Okay, so I don't really know what to say about this one, other than that when I wrote this, I was extremely tired and the idea had just sprang to me as I typed along. I'm hoping to improve from here on out, and just a shout out to anyone who had PM'ed me, I will answer you sometime in the next couple days. Thanks.

I don't own Sega characters.

Messy

Shadow sighed, his shoulders dropping on their own regard from fatigue as he entered his apartment. The Commander of GUN has sent him on a variety of missions, each stressing him with complaints from other soldiers, as well as dealing with problems that weren't his to solve.

In addition to the heavy work load, Sonic had happened upon the errand running hedgehog, and Shadow felt his ears begin to bleed with the arrogant and annoying tone of his blue copy's voice. He had managed to evade a long conversation with the cobalt hero with continuing to run his Op for GUN.

His plan was to return to his dark and nearly empty apartment to distance himself from the loud world around, hoping for a time to rest in his own time. However, his senses perked as a distinct aroma filled his nose, relapsing with his memories to conclude that it smelt of burnt food. It intrigued him really, that such a scent drifted in his own quarters, as the cause of the fragrance remained a mystery as to who could be held responsible.

Narrowing his eyes in suspicion, he rounded the corner from his entry-way, turning left at the end of the hall way to take in the unsuspecting sight that awaited him.

Blaze stood leaning against the counter near the oven, pots, pans and ingredients littering the kitchen surface in heaps and mounds of spills. Tied neatly in a bow behind her, she wore a black and white apron that clasped to her figure, covering her usual track outfit. She had yet to notice his presents, as she crossed her arms and huffed, seemingly frustrated with something.

"This is ridiculous," she muttered, wiping her hand against her fore head in a warm gesture. The room was a mess, with over spilled measuring cups, tipped flour and opened jugs of milk scattered about. Flour seemed to be causing the biggest strife, as it was clung to her fur in several areas, white patches splotching her fur disorderly.

Shadow felt the urge to slack his jaw at the sight of his girl friend in such a state, with the room in disarray. Ruby eyes blinked twice, registering the image that would be painted in his mind for many years to come.

The violet feline drooped her tail, as she flopped her arms in defeat to her side, turning as she wiped sticky remnants of what Shadow could only tell to be a form of batter, off her hands.

She froze in mid step, meeting the blank gaze of her boyfriend who stood glued to his spot in the archway of the kitchen. An unusual girlish squeal escaped her lips as she stepped back.

"S-Shadow! I...um...didn't expect you home...for awhile," she stuttered, her face flushing.

Her nervous antics fascinated the scarlet streaked hedgehog, finding amusement in her flustered distraught.

"I see," he responded bluntly, eying the disheveled dining area in mild interest. "What's all of this?" he asked, entering farther into the kitchen and dragging a gloved finger across a layer of flour that covered the counters, sifting the powdery materials between his fingers.

Blaze, though usually stoic in times of tension, found herself at a loss for escape. She fidgeted on her feet, tail twitching in anxiety as she watched Shadow closely.

"This? This is...er...a project...?" she tried, mentally berating herself at such a lousy attempt to lie. Never before had she let herself fall so low in standards.

Shadow raised an eyebrow at her, refraining the smirk that tugged at his lips. He was enjoying the flustered side of his girlfriend that rarely surfaced in her features, soaking in every shuffle of her feet and flickering gaze of her eyes. "Care to explain?" he prodded, turning to her and firmly setting his stance while crossing his arms over his chest.

The lavender feline chewed tensely on the inside of her cheek. There was no way to veer from his set course of curious questioning, and she was backed up as far into the corner as one could press.

Rubbing her arm subconsciously, Blaze met his eyes and frowned in her agitation. "I guess I was just...trying to cook something. Like a homemade meal for you. Considering you had a long day at work and all...I thought you might want to come home to something pleasant...but as you can see..." she gestured with a wave of her hands to the blotched remains of batter, "it didn't turn out right."

Shadow stood fast, fighting more and more to restrain a smile. "Why would you feel the need to do that?" he asked, tentative to keep the pleased entertainment he gained from her displayed day-beau.

The lilac she-cat dropped her gaze bashfully. "I don't know..."

Finally, he couldn't hold it any longer...and a deep chuckle escaped his lips in a rhythm, softly growing into a genuine laugh, eyes closed and crinkling in the corners as his shoulders shook.

Blaze stood with wide eyes, watching her boyfriend laugh in amusement to her stress. This both surprised her, for she had never witness Shadow truly laugh, and infuriated her. She was his source of entertainment.

Scoffing, she turned away, tail and ears drooping simultaneously as she scowled further, smoke steaming from her clenched fists and lightly pinked cheeks.

Shadow diminished his laughter at the sight of her state, and soon realized what had caused her to be so flustered. She was embarrassed. Her face was colored, shoulders slumped, and something about the entire ordeal seemed to bother her more than things often did.

Cutting off his own mused self, Shadow swallowed his pride and approached the feline from behind, pulling into his chest and resting his chin on her shoulder. She looked like a scolded child, ashamed and caught in the act of disobedience.

"Hey, you okay?" he coaxed softly.

Blaze stubbornly turned her head away from his, crossing her arms over her apron and scorned, "you're laughing at me," she snapped, displeased.

The hedgehog who held her tightly, sighed while nudging her neck with his muzzle in a silent pleading gesture, "come on Blaze. I just found it amusing that you felt the need to try and go through so much work to please me."

The feline glanced at him stiffly, meeting his hard red orbs that softened for her alone. He still fought off the pulling of his lips, restraining his rare smile that seemed to beg for control in a time unnecessary. This entire episode lightened his spirit greatly.

"Well I'm glad you find it fun to mock me. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to clean up this mess," she grumbled, stepping out of his grip, ripping her apron off, and reaching for the broom.

Shadow swiftly pulled her back, shaking his head with a small smirk. "No need. Right now, I'm tired. Let's take a nap," he tempted, tugging on her arm towards the bedroom door down the hallway.

Worming her wrist from his grab, Blaze narrowed her eyes in suspicion, letting herself become persuaded by his suggestions. "I suppose. Since sleeping is something I can do," she muttered, this time letting him urge her strides towards the room. "But what about the mess?"

Her demeanor still came across rather sheepish from the episode.

A one-shouldered shrug was her reply, "we'll pick it up after wards," he stated, entering the bedroom, and not wasting any time to marvel at the inviting soft covers as he dropped down onto the comforters.

Blaze complied, laying down beside his relaxing form, allowing an arm to fold comfortably around her waist and hold her close.

"Fine," she answered belatedly, closing her eyes and exhaling forcefully, as both lids drifted closed.

One last chuckle sounded from Shadow, as he cracked half a lid open and mused quietly, "remind me to call for pizza when we get up."