7. Eternity
"Wait, what did you say, Shadow?" They were sitting beside each other under the branches of a tree, enjoying the shade it offered them. The sun had begun to set, bathing the world in a picture that only the heart seemed able to conjure up. Sally loved ending her days like this, enjoying the beauty of nature with the person she cared about, but after hearing those words, she found that she couldn't enjoy it like she normally did.
Instead of watching the sun make its descent downward, letting the moon take over its shift, her attention was focused on the hedgehog sitting beside her. His calm demeanor was something she appreciated, and a smile, small and something that she never tired of seeing, graced his handsome face.
"I said," Shadow began, tucking a stray strand of her hair back into place, and Sally was amazed how such an innocent and simple action had pleasure sparking in the pools of her stomach, "do you want to spend eternity with me?" Again, Sally had to applaud him for his composure. How he managed to keep his emotions so in check was beyond her understanding.
He sounded so sure of himself, and not a trace of doubt was in his voice. She, on the other hand, was a jumbled mess of emotions. Ecstatic and pleased, she felt as if she was walking on sunshine. This was the moment she longed for, something she had initially believed that could only exist in her dreams.
"Do you mean it?" Seeing the hurt look on his face immediately made her regret simply blurting out such a question. It sounded offensive and accusatory, as if she couldn't hear the honesty in his words or the truth that shone in his eyes and doubted his sincerity.
However, Sally wasn't the type who liked to assume anything, always wanting to be sure of herself and what she was getting herself into. She wanted to know that they were on the same page, that they wanted the same thing, and that he didn't feel obligated to want to be with her.
Shadow watched her thoughtfully; he noticed the slight fear in her eyes, and he could tell by the way she was hugging herself that she was, in fact, afraid. Her head was now bowed so that her forehead touched her knees, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. His instincts told him to comfort her, to reassure her, so he did just that.
Ignoring her protests, he picked her up and sat her on his lap so that she was facing him, her legs on either side of him and her arms locked around his neck. Her gaze, however, was on everything but him, but Shadow didn't let that deter him from what he was about to say.
"I wouldn't have asked you if I meant otherwise. Sally…" His voice faltered, and he suddenly found himself feeling unsure. When she cast him a curious glance, silently asking him to continue, he took a deep breath before speaking once more. "Sally, you've changed me for the better and loved me with a love no one could ever hope to give me. I want eternity with you, to always have you by my side. Please, just let me know you that you feel the same way."
Sally had her full attention to him, thoroughly surprised that Shadow would make such a declaration and wear his heart on his sleeve. He sounded so lost and desperate, a sharp contrast to how he was behaving earlier, and he sounded as if he feared she would say no and damn him to live a life alone to wallow in constant heartache. She was honored that he would bare himself so openly to her, and she felt her face break out into a relieved smile.
She leaned forward and softly pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, pulling back as she settled herself comfortably on his lap.
"There's nothing more that I'd rather do then to be with you." Truer words have never been spoken. Shadow trusted her, showing him a more fragile, insecure side that only she truly ever got to saw. He was always open and honest with her, trying not to keep anything from her, and that was something that made her love him all the more. The fact that he trusted her enough to give her all of him was all the confirmation she needed, and she realized how foolish she was for even doubting him.
Relief burned in his crimson depths, telling her without words that he was glad she wanted to stay with him. Holding her closely to him, Shadow rested his chin on top of her head, and she lost herself in his warmth and scent, allowing both to lull her into a safe comfort. Never did she imagine that she'd end up in his arms, but Life, she was funny like that.