Much love to mewfatima, AmyFloza13, BitterKiss, and of course Pirilaxa! Thanks for reviewing 3 Ya'll are too sweet!

Shadow had holed himself up in the back office of Rouge's nightclub, trying desperately to ignore the muffled pounding of music from outside the door. How Rouge ever got any work done when the club was open was beyond him. The music brought him back to the night he'd spent with Amy, and for a minute he lost himself in thoughts of her, absently chewing on a pen cap as he did so. The back-door opening brought him back to reality.

"Shadow!" Rouge said, offering him a wide grin. "Good to see you."

He eyed her with a bit of apprehension. "What can I do for you this evening?"

"I just thought I'd tell you that you made quite the impression on Miss Amy." Rouge hopped upon the desk and crossed her legs.

His heart skipped a beat. "Oh really?"

"I think she likes you, honestly, it's just…" Rouge tilted her head to the side and hummed for a few seconds. "She said she was done with him, but she's awful torn up about Sonic."

"Maybe she needs a little space."

"Or a shoulder to cry on." Rouge said with a wink.

Shadow's mouth went dry. "I, uh, I don't know about that."

Rouge playfully whacked his shoulder. "Come on, don't leave a girl hanging like that. She's vulnerable. Sonic made her feel unwanted, and if you leave her hanging after all that she'll feel even worse."

Now he felt cornered. He didn't want to admit it, but he wanted to see Amy again… he'd relished the chance to sit with her that afternoon, even if it was only for a few minutes. When he thought of her his heart raced. If Rouge thought it was a good idea, maybe, just maybe, he could make a move on her. "You're not wrong." He murmured, sitting back in his seat.

"You should give her a call or something. Who knows, it could even be fun for you." She teased.

"I don't have any way to contact her."

"I'll give you her number, give me your phone."

Shadow rolled his eyes but did as he was told. "I know it's lots of fun for you to meddle with my life, but I'd like to one day make a decision that you didn't puppeteer."

"It's not just me. Amy asked me to assure you she wasn't upset with you at all. That's why I'm here in the first place, asshat." Rouge replied, handing back the phone. "You know, I think she'd really like you, if she was ever able to acknowledge anyone other than Sonic. This might just be your shot." She added with a wink.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell her things I've said to you privately." He said dryly, saving the contact and setting his phone down on the table. "I don't know exactly what you said, but I know Amy wouldn't have told you that if you hadn't said something."

"Oh, come off it. People gossip, that's life. At least I'm honest about it." Rouge sounded almost indignant. "Give it a try, for me?"

She seemed to misunderstand his apprehension. Crimson eyes lingered on the cell phone for a long moment before he spoke. "If she wanted me for me, I'd do it."

Rouge furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"

"She barely even knows me, Rouge." He sighed. "If she wanted to be with me, I'd do it, but I think she just wanted a rebound. I think I just confused her." He felt somewhat guilty for not having had more control of himself, for not having the sense to stop what happened. He'd asked her, and she'd said yes, but he shouldn't have asked, he should have put her in a cab and sent her home. Then maybe he'd be the good friend come to help her heal from Sonic, and maybe one day more. Instead he made himself the rebound hook up who made it harder to move on properly, and it killed him.

"Shadow, I think honestly if you hadn't slept with her nothing would have changed. I don't think she'd have the resolve to cut Sonic out." Rouge gave him a shrug. "If you think all you could possibly be is a rebound, then either be her rebound or don't. Either way it doesn't really matter. All I'm saying is, if you leave her hanging after you fucked her, you're no better than he is."

Well that was harsh. "You're right," he admitted, making no attempts to hide his bitterness.

"Of course, I am, Shads." She gave him a playful nudge and hopped back off the counter. "I'll leave you to your brooding. See you in the morning, pal."

"Bright and early." He replied monotonously as the door slammed shut behind her.

She was right, though. He didn't have much of a choice. He knew he wanted to call her, and she probably would rather have him call than not. So why was it so hard for him to just pick up the phone and do it? Maybe tomorrow. He thought.

Shadow closed his laptop with a soft sigh and stood, beginning to collect his things. He'd put in more than enough work for the night. Not that going home was much of an improvement. He lived all alone in that big empty house. He sometimes missed the days when Rouge stayed with him. He didn't feel so lonely. He sometimes enjoyed the solitude, but lately every quiet moment brought Amy to his mind.

Maybe that's what I need tonight. He thought to himself as he headed out. Just a quiet night. I can think about what I'm gonna do…

Shadow hated having to walk through the front of the club just to get out of the bar. It was always crowded no matter what day it was. The people and the music were too loud. Sometimes people tried to talk to him. He glared at his surroundings as he passed by the bar but stopped in his tracks when his eyes landed on a familiar figure.

Sonic? He thought.

Sonic was staring down at his drink with his chin rested on one hand. He usually didn't drink, but the man obviously seemed upset. Shadow really didn't feel all that bad for him, but when Sonic casually glanced around and they accidentally locked eyes he feared he may have to feign some sort of sympathy.

Sonic immediately perked up a bit and gave him a smile, waving him over. No, damn it. Shadow shrugged and gestured to the door. 'Sorry,' he mouthed. Sonic's smile faltered just a little, but it didn't bother Shadow, who simply kept heading for the door.

Sonic was such a bizarre character in Shadow's mind. He was kind of an asshole, but everyone liked him anyways. It wasn't like Shadow disliked him, but he was awfully selfish and conceited, and so Shadow did not care much for his company. This didn't stop Sonic's attempts to be friendly with him, though. Shadow figured he only did it because no one really talked to him anymore except Tails and Amy. Now Rouge said Amy didn't want him around anymore…

He must be lonely too.

Shadow stepped into the cool night air and sighed, leaving those thoughts behind him.