Tikal stood in the bread aisle of the super market, going through the shopping list. She looked down at her cart and started ticking off everything that she had gotten.
Brown bread, check. Now I need white bread for Knuckles...
She looked up at the different kinds of bread that were displayed in their packaging. Knuckles was very picky with his food, especially when it came to his bread. She remembered trying to feed him seeded bread with butter on top and he shoved it away, saying just looking at it made him throw up.
"Tikal, I swear to Chaos, if you make me eat that-"
"Knuckles! Just try it- it won't kill you!"
"I'd rather die!"
Laughing quietly at the memory, Tikal continued looking until she found the right bread she always bought for them. It was up high in the shelf and she attempted to reach for it, steadily going onto her tip toes and waved her hand in hopes of catching it in her grip.
Oh, she hated being so short.
Tikal slumped down in disappointment and looked around to see if there was a step box anywhere. There wasn't.
Sighing, she rubbed her arm and went to go find someone who could help. As it was near closing hours, the supermarket was almost empty and hardly anyone was here. She always preferred asking someone who didn't work here... simply because some of the employees, specifically some of the female employees, were not the kindest due to past experiences.
She really need to find another place to shop.
She popped her head into the sauce aisle next to hers and thankfully noticed someone there. However as she moved towards them, she realised it wasn't just anybody.
It was Shadow.
Tikal stopped walking. His back was facing her so he hadn't noticed her yet. He seemed to have been looking at one of the sauce jar's labels, his basket being held with his other hand.
For some reason, as stoic and aloof he acted, it was… strange seeing him do such mundane tasks such as shopping. He looked a little out of place.
Tikal momentarily closed her eyes at how ignorant she sounded then.
The echidna bit her lip, contemplating whether to ask him for help or just find someone else. She didn't want to be a bother. However, her feet were already moving towards him as she spoke out a soft, "Sh-Shadow…?"
He glanced to his side, then his eyes widened faintly as he turned around completely when he saw that it was her.
She pressed her lips together before smiling at him. "Hi."
"Tikal," he said and nodded at her in greeting. It was the only the second time she heard him say her name and yet she was already feeling so lightheaded.
Focus!
"I'm sorry for disturbing you b-but..." Tikal stammered sheepishly and motioned for him to follow her, "Do you think you can help me?"
They walked back to the bread aisle and she pointed at the one she needed. Shadow, being taller than her, had no problem with reaching it.
She beamed, clasping her hands together in delight. "Thank you so much!"
Shadow regarded down at the full shopping cart behind her. "I'm assuming Knuckles has a big appetite."
Tikal put the packet of bread into the cart. "I'm just stocking up on a few things. Our kitchen cupboards have been a little empty for a while now."
"Do you normally shop this late?"
"Hm?" Tikal ticked off the last item in her list, "I don't. This is the first time I have."
"...And you're alone?" He asked and upon hearing the concern in his voice, she looked up at him as he continued, "You're going to carry all of that?"
Tikal blinked and glanced back at her cart. It then dawned on her that yes, she would have to carry all those bags and walk home. "I-I'll just take a taxi," she said, her discomfort showing.
"I'll drive you."
She whipped her head back at him, not sure she heard him correctly. "I'm sorry?"
"I'll drive you home," Shadow repeated but paused when seeing her reaction, "...Unless you're not comfortable with that?"
"N-No!" Tikal yelped immediately, and pulled back with a heavy blush on her cheeks when she realised she'd been leaning towards him, "I-I'm fine with that, it's just... I don't want to intrude."
He only shook his head. "You won't."
Tikal didn't say anything else as Shadow helped her push her shopping cart over to check out. He even helped her bag everything up and when the total appeared on the screen, he offered to pay with his card. Of course, Tikal didn't want him to do that and told him so, but Shadow insisted and swiped his card anyway, muttering the fact that his job paid him well.
"I didn't think you'd need a car," she said when they were at the parking lot putting the grocery bags into the car boot.
He closed the boot. "It was offered to me by the G.U.N. I don't necessarily need it, but I like driving around when I can."
She nodded and followed him around the vehicle as he opened the passenger door for her. Thanking him, she shuffled her way inside as he closed the door. Tikal looked around. It was very nice looking... and very clean. She couldn't spot a spec of dust or dirt anywhere. As she was putting her seat belt on, Shadow sat along inside the driver's seat and started up the car.
She couldn't remember the last time she was in a car. Knuckles didn't drive and she would rarely take a taxi due to the fact she found it unsettling to be alone with a stranger.
As they were on the main road, Tikal looked out the window in slight awe. The city had always been beautiful but at night? It was marvelous. She usually took the train home that was right near Amy's café and the supermarket, and so never really experienced the view of the skyline as much. And certainly not like this.
"Are you feeling better now?" Shadow's question suddenly tore through the silence.
Tikal jumped a little and turned her head. "P-Pardon?"
Shadow slowed the car down in front of the stop light. "You haven't been in Amy's café for a while. I was told you fell ill."
She felt her eyes widening and didn't stop herself from saying, "...You were asking for me?"
Shadow didn't look exactly comfortable when he admitted it. "Well... yes," he said and quickly focused his attention back to driving, "Given the reaction you had of me, I was assuming you didn't want to work there when realising I was a regular customer."
Tikal felt her face warming up. "Th-That's not true!" She said but tensed when she registered her use of tone.
However, it didn't gain a reaction out from the hedgehog anyway. Though in fact, he looked the tiniest bit amused and kept his eyes on the main road instead. "...I kept on hearing you make good coffee, so I wanted to see for myself," he said, swiftly changing the subject, "I hope I can try it soon."
Easing herself against the seat, she let her fingers twiddle with the layer of her seat belt before subconsciously trailing her eyes down onto Shadow's leg. His bandage wasn't there anymore. It had been only a few days since she put it on... Did he heal that fast?
Tikal closed her eyes and turned her head back to the window. It was hard to process that this was actually happening. She was alone... with Shadow. She had the courage to tend him when he was hurt, she had the courage to even ask him for help back at the supermarket.
Was this... really her? Just a few days ago, just being anywhere near him had her scurrying away out of panic.
Perhaps realising that he wasn't so... intimidating than she initially thought, Tikal felt more relaxed.
Oh. She was so helplessly in love with him.
"I-I'll be back in there tomorrow," she said, hunching her shoulders as she anxiously rubbed her hands over her dress, "So," Tikal swallowed and sent him a small smile, trying to keep the blush on her cheeks at bay, "You can drop by then and I'll make it for you."
Shadow regarded her with a side glance, saying nothing. Tikal nodded, feeling like she said what she needed to say and carried on looking out the window.
…
Once they began walking towards the front of Knuckles's house with her shopping, Tikal noticed the red echidna pacing up and down the steps. Rouge was also sitting on one of the chairs at the patio.
"Will you stop moving around like that?" Rouge rolled her eyes, "I'm sure Tikal's fine. You need to start trusting her!"
"It's not that I don't trust her!" Knuckles rubbed the sides of his head with his hands, glaring at the bat, "I'm just worried, okay? There's a difference!"
"Oh, sure," she sighed and shook her head, crossing a leg over the other to check on her nails, "Knuckie, you really gotta stop babying her…"
"I am not babying her!" He practically yelled, face steaming, "And stop calling me that! How can you even be so nonchalant about this? Aren't you close with Tikal? Why aren't you worried?!"
Rouge casually leaned forward, her eyes glistening full of interest with what saw behind him. "Because she's right there."
Knuckles turned around instantly, coming face to face with his cousin. "Tikal!"
"I'm sorry for worrying you, Knuckles," Tikal said, sending him a timid smile as she let him carry the shopping bags, "Thank you for waiting on me."
"It's no problem…" He said warily once he looked towards the person behind her, "What were you doing with Tikal, Shadow?"
Even though she couldn't detect any distaste in Knuckles's voice, Tikal quickly intervened before a potential argument broke out. "I-I bumped into him at the supermarket and he offered to take me home because it's late," she said, hoping he'd understand. Knuckles was always defensive of her and as much as she loved him and appreciated it, he could get a little too hot-headed at times… "My phone died so I couldn't call you."
"Oh…" Knuckles shifted his eyes from Tikal to Shadow, who put down the rest of the shopping bags and remained unaffected and indifferent from the strange predicament. Tikal almost held in her breath at the inevitable tension she squeezed herself in, but relaxed once the skepticism left her cousin's face. "Thanks, Shadow. I guess I owe you one."
Shadow just nodded and everything felt lighter in the air again. Tikal turned to face the black hedgehog and they looked at each other for a moment, until she sent him a small smile and said, "I-I'll see you later?"
He uncrossed his arms and met her eyes, a smile she was sure she could only see when he said, "Sure."
Tikal felt her heart practically leaping.
"Well. How adorable."
Rouge flew beside Knuckles and stared at the two of them with heavy curiosity. Tikal knew that look and when the bat directed that look to her, she blushed and began rubbing her arm out of habit. "I didn't think you could be such a gentleman, Shadow," Rouge said, her sultry implication practically echoed between them, "Isn't that so sweet of you."
Shadow closed his eyes and turned his head to the side. "I only took her home. Nothing more," he said, a light scoff passing him, "Instead of prying into people's business, you should be more focused on the reports I gave you this morning."
"What a party pooper," Rouge muttered stubbornly. She looked at Tikal with a knowing smile, but didn't pry further. "Well, honey. I'm glad you made it home safe because this one," She jabbed at Knuckles, "Couldn't stop being such a worry wart."
"Would you stop that!" Knuckles swatted her hands away.
"I'm sorry, Knuckles," Tikal said, ridden in guilt.
Knuckles shook his head and sighed. "It's fine, Tikal. It's fine. Next time, just make sure your phone is fully charged before you go anywhere."
"I-I'll remember that."
"Well anyway, I'm off," Rouge spread out her wings and hovered, giving Tikal a wave, "Looks like we'll have to plan out a dinner night next time, Knuckles," she said and blew him a kiss before flying off.
"We never planned anything!" Knuckles yelled, though the vivid blush on his cheeks betrayed his statement. "Stupid bat…"
Tikal laughed and turned around again, seeing that Shadow was just about to walk back to his car. However, he caught her eyes again and they locked their gazes onto each other's for a fraction more- unspoken but understanding as she shyly nodded to him. He did the same and said nothing else but Tikal already knew, because she couldn't stop the smile coming onto her face.
When he left, Tikal turned and saw Knuckles looking confused, blinking at the exchange between the two. "Knuckles?"
"Tikal…" Knuckles snapped out of whatever he was thinking and regarded her slowly, "Do you… like Shadow?"
Tikal's eyes widened, her face already blooming pink. "W-What?!"
He didn't repeat the question which was strange. He just looked at her, as if he had already gotten the answer from her reaction alone. "That would… explain a lot, actually," he said thoughtfully, "I've just noticed the way you look at him sometimes, that's all. I didn't really get it at first but… I think I do now."
She stood still, completely taken aback by her cousin's words. She never doubted Knuckles when it came to being perceptive of things from afar. He did that everyday when guarding the Master Emerald. There was no reason for her to think he wouldn't notice her acting different around Shadow…
Tikal looked down in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, Knuckles," she apologised profusely, "I-I thought you'd be angry…"
"Why would I be angry?" Knuckles asked and shook his head, "Who you like doesn't matter to me," he laughed and smiled at her then, "I just didn't expect you to be at that stage already."
Her cheeks reddened at his statement but she smiled back at him nonetheless. "Do you mind keeping it a secret for now?" She asked, "Amy knows about it b-but I just wanted to keep it under the radar until I'm ready."
"Of course," Knuckles waved his hand before patting her head, "Just know that you shouldn't feel afraid about it."
It was as if he just confirmed he knew what she was going through. It made Tikal… feel so guilty that she hadn't told him earlier. The gentle look on her cousin's eyes said it all and she couldn't help but hug him at that moment.
"Thank you, Knuckles," Tikal said softly, feeling him hug her back, "Thank you so much."
"It's all right," he said as they pulled away, "C'mon. We should get dinner ready. I'm starving!"
She laughed and helped him pick up the grocery shopping. "You should've taken up on Miss Rouge's offer to have dinner with her!"
"Well, I was going to take her out to-" Knuckles abruptly stopped once he realised what he was saying, "You didn't hear that!"
Tikal beamed. "So it's true! You do like Miss Rouge!"
Even though she knew about his feelings for Rouge already, it was funny to see him completely fumble out his words in denial. "I-I don't! I just-"
"Knuckles."
"Okay, fine!" He gave up in a matter of seconds, his face matching the rest of him, "Let's be even then. Just don't tell anyone about it."
"All right," Tikal giggled as they went inside the house, "I promise."
…
"You seem to be in a better mood, Tikal!"
It was the next day, late evening, at Amy's café. It had been a busy day with customers coming in and out in seconds, proving the pink hedgehog's business to be a continued success.
Even though Tikal was absent from work for two weeks, she still managed to get through the day without any problems. The customers were nice to her, the new people Amy hired were nice to her and easy to work with. The new menu had been a favourite among the locals.
"I-I am?" Tikal glanced over to Amy who was helping her wipe off the front counter top, "I did get some better sleep than usual…"
Amy leaned one hand against the counter while the other rested on her hip. "Oh, really?" The pink hedgehog gave her a knowing smile, her green eyes gleaming.
Tikal quickly became flustered, but still managed a giggle. "Yes, really!"
"It wouldn't happen to be because of a certain black hedgehog, would it?"
"Hmm," The echidna playfully thought for a while before replying, "Maybe…"
"You should tell me all about it when you can!" Amy said as they shared another laugh together.
Amy had been so supportive of her dilemma since the beginning and she couldn't thank her enough. There was something so comforting about having a friend that just understood you without feeling like such a burden. After she recovered from her cold, she went on that shopping trip with Amy that she promised. It was a nice break after everything, and made her bond with Amy grow even more. Something she was eternally grateful for.
Who knew having a girls night out would be so much fun?
"What'cha ladies laughing at?" They both turned to see Sonic coming in from the back, fighting a yawn.
"Oh, nothing," Amy grinned at Tikal before saying, "Just girl talk."
"Bo-ring," Sonic rolled his eyes which earned a light push from Amy, "Man, I'm beat. I need a run… and a vacation."
"Well, I do think you deserve one after all the help you've given me," Amy pinched his cheek, "You stupid hedgehog. At least you know how the world works when it's not running or going after Eggman, huh?"
"You're not going to give me another one of those lectures again, are you, Ames?"
"And have you sleep through half of it when it'd only be ten seconds? I've already learned it's completely hopeless with you!"
Sonic grinned at her. "Aw, you don't mean that!"
"I do!" Amy grabbed his arm and then pushed him into the office. "Now help me clean up so we can go home, m'kay?"
"Ugh, fine! You so owe me a vacation, ya know!"
Tikal let out a quiet laugh at the two of them before whisking away to a table to pick up a leftover cup. Just as she walked to the front entrance to flip the 'open' sign to 'closed', a grey fox barged himself in without warning.
She was startled and took a step back. "I-I'm sorry, sir- but we're-"
"Pretty echidna princess," the stranger drawled and Tikal could already smell the alcohol that emitted off from him, "I've finally found you."
Tensing up, Tikal laid the cup down to another table before gingerly trying to lead the man to the door. "Sir, I'm afraid I can't let you stay here. Please leave."
She gasped when he suddenly took a hold of her arm. "And leave behind such a beautiful lady? I don't think so."
Tikal knew she could easily pry the man off of her, but he was drunk. That wasn't an excuse for him to be touching her, but she didn't want to create a havoc in the café… that could potentially destroy it.
When she was about to say something else to retaliate, the front door bell chimed and in an instant, he was ripped off of her. Tikal quickly backed away and blinked, seeing Shadow knelt down with the fox pinned to the floor with his hands behind his back.
Tikal was stunned at what she was seeing. "Shadow?"
"Did he hurt you?" He asked her immediately, his eyes already going up and down to see if she had any noticeable bruises.
"N-No, I-"
"What's going on?!" Amy's voice echoed across the room and the pink hedgehog quickly came to the scene, her eyes already lighting up into flames once she saw the intruder, "It's you again! I thought I banned you from the café after you were trying to look for Tikal!"
Tikal's eyes widened. The man was looking for her?
Her stomach dropped at the conclusion. A stalker.
Knuckles warned her of potential threats... and people, who could harm her since she was the only female echidna in existence now. She really didn't think that would be of any case. She had men eye her up and down at times, to which she would ignore- but never to this degree of wanting to touch her.
"Pretty echidna…" The fox slurred as he turned his head to the side to look at her, "You don't find them anywhere anymore. She's a thick treat."
Shadow narrowed his eyes, his grip on him increasing the second that was said.
"You…" Amy's eyes darkened as her hammer appeared in her right hand, "Son of a-!"
Tikal saw what she was about to do and tried stopping her. "No, Amy!"
"Ames!" Sonic came in the nick of time and took hold of the pink hedgehog's arms from behind. "Amy, calm down!"
"If I ever see your face again, if I ever see you trying to hurt or touch Tikal again," Amy glared at him, "You will face my wrath, do you understand?!"
Even though the fox was practically pinned down to the floor and drunk out of his mind, his face managed to drop once he saw who he'd be dealing with. "Y-Yes ma'am…"
Shadow called in someone from his unit to escort the man out of the building. Tikal sat down next to Amy as Sonic gave the pink hedgehog a glass of water.
"Are you all right, Amy?" Tikal asked as she rubbed her friend's back soothingly.
"Yeah…" Amy sighed before downing the glass of water, "I'm sorry, Tikal. It's been a long week and that asshole was the last person I wanted to see."
"Jeez, Ames. It's been a while since I've seen you that angry," Sonic said, leaning against the table, "Looks like you're the one who needs to book a vacation."
"Yeah but not anytime soon," she told him and rubbed her eyes, "I just wanna relax somewhere tonight and take a breather. Today was a lot."
Tikal perked up at this. "Sonic, why don't you take Amy to that lake you've found not too long ago?"
"I've been trying to actually," Sonic sent an unimpressed look to the pink hedgehog, "But Miss Rose here is a busy bee. She's been too busy for anything lately. Even for me!"
"Amy, let Sonic take you there now," she suggested gently, "I'll close up for the day."
"And have the risk of someone taking advantage of you again, Tikal?" Amy vigorously shook her head, "No, I can't let that happen!"
Tikal frowned. She was right but…
"I'll stay with her."
Tikal, Amy and Sonic all whirled their heads over to Shadow who had been idly watching them. He'd been silent the entire time that Tikal almost forgot he was there.
Truth be told, she wasn't expecting him to come today. She knew Shadow worked long hours at his job, but she'd lie if she said she wasn't upset. Tikal would gaze at the clock and at the front door, hoping he'd step through it with his coffee cup ready in hand. However, he hadn't and she was beginning to think he forgot.
It shouldn't have been something to mope about, really. He was busy. Everyone got busy. Her selfish desires were never going to be anyone's priority.
But… she really wanted to see him, and the opportunity presented itself.
Tikal felt her cheeks growing hot as she sent her gaze across to Amy. They shared a look with each other before the pink hedgehog smiled and stood up, nodding at Shadow. "I guess that's fine then."
"Really?" Sonic raised an eye at both the girls, "Are you sure, Ames?"
"Yes," Amy sent him a pointed look before sighing at his obliviousness, "Let me get my jacket so we can go."
Once both hedgehogs got ready, Amy gave her the keys and squeezed her shoulders reassuringly without saying a word. Tikal pressed her lips together to suppress her nerves as she watched Sonic and Amy leave.
She walked over to the front door and flipped the sign to 'closed', before slowly and hesitantly turning around to face Shadow. He shifted his eyes from the floor to her, arms crossed and gaze expectant.
"Thank you," Tikal said and cleared her throat, gesturing him to the front counter, "I'll make you your drink."
He followed her and sat down on one the stools. The presence of him being there made Tikal more jittery than usual, and she almost spilled the coffee when she slid it across to him.
Calm down, Tikal. Calm down.
She intertwined her hands as she watched him lift the cup to his mouth.
"What do you think?" Tikal asked, finding her voice and smiled when he nodded in approval.
"I can see why Amy must've been insistent to hire you," Shadow said before taking another sip, "It's good."
Her eyes beamed a little then. "I-I don't think it's anything special but… thank you."
"I'm almost jealous of Knuckles if he drinks this every morning."
"Well, that's true. Knuckles wasn't much of a coffee drinker until I came around," She tilted her head to the side, "Now that he's working, I wake up extra early to make sure he gets some breakfast in before I head out."
"…Breakfast as well?" If she hadn't been so perceptive, she wouldn't have caught the rare sight of his smile.
"Miss Rouge tells me he's less grouchy with her once he's had a morning meal," Tikal explained, "So I'd like to think it's working since it's fixing his mood."
"I have to thank you for that."
"Thank me?" She blinked, "What do you mean?"
"Rouge would use me as her therapist so she can vent about her one-sided attraction towards him," he said in distaste, "They've been going on less now, but I don't know when she'll realise her feelings are mutual."
"…Oh. So you know?"
"It's night and day."
Tikal grimaced. "I promised Knuckles to not say anything about it."
Shadow shook his head. "I wouldn't worry."
As the topic came to a close, there was a comfortable wave of silence between them as the topic drew to a close. To distract herself and her racing heart, Tikal put some of the dirty dishes and cups into the dishwasher before wiping down the counter top again, despite the fact it was already free of grime.
She closed her eyes and sighed quietly. She was doing well in front of him a moment ago, so why was she getting nervous now?
Her eyes drifted across to the black hedgehog. His attention was on his smart watch, and she figured whatever he was looking at had something to do with work.
It made her frown. Did he ever take a break?
Come to think of it, Shadow looked tired today. The dark circles underneath his eyes weren't that noticeable but if she squinted hard enough…
Without being aware of it, Tikal leaned in and reached out to the side of his face. Shadow ceased adjusting his watch and locked his eyes onto her hand that positioned itself against his cheek. Gradually but surely, he dragged his gaze up at her.
Tikal flinched but didn't recoil her hand. Instead, she bit the corner of her lip and let a blush cascade over her cheeks- so openly and bashful.
What compelled her? What was compelling her to do this…?
"Y-Your eyes," she blurted out, her hand shaking, "They're…" They're beautiful, "…They look tired."
She took a shaky deep breath. What was she saying… what was she saying?
She wasn't looking at him- just pinning her eyes onto the hand that held him, but the voice in her head told her to stop being afraid… to stop being so stubborn and just make eye contract with him.
Just look at him.
So Tikal did, moving her blue eyes to his red that seared into her. It should've scared her but…
It didn't.
The only thing that scared her was the fact she was touching him without his permission.
Tikal quickly began drawing back, realising. "I-I'm sorry, I-!"
However to her complete and utter surprise, he gently steadied her hand with his own and let it rest there.
A million of questions raced across her mind at that moment. Her eyes widened at him, followed by a quiet flurry of movement from her lips. Even though nothing came out.
She felt a shiver scoring down her spine, but it wasn't unpleasant. Her stomach… was doing flips and had no intentions of stopping.
How long had she dreamed to be in such a situation? It was almost unreal. Those times where she longed for him from afar, times where she would steal glances at him when he wasn't looking. All of it seemed so long gone now. She wanted someone to pinch her awake from this supposed dream.
It couldn't be real… it couldn't be real…
She was ready for the eventual consequences of her actions. Ready for him to push her away. Ready to be crushed by it.
Except, the moment never came. Instead, she saw him squeezing her hand and then lowering it down onto the counter top. His eyes never left hers, like he was mutely making her imprisoned in them so she could never escape.
…It was exhilarating.
"My work hours are unpredictable," Shadow said, careful and unwavering, "I rarely sleep."
Tikal lowered her gaze to their hands. They were still touching. "Sleep is important," she whispered and bit the corner of her lip, "You should prioritise it."
She couldn't recollect how their faces became close again. If the table between them didn't obstruct the two, then she was sure she'd be unceremoniously falling into his lap.
With their proximity, she was able to hear the sounds of his breathing. It mingled with her own. Tikal felt as if she could fall asleep this instant by just listening to it.
Startled when his radio suddenly beeped, she quickly retracted her hand and hastily turned to the cleaned dishes in the dishwasher.
What happened there?
And… what would have happened if they hadn't been interrupted?
Tikal vigorously shook her head. Stop, Tikal! Stop thinking of such ludicrous thoughts! As she finished cleaning the dishwasher, she got up and looked at the clock. It read 7:15pm. "I guess time flies when you have good company…" she murmured happily to herself but still feeling unsure.
After making sure the café was tidied up and that Amy's office door was locked, Tikal put on her jacket just when Shadow was finished with his call.
"Do you have anyone to pick you up?" Shadow asked as he got up from his seat.
She brought her phone out. "Sonic usually drops me off really quickly. I can give him a call but I don't want to disturb his date with Amy-" She felt his eyes on her, which prompted her to look at him. "Wh-What? What is it?"
If she didn't know any better, she would've thought the black hedgehog didn't seem a tad bit annoyed then. His gaze shifted into something more lenient a second later- him crossing his arms with a quiet huff. "I'm offering to take you home," he said indifferently, but then he added, "And I can take you there much faster than he ever could." That had her marveling at the adorable pout (posing as a frown) he was pulling off.
Tikal stared at him, blinking a few times and she frantically lit up once she realised where he was getting at. "I-I didn't mean-" She covered her mouth a little, an unexpected giggle erupting from her lips. Looking at the hedgehog with a brighter, amused smile- she tucked her phone away into her pocket and walked towards the front door. "No, never mind."
Once they were both outside, Tikal fetched for the keys and locked up for the night. "There," she said, feeling a little proud of herself that she managed to take care of the café for a little while.
"If there's no one else," She heard Shadow say sincerely, "I can take you home if requested."
The gears in Tikal's head stopped working for a moment, before it was followed by a very uncertain, "W-What do you mean?"
Shadow gave the impression that as if repeating his statement would kill him. She would've found it funny if she hadn't been so surprised by what he just said. "…I can drop by and take you home when you've finished work for the day," He looked at her dead in the eye, "After I have a drink made by you, of course."
Tikal, to say the least- was shocked and naturally, the butterflies in her stomach came rushing back. Mouth slightly agape by the hedgehog's generosity, she pondered whether to accept his offer. While one side of her happily screamed yes, another part of her doomed her brain into thinking she was going to be a mess each time they'd meet. There was going to be some talk among their friends- like there already was, and gossip from strangers who didn't know any better.
She thought back to her conversation with Amy she had at the house.
You two have forever to get to know each other after all!
And that was true. Immortality was a curse but now also a blessing when the person she was in love with had the same fate as her.
Having Knuckles's approval as well- made it much easier for her mind to be at ease whenever she thought about Shadow. Don't feel afraid about it.
It might have caught Rouge's ears… and eyes, knowing how attentive she was with things like this, but Tikal trusted her not to say anything lest it got out of control.
Clutching the handle of her bag, Tikal meekly nodded at him with a small smile. "If you're really okay with that, then… Thank you, Shadow."
Again, Shadow's expression was difficult to read but as he went to cross his arms and avert his eyes to the concrete floor instead, she assumed that was his way of saying a pleasant you're welcome. Although it seemed a bit quiet, Tikal enjoyed how the tone seemed to create a barrier between their current silence and the loud honks from just down the street.
It somehow felt… right.
The moment Shadow stood in front of her, he had his arms underneath her legs and back, lifting her up.
As Tikal gasped, her arms flew around his neck as she struggled to adjust herself. "You're not using Chaos Control?" She blundered, blushing at the new but not unwelcomed position she was in.
Shadow glanced down at her before shaking his head, a tiny smirk appearing on his face. "Hold on tight."
In that moment, Tikal felt more alive than she had ever felt before.