The Confusing Thing About Relationships

32

Days had passed since Shadow and Sonic agreed to be a good distraction for Amy, and as planned, everything was going smoothly.

Sonic would practically snatch Amy away as soon as she got off work and send a cheeky photo to Shadow. Meanwhile, Shadow would visit Vanilla's Bakery whenever she was working, even on his day off, to sneak away with Amy for a few kisses and to see if Dexter would stop by as well.

Then suddenly, Shadow noticed Amy on her phone more often than usual.

——

Shadow and Amy sat across from each other at the dinner table, enjoying the breakfast Amy had just made.

Suddenly, Shadow looked up when he heard her giggle and saw her typing away on her phone.

"Who are you talking to?" he asked.

"Oh, just Dexter. He said something really funny," she replied with a smile.

"Oh okay..." Shadow responded. He wasn't as worried about it as before since his and Sonic's "distraction" plan had been working so far but still, he grew curious.

"You know, since it's my day off, how about we stop by that cafe you like?" he suggested.

"That's sweet, Shadow, but we just finished breakfast, and I need to get ready for work," Amy said as she got up and grabbed her plate to wash it. Shadow immediately stopped her. "I can clean up, Rose."

"Oh, thank you, Shadow," she replied with a smile. And soon Amy made her way to their bedroom as Shadow cleared the table.

'The plan has worked so far. They could just be talking as friends... but would she even realize if he's flirting?' Shadow pondered.

After drying the dishes, Shadow placed them carefully on the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet. With the kitchen tidied up, Shadow headed to the bedroom. As he walked in, he saw Amy changing into her work uniform. She was humming softly to herself, seemingly oblivious to Shadow's quiet turmoil. Shadow paused for a moment, leaning against the doorway, watching her with a mix of affection.

Amy glanced up and caught his eye, giving him a warm smile. "Mind helping me?" she asked, gesturing to the back of her uniform.

"Of course," Shadow agreed, making his way over to her. He deftly tied up her dress, his fingers lingering a bit longer than necessary on the fabric. Once he finished, he let his hands roam gently around her waist, pulling her close.

Amy smiled, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Shadow, I still have to get ready."

"I'm sure you still have time," he murmured, placing his head in the crook of her neck and breathing in her familiar scent.

"You always say that," she smiled.

Shadow tightened his hold, his hands exploring the contours of her body. "And you never deny me," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin.

Amy gently pulled back and turned to him, her eyes meeting his. "That may be true, but it always makes me late. Now let me finish getting ready," she said, her tone both tender and insistent.

Shadow sighed, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, but only because you asked so nicely," he teased.

"Thanks, and I promise to make it up to you once I get home from the grocery store after work," she said as she moved to her vanity to start fixing her quills.

Shadow's ears perked up at the opportunity to earn some extra credit. "You can leave that to me, Rose," he offered.

"It's alright, Shadow, I can handle it," Amy replied.