Chapter 5: I'll Give You My Jacket, I'll Give You My Heart
Shadows POV
As we walked out the bar, the cold night air rushed at me, sending a cold shiver through my clothes. I looked down to my side at Amy; she was pulling her jacket tight around her. With that short dress she must be freezing…
"Do you want my jacket?" I asked, nervously. I don't really want to give her my jacket. Fuck, I'm cold too... But she looks cold and for some reason, I just don't want her to be.
Her face turns red and it makes me turn red in the face too. She pulls her jacket tighter around herself and smiles.
"It's okay, Shadow, I know you'd just get cold too," she giggled.
My stomach did that weird twisty thing when I heard her giggle. I can't even remember why I said I'd walk her home when being alone with her makes me feel so weird. What am I doing?
As we walk on the empty sidewalk streets, I follow by her side, taking every direction she gives me.
"I can't believe I drank that much," she laughed, and a small hiccup escaped her lips.
So cute…
"Do you not usually drink that much? You threw those shots back like a pro," I replied, trying hard to look anywhere but at her.
She walked a little stumbly, but she never tripped. She looks like an oversized toddler loose on the sidewalk and if you couldn't tell by her gait, you could tell by her face that she was drunk.
"When I turned twenty-one I went on a bit of a drinking spree… really wanted to find myself, but just ended up finding more problems," she laughed the first half of her sentence but ended it with a sigh.
"I haven't drank since my twenty-second birthday, so after almost a whole year, I thought I'd try my hand at letting loose again," she said, finishing up her answer to my question.
"What about you, Mr.Edgelord? You always drink that much?" She smiled up at me, the blush still spread across her cheeks.
"I only drank that much because Rouge was teasing me," I growled my answer, shaking my head at the thought of it… "And don't call me Edgelord!" I snapped back but she just giggles as if I was being funny.
"I prefer to be in control, I don't like being this inebriated, I can't think straight," I said with a sigh, trying to ignore her giggling.
She laughed, harder than the first time, and said, "You're not drunk!"
"Yes I am?" I laughed nervously, not sure what she was getting at. I gave her a questioning look and she shot me back a smirk.
"No you're not! You're still too stiff," she said, bumping into my side with her shoulder, on purpose, nudging me across the sidewalk. I leaned into the bump to hold my balance and then rematched her stride, continuing to walk beside her.
"Drunk people aren't as coordinated as you are… I'd have fallen over if someone bumped into me while I'm walking… anddddd drunk people don't call themselves eenie-brinated," she said.
"Inebriated," I corrected her with a smirk.
She giggled and tried again, saying, "eenie-bree-nated?"
"Inebriated," I said, laughing, and she giggled even more.
"Eeeee-kneee-breee-nated!"
"Almost," I laughed at her, breaking out in a full toothed grin.
"Inebriated!" She said, throwing her hands up in the air and then yelling again, "Inebriated!"
She and I laughed, and just as she was about to mark her victory with another battle cry of the word, her boot caught a crack in the sidewalk and she tripped into the side of me.
She clung onto my jacket and I wrapped my arm around the back of her and reached with my other hand to grasp the wrist of the hand she had a hold on me with.
Her bright wide eyes met mine and a blush rushed to her cheeks, matching the blush on my cheeks.
Before I could say anything she broke into a huge ear to ear smile and steadied herself, still clinging onto me.
She straightens up, positioning herself right underneath my armpit, and pulls ahead in her stride carrying me with her.
We now walked with her squeezed against my side, my arm resting around her shoulders. She wrapped her arm around my lower back gripping onto the outer side of my jacket pocket and her other hand gripped the front of my jacket.
My face grew red hot and the feeling of her arm wrapped around me made my stomach twist in knots again. I look down to see her smiling widely and sporting a bright red blush.
As if she could feel my gaze, she looked up at me and smiled sheepishly. Just when I think she's going to let go of me, she snuggles herself closer into my side and smiles cheekily, like she is a toddler with their hand in the cookie jar.
The sight is overbearing and my heart hurts for a brief second though I'm not sure why. The entire interaction is painful from my stomach to my face to my chest, and I want to push her off me but I don't. I can't.
No matter what I'm thinking, my body refuses to do anything about it but hold onto her tighter.
"Sooooooo… hey," she said, as we walked together in the silent city.
"Hey," I replied back, raising a suspicious eyebrow at her.
"What have you been up to these last five years?" She blinked up at me from underneath her long, curled eyelashes, her green eyes bearing into mine.
"I've.. uhhh… we'll I've been working…" I said, realizing to myself that I haven't really progressed in any way over the last five years. The only thing big recently was my offer to be in S.I.N. and I turned that down. I was still just working at G.U.N. and protecting the planet from Dr. Eggman… Nothing new.
"Oh!.. yeah.. me too!" She said with a giggle.
I sighed with relief. She didn't care that nothing had changed or that I was just as stagnant as ever... I felt no judgment from her response and her relaxed body language made me feel at ease conversing with her.
Talking with her felt like she was proud of me no matter what I said. Like I could get away with murder and she'd just smile and nod along like she was happy for me.
I tried hard to think of anything she did to annoy me tonight but came up empty handed. She had intrigued me, surprised me, entertained me, and earned a lot of my respect. I was fairly content with Rouge's choice to add her to the group, even if she did make my stomach or chest feel weird every now and then. I could manage that…
"So is there anyone special in your life?" She asked, looking straight ahead, smiling at the city's streets before us.
My heart had another striking feeling and my chest grew tight. My feet almost tripped up, I was so startled by her question.
So much for that! Why the hell does she wanna know that?!
"Someone— some—I'm so sorry, what?" I asked, shocked and dumbfounded mixed into my stuttered answer.
"Oh, I'm sorry, is that inappropriate? I didn't mean to pry," she giggled, not taking her eyes off the road ahead of us. She nodded towards the left and we took a left turn.
I live close by here… where exactly does she live?
"No— it's just—we'll I—…" I couldn't find my words and my face grew hot and flustered all over again.
I almost forgot we were walking with her huddled up under my arm, but was reminded when this sudden rush of nervousness made me feel like I was breaking out in a sweat.
I almost panicked as the palms of my hands grew sweetly but she just smiled and carried on, holding onto me like she needed the support.
"It's okay, you don't have to tell me, I know we're only newly acquainted," she said, still not looking at me, but smiling all the same.
"I was just curious, I haven't seen you in years, I was just hoping you're happy," she said, finally looking up at me and smiling brightly.
"I— uhhh… Why?" I said, without thinking.
"Why what?" Her face contorted into a curious stare and her head leaned to the side ever so slightly.
"Why do you care if I'm happy? Or seeing someone?" I asked, trying hard not to come off rude, and worrying I failed when her eyebrows knit together. She looked upset or maybe confused…?
"Why? Because I just do… I always care," she said, smiling brightly again. She looked forward at the road ahead of us, then leaned her head back to look up at the stars above us.
"I care about all my old friends… I spent so many years wondering what y'all were doing, the adventures you went on, the places you saw, the peoples lives you saved and touched forever… I worry if you guys are happy… and if you're loving the life you live."
She smiled and there was a far off fondness in her eyes, like she was remembering something that only she knew about. I wanted to say something but before I could think of a reply, she began talking again.
"As for the seeing someone part… Well I guess I'm just a romantic at heart," Her eyes sparkled as she talked and it was hard to keep an eye on where we were going because I didn't want to look away from her.
"As much bad luck as I've had with dating, I still believe that love is out there… for everyone. And I think the greatest joys in life come from sharing your joy with someone special… So I guess I was just curious if you'd found that for yourself, like Rouge and Knuckles have with each other."
I didn't say anything because I was so caught up in the sweet softness of her voice, I forgot that she was conversing with me. I was mesmerized by the conversation but only because she was speaking.
Gods I'm drunk… her voice sounds like a sleepy time podcast right now.
"I'm… uhh… I'm not seeing anyone.. I mean—the only special people in my life right now are my friends," I finally replied, following as she led us down another familiar street.
The quiet calm of the night overtook over conversation once more so we walked and looked up at the sky, the city lights unable to steal the spotlight from the twinkle of the stars.
As the silence dragged on I began racking my brain for anything to say that would get her talking again… I was enjoying the sound of her voice when she was talking; it was calm and soothing.
"Are we friends now?" She asked, looking up at me, her face illuminated by the nearby streetlamp.
Her eyes sparkled and her lips parted ever so slightly, like she was waiting, breathlessly, for my answer.
The look on her face, in her eyes, was overbearing. It made my chest grow tight and my stomach twist in knots again.
I've got to stop talking with her like this, it's making my heart feel like it's going to burst!
"I thought we established this back at the bar!" I replied quickly and nervously, sounding angrier than I really was.
Her question just flustered me. I blushed red, so I looked away from her quickly, trying not to get that feeling in my stomach or chest again.
"Oh yeah… I'm sorry," she laughed nervously, "I have this bad habit of needing too much reassurance… I'm always so unsure of how people feel about me."
She looked a little stressed, like she was thinking of something upsetting and I was going to say something but she started talking again.
"I'm working on that though! I'm usually much more confident sober!… I guess I tend to revert back to old insecurities when I'm drunk.. But yeah… I'm working on it…"
She looked a little sad and I felt bad for snapping about it earlier. I got that uncomfortable feeling in my chest again but this feeling was a dull, heavy ache rather than a sharp jolt.
Suddenly, she stopped and so did I, not sure what we were waiting for. She let go of my jacket pocket and pulled her arm from around my waist. She unwrapped my arm from her shoulder but held onto the wrist on my jacket.
Looking up at me with her big green eyes, she smiled nervously, and nodded to the house behind her.
"This is me," she said with a small chuckle, avoiding my eyes but her fingers fidgeted with the sleeve of my jacket.
The house was a small tan, bungalow style home, just on the outside of town where the stores and function buildings end and the housing and apartment buildings start.
It had a closed garage to the left of the front door and porch; the light on the front porch was on, waiting for her to come inside.
"I live three blocks down from here…" I couldn't hide the surprise in my voice and she also seemed surprised.
"I lived in the apartments that are closer in town for a few years but never left unless I was going to work… I finally saved up enough to move out here about six months ago, I can't believe I haven't seen you around sooner than today.." She still looked a little down and I could tell she was about to leave.
For some reason I felt a sinking feeling in my chest when her hand let go of my jacket sleeve. I wanted to reach back out but I wasn't sure what for. It's not like I reach for her or anything…
"I—uhhm—-thank you! For… walking me home safe in the dark," she said, looking around nervously. Her face blushes a bright red and she's avoiding my eye contact.
"You're—you're welcome…" I said, not sure what else to say, also breaking out in a blush.
I can't wait to get home and stop blushing from being so drunk! This feeling in my chest and stomach is maddening!
Turning to her house, she starts walking up the driveway. As I watch her, the thought of her being upset flashes through my mind.
I'm always so unsure about how people feel about me… That's what she said…
Before I could stop myself, I called out to her, a little too loud and my voice almost cracked because my throat wasn't prepared for what I wanted to say.
"Amy!"
She turned around quickly, her hair flying around her, a blush burning bright red on her face. She clung to her jacket, wrapping it around her short frame.
"Yeah?" She replied, breathless and bright eyed. She looked a little nervous and it made me feel bad for putting her so on edge.
"We are… friends. Me and you… … …yeah?" I said, trying to give her the reassurance she wanted but also a choice in the matter.
She looked shocked for a second but then broke out in a huge, ear to ear, toothy grin. Her eyes sparked and her blush grew a brighter shade of red, and most importantly, she looked happy.
"Yeah!" She replied with a giggle, then she turned on her heels and almost skipped to her front door steps.
She turned to look at me one last time and, "Thank you! Goodnight, Shadow!" and with that she disappeared inside the house.
I stood outside on the sidewalk for what seemed like hours but it was probably only a few minutes.
My chest had that tight, sharp feeling to it and I realized I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my ears. My hands were still a sweaty mess and my stomach was tied in all sorts of weird knots.
I thought I wouldn't be able to move from my spot but realized it'd be kinda weird if she shut her front door light off and I was still lingering on the sidewalk.
I shook my head and made myself move, heading down the sidewalk towards my house.
The city streets were empty this time of night and I felt more alone now than usual. This isn't my first time walking home alone… I've actually taken this exact walk home countless times… But the street feels wider and the city seems quieter this time.
I continue my walk home in silence, pondering the events of tonight.
Seeing all my friends lose it over Taylor Swift in the bar was actually kinda enjoyable… I couldn't let them know I was a Swiftie; they'd never let me live it down. But seeing them enjoy her music and having that moment on the dance floor with them was nice…
I replayed the events of the night in my head and was suddenly frustrated, embarrassed, confused, and angry all at once.
Amy's new look definitely caught me off guard, and I indirectly admitted to everyone that I found her attractive by attempting to pick her up.
I still gotta get back at that Echidna for playing such dumb tricks on me…
But I had to admit, although Amy's appearance matured very pleasingly, the way she carried herself interested me far more.
I still can't believe I was able to have multiple bearable conversations with her…
If it weren't for the fact that she makes my stomach and chest feel weird and uncomfortable at times, I'd probably have spent more time conversing with her than I already had.
I hated to admit it but I was an asshole for judging her so harshly, both before and after her time away from everyone. I won't admit it to Rouge or Knuckles, but I'm perfectly fine having Amy spend more time with us.
Really who wouldn't want to? We're a great group to hang out with, if I do say so my self.
Before I realized it, I had made it back to my house.
I unlock the front door, drop my keys and jacket off at the front hallway and make my way to the kitchen.
"Ammo!" I call out for my Chao as I rummage through the fridge. I pull out a water bottle and walk over to the fruit bowl on the kitchen table.
My Chao comes stumbling into the kitchen, a sleepy mess, so I reach down and scoop him up in my arms.
His floating bulb is a squiggly shape and he looks tired. But when I rub his chest, he hums to himself and his bulb returns to his normally spiky shape. I hand him the fruit and he accepts it, happily, his bulb turns into a heart shape.
I make my way to the bathroom and set my Chao down on the sink beside me to finish his fruit while I brush my teeth.
After some very thorough dental attention, I carry Ammo and the water bottle with me to my bedroom and set Ammo down on the bed.
I return to the bathroom and grab a quick shower to wash the mess of the day out of my quills and fur. I place my clothes in the hamper and head to my bedroom, trading my towel for a set of boxers.
I throw away Ammos finished fruit core remains in the wastebasket by my dresser and crawl into bed.
I take a swing of the water bottle, knowing it won't be enough water to prevent the hangover I'll be nursing tomorrow morning.
Ammo whines and I give him some of my water before turning out the bedside lamp and laying down for the night.
I'm finally coming down from my drunk state and fading off the buzz. As my head clears, more thoughts of the night flash through my mind.
I can't seem to fall asleep as I stare at the ceiling above me in the pitch black dark.
Why did she shut down like that when he started yelling at her? If any guy talked to Rouge outta pocket she'd sock em in the mouth!…
What did he say to her before I got there… What did he do that made her want to run away in the first place?
I shook my head trying to clear my mind. I shouldn't be thinking about all this. It's none of my business… and it's not like I care.
Ammo curls up close to me and I place one reassuring hand on him before closing my eyes.
Thoughts of the night continue to flood my mind… I find myself thinking about the walk home with Amy, our arms around each other, how red her face stayed, the questions she asked me…
Before I know it, I fall asleep to the thought of Amy in her driveway, wearing a huge smile and a thousand stars in her eyes…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Inspiration strikes, you write!
Sorry about my other story! I've been having some major writers block on that one! I'll be rewatching some Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice in order to get back into the mood for those stories… in the meantime, I won't be holding back on updating this story just because I'm stuck on The Crown's Shadow!
Fear not, I will be seeing both of these stories through to the end!
This chapter is actually inspired by a song called Heartbeat by Scouting for Girls!
Some of the lyrics are hidden in the chapter. Also, Shadows has been feeling a weird tightness and sharp sting in his chest. He's far too healthy for a heart condition… I wonder who's gonna tell him what it means when your heart skips a beat (;