Rays of lights peered through the spaces of the blinds. I was sitting up in bed, staring at my bare feet…then I looked at my alarm clock. I had woken up earlier than I usually did. I raised my arms in the air and stretched, getting every ounce of sleep out of my joints. I looked back at the blinds again, the sunlight was begging to be let in. I got off my bed and ripped the blinds open. The light blasted through the room, lighting the darkest corners and bringing me peace.

I ran downstairs and opened the other blinds, my house was filled with light. I flipped the TV on and watched Juiced! as I ate my cereal and fruit. Once I was done, I loaded them into the dishwasher and put the TV's volume on max, so the house was filled with music. I figured I'd do some cleaning for a while before my jog. I sweeped the floors and dusted the furniture as I danced along to the music. I put my cleaning tools away, ran upstairs and threw on my jogging shorts, a black jacket, my ankle high sneakers and pulled my quills into a messy ponytail. I switched off the TV and jogged out the front door.

This was always part of my morning routine. I'd jog through the park and back home. I love the park, watching children play, artists paint out the view, couples walking together and summer picnics. The peaceful moment was interrupted by faint thuds coming from beyond the park boundaries. I'd couldn't help myself, but follow the strange noises.

I pushed tree branches out of my way. Sticks and leaves rustled under my feet. The noises began to grow louder, I was close. I had never been beyond park boundaries. My stupid actions worried me if I was lost.

A green light caught my eye. I walked a little further and the noises grew louder. I pushed a few branches out of the way…

Shadow…Eyes closed in concentration, fists by his sides. His hands were wrapped in bandages and were sprinkled with white powder. His eyes snapped open to reveal his burning eyes. He rubbed his hands together and got into a fighting position.

As swift as the wind, he punched a tree and most of its bark crumbled off. He jumped a few feet in the air and roundhouse kicked a branch right off. He landed on the ground first before the branch did. His moves were so powerful yet, he fought with grace.

I realized that the glow was coming from his Chaos Emerald, its light was alluring. Shadow fought some more, he didn't damage most of the trees, fortunately. He suddenly stopped…standing still in the middle of the clearing. I got the feeling I should leave, so I turned away and…

"Rose…"

Dammit! He caught me. Typical, he always knew if a presence was near him, his senses were amazing. I turned to him, his back was still towards me.

"I hope I did not scare you, I did not know I had company." he spoke, finally turned towards me. His handsome face and perfect figure was killing me inside. That stomach-twisting-heart-racing feeling came back again.

"I'm sorry I interrupted your training." I said shyly, looking down. I felt so stupid to watching him like…a creeper. Ugh!

"Not at all…um, about yesterday" he said, rubbing his neck as he looked down, "I'm sorry I didn't say much, I was just so shocked."

"Well, you're here, I'm here, we can talk now." I said, biting my lip hoping he would say yes.

He gave a small chuckle, "Alright, let me get my things." he said. His hands were a little bloody, so he let the bandages stay and placed his gloves over them, picked up his Chaos Emerald and walked along with me.

"So where were you for the last 2 years?" I asked him.

"Travelling…mostly here and there around the world, sometimes I visited the ARK." he told me, "What about you?"

"I've been here the whole time. I never thought we would all meet each other. Just remembering that moment brings peace back to me again." I said smiling..

- - -

She must have been so happy when she saw us all together. I felt ashamed of myself that she was all alone for 2 years while everyone was busy. But now we are all here, I am here and I won't let anything happen to her.

"Shadow, do you know how to get out of here?" she asked with worry in her voice. For comfort, I held her hand in mine. Her petite hands were so warm against my cold, wounded hands.

"Yes, don't worry, we'll be out soon." I assured her. Were my eyes fooling me? I noticed a blush grow upon her fair cheeks, I secretly gave a smile.

We walked around in silence, I needed to listen to where we were. Our exit was close, when I heard the soft laughter of children. We finally walked out of the woods and were back in the park. Rose's face glowed in relief and she sighed.

"Thank you, Shadow" she whispered.

"Anytime, Rose" I said as I let go of her hand. I heard her gasp, she was looking at my blood stained gloves; I was glad none of my blood stained her gloves.

"Shadow, let me help me.." she said.

"I'll be fine, I don't want to cause any troub-"

"Both your hands are wounded. How can you clean them both out?" Rose cut me off. I sighed, she was right…

I lifted her off the ground in my arms, took out my Chaos Emerald and teleported us to my home through Chaos Control.

- - -

The experience was scary and vivid. The speed made me dizzy and my eyes travelled everywhere. Nothing seemed real, I couldn't see Shadow at all. The insanity finally stopped, but my head couldn't stop spinning. I shook my head a few times and everything started coming back to normal again. Shadow placed me gently on the couch.

"Maybe Chaos Control wasn't the best idea." he said. The dizziness started to fade. It was my first time to ever experience Chaos Control.

"This is usual for a beginner, maybe it won't be so bad the second time." Shadow smirked.

I give him a funny look. As if I would try that again. I never knew he liked to joke around, I gave a small giggle. My attention was brought to his hands and I stood up. He placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked with concern. I nodded to assure him and he sat back on the couch.

- - -

The rose hedgehog made her way over to the washroom and opened the mirror cabinet. It contained all the necessary toiletries and a first aid box. She grabbed the box and exited the washroom. Her eyes wandered around the house, she stood in the living room. Carpeted floor, a black couch complimented with red pillows. Pictures of night and day hung upon the white wall and a TV set sat on a metal stand with a few DVDs and CDs . She made her way over to the male hedgehog.

Taking her place beside him, she placed the box on the glass coffee table and took out what was needed, a roll of clean bandages, a bottle of cleaning alcohol, scissors, metal clips and cotton balls. The ebony male watched as she laid out the materials.

She slowly took of his gloves. His bandages were covered with dried blood and fresh blood was forming from his knuckles.

"I wish he did not take his training all the way." Amy sympathized in thought as she stroked his hands. "I have to take them off…" she whispered.

Shadow looked at her, he knew he has no other choice, "Go ahead…" he looked away.

The process was slow and painful, Shadow winced as Amy slowly tore off the dried bandages from his wounds. Blood still flowed and ended up staining her gloves. She knew he was in pain, her heart sunk every time, he grunted. Finally, the bandages were completely off. Amy tossed them into the nearest waste basket. She took a cotton ball and soaked it in cleaning alcohol.

"This is going to sting a bit." she looked at Shadow apologetically.

Shadow put his hands in hers and she began to stroke the cotton across his wounds. He hissed and gritted his teeth as the alcohol burned his wounds. Amy was finally done…

She wrapped his hands gently with new bandages and clipped them to stay. Shadow closed and opened his hands and smiled.

"Thank you, Rose." he said looking her in the eyes.

"Anytime, Shadow…" she smiled, a blush creeping up her cheek, "I'd better go, I've some errands to run, now get some rest."

Shadow looked down at his freshly aided hands, she had done a great job. His eyes shot open when he felt a pair of soft lips press against his cheek. They were so warm and gentle. The feeling came back into body again. His face felt so warm and his heart raced but he was still as a statue. Amy pulled away.

"A little something for being so brave." she whispered into his ear.

Amy walked over to the door, waved goodbye and walked out. She gave a sigh, and then giggled when the image of Shadow's blushing face came to mind.

Still sitting on the couch, Shadow sat still. His blush grew brighter, his mind still fresh of the sensation and slowly began to breathe. The images of Amy ran through his mind, Shadow closed his eyes and let Amy take over his heart and soul.

- - -

Author: Aw man! I've got 2 assignments to do over the break! *head hits desk*

Shadow: Have you even started?

Author: Well…sorta. Procrastination really sucks!

Sonic: What do I care! I don't get homework! *smirks*

Author: Shut up, Sonic…

Shadow: *to the readers* Ivory is new to the whole fanfiction stuff, so give her a break…*loads shotgun*

Author: Shadow, have I ever mentioned how much I love you?