For Our Son (Silvaze)

Shadow's Concern

~ 1 1/2 months later ~

Opening her fridge, Blaze groaned despite the full amount of food inside. She shut it quickly before seeing the sonogram photo on the front. Carefully, she touched the edges, realizing just how real this is. "I'm trying okay? It's not my fault you've been more picky lately!"

A slight kick in her stomach made her jolt. Her ears folded happily as she settled down, rubbing her belly. A knock on the door alerted her as she went to open it up. From behind the door, Rouge stood there, holding several bags and holding two drinks in her hands. "Heyyy! How are you doing?" she questioned excitedly. Blaze gave Rouge a look seeing the bags in her hands. "Please tell me you did not just buy a bunch of baby clothes..."

Rouge giggled as she made her way inside the house. "I'm sorry, I went by another shop on the way to get Starbucks for us and I just had to check it out! You're gonna love these, I swear!"

"Oh my god, no! Rouge! I told you I don't need anything else! You and the others have already stuffed my whole closet!" Blaze cried. "Nonsense! Do you really expect me, their Auntie Rouge, to let them wear the same outfit every day?! Please! If you'd tell me if you're having a boy or a girl, I'd be able to get you better-affirming clothes. But no! You're waiting for the birth. Fine- I can be patient!" she ranted. "I suppose purples, beiges, and whites aren't necessarily bad." Blaze face palmed. "I appreciate it, I do. I just don't think all of this is needed. You've already bought me so much..."

Hearing her tone, her best friend turned around. "Oh, Blaze... I didn't mean anything bad by it. I do it because I want to. Truth be told, hun... I know you think this baby is the only family you have but... I'm still here too, you know? I care about you..." Rouge replied, her ears swiveling. Blaze lowered her ears as well. "I know that! I'm sorry! I... I do acknowledge you. I'm more than blessed to have you around. I'd be completely lost without your help. I mean it! But... I don't want to hold you back and drain your bank account! I can handle myself! I want you to be able to support yourself and not give everything into this kid just because we're best friends..."

Fluttering her eyes lightly, Rouge gently hugged her. "You're such an angel... Don't worry about me because I can also handle myself! Now, please let me be an overbearing Auntie who spoils their niece or nephew!"

"Alright, I suppose you can." Blaze responded, cheekily smiling. Rouge smiled back, handing over her drink. "Alright, let's start with these cute shoes I found!" Blaze sips from her cup and joins Rouge's side. Together they went through the bags, looking through everything that she had found while also snacking on blueberry scones. After a while, Blaze stood up fast. "Okay, I'm sorry, I have to use the bathroom! I know this is like the fifth time but seriously!" she cried. "Don't worry, go! I don't wanna be the one to clean up all that mess!" Rouge teased, waving her on. "Oh, shut up! I have self-control! It's the baby!" Blaze laughed as she went into the next room. When the door shut, Rouge laughed to herself, putting the clothes in bags to keep them in order.

Another knock on the door perked her attention. Confused, she thought about asking Blaze about it but didn't want to worry her. Approaching the door, Rouge peaked through the peephole to see better. To her shock, Shadow stood there, standing idly, waiting for an answer.

Rouge retracted, unsure if she should proceed. She glanced around to see if Blaze had returned. She hadn't. Sighing heavily, Rouge grumbled as she cracked the door open. Shadow's ears perked from the creaking in front of him. Rouge's eye poked out from behind. Confused, he huffed. "Rouge, I know it's you. What are you doing?" he snapped. Once again, Rouge grumbled and allowed for more of herself to be seen. "I'm being supportive and protective! What are you doing here!" she whispered. "I want to talk to Blaze, is that so wrong?!" he questioned, slightly angry. "Why? You're not supposed to be here!" Rouge snapped back. "And why not!? Look I know we were never good friends, but she was the one person who managed to help me get to my position in G.U.N! I get it that she wanted to leave because of... well, you know. But- now she's hardly out in the city? C'mon, that's not normal! And you know something!"

"Shadow, it's not as simple as you think it is!"

"Then I want to know what it is! I can handle it! I mean is it that bad?!"

"I swear to god, you get any louder, and I will slap the shit out of you. Do you understand me?!" Rouge snapped, pointing her finger closely in his face. Shadow leaned back trying to avoid getting stabbed with her nail. "I promised her I'd try everything to keep her stress to a minimum and you being here might ruin it! Now, if you don't mind, I must politely ask you to leave." she huffed, her wings spreading out. Shadow gruffed, getting closer to her face. "How about you try to stop me?" he growled. Rouge didn't back down, leaning more to touch noses. "How about I do?" she hissed. Both their ears were pinned back. The low growls from their throats made them glare so much, that those who passed in the halls of Blaze's apartment building, didn't know how to react.

Blaze finally emerged from the bathroom. She sighed. "Ugh... I need better nausea medication..." she sighed. Looking around, she couldn't find Rouge. "Rouge? Rouge are you there?" she questioned. Her phone was still on the seat where she had left it. Now truly concerned, Blaze rubbed her face. That's when she heard quiet arguing from outside her apartment. "Rouge?" she asked again, heading towards the door. Carefully, she cracked the door. Shadow stopped arguing with Rouge, carefully moving out of the way to get to Blaze. When he could see her face, he huffed loudly.

"There you are. I haven't seen you in the public eye in forever. Where the hell-" he began. Just as Blaze opened the door, she panicked. Her full body was on display. Shadow couldn't believe his eyes. He saw how her bump stuck out. Blaze protectively shielded herself, then quickly tried to enter back inside her apartment. Shadow stopped the door with his foot. Not wanting to be a threat, he gently pushed the door back towards her, holding his hand out. Blaze calmed down, seeing that he didn't want to startle her. Rouge, on the other hand, leaped up, jumped on him, and tackled him to the ground. "Aha! Now you're mine, bitch!" she snapped.

Blaze stared at the two as they wrestled on the ground. Her tail flicked back and forth as Rouge finally had him pinned. "Hah! You stupid rascal!" she declared. "You're mine bitch! Don't worry hun! I'm not gonna let him get nosy!" Rouge twisted his wrist as Shadow cries out. "Ow! Stupid bat!" he snapped, trying to get loose. "Enough!" Blaze snapped. Both of them stop and stare up at their friend. "Ugh... Please, let him up." Rouge obliges and lets the ebony stand up and brush himself off. He stares at both of them back and forth. Blaze groans and rubs her forehead briefly.

"Look, I'm sorry that I've disappeared, okay?... Take a seat... It's a long story."