Chapter 1

Love Is A Dangerous Thing

Sonic had woken up to the sounds of his alarm clock blaring loudly. He shut it off, and got up, did his morning stretches, and opened the window, looking out at the city with a big smile.

"Good morning Mobius!" He cheerfully yelled, as he ran downstairs, almost falling. He put his socks on, then went into the kitchen.

Tails had left him a plate of scrambled eggs and chili, and Sonic wolfed it down. He wrote Tails a thanks, put on his iconic shoes, and ran out the door. He took a deep whiff of the fresh summer air in, and exhaled.

"Man, do I love summer! The freedom, the chili dogs, and even the heat! I just love summer." He said, taking off. "Wooooo!"

He giggled as he felt the cold wind blow against him as he ran around. "I love being-" He was interrupted by an arm shot out in front of him.

It collided with his neck, and Sonic did a whole 360 before landing back first on the sidewalk.

"Ow! Listen here you!" Sonic said, standing up. He dusted himself off, and turned around, only to see Shadow chuckling.

"You practicing your clotheslines?" Sonic said, punching Shadow in the shoulder. Shadow stopped chuckling and pushed Sonic back.

"Maybe." The ebony hedgehog replied, sighing. "Sonic, your too happy. It's disgusting." Shadow stated, crossing his arms.

"Aw, c'mon Shads. Don't be such a party pooper! Besides, I'll never stop being happy! You wanna know why?" Sonic teased, poking Shadow's nose, which was followed by Shadow grunting.

"Yeah, sure." He mumbled, which earned a giggle from Sonic.

"It's because I'm Sonic! Sonic the-" He was cut off by Shadow smacking him.

He fell to the sidewalk, and held his hand over his cheek where he was slapped. He felt hurt for some reason, and he could feel the tears coming.

"Shut up." Shadow said, going back inside his house.

Sonic was confused.

Why did he feel this way all of a sudden? He used to feel nothing from this, and now here he was, crying. He ran home, and jumped onto his couch.

"What is wrong with me?!" Sonic cried out, before coming to a conclusion. "It can't be…..There's no way I love that stupid edgelord…."

…

It was about a few hours until Sonic felt better enough to go back outside. It was too beautiful to stay indoors. He walked back outside and the warm sunlight shined on his face.

If one looked closely enough, they could tell that the blue blur had been crying.

His eyes were puffy and red, and tear streaks stained his cheeks. He kept saying over and over to himself that he was NOT in love with Shadow. But the more he thought about it, the more he started to doubt it.

Just what was it about the black blur that he was drawn to anyway? Why did Sonic suddenly feel this way about him?

Sonic shook his head. He had no time to be worrying about that. It would only damper his mood even more.

So with that, Sonic ran off again, once again enjoying the cool breeze over his aerodynamic quills. He made sure he deliberately stayed as far away from Shadow's home as possible, not ready to deal with another slap to the face just because he was in a semi-good mood again. What was wrong with being in a good mood anyway? What was wrong with loving yourself?

The way Sonic saw it, if you don't love yourself, then you can't love anyone else either. It made him sad to think that way.

Sonic shook his head again, purging those thoughts from his mind. He didn't need to deal with that now.

Before he knew it, Sonic was in the city. He slowed down to a walk, hands clasped behind his back as he took in the sights and sounds of the city.

Things were always so exciting in the city. Something was always happening. That's one of the things Sonic loved so much about it. Don't get him wrong, he enjoys peace and tranquility as well, but the city had a fast pace to it, which the blue hedgehog could always keep up with.

Besides, the city of Station Square is where he grew up. It was his home, and no there's no place like home.

As he continued to walk, he passed by a flower shop. A flash of red and black from inside made the blue hedgehog stop, his curiosity peaked.

Sonic went up to the window of the shop and peered inside. He was surprised to see none other but Shadow standing in front of the cashier, checking out a bouquet of deep pink roses.

"Why would Shadow be buying roses?" He asked himself. "Does he have a secret lover or something?"

The thought of Shadow having a lover made a fire boil at the pit of Sonic's stomach. He knew he was jealous, but he couldn't let that show. It'd be weird and more than likely would just make Shadow even angrier at him.

After Shadow had paid for the roses, he took the bouquet and turned to leave the shop. Not wanting to get caught, Sonic quickly ducked to the side of the building, watching the ebony hedgehog leave from the crack between the flower shop and the coffee shop.

Nobody seemed to notice or care that the usually dark and edgy hedgie was carrying roses. It was like he has done this before. The thought made Sonic lowly growl.

If Shadow had a lover, he was gonna find out who it was… just to make sure they were worthy enough for the ebony hedgehog. After all, Shadow could be a piece of work. One would have to be patient with him and be willing to understand him. Those were the requirements Sonic was looking for in any of Shadow's future lovers.

Keeping at least a 20 feet distance from Shadow, Sonic quietly followed the ebony through the city. He kept his eyes out on him, not wanting to lose him through the crowd. If he lost him, it would be game over, and he'd never find out who the flowers were for.

Eventually, Shadow's path took them out of the city and into the more rural area. This is where Sonic had to be stealthy, hiding behind trees and bushes so he wouldn't get caught.

"Geez, how far does this chick live?" He asked himself.

He was surprised, however, when Shadow suddenly turned off and began climbing up a hill with an overhang that was perfect for watching the sunset.

"Maybe he's meeting her up there."

Quietly, Sonic followed the dark one up the hill. When they got to the top, Sonic stopped in his tracks, surprised for a third time that day.

Over by the overhang, was a tombstone. It was cracked with age, but looked well cared for. Dead roses and vines surrounded the slab of stone, which Shadow slowly approached and cleaned the dead plantation away, replacing the dead roses with the new bouquet he just bought. He stood straight, staring down at the grave with his hands clasped in front of him, not moving a single muscle, or breathing a single word.

Curiosity got the better of the blue hedgehog, and he slowly and quietly approached, trying not to alert the ebony hedgehog as he tried to get a closer look at the tombstone. When he could finally see the inscriptions, he gave a silent gasp.

Maria Robotnik

Granddaughter and best friend

She loved this planet

She will be dearly missed

by all who love her

Tears came to Sonic's eyes for a second time that day.

How long has this been here?

How long has Shadow been visiting this gravesite?

And how often?

"I know you're here, hedgehog." Shadow suddenly sighed, making Sonic jump. "Why don't you stop hiding and just come stand beside me… I could use the company right now."

That confession was all it took.

Sonic approached the ebony hedgehog and stood beside him, staring down at the tombstone in silence. He looked over to Shadow and sadly frowned when he saw the few hints of tears in his eyes.

"Are you ok?" He asked him.

Shadow gave a sigh and closed his eyes, refusing to let his tears fall.

"I'm fine." He answered. "This isn't the first time I've visited this place."

"I figured." Sonic nodded. "How long has this been here?"

"Since we defeated the Black Comet." Shadow answered. "I… wanted to do something in her memory, in case I lose mine again."

"You won't, Shadow." Sonic quickly assured him. "But it's a nice gesture anyway. I'm sure she'd be happy to know that she has a place on this Earth."

"You think so?"

"I know so, Shads. The way you talk about her and much she loved this planet, I think that's all she wanted. Was a place here."

"... Yeah… you're probably right." Shadow sighed and turned to look at his blue rival. "Look I'm… sorry for hitting you this morning. I just… was in a bad mood because I knew I would be coming here today. After all, today is the anniversary of her death."

"It's ok, Shadow, I understand." Sonic nodded.

"How long have you been following me anyway?"

"Eh…" Sonic blushed sheepishly. "Since I saw you in the flower shop. To be honest, I thought you were buying those roses for a secret lover of yours or something."

"So you decided to follow me?" Shadow smirked. "Why? You jealous, hedgehog?"

"Ha! You wish." Sonic quickly denied. There was no way he could let Shadow know that he clearly was. "I just didn't take you to be the romantic type."

"Hmph, well, as you can see now, I don't have a secret lover." Shadow huffed, crossing his arms over his chest fluff. "I was just buying the American Beauties to replace the dead ones."

"American Beauties?" Sonic asked curiously.

"Yes, hedgehog. They're Maria and I's favorite flowers. The vibrant hot pink color. The softness of their petals. Their sweet scent. And they make a wonderful rose tea. What's not to love about them?"

"I see your point." Sonic chuckled.

Shadow chuckled too and then sighed again, uncrossing his arms as he stared down at the tombstone. "Do you think she's proud of me?"

"Of course she's proud of you, Shadow. Why wouldn't she?" Sonic asked, concern.

"It's just… I've broken my promise to her twice already. I'm supposed to protect and keep the people here happy. Give them a chance at happy lives. But twice already I have done evil to this world. That's not what Maria wanted from me at all. So I'm just wondering, how can she possibly be proud of me?"

"Now Shadow, that's enough." Sonic said sternly. "I don't wanna hear that kind of talk coming from you. What you did is not your fault. You lost your memories in both of those times, and you were just trying to get them back. You were being manipulated, by Eggman, and then by Black Doom. You knew no better than when a toddler knows no better than to repeat a curse heard from their parents."

"You're comparing me to a toddler?" Shadow frowned.

"Yes Shadow, because you're still learning. You're still growing accustomed to this world. A lot has changed over the 50 plus years, and you're still getting used to it. Nothing you do is entirely your fault Shads. And those times when you were playing evil, those weren't your fault either. I know that and Maria knows that. What matters now is that you continue holding onto your promise to her. As long as you know what it is, you'll never break it. That's why I think she's proud of you. After all…" Sonic sighed and gently took Shadow's hand into his own. "I'm proud of you."

A deafening silence stood between them as Sonic waited for Shadow's reaction. He hoped that Shadow would take his words to heart and realize that he's right. He didn't want to see the ebony sad any longer.

Finally, Shadow closed his eyes and gave a small smile, gently squeezing Sonic's hand in his own, showing his appreciation.

"Thank you, Sonic." He said in a soft voice. "I needed that. You're a good friend."

Ah, friendzoned!

"Any time, Shadow." Sonic smiled back.

And for the next few minutes, the two hedgehogs just stood there, staring off into the beautiful sunset, hands still interlinked.

When the sun had fully set, Shadow was the one to let go and walk away.

"Shads?" Sonic questioned curiously.

"Thank you for being here with me, hedgehog." Shadow said to him. "I appreciated it, but… don't think that this changes anything between us."

Sonic felt his heart shatter as he said that.

After all of this, they were still rivals?

Didn't Shadow just call him a friend a few minutes ago?!

"I won't." He answered sadly as the ebony hedgehog walked away.

Sonic was heartbroken.

Not only was he friendzoned, but he was RIVALzoned.

Could this get any worse?!

Suddenly, Sonic started to feel a slight pressure on his lungs and he started coughing. As it got worse, he stuck his hand over his mouth, trying to block it. He felt something coming up from his throat, sticking to his esophagus as he continued to cough.

After a few minutes of coughing his lungs dry, he finally stopped. The pressure in his lungs were gone, and wherever was in his throat was now in his hand.

Curious to know what it was, Sonic pulled his hand back and stared in shock.

There, in the middle of his palm, coated in his saliva and bile acid, were three hot pink petals of an American Beauty Rose.