Why me? (Sonadow)

Chapter 5

Shadow's mind was a mess. Ever since the cave, he couldn't stop thinking about Sonic—his laughter, his kindness, the way his green eyes softened when he apologized for prying. It was as if Sonic had somehow slipped past the walls Shadow had carefully built around himself.

Now, every time Shadow was near him, it felt like his heart was pounding in his ears. He avoided Sonic when he could, using the excuse of patrols or missions. But even then, his thoughts betrayed him. Sonic's smile would flash in his mind, and Shadow would find himself distracted, slipping up in ways that frustrated him to no end.

It wasn't like him to lose focus.

And yet, here he was, staring blankly at the horizon from a hilltop, trying to make sense of the feelings that had taken root.

Meanwhile, Sonic couldn't ignore the shift in Shadow's behavior. He was used to Shadow being distant and reserved, but this felt different. Shadow wasn't just keeping his distance—he seemed nervous.

It was... cute, Sonic had to admit. The way Shadow's ears twitched whenever Sonic spoke to him, or how he glanced away too quickly when Sonic caught his gaze. It made Sonic want to poke fun, but something held him back.

Instead, Sonic found himself thinking about Shadow more often than he expected. The cave had been a glimpse into a side of Shadow he hadn't seen before—vulnerable, even a little awkward. It made him respect Shadow's strength even more, knowing how much he carried.

Sonic smirked to himself. "Guess I've got a soft spot for the guy," he muttered.

Later that day, their paths crossed at Tails' workshop. Sonic was leaning casually against the Tornado, chatting with Amy and Knuckles about their next mission. Shadow approached, his usual confident stride faltering for a split second when Sonic's eyes met his.

"Shadow!" Sonic called out, his grin widening. "Long time no see, buddy!"

Shadow stiffened. "I've been... occupied."

Sonic raised an eyebrow, catching the hesitation in his voice. "Uh-huh. Well, good to see you're still in one piece."

Shadow muttered something under his breath and quickly turned his attention to Tails, asking about the mission details.

Throughout the briefing, Sonic couldn't help but glance at Shadow. There was something about the way he stood, arms crossed and gaze sharp, that made Sonic's chest tighten. And when Shadow caught him staring, Sonic felt a rare flush creep up his face.

What the heck was going on with him?

Later, the team split up to scout different areas. Sonic volunteered to patrol the cliffs, half-hoping he'd run into Shadow. He didn't know why he wanted to see him—it wasn't like Shadow was chatty company.

But when he spotted Shadow standing by the edge of a rocky outcrop, Sonic couldn't help but jog over.

"Hey, Shads," he called out.

Shadow glanced over his shoulder, clearly startled but quickly masking it with a scowl. "What are you doing here, Sonic?"

"Just checking in," Sonic said casually, stopping a few feet away. "Thought you might need some company."

Shadow hesitated, then turned back to the horizon. "I don't."

Sonic grinned, unfazed. "Too bad. You're stuck with me."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The wind whipped around them, carrying the salty scent of the sea below.

"You've been avoiding me," Sonic said suddenly, his tone softer than usual.

Shadow tensed but didn't deny it. "I've been busy."

"Busy avoiding me?"

Shadow let out a frustrated sigh, his hands clenching at his sides. "Why does it matter to you?"

"Because we're a team," Sonic said, stepping closer. "And... because I care."

Shadow's breath hitched. He turned to look at Sonic, his crimson eyes wide with surprise. "You... care?"

"Of course I do," Sonic said, his voice steady. "You might be all grumpy and stoic, but you're part of this family, Shadow. Whether you like it or not."

The words hit Shadow harder than he expected. He looked away, the turmoil in his chest threatening to spill over. "You shouldn't."

Sonic frowned, his usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine concern. "Why not?"

Shadow didn't answer. He couldn't. All he could think about was the ache in his chest, the fear of letting someone in again.

Sonic didn't press him. Instead, he moved to stand beside Shadow, their shoulders almost touching. "You don't have to tell me," he said quietly. "But just so you know, I'm not going anywhere."

For the first time in days, Shadow felt a small weight lift. Sonic's presence, annoying as it could be, was oddly comforting.

Maybe—just maybe—letting someone in wouldn't be so bad.