A/N: Earlier this week, KagamiPINKAgreste wrote a Sonouge story for her and I because we were both having a rough few days. Since she's been having a rough time, and since she's one of my favorite people, I wrote this Shadamy story in return. Enjoy!

The green leaves were giving way to yellows, oranges and reds, thus signalling the start of fall, but pumpkin spice was the last thing on Amy Rose's mind as she dejectedly strolled down the streets of Emerald City. While family issues were nothing new with her, it seemed like they were getting worse and worse recently, and no matter how hard she tried, nothing she did could make things any better. Thus, she did the best thing she could think of, which was to get out of her house and take as long a walk as she could possibly take. She didn't care exactly where she went just as long as she could be out of her house and away from what was ailing her. So far, her head had been cleared somewhat, but there was still that damn inevitability of having to go back home at some point and be cooped up with what was eating her. At one point, though, things got interesting when she saw…

"Hey Shadow."

Shadow the Hedgehog was sitting on a bus stop bench curled up in the fetal position.

"Um, hi, Amy."

Amy sat down next to Shadow. "Shadow, you don't look too good. Is everything OK?"

Shadow shook his head. "Everything is NOT OK."

"Then that makes two of us. I'll listen to what you have to say first."

"OK, so Rouge had been telling me that I should get a job because it would help me with my social skills and give me something to do. I don't disagree with her, though I never really saw a need for a job. Anyways, I got a job at a factory that makes ammunition for the armed forces. I like the job, though most of my coworkers don't speak much – if any – English, and a lot of them are rude to me. I nearly got into a fight with one of them over a misunderstanding, but that's not even the worst part."

"What is the worst part?"

"See, I normally work four days a week, for ten hours each day. Recently, however, management announced that the factory would be shifting to eight-hour days, which means a five-day work week, Monday through Friday, and I've been a nervous wreck since then."

"Sorry to hear that. I may not understand what your situation is like, but I've seen better days, too."

"OK, what's your story?"

"My mom's been suffering a medical condition recently, and I've been helping her get to and from her doctor's appointments. However, doing so has been such A PAIN because not only does my mom keep complaining about everything, but she's so ungrateful for everything I do for her!" Amy banged her fists on the bench. "God, the nerve of some people!"

Shadow put a hand on Amy's shoulder. "Amy, I may not know what that's like, but I want to let you know that I'm here for you. I want to help you feel better, just as you've helped me to feel better. You and your feelings mean A LOT to me, and you make my life so much better by being a part of it."

Amy gazed deeply into Shadow's blood red eyes. Then, she smiled.

"Shadow…"

Amy gave Shadow a big hug, which he gladly returned. After having to deal with such unwanted family issues arising from her ungrateful mother, hearing his words made her feel that much better about herself. Plus, she felt really snuggly and warm with his strong, manly arms around her. Ever since the day she accidentally hugged him after mistaking him for Sonic the Hedgehog, all she could think about was how he must've been lonely just like her and how much she wanted to be with him. Having spent some time with him, she could see that contrary to his scary exterior, he was such a gentle, noble soul who would gladly stand up to protect the ones he cared about.

Having gotten a hug from Amy, Shadow felt that much better about himself. As he held on to her, he could feel the song within him becoming a symphony, soothing his shattered nerves and making him forget all about his troubles. Being glomped by her while being mistaken for Sonic was one thing, but ever since she reminded him of Maria's promise, he too thought about wanting to be with her for all eternity. In all the time he'd known her, not once did he think that she too had been suffering her own issues, but knowing that he wasn't alone in his struggles meant so much to him, and he just wanted to hold this little cherry blossom of a hedgehog forever and ever. Even though she did let go eventually, he felt as though a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders.

"…thank you," said Amy.

Shadow smiled. "No, thank you. You have no idea how much I needed that."

Amy giggled. "I think we both needed that, silly!"

"Regardless, I'm so lucky to have you. I love you, Amy."

"I love you too, Shadow."

Amy kissed Shadow, who blushed, not expecting this gesture, but nevertheless welcoming it. As if being hugged hadn't already made him feel better about himself, knowing that the one girl that he had a major crush on had reciprocated his feelings sent his heart into the stratosphere. Even though the kiss didn't last that long, for him, it would stay with him for a lifetime. Amy was pretty happy, too, but she had one concern:

"Shadow, why is your face green? Are you sick?"

Shadow shook his head. "No, but I do feel warm."

Amy's eyes widened. "Oh, I get it! You're blushing!" She giggled.

"Blush this."

Shadow proceeded to nibble Amy's ear, causing her to giggle some more.

"Shadow, stahp!" Amy playfully slapped Shadow.

Shadow smirked. "Awww, what's the matter? Does my sexy pink girlfriend not enjoy when I do that?"

"Oh, shut up!" Amy gently shoved Shadow. "Seriously, though, why don't we take a walk together before I die of flirting?"

"As you wish, Amy."

Shadow joined Amy in her walk, holding hands with her. Even if their gestures didn't physically erase whatever was ailing them, emotionally, they would help them build better lives together.

Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.