Dangerous Desire

The midday sun blazed over the G.U.N. training facility, casting stark shadows across the sparring grounds. Soldiers moved in disciplined formations, their grunts and shouts filling the air. But amidst the synchronized chaos, one figure cut through the field like a blade. Shadow the Hedgehog—sleek and powerful, his black-and-red form a striking contrast against the landscape—dispatched opponent after opponent with effortless grace. His movements were a seamless blend of speed and power, each strike calculated, each dodge fluid, as if he were always a step ahead.

From the sidelines, Rouge the Bat watched, her keen eyes following his every move. She had seen Shadow fight countless times before, but now, her gaze lingered on more than just his technique. The way his powerful legs tensed with each lunge, the ripple of lean muscle beneath his fur, and the stark red stripes that ran down his back—every detail captivated her in ways she hadn't allowed herself to acknowledge, until now.

He was beautiful in his own way—dangerous, yes, but mesmerizing. His crimson eyes glowed with fierce intensity, locked onto his target, while his quills, sharp and angled like a warrior's crown, gleamed under the sun. Even his fur seemed to radiate purpose, dark and mysterious, much like the hedgehog beneath it.

Rouge let out a breath, her heart beating faster than it should. She wasn't one to get distracted, but there was something about the way Shadow moved, the way he carried himself with that quiet, unwavering confidence, that made it impossible to look away.

"Hey, Rouge. You okay?" a nearby agent asked, noticing her distant expression.

She blinked, shaken from her reverie. "Hmm? Oh, I'm fine," she replied, slipping effortlessly into her usual confident tone. She flashed a smile, trying to regain her composure. "Just enjoying the show."

The agent gave her a puzzled glance before turning back to the sparring ring. As Rouge's smile slowly faded, her gaze remained fixed on Shadow, who was just finishing his final match. His last strike was swift and merciless, sending his opponent tumbling to the ground. He barely broke a sweat, his expression composed and controlled, as always.

She wasn't just lost in thought; she had been admiring him. The realization struck her with a weight she hadn't fully grasped until this moment.

She liked him.

And in that instant, Rouge knew she couldn't keep pretending. She couldn't deny the truth that had been creeping up on her for years. She was drawn to him. Not just as a comrade, not just as an ally—but as something more. Something far more dangerous and difficult to suppress.

Rouge stood up, silently cursing herself for letting these feelings surface. She couldn't afford to let them affect her. Not now, not ever. Their partnership meant too much to her, and Shadow's trust was not something she was willing to gamble with. She would have to lock these emotions away, bury them behind her usual playful facade. After all, Shadow had always been oblivious to these kinds of feelings, and it was better that way.

As Shadow walked toward her, his gait relaxed yet purposeful, she found herself studying every detail of him. The way his broad shoulders seemed to carry the weight of the world without complaint, the way his deep, crimson orbs burned with a hidden fire that only someone like him could possess. His entire presence exuded power, yet he rarely flaunted it. Shadow's strength was like a storm held in check—controlled, but always on the verge of unleashing its full fury.

He stopped in front of her, a towel draped around his neck, and gave her a brief nod. "Rouge."

"Shadow," she replied, managing to mask her voice with her usual cool, teasing tone despite the storm of emotions brewing inside her. She tilted her head, giving him an appraising look. "Impressive as always. Though I'm starting to wonder if anyone here can actually give you a challenge."

Shadow's expression remained as unreadable as ever, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—perhaps amusement. "There are only two worthy opponents at G.U.N.," he said simply, his voice low and firm. "You and Omega."

Rouge blinked, caught off guard by the statement. Shadow wasn't one to hand out compliments, especially when it came to matters of strength. "Worthy opponents, huh?" she said, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I didn't know you thought so highly of me."

He met her gaze, and for a fleeting moment, his usual steely expression softened. When he spoke, his voice was deep, rich, and husky—like the rumble of distant thunder. Beneath the roughness, there was a surprising warmth, a quiet intensity that resonated through her. "You're strong, Rouge. You always have been."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. And that voice… But she quickly masked her reaction with a casual shrug. "Well, you know me. I'm not one to back down from a fight. Even if the opponent is…" She hesitated, searching for the right word. "Intimidating."

Shadow raised an eyebrow, but his stoic demeanor remained unchanged. "Intimidating?"

Rouge chuckled softly, trying to deflect. "Oh, you know. You with all your Chaos powers and that brooding aura of yours. It's enough to make anyone think twice."

He regarded her quietly for a moment before responding. "I don't intimidate you."

It wasn't a question—it was a statement. And he was right. Despite everything, despite the power he wielded and the reputation he carried, Shadow didn't intimidate her. He fascinated her. And that was far more dangerous.

"Maybe not," she said, her voice softer now. "But you do make me think twice."

Shadow tilted his head slightly, as if considering her words. But before he could respond, the sound of another sparring match starting in the background broke the moment. His attention shifted, and he gave her one final nod before turning to leave.

Rouge watched him go, her heart pounding in her chest. She had always been able to keep her emotions in check, but now… now it felt like everything was slipping through her fingers. She couldn't let this get in the way. Their partnership was too important. She had to bury these feelings, lock them away where they couldn't interfere.

But as she watched him disappear into the distance, she couldn't shake the image of him from her mind. The way he moved, the way his voice sounded when he called her strong—it lingered in her thoughts, refusing to be ignored.

Rouge took a deep breath and steeled herself. She was Rouge the Bat. She could handle this. She had to handle this.

A/N: This story was originally intended as an open-ended one-shot, but I'm considering expanding it into a short chapter series. I have some ideas to where this will lead... I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for reading.

~SupremeSR