want a redo."

'A card.'

"You have to make that move Shadow, if not Sonic's going to have to be the bigger person but we all know by now it won't for a while so why not speed things up?"

Taking a sip of his own coffee maybe Rouge had been right. Maybe it was time to make another move. He turned to her and mumbled a "I will".

"Now, how about that party?"

Colourful Balloons and party strings were placed all through the Rabbits Garden as Music played in the scenery.

Everyone had shown up by the party by then and all wished Sonic a Happy Birthday.

Except for Shadow.

Although he was in attendance he mostly tried to stay away from the scene, he remained by a tree watching from a distance as the event unfold. Sonic had noticed this but chose to stay quiet.

"Happy Birthday to you!"

Everyone sang along

"Happy Birthday to you!

Shadow sang along under his breath.

"Happy Birthday dear Sonic!"

"Happy Birthday to you!"

Blowing out his candles and a huge smile on his face, Sonic was ecstatic. He had only wished Shadow could've been a part of it. Deciding to set their differences aside for just a moment, even going against what Shadow had asked of him, he thought he should offer Shadow a piece of cake, just for the sake of it. He was in a good mood so why not?

Looking up from his view, Shadow was surprised to see Sonic walking towards him with a piece of delicious cake at hand.

"Hey, um, I saved you a piece. It's a chocolate cake with strawberry filling. Vanilla frosting too. Not sure if you'd like it but I thought you'd like a slice."

Being motioned to take the treat, Shadow takes it from his grasp. Genuinely delighted for the blue's confrontation.

"Thank you."

Giving a small smile, Sonic returned to his party. Glad he had kept their convo at a minimum. Today was his day and no one was going to ruin it.

Sonic was fatigued.

Surely he had a great day today and was beyond enlightened by the party and gifts but when you have so much fun and your cheeks start cramping from smiling all day, you're bound to become tired.

He made his way to his bedroom. Closing the door behind him, he was just about to let his mattress sink him like a cloud and take him into a ride of dreams; he was surprised to see a small gift box sitting at the edge of his night stand.

Turning on the lamp that sits on his stand, squinting at the sudden light, he goes to open the card that was left alongside the box and reads what was left for him.

Sonic

I wanted to tell you a grand Happy Birthday. I know our sodality is strained and quite frankly it is my fault for the occurrence but the world sometimes needs a light to lead the way, a leader and that's you.

You and I have been true to my word of staying away from one another and if I'm being honest and even if it hurts my pride, I was in the absolute wrong.

My entire life I've been defined by my past, my mistakes, my worsts and my lowest. I've always been seen as a weapon in the eyes of everyone, meant for denomination.

I was taught to not trust the world as it would blind me from completely fulfilling my duties. I thought if I just stayed true to my and G.U.N.'s word, nothing at wrong would come to me.

But you made it as clear as day how wrong I was. My ignorance towards everyone and especially to you and that of regret. I do greatly apologize.

I understand if you are not willing to forgive right away, I pushed you and all away when the goal was to help me and for that I forever live in regret. But I also live in thankfulness for your thoughtfulness.

Maybe someday I'd be able to fully recover my memories that I have lost and maybe one day I'd be willing to share my experiences that life has put me through to you and the others.

But enough of me, I do know you have done great things and have a large reputation to uphold. You've helped the world and people through everything and for that we owe you so much more than you're given.

Now I ask, would you be willing to give me another shot, a do-over at this? You know just as well as I do, friendships are not my thing but maybe you'd be willing to help me out in that specific field.

If so I'd love to meet with you at Club Rouge tomorrow evening, that is of course if you so chose.

Happy Birthday, I hope you enjoy your gift and I forever regret breaking the camera you had gifted me so let me make it up to you…

~ Shadow

Setting aside the card, he took the box into his hold and pulled away the Ribbon that wrapped around it. Pulling away the lid, he found a pair of metallic, red and white soap shoes inside.

Sonic had always wanted a pair of soap shoes but was far too busy to try to put any kind of use to them. A small smile grew on his muzzle.

Realizing there was another item left inside, he dug further in to find a check.

A check that contained the amount and excess of the original cost of Shadow's camera. All returned back to him.

'I thought I lost those rings forever.'

Maybe he'd give Shadow another chance…

The following day, Shadow waited anxiously at a booth at Club Rouge. He'd been waiting for a hopeful Sonic to arrive but he's been there for well over an hour and a half waiting, It was getting late.

'He's not going to show up.'

Just as he was about to get up and leave, calling the night a bust, he heard a certain someone call his name.

"Shadow!"

He looked up to find Sonic standing just a few feet away from him, a bag lingering over his shoulder.

Sonic walks up to him and sits himself down within the booth, Shadow does so too.

Hands on the table and fingers fumbling over one another, Sonic sat in silence before finally verbalizing.

"Look Shadow, I'd be lying if I said I didn't play a part in this feud we have going on between us. I should've known for someone with your past and trauma not to push too hard and go all out and that was my fault on my part. For that I'm sorry."

"I've forgiven you for that, I should've been more considerate. I tend to not do well with others as you know.

"Obviously…"

"But I really want to try this time and I'd hope you would help me with this time around."

He smiled.

"Of course, that's all I wanted for you."

They fell in silence once again.

"So are we like, cool now? Because I'd like to show you something that I brought."

Shadow's head turned in curiosity.

Pulling off the scrap of his bag off his shoulder, Sonic scuffles inside its contents until he pulled out,

The exact same camera he gifted Shadow before but brand new.

"I used the check you gave me to get a whole new one for you, try not smashing it this time."

Taking it in his hold, Shadow was left shell shocked. The Faker used his money once again to buy him a whole new one. Probably the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for him.

"B-but what about your ring loss?"

"It's just money Shadow. You lose some, you gain some. Rings won't go anywhere."

Looking down and vandalising its features, Shadow couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you, I mean it."

"Anytime Shads, anytime. How about I demonstrate how it works?"

From there, the first photo on the camera was a picture of Sonic and Shadow, at the club both smiling from ear to ear.

Look I know I have stories to update but I had to put something new out for Sonic's Birthday, duh.

Lmbo this might've been a little bit OOC for both characters but hey I liked it. Also I didn't have time to entirely Beta this so if this has any mistakes at all, forgive me. Like my friends on AO3 would say, "no beta, we die like men"

I had this one shot saved on my notes for nearly two months now on my phone and I really wanted to post something for Sonic's 30th and I tried finishing this in time but of course I'm posting this two days AFTER the anniversary because I quite literally wrote a whole lot more than I thought I was going to, whoops. I usually don't write well over 5k words.

How about that Sonic Symphony? It was phenomenal and ended off with Live & Learn. Oh my, I wasn't ready. It was trending all over Twitter. It was crazy! I chose this draft to post because I mean it mostly revolves around Sonic and Shadow and because Sonic just celebrated turning 30 and Shadow 20, I thought this was perfect to post.

I'd also love to credit the now defunct TheAnonymoux, for giving me this idea about the camera scene they wrote in a small section about in one of their stories and I thought it would be fun to write my own version of Sonic gifting Shadow a camera so big creds to them. (Miss you).

Anyway sorry for it being late but Happy 30th Sonic and Happy 20th Shadow! (& Rouge!)

If you'd like to see more content from me check out my Twitter Pup0421.

Thank you for Reading and Review!