A/N: If you've yet to read my fic Wir sind Menschen, then please do so before reading this one. Just be advised, that particular fic is the longest I've ever done, at over 60,000 words.

That aside, here's the story behind this fic: I liked the pairing of Shadow and Hope so much that I wanted to do more stories with them. Really, every time I see that panel from Sonic Universe #4 of Hope hugging Shadow, I smile. I wish more people would do stories pairing those two together.


Night had thrown its starry black curtain over the Kingdom of Mobius, and having taken a shower and freshened up, Shadow the Hedgehog and Hope Robotnik retired to the former's room. Hope took off her towel, and she climbed into bed with Shadow.

"So, how was your day, Shaddy?"

Shadow smiled. "Oh, it was wonderful! Granted, I'm a little sad that Rouge took my Smith & Wesson away, but still, considering the difference I made, I doubt I'll need it for a while. How was your day, Hope?"

"It was pretty average, but still, it was nice to be back at work."

"I can only imagine."

"By the way, that was a great speech you gave yesterday! I don't know how you did it, but you made everyone in Emerald City – maybe even the world – believe that peace and love are possible!"

"Well…I'm not sure if world peace will ever be attainable in our lifetime, but considering you and Rouge cared enough to comfort me and show people that humans and animals can get along, it might just come that much sooner."

"Oh, speaking of that, how do you feel about being on the front page of The Emerald City Herald and the cover of Emerald City Magazine?"

Shadow frowned. "I'll be honest, I feel a bit embarrassed to have my vulnerable side showing to the world, but I'm very happy that it made such a positive impact in influencing people to be kinder towards one another."

Hope put a hand on Shadow's cheek. "Hey, I know you like to think of yourself as a bad boy sometimes, but really, I think you deserved that hug for being such a saint!"

"M-me…a saint?" Shadow blushed. "I know you love me, but…"

"Really! Even if you did shoot down unarmed protesters with an assault rifle, the fact that you chose to overlook my race and treat me with love and kindness is a BIG positive in my book!"

Shadow's smile returned. "Actually, I have to admit, I sort of have a thing for humans because of Maria."

Hope hugged Shadow and rubbed her cheek against his. "Shaddy, you're such a ladies' man!"

"I've never thought of myself that way, but if you say so, I won't argue it. On another note, I wanted to ask you something…"

"Yes?"

"Why aren't you wearing any clothes tonight?"

"Well, it's a bit warm tonight. Besides, I love the feeling of your soft quills against my skin!"

Shadow blushed harder than last time. "Oh…OK…"

Hope hugged Shadow a bit tighter. "Oh Shaddy, you're so cute and sexy!"

"H-Hope, stop!"

Hope smirked. "Awww…what's the matter? Does the cute, sexy hedgie secretly enjoy having his best girlfriend flirt with him?"

"Um…I uh…I think you've been hanging around with Rouge too much…"

Hope giggled. "And you're funny, too!"

"OK…now you're just trying to make me cry."

Hope let out a mock gasp. "Oh no! Is my cute, sexy boyfriend feeling sad? I know just how to cheer you up!"

"What the…AHAHAHAHAHA! NOT TICKLES! STAHP!"

Hope stopped tickling Shadow.

"Seriously, though," said Hope. "I can't tell you how grateful I am that I met you!"

Shadow smiled. "Thanks, Hope! I feel the same way about you and Rouge!"

"Awww, you're so sweet!" Hope yawned. "But enough pillow talk! Good night, Shaddy! I love you!"

"Good night, Hope! I love you too!"

Hope kissed Shadow and snuggled up with him, while he left his lamp on to write another journal entry:

"Dear Journal: after breakfast today, Rouge confronted me about my vigilante actions. I attempted to justify them, but when she cried at the thought of me being sent to prison, I caved. Seriously, I don't like seeing her become sad. She's my favorite person in the whole world, and knowing that I made her sad because of something I did really hurt, almost as much as seeing Maria die. Fortunately, she hugged me and felt better after I promised to do anything in order to make it up to her. Granted, this involved me handing my Smith & Wesson to her in addition to the boxes of .44 Magnum ammo I keep in my nightstand drawer, but on the other hand, given that the violence is past, I doubt I'll need it for now. On the other hand, Rouge also changed the access code for the armory and programmed Omega to keep constant vigil to make sure I don't sneak any guns away from it. I know that firearms are largely unnecessary for me being that I'm the Ultimate Life Form, but I find that the long-range killing power they offer is a boon to me, and I like the 'don't mess with me' image that they project.

That aside, today was like most any other day I have here: meditation, exercise, headbanging to my favorite metal songs and having Swiss rolls for lunch. I also watched two Executioner movies with Omega. Granted, he made me listen to a bunch of dad jokes afterwards as payback, but even so, I like him. Even if he is one of Doctor Robotnik's creations, his immense physical strength and numerous built-in weapons and gadgets have gotten Rouge and I out of a jam more than once. For supper, Rouge, Hope and I finished off a bunch of leftovers, and after that, we switched things up a little with a nice game of poker. Rouge accused me of cheating on the sole basis that I have Hedgehog Sense, but it's not like I can help it. That aside, my favorite part of today was when Hope snuggled with me naked at bedtime and shared some pillow talk with me. She may not be able to replace Maria, but I'm convinced that Heaven sent her. I can't wait until she turns 18; I feel as though making love to her would be heavenly. I don't know why women are so soft and cuddly, but still, they feel so nice. I hope that Rouge, Hope and I all live happily ever after."

Shadow put away his journal, turned off his lamp and snuggled with Hope. With the Kingdom of Mobius – and especially Emerald City – undergoing cleanup, he felt as though the worst was behind him.


Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.