Frostbitten

Chapter 6 - DTR

Shadow arrived at G.U.N headquarters the next workday feeling lighter than air. He breezed through his tasks with a pep in his step, an uncharacteristic smile playing on his lips. His coworkers did double takes, not used to seeing the normally stoic agent in such high spirits.

When lunch break came, Shadow made his way to the cafeteria, grabbing a tray and humming cheerfully under his breath. Sonic's eyes bugged out when he saw his friend's mood.

"Whoa, either you got abducted by aliens and replaced with a clone, or you had a reeeeally good weekend," Sonic said with a huge grin.

Shadow tried and failed to wipe the smile off his face. "It was pleasant enough, I suppose."

Sonic dramatically clutched his chest. "Stop the presses, Shadow the Hedgehog admitted he enjoyed himself! What parallel dimension did I wake up in?"

Shadow rolled his eyes but couldn't help chuckling. "Alright yes, it was a very nice weekend."

"Aha, I knew it!" Sonic exclaimed, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. "You and Blaze had some alone time, didn't ya? Come on, gimme those steamy deets!"

Shadow nearly choked on his drink. "Absolutely not, that's private!" Though his thoughts instantly drifted back to the serene tea garden, Blaze cuddled up next to him, their tender first kiss...

Sonic waved a hand in front of his face. ""Hellooo, Mobius to Shadow!" Sonic interrupted, snapping his fingers. "You're totally mooning over her right now!" He pretended to shield his eyes dramatically. "The glow of love is blinding! I never thought I'd see Mr. Tall, Dark and Brooding so smitten."

Shadow ducked his head, cheeks reddening slightly under his fur. "Yes well, she is quite...extraordinary."

Sonic mimed wiping away a tear. "They grow up so fast! Pretty soon you'll be picking out wedding china patterns."

"Alright, let's not get carried away," Shadow huffed, though the thought made his heart skip a beat. For now, he simply basked in the warm glow of this newfound happiness, grateful to have someone to share it with. Even Sonic's relentless teasing couldn't dampen his spirits today.

&&&&&&&

At the cafeteria, Sonic and Shadow sat chatting over lunch. Sonic was still grinning at his friend's obvious happiness.

"So hey, random question," Sonic said casually. "I'm gonna have a Christmas party next month, nothing too major. Wanted to invite you."

Shadow raised an eyebrow. "A party? You know that's not really my scene."

"Aw c'mon, it'll be chill," Sonic cajoled. "Let's see, so far I'm inviting Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Rouge..."

As Sonic listed more names, Shadow picked at his food without really listening until one name caught his attention.

"...Cream and her mom Vanilla, the Chaotix, Silver..."

Shadow paused his eating. "Did you say Silver?"

Sonic looked surprised. "Uh yeah, you know Silver the Hedgehog? From Blaze's dimension? Figured he should get an invite."

Shadow just nodded silently. Blaze's close friend Silver, who she spoke so fondly about. That odd twinge in his chest returned at the thought.

"You good, dude?" Sonic asked, noticing his change in demeanor.

"Yes, fine," Shadow said neutrally, pushing past the strange feeling. "I'll...consider attending this party of yours."

"Sweet!" Sonic said enthusiastically. "It'll be even better if you bring Blaze as your date too."

Shadow just shook his head wryly at his friend's antics. But privately, the thought of attending with Blaze did intrigue him, uneasy feelings aside. Perhaps he would make an appearance at Sonic's holiday gathering after all.

"So...Silver," Shadow began after a pause. "How well do you know him?"

Sonic looked surprised again by the question. "Besides that whole Iblis thing, He's helped out with saving the world a bunch of times. Pretty powerful psychic abilities on that guy."

Shadow nodded slowly, processing the information. "And would you say you two are...close friends?"

Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Sure, we're buds. Known him for years now. Why the sudden curiosity?"

Shadow shifted in his seat. "No particular reason. Blaze mentioned him, that's all."

Sonic was quiet for a moment, regarding Shadow thoughtfully. Then a knowing grin spread across his face.

"Ohhh, I think I get it now," he said. "You're jealous of Silver, aren't you?"

"What? No, of course not," Shadow scoffed unconvincingly. "Don't be absurd."

"Hey no judgement, it's only natural to feel a little threatened by your new girlfriend's old friends," Sonic said reasonably.

Shadow grumbled indistinctly, poking at his food again. As much as he hated to admit it, Sonic may have had a point about his feelings toward Silver. But why? He trusted Blaze completely. With a sigh, he resolved to simply stop overthinking things.

Sonic patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't sweat it, just focus on making more great memories with Blaze. Silver's a non-issue."

Despite his mild embarrassment, Shadow had to appreciate his friend's sound advice. Feeling more settled, he changed the subject to lighter topics. He wouldn't let baseless jealousy taint this new chapter of happiness.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Shadow and Blaze had been spending more time together getting to know one another better over casual dates. They chatted comfortably over meals, went on long walks, and simply enjoyed being in each other's company.

One sunny afternoon at the ice cream parlour though, Blaze seemed uncharacteristically reserved as she picked at her towering sundae.

"Everything okay?" Shadow asked gently. "You seem quiet today."

"Oh, um, well..." Blaze mumbled, blushing under her fur. "I was talking with Amy the other day and she was asking how things are going with us."

Shadow nodded for her to continue, taking a sip of his milkshake.

"And she suggested, in her typical enthusiastic Amy fashion, that we should...'DTR' as she put it."

Shadow nearly choked on his drink. "DTR? I'm afraid you've lost me there."

If possible, Blaze blushed even deeper. "Sorry, apparently it stands for 'define the relationship'. As in, make clear exactly what we are to each other." She fidgeted awkwardly with her spoon.

Shadow couldn't help chuckling. "Ah, I see. Well that certainly sounds like advice from Amy to take with a whole shaker of salt."

"That's what I thought!" Blaze said with an embarrassed huff. "I mean, we're just taking things slow and enjoying each other's company..." She trailed off awkwardly.

Shadow reached over and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Blaze, please don't feel pressured by Amy's dramatics. I care about you a great deal and spending time with you makes me truly happy."

Blaze's eyes softened. "Being with you makes me happy too. I suppose that's all that really matters for now."

"Exactly," Shadow said, bringing her hand to his lips for a tender kiss.

From a nearby booth, Amy watched the couple with delight, clutching her heart dramatically. "So romantic! I just love this journey for them," she squealed.

Shadow cast a withering look her way, making Amy dive under the table giggling. Some things never changed - but Shadow wouldn't trade these amusing new connections for anything.