Shadow hasn't felt this way in a long time, although, he didn't know what he was feeling. There's just something about her…
Shadow was still standing by the door Stephanie had just walked out of, thinking about what he had said earlier. It was nice to meet you? Shadow shook his head. He usually doesn't act that way. What had possessed him to say that? Why did he want to know her a litter more? He never wanted to know Rouge more. Then it came to him.
Her blue eyes. They are nothing like that fox boy's, his are dark blue. Stephanie's are steel blue… just like Maria's. Shadow's eyes slightly widened. He shook his head. It was nothing. Soon he would act his usual self and everything will be back to as it was before the ARK incident.
Stephanie slowly woke up and just laid there. After a few minutes, she grew bored and got up, putting on her boots. She opened her door and looked down the hallway, to find that not even Decoe or Bocoe were there. Stephanie went into the bathroom and closed the door, then stripped away her clothing. She looked at the towel rack to make sure there was a clean towel there and she stepped into the bathtub that was also a shower. Stephanie turned the handle and warm water started to poor from the faucet. She then pulled a small rod and water began pouring down on her. Stephanie pulled the gray curtain, covering her.
She stood there breathing in the steam, enjoying the feeling of water trickling down her body. Her wet quills pressed against her neck and the back of her shoulders. Then a thought came into her mind. What are they doing back home? Are they worrying about where I am? She thought about her parents and brother and was surprised that she didn't miss them. The doorknob being turned and the door opening and being closed again interrupted her thoughts.
She pulled back the curtain, only exposing her face, and saw a sleepy black and red hedgehog, walking towards the sink, holding a small white towel.
Shadow looked at the mirror and saw Stephanie peeking at him from behind a shower curtain. He quickly turned around, automatically apologizing.
"Sorry." Shadow said stepping back.
"It's ok. Just knock next time." Stephanie said blushing and smiling warmly.
Shadow noticed her blush, so he turned to the sink, with a simple "hmph" and began splashing water on his face with ungloved hands. Stephanie moved her head back into the shower and resumed washing herself.
She didn't turn off the water until Shadow left the room. When she heard the door close, she turned the faucet. She slowly got out and onto a gray small rug and grabbed the bland white towel. Does everything have to be colorless? The only colored things she has seen on the carrier was her ugly green sheets and the red couch in the main control room. Stephanie dried herself and wrapped the towel around her body as a covering. She looked both ways down the hallway and dashed into her room. Stephanie closed the door behind her and unwrapped the towel. Stephanie put on her clothes and walked to the control room.
No one was in there. Where is everyone? Stephanie thought. She plopped down on the red couch and closed her eyes, sighing.
"You sound bored." she heard a voice from behind her. Startled, she opened her eyes and looked behind the couch. Leaning against the wall was the black and red hedgehog. She admired the way he looked and all of a sudden felt a rush and a feeling in her stomach.
Oh no. I'm not falling for a hedgehog, am I? Stephanie faced the front of the couch again. Another voice came into her head. There is nothing wrong with liking another hedgehog.
Oh ya… Stephanie was still getting used to the fact that she was now different. She was now a hedgehog, a Mobian.
Shadow raised a brow. Ok… Why is she ignoring me?
"There is nothing to do around here." Stephanie said, still staring off into space.
"Oh ya, I forgot you're a girl." Shadow smiled teasingly. Stephanie turned to him, frowning.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Stephanie asked, offended.
"Well, if you were a guy, like me, than I would race you but since you are a girl, you probably are too slow." Shadow said, that smile that Stephanie thought was attractive still showing. Stephanie turned back to original position, facing the healing tank.
"Just to let you know, I almost defeated Sonic in a race." Stephanie said proudly.
"The Faker? He is about as fast as a snail." Shadow smirked. Stephanie stood up, facing Shadow.
"I will not let you insult my friend, just to make yourself better." Stephanie said putting her hands on her bare hips.
"Your friend!" Shadow stood up straight.
"Yes, my friend. If you thought that I am on the "dark" side, than you thought wrong." Stephanie walked out of the room, leaving a shocked Shadow. She's friends with faker? Shadow stared at the ground, then shrugged. Oh well, who needs her anyway?.
Stephanie sat on her green bed, with a sad expression on her face. Now that Shadow knew she was against him, he probably despised her. Stephanie's expression turned to a blank one. Oh well, who needs him anyways?