Boom Sonadow

Part 12

Sonic could feel his palms getting sweaty as he walked toward Shadow, who was, unsurprisingly, watching him like a hawk. The antidote Tails had concocted was inside of him, and he felt his heart racing with a mix of dread and embarrassment. He had to pull this off—convince Shadow that he was totally, absolutely, definitely in love with him just long enough to make the kiss happen. Easier said than done.

Shadow, as usual, stood with his arms crossed, his red eyes locked onto Sonic with unwavering focus. There was no sign of doubt in his gaze, no hesitation. He was still in full "bodyguard mode," completely fixated on Sonic's every move.

Sonic cleared his throat, trying to act casual as he approached."Hey, uh... Shadow," he began, his voice cracking awkwardly. "I, uh, was thinking... You know, about all this... this 'protecting' stuff you're doing. It's, uh... kinda cool."

Shadow raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Sonic could feel himself sweating.

"So, like... I've been thinking," Sonic continued, shifting uncomfortably on his feet. "Maybe... you know, maybe I've been too harsh on you. Maybe... we do make a good team? You and me? Together?"

Sonic's voice sounded strained even to himself. This wasn't going well. He tried to force a smile, but it came out looking more like a grimace.Shadow's expression remained unreadable, but something in his eyes flickered with suspicion. "What are you talking about, Sonic?"

Sonic's heart skipped a beat. He had to dial this up—way up."I mean, like, you and me," Sonic said, his voice hitting a higher pitch. "Together. You know, like... uh... partners. Maybe even more than partners?" He said, winking. He just had to keep it up.. easier said than done, though.

"More than partners?" Shadow repeated, narrowing his eyes. "Sonic, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Sonic gulped. "What I'm saying is... maybe I do have feelings for you, Shadow. Strong feelings. Maybe... maybe I'm... in love with you."The moment those words left his mouth, Sonic cringed inwardly because It was probably the most unconvincing declaration of love in the history of declarations. He could practically hear Knuckles, who was watching from a distance, scratching his head in confusion.

Shadow stared at him, his eyes narrowing further. He took a step back, as if sensing something wasn't right. "Sonic, what's going on? This doesn't feel—"

Before Shadow could finish, Sonic panicked. He needed to act fast or the plan would fall apart. Shadow was getting suspicious, and the last thing he needed was to lose his chance. But just as Sonic was about to make another attempt at bad flirting, Knuckles, completely clueless as always, decided to intervene.

Knuckles stormed toward them, looking utterly confused and ready for a fight. "Sonic! What the heck is going on?! Why are you acting all weird?! And why are you talking about 'love' and stuff?! Shadow's gonna crush you!"

Sonic turned to Knuckles, eyes wide with panic. "Knuckles, no! Don't—"But it was too late. Knuckles lunged at Shadow, swinging his massive fists. Shadow, of course, dodged effortlessly, glaring at Knuckles with a mixture of confusion and irritation.

"What are you doing, you buffoon?" Shadow growled, sidestepping Knuckles' punches with ease. "This isn't your fight."

Knuckles, still completely lost, looked at Sonic like he was expecting backup. "Come on, Sonic! Let's take him down!"Sonic groaned, running a hand down his face. Of course Knuckles had forgotten the plan. Of course. Well that was just great.

"Knuckles, stop!" Sonic shouted, throwing himself between them. "It's not like that! This is all part of the—"

But before he could explain, Shadow shoved Knuckles aside and locked his eyes back on Sonic, his suspicion growing.