Chapter 2: Roses

Although Amy was supposed to look at her menu, she found herself glancing back and forth from her breakfast sandwich to the face of her significant other.

Despite having sat here for the past ten minutes in complete silence, Shadow would've typically noticed this type of odd behavior.

It would've helped a tad if he himself had noticed that he was the one giving off an awkward vibe.

No matter what Amy said to bring up conversation, Shadow kept his gaze out the window, letting her words go one ear and out the other.

Amy cleared her throat; this was supposed to be a happy day.

They were supposed to be conversing and being silly and doing what normal couples do, but something was wrong.

This is supposed to be a date, but she felt as though it was more of a stand-off.

Amy set her menu down and smiled, "Shadow? Are you okay? You seem quiet today."

Shadow blinked and shook his head while giving her a sweet smile, "I'm alright. What about you? Did anything happen at work?"

"O-Oh... They kind of laid me off... But, I'm going to start looking for something else tomorrow!" she answered quietly.

Shadow looked at her with concern, "Are you sure you're going to be okay?"

"Yeah! I'll be fine! I promise!" assured Amy.

After getting their order taken, more silence took place. She stared at Shadow again.

"Are you sure that you're okay?" she asked again.

Shadow gave a quiet laugh, "Really, it's nothing. Anyway… what happened to that diet you were planning on getting?"

"I said 'maybe'! Besides, I can't resist the tastiness of cheeseburgers!"

"You're such a pig, I swear... I'm going to be rolling you around soon!"

"H-Hey! I'm not THAT fat, am I?"

"Haha, no. You're fine the way you are. Don't even worry about my commentary."

And with that, Amy gradually felt the conversation lighten that day.

She finally felt Shadow's warmth through the sarcastic words she was so familiar with, and for the rest of the morning, it was as blissful as any other outing.

After spending the day together, Shadow and Amy walked hand-in-hand, the sunset blaring from the horizon on their walk back to her apartment.

She glanced once more at Shadow, and saw that his expression was more soft and less cool than before.

I thought he was back to his old self this morning... she thought as she felt her hand give him a tight squeeze. "H-Hey— Amy! That hurts, haha."

Her thoughts cut short, she released his hand from her grip, "Oh, my God! I am SO sorry!"

Shadow laughed, flexing his hand, "It's okay. It just surprised me a bit."

Amy gazed once more at him silently, before finally asking: "Hey... Shadow, are you sure you're okay? You were weird this morning..."

Shadow paused and smiled intently at her, pulling her close to his chest. "Nothing's wrong, babe. Don't worry about anything. I've just been feeling tired from work, that's all," he murmured through her hair.

"Okay," she replied, rubbing her cheeks against his chest, "Thanks, Shadow… I really enjoyed today."

Shadow ruffled her quills and released her from his embrace, "Come on, we're almost home."

Upon arrival to the first few steps to the apartment doorway, he wrapped his arms around her once more.

"So..." he whispered as he stared down at Amy's vivid hues, "Are you still mad at me for yesterday?"

Amy smiled, and wrapped her arms around him, "Yes..." she slurred. Despite her words, Shadow leaned forward and as she closed her eyes, she felt his lips upon hers.

The warmth of that summer evening tingled her cheeks as she felt Shadow's embrace. Even after they parted, she felt the sensation continuously as she walked back up to her apartment.

Settling in for the night, Amy approached the shower, and allowed herself into the relaxing comfort of the warm water splashing her body.

The day went perfectly. Her previous thoughts on how strangely he acted was out of her mind, and now, she finally has time to herself.

After the shower, she made her way to the living room until a shuffling sound came from the door.

She approached the door, and on the ground, was a letter.

She picked up the letter, and walked back to the couch and sat down.

She opened it:

Dear Amy,

I know you're going to hate me for doing this to you. I can already feel your heart sink with the words that are on this page. I know you've noticed that I've been acting a tad standoffish, and for that, I apologize. But, the truth is that I just can't be with you anymore. I wanted to at least give you one more last good date before I leave. I know it's sudden, but it needs to happen. I just want you to know that you're seriously the best thing to ever happen to me. It's strange to even say that because I never thought I could ever meet someone so amazing, but I just can't do this anymore. I hope sometime in the future you'll understand and forgive me.

~ Shadow

Amy's hands trembled. She could feel the tears stinging her eyes, and allowed the letter to flutter to the ground, "If... If he really wanted to say he's sorry..." she said as she balled her fists. "… He could've just told me right then and there."

Amy's tears streamed on her face. "Why... Why did you do this?"

- End of Chapter 2 -