Shadows of the Heart

Secrets in the Shadows

Back at a small pink house in Green Hill, once Amy Rose's sanctuary of peace, now harbored more secrets than it ever had. She had abandoned the home to escape everything and everyone. Yet, she had returned given the relentless persistence of Sonic and her friends to track her down. It was pointless to hide anymore. Everyone knew about her secret.

It had been only 2 days since the world learned of Amy's pregnancy. Sonic's initial persistence had been somewhat subdued for now, but Amy's fear of his wrath was far from gone. Shadow's presence was a blessing and a curse; while he provided the support Amy needed, his very existence was a constant reminder of the tension that lurked beneath the surface.

Shadow would visit Amy to make sure she was okay but that was all. Amy always told Shadow she was tired but Shadow knew she needed space. Plus her friends Cream and even Rouge stopped by and he'd chaos control out of there in an instant to avoid any suspicions of their secret . Nobody could even potentially assume Shadow was the father. She knew this would stir immediate chaos between their friends, especially for the blue blur himself. Amy couldn't withstand more judgements and disappointment from the person she had loved. However she didn't know she was causing Shadow to question her previous words accepting the situation. It seemed like Amy still wasn't quite sure what she wanted and it made Shadow uneasy.

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On the third day in the late afternoon, Amy and Shadow walked side by side to the local pharmacy, the task mundane yet tinged with tension. She had visited the doctor for the first time since she was pregnant. According to her doctor Amy was experiencing minor nutritional issues, a normal part of pregnancy but one that required careful management. She didn't understand why when she made sure to follow healthy and nutritious diets. Shadow, as always, was her silent guardian, his presence a source of both strength and unease. She hoped that nobody would run into them.

Unfortunately their peaceful errand was quickly interrupted when Sonic and Tails spotted them. The two hedgehogs locked eyes. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to freeze as Sonic's eyes narrowed. Tails, with his sharp intellect, immediately connected the dots. His memories went back to the day at Eggman's base, their ever so odd behavior, and disappearance days after. It all made too much sense. The reality of Shadow being the father hit him like a ton of bricks.

Sonic, who hadn't yet pieced the puzzle together, demanded, "what are you two doing out here?"

Amy, overwhelmed, struggled for words. Shadow, ever the protector, stepped forward to answer. "I'm helping her since nobody else cared to do so," he said, a subtle jab at Sonic's earlier disdain for Amy's situation. The remark stung, and Sonic's anger flared.

"What are you, a nurse now?" Sonic scowled, his voice sharp with irritation.

Shadow's face hardened. "I'm just doing what's right."

Sonic's gaze shifted to Amy, who stood with her head bowed, a picture of sadness and vulnerability. "Amy, we need to talk," Sonic said, his tone softer but insistent.

Amy took a tentative step forward, but Shadow's hand on her shoulder stopped her, stepping between the two. "No," Shadow said firmly. "She doesn't want to."

Sonic's frustration reached a boiling point. "This is none of your business, and Amy can decide for herself," he snapped, pushing past Shadow. Shadow, reacting defensively, shoved Sonic back. The two were on the verge of a fight when Amy intervened, stepping between them.

"Stop it, both of you!" she cried, her voice trembling, her eyes now on Sonic. "I need to pick up my medication before the pharmacy closes. Please, just let us go."

Sonic's anger was momentarily subdued as he watched Amy turn away. Shadow gives Sonic a glare before following closely behind her. Sonic, seething once more turned to Tails. "Can you believe this?" he vented. "Shadow's acting like he's some sort of bodyguard!"