STH © SEGA

Sarah © Cozy Shadow

Flame, Petunia, and Jeffery © Phantomask

Italicized brands belong to their rightful owner.

Okay, so it's been several years. Shadow and the other characters are going to have changed a bit. I mean c'mon, it's kind of common sensed—especially if Sonic could somehow influence Shadow in a good way. Everything will be explained so please be patient people.

Random chapter because I cut Mike out and that was the majority of this chapter in the old version, so I had to come up with something almost completely different. It's not too bad, I suppose.

Chapter Six:

Unpredictability

Amy normally enjoyed Valentine's Day alone. She'd go to the café, pick up a coffee, and read a romance novel in the park.

But it was different this time around.

She awoke to the sounds of Shadow cooking, Sonic teasing him, and Sarah taking a shower. Sitting up on the couch, Amy glanced around.

I wonder what they have planned today. The kids are probably still asleep.

Getting off the sofa, and taking the blanket with her, Amy sauntered to the kitchen. She was greeted with delicious smells and quiet arguing from the two males.

"Good morning, Ames," Sonic stopped his harsh whispering at Shadow the moment he saw the pink female wander in. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Happy Valentine's Day to both of you," Amy yawned as she rubbed her eyes. "What's on the agenda today?"

"Well…" Sonic timidly laughed as he crept towards her. "I was hoping you and Shadow could babysit the kids for me."

"He's proposing to Sarah," Shadow droned from behind the blue blur.

Amy was wide awake then. She bit her lip to keep from squealing, but the smile was still plastered on her face. She did a little dance in the air after hugging Sonic. "This is incredible!"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Sonic anxiously looked at the doorway. "Just don't give it away. She might be able to hear."

"She's in the shower," Amy retorted and sat down. She placed her cheeks in the palms of her hands while setting her elbows on the table. "But I guess we can babysit for the babysitter."

"Thanks—"

"Absolutely not," Shadow grumbled. "I have work to do."

"Oh, come on!" Amy spun to stare at him with pleading eyes and clasped hands. "It's Valentine's Day, Shadow! Take a break, give Sonic a break, and for the love of God—quit burning the toast!" She marched forward and popped the toast up from the toaster.

Shadow glared at her. "You want to cook?"

"Please do," Sonic chortled as he sat down. "Just because Shadow cooks for us sometimes, doesn't mean he's any good."

"Faker…"

"What? It's true!"

Amy rolled her eyes and softly took the spatula from Shadow's iron grip. She pushed him lightly to the side before taking over at the stove.

Shadow, a little humiliated from both of them, plopped down at his regular seat at the head of the table. Sonic sat in his normal spot and watched Amy take over. "So, you'll watch them?"

"Of course, Sonic," Amy grinned back at the speed demon. "It's your day. Take your time and don't screw it up."

It was Shadow's turn to snicker now.

After pushing the two lovebirds out the door, Amy let the kids continue to sleep through the afternoon. Although, she knew that it only meant they would be up all night, she had some catching up to do with emails.

Hidden within her suitcase with the remaining clothes she hadn't sold was her laptop. Sliding it out, Amy opened the top and turned the computer on while working on untangling the charger and its cord. Looking for an outlet, Amy wondered what Shadow was up to.

Prior to the dinner at the elementary last night, they'd gone home quietly and ignored each other as if the kind conversation never happened.

Such a shame. Amy thought with a frown as she finally found the outlet and plugged the untangled cord into it. It was probably our first decent conversation in a while.

A few minutes later, the pink hedgehog was looking through old email from stores in New York. Sadly reminded of the place she once called home, Amy deleted them. Finally, she found the last email she had sent to Blaze. It was right before she was kicked out of her apartment.

While the cat had tried to convince Amy to come to Europe, Amy had already decided to get in touch with Sonic at the time. Plus, she didn't want Silver and Blaze to pay for everything. With the remaining money, she'd gotten a ticket and boarded a plane. Meanwhile, Blaze and Silver had resided in Europe.

The couple had been in Europe for several weeks so far for Silver's business.

Every time he tried to explain what he did, Amy got lost. It mostly had to deal with marketing and being a good suck up to other countries. It was obvious that the once naïve male was pretty good at both.

Amy wasted no time in composing a letter and sending it to the feline.

She talked mainly about how different the scenery was and how difficult a certain housemate was. As she looked over her letter, the rose flower was surprised to see how much she had written about Shadow. Sonic and Sarah were mentioned very few times compared to the stubborn male that paid the bills.

Sighing, Amy debated on pressing send or not.

What would Blaze think? The cat had always been calm and truthfully decisive. Still, it seemed Blaze had disagreed with Amy's idea to contact Sonic.

"They have their own lives now, Amy. It would be rather rude."

Still. Something told Amy to get in touch with Sonic. And she was rather glad she did.

Pressing send, Amy relaxed against the couch and watched the clock tick. It was barely noon.

Sonic had a whole day planned for Sarah and him. Amy hoped Sarah wouldn't catch on quickly or at all.

He said they'd probably be back late.

A wail from the bedroom made Amy get up from the couch and hurry away. Poor Jeffery cried and sucked his finger as Amy picked him up and walked around the room. Petunia was still out like a light.

Sonia and Flame should be back tomorrow sometime to pick them up. She gazed down at Jeffery pitifully. I wonder why he was crying…

The baby had eaten and had fallen asleep while watching Sonic walk away. Perhaps it was waking up to an empty bed (besides being with Petunia) and no adult that scared him. Amy ambled out of the bedroom as she continued to hold Jeffery and pat his back soothingly.

"Shhh…You're okay."

Amy closed her eyes as Jeffery's wails became nearly silent whines. He pressed his face up against her shoulder, poking his eyes out to look over her as they filled with tears.

The house door opened and closed like clockwork.

She listened as Shadow took off his shoes and sighed while stretching. His footsteps immediately halted as they got close to the living room.

Amy had her back turned to him as she looked out the window, but his faint reflection showed.

"Is he alright?"

"Yes," Amy whispered. She turned and faced the ebony male, surprised to see him so close to her now. "I reckon he woke up to see no one but his sister and panicked."

The male stepped closer as Jeffery quieted. The baby closed his eyes and leaned into Amy's shoulder further. Amy tightened her grasp. "Did you come in for lunch?"

Shadow turned sharply and made his way to the kitchen as if to answer her. "I'm done with the truck and swather anyway."

"Swather?" Amy raised an eyebrow and hurried after him, minding Jeffery. "What was wrong with the—oh…you got the dent out, didn't you?"

"I had the time."

"I was going to once the kids were gone," Amy shook her head as if to scold Shadow. "You didn't have to—"

"Relax, Amy," Shadow scoffed as he looked through the fridge. "It wasn't that hard. One swing and the dent was out. Just remind me to not let you drive a swather for a while and we'll call it even."

"But why did you—"

The dark hedgehog stopped short and stared at her with an emotionless gaze that made her break mid-sentence. She shut her trap and clutched onto Jeffery, who whimpered in his sleep. Red eyes glimpsed at the toddler before looking back at Amy.

"You're watching the children for now, Amy. Don't worry about it."

For a moment, she watched as he went back to getting a sandwich made. Then, without a word, Amy vanished through the archway with Jeffery—back into the living room.

All the while, Shadow watched out of the corner of his eye.

The hours seemed to pass by after their afternoon encounter.

Amy and Petunia watched movies while Jeffery clung onto the former. He seemed to be homesick and missing his mother more than usual. Petunia, however, was fine.

Shadow had disappeared after eating his lunch, but Amy didn't quite care all too much about it. She knew he would be fine. And yet, she was still surprised when Shadow came in at five and sat down on the couch with them.

Though his head was leaned back and his eyes were closed, he had joined them technically.

Amy watched as an awkward silence (but the movie in the background) traveled through the air.

Petunia didn't seem to notice that he was in the room. She was settled in front of the TV with her blanket and a pillow from Sonic and Sarah's room. Amy wasn't even sure if she was awake anymore. Jeffery chewed on Amy's finger as he watched the television. And still, emerald eyes stared at Shadow curiously.

It's rather odd he just came in and sat down. Then again, it's his house and he can do as he pleases.

"Have you eaten dinner yet?"

His voice made her jump out of her thoughts and into reality. Amy blinked before she cleared her throat.

"No."

A sigh escaped from his lips. "What do you want?"

"It's okay," Amy responded. "I'll make dinner tonight."

It felt rather odd.

Even when she suddenly found herself in the kitchen, stirring as the noodles cooked and watching the tomato sauce near perfection, Amy couldn't shake the feeling off—the feeling that she was practically playing house with Shadow.

We have the house, the kids, and here I am—making dinner. It does feel like we're playing house.

She listened as Petunia awoke from her nap and decided to color. The soft voice that could've only been Shadow's created a warm feeling throughout the air.

Or perhaps it was the delicious aromas making Amy feel calm in such an environment.

Ease up on the imagination, Amy. You've only been here for four days. Don't get too comfortable. Who knows how long Shadow will allow you to even stay here? Any day he could just kick you out.

"Amy, Amy! Lookie!" Petunia raced into the kitchen with a paper in her hand.

The rose hedgehog grinned happily at the child and her picture. It appeared to be a red flower with a grassy background and classic sun-in-the-corner-of-the-page. "It looks beautiful, Petunia."

It took no time for the little girl to place it on the fridge, whamming a magnet over it to make sure it stayed. After all, the world needed to see such beauty and creativity.

"I'm going to go make another one!"

"Alright," Amy laughed lightheartedly as Petunia vanished.

The absence of another life form made Amy slip away into her thoughts as she mindlessly cooked dinner.

In this tranquility, Amy found the scene nearly perfect.

Until the phone rang.

Now, there were several phones around the house. One in the living room, one in the old, dusty, and unused computer room, one in each of the bedrooms, and one in the kitchen. The black phone rested near the sink and seemed to yank Amy out of her reverie.

Just when this place quiets down for one second...

At first, she didn't know if she should answer it. She had, after all, just barely reminded herself she'd only been a member of the household for four days. Did that qualify her to answer the phone as a residence yet? Or should she let Shadow take it? After all, it most likely would be for Shadow.

She rolled her eyes at the thought.

Oh, if Shadow had any friends in the community, it would be hysterical. He seemed just as antisocial as the last time Amy saw him eight years ago. But at least he went out. Still, that didn't mean he was fond of making friends regularly. So the chances that someone was calling him seemed slim.

But how many people knew Amy was living with him?

Just saying that in a sentence makes it sound weird. Amy scrunched up her nose at the thought and inwardly cringed. Still…

She peered at the ringing phone with wide, curious eyes.

"Amy! Get it!"

Shadow's growl was the last push she needed to quickly snatch up the object and click the needed button before saying, "Hello?"

Nervous and shy, Amy paid more attention to the food at that moment than she had all night.

"Amy?"

That voice. She knew that voice by heart. It was Rouge the Bat. Not quite in the flesh, but it was her voice nonetheless and it made Amy grin from ear to ear.

"Rouge! It's so great to hear from you! How are you?"

"Good, good. Now shut up. Listen, a little birdie from France called me—saying something along the lines that his best friend was now living with my old partner in crime."

Ouch.

Amy winced at the thought of not telling Rouge that she had moved and been kicked out. She knew that if she had told Rouge, the bat would've made Amy move in with her. And Amy didn't want to be a burden on her and Knuckles—not to mention the rowdy twins. It seemed like Rouge had her plate full and adding Amy would've overfilled it.

Like having too much at the all-you-can-eat salad bar.

Sighing, the rose hedgehog clutched onto the wooden spoon. "I'm sorry, Rouge. I should've told you, but—"

"How dare you! I'm honestly angry with you right now. You know, when I was going through my hard time, I didn't have to reach out to you. I could've just called Knuckles and let that be that. I could've let you live in New York and never actually know anything about your life. But because I thought you'd matured before the group split up, I knew you'd be the best help—"

"Rouge," Amy droned. She tried listening to the lecture, she really did. The only problem was that it was the same old lecture Rouge gave her every time she got on Rouge's bad side. "Listen…I don't even know how long I'll be staying here, but it was sort of a spontaneous decision."

"You didn't even tell me you were having money issues! Amy! Ugh…God dammit, I could've helped you. After five years, this is how you treat me? Like a used car? Like a dirty washcloth? Like a—like a—like a—"

"I'm really sorry," Amy pleaded. "But I didn't want to be a burden on your life."

"Oh, so is that what it's called? Not friends helping friends? So, when I was pregnant and called you for help, was I just a burden on your life?"

"Of course not, Rouge."

"So what the hell makes a difference here?"

"You—" Amy paused to look at the doorway. She knew that only she and Knuckles knew of Rouge's rape. She could only imagine what Sonic and Shadow would think if they ever knew. "You have enough mouths to feed as it is," she whispered. "And I thought Sonic and Shadow were living alone so—"

"They're not?"

"Well, Sonic's got a girlfriend, Sarah Hutchington—who will hopefully be his future-wife if their date tonight goes well—and then we have Sonia's kids over here—"

"Wait, wait. You…and Shadow…are babysitting? Together?"

"I mean, I'm making dinner. He's watching them…hopefully," Amy said as she took glances to the doorway.

The last thing she needed right now was for Shadow to walk in. Oh, fate would be so cruel.

There was a long pause and Amy almost thought Rouge had hung up. It definitely wouldn't be the first time. She clutched the phone tighter. "Rouge?"

"Amy…" The bat's voice sounded as if she were heartbroken. "I never thought we'd be friends in a million years. But you helped me through my troubles. How do you think it makes me feel when I'm barely learning that I didn't help you through yours?"

Amy watched the wall with an emotionless look. "I'm sorry, Rouge," she repeated but more monotone this time. "I truly am. But something told me to contact Sonic. It…It feels good to still be friends with most of the team again. Like something missing from my life is now complete."

"Well, for your sake, I hope it stays that way. And I hope you're happy, Amy. For all that you've done for me. On a better note, how are things?"

"Not such a better note," Amy laughed halfheartedly. "It kind of sucked to begin with."

"Let me guess. One Mr. Shadow the Hedgehog didn't like the newcomer."

"Bingo. He definitely likes his solitude, Rouge. And if things go smoothly for Sonic tonight, I might be stuck living with Shadow alone. It kind of scares me to say it."

"He's not abusive, is he?"

Amy mulled the thought over. "No. I mean, if anything got physical between us during these four days, it would be me slapping him. But other than that, it's mainly him trying to discourage me from the country life. I believe he doesn't think I can do it. That and I'll be a nuisance and another mouth to feed."

"I'm sure he needs the company though," Rouge assured. "Trust me. There's a way to get through to him. You just have to find it. Some people do it by making him an enemy. Some do it by making him a friend."

"And you?"

"Well, I was his partner. I was practically his only friend that he trusted at some points in time. In the end, I see him as a brother more than just a coworker. I don't know what'll make the two of you tick but there's always something. After all, no one can say no to Amy Rose, can they?"

Filled with sudden determination, Amy giggled. "That's right!" A sudden silence ran through them and Amy found herself saddened at the thought. "What if he doesn't give me the chance though, Rouge? I don't want to be his enemy."

"Amy, there's not much you can do but try. Shadow never lets anyone in easily, but when he does…"

"One of those overly loyal types?" Amy hummed in amusement, "That I can actually see happening."

"Okay. Well, listen, I got to go. Knuckles is failing miserably at putting the kids to bed so I've got to go help him."

"You aren't mad about the whole 'not telling you' thing?" Amy inquired with hope laced in her voice.

"Oh, I'm still angry with you. But…Listen; try not to screw up again. And if you do then for God's sake just call me."

The pink hedgehog smiled softly, "Will do."

Hanging up never felt so hard. It'd been forever since she had talked to Rouge—at least it felt like forever. It felt nice.

She didn't have to laugh at everything Sonic said. She didn't have to bite back her tongue at everything Shadow told her. She didn't have to listen to Sarah's sarcastic comments.

No. Amy could just be who she had grown up to be when she talked with Rouge. She didn't even have to convince Blaze or Silver that she was all right. For the first time in a long time, Amy could just be a normal person—herself.

And the sudden realization made her laugh as her eyes watered. The first tear slid down her cheek.

To think. Ten years ago, I never thought I would be here. But it's so…peaceful. Calming.

Another tear, but all in happiness, matched with another soft laugh.

It's been a long time since I've felt so lightheaded with happiness. I've spent so long worrying over bills and trying to get a job that I had no time to actually relax and enjoy myself. I never talked to Rouge and I hardly talked to Blaze or Silver unless it was serious talk.

But…strangely, it felt nice to speak to Rouge again. Even if I was getting yelled at.

By now, five more tears had slipped down her face and her eyes had become blurry. Her shoulders shook with each laugh and cry.

I finally have a moment to myself. And it's a good moment. A good, happy moment when I can just let all of my worries disappear and escape into a place with nothing but tranquility. Where I can actually say I enjoyed life instead of saying I'm trying to make it through the best I can. After so much judgement from people—my friends, my neighbors, my landlord.

It's all gone.

It's my moment. And I'm happy. Truly happy. For the first time in a long time.

"What are you doing?"

And just like that the moment was gone, as if the once bright room was sucked back into the dull colored reality.

Amy opened her eyes, wide and in shock, as she jumped almost too close to the stove. Twisting around, she hiccupped and wiped away a tear.

There he was, as destiny decided. Shadow would walk in on her while she was having her moment. But his look of concern made her laugh again. Another long, stray tear made its way down her cheek. And another.

"Oh, nothing," she laughed and tried to wipe the now embarrassing tears away as her cheeks flushed.

Petunia poked her head through the doorway and glanced cautiously up at Amy. "Are you okay, Amy?"

"I'm fine, sweetie. Go back to coloring."

Just like that, the child smiled and was gone. But Shadow was a little bit more curious as to why Amy was crying and yet laughing. As to why tears stained her face yet she continued to smile through. It almost made her glow in…happiness.

Shadow stopped a foot away from her. "Are you alright?" he nearly whispered.

Amy halted in her actions as another tear slid down her cheek. A thumb that wasn't hers caught it swiftly. Even as his thumb remained grazing her cheek, he didn't move. His red eyes—soft pools of vermillion—watched her with a calculating gaze. She was definitely an odd female.

But to Amy, he was the one being odd at the moment. She watched him stare at her with wide, tear-filled eyes as the light grin on her muzzle slowly disappeared as she realized what was happening.

Shadow…Why is he always unpredictable? He's not the antisocial, arrogant person I once knew. If anything, living with Sonic changed him and for the better.

I guess four years can do that to a person.

She continued to watch him with an unfaltering gaze.

The bolshie male didn't know what he was doing when he captured the stray tear with his thumb. He simply didn't like crying. And what made it worse was that he had seen the flower cry before—because of him—and had deep down felt some guilt, though as always, it would take a million years and another million before he would ever admit it.

Still, he didn't like tears. They weren't specifically a weakness. More like a dislike. And he wanted to know why on Earth this female was crying and yet laughing. It secretly made him wonder in astonishment at how unpredictable Amy really was.

"I'm fine," Amy nodded almost too quickly. He slowly took his hand away. "I'm just…happy." She grinned up at him with a grin he'd never seen before.

Something in Shadow's heart lifted at the sight of seeing Amy Rose actually truly content. It was something he had rarely seen. It was as if the old Amy Rose, minus the crazy fangirling, was back.

As if she had been forcing her smiles all along to make it by.

"Why?" He found it shocking to himself that his voice still came out warm and soft. He never whispered to anyone like this. Not even Petunia when she would have a meltdown. It was almost like a cautious whisper, but also one filled with knowing.

Amy shrugged. Her eyelashes fluttered as she gazed up at him, "Because after all this time of worrying about how I'm going to make it by in life, I finally have a moment to stop and smile. Even if my decisions now will cause me pain in the future, I still get to live without the weight of regret pulling me down. I still get to be happy in this one moment."

Shadow swallowed heavily as he listened to her words. Never had such a thought occurred to him.

She had been going through her own issues, had taken what little she had left, and had done a bold thing. This little hedgehog in front of him had boarded a plane, flown across the States, and had walked through that airport not sure if her plan would work. Because it all fell on Shadow. If he hadn't been there, she would've been without a second chance.

But he had been there.

And all the while, he had criticized her, discouraged her, and had been so undeniably rude to her without ever thinking about her. He had only been thinking about himself.

This brave female in front of him didn't know what her future held, but she was braver than him. He would confess that mentally but never outwardly to anyone—not even her. Shadow would never have come to people that he once knew and ask for aid. He was too stubborn.

I never stopped to think about her. I only ever thought about my wishes. I was so close to having my solitude back that I never stopped to think.

Would giving up my wants for her needs be such a terrible idea?

Would allowing her a chance to live here be so bad?

Shadow stopped to think this through as Amy continued to wipe tears away. She wasn't laughing anymore and nor was she smiling. She was back to being normal but not her.

He almost wished he hadn't walked in. Hadn't spoken. Hadn't broken her out of such bliss.

After all, Amy did have to deal with him being such an asshole this entire time. She deserved her moment—no matter how oddly timed and placed it was. But that was the thing about happiness, he guessed.

It came randomly.

"I'm sorry," he spoke after such a long pause.

Emerald eyes, still glossy from the tears, stared up at him with confusion. Amy turned completely towards him holding onto the spoon while subconsciously making sure the food didn't overcook.

"Why?"

"Because I've been nothing but a terrible host to you. And I apologize."

His arm outstretched as he held his hand out for her to shake.

What is he… Amy thought quietly to herself as she eyed the hand. Is this compassion coming from him? Actual feelings directed to someone else instead of himself? How…unpredictable.

Amy raised an eyebrow at the hand and then at him before deciding that Shadow was serious. With slow movements, Amy brought her hand to his. She had to admit, they were warm and soft to the touch.

Gently, he squeezed once with a slight shake that anyone would've miss if they hadn't felt it.

Shadow released his hand from hers and backed away, still towering above her with his height though. Amy stood there, ears perked towards him, as she watched in amazement and gladness.

Maybe this means he'll give me a chance to prove myself.

She watched as the corner of his mouth lifted upwards a slight notch. It was a classic smirk from him.

"I forgive you."

And a classic smile from her.

The sun set and the moon rose, lighting up the night sky. While the curtains were closed, the television gave off most of the light in the dark living room. But another came from a laptop.

Even after dinner, Shadow couldn't help but glance at Amy to see how she was doing. He slightly wondered if she would go back to being a pain or if this new Amy was there to stay. He had to concede; he felt like he was in a better mood and wondered if it was the same for her.

Petunia and Jeffery were huddled up on either side of Amy, both asleep. Amy typed away on her laptop and Shadow was stuck with watching another animated film.

It'd been a long time since either had spoken to one another.

And for some reason, Shadow felt like now would be a good time to break that silence—no matter how good it was. It was to be another random act from the changed male that would surely surprise Amy Rose.

"Rose?"

Amy stopped typing as his voice broke through the barrier. She tilted her head and glanced at the outline of him. Depending on the scene in the movie and the brightness of said scene, she was able to see more or less of Shadow and vice versa.

"Yes?" She bit her lip at the nickname he had rarely called her. It proved to be something he and he alone had come up with. No one else had called her Rose. Ames or Amy was what she was used to. And yet, it sounded nice to hear something new.

"What are you doing?"

He honestly had no clue where the conversation was going, but he couldn't handle another minute of the kiddie movie and silence between him and her. He wasn't much of a talker, but something still told him to at that moment. Plus, he was curious as to what she could possibly be typing (what with her fingers flying and making rapid ticking sounds that made the movie even less tolerable).

"I'm talking to Silver."

The response stunned him to say the least.

Silver. Silver. I know him. I remember him.

"The naïve one?"

Amy giggled in the darkness. "He's not naïve anymore. He actually lost that habit when we moved to New York together."

"You lived together?" This was getting interesting. Also, it made Shadow not want to listen to the rest of the story.

"For a short time. Then Blaze moved in with us and they got together. I've been his best friend ever since."

"What about that rabbit?"

Amy licked her lips as she combed through Petunia's quills, "Cream? Oh, well…I lost touch with her. I don't know where she is."

"She's fairly close actually."

"What?" The rose hedgehog sat up straighter, "Where?"

"Tails would know her exact location. If I remember correctly, he speaks to her monthly over the phone. Though I think she's still a few states away, she's closer to us than New York."

"Oh…" Amy slunk back down. Cream was still so far away. Still, that didn't mean Amy couldn't contact her now. Boy, would she have to apologize for not keeping in touch. "Is she angry that I don't talk to her anymore?"

"I don't know. I don't talk to Tails about her. I only recall a conversation Tails had with Sonic a couple of summers ago."

"Well, that's good. At least she's still alive."

"True." Shadow huffed as he leaned his elbow up against the arm of the chair. He stared at the television before casually glancing at Amy, though she couldn't see it. "Why Silver's best friend? I would imagine you'd be closer to the feline."

"I am close to Blaze, but I just know more about Silver."

"Because you two lived together longer?" Shadow guessed and nodded. "I supposed that's reasonable. I mean, it makes sense—"

"That and we dated."