Sonic knocked at the door. He heard rushed footsteps inside, followed by the sound of someone fiddling with the lock. The door opened slowly, and Sonic met the eyes of someone he hadn't seen in a long time.

A smile crossed his face, "Hey, Faker."

Shadow actually didn't seem all that annoyed. He smirked slightly. "Long time no see, Sonic."

Entering, Sonic commented, "Never thought you to be a family man, Shadster."

"I never expected you to settle down in a small town."

"Well, surprise!" As he looked around, Sonic couldn't help but feel amused at the dissonance of seeing Shadow living a relatively calm domestic life. "So, how did this happen?"

Shadow hesitated a moment, thinking. Then he explained, "It started with a GUN mission several years ago. I ended up helping evacuate a city. There was a girl and something about her just…struck me. Her gentle nature stuck with me. I met her again afterward and we stayed in contact. I realized I had been relying on staying busy as a GUN agent to escape my past, but the stress remained. I was surprised when she suggested I start from scratch, and I surprised myself when I agreed. And, well, here I am."

"Wow. I'm happy it worked out for you, but I never imagined you doing something like that."

"I haven't gone completely soft. I may have found new priorities, but I'm still involved with GUN. I still train. I still have missions."

"And your memories…?"

"My past still affects me, but it's better." Shadow looked up. Happier, he added "Let me introduce you her, my lifeline."

He called up the stairs, "Miriam! He's here!"

A gentle voice floated down, getting louder as footsteps approached, "Your rival?" Stopping at the last step, a white-furred hedgehog looked at Sonic with kind eyes. She smiled, greeting him warmly, "Hello. I've heard a lot about you."

"Good things, I hope."

She glanced at Shadow as she told Sonic, "He respects you, even if he refuses to say it to your face."

Shadow shook his head slightly, "I think he knows he's a worthy rival. I can't tell him because if I said anything like that, he'd never shut up about it."

"He's right." Sonic admitted.

Miriam laughed. Brushing her bangs out of her face, she went into hospitality mode. "Make yourself at home. Would you like something to drink? Some snacks?"

"I'm okay for now, thanks." Taking a seat, Sonic kidded, "I'm guessing you have all the dirt on Shadow, huh?"

"You came here to catch up," Shadow interjected, "not gather blackmail material."

Miriam patted Shadow's shoulder, "I've got plenty I could tell him. I know you like no one else."

He looked back at her. "If you and Rouge were my enemies, you two would know exactly how to take me down. That's why I pick my who I share secrets with carefully."

Her long quills shook as she insisted, "You know I'd never do that to you."

"I know. But I've made plenty of enemies over the years. I've learned to be cautious."

"Speaking of Rouge," Sonic said, "How's she doing?"

"Still a GUN spy getting involved in treasure hunting on the side. We still talk, but I haven't seen her in a while. Last I heard, she was hanging around Angel Island."

"I'm sure Knux isn't too happy about that. But…it is Rouge, so who knows. He might appreciate the company."

"If you can get past the jewel stealing, she has a good heart. She got me through some rough patches."

"And Omega?"

"Same as always."

"I don't know whether that's good or not."

"Well, he hasn't gotten worse, at least."

Sonic laughed. Suddenly remembering something, he asked Shadow, "This is going to sound crazy, but how's he with kids?"

"He's actually great with kids, believe it or not. He got along great with Cream. And he's wonderful with…" Shadow looked back at Miriam, eyes wide, "He hasn't met…well he has, but I mean…"

"Silver?" Sonic filled in.

"Yeah, Silver." Shadow snapped his head back toward Sonic, "Wait. How did you know?"

"I think I saw him a while ago. He was with Omega. I was questioning my sanity for a minute there. That really was Silver? With Omega?"

"Yes. They always want to hang out when Omega's around."

"Where's the kiddo now? Omega didn't take him back to GUN, did he?"

"No, no." Shadow chuckled at a memory, "But I did bring Silver to the headquarters a few times and I couldn't look away for a second. He's too curious for his own good."

Sonic put his hands together and looked at Shadow seriously, "So, if I'm understanding this correctly, Silver is-"

"Dad?"

Upon hearing the tiny voice, Sonic lifted his head and looked back toward the stairs.

Sure enough, there was Silver. Hearing Shadow instantly shift to such a gentle tone was a surprise.

"What is it, kid?"

"I just woke up. Can I watch my show?"

Shadow looked at Sonic. The blue hedgehog shrugged, "Don't let me get in the way. I'd be happy to hang out with the little dude."

Within minutes, Silver had planted himself right beside Sonic. Both of them were watching the TV with rapt attention. On the screen, the hero faced his rival confidently. As each began to summon his strength, Silver jumped up to echo their Kiais. He bounced as the characters unleashed bursts of energy, which collided in midair. Ultimately, the hero's attack prevailed. And as he followed up with another beam, Silver shouted his favorite character's catchphrase. "It's no use! Take this!"

Sonic couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Notes: Exposition time. And more mini Silver.