Thanks to TheDivines, Thunder Croft, XxCrimsonShadowxX, and Skyelara for their wonderful reviews! As always, they are appreciated :)

Even though it's not Halloween yet, I simply couldn't help myself.

30. Knowing How

The air was cool and crisp, and the night sky was littered with an infinite amount of stars that twinkled and shone like little diamonds. Like a queen, the moon sat on her throne, surrounded by her faithful subjects.

Leaves, ranging from shades of beautiful, bright yellows, soft oranges, and intense reds, fluttered in the breeze. Kids were running about, their laughter loud, cheerful, and infectious. While Sally smiled at the sight, Shadow sneered and scoffed, causing the chipmunk princess to whack him upside the head.

"Why am I even out here, trick-or-treating of all things?" Shadow asked as he nursed the sore spot on his head. Upon Sally's insistence and persuasion, the two of them were going trick-or-treating. They even wore matching costumes. Sally was dressed as a princess because it was easy for her to wear one of her many gorgeous dresses and jewelry and such rather than spend money on a pricey costume.

She went all out for the occasion too, sporting a vibrant, crimson gown that was made of the finest silk money could buy. It hugged her in all the right places and showed off her figure. A crown, golden and embedded with various expensive, priceless gems, sat comfortably on her head

Her hair cascaded down her shoulders in auburn waves, and she wore red eye shadow and matching red lipstick to complete her outfit. She also wore several gold bracelets on each of her wrists, a golden necklace hung from her neck, and she had a gold ring on each of her middle fingers.

Sally looked like the princess she was and put the imitators and wannabes in their place.

Shadow was dressed as a handsome prince. His attire was pretty much the same; he still sported his gloves, hover shoes, and Inhibitor rings. However, he donned on a long red cape that billowed gently in the breeze behind him and a golden crown that looked exactly like Sally's, except that it was a bit bigger.

"Because," Sally began, playfully nudging him with her elbow, "you said you've never been trick-or-treating before, and as your wonderful and amazing girlfriend, it's my job to right such a terrible wrong," Sally explained, a bright smile on her face.

She glanced at him, her sapphire eyes shimmering in the moonlight. Standing on the tips of her toes, she gave him a quick peck on the lips, her smile growing at the flustered expression on Shadow's face. Even though they had been dating for year now, he still wasn't used to kissing and being kissed. Sally thought it was adorable.

Shadow was deeply tempted to screw it all, go home, and pretend this ridiculous notion of him trick-or-treating was some sick and twisted nightmare he'd soon wake up from. However, he knew how much Sally wanted him to have a good time and enjoy himself; she meant well, and her intentions, though at times they made him wonder, were good. So, scoffing quietly, Shadow decided to go through with it. Besides, it was only for one night.

"Fine, I'll do it, but you can never say that I don't love you," he mumbled, stubbornly crossing his arms over his chest. Shadow squealed happily and pressed another kiss to his lips, this one lasting longer than the previous one. He was prepared for this one and eagerly returned it, his arms wrapped around her waist as he held her closer to him.

Coaxing her mouth open, he slipped his tongue inside, inwardly smirking at the soft moan Sally made, her hands tangled in his quills. Before things could escalate, a loud, coughing sound caused the pair to pull apart. Startled, the two looked for the source of the noise and saw four people standing a few feet away from them.

It was Tails, Cream, Marine, and Charmy. They each had a grin on their face and a knowing look in their eyes. They were also wearing costumes; Tails was dressed as a mad scientist, Cream was dressed as a gardener, Marine was dressed as a pirate, and Charmy was dressed as a detective.

"Tails! Cream! Marine! Charmy! Oh my gosh, your costumes are so adorable! Here, let me take a couple of pictures with my camera, okay?" And, tossing her bucket in his hands and whipping out a camera he had no idea she had carried, she ran towards the group of children, gushing over them as she took several, and Shadow did mean several, pictures of them in different poses. She even took pictures of herself with them.

Shadow remained where he was, watching the scene the unfolded before him in bemused amusement. His girlfriend was such a kid at heart, and Shadow loved that about her. It was strangely endearing and cute, not that Shadow would ever dare to utter such fluffy nonsense out loud. He arched an eyebrow, his curiosity growing as he watched her walk back towards him with those children happily following behind her.

"Um, princess, what the hell are they doing here?" Shadow's question was blunt and to the point as he eyed said children warily.

"Oh, they're coming with us. I could've sworn I mentioned that to you. I guess it slipped my mind," said Sally, shrugging her shoulders in a nonchalant manner. Shadow felt his eye twitching; his hands began massaging his temples as he gave her an exasperated look.

"And why are they coming with us?"

"Shadow, you and I are too old to trick-or-treat. Well, not in my opinion, but these dumbass people beg to differ. I mean, who the fuck decreed that you had to be a certain age and under to go knock on some random motherfucker's door for some cheap ass candy you could've gotten from Walmart or Dollar General? Like, seriously, what the fuck!?" Sally paused in her rant, took a deep, calming breath, before continuing.

"Anyways, since I figured our ages were gonna be a possible issue, I've decided that letting Tails, Cream, Marine, and Charmy tag along with us wouldn't make it seem so odd that we're out trick-or-treating." Shadow sighed, a small frown on his face as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"And what do I gain from what I know will be a nauseous, regrettable experience that will no doubt cause me to want to rip my quills out in frustration and give me a vicious headache, dear princess of mine?" Shadow asked. Sally smirked, a wicked look in her eyes as she leaned forward so that the children couldn't hear what she was about to say.

"For doing the heroic, selfless act of going trick-or-treating, I will bestow upon you a most glorious treat. And, rest assured, dear Ultimate Lifeform of mine, this is a treat I know without a doubt you'll enjoy," Sally whispered in his ear. Shadow shuddered in pleasure, easily picking up what she was laying down.

And Shadow was just itching to get a taste of her treat.

Shadow grinned, his spirit suddenly rising as he held Sally's hand and grinned at the four awaiting children.

"Okay kiddos, who's ready to go get some candy?"

"We are!" they each answered him.

"Well, let's go get some!"

Needless to say, Halloween easily became one of Shadow's favorite holidays, next to Valentine's Day, and Christmas. Although, Christmas would forever remain his number holiday because he had the gift that kept on giving, and he had no qualms about what he kept receiving.