Seven Years Later…Part II

I woke with a start.

But for some reason, it wasn't because the brainless-kiddy-birthday-bash music was on too loud. It was because everything was silent. I rose to my feet. And it was dark as fuck outside.

Shit.

"Kids?" I fought the urge to smack my face with my hand. I had one job. Throw a party. For children. And I couldn't even do that—

I moved from the sunroom, skimmed the backyard. The floodlight was on, but I couldn't see anyone or anything. Not even the bouncy house. My eyes widened as I ran into the house. It was immaculate and empty. So I did what all sane people would do in my situation.

I ran outside screaming.

"Is anyone here!?" I turned to my watch. Nine thirty?! I gritted my teeth. Whatever sick joke this was, it had to end. Right now. By the time I made it to the backyard, I was heaving like a mad woman. "Why the hell didn't anyone wake me—"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

A million lights came on at once. I'd like to say that reality was blinding, but it was just sort of annoying. I almost punched Sonic when he pulled me into a hug.

"You thought we'd all forget, didn't you?" He offered me his signature lop-sided grin, but I still wanted to punch him. When he handed me a glass of wine, the urge died down. Until I took a sip.

"Sparkling wine?"

He shrugged. "Hey, I don't know if you're…you know."

"What he means to say is happy birthday!" Sally said, elbowing him in the ribs. "Though you should thank Blaze and Fiona, they're the one's who organized everything."

"And where are they?"

"Right here!" The two brought out a cheesecake with a glowing candle. Although I was sick of all things sugar, I couldn't help but salivate slightly at the sight. They set it down on the patio table.

"I know it must have been a hassle dealing with the twins party on your special day," Blaze said, handing me a knife. "But we want you to know that you mean the world to us. Isn't that right, guys?"

The group cheered and my heart swelled. "Wow, I don't know what to say."

"Just make a wish," Fiona said, rubbing my shoulder. I sighed.

"I don't know, I was really hoping Shadow and Rouge would be here by now."

"Rouge said that they're just getting back from the agency," Knuckle's said, peering at his phone. "I'd give them half an hour if nothing else pops up."

"Did you want to wait?" Cream then asked. "I mean, it's not a big deal."

But it was a big deal. I mean, I was glad that the mission apparently went okay, but they said they'd be back hours ago. Prolonging the event just seemed unfair to everyone—

"I see headlights!" Cream then cheered. Because I was desperate, I rushed over to the front of the house. But when I saw Scourge step out of his SUV, my heart fell. He raised a brow.

"Why do you look like you want to kill me?" He offered me a devious smirk. "I thought we had already gotten past that."

"Ha." I folded my arms. "I thought you were Shadow."

His face spoiled. "Please. Everyone knows I'm way better looking." I heard Fiona laugh before she pulled him into a death hug.

"Stop bothering Amy. It's her birthday."

"Of course I know that." He offered me a gift bag and a small hug. "So where's the party? Or are your friends really boring as fuck?"

"Scourge."

Fiona offered me an apologetic look before leading him into the backyard. I had to admit, he did liven up the space. Music was turned up, and conversation filled the air. I looked down at the half-eaten cake. Even though I didn't feel particularly unhappy, I knew that there was something wrong when I didn't want to eat cheesecake. But I was still deciding who the culprit of my sore feelings was. Naturally, I blamed exhaustion; for some odd reason I was still tired.

However, I had no idea what I was tired of.

I sipped on a beer, and relished in the small buzz that washed over me. Huh, I didn't remember being such a lightweight. But as I skimmed over my phone, and saw no word from Shadow, I instantly felt weighed down. Part of me felt tempted to ask him when exactly he thought he'd be back—after all, Rouge was being commutative. But I knew that prying wouldn't make him come home any sooner. And this feeling of being powerless…I think that's what had to be bumming me out.

"You look bummed out." Again, I was surprised Blaze hadn't said this. The party was well into an hour in, and I knew pretty soon everyone would be leaving. This was a social gathering more than a party, and for some odd reason I didn't care to be social. I shrugged as I watched Tails and Cream do the robot to a techno dance. When Scourge cleared his throat, I snapped out of my trance. "Spill."

"You know that I don't have to tell you anything, right?" There was hardly any bite in my tone, but I wasn't being completely nice either, I guess. Scourge and I had been on good terms for years now. I could be open with him. Couldn't I?

"I guess not. But you and I both know people always regret not getting things off their chest. Especially when someone specifically asks if you want to get things off your chest." His icy eyes pierced through mine. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be as happy as I am now with Fiona and the kids. Just let me see if I can help. Pretend like you owe me that."

"Alright," I said, taking another swig. "All those years ago, when Shadow reached out to you on my behalf, what did he say? What did you say?"

I thought he would look taken back, but he just shrugged before leaning back against his chair. "He said that he was lucky he didn't castrate me for what I had done to you. And that I should 'summon up those balls' to reach out to you and properly end it." He shook his head. "Sage was only a month plus then, and I was looking for someone to pin my frustrations on, so I cursed him out. Then I asked him if he loved you."

"And what did he say?"

Scourge pursed his lips. "He didn't have to say anything. I could see it in his eyes."

"I think that's probably the most frustrating thing about being with someone like him though," he then said, stretching his arms out with a yawn. "You can sense that his feelings or passions are there, abundant even, but he does a shitty job of showing it. And when you're married, it's like you're supposed to be completely in sync with your partner, but you two are a little off beat."

My eyes narrowed. "How so?"

"You can be needy but independent at the same time, and he's so reclusive and rational that his sense of compassion basically gets lost in translation." He shrugged. "But he loves you. Like really loves you. And you know that. So lighten up and enjoy your damn party."

"Okay…" I said in a fake whine. "Since when did you become so insightful?"

"Kids will do that to you."

Funny, because I always thought motherhood was the final pillar to becoming a well-adjusted being. But I was still the same—I'd probably always be the same. And I wasn't perfect. Neither was Shadow. And the more I expected perfection, the more likely I'd end up depressing myself. Like now.

I turned to the group; saw the girls dancing without a care to a catchy pop tune, and the other guys in a deep discussion (probably about something pointless) at the table over. I grinned.

"Did Sage's team win the game?" He returned my grin.

"He smoked those little bastards."

It was almost twelve when I wrapped up the festivities.

"Now, you don't have to go home, but you have to get the hell out of here."

The group groaned playfully.

"Fine. I didn't want to pay the sitter for another hour anyway," Knuckles said, shaking his head. "That is, if Ruby hasn't killed her."

"The only person I'm killing is anyone who thinks they're leaving!" Just then Rouge flew into the space like it was her party. She landed on one of the tables and pointed at me. "Tell me, what do you want birthday girl?!"

"For you to get down from the table?" I said, moving toward her. "Those sheets are expensive."

"You can't put a price on love," she said like we were talking about the same thing. "Now someone fetch me all of the wine and vodka you can find."

"She becomes even more of an egomaniac when we have a successful mission." When I spun around, an arm wrapped around my waist. When I looked up, I saw Shadow. He tilted my head up, pecking my lips. "My apologies for running so late."

My mouth opened to respond, until Sonic started clapping in a slow, taunting manner.

"Wow, I never thought I'd live to see you show PDA."

Shadow turned over his shoulder, offering a sinister smile. "If you don't want to live, that can easily be arranged."

Sonic shrugged before throwing Shadow a beer. "How'd it go, faker?"

"Pretty well, faker."

I rolled my tired eyes before turning to Rouge. "Party's over."

She stared at me with pouted lips for what seemed like an eternity until she sighed. "Good. I'm exhausted as hell."

"I think everyone can speak to that." I helped her from the table and led her into the kitchen. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes." she followed me like she was a lost child. "Shadow wouldn't let me eat fast food on the way here…"

I laughed before turning to him. "Go ahead and mingle. I'm going to check on the kids. Rouge included." He gave me an I-detest-mingling look, but Rouge brushed it off by sticking out her tongue out at him.

When were in the kitchen, I boxed up everything she could have wanted; I even sacrificed two bottles of wine. She looked like she was about to cry.

"You know me so well…" she sniffled playfully. "So well, that you probably know what I'm about to say next."

I raised a brow. "…That you want more cake?"

She rolled her eyes. "No. That I'm planning on retiring. Well, technically I'm just cutting back on fieldwork. I think I'll be working as a director for the agency."

My eyes widened. "But you love sleuthing! Why now?"

"It's nothing in particular, I just know that I've been lucky to not have to miss too many birthdays and important events because of my missions. The world's always going to be a shitty place, so I'm not going to sacrifice the rest of my youth just to keep its shitiness at bay."

"Does Shadow know?"

Rouge uncorked one of the wine bottles with her mouth and took a sip before shrugging. "He will eventually." She took another gulp, not even wincing. "This is really good wine."

"Thanks."

"But there is something else I wanted to let you know, in case you're up for it."

My ears perked up. "Is it really that bad?"

She smirked. "I'd like to think of it as an opportunity."

With Rouge's prospect in mind, I said my goodbyes to the group.

"Tell Shady I said good night," Scourge smirked.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that." I turned over my shoulder, saw Shadow come into view. He surprisingly didn't look particularly tired, but I could tell that the brief minutes of mingling probably exhausted him more.

Fiona rolled her eyes before pinching Scourge's cheek. "Good night."

"Thanks again!" I waved as the last of our guests left. Then that was that. The chime on our grandfather clock confirmed it. It was midnight and another day had passed. Shadow shut the door before turning toward me.

"I swear, Sonic and Scourge are two sides of the same repulsive coin."

I laughed. "Let's go to bed."

"Dad?" I looked up; saw our three children lined up at the top of the staircase. Yes, the sight was adorable as hell—but when they took no time leaping at him, I literally had to catch Salem in my arms.

"You're supposed to be sleeping," I sighed, pursing my lips at the boy. He nuzzled his nose against mine before wrestling out of my grip and tackling his father.

"How was the party?" Shadow said, somehow pulling all three of them in a hug. They spoke a million words per minute, but they were all positive.

"It was fun!" Ansel replied.

"Just make sure you're at our next party," Sloan said kissing his cheek. "Or I won't let you have any cake!"

Shadow laughed. "I'm afraid you're going to have to come up with something more tempting."

"Fine." She crossed her arms. "No kisses from me or mommy!"

His eyes, suddenly scheming, fell against mine. "Alright. That would break me." He picked up the girl.

"Now let's go to bed."

It took another hour to get them in bed.

But because they were so taken with Shadow, I eventually took it as a cue to take a shower. By the time I stepped out he was just coming in.

"I would have joined you."

"No worries," I said, sliding on my nightdress. I patted the bed. "You're tired. You can tell me all about your day tomorrow."

"It is tomorrow."

I frowned. "Was there something you wanted to say?"

He moved across the room, his eyes filled with longing and desire. His fingertips brushed over my shoulders, sliding my straps past them. I sucked in a hiss, breathing him in as my chest pressed against his; my hands moved along his strong back. I tilted my head against his, watched his eyes narrow as his lips moved closer to mine.

"Not with words."

I was the first to attack, kissing him wildly, hungrily. He took no time picking me up and pressing me down on the bed. He slid off my gown; I slid off his shirt. My hands glided against his chest, his shoulders, before stopping at his lower stomach. Prying off his belt, I zipped down his pants, freeing his erection. He hissed when my hands began to rub it.

"You like that?" He released an airy groan, and I felt his chest heave against mine. It wasn't fair to tease him, but I released him when he was hard and pulsing. My lips brushed against his, and his tongue ran along the flesh of my lower lip, before he suckled it between his teeth. My brain surged when he kissed me powerfully, hands tilting my head back as he dragged his teeth along my chin, its underside, my neck. His tongue then slid down it with one hard, vertical lick.

My eyes shot open, watering at the intensity. "S-Shadow."

But I had called his name too soon. His hands were up to no good, and had already invaded me. I moaned louder than I wanted to when he circled my clitoris, before diving deeper, petting my walls. I tried to breathe, but he took my breath away when he stroked me harder…faster. My hands balled against his back as I tried to ride against his slick fingers. But it was too much. My insides writhed with pleasure, and I gasped before collapsing against the mattress, squirming, cumming. He was a blur in my spotty vision, but I could still see him smirking. His hands were soothing, and they moved upward, snaking past my hips, stopping at my breasts. He thumbed my nipples and they hardened. Then his lips found them and he sucked in, shattering my thoughts. I arched my back, biting my lip.

"Mmmm…" I moved my legs restlessly against his, grinding against his length. He chuckled lightly before kissing me again, and I drank him up as his fingers danced along my hips, before holding me firmly. He looked down at me, his eyes a striking balance between lust and love.

"I adore you," Shadow said, before kissing my neck, my lips, again softly. I rubbed my hands along his arms before clawing them against his back. He hissed as I tongued his ear.

"Then make me scream your name."

The smirk was back. "But the children are sleeping."

However, he accepted my invitation and thrusted into me. My toes curled from the intensity; my eyes closed as a surge of euphoria rippled through my loins. I clutched onto him as he plunged in and out slowly, teasing me, savoring me. But it was too much for him too. He bit down on my shoulder to keep from howling.

I was mesmerized by the rhythm of his hips, and I quickly matched mine to his. It was probably a futile effort, because I knew I couldn't keep up without losing it. I planted kisses along his neck, his chest, his shoulders—anything and everything to encourage him. He licked my lips in approval, interlocked his hands with mine in our heat of ardor. He rolled his hips against mine, swirling my insides, driving me mad. In a moment he made contact with my G-spot, and my eyes threatened to roll out of my head.

"Yes." I beat my hands against his back lightly. "D-Don't stop…"

He picked up his pace, plunging deeper…harder…faster. He breathed me in before taking hold of my wrists, pressing them down on the mattress. It was a power move, and with it he lessened his pace. I squirmed underneath him, desperate for my second release. "…S-Stop teasing me."

I hated how much control he had; I hated how much I loved the devious look in his eyes, as he considered my request. "Then tell me what you want."

I glared at him with lust-glazed eyes as he continued his slow, sweet torture. Words tried to form, but my mind was in a haze. Too bothered to bother thinking. So I sucked along his jaw line, moaning and sending vibrations along his mussel. I wanted to rile him up as much as he riled up me, but he only chuckled, as if they were simply semi-erotic tickles. "You'll have to do better than that."

I pushed against him, pressing my chest harder against his. I had nothing to offer, so I shifted downward, and gave the same treatment to his neck. My hands freed themselves from his grip; buried themselves through his quills as I thrusted upward, against him again. He clenched his eyes close as if to savor the sensation, and with a small groan, he reopened them—and his attention was mine, and mine only.

Shadow plunged deeper, and I felt my muscles tighten against him. A curse slid of his lips as he pulled my hips back into him. I gasped when he made contact with my bud…repeatedly. My hands latched against his back again for leverage, and I felt his muscles lock and relax with each thrust. In. Out. Fast. Faster. I tried to find a rhythm, but there wasn't one. Then he plunged as deep as he could, and I lost it.

"Shadow!"

Before the world could hear me utter his name again, he sealed his lips over mine, muffling out my moaning. He kissed me hard, before thrusting one final time. He grunted before calling out my name. "Rose."

My entire body was tingling when he pulled me against him. I pressed my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. It steadied me as I panted, my hot breath trickling against it. He soothed me with a kiss on my temple, and I looked up at him. His eyes were glazed but satisfied, and he was smiling, even if it was only slight.

"We needed that," I said, drawing invisible circles on his chest. He stroked my free hand.

"We need to go on vacation."

Despite how spent I was, I almost jumped out of bed. I turned to face him. "Really? Are you sure you and Blaze aren't telepathic?" He raised a brow at me.

I began with a sigh. "Blaze bought us tickets to Gardenia Island. It's set a week from today. I mean, I know it's short notice, but we never know when another mission will pop up or when I'll get plastered with work. We've been delaying vacationing since before the kids were born." I was rambling, but I was pretty sure I was making a good point. "Come on…it'll be a great excuse to keep doing this..." I pressed my lip to his ear. "Imagine if we could be as loud as we wanted..."

"I would enjoy that." Shadow squeezed my hand. "But not before I give you this." He shifted from the bed, moved to the nightstand and pulled out a crystal pendent. My eyes widened.

"You didn't forget?" I didn't know why I felt so emotional. Tears stained my eyes, but he didn't spare a moment wiping them away.

"I could never find the right timing," he said as he secured the chain around my neck, "but I apologize for the delay. It technically isn't your birthday anymore."

I shook my head. "I don't care about my birthday. I just care that I have a family that cares." I kissed him softly on the lips. "And I do. Thank you so much, Shadow."

He nodded. "But you're right."

His response took me slightly off guard, but I decided to go along with it. "…Of course I'm right."

"I meant about delaying things," he replied, brushing a hand through my quills. "I'm tired of not being present. Yesterday was the twin's birthday—your birthday. When I put Sloan to bed tonight, she said she wanted to be just like me. That's not a bad thing, but you're a greater influence than me. You're more remarkable than me." Even in the darkness, his crimson eyes burned brightly. "They should want to be like you."

"Are you kidding me?" I shook my head. "They would be out of their mind not to worship you. You constantly put your life on the line. I knew there would be some sacrifices because of the nature of our lives, but the children aren't worse for it."

"But they're growing," he sighed. "Especially Ansel. He has created a decent poker-face, but I could sense how devastated he was when I missed his orchestra performance." He paused. "Please remind me why the hell our boy is a violinist?"

I scoffed. "Try first violinist."

"Fair enough," he considered. "But it is still unfair to them. Furthermore, it is even more unfair to you."

"I've always managed."

"I don't want you to be forced to 'manage' anything. I want us to be a proper family."

My mouth quivered. "Then what are you proposing?"

"I'll set hours to my liking—impending threat or not," he contemplated, looking at the window. "Maybe I'll train the damn monkeys who work there to do something for themselves. Or I could just retire. I'm tired of being tired."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Are you even tired right now?"

"That's aside from the point."

"It's funny," I said, feeling exhaustion wash over me. "Rouge was singing the same tune earlier this evening."

"Was she?"

I nodded. "And I support either of your decisions, but only under one condition."

"And what is that, my love?" He kissed my hand.

"Rouge said there's an opening as a legal analyst at the agency…and I'm taking it." I half expected him to object, but the look in his eyes told me that he wanted an explanation for my rationale. But I was too tired to rationalize anything. "I want to know more about what you do." I kissed his chest. "I want to appreciate you more."

"I'm the one who should be saying that. You know I will encourage whatever you want to do." His hand cupped my cheek, and he stroked it softly with his thumb. "You are my everything."

"As you are to me." I moved closer to Shadow's face, studied his expression. Happiness was an emotion he once never wore readily. But on this day, his smile was pure. Genuine. I matched it before sleep washed over me, and I found peace in his loving embrace. He was mine; I was his. Life was finally a dream.

And I had no intention of waking up.