a hedgehogs unlikely crush

ch 2

Shadow had only returned to the village for one reason: to settle his score with Sonic and prove once and for all who was superior. The dark hedgehog's eyes narrowed as he approached, ready for the confrontation. Team Sonic was already on guard the moment they saw him, Sticks standing at the front with her boomerang in hand, prepared to strike.

"Hold it right there, Shadow!" Sticks yelled, her eyes filled with suspicion.

Shadow rolled his eyes but kept his silence. He wasn't about to let a paranoid badger get under his skin today, not when he had bigger plans.

Before he could utter a word, Perci stepped in, gently placing a hand on Sticks' shoulder. "Why is everyone on edge just because he's here?" she asked, her voice cutting through the tension.

"Because every time he shows up, he's ready to tear us apart," Sonic defended, already in a battle stance. Knuckles cracked his knuckles, prepared for a fight, while Tails hovered nearby, trying to stay calm.

Shadow scowled, glancing at Sonic with disdain. "You think I'd waste my time fighting you again? I've got better things to do than entertain your pitiful attempts to be a hero."

The group exchanged glances, their confusion palpable. Sonic straightened up but kept his fists clenched. "Then why are you here, Shadow?"

"I'm not attacking anyone today. Consider yourselves lucky." He turned on his heel, cloak billowing behind him as he walked away.

As he disappeared into the distance, Perci noticed something glinting in the grass where Shadow had stood. Kneeling down, she picked it up—a small tool from the store, probably something he bought while gathering supplies. Without thinking, she called out, "Wait! You dropped this!"

Shadow didn't hear her, but Perci's curiosity was piqued. She decided she would return it, not out of any sense of duty, but because something about Shadow's sudden change of heart felt... off.

And she couldn't ignore it.

After a heated scene in the village, Perci set off on her bike to find Shadow. The storm hit hard, soaking her through as she navigated the treacherous path. She was determined, though. Whatever Shadow dropped, it looked important, and for some reason, she felt like it needed to be returned.

When she finally stumbled upon his cave, her arm scraped against the jagged rocks at the entrance, stinging painfully. She winced but pushed forward, not realizing she wasn't alone until she heard his voice.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Shadow's gruff tone cut through the silence like a knife.

Perci turned sharply, locking eyes with him. His red eyes glinted in the firelight, suspicion etched into his features. She took a step back, but then straightened up, trying to muster confidence despite the fear creeping up her spine.

"I—I came to give this back," she stammered, holding up the item he had dropped.

Shadow's eyes flicked to the object in her hand. He didn't seem moved by the gesture. In fact, he almost scoffed.

"You're risking your life for that? Stupid move, bandicoot." He sneered, but his gaze lingered on the scrape on her arm.

"Whatever. Sit down." He tossed her a worn blanket and started rummaging through a small supply stash. As gruff as his words were, his actions told a different story. He pulled out a bandage, and without much gentleness, he wrapped her arm.

"Next time, maybe you should watch where you're going. I don't have time to babysit reckless idiots." He grumbled, adjusting the bandage and tying it off tightly.

Perci glared at him but said nothing. The warmth of the fire began to soothe the sting of her wound, and she pulled the blanket around her tighter.

Her stomach growled as she eyed the loaf of bread Shadow was holding. His eyes flicked down, catching her staring. For a moment, he looked like he was about to snap at her again, but instead, with a scowl, he ripped a piece of bread and shoved it in her direction.

"Here. Take it before I change my mind."

Perci took the bread, her voice soft, "Thanks..."

Shadow just grunted, leaning back against the cave wall, watching the storm rage outside. He didn't say much after that, but the fact that he'd helped her, even begrudgingly, said more than words ever could.