Eternity

"One vanilla and one chocolate," Shadow said to the ice cream vendor, then looked over his shoulder at the breathtaking bat setting up their spot on the beach.

She knelt on the big beach towel, applying sunscreen with no knowledge of the approaching surprise. Green-rimmed sunglasses sat in front of her eyes, which her boyfriend could see glancing across the beige stretch of sand when she turned her head. There were many more people out than before, families and groups of friends splashing in the water, running along the shoreline, and even playing frisbee on the grass. Shadow wasn't worried about the crowd, though; they were spaced far enough away from the biggest cluster of beachgoers that he didn't think his personal bubble would be intruded on.

Besides, his moment was drawing ever closer, and anticipating it kept his spirits high despite the spattering of rambunctious vacationers. There was nothing to fear or fret on a day that was guaranteed to be perfect. So, when he got their ice cream, the dark speedster headed over to his soon-to-be fiancée, handing her the vanilla cone while she sat soaking up the sun. He took his place beside her and breathed in the air when a cooling breeze gusted past. It felt nice on his thick fur, under the heat of a clear sky. And the refreshing sugary chocolate tasted even better.

He flinched when he felt something cold against his cheek, turning with widened eyes to Rouge, who was pulling her ice cream back to her mouth. She removed her sunglasses to give him a wink; an impish smile pervaded her shimmery lips, fangs bearing when they parted. "Gotcha!"

A half-smile grew on Shadow's face as he lazily swiped the spot of dessert from his muzzle, looking down at the off-white smear on his gloved fingertip before smirking at the playful woman. "Should I give you a head-start, or get my revenge now?"

"What are you gonna do?" she asked, jokingly cautious as she gingerly rested the flat bottom of the ice cream cone on the towel.

The hedgehog's free hand curled into a claw, which he slowly brought closer to her, and his smirk became a little more devilish. "3..."

Her eyes widened, then, and with a realization, Rouge jumped up from her seat. Shadow turned as she ran past him, taunting, "2..."

He put his treat down and let her get 30 feet away before he hopped up himself, catching up in a couple seconds at a fair pace. He took up the space in front of her – making the treasure hunter gasp and stop in her tracks – then wrapped his arms around her waist when she stumbled into him. His deep, smooth voice whispered in her ear for the short moment he was supporting her weight. "Gotcha."

Then his fingers pressed firmly into her sides and Rouge started laughing, pulling herself away while the Ultimate Lifeform tickled his girlfriend relentlessly. She shouted through high-pitched giggles, "Aah! Shadow, stop it! I surrender!"

The jerking movements, coupled with her backwards steps, caused the bat to lose her footing, and she started to fall. Without thinking, Shadow lunged forward, pulling her into another embrace as his knees plummeted to the sand. A startled shriek left Rouge's lips and she held on tightly, then felt the warm fur of his legs beneath her when they landed. For a second, she was stunned into silence, until soft, handsome chuckles filled her hearing. She joined the hedgehog's laughter and soon left his lap, standing up to smile down at the man who was opening up even more than usual.

When he tilted his head to meet her gaze, Shadow had to pause; his chuckling faded away and his grin lessened as a certain feeling overcame him. Standing above the stolid lifeform was a figure of beauty, bronze skin clad in her white bikini and drastically lit on one side by the beaming sun. The sly look she gave him was one he'd seen a thousand times before, but it was now somehow more intense than ever. He felt the thumping of his heart strengthen, its pace quickening while he stared, enamored, at his favorite person.

"Need some help?" Rouge asked, holding out her hand.

He took it but didn't pull himself up. Instead, he lifted only one leg, kneeling before her and gaining a sense of destiny as he reached for the box he had tucked away. Now she was furling an eyebrow, her smirk changing into a confused pout. And when the black ring box came into view, her mouth dropped open. Turquoise eyes widened and her gaze flitted from the surprise to his eyes. It was all he needed to see to know, without a doubt, that the moment was perfect. Waiting any longer would've been foolish, and he didn't care if they were getting stared at – he didn't even look around him, only at her.

Rouge's heart skipped a beat. Shadow's heart wouldn't stop racing. Because there he was, down on one knee, holding his true love's warm hand in his. The bright, shining sun cast them both in hot golden light, and the only thing that kept the hedgehog's dark fur from soaking up too much of the heat was the constant pleasant breeze that brushed past them. The bat's visage switched to one of joyful radiance, a rosy shade of blush touching her tanned cheeks. Likewise, his muzzle flushed against his will, and his heart continued to hammer in his chest at an overwhelming speed.

When his fingers left hers to open the box, her hands shot up to cup her cheeks and she pulled in a soft but elated gasp. Shadow couldn't stop the pure, enchanted grin that spread across his lips while he revealed the stunning piece of jewelry. It glimmered more than he expected under the generous sun, casting a splatter of opalescent light on her face. And at the sight of the ring, his beau grinned excitedly, a wild sparkle dancing in her teal eyes. It took only a second for the speedster to find the voice he needed to grab her attention again.

With a steadying breath, Shadow began his proposal, "Rouge... I've never loved anyone this way before. Since we met, you've shared so many incredible things with me that make me question how I got by without you. And I feel this isn't even half of what I could do to repay you for the happiness you've brought me. I fell for you so hard that at one point, it scared me. But if I could capture the essence of our union forever, I would. So, will you let me give you my heart – for as long as our eternity lasts?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed immediately, dropping to her knees and throwing her arms around him. "Of course!"

Shadow squeezed her body in a hug before they stood up together, and Rouge gave him her left hand to slip the ring on her finger. She chimed, "Oh, I feel like I could burst!"

"Not yet, please," he quipped, then kissed her fingers once the ring was settled.

He took his new fiancée into his arms again and leaned into the passionate kiss she planted on his lips. Some quiet coos of the other people around them disturbed his hearing for a moment, but he ignored them. Then, Rouge pulled back and impulsively nuzzled her nose against his.

"Now this is really the best vacation ever!" She looked at her hand and outstretched it, angling the ring in the golden glare of the sunlight. "Oh, Shadow, this ring is gorgeous! It must've cost a fortune!"

When she turned back to him, the hedgehog merely shrugged as his smile held a humble quality. "No price would be too high for you. Your expensive taste doesn't scare me."

One of the woman's white brows lowered and she smirked at her betrothed. "Really? Because I was thinking of getting a hot tub installed at our place."

"Oh?" Shadow smirked back. "Well, who am I to say no? It'll make a nice engagement gift to ourselves."

Rouge bit her lip and then kissed him again, more exuberant than he'd ever seen her before. Normally, such a level of public affection would be too much for him; he'd feel the burning stare of others around him, even if they weren't looking. But no matter how many people wandered the beach, and regardless of whoever might be watching them, Shadow cherished his fiancée's deep kisses more than he cared about being seen by strangers. There was no room to be ashamed when his heart was already filled with happiness and the warm feeling of unconditional love.

Just over a year later, the duo were preparing for their wedding in a classy, highly esteemed bridal venue. The building embodied a mixture of traditional wood and sleek marble, deep browns contrasting pearly whites in every room – a choice that appealed to both halves of the marrying couple.

"You look so beautiful, Rouge!" said Amy Rose, beaming a grin at the bat whose figure stood hugged in a silky white gown.

Rouge studied herself in the mirror while her bridesmaids moved around her, collecting different pieces of her outfit and adding them on. Her maid of honor, the fiery princess herself, brushed a subtle dash of strawberry-hued blush onto one tanned cheek to match the other. The bubbly pink hedgehog retrieved the veil, daintily plucking the icy-blue tiara from its pedestal; a silver sheen shifted along the swirly edges of the crown's pattern as she brought it over to the bride, being careful not to let the thin fabric catch on anything.

When she came near to place the accessory, Vanilla the Rabbit closed the makeup palette she'd used to color Rouge's eyelids, leaving a moderate layer of lavender above azure eyes. Amy settled the tiara between her ears and flared the veil behind her head, bouncing with excitement. She waited for Blaze to delicately apply layers of mascara to her long lashes, then the affianced woman took a moment to gaze critically at the image she saw in the full-body reflection.

"Do you girls think white was a good idea?" she wondered aloud, touching her hair and comparing its ivory color to the starkness of the dress. "Now I'm worried it's too–"

"Stop that right now!" Amy piped, holding up a finger to scold her friend. "It's perfect, and I don't want to hear you saying any different!"

"Besides," Blaze chimed in, "there's no time for a different gown when you're walking down the aisle in an hour." She smiled and stepped closer, catching Rouge's gaze and wrapping a silver, turquoise-encrusted necklace over her shoulders. "Amy's right. I wouldn't change a thing if I were you."

The sweet voice of Vanilla's teenaged daughter added, "Don't worry, we'll make sure everything goes well, Miss Rouge!"

Cream's optimism made Rouge smile before she pursed her lips for the girl's mother to apply her lipstick.

Shadow was pacing behind the heavy velvet curtain that hid the groom's changing room from the rest of the building. His hands were tumbling around each other, wringing nervously, the hedgehog being left with too much time to think after getting ready. He stopped when he saw how he looked in the mirror, thinking it a bit embarrassing how anxious he seemed walking back and forth. After taking a deep breath, he began running his fingers through his quills, scanning crimson eyes over the crisp mahogany suit jacket he was wearing.

A white handkerchief was folded in the breast pocket, which he hoped he wouldn't need while standing at the end of the aisle. If he could avoid breaking a sweat, then he would be able to uphold his usual calm composure. But there was nothing else to do but wait for the ceremony to start. He was comfortably dressed, he smelled of a new vanilla cologne that wafted secondary hints of cedarwood, and his bowtie was straight and centered; he resisted the urge to fiddle with it.

"There he is!" a chipper voice said, making the groom turn in mild surprise. "All ready for your big day, Shadow?"

"Yes," he told Sonic, watching Silver and Tails walk in behind the blue speedster. "Tell me the ceremony is starting soon."

"Not for another hour," Silver answered, looking apologetic. He could probably tell that the Ultimate Lifeform's energy was off, judging by the soft but positive tone of his voice. "If you need to pass the time, you can come hang out with us. The girls are still getting dressed."

Shadow looked among the three friends, then forced himself to crack a smile for their sake. "Sure."

With everyone in place, the music began, piano keys singing angelic notes throughout the big echoey room. The guests quieted themselves – their numbers not abundant on Shadow's request – and turned in their seats to the open door at the backend of the aisle. Gloved fingers fidgeted as the black hedgehog held his own hand and looked, too, taking another deep breath and preparing for his bride to appear in the doorway. Silver, his best man, was standing behind him, ready to squeeze his shoulder or pat him on the back if he looked like he needed it.

Then she came into view, a vision of snowy white and sparkly silver stepping into the room. Shadow had to hold his breath, fearful of pulling in an audible gasp, as Rouge smiled softly at him through the sheer silk of her veil. The perfection of her carefully painted face would likely overwhelm him when the fabric barrier lifted, framed by short wavy locks that were gorgeously speckled with tiny diamonds. He was befuddled that she managed to appear continuously more radiant every time he saw her in a new look.

The edges of the dress were lined with rhinestones, shimmering along the heart-shaped hem across her bust, their shine only outdone by the pretty blue gems adorning her collarbone. The train of her body-hugging gown was elegant and lacy, trailing a foot behind her while vista white heels took her across the maroon carpet towards her husband-to-be. And when he dared to let himself breathe, Shadow thought he could smell the elegant scent of the blood-red roses clutched in his love's grip, as well as a lingering whiff of sweet lilac growing stronger the closer she came.

The more she walked, the hotter Rouge felt with elation while she gazed at the stoically handsome and composed man waiting for her. He was poised atop the short platform made by two marble steps, looking refined and expectant in his sharp, dark suit. But she could also see the gradual curl of his lips getting wider, his red eyes bright and threatening to sheen with a teary mist the longer he stared. His cologne made her giddy when the smell hit her nose. It was a mature scent she thought fit perfectly with the man of her dreams.

The music began to peter out as she neared the stairs, the gaps between notes growing while the pretty bat stepped up to match her groom. Then the melody ended, and Shadow let out what sounded like a sigh of relief once they were face-to-face. His bride grinned, and their officiant began, "We gather here to bind these two souls in everlasting matrimony."

Blaze and Silver peered around the marrying couple to share a mutual glance of joy as he continued, "The eternal joining of hearts is a heavy feat. It is a promise you make to your partner: to be supportive during times of strife; to be available in times of need; to be thoughtful whenever possible; to be there for them, always."

The bridesmaids and groomsmen sat in the front row, looking on in endearment. Amy was already holding a tissue close to her face, ready for the tears to spill. The officiator turned to Shadow. "I understand you've prepared your own vows, so if you wish to begin, you may."

Following a nod to the man unifying them, Shadow locked eyes with Rouge again, then spoke with confidence, "I owe everything to you."

His fiancée's expression melted into adoration at his first words, holding a smile while he went on, "When you came into my life, my perspective on everything shifted in a way that still astonishes me when I think about it. You surprise me. And you've taught me many things over the last few years..."

He briefly looked out to the guests, sharing a moment of eye contact with Blaze and Sonic while letting his deep voice resonate over the small crowd, "... like how to open up to those who care."

He then felt the compassionate grip of Silver's hand on his shoulder, briefly enough that his nerves were calmed a bit. Rouge attained his gaze again and he could swear he spotted a sparkle of teariness behind her veil. "I want to be everything for you that you are for me – someone who can surprise you, as well, and keep you happy under any circumstance."

One of her silk-wrapped hands reached out to grab his, which he readily gave her to hold, while the audience cooed sweetly at his vows. With a gentle squeeze of her fingers, he finished, "I love you."

"I love you, too," she said instinctively, a slight waver to her tone.

The officiant turned to the bride and gave her a nod. "Now yours, if you're ready."

Rouge cleared her throat and squared her shoulders, changing her demeanor to one of confidence to match her other half. "You are everything to me. You're my inspiration in the morning, my strength during the day, and my comfort at night. Shocking to say, but if there was a jewel in the world more valuable than you, I don't think I'd believe it."

Another 'aww' from the guests, which caused Shadow a bit of embarrassment. It was harder to ignore their loving sounds when he was the one being complimented, and so he felt his cheeks flushing with warmth. Maybe Rouge knew she needed to lighten the sugariness for him, because she slipped into a playful cadence.

"You're the second sweetest guy I know," she said, then flicked her gaze at the best man. "The first being Silver, but that's a given."

A light ripple of laughter filled the air, and even Shadow smirked in amusement. Then her voice softened again and she shook her head to enhance her next claim. "I absolutely couldn't have asked for a better man. You make me feel like I could do anything – pluck the moon right out of the sky if I wanted. And if I did, you would support me, consequences and all."

He nodded in affirmation, which she followed up with, "That means the world to me."

Now the hedgehog's eyes were misting, tiny beads of tears pricking the corners. They could hear quiet sniffling from the crowd as they were instructed to exchange rings, slipping golden bands onto each other's fingers with the matching engravement, "Blessed be our eternity".

Then the officiant stated, "To solidify this bond is to pledge your undying love for each other. Under this oath, Shadow, do you take Rouge to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Filled with contained emotion, the strength in his voice nearly faltered when he said, "I do."

"And Rouge, do you take Shadow to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do!"

She handed Blaze the bouquet to hold, waiting with suppressed excitement while the officiant finished, "Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Heavenly music started up again and Rouge didn't hesitate to throw the veil backwards, uncovering her beautiful face and attempting to blink away the wetness filling her eyes. A rare grin grew on Shadow's muzzle and he took his new wife by the waist, passionately pressing his mouth against the bold cerise pink of her plump lips while her arms wrapped firmly around his neck. The audience stood and applauded while they kissed, the air being stung by lively whistles from Sonic and gleeful hollering from Amy.

When the newly married couple parted, they turned to share a moment with their closest friends; Rouge gave Blaze a grateful hug before reclaiming the bouquet, and Shadow shared a handshake with Silver before deciding to let go of his discomfort long enough to pull the white hedgehog into a cathartic hug, as well. Then, the committed duo rejoined hands and walked down the aisle together, sharing a blissful moment as their guests showered them with rose petals.

A/N: Thank you to everyone who's supported this series over the couple years I've been writing it (both Rouge's Heart and this one) - although I didn't always hold these stories in as high esteem as the others I've penned (in terms of writing), this slice-of-life style was still enjoyable and a bit cathartic to put on the screen. Domestic bliss doesn't seem to be as widespread of a theme in media as it should be, so I scratched my own itch with this storyline, and I'm satisfied with how it turned out. And although I'll be taking a break from writing to focus more on my art, I'll be back to conjuring more Shadouge plots when inspiration strikes again!