When Knuckles saw Shadow, unconscious in that bed, with a lot of tubes and cables in his body, he felt like crying rivers, but remained calm and took a deep breath, trying to control himself-Hey-he mumbled softly as she approached Shadow's bed-It's me, I'm not going anywhere until you get up of this damn bed, ok?-he started to stroke Shadow's quills, without a response, he felt a knot in his throat, but still his face seemed calm. He sat at the edge of the bed and remained there, in complete silence, just hearing the beep of the monitor-Now it would be a good time to prove me your ultimate life form powers…-that was it, he couldn't hold it anymore, he wanted Shadow to wake up, to tell him all those "ultimate life form" stupid jokes he usually said, unable to stop them, he let drop a few tears in the sheets.
Knuckles totally forgot that there was a huge window where everybody could see he; only Rouge and Amy were staring at that very moment when he was sobbing in the edge of the bed, he was with his back facing them, but still they saw how he whipped away the tears with his fist.
-I've never saw Knuckles like this before-Amy said-he's really concerned about Shadow.
-Well, he saved his life…-commented the bat girl, she felt true sadness for her partner and the echidna-We should go now, we're useless here. Knuckles will make him company.
-But what if he needs us?-Amy asked, glancing at the guardian who was still in the edge of the bed.
-He's a tough guy, don't worry about him, right now the only thing he needs is for Shadow to wake up.
Knuckles stayed each day and night at Shadow's side; his friends started to worry about him, because he barely ate, showered or leaved the hospital. He just remained there at the edge of the bed, in a chair, taking care of Shadow. He wouldn't let the nurses bath him, because he knew that he would be completely ashamed when he figured that out, so he did. He changed his sheets, turned his body side to side so he wouldn't had sores… he also read him, opened the curtains, told him about the daily events etc.
Two weeks had passed since he entered the coma, and Knuckles was starting to lose all hope, when suddenly, as he was resting his head (sleeping) in the edge of the bed, he felt a shaking hand clumsily caressing his quills.
-Hey-Shadow mumbled with his eyes mid open, his face was calm, but you could see that he still had pain. Knuckles felt like his heart skipped a bit-You're awake…-he felt an urge to throw himself into the hedgehogs arms and hug him, but didn't because of the pain that he'd probably feel and because he's shy. Despite that he had a wide smile and his eyes were uneasy, Shadow understood that the echidna had a hard time worrying about him.
-Well, you didn't think that I'll die that easily did you? - Said Shadow, with a soft voice, his hand was still resting on Knuckle's head.
-Actually I thought you were going to lose your memory as always and forget about me-Knuckles smirked. Shadow tried to laugh but he was still too injured-Don't do that, it hurts, besides, I could never forget about you-he said with a smile. Knuckles blushed and after that they both remained silent, just looking at each other, with a slight smile on their faces. Suddenly a nurse entered the room-Mr. Hedgehog, you're awake!-She smiled and approached him to take his vitals.
-You must be really happy Mr. Echidna, those two weeks must have seen like an eternity to you…
-TWO WEEKS!-screamed Shadow, but he instantly stopped because yelling was really painful.
-Hey, Hey calm down!-Knuckles held Shadow's back and stared at him concerned-Are you alright?
-Mr. Echidna was here taking care of you all this time, he never leaved the hospital; I must say he made the job really easy for all of us, and now, thanks to all his effort you're awake.
-You…you stayed here all this time?-Shadow looked at Knuckles, who looked away because was as red as a tomato. The nurse saw them and smiled-I'll check on you later Mr. Hedgehog, please, try to rest.
-I already rested two weeks but thank you- Shadow said grumpily. The nurse only smiled and leaved the room.
-Well, that was interesting-Said Shadow, with a slight smile. Knuckles was still looking at the wall, embarrassed.
-Knux I…-Shadow was interrupted by a hitting door.
-SHADOW!-In front of the door was everyone, they were holding flowers, balloons and all kind of "get well soon" stuff.
-Wha…how did you know?!-Barely said the hedgehog, with his eyes opened wide.
-We had an agreement with the hospital, when you wake up they'll tell us. So they sent a message to all of us, and we arrived as soon as we could. We are just so happy that you're ok!-Said Amy.
Knuckles looked to all of them confused, but didn't say a word; he just moved to the couch and sit.
-You just keep on scaring us don't you? This "I'm dead" joke is getting old-Said Sonic with a smirk.
Shadow smirked back-typical faker-Everyone laughed, except for Knuckles, who fell asleep in the couch.
-The poor thing is exhausted-Rouge said, covering him with a blanket-Now that he saw that you're alright he finally got some rest.
Shadow glanced at Knuckles, he was sleeping so peacefully in the couch, he had some weird feeling in his stomach, he was so happy because the echidna cared so much for him.
-Well, we should leave Shadow so he can rest too; after all, he's not fully recovered-Said Tails. Everybody agreed and started to leave the room, except for Sonic.
-Shadow I'll take Knuckles with me, he needs some rest, food and a shower!-Shadow glanced at the echidna again, now that he paid attention to him he was thinner, his quills didn't seem as healthy and shiny as they used to be, he had circles around his eyes and his fur was harsh. He felt sorry for the Guardian; he was so concerned about Shadow's well being that totally forgot about himself.
-That's fine by me, just take good care of him ok?-he said. Sonic arched an eyebrow but didn't ask the hedgehog anything; he carried Knuckles bridal style, much for the ultimate's disgust and leaved.
Shadow remained a couple of minutes staring at the ceiling, thinking. Then he fell asleep.
The next day Knuckles woke up in Amy's place, he had a peanut sandwich, grapes and an orange juice at the side of the bed-Where am I?-he whispered, leaving the bed and grabbing the breakfast.
-You're finally awake-Amy said with a smile.
-Amy…what am I doing here? Where's Shadow? Is he right?
-Take it easy Knuckles, Sonic took you to my place last night, you fell asleep in the hospital's couch, Shadow was ok with it don't worry.
-Whaa..Why in the world would I care about Shadow's opinion?!-He yelled, embarrassed.
-Knuckles, you don't need to be embarrassed about it. You know I've been in love with Sonic almost since I met him, so I know love, and you my friend, are in love with Shadow, in case you didn't knew.
The fact that Amy talked about it so naturally somehow didn't make it easier for Knuckles. He couldn't believe that he was "in love" with his best friend, surely he told him that he couldn't live without him, and when Shadow kissed him he didn't push him back or something, that was true…but been in love with him, that was a complete different story. He stared at a meaningless point for a couple of seconds, astonished.
-Aw you guys are so cute-Amy said-you have to tell him…
Knuckles glanced at her, his cheeks were painted with a deep red-I have nothing to tell him, because I don't love him-he folded his arms-And we're not "cute"… and there's no "we"….
-Yeah sure, keep telling that to yourself so maybe you will believe it someday-Amy said with a smirk.
-Well, thanks for the bed and breakfast, but I'll better keep going- he said grumpily as he walked towards the front door.
-Stubborn as ever…-she mumbled as she saw Knuckles leaving.
Knuckles took a few steps away from Amy's house and when he was sure she couldn't see him, he ran as fast as he could to the hospital-Is late! Shadow probably is already awake!
Shadow was stilled, folding his sheets, with his shoes and gloves back on, he sighed, looking thru the window-Where are you?-he mumbled. The nurse entered and saw him-Mr. Hedgehog, I see you're feeling a lot better today, I'm glad-she smiled kindly-Thank you for everything-Shadow said, and smiled back-But since I'm recovered I have to leave now.
-We hope that you have a fully recover, and please don't forget to come back to your monthly evaluation.
-I won't-he said as he exits the room. When the door of the elevator he took opened, there was Knuckles.
-Shadow! You're already awake, and all dressed up, where are you going?-Said the echidna with his eyes wide open.
-Out of the hospital, 13 days is enough time in here for me-he smirked.
-Did the Doctor say that…-
-Relax-interrupted Shadow-Everything's ok, remember…
-You're the ultimate, I know-he smiled-Should we go? I'll share my elevator with you-Knuckles put his hand on the elevators door so it wouldn't close, Shadow smiled and entered the elevator.
-Which floor is this?-the hedgehog asked
-The last one-Knuckles said.
-That gives me enough time-Shadow smirked and looked at the guardian deeply in the eyes, Knuckles suddenly started to feel nervous, he didn't know why, but the look in the hedgehogs eyes made him feel that way. Shadow took both of Knuckle's hands and put them against the elevator's wall and kissed him, leaning his body towards the Echidna's. The kiss was so deep and passionate that Knuckles felt his knees shaking, when Shadow finally broke the kiss, Knuckles stood in front of him, unable to say a word, his eyes wide open, shaking. Shadow smirked at the red head's reaction.
-You…you're really strong for a guy that just awakens from a coma…-Knuckles managed to say, his cheeks were completely red.
-Knuckles, I'm sorry that the emerald was stolen, I'm sorry about everything…-the elevator's door opened, they had reached the first floor. Shadow pressed the last floor button and closed the elevator's door.
-What are you doing?!-Knuckles yelled-You can't play with the elevator like that this is a hospital!
-Shut up! This is important!-Shadow replied-As I was saying, I'm sorry, I never meant to do bad to you, but the opposite, please forgive me…
-Hey-Knuckles put both of his hands in Shadow's shoulders-Is alright, I forgive you-he smiled-you saved my life, and I'll always be thankful for that.
-Knuckles, I…-Shadow blushed-I also wanted to thank you for taking care of me, you haven't to do so.
-But I wanted to, as I said, you saved my life. You're the ultimate and that's why you survived, but me, I'm just the proud guardian of the master emerald, which I have to search for by the way…-Knuckles suddenly remembered the first kiss they had because of the emerald, and now, this was the second one, more long and passionate.
-Shadow, are you planning to keep kissing me and pretending that everything is as it used to be afterwards? Or what's the point?-Knuckles couldn't believe that he had the guts to ask that question, he doubted if he wanted to stay for the answer.
Huh…I-Shadow blushed-I don't know…
Knuckles arched an eyebrow-You DON'T know?! What's that supposed to mean?!-
The elevator stopped again and the door opened, but this time there were a few people that joined them. The silence between them was really awkward; they couldn't keep on talking because of the people in the elevator, so they remained still and separate the whole time.
Shadow glanced at Knuckles, who turned his head avoiding his sight. They reached the last floor and the people in the elevator started to exit, now there was only the two of them, Knuckles was about to exit too when Shadow spoke.
-I love you.
Knuckles froze, his back was still facing Shadow, when suddenly the elevator's door shut and hit him.
-OUCH!-he screamed. Shadow chuckled-That wasn't funny!-Knuckles yelled, rubbing his cheeks. Shadow took Knuckles hand and walked him out of the elevator, Knuckles let go of his hand embarrassed and looked away, mumbling something inaudible.
-What was that?-Shadow asked, approaching his ear to the guardian's mouth.
I love you too-he finally said.
And there was it, their friendship suddenly became something else…Neither of them were afraid of the fact that they were guys and in love, because, let's face it, nobody told Shadow that a boy-boy relationship was "wrong", who would bring that kind of subject in an experimentation lab? And especially with him, who was "the ultimate".
And Knuckles as the last one of his race, didn't seem to understand relationships, none of his friends had a girlfriend or boyfriend, the only "couple" he knew was Amy and Sonic, and for the way Sonic acted, he could say that maybe he didn't like girls after all. No, they weren't afraid of that, they were just afraid of the feeling; they never felt that way before.
-And, now what?-Knuckles asked as they walked away of the hospital.
-Well, aren't you hungry, do you want to eat something?-Shadow asked. Knuckles looked at him troubled.
-Don't play games with me hedgehog! What about this, what are we gonna do?!-Knuckles yelled, he was nervous and started to lose it.
-Don't ask me, I'm a laboratory experiment, remember? You're a mobian, so tell me, what do mobians do when they fall in love?
-I got a feeling that you're going to play that "experiment" card on me a lot…-Knuckles folded his arms, snickering.
-You don't know right?-Shadow looked at him with a smirk.
-Well, no, but, maybe we could just keep things the way they were, kisses included-Knuckles smiled.
-That sounds fine by me-Shadow smiled back.
-Now, since you were the main cause of the emerald been shuttered, what about you help me collect the pieces?-Knuckles took Shadow by the hand, who blushed and looked him in the eyes, confused.
-Sure…why not-he smiled, and grabbed Knuckles' hand-As long as I'm with you.
The end.