The Ruby Eyes of Affection

I will protect you, even from myself

  Shadow blinked as he felt a warm blanket envelope himself and wires touching almost every part of his body. The bed was slightly uncomfortable and he could barely move with how small it was.

(Where in the world am I? I thought I died and this is definitely not heaven.) He thought as he moved his body from side to side, attempting to get more breathing space.

He looked around the unbelievably spotless room. It was small with relatively boring tile flooring and wall paint. Shadow could hear the sounds of quick footsteps outside his room and realized it had to be a hospital. Right in front of him was a television and below it a counter with nothing but a giant bouquet of blue roses. He felt his body heat up as he realized someone knew his favorite flower. They glimmered as the sun came out of the clouds for the first time that day and blushed as the little blue hedgehog skipped through his mind. These roses were practically the same color as him.

(I wonder if he's alright. I know Tails probably scared him off; but I question if it was the right thing to do.) Was cutting off Sonic before he could become attached really the best idea? His thoughts continued to flow as he heard the clip clop of heels walk into his room.

A young bat with a beautiful face and figure to match stood staring at the crimson eyes of the charcoal hedgehog.


"How ya feeling babe? I heard you were in a coma, so I left my vacation early." A low raspy voice uttered with a laid back tone.


"Ah, Rouge. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" Shadow responded almost smiling before turning his head towards the flowers.


"You got me these, didn't you? They're absolutely beautiful." He added with a simple nod before lying his head back on the pillow.


"As much as I would have loved to have been the genius to get those, I only arrived a few minutes ago. I didn't have time to get you such an elaborate present. Whoever did though, they know you to a T. It must be a fan girl or.... boy." Rouge replied with a playful look before sitting in the chair next to Shadow. She crossed her legs and sighed before gazing at the handsome hedgehog.


"If only I knew the key to Shadow's heart. I'm sure I could die happy." She rested her hand on her cheek almost embarrassed.


"As much as I appreciate the kind words, I have established that I have no interest in relationships. Even with someone as lovely as you." The ebony hedgehog laughed a little before gazing out the window attempting to distract himself from his thoughts on Sonic.


"Ooo... Do you feel that way about the person who got you those absolutely breathtaking roses? I think you would take advantage of someone like that and maybe have a little fun. You like the game just as much as I do." Rouge smiled as she bit her lip with anticipation awaiting his cunning response.


"I'm not that bad of a guy. The last thing the poor soul needs is a one night stand. Anyone who goes through that much trouble for me is not mentally sane." Shadow articulated somewhat annoyingly before turning back to Rouge and pointing at her face.


"Unlike you, I do not sell my soul to a bunch of drooling admirers. Not that I have much of a soul or fans to begin with, but yeah." Shadows eyes stared right at Rouge's before sitting up to face her.


"Oh my... those be fighting words. Watch out or I might slip and fall on you." She threatened teasingly before giving him a flirtation wink.


"Don't you even go there! We have this mutual respect thing going on, remember? Don't break my fragile heart already."The charcoal hedgehog declared mockingly as he reacted to her somewhat loving facial expression.


"You're just so darn cute. I can barely stand it. It's incredible that guys like you exist." She gave a genuine smile before patting the top of the ebony hedgehog's head.


"Hmm? Visit some dark alleys and I'm sure you'll meet more then you ever thought could exist." He responded awkwardly as Rouge stroked his head.


"No silly. Someone who doesn't care about my body. Never once have I seen you look at my chest. How can I not admire a guy like that?" She slid her finger a little behind the ebony hedgehog's ear before lifting her hand off his head. She knew she was making him feel uncomfortable, but it was hard resisting the urge to touch him.


"There's more to a person then their appearance. Although, if you want my advice. Put on some less revealing clothing and see if you get as many horny fanboys." Shadow pointed to her tight mid-thigh summer dress.


"You're such a sweetheart. Well it seems like you're doing better, so I'm going back to my vacation. if that's alright?" She said before patting his shoulder comfortingly.


"Fine, leave me all alone in the cold. See if I care." Shadow lied back down before wrapping the blanket back around himself.


He was actually a little sad. Rouge was the only person he could really be honest with. Deep down inside she was a wonderful person and he very much respected their friendship.


"Don't be like that, I'm sure your secret admirer will make you feel way better than I ever could. Text me when you get out of the hospital sweet-cakes." She gave one last wink before standing up and exiting the room with her hips swaying from side to side.


The room went back to being silent besides the annoying contraption that kept monitoring the ebony hedgehog's vitals. He decided there wasn't a better time to try and take a little nap since he was all alone. He closed his eyes tight hoping that it would relieve his mind before hearing footsteps echo into his room.


"Oh man. I thought maybe he'd wake up today. The doctors were almost certain." Bellowed an acquainted voice as Shadow felt a hand start to tenderly stroke his quills.


That nirvana feeling filled the ebony hedgehog's body again making his heart rate and blood pressure go to a very relaxed rate. His mind was at ease as well. For once Shadow felt somewhat... happy.


"Don't worry, I won't ever let this happen again." The voice whispered gently into his ear as he continued to sweetly pet Shadow's head.


"I still haven't given you a proper apology, so you better wake up soon." The voice stated teasingly before lowering it to a more serious tone.


"Just don't give up on me. I have so much to learn from you. I have so much more to learn ABOUT you." He stopped caressing the hedgehog and lifted his hand away making the feeling vanish almost immediately.


(No come back! I want to feel it again. I don't want it to ever leave. I want to feel it forever!) Shadow thought frantically as the desire for physical comfort started to consume his self-control.
Sonic lifted his head to look at the monitor screen with all of the charcoal hedgehog's vitals to check if he was stable. They started to go a bit crazy before he felt arms wrap around his back and forcefully pull him down.


"YOU WERE AWAKE THE ENTIRE TIME?!?!" The cobalt hedgehog exclaimed as Shadow snuggled him as close as possible.


He struggled attempting to release himself, but the ebony hedgehogs grip was too strong and he couldn't escape. Not that he really wanted to; but if someone walked in and saw them. Sonic would never forgive himself.


"Those things weren't meant to be heard, idiot! Do you have any idea how angry I am at you?!" Sonic yelled embarrassingly as he could hear the charcoal hedgehog's heart beat slowly go back to normal.


"You can let me go now.... I'm starting to have trouble breathing." Sonic asked not really wanting Shadow obey.


"Never... not until you give me a REAL apology, you stupid kid." He responded desperately as he pushed the azure hedgehog even closer to his heart hoping this would be enough to quench his cravings.