I felt a small amount of heat rise to my cheeks when he smiled. It was weird and really out of character for him. I wasn't sure why but the fact I made him laugh and get an honest smile- caused me to blush. I could almost say I was embarrassed.
Our laughter calmed and he cleared his throat- his smile immediately faded and his face was straight again.
"Right- well I'm going to go uhm- not wear paper anymore..." I hummed and walked up to my back door- which was locked.
I grabbed the handle and gave the sliding door the jiggle it needed and pulled up. The lock unlatched and I slid it open without a problem.
"I learned that works the hard way." I answered to Shadow's silent question.
I walked upstairs and calmly changed. I pulled on my shirt and twisted in my full length mirror. My shorts where shorter than volleyball shorts and I wore my classic sonic t-shirt.
I turned at the sound of Shadow's footsteps and he opened his mouth to speak, but stopped at the sight of my shirt.
"You have that faker-"
"You don't have any t-shirts. And I don't have any idea why. Amy of all people has a shirt but not the second favorite sonic character in the franchise." I shrugged.
He grunted in response and walked in, sitting down on my bed. He ran his hands down his face with a loud sigh. "You said you were tired?" he yawned.
"Well every time I try to sleep it's normally interrupted in some way. Whether it's one of you guys or Mephiles with those damned nightmares-"
"When did you start having nightmares?" he peered up to me in curiosity.
"Since our first encounter with Mephiles." I shrugged again.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't think anything of it?"
He stood up and grabbed my arm, pulling me down harshly to his height. His eyes twitched over the features of my face and I noticed him stopping over my eyes a few times. He turned my head and moved my hair. Soon he lifted my hair off the back of my neck and I heard him curse under his breath.
"What?" I asked.
"Hold still." I felt him poking and grabbing something on my neck.
"What are you-?"
And with a harsh pull something tore from my skin and I let out a yelp. I jumped away from him and shot a hand to feel a small hole and blood on the back of my neck.
"Ow! What the fuck?!"
Shadow held up a small crystal with his thumb and index finger. "This is how he always found you and how you always saw him. Your sleep should be fine now." his hand ignited with chaos energy and the small crystal popped like an overpowered light bulb.
"How did you-"
"Did you forget he stole my identity too?" he hummed and wiped his hands together.
I felt my neck again and the hole had healed. "How did I not notice that?"
"The victim cannot feel it because the crystal puts a psychological block." he reached onto my bed and pulled off a blanket and one of my many pillows.
"I think the guest room is still-" I started.
"I can't stop Mephiles from the other room if he shows up." he threw the pillow on the floor. I flopped down on my bed "oh- I guess that's sensible..." He grunted in return and unclipped the rings on his ankles as he sat on the floor. He set them next to him as he slipped off his shoes, the white and black material surprisingly stretchy. He slid the rings back onto his ankles and they clasped into place. He winced slightly as they burned threw his fur and skin.
A small sizzle tingled on my ears and I averted my eyes from staring. The thought of him sleeping in the same room was a strange one. No more than a few hours ago had he zapped away my energy and almost left me to die.
Now he was here to make sure I didn't die.
I leaned over the edge of my bed and flicked off my light. My sight shifted to have a small red tint to it from the glow around my pupils.
He let out a laugh with my small jump of a reaction. "Can you see like this?" I asked turning to him, a small shiver ran down my spine as his eyes held a fainter glow than mine but stood out against the dark room.
"Yes. I can."
"Huh..."
I laid back and stared up my ceiling "...uh goodnight?" He only grumbled in return and with a sigh my eyes drifted shut then I was soon asleep.
I stirred slightly when a pressure on my bed moved my legs a bit.
I tilted my head up and stared with sleepy eyes. Shadow had moved from my floor to my bed and was passed out facefirst against the body pillow at the foot of my bed. I just lay back down and went back to sleep, too drowsy to actually comprehend what I was looking at.
I jumped awake as my shade to my window snapped open and scared me half to death. I squinted to the light and looked over to my clock.
"Jesus- it's only ten."
"You have to go to work at twelve." he pointed to my schedule on the wall.
"I just got out of the hospital... work will be fine..."
"No. Go to work."
I grumbled and got out of bed "fine... But what will I do about these?" I motioned to my eyes with a swiveling hand.
"Leave that to me and do whatever it is you need to do otherwise." he went to walk out of my room but stopped at the sight of my shelves of video games.
It was easy to guess that my two copies of his game caught his attention.
"Yes mother" I growled but only to stop as I stood "oh god damnit."
Shadow looked over to me, one of the game cases in his hand "what?"
I smacked a palm to my forehead "my parents... They come home *tonight*."
He was quiet and just stared at me with rather blank expression only his brow was raised slightly.
"And...?"
"I haven't told them you're here! Or the fact I've been bouncing in and out of the hospital!" I shot to face him pointing in his direction. "And you can't be seen- got me?"
He let out a scoff, unfazed by my empty threat. "Whatever you say, girl."
...And back to that name again...
"Shadow- would it kill you to at least use my name?"
"possibly." he grunted and turned to leave "now get ready for work." he shut the door behind him and I started to grab what I needed.
I was halfway through washing out the shampoo in my hair when Shadow's deep voice scared me.
"Your eye situation is handled."
I proceeded to throw my conditioner from jumping. "DUDE. I AM IN THE SHOWER. DO YOU MIND?" I snarled.
"There's a curtain and I can't even see you. I'm sure you can deal for five seconds and listen to what I have to say." he growled in return.
I snapped my head out from behind my curtain "you have one minute before I start throwing shit."
He held up a small glass case to reveal hazel contacts.
"How did you get those?"
"That doesn't matter."
"Well, where you seen?"
"You have to ask me that?"
"Good. Now depart ebony one, for I wish to take a warm shower- not a cold one."
I finished my shower and towel dried, and then put on my undergarments before opening the door.
"It's 11-" Shadow stopped as he stood face to stomach with me. He took a step to the side and cleared his throat. I crossed my arms and leaned against the doorway "its 11 o' clock. Thank you. I have a clock in my bathroom."
He looked over to me for only a second, obviously bothered by my attire.
"How are you so comfortable to wear such small amount of clothing around someone you barely know?" his voice was flat and utterly bland.
"One- I'm in my house. Two- I don't "barely know you", I actually know you quite well and three- it covers the same amount as a bikini so really it isn't that big of a deal." I let out a sigh and walked across the hall into my room and continued dressing.
I pulled my hair up and started on my makeup.
"There is a small boxlike device on my dresser. Bring it over here."
He did as told and I poked about my old phone. I wiped it clean; jail broke it then downloaded a few apps then handed it over to him. "There. Keep this with you so I can contact you."
With a nod he began toying with the device.
I finished getting ready with about a half an hour to spare. "What is your number incase I need to contact you first?"
I gave him the seven digits and began to clean my room. He sat on the Coca-Cola barstool at my vanity in my room.
I began fixing my bed when I remembered something kind of hazy.
"You woke me up last night by the way, not-so-ninja."
He looked up to me "what are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about you sleeping on the bed last night."
He didn't try to lie his way out after a moment of consideration "you have a very uncomfortable floor."
"Then grab more pillows next time. I have twelve on this thing."
He let out a small grumble in return.
By the time I finished cleaning the house I realized Shadow had somehow removed my blood, tears and vomit from the carpet in the TV room.
With a shrug I folded the last blanket and looked over to the clock on the Cable box under the TV.
It had finally turned to be time to leave and with a small hum I walked back into my room. I grabbed my purse, phone and keys, Shadow looked up to me as he picked up my sketchbook off the floor.
My skin grew cold "no. Don't even think about it hedgehog."
"Something to hide, human?"
"You could say that." I pulled the bounded book away from him and set it on my dresser.
"Because placing it across the room will stop me." he scoffed.
"At this point I am just going to have to trust you to not look and you're going to have to trust me- that I will show it to you eventually. Now I'm sure this isn't an impossible task." I spoke calmly and I turned to see a rather surprised Shadow.
"Now I won't be home until nine. So do whatever and go where ever you want to until then. I have to pick up my parents at eleven-thirty."
We reached an understanding and I drove to work, blasting my techno/house music on the way.
I was greeted by my coworkers in a normal fashion. The cooks behind the counter each using one of the many nicknames I had at work.
"Hey Gidget!" which stood for "girl midget" because I was one of the shortest employees at 5"4' and all the men where at least 5"10'-6"3'.
"Ello, Madam." one of the goofball guys had a wide variety of voices and we both did our greeting in medieval speak.
"Kitkat! What's up?" honesty I have no idea how he got this one, other than my main nickname is "Allie-Cat"
"Sup Allie-cat." my former manager and he was my former manager and he was head chef- also the tallest guy working there.
With a wave I clocked in and greeted some people that walked in behind me. I seated them and took drink orders.
While I was filling a few cups with water one of the guys walked over to fill his cup with iced tea. "So, Kitkat- I see a fancy new bracelet… one that looks a bit familiar..." Jeremy gave his small silly grin.
"I'll be impressed if you tell me what it is." I joked.
"Well- sort of looks like a certain hedgehog's inhibitor ring."
"Ding ding ding! We have a winner! Cool right? It's seamless and fits perfect."
"Where did you find such a thing?"
"Internet."
"Ah, the best of all malls!"
With a laugh I delivered the drinks and went about my duties.
Work was easy and the rush of people came late. I joked with some of the guys as they handed me plates of sushi.
"And then there will be many a' posters. Some will even talk and it will be fantastic." Jeremy was going on about decorating his new house with video game memorabilia.
I chuckled and put on a smile as I handed a table their food. They thanked me and when I turned to walk I got a strange tingling in my chest. Ignoring it I poured a small cup of root beer and downed it. The tingling turned into a small warmth that started to flow to my fingertips and down my legs. The heat burned in my stomach and I felt my heartbeat waver.
I snatched my phone and told the head waitress that I needed to call in and check to make sure my parents will be on time.
She granted my request and I jogged to the ladies room. I hadn't even gotten the chance to shut the door before I had flung to the toilet and heaved out my dinner.
"Fuck..." with shaky hands I dialed Shadow and after the second ring he answered.
"I need... Assistance..." I hurled and coughed. The other end of the line cut and my call canceled.
A hand rested on my shoulder and I turned to see one of the chefs, Jeremy, the one who was going on about his new house.
"Hey I heard you throwing up, are you-?"
A small flash interrupted his sentence and I mentally swore.
Shadow took half a step before his eyes widened at the sight of my co-worker.
There was a chilling silence but it broke when I upchucked again, the color turning a slight red.
Shit not again.
I can't go a whole day without something happening.
As quickly as Shadow's brow raised, it flattened back into his scowl and shoved Jeremy out of the way, hitting away the twenty-two-year-old's hand with a small amount of furiously.
"Move, human." Shadow snarled and I held up the wrist that had his ring. He gripped over it and I felt energy rush threw my system.
I inhaled deeply as I felt my throat and stomach repair.
"Thanks..." my voice was little.
"Ok what the fuck." Jeremy found his voice- which didn't hide his confusion or his fear. I turned my head so I could see him and rubbed my irritated eyes.
I looked down at my wrist to see a contact on my skin.
Damn.
"Just my luck."
"Kitkat your eyes are- are-" he used my nickname that he chose for me.
"I know." My voice was more punitive than I had meant it to be.
He reached for my shoulder again but his arm was hit away harshly by an angered hedgehog "don't touch her."
Jeremy just stood there with wide eyes at Shadow. Trying to comprehend what he was looking at.
"She needs to leave." Shadow snarled to Jeremy.
"w-what's going on?"
My stomach turned and I threw up again.
"Her stupid human body can't handle chaos energy. Now go make something up so she can leave." Shadow's voice was harsh.
"Will you stop being such a dick to the poor boy?!" I turned my head and glared to the hedgehog. "I told you this was a bad idea." I snapped, yelling into the porcelain bowl.
"Just go tell Rhonda I'm sick and throwing up." I looked up and over to Jeremy. With an uncertain nod he turned to leave "But you better explain this to me later."
"I will, Jar."
Jeremy shut the door behind him and Shadow's mood changed significantly. "This reaction isn't making sense… the ring is keeping you from overdosing on the energy."
"Obviously not." I leaned away from the bowl and flushed it. I let out a long breath and rubbed my temples.
"Feeling better?"
I nodded with my eyes closed and drew out a sigh. "Like I said- this doesn't make sense. I made sure to not overdo it on the energy..." Shadow began a small pace back and forth as he rambled "The only other thing I can think of is your body reacting to the absence of that crystal… but I don't know why it would spike in such a delayed manor." He stopped and looked over to me. I put in my contact and heaved out a heavy sigh.
"Help me up." My voice was flat and my eyes where dim.
He did as I had requested and I stumbled my way to the door "Meet me in the car…"
I had drifted my way out of the restaurant through the back door after passing by the head waitress, Rhonda. She handed me my wallet and keys and I thanked her. She wished me to get better and I left with a small nod in thanks.
I swung open the door to my Bronco and stopped at the sight of Shadow in the driver's seat. "I don't think so."
"You are in no condition to drive."
"And you can't reach the pedals or see over the dash. I think having you drive is more dangerous."
"I've driven many vehicles larger than this." He was sitting on the owner's manual so he could see over the dash.
"This is still not going to happen."
"Just get in." his tone was flat with a tone of annoyance.
With a groan I walked over to the other side of my Bronco and jumped in the passenger seat. "Alright so you can see the road, now make it go forward."
I heard the jets of his shoes kick on and he used the pressure from them to push the pedals.
Ok so maybe he knew what he was doing.
We pulled up to a stoplight and I leaned back in my seat, that wave of tingling heat working over my system again. Tears pooled up in my eyes and Shadow took notice.
"Why are you crying? Are you in pain?"
"No… I'm just…" I wiped my eyes "I'm just scared…"
Hey guys!
This is the longest chapter yet! I've rewritten it a few times before i was happy this version.
the bathroom confrontation in the first version was too unbeliviable and so i think this one was the most believable out of the four i had done.
and for those who may be wondering, Shadow's voice is when Jason Griffith was the VA (I think he sounded the best then) not the newest guy.
he just sounds aweful.
Anyway!
Allie has just found herself in a deep pickle! Her parents are coming home to quiet the emotional and financial mess!
the next chap may be a but delayed cuz i have to decide on how i want to write it, wether it's going to be two chapters or one and the reaction of her parents will be hard to do...
but give me your feedback!
and question for the chapter:
If you where in the same place as Jeremy- how would you react? Faint? Scream? Laugh?
let me know!
~FurrReal