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:

By the time we had returned to my apartment, it was far beyond the stroke of midnight.… Now, it's not what you're thinking. We didn't spend the whole night making out in the dark. Shadow's too much of a gentleman to have done that.

Anyways, after about ten minutes of having Shadow to myself, he took me by my hand and led me to a lake. He told me that he thought that this would be a good place to talk. Once we arrived at the scene of the lake, I recognized that it was Sapphire Lake, probably the loveliest place in Station Square.

The emerald-leafed trees, the aroma of the flowered meadow pastures, and of course the sparkling lake itself; there was no surprise why one could find peace and enchantment from this lake. But the landscape of the lake seemed even more gorgeous at night-time.

It seemed like everything glowed from the touch of the moonlight. I sighed gently, drinking in my surroundings. My, how beautiful this place was. Besides Shadow and myself, it seemed that the only thing that stirred were the thick patches of grass that gently swooned in the wind.

"!"

I peered down at my hand to see that Shadow had joined his with mine. I couldn't help but smile when I noticed how my hand was engulfed by his large hand. Then I slowly raised my gaze to keep the eyes of the large hand's owner. He was returning my stare.

"This place is really gorgeous at night, isn't it?" Shadow said rather softly.

I stared deeper into his eyes, hoping to read behind the lines; what was he thinking? His face was a swirled palette of emotions. Before I could ask him how he felt, he released my hand and headed into a knee-deep patch of meadow. I arched an eyebrow, watching him slowly take a knee. From watching him from behind, I had no idea what he was doing.

'Is this the same Shadow that I know? Now he seems so peaceful…'

"Yes it is, but I believe you have something to tell me, you know, about this afternoon?" I said.

"Well, I'm not exactly sure what's going on, Rouge," Shadow said, back still facing me.

He rose to his feet and approached me. He stopped a couple of inches away and took hold of my hand, examining it. In my palms, he placed a single orchid. Then he raised his gaze to meet my eye level.

Truth be told, his silence was starting to freak me out. I mean with Shadow when he's silent, he's planning something.

"What?" I chirped, slightly irritated.

"You have such small hands," he said softly, smirking, he closed his eyes and kissed my elevated hand.

"Umm…" I blinked, blushing hard.

Oh, I must have turned twelve shades of red!

Blinkingly rapidly, I smiled, "Well…of course you'd think that, you have huge hands! They're humongous!"

I laughed, with each decibel of my laugh sounding hollower than the last. My thoughts were slowly returning to the GUN incident. The more I thought about it, the less humorous things got to be.

"Surrender, Shadow the Hedgehog, or we shall open fire again!"

The black hedgehog lay at my feet, grasping his bleeding appendage. Slowly, his gloves were becoming stained a deep-red.

Slowly his smile disappeared as he gazed upon me, "…What's wrong?"

By now my laughs had to sound much more than forced. Surprisingly, I stopped laughing on a dime and changed my demeanor instantly, "How long have they been after you?"

"Shadow…Wh-what's going on here? They shot you? When there was no hostile resistance."

Shadow blinked, for once speechless. Wow, had I really stumped Shadow the hedgehog? The ultimate life form? Now that accomplishment deserves a prize…I guess.

"Ever since I returned to Earth, I guess," Shadow started, shrugging, "Hmph, fools, they're lucky they caught me at such an anomalous moment, or I would have certainly made their chase worth while."

The pain he was experiencing was so great that he was able to whisper one word, hoping I'd understand,"...G.U.N...",

Soon, Shadow's words became hushed. Although his mouth moved, I didn't hear a single word he said. I placed a hand upon my chest, fighting these feelings that were welling up inside.

How could be just be okay with all this? He had lost his best friend, he had been locked up in an icy slumber for half a century and now this…this is too much! How can he deal with all this like its nothing?

Slowly, pain-filled crimson eyes returned my stare. How could someone so strong be reduced to appearing so weak?

I looked at him and felt my vision began to blur. No matter how much I fought the urge to cry, I was overpowered by my own emotions. I felt hot tears roll down my face. Concern washed over his features as he approached me.

"Why are you crying?"

I burst out into sobs; it was the simplicity of the question that destroyed me. I cracked like a brittle walnut.

"Shadow, look at you! Your life is shit! First you lost your best friend, and lived bent on getting revenge. Then you fell through the atmosphere; even though you survived, you must've been in great pain."

"Rouge--"

"You got shot in your arm and now either people want you dead or they hate you and think you're some kind of freak. It's not fair! You don't deserve this!" I cried.

A small smirk appeared upon Shadow's face, "Rouge, don't worry about me. I'm fine, even with all said and done…"

I wiped my eyes, now screaming at him, " 'I'm fine!' Ha! I don't believe a second of that! After all you've been through…Just promise me nothing will happen to you!"

A smile appeared on the dark hedgehog's face as I continued, "Promise me that nothing will happen to you! PROMISE ME!"

Shadow's smile grew even bigger, "I promise, mon cherie amour."

I looked up into Shadow's warm gaze. My anger washed away and I stared at him blankly. He knew exactly what to say and exactly when to say it…how could someone just read me like a book?

I felt my vision welling up with tears again as I melted into his arms with a sob, and once again our lips met. We both exchanged smiles at each other and we started walking.

I cuddled my head onto Shadow's shoulders and gazed skyward. I closed my eyes, this night had been so hectic in the beginning, but now, being here beside Shadow, I felt so at peace. Here, beside me was the fierce some ultimate life form who is rumored to be demonic in nature.

He was created with glowing red eyes that reflected the color of the life fluid he split from his victims, and veiled with dark fur that mirrored the color of his soul.

And here I was, resting against the monster, enjoying the slow rhythmic, risings and descents of his frame. I felt a small rumbling from his chest, signifying that he was speaking to me, "Rouge."

"Hmm?"

"When this whole ordeal is over, I think I'll take you to Africa."

I opened my eyes, and gazed up at him, " Africa? Where'd this thought pop up from?"

"If you think these meadows are something…you should see the Serengeti at night, it's breathtaking," Shadow replied, motioning to the grassy plain along him, " And I also know some people there, as well."

"Really? Wow!" I said genuinely impressed.

Shadow nodded, "The ability of Chaos Control enables its master to travel any and everywhere."

"Anywhere?" I asked.

"Anywhere." He replied.

"Hmm, a trip to Paris does sound nice," I said, leaning into his shoulder, " But going anywhere with you will be nice."

As I nuzzled my head further into his shoulders, I saw his wound from the gunshot and gasped, "Shadow! We gotta get that taken care of."

He rolled his eyes, "I'm fine, Rouge!"

"No! We're going to my place, and I'll take care of it!"

Shadow rolled his eyes. "Whatever, if that'll make you happy."

...My Apartment

"Yow! That hurts, Rouge! Are you sure you're not trying to kill me?"

"Oh, be quiet! It's not that bad!" I hissed.

He tried to maneuver away from me on one of my leather couches, but I stopped him by placing a bare, slender leg in his path.

I couldn't help but smile as Shadow blinked, slowly following the leg to the face of its owner; I smiled.

"Now be a good boy and take your medicine or shall there have to be a time-out?" I arched an eye brow.

"…"

Without another word Shadow obeyed and sifted comfortably into his seat, I laughed, "Good, now this will only hurt a little!"

I gripped the pliers tighter and clamped them around the bullet in Shadow's wound. Shadow grimaced a little as I ripped the bullet from his flesh, then I started on cleaning the wound. I wrapped a bandage and stepped back admiring my work, 'Not bad if I gotta say so myself!'

"There, isn't that better now?" I asked cleaning the pliers.

"Oh yeah, much better," Shadow said sarcastically.

He turned his head slightly and suddenly became silent. An odd gleam flickered in his eyes for a second.

What is he up to?

"…Aren't you going to kiss the wound to make it feel better?" he asked turning to look at me.

"Sure," I agreed.

By the way, I'm doing this just to humor him! I approached him until we were inches apart and I took a knee.

Before I could 'dress' the wound, he pulled me closer to him by the waist, a peculiar expression etched on his face, "I lied, I meant for you to kiss the wounded."

"Oh?"

I followed the ebon hedgehog's lead as I slowly approached him, face flushing from the sheer tension building between us. Already I could feel the warmth of his breath upon my face.

I sighed lightly, smiling until...

Someone knocked on the door.

Both Shadow and I opened our eyes, gazing at each other. I laughed and went to open the door as he frowned, "Dammit! Who the HELL is it?"

"Oh be quiet! You'll just have to wait a second!" I said, shushing the hedgehog on my couch, " But seriously, who in their right mind who want to see me at midnight?"

I shrugged the idea off and unlocked the door to see a familiar blue hedgehog had been waiting outside my door pacing around. I regarded him with light surprise.

"Sonic?"

The azure hedgehog looked up and smiled weakly.

"Oh, hey Rouge," he gazed past me to see the fuming hedgehog behind me, "Hey Shadow."

Shadow halted his speech; I believe it was the apparent fatigue in the blue hedgehog's voice that silenced him. Instead he settled for giving Sonic a nonchalant gaze.

"Are you okay Sonic, you look exhausted," I said, studying him.

Sonic sighed, "Oh geez, exhausted does not even scratch the surface of how beat I am!"

"What do you want imposter?" Shadow replied in a monotone voice.

"How may I help you?" I replied, ignoring Shadow's potentially hostile quip.

"Can we talk for a minute?" Sonic asked, rocking back on his heels.

"Sure, but how about we go in my place first," I answered. I shivered slightly, "It's quite cold out there! Allow me to fix you a cup of something warm!"

"…Uh sure, but I'll be quick, I don't wanna take up all of your time together."

Sonic gazed pointedly at Shadow and gave him an immoral smile. Shadow caught on to the meaning of Sonic's smile and rose, more than ready to protect his over-inflated ego.

"Sonic please come in and Shadow, please sit down," I said, not trying to hide the irritation in my voice.

Shadow shot the royal blue hedgehog one last dark gaze, then sat onto the couch, watching him meticulously. Sonic stepped inside, taking a seat adjacent from the dark hedgehog. I stepped before them both, playing the role of hostess, "So what would you both like to drink? Tea? Coffee? Brandy? Hot chocolate?"

"What type of tea do you have present?" Shadow asked.

I gazed skyward, thinking as I listed the teas off with my fingers, "Let's see, I have Ginger, Green, Mint, Chamomile…"

Shadow's ears flickered, "Did you by chance say Chamomile?"

I smiled, "Yup. Do you want Chamomile tea?"

"Hell yes," Shadow said without a second thought. Both Sonic and I laughed as I turned to face the blue hedgehog, "And how about you?"

"Oh man," said Sonic with a small grin, "I guess brandy, I need something strong besides coffee. I've been hyped up on that stuff all day. I swear, all that sugar is gonna make me crash."

"Okay, so one Chamomile tea, and one Brandy, comin' up!" I said, turning and leaving.

I entered my kitchen and began preparing their drinks, as for myself, I think having a cup of frothy, bubbling hot cocoa would be delicious!

Just as I began boiling the liquids for our beverages, I heard Shadow and Sonic beginning to talk in the other room, "Yeah, once, I tried using Chaos control to teleport to Tails' workshop but, uh, I think I ended up in Beijing or something."

"Hmm, sounds like you weren't concentrating enough."

"I have to think when I use the Chaos Emeralds?"

"Of course, how do you expect to arrive at your proper destination if you're busy thinking of trivial matters?"

"…Does thinking of a hot chick count as something trivial?"

"…You're useless."

Giggling, I prepped the drinks and reentered my living room where the two hedgehogs sat, "Here we are! Three house specials!"

As I placed the tray on the table, we all took our respective mugs, waiting briefly for the warm beverages to cool. I took a seat beside Shadow only seconds later to have him curl a stray arm around my waist.

"So what do you want? Why did you come to see us at such an hour?" Shadow began, helping himself to a sip of his tea.

Sonic sighed, staring into the thick, mahogany liquid contents of his drink. He swirled his mug slightly before he began talking, "Well, I'm actually kinda worried about Knuckles. I mean, I haven't seen him for a day and he's disappeared without a trace.

Grassy green eyes turned to gaze into ours, "...So have you guys seen him?"

Shadow didn't reply, as he was busy downing another gulp, after my initial sip, I responded, "Earlier...but that was a while ago..."

I envisioned the crimson echidna, handing me a bouquet of orchids and the sincere, yet intense gaze in his deep, amethyst eyes that came along with the flowers. Beautiful, deep fuchsia orchids.

"He has to be in the neighborhood, we just saw him this afternoon," Shadow replied, eyes closed.

"Oh…thanks, and yet, he's still not back?" Sonic said with an unsure edge to his voice, "…I'm gonna need this."

He downed the rest of his Brandy in one, long shot. Both Shadow and I exchanged glances; mine more so concerned, and his more so amused. I'm pretty sure his cup was half-full before!

"Oh. Well, if you guys see him, let me know," Sonic said, the strain returning to his voice.

"Sonic, we'll help you tomorrow, just go home and get some rest, he'll show up later, and...well, you look plain terrible."

Sonic grinned, "Pretty hard for such a handsome guy to do, huh Rougey?"

I coughed as Shadow arched an eyebrow. Sonic laughed, sparks of his old self surfacing, " Yeah… think I will turn in for the night after I stop and grab myself two chilidogs."

My brow furrowed in concern, "Sonic…please take care of yourself and get some rest. Be fresh and ready for tomorrow."

The blue hedgehog smiled, "I will and, later days, then." He placed his mug on the tray and disappeared out of sight within seconds.

"Well, that was a nice visit, huh, Shadow?" I asked. I turned around to face a snoozing hedgehog. I stared at him, silent.

Hmph! Well, the nerve of him!

"Shadow, what will I do with you?" I smiled.

I gazed at the slumbering hedgehog who still looked rigid even in his sleep. But somehow it was still such a cute sight!

"Even in his sleep, he's still so cute!"

I rubbed his head and headed for the kitchen, looking for a second helping of cocoa, but before I could serve myself to another helping, my phone rang. I quickly rushed to the phone to avoid awaking Shadow. As alert as he is, I bet he's a pretty light sleeper. I picked up the phone and sighed.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Hello Rouge, it's me, Knuckles."

I gasped, Knuckles! Is it really him? Oh won't Sonic be so pleased!

"Knuckles? Where are you? Everyone's been looking for you! Are you okay?" I asked frantically.

I heard him laugh; it was light and carefree, "Don't worry Rouge, I'm fine."

"Then come to my apartment," I closed my eyes, "…Where you're always welcome."

The line was silent but he began speaking again, "I'm sorry I can't, I'm too far out to make it there by a reasonable hour."

He paused, as if thinking, "But if you're really eager to see me, come to the bay bridge. I'll be able to meet you there."

"Knuckles, but it's so late and—"

"I'll be waiting."

I heard his phone click and I lowered the phone from my ear. I found myself in deep thought yet again. Maybe I shouldn't go, and it doesn't sound smart, it's far too late to be out.

But then an image of the worried sapphire hedgehog crossed my mind. It was unsettling to think of his recent uncharacteristic nervous smiles, and his blue brow burrowed in concern.

I had to see Knuckles, if not for myself, for Sonic's sake. With my mind made up, I made a quick visit to the closet, snagging a jacket on my way out. I'll be back soon, with Knuckles in tow.

I clutched my jacket tightly around myself as I flew across the starred night sky. Steam swirled in thick clouds as I breathed out the crisp night air.

I gazed ahead of me, drinking in the sight of the neon-lit city. Bright lights of all hues and shades burned strongly against the dark wash of the night sky.

Slowly, as I approached the city, the Bay Bridge appeared into view. Simple streetlamps illuminated the elevated bridge, making it stand out, as well.

Just as I arrived, I slowly descended until I landed upon the empty bridge. Hopefully Knuckles would be here soon, it was quite chilly out here! I shivered as my breath came out in puffs.

"I-it's s-so c-cold!"

I wound my coat tighter, gazing around the bridge. Before I could do some more sightseeing, I heard a voice.

"Rouge?"

I looked up and spotted the plummeting figure. He landed gracefully in front of me and I walked up to him, smiling.

"Knuckles! Everyone's been worried sick about you! Especially Sonic! Now, where have you been?" I whined.

Although I couldn't see his face clearly in the darkness, I could hear the smile in his voice, "I'm sorry to have worried you, but I'm here now, isn't that good enough for you?"

He approached me and wrapped me into a tight embrace, I didn't know how to respond, "…Unh…"

"Knuckles, we really should get--!"

I felt a tight grip on my waist drag me towards the echidna as I felt my lips interlocked in his. By now, I'm more than sure that my cheeks are a bright scarlet, how do I respond to him? Pro or con? I'm with Shadow now.

…Right?

My thoughts fell upon the mysterious hedgehog, and the time I had spent with him earlier this night and compared to the dark hedgehog's kisses; these mean nothing. Knuckles' kisses were as hollow as wood and I felt nothing from them.

In fact, if I'm not mistaken, his kisses are much more aggressive than usual! I have to stop him! He's smothering me!

I suddenly snapped to attention as I felt the echidna's hands begin to trail slowly down my back; if I was blushing before, I was certainly blushing hard now, " K-knuckles! What are you doing?"

For a response, I got a cold chuckle, "Isn't it obvious?"

"Knuckles! Stop! Let me go!" I cried, fighting against him.

"…As you wish."

I felt the once, possessive grip upon me fade away as I plummeted to the ground, landing flat on my back. I slowly sat up and, with wide eyes of fear, I looked up.

"Kn-knuckles...?"

Another dark laugh escaped the tall figure before me, "Well, brains my not be your forte, but at least you're good for something…"

I gasped as the figure stepped into the light. I crawled away from him, trying to put distance between us.

"You're not Knuckles..."

"No, I'm afraid I'm not," he replied.

In front of me stood a hedgehog with icy silver eyes. I could tell that he was tall in stature and his coat was a wash of ebony. His smooth stomach was a pale, grayish color, which seemed to match the silver barcode numbers on his left arm perfectly.

He smiled at me with an unnerving smile. But what bothered me the most about this character were his light, silver eyes which were piercing; they seemed to have the ability to look right through a person.

"Then who are you, you imposter?" I cried more afraid then upset.

If this freak had some sort of barcode on his arm, starting from the tip of his shoulder to the end of his finger tips, this guy couldn't be all too sane.

His smiled broadened, "My name is Scythe and I've been sent by Doctor Ivo to retrieve you, Rouge. Now we can do this two ways; the hard way or my way."

He took a step closer and I rose to my feet quickly, keeping the distance between us, I couldn't help but notice that when he spoke, he revealed his tongue to be an odd dark bluish-gray.

I gasped, finding myself stepping away even farther from this character. He smiled much too friendly, "So will you be a good girl and come with me?"

I stepped away from him yet again, 'I can't believe that creep was all over me! And now he asks if I'll go willingly with him! He's even crazier than I thought!'

"Go to hell," I hissed.

I had meant every word of that. He's in legion with Eggman and I definitely don't plan on seeing him any time soon again. Plus, this guy's a creep, I'm going nowhere with him! The dark hedgehog chucked again, taking everything in good humor.

"I'll take that as a no."

As soon as he said that his smile faded and he zipped in front of me with a murderous expression. I gasped, shocked by his amazing agility. I quickly turned tail and began to run, choking down my fear.

I heard laughter bellow from behind me, "I love a good game of cat and mouse! This'll be fun! I'll give you a five second head start!"

"Five…four…"

No! I have to get out of here! That psycho, Scythe is after me! He's got speed that rivals Shadow's! I believe escaping would be the best option!

"Three…two…"

Maybe if I could make enough distance between us, I can hide from him.

"…One…"

Oh please let me get away from this jerk!

"Here I come!"

Panting, I continued running, until the idea to take flight came to mind. Just as I became airborne, I felt a sharp tug at the back of my head, "Tag, you loose."

With little effort, the hedgehog threw me over his shoulder. I gasped at the pain as I landed on my back. I saw the lean figure slowly starting to approach, sliver eyes glinting insidiously.

I slowly rose to my feet, grimacing; this was not looking to good. This jerk…is too good! Well, I'm not going to sit here and let him mess with me any longer!

I charged at him, with a fist raised in the air. Just as I swung at him, he side-stepped effortlessly and grabbed my fist, popping a few knuckles in progress. I gasped as the hedgehog grabbed a hand full of my hair and bent me backwards.

I struggled fruitlessly in his grasp, he smiled and this time, propelled me forward. Unfortunately I found the wrong side of a streetlamp.

My head smashed into the pole and I landed on my back, moaning in pain. Vertigo came quickly, leaving me disorientated as I felt myself beginning to lose consciousness as I saw the dark hedgehog approach me.

"This isn't over..." I whispered, feeling consciousness draining away by each passing second.

Scythe laughed, "You're absolutely right...because it's all just beginning."

Dark spots began to cloud my vision as everything began to fade. My last sights fell upon Scythe, slowly ambling towards me with a smile on his face.

To be continued!

Chapter Seven Theme- "Without you,"-Mariah Carey