53. Overwhelmed

Darkness shrouded Sally's vision like a thick, wooly blanket, and her fingers itched to reach up and remove the blindfold that covered her eyes, but she managed to resist the urge and keep her hands where they were. She didn't want to spoil the surprise Shadow had for her, and she knew he would be peeved if she did so. Normally, she wasn't so impatient. That was more of Sonic's thing than hers, but her aloof boyfriend always said that Sonic's mannerisms were rubbing off on her, and maybe they were.

Either way, she curbed her impatience and simply focused on other things, like the way Shadow's hand felt in hers. He held her hand securely, easily leading the way to their destination, and Sally knew she would follow him to the ends of the world and beyond, she trusted him that deeply. Waking up to him was her favorite way to start her day and falling asleep in his arms was her favorite way to end her night.

"Still not telling me where we're going?" Sally quipped. She could already picture his smug face, so pleased at her obvious impatience. She was tempted to poke her tongue out at him in retaliation, but she didn't want him to have the satisfaction of knowing that he had gotten under her skin.

"Whatever happened to that endless patience you're always going on about having?" Shadow asked instead, nearly grimacing at the sudden tightness that squeezed his hand. Chaos, but she had a strong grip.

"Hey! I'll have you know that I am ordinarily very patient, okay? I mean, I am dating you, aren't I?" There was a teasing lilt in her voice, and the smile on her face was pleased. She didn't need her vision to see that her boyfriend was sporting an annoyed look on his face, lips tugged down in an equally less than pleased frown.

"Nice to know that you're not missing your usually sass, princess. If I were a lesser man, your words would have wounded me." Sally snorted, shaking her head. He certainly had a dry sense of humor. "It's not much longer until we reach our destination, so hopefully you'll be able to stomach my company a little longer."

"Hey! I don't simply tolerate your presence. I love being around you, and being able to spend time with you always brings a smile to my face. You make me feel safe and loved and cared for and…" Her voice trailed off, and she was suddenly grateful for the blindfold because he couldn't see her tears. They were happy tears though; he just made her feel so many things, so many wonderful emotions, and she was suddenly so overwhelmed by the depth of her feelings for him, for all the love she had for him, that she feared her legs would give out.

Shadow steadied her when she trembled, pulling her into his arms, bridal style, and carried her the rest of the way. He took off in a run, his speed no less dizzying even after all this time, and her body relaxed in his strong arms, her hair flying in the wind.

"So it's not just me who feels like this? Like I have the whole world in my arms whenever I hold you. Like I'm risking going blind staring at you because you shine brighter than the sun. Like my heart is full to bursting because it's so full of love and joy because out of all the people in the world you could have chosen to give your heart to, you gave it to and allowed me to keep it, knowing I would love and treasure it until my dying breath."

Sally felt choked up, looking up at him even though she couldn't see him. Her smile was shaky, but sincere, and she wished she could pull him into a kiss and pour all of her feelings into it. She wasn't aware that they had stopped until Shadow had put her carefully on the ground. She stood still, waiting for him to give her the okay to take off her blindfold. And when he did, after a few minutes, Sally opened her eyes, blinky rapidly as light suddenly filled her vision.

When she was able to focus, her eyes searched for Shadow, and she couldn't help the gasp that she made. He was on bended knee, holding out a ring to her and staring at her like she was the most precious treasure. His smile was wide, and in his eyes shone with all the emotions she felt.

He opened his mouth, no doubt about to make a heartfelt declaration of his love for her, but Sally had waited long enough and had tackled him, capturing his mouth in a passionate kiss as they tumbled to the ground.

"So, is that a yes or? Ouch, Amy! You didn't have to hit me!"

"Yes, I did! Can't you see they're having a moment?"

And Sally couldn't help but break their passionate kiss to laugh, pressing her forehead against Shadow's as she stared down at him, drinking in how blissfully happy he looked.

"The answer is yes, by the way. If my reaction wasn't clear." Shadow snorted, pulling her close and pressing a chaste kiss on her smiling lips.