a hedgehogs unlikely crush

ch 8

Perci led Shadow down a narrow path that wound through the village, far from the usual places Team Sonic would hang out. She figured he'd appreciate avoiding them, especially in his current state. As they walked, the cool night air was a relief after the stifling cave.

"I don't want to run into your little gang," Shadow muttered, scanning the area like a predator on high alert.

"Don't worry, I'm not in the mood for them either," Perci replied, her tone lighter. "Besides, I know a shortcut."

Shadow grunted, but kept pace with her, glancing around as if expecting Sonic to appear out of nowhere. After a while, they finally reached Perci's place. She unlocked the door and gestured for him to come in.

"Make yourself... somewhat comfortable, I guess," she said, moving into the kitchen.

Shadow stood awkwardly by the door, arms crossed, his usual guarded expression in place. Perci rummaged through her fridge for a moment before pulling out two cans of soda. She popped one open for herself and handed the other to Shadow.

He stared at the can, eyebrows furrowing. "What the hell is this?"

"Soda," she said with a grin. "You've seriously never had one?"

Shadow's scowl deepened. "I don't have time for—"

"Oh, just try it. It won't kill you," Perci interrupted, rolling her eyes.

He hesitated for a moment, then grudgingly took the can from her. With a flick of his wrist, he popped the tab open, hearing the fizz. He eyed it suspiciously but took a sip. His expression shifted slightly, eyes widening just a fraction as the carbonation hit his tongue.

Perci noticed immediately, and her grin widened. "You like it."

Shadow quickly wiped the surprised look off his face, returning to his usual stoic demeanor. "It's... fine," he said, but it was clear from the way he drank it that he was enjoying it far more than he let on.

Perci chuckled softly, watching as he polished off the can in record time. "You know, you almost looked happy for a second there," she teased, leaning against the counter.

Shadow shot her a glare, though there was less venom behind it this time. "Don't push your luck."

"I'm just saying, it's nice to know you're capable of not scowling every second," she smirked, taking another sip of her soda.

Shadow glanced at her, his usual biting retort dying on his lips. Instead, he sighed, running a hand through his quills. "You're annoying," he muttered, but there was no real anger behind it.

"Yeah, I get that a lot," Perci quipped, though she noticed his tone had softened. Maybe it was the soda, maybe it was exhaustion, but Shadow seemed to be... lightening up, even if only slightly.

After a few beats of silence, Shadow spoke again, though his voice was less gruff this time. "Thanks... for earlier. For not leaving me in that cave."

Perci blinked, surprised. She hadn't expected a 'thank you' from him, not in a million years. She shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Don't mention it. Just don't be a jerk next time I help you."

Shadow huffed but didn't argue, sipping what was left of his soda. His eyes wandered around the room, taking in the small, cozy house Perci called home. It was simple, but warm—a stark contrast to the cold isolation he was used to.

"You... live here alone?" he asked, his tone still gruff but noticeably less hostile.

Perci nodded. "Yeah, it's not much, but it's home."

Shadow grunted in response, clearly not used to casual conversation, but the fact that he asked at all was a step in the right direction.

"Maybe I'll grab you another soda if you're going to be a little nicer," Perci teased lightly.

Shadow rolled his eyes but didn't bite back like he normally would. Instead, he just looked at her, his expression softening slightly. "Maybe I'll take you up on that," he muttered.

Perci smirked. "Guess that soda's magic after all."

Shadow didn't respond, but for once, there was a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It was small, barely noticeable, but it was there.