The sun was setting on the horizon, and the party had ending. A handful of guests had lingered and were gathered in a small cluster, talking amongst themselves. Meanwhile, Sonic was sitting behind a tree by himself, his legs pulled up to his chest and his head rested upon his knees.
It had been an eventful day, one he likely would never forget. He didn't think any other birthday could top this one, but then again his friends could pull something off that was even better next year.
"Feeling old yet?" a voice asked.
Sonic looked up to see Shadow standing next to him. "Not yet, but it'll probably sink in soon" Sonic replied. He lowered his legs and shuffled over a little "You wanna sit down?" he asked, patting the spot next to him.
Shadow unfolded his arms and sat down on the grass, leaning back against the tree "Sorry about not joining in with the party" he apologised "I'm not really a party person"
"No worries" Sonic responded. "The day is still young, fancy dancing with me?"
"Are you serious?" Shadow questioned, narrowing his eyes and frowning.
Sonic jumped up and turned to Shadow, grabbing his hands and pulling him to his feet "Come on, just humour me on this one. I'm not getting any younger!"
The black hedgehog rolled his eyes "Fine" he grumbled.
So they danced. Well, Sonic did, Shadow stood there unimpressed and allowed Sonic to move him around. Sonic chuckled happily, and Shadow managed to crack a smile. The blue hedgehog let go and ran around his friend, pulling his own moves and generally showing off.
A little breathless he turned back to Shadow after doing a neat spin, to see that his friend was standing there silently, his back to him.
Sonic's laughter faded as he trudged up to Shadow and gently touched his shoulder "Shadow...?"
He turned back around, tears streaming down his cheeks "What's wrong?" Sonic questioned worryingly.
"Sorry, I just-" he inhaled sharply "I don't want to lose you Sonic" he sniffed sadly.
"What are you talking about?"
"You're getting older, and one day you'll die, and so will everyone else. I can't die! I'll still be here, I'll be left alone, I can't- I can't bare it!" Shadow cried "I've tried so hard not to think about it, to forget, but I can't. Every birthday reminds me of how much little time I have left with you. That's why I didn't show up today, before everything with Eggman happened, I didn't want to face you because I was afraid something like this would happen, that I would get upset and ruin your party"
"Hey, hey it's okay" Sonic lifted his hands and placed one on both sides of Shadow's face, wiping away the tears with his thumbs "Some things can't last forever. But that doesn't matter to me, I have you and all my friends. Life's too short, that's why we have to make time with what we got and treasure every little moment. At least, that's what I figure"
Shadow gazed at him through teary eyes. "No matter what happens, even after I'm gone, I'll always be here for you"
They hugged. Sonic felt himself welling up. He'd never seen Shadow so upset before, it made him sad too. It must be hard, knowing that all your friends would eventually be gone. He'd never really thought about it before, but he knew that he'd help him get through it... Somehow.
They pulled out of the hugged, and then leaned in for a kiss. "I love you" Shadow moaned passionately.
"I love you too" Sonic replied, pushing against Shadow's lips. He then pulled away for a brief second "And I want to spend the rest of my life with you, if that's what you want..."
"Of course it is" Shadow told him. "I wouldn't have it any other way"
"Well, in that case, let's just take it real slow, that way we can enjoy every second"
"That sounds weird, coming from you" he commented, referring to the 'let's take it real slow' bit.
Sonic smiled warmly "Yeah. Yeah it does"