The Ruby Eyes of Affection

Why do I have to secretly be a monster...

Rouge absolutely adored the garden. How could she not with all its bright orange, pink and blue flowers. It practically exploded with color and light. Not to mention the amount of money thrown into the beautiful pond and fountain was rather ravishing. She decided to take a single small ring, worth around a penny, and plop it into the crystal clear water. The ripple effect seemed to put her into a deep thought process. This whole event was going to leave a huge effect on everything and after it triggered one thing it would move onto another and so on and so forth. It might even end up altering everything in this practically docile and predictable little town. Not something she was looking forward to mind you. She decided to sit on the bench next to the beautiful oasis of frogs, fish, bugs and other delightful creatures to conjure up a slight prayer. She hoped this along with the ring would be enough for her wish to come true.

(Dear Chaos, please protect Sonic from harm. There's not much I can do but hope that everything will be okay. And please, above all, help Shadow see how much of an amazing person he is. My words do not seem to get to him, even though I speak them with complete honesty. He and Rob are some of the kindest men I've ever met and have really taught me that thoughtful males do exist... Please protect all of them...)

As she finished her prayer, she decided to slide a little picture from out of her pocket. It was her absolute favorite: The only time she actually got Shadow to smile. She was standing next to Rob and the ebony with a beautiful grand piano in the background. Rob along with Rouge each paid half and they were finally able to get Shadow something he really wanted. Whenever she was in a time of turmoil, she would pull out this photo and, within seconds, the sight would cause a sincere smile to form on her muzzle. Shadow was really the ultimate lifeform. But in her eyes, she couldn't imagine him ever being created for evil. Whenever she thought of it, the ebony was undoubtedly the most moral male she had ever met. He tried everything in his power to do the right thing and he rarely thought about his own selfish desires. Although, Rouge had to admit when he did, it would be the cutest thing. He would get all flushed while talking in a very submissive voice and always add if you want or in my opinion. It's as if all Shadow wanted to do was be seen as a good person. He did have his faults, however. She thought back to the time when they were shopping and she picked out an especially flashy outfit in an attempt to impress him. Unfortunately, it backfired because Shadow gave a particularly long speech about appropriate attire and what colors and patterns go with what. After about forty-five minutes, Shadow had practically annoyed the entire store with his incredibly obsessive-compulsive comments. Of course, Rouge found it strangely adorable. And hay, those fashion tips came in really handy when she was out and about. People always complimented her clothes.

It was almost as if...

Everything was an attempt to prove to himself and everyone else that he wasn't evil. That he can prove the scientists and government officials who killed his family wrong... That he was good. But no one seemed to notice besides herself and Rob. At least until the great prince Voziti came into the picture. Speaking of which, Sonic seemed to be in a similar situation but he dealt with it very differently. He didn't want to prove to himself and others that he was good. All he wanted to do was survive and adapt to society in an appropriate manner. How can two very similar conflicts cause two completely different reactions?

She sighed as the thought kind of bothered her. She knew Shadow didn't like her that way and she was aware that their personalities didn't really mix either. But she did care for him... Mainly as a mother. She didn't want her ebony baby to be snatched up by some guy who didn't deserve him.

As she glanced back down at the picture to have one last look before putting it back in her pocket, a little red butterfly was seen gently fluttering closer and closer to it. Right before her eyes it landed and rested on top of Rob's face. She blinked and in an instant it was gone. She thought for a moment it was her imagination but realized it was real as it fluttered off into the distance. After all, red butterflies are awfully rare this time of year... How odd. But she decided to not let it get to her as she quickly shoved the photo back into her pocket before deciding to check on the two hedgies.