The conference hall was busy, noisy. At the back was a stage with a long, empty table that had reservation signs for select Ark residents and the three visiting guests. The left side of the hall was cleared to serve as a dance floor while the right side held the buffet area.

Each table near the buffet had a glass figurine as a centerpiece. The decorative pieces caught Maria's eye because their style seemed familiar, so she made her way over to one and leaned in for a closer look.

The glass flamingo reminded her of the glass dog in her room.

"Do you like it?"

She turned to see a heavyset woman with graying hair and thick glasses.

"The centerpiece? Oh, yes, it's lovely."

"That's good to hear, seeing as I crafted them myself. You wouldn't happen to be Maria Robotnik, would you?"

"I am. Who are you?"

"I'm Professor Basin. Shadow the Hedgehog's told me about you."

A realization dawned on Maria: this was the researcher who gave him a bonsai tree and the glass dog figurine. "Nice to meet you, Professor! Shadow told me you collected little glass trinkets, but I didn't know you made them too. Thank you for being so generous with him; we're both very grateful."

"It was my pleasure, dear—He's the one who went out of his way to help us, after all, so I thought rewarding him for his efforts was the right thing to do. He's quite a unique fellow, isn't he?"

Maria beamed. At last, someone she could talk to who appreciated Shadow (aside from her grandfather, his creator).

They chatted about him, the banquet, the art of shaping glass, and bonsai trees before saying how nice it was to meet each other and bidding one another goodbye. The evening was off to a good start.

Maria spotted Abraham at one of the tables and sat next to him. He was cramming his mouth with the food piled high on his plate and wearing a napkin on his chest and another on his lap.

"Hey!" he greeted, crumbs falling down his chin.

"Hey, yourself. How do you like the banquet so far?"

"The food's sooo good! Wearing this stuffy suit was worth it." He pointed her to the buffet so she could grab a meal and dine with him.

It was quite a spread. A wide selection of sizzling meats, bowls of crisp salads, puffy breads, simmering soups, and desserts galore all waited to be devoured. The staff went above and beyond for the trio of important guests, right down to the use of fine china for utensils. Her mouth watered as she took a plate and indulged in everything she wanted.

As she ate with Little Abe, a loud thumping sound interrupted them. From the hall's stage, someone tapped on a microphone, calling for everyone's attention. The long table's chairs were now filled, and the person with a microphone gave a short speech thanking everyone for attending. He gestured to either side of him and introduced the three important visitors. Then he raised a glass and proposed a toast to them and to the Space Colony Ark.

Maria and Abe raised their glasses. Her eyes roamed across the long table and found her grandfather and Shadow sitting at one end. They were too far away to notice her in return.

After the toast, she resumed eating. Once she finished, she listened to the lively music playing overhead. The dance floor on the other side of the banquet room was packed with people swaying and laughing.

She turned to the kid sitting next to her. "Abe, do you want to dance?"

"Yeah!"

He took a few final big bites of food, flung his napkins on the table, and ran ahead of her. He squeezed his way through the crowd until he found a wide, clear space for the two of them. He waited until she was in front of him and then started dancing wildly. He jumped up and down, spun in circles, waved his arms, and stomped his feet.

She laughed, prompting him to make even wilder dance moves, including an incomplete but still-impressive-to-watch handstand. His energetic vibe was hard to resist, so she danced in her own wild way too.

When the third upbeat song faded away, the music shifted into something calmer and slower. Little Abe, out of breath, panted, "That was fun, but now I'm thirsty!"

Maria wanted to spend more time by the dance floor while listening to the pretty music, so they agreed to separate for the time being. She waved as he took his leave, then meandered to a nearby window, watching the dancers for a while before turning to look out into space. She enjoyed the music while watching the stars.

A strange feeling of déjà vu snuck up on her. Puzzled, she glanced around and didn't notice anything unusual until she looked back at the window. The glass reflected someone approaching her, and the sight of him explained everything.

Here she was, stargazing out a window, just like he was back when she searched for him to ask for his help in finding her dog toy. She turned around, thrilled, and stopped herself from rushing forward. Their last meeting wasn't that long ago, so it was strange she wanted to run and hug him like they hadn't seen each other in ages.

Instead, she pulled herself together and said, "Hi, Shadow," as casually as possible.

"Maria," he returned, just as casual. He stood by her side at the window. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Oh, yes, I'm having a great time. How about you?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "My being here was mandatory, but so far it's not that bad. I don't like having to wear a suit and tie, but the Professor said it would make a good impression and I think he was right."

"If nothing else, I'm happy I got to see you in it." She smiled, allowing herself to admire him. She appreciated the new change tonight's special occasion brought to everyone, especially him. And although he didn't have a choice, she was glad he was participating in an Ark event like a truly recognized member.

The tip of his mouth twitched like he wanted to smile back at her. He fell silent instead, crossing his arms in his usual stance.

It was difficult to look away, but for once, she didn't mind staring at him because he didn't seem to mind either. For a while, it was just them, the stars, and the music. After a long moment, she told him of her encounter with Professor Basin.

"Did you know she made those glass figurines on the tables? I thought she just collected them."

"So she's a grower, a collector, and a crafter? I would say I'm surprised, but at this point, why bother?" He smirked and shook his head amusedly. "I'm glad you got to meet her."

He continued watching the stars and she continued to stare. The music faded again and a different track took its place. It was softer and prettier than the last and made her think of crystals gleaming in a cave on a snowy night.

She wondered if he was listening too, or focusing on his thoughts. She blinked at him, wondering...

He glanced at her.

It was quick, but when their eyes met, her heart lurched. That one moment of contact strengthened her resolve. She had to know.

"Shadow... How do you feel about dancing with me?"

She asked the question gently, purposely. As much as she liked the idea of taking his hand and guiding him to the dance floor, it wasn't what she wanted the most. What she truly craved was knowing what he liked and what he disliked, what appealed to him and what repelled him.

He looked at her briefly, then rooted his sights on everyone dancing on the dance floor. He frowned.

She waited, holding her breath, hoping his answer wouldn't be affected by anything outside his own heart. He kept leering at the dancers, frowning, as if willing them to disappear.

A short, sweet giggle escaped her; she couldn't help it because the thought of Shadow blinking everyone to another place was funny.

Her light laugh recaptured his attention. The uneasy glare faltered. His eyes softened, then at last he swallowed and said, "I'd feel honored."

He held out his hand and she grasped it at once.

The touch was familiar, yet different because there was no glove to act as a barrier between them. It was warmer and nicer than usual, and somehow fluffy and firm at the same time. Her chest tightened, from nerves as much as excitement, as they made their way to the dance floor.

There weren't as many people as when she danced with Abe, so plenty of room was available for them.

Still clasping his hand, she placed her other one on his shoulder. He slowly wrapped his free hand around her waist.

It was awkward at first as they adjusted to moving with their height difference. They took small, careful steps, swaying softly to the beautiful melody.

A few curious glances flickered their way, but no one paid them any mind otherwise.

When they were surer, so became their grips. Maria squeezed his shoulder and he responded by stepping back, extending his arm so she had the space to do a little twirl. They reconnected and shared calm smiles.

If she had trouble looking away from him before, it was impossible now. She was certain she'd regret it if she tried. His eyes didn't look away from hers, either. She squeezed his shoulder again; his hold on her waist turned stronger. She liked the way that felt. Being this close with Shadow was like a dream.

The music hummed and lilted. Sounds resembling crystals, glowing, snowflakes falling. Noises of soft, starry light twinkling through pitch black darkness. The music ebbed and flowed, then faded slowly away and turned quiet.

They still held each other, but a faster tune erupted and gave them a start. As though waking from a magic spell, they released one another and Shadow bowed down low. "Thank you, my lady."

She grinned and curtsied. "You're welcome, good sir."

They turned from the dance floor and walked away together, their steps still in harmony.

"Maria?"

"Yes?"

"Can I walk you back once the banquet is over? I know you wanted to walk here together earlier, so..."

"Oh, of course! Please." She nodded so quickly her neck cricked. She rubbed it and added, "I'd like that very much."

He smiled. He looked ahead and said, "I'll meet you by the doors later, then. I want to find Professor Basin, and right now it looks like someone else wants to talk to you." He waved to demonstrate his point and to show Maria which way to look.

Sure enough, Professor Gerald Robotnik was waving back and making his way toward them.

Shadow only stayed for a second. Then he left her and her grandfather alone to mingle and talk and bond.