UlTrRa SiK pRoDuCtIoNs pReSeNtZ:

LoVe'S bUrN

By: UlTrAa ShAdDow

Disclaimer: I don't own any of Sega's characters….but I'd be a very happy guy if I did!

"You can close your eyes to things you don't want to see, but you can't close your heart to things you don't want to feel."

Rouge's POV:

Well, it's another gorgeous day here in Station Square as Shadow and I are heading off to the drycleaners. I looked over at him and I couldn't help smiling when I thought about how much fun it's been having him around the house…

It's like he made all my troubles with Knuckles disappear. It seems like everyday he brings something new to my life. My thoughts were interrupted once Shadow asked a question, "So why are we going to the drycleaners?"

I frowned, "Well, one of us has to wear clothes, right?"

Shadow smirked, "Well, you don't have to…"

I laughed heartily, "That would be indecent! Oh Shadow, you're too much! Really you are! Are you coming in?"

"Nope," he answered putting his hands behind his head.

Hmph, why that lazy ass!

"Fine, I'll be back in a sec, okay?" I said closing the car door.

I entered the drycleaners and went to pick up my new clean outfits. It was relatively empty in the place, so I was able to head to the front of the pick up line. I handed the employee my ticket and she disappeared. I patiently drummed my fingers against the marble counter until I heard a voice, "Hey!"

I turned my head to find the owner and there were two male foxes beaming. They both appeared to be around my age. Sighing inwardly, I politely turned to face them, " Hmm?"

"Hey Miss? Need any help? Is the service slow?" the indigo fox asked.

Before I could reply, he finished, "Don't worry baby, come over here and you'll get all the fast service you'll need. I'll be your employee of the month, all right."

The indigo fox made a disgusting gesture involving his pelvis and his other friend giggled. Flushing from anger, I scowled and flipped them off. I heard more cackles arise from their party, but I paid them no heed as I turned to watch the television. Looked like one of those talk shows was on.

I sighed...Well, it certainly beat listening to those two pervs behind me. Oddly enough, just as I was getting glued to the show an announcement appeared, interrupting the program.

Now I was really mad!

Damn! Just when things between the father-mother-son love triangle was getting interesting! I turned up the volume on the small television and on the screen was a group of scientists who spoke of Shadow! Oy, that wasn't good...They warned that he was a danger to society and if anyone knew Shadow's location, they should immediately contact their labs.

It was a quick blip on the television and in the next second, it was gone. I paid the store manager and left to the parking lot. I frowned, there was always something going on with Shadow. I sighed and popped in the car, 'Why can't they just leave him alone? He doesn't deserve this!'

...Anyways, I opened the door, got in, and drove off.

I was silent the whole ride thinking about what I just saw at the drycleaners. Those jerks! Why are they after him now? He hasn't even done anything! My thoughts dispersed when Shadow asked," So, how about we go to the gym?"

I almost jumped from the sudden subject Shadow had presented. Here he had been silent the entire ride and now he suddenly decided that he wanted to go to the gym.

I flashed him a slow, sweeping gaze; he was reclined comfortably in his seat, arms resting behind his head and legs crossed. His eyes were focused on me, masked with a cool, expressionless facade.

...I quickly turned to look away from him, goosebumps bubbling along my arms. Sometimes the guy was just straight creepy!

"The gym? Why?" I asked curiously, trying to keep a steady voice. Shadow studied me a second longer, then found it appropriate to speak, "Because, I have to keep my skills sharp," he answered, then smirked, "I am the ultimate life form."

Ah yes, I forgot it was Shadow I'm dealing with here...possibly the most conceited person in the universe. Next to me! We are a match made in Heaven. On second thought, let's just disregard that last statement.

I laughed, "Well, that's true. I guess we can both go together, it'll be fun! Just let me change into my gym clothes first."

I smiled, 'Going to the gym would be a great way for me to forget about this whole scientist mess!'

After opening the door with my master key, I entered my cool apartment. I was welcomed by the soft scent of lilacs. Seconds later, Shadow entered quietly, examining everything closely as he always does; he's just straight anal. He crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes, not from anger, but from being in thought, " If we're going to the gym, batgirl, then why are we here?"

I smiled, maybe I should have some fun with this guy first, "Just wait here," As expected, I didn't go half an inch further without Shadow's interrogation, "I want an answer now, batgirl."

I stifled a giggle but can you blame me? He was so easy to rile up! Now that I had him right where I wanted, it was time to push his buttons, only the way a pro like me could!

"Look, just sit there, shut up, and look pretty and I'll tell you when and where you're going to get an answer."

For once I found Shadow speechless, he stared at me and as I turned my back to him, I thought I saw something behind his eyes flicker. I turned to look forward...only to see Shadow in front of me.

I gasped and began to back away. Soon enough I found that I had backed myself into one of my sofas as he advanced. I fell and landed on the couch. When I looked up I found myself pinned by Shadow, his face only mere inches from mine.

"...Really? Would you like to repeat that again, batgirl?" he cooed, an arch smile revealing itself on his face.

I felt my face rose and I beamed a small smile, "...I need to find my gym clothes...a little distance please?"

Without another word he rose to his feet and sauntered off. I sighedand shook my head, clearing out all my foolish thoughts. I'll never understand that hedgehog. Slowly I closed my bedroom door and rummaged through my drawers. I found an outfit and I got changed into a black tank top and black biker shorts.

I searched around in my bathroom for two towels. Once I found a pair, I walked into the living and stopped in front of the TV, there I found Shadow residing.

"Ready?" I asked. He was silently looking at me; the way an artist would study his art, I fought hard against the urge to blush and fortunately for me he finally replied, "Always."

At the Station Square Gym...

It was a few minutes until we arrived at the gym. I showed my membership card at the counter and bought one for Shadow. Just as the clerk behind the counter gave him a card, he mumbled a word, one I thought was very naughty. I blinked and looked at him.

"What was that Shadow?"

"Did you see that loser?" Shadow hiked his thumb behind himself, "That guy was all over you."

I burst out laughing, "No he wasn't!"

"Yes he was."

"No he wasn't!

"Yes he was. Tell the fool to keep his eyes in his head next time."

I giggled and smiled at him; if I didn't know any better, I'd think he was being protective. Shadow? Protective? Nah. Besides, what is there to be protective over?

"So, where do you wanna begin?" I asked.

"Where do you want to begin?" he countered.

...Sometimes it seemed like you could never get a straight answer out of him! I laughed, " Still sore from earlier today?"

The king of the world choose not to reply. I shrugged thoughtlessly. "Well, I personally prefer strengthening my legs, as for you?"

"...I guess I'll join you," he said shrugging.

We both hopped on exercising bikes and rode a couple of miles together while watching TV. Also, I even had the chance to strike up a genuine conversation with him. Of course I provided ninety percent of the dialogue in our conversation.

"...So I was telling Amy that she needed to know that Sonic wasn't some sort of pet you could take care of. You won't believe me when I say that she actually tried to buy him a collar!"

"You don't say," Shadow replied blandly.

He got up off the bike and left. I stopped riding...He just up and left in the middle of my-er our conversation!...

"...Where are you going?" I asked him.

"Somewhere..." he replied.

See, no straight answers!

A few minutes later, with mild curiosity, I followed him and found the black hedgehog in a ring. He was throwing punches at air and maneuvering around the ring skillfully. I circled around the ring and called him, "So, I see you found your way to the ring."

He stopped his fighting and turned to face me. His lean, powerful frame settled into a comfortable stance as he approached me. I smiled, watching him striding toward me. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that his walk had just developed an arrogant strut.

Geez, really now! What is it with guys and their egos!?

"Don't you think you're going too hard at this? I mean I don't even think you have your full strength back yet," I said to him.

He smiled and leaned against a ring post, "Are you challenging me, batgirl?"

"I don't know, am I?" I smiled.

I stepped into the ring and my gaze fell upon the dark, muscular hedgehog. He rested his arms across his chest with a smirk, "Will you be able to keep up?"

I smiled, "Oh just shut up and fight!"

Smiling darkly, he drew into a fighting stance, " Lemme show you my real power!"

I started my attack by charging at Shadow. Even though all my attacks were lightning fast, he skillfully dodged them all. I tried to paint a kick across his torso, but missed because of his agility. He gave me a leg sweep and I fell flat on my back. I yelped as crash-landed with the air knocked from my lungs.

As I blinked into the bright fluorescent lights, a smirking Shadow loomed, his smile was venomous, "Give up yet?"

"Not in your wildest dreams," I hissed.

I pounced up and threw a punch at him and he countered by grabbing my hand. I threw another punch with my other hand and he caught that too. I tried to free myself from his grasp, but I couldn't, his strength overpowered my own.

As I continued to struggle to break free, my eyes slowly met Shadow's. I had lost all my thoughts staring into his deep crimson eyes. I felt my grip in his hands relax, as I felt my intensity doing the same.

Before long, I suddenly felt my predator instincts kick back in and almost involuntarily I sprung my foot into his stomach. His grip on my hands dropped and I quickly stood up and belted him across his jaw.

"Yow! You're ruthless!" Then he smiled wickedly, "That, I admire in a woman!"

He cracked his neck several of times, grossing me out, I might add, then he charged full speed at me and I shield myself. I dropped my defensive position and turned to my left, but he wasn't there! I turned back the other way and he was right behind me...smirking. What he did must've been some kind of illusion!

I growled and before I could come at him I felt a fast and powerful blow across my sternum. Wincing from the blow, I stumbled backwards and Shadow followed that attack with a strong kick to my chest. (That hurt a lot!) I grimaced as I felt my spine hit the ring post. I looked up to see Shadow charging at me again, and I took him off guard by slide-tackling him. We both hopped to our feet and I planted a roundhouse across his face.

"Oh that's it Rouge!" he barked.

I smiled coyly, meaning to mock, " My, my, you finally called me by my first name." Shadow merely returned a dark smile, so I continued, " So what will it take in order to get you to turn off the damn lights when you leave a room!?"

This time he seemed to have ran twice as fast as before and I knew this next attack would hurt. It was inevitable to avoid and I gasped, failing my arms and shaking my head in an attempt to stop him.

"No! Shadow stop!" I cried.

Shadow was trying to skid to a stop but he had been moving too fast. And it took him to be within ten feet of me to realize this as well, " Shhhhhhhhhhhiiiiii—"

POWWW! He had tackled both of us out of the ring and I landed flat on my back with him on top of me. My eyelids slowly fluttered open as I found myself in great pain and discomfort.

My eyes fell upon Shadow who too looked like he was in great pain. I felt something warm upon my chest and I blushed a red crimson once I realized his left hand was on my chest.

Ack! I'm so embarrassed!

"…" Shadow removed his hand. He turned away from me and closed his eyes, rubbing his left arm…was he blushing too? We both stood in complete silence.

"Maybe we should go now…" I said blushing.

"R-right" Shadow finished coughing, covering the break in his voice.

… Ahem, anyways, it was about 10:30 in the evening when we arrived back at the apartments from seeing a corny horror movie and buying some takeout and.

"Oh yeah, that movie was certainly worth 3.50...my ass!" Shadow exclaimed.

I burst out laughing and this seemed to encourage him more. "I mean, if I wanted to see some guy get his ass kicked by pink jelly, I'd just need to go watch Sonic try to eat a jelly sandwich!"

I laughed some more then plopped on my couch. I sighed and my happiness disappeared once I thought of those awful scientists. Shadow stared at me, I guess trying to read my thoughts...then started to slink off.

"Hey, where are you going?" I asked him.

"To take a shower," he answered heading to my room.

I sat down and watched TV for awhile until Shadow called, "Rouge, could you bring me a towel?"

"Sure," I replied. I grabbed a few towels and entered my bathroom. I came in and saw Shadow out of the shower stroking his wet quills. I heard myself gasp and I felt my face redden. It was strange, I don't understand why I felt so embarrassed seeing him like this...I had seen him plenty of times.

...Like this...

But maybe it was because the water-soaked fur clung to his skin and revealed every powerful muscle that Shadow had. Thankfully the black hedgehog seemed too busy notice. Then he looked at me and caught my wandering eyes, "Rouge..."

I snapped to attention, appearing even redder than before, now I was more than sure he realized what I had been doing. He smirked knowingly and replied, " Leave the towels by the sink."

"O-oh sure," I said handing the towels to him. Before I could leave the room, I heard a, "Why so sad Rouge?"

I turned to face him and sighed, it was about time he found out anyways, "Well, it's actually bec--"

Before I could say anything, a wave of water had splashed me directly in the face. I looked over at Shadow who was smiling demonically at me while holding the showerhead.

I smiled, "Aww hell no! You're gonna get it now!" I picked up a near by bucket, filled it with water, and splashed it all over Shadow's face.

He then retaliated by lashing me again with an even harder cascade of water. I fell over laughing and drowned him with more water, and we fought on for hours.

"You better stop! Hedgehog's can't swim!"

"With this kind of speed, I'll have more water over your head than the Atlantic ocean."

By now it was late in the night and we were both dripping wet. And we were both giggling like idiots. And believe it or not, Shadow was pretty giddy as well... Maybe too much water went into his head? I threw him a towel as I used one to dry myself off as well.

"Oh Shadow…that was fun! I've never done anything like that in a long time!" I laughed hugging him.

"Me either," Shadow replied.

I realized I had my arms wrapped around him in a hug and I let go and we both exchanged smiles. My smile grew; did Shadow the Hedgehog actually give me a sheepish grin? It was so cute! He should smile more often.

"Well, goodnight…er…Shadow…" I said standing up.

"Rouge…" He called.

I spun around, "Yes?"

He looked like he wanted to say something but his words didn't come out, "Um…Good night Rouge," He said.

When I turned back to him, I saw him mouth a profanity. I smiled then closed my door. I changed into my PJs and hopped in bed and hugged my pillow, thinking 'What was he going to say to me?' I sighed then pulled my covers over me and I fell asleep.

It was about seven in the morning when I woke up. Today I was going to jog at the park. So I quietly changed into my orchid jogging outfit and snuck out past a snoozing Shadow. Before I closed the door I glanced over at him and smiled, he looks so cute when he sleeps!

Did I really think that Shadow was cute?

Anyways, I locked the door and headed towards the local park. Once I arrived there I quickened my pace as I ran the park's trail.

'Wow I had fun yesterday!' I thought with a smile, 'How does Shadow do it? I mean I feel so safe around him! And we're always having fun! I can't wait to see what he's got planned for today!'

While jogging I heard a deep voice bark, "Rouge!"

Smiling, I turned around and gasped due to what I saw. Walking towards me was none other than that tall red echidna, Knuckles.

To be continued!

Chapter Four Theme: 'Naughty girl'-Beyonce (Yup! Had ta do it!)