It was weeks before he saw the pink hedgehog again. Shadow was secretly grateful for that so he could distance his feelings about the woman. It wasn't so much that he was in love with her, rather, he cared about her. This was terrifying to him, because he made the choice not to care about anyone and she just waltzed into the bar and dragged him along for a night he wouldn't soon forget. He started frequenting another bar just so he wouldn't run into her again. His philosophy was if he didn't see her, he wouldn't think about her. It obviously didn't work like that, because he constantly thought of her. The way her hair was in all different directions when she woke up, how graceful she was when she was comfortable, and how easily she enjoyed the small things in life. It bombarded every dream, every thought, and every second of every day. It drove him crazy that one simple night with another person could change someone so much.

"Shadow? Get it together, you're spacing out, hun."

Rouge waved her pristine white gloves in his face trying to get his attention.

"Hm? Oh, sorry. What is it?"

Rouge's face twisted from slight annoyance to concern. She knew this wasn't like him, and couldn't help but worry. He hated when she got like that, worrying over the smallest things. She was the mom friend that everyone seemed to have, but had no children. Shadow waved off her concern and instead focused on the cup of coffee sitting in front of him. Rouge knew that if he was drinking coffee he was drinking the night before, and this would make the 4th time this week. Shadow never did this. He knew how bad it looked, but honestly it was just something to do. After seeing the world, what else is there to do? He didn't have a drinking problem; in all honesty he was just bored. Rouge would never believe that, however.

"Is there something you need to talk about? You know that I'm here for you."

He scoffed at her words. "Rouge, I'm fine. Really."

"Shadsy, I can see it in your eyes. Something's different. Did Maria come back?"

Hearing Maria's name conjured a spark of anger. Why was everyone always reminding him that the love of his life left? Rouge noticed the anger in his eyes and immediately changed her target.

"...Is it someone else? Did you meet someone new?"

Her teasing tone was friendly. He had to remind himself that she wasn't trying to be annoying, and he calmed himself down with a deep breath. That was a mistake, because once he got silent, she gasped and her eyes went wide.

"You did! You absolutely did! Tell me everything Shadsy don't leave out any details!"

He sighed in defeat. Once she got an idea in her head, she wouldn't leave it alone. "No, Rouge. I didn't meet anyone new," he ran his fingers through his quills to collect himself, "I was at a bar a few weeks ago-"

"Shocker"

"Oh ha ha. Anyway, while I was there, Sonic's ex-girlfriend came in and saw me in there. We had a few drinks, but nothing more."

"Which one? Sally or Angelica-whatever her name is?"

"Her name is Amy."

"What about Amy?"

Much to his dismay, the smiling pink hedgehog appeared out of thin air and popped up by their table. After weeks of not seeing her, he couldn't believe her timing. His cheeks got hot as Rouge stared at him in realization, and she shot him a mischievous smile. Please don't do this, Rouge. Don't be yourself right now.

"Amy! We were just talking about you! Come sit with me, hun! Haven't seen you in a long time!"

Shadow dragged his hand down his face, annoyed by Rouge's scene. He tried so hard to stay away from Amy, but alas, to no avail. She looked beautiful today; she was wearing a red dress with some white trim on the bottom, with her quills in loose messy curls. He could have sworn that he's seen her wear that before. He tried not to see how tightly it hugged every curve she had. He silently begged her not to sit down; he knew that Rouge would never let him live this down. He knew as soon as she touched him as she sat down, all his hard work would have been for nothing.

"Oh hi Rouge! You look great! It has been a while, hasn't it?" Her friendly smile turned to him sitting there, and her eyes sparkled when they met his. Shit. "Shadow! I haven't seen you in a while either! Where have you been?"

Rouge gave him a knowing smirk, to which he ignored and kept his eyes on the beauty standing in front of him. She was like a refreshing drink of water after weeks of drought. It was so lovely to see her. He hated admitting that to himself.

"Oh, uh, hey Amy."

He cursed at himself for his awkwardness. Once he said her name, her brows furrowed and she crossed her arms. Was she angry? He just stared at her, unsure of what he said that made her upset.

"Uhm? That's not my name?"

Shadow panicked for a second. Did he forget her name? He was certain that he hadn't. What was she-

Oh. That name.

He sighed under his breath, and tried not to look at Rouge. "Oh, sorry. Hey, princess."

Amy nodded in satisfaction at the nickname and smiled warmly at him. Rouge put her hand over her face to hide the fact her jaw dropped when he called Amy that. He ran his fingers through his quills again, unsure how to handle Rouge when Amy was gone. He dreaded that. Being alone with her after talking with the pink hedgehog. Amy slid into the booth next to Shadow, forcing him to scoot over and be close to her. He tried not to enjoy the warmth she radiated, or enjoy how good she smelled. Was that vanilla? Hazelnut? Whatever it was, it made his mouth water. He helplessly tried to keep from touching her while they sat together, because he knew that if he felt her soft skin again, he might not be able to distance himself from her any longer. Rouge was eating this up, and he couldn't look her in the eye. Of course, this would be this day.

"I have been looking everywhere for you! I went back to the bar hoping to see you again but you were never there! How are you?"

Amy was as lively as he remembered. It was lovely to talk to her again.

"Oh, did you miss me?"

His lame attempt at a joke made her giggle, and she nudged him with her arm.

"Of course! I had such a great time with you last time. Cream and Tails were so happy that you kept me safe so they send their thanks"

Shadow slightly blushed at the thought of other people knowing that she hung out with him. Surely word would get back to Sonic and he would get jealous. That made him happy for some reason. He didn't deserve her.

"Anytime."

He didn't know what to say. He never did. Rouge was practically bouncing in her seat to say something, and she reached out and touched the back of Amy's hand.

"How are you doing, Amy? With Sonic being gone and all? The bastard."

Amy giggled and pat Rouge's hand to reassure her. "I'm totally fine! Sonic isn't dating that princess anymore, and he's back in town! We talked this morning actually"

Shadow's stomach hit the soles of his feet. She was going to go back to that asshole? Seriously? Rouge saw his expression and immediately piped up.

"That's lovely that you guys are on civil terms! You're not going to take him back, are you?"

Amy snorted at the comment. "Oh god no! He wants to reconcile, and a few weeks ago I might have considered it, but I met someone special that I'd rather spend my time with."

His stomach tightened. He was glad that she wasn't going to subject herself to that blue asshole anymore, but it seems like she found someone else. He was happy for her, but hoped the person respected her and loved her in ways that she needed because they all knew that Sonic wasn't capable of that. Rouge leaned in with raised eyebrows, trying to coax a name out of the beautiful woman. She giggled and blushed under Rouge's gaze. Shadow hated being in this booth right now. Her scent was overwhelming, and he just wanted to swim in it. He wanted to feel her hands on him like that morning at his house. He spent weeks trying to forget that night, but now he was thrown right back into it. He wanted to run from this booth and never look back. He couldn't catch feelings, not after Maria. He just couldn't. Get yourself together, you miserable fuck.

"Well?"

"You don't have to answer that, princess. Rouge is just being nosey"

Shadow interjected, trying to silence the prying bat once and for all and for the love of God focus on something else for once.

"Well, I don't know if he wants me to use his name or not. Maybe next time I see him I'll talk to him about giving you his name, Rouge"

Amy smiled at the obviously crestfallen, nosey bat. Shadow admired her strength to set boundaries with others, he had a feeling that she didn't do that with Sonic. Him leaving her changed her as a person, and for the better in most aspects.

She was truly lovely to behold.

"Oh alright, but I will take you up on that," she turned to Shadow and winking as she said it, making him roll his eyes, "I can't wait to meet him, hun."

He was grateful that Amy didn't see Rouge's sly expressions. The pink hedgehog didn't need to be subjected to the bat's crazy personality. Amy turned from Rouge and faced Shadow, and just like that he fell victim to her warm, shimmering eyes. He fought so hard to get away from her and forget her, but now, looking at her, he felt like a fool. Who would run away from her? More importantly, what sane person could?

"So Shadow, how about I take you up on your offer and I come by tomorrow for your cooking lesson?"

He just stared back at her in confusion, in which she giggled at him. "You don't remember? You said you wouldn't mind eating my food and wanted to learn last time I was over."

"Oh, yeah. I forgot. Yeah sure, tomorrow works for me."

"I forgot how to get to your house, obviously, or I would have already been over. Meet me at the bar at ten in the morning," she smiled, and nudged his arm, "No drinking. Obviously. Then we can go back to your place."

He nodded at her, swallowing his heart that threatened to jump in his throat. She was going to be back in his house, just the two of them. It feels like it's been years; he was excited and also terrified. He wasn't ready for any of whatever this was. His soul was excited to finally feel the familiar feeling of love and connection, but his heart was still raw from Maria leaving. He couldn't take it if she left too. There wasn't much more he could take.

"Yeah, sure. I'll be there."

His answer was stiff, but he could barely bark out the words. He refused to even look in the opposite direction where he was sure Rouge was relishing in this. Shadow wasn't easily embarrassed, but Rouge knowing who he was catching feelings for? He would rather die. Satisfied with his answer, the beautiful woman stood up from the booth they were sharing and stretched as they all said their goodbyes. She gave them a lazy wave goodbye as she practically skipped out of the diner. Rouge slapped the table in a laughing fit. She was laughing so hard that no noise was coming from her, so she was just losing it and clutching the table to hold her up. Shadow groaned; he knew she would do this. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment and annoyance, and after a few seconds of ridicule he rolled his eyes and stood up with a huff. Rouge couldn't breathe between her laughing fits, but she reached out and grabbed his arm to prevent him from going anywhere. He wasn't going to stand around and be ridiculed for his vulnerability.

He yanked his arm from her delicate, gloved hand and made his way out into the street. He took solace in the fresh air and began his long walk home. He would usually use his shoes to skate home faster, but a part of him didn't want to go home. He didn't want to become trapped in those four walls and let his thoughts run wild about Amy coming over the next day. Instead, he opted to buy some supplies for his kitchen so Amy wouldn't yell at him for not having the proper equipment. The only kitchen appliance store around was in the last place he wanted to be: in the local mall. He groaned in annoyance and rolled his eyes. He would have to suck it up and just deal with all the idiots who choose to spend their time in a tightly packed warehouse full of overpriced stores and vendors.

He didn't feel like walking the whole way and just used his shoes to get there in seconds. It felt good to have the wind soaring through his quills again, and he arrived at the mall in a better mood. He entered the building through the book store since it was close to the kitchen appliance store and not many people stayed in the book store in the first place. Upon entering, his nostrils were assaulted with the overbearing smell of different coffees and stale pastries. He never understood why they sold food and drink in a bookstore like the patrons wouldn't spill them on the books. Maybe that's exactly what they wanted, to make them buy the ruined books and jack up the profit margin.

He quickly tried to maneuver through the different bookshelves to get to the exit, but much to his dismay he was spotted by Tails and Cream. It made sense that those two would be in the bookstore, but why today? Why did it have to be today? Tails loudly called his name from between some mechanical bookshelves, so he couldn't pretend he didn't hear them. He groaned in annoyance and was greeted by an enthusiastic Cream wrapping him up in a warm embrace. He forced a quick grin and gently pried the rabbit off of him with Tails' help. He laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head as he flashed an apologetic smile.

"Shadow! It's so great to run into you! I wanted to thank you for taking care of Amy for so long! I'm glad I finally got the chance!"

Cream was practically bouncing as she spoke, her enthusiasm never ceasing. Shadow glanced at Tails, he felt bad that he had to deal with this constantly.

"Oh, uh, it's not a big deal. Really."

Cream's eyes widened in disbelief. "It IS a big deal! I had to leave and Amy was by herself, she wasn't in a good state of mind and I cannot tell you how relieved I was when she showed up safe and sound at home the next morning... So thank you, really."

Tails stepped up, and reached his hand out for a handshake. "Honestly, thank you. I know how much she loved Sonic, and I know how much it hurt when he decided to be a dumbass and leave her. Thank you for being there for her, and if you ever need anything don't hesitate to call, okay?"

Shadow didn't know what to say. He just nodded awkwardly and shook Tails' hand. They told him goodbye and returned to the bookshelves and left him alone. Which he was grateful for. He huffed in annoyance and hurried to the kitchen appliance store hoping not to run into anyone else. With a quick internet search, he got the typical materials needed for a functioning kitchen and quickly checked out. He used his shoes to get home in an instant, and as soon as he walked through the front door he let out a long, exasperated exhale. Maria and him used to get into small arguments about him not wanting to be around others. He pushed himself out of his comfort zone to make her happy, but in the end it wasn't enough. It wasn't her fault, she had dreamed of being an Earthling ever since he met her, and she was finally seeing her dream at long last. He was honestly happy for her, but he just wished that he was a part of it. A part of her.

He tried to shove the thoughts of his former partner in the back of his mind as he unpackaged his appliances and put them into their places on his countertops and cabinets. He wasn't trying to impress Amy; it was more so he was trying to come off as a functioning adult that wouldn't garner pity from the woman. He was terrified of her visit the coming morning, not because of his natural personality of being antisocial, but he was scared of Amy becoming another Maria for him, and he couldn't handle that. Not again. Not ever. He knew that his heart was overly guarded, but in his eyes, it had to be. He hated how quickly he buckled under the weight of his affection for the woman when he was in her presence. When he was with her, he lost all control of his senses and it was like when he first laid eyes on Maria for the first time in almost 50 years. She made him feel like he was worthy of love, and that terrified him.

It only took about thirty minutes to arrange his kitchen to accommodate the new items; when he was finished, he just stood in the middle of his kitchen and looked around like a lost puppy. He had no idea how to operate half of this stuff. So much for looking worthless in front of Amy. You don't deserve her kindness, you miserable fuck.

He tried to pass the time by cleaning his house, and numbing his brain with local television. Nothing was able to take his mind off of the pink hedgehog. He decided to get a little practice in with cooking so he didn't look completely lost the following morning, and decided to make himself dinner from scratch. He rummaged through his fridge and finally settled on the one thing he was familiar with: pancakes. He hadn't had them since Amy made them, and it wasn't something he just loved to eat, but she made pancakes...good. In every sense of the word.

He tried to recreate how Amy did them last time, and took his time to look up a recipe and take it step by step. He was proud of himself as he whisked the batter and cooked the food. He got excited to taste them, and once they were all done, he set the table and placed his plate down while he gathered a drink, syrup, and butter. Once he was all set, he sat down and smiled down at his food in excitement. No matter how skilled the pink hedgehog was, there was no way hers were better than these. He spent so much time and care in these things, they had to taste amazing. He excitedly fixed his butter and syrup how he liked and took a big bite. He finally did something good. He cooked good food.

When the food hit his taste buds, he was impressed. He was proud with how good they came out, but they were nowhere near as good as Amy's. His heart sank a little in disappointment, and he couldn't stop himself from imagining the morning that Amy sat right across from him and they shared a meal together. His heart warmed as he imagined Amy sitting at his table again, and her sarcastic remarks that made him laugh. He almost wished she were there now, if another part of him wasn't so terrified. He sighed and ran his fingers through his quills and rested his head in his hand. He never imagined he would be conflicted over a woman, especially after Maria.

He took his time finishing his meal. He mindlessly scrolled through various social media websites on his phone. He rarely checked his social media, so it came as a surprise that Amy had tried to friend him on one of them. He didn't even know she had one. He never saw her with a phone besides the night she spent the night at his house. He accepted the request, and begrudgingly started going through posts and pictures of hers to learn more about her. It felt...invasive, going through her stuff like this. Although he was dying to learn more about the woman, he closed the app on his phone and placed it face down in the table next to his plate. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. His heart rate had spiked seeing that there was a side of her that he had access to. She friended him on her own volition, he told himself, and that made him feel better. He decided to sleep on it, and he would see her in the morning for their lesson. No need to dig through her social life when she will be right in front of him.

He quickly finished his food and washed his dishes; when he hung them to dry he made his way to his bedroom. He needed to shower, to wash away Rouge's teasing and prying into his life, and to wash away his utter horror that he was seeing Amy the following morning. Several weeks of isolation landed him right into her arms.

Was that fate? Or a cruel joke played on him by God?