How Can I Help? (Sonadow)

Stability

Shadow sighed, and continued. "You've stuck with me forever, even when I was at my very worst. I didn't understand how someone could do that."

Pausing, Shadow faced Sonic. "Now, I remember. Maria told me it was called love. I think that's what drove me to accept you, and gradually care for you."

Sonic's eyes were shining. Stars reflecting off the beautiful emerald eyes, he was about to speak.

Shadow glanced down. "I'm sorry if you don't feel the same way. But, don't let this ruin an-"

Cutting him off, Sonic grabbed his shoulders and kissed him. Shocked, Shadow just melted, until Sonic pulled away with a large smile.

"You silly! I was wondering what took you so long! Of course! I've cared for you longer than you think. I just didn't know if you returned my feelings."

Sonic looked at Shadow. "You have such a beautiful personality. Why hide it?"

Shadow just turned away. Sonic was about to object, when a golden sphere appeared in front of him. A blonde haired girl, with a light blue headband, was sweetly smiling at him.

"Shadow! Is this- Shadow?"

Shadow had not even looked in his direction.

The girl giggled. Sonic, my name is Maria. You have probably heard of me.

Desperately, Sonic waved his hand in front of Shadow's face. "Why isn't he responding?"

Maria just laughed. Sonic, I've frozen time. The reason why I've visited you, is to show you how to help Shadow.

Sonic just nodded, speechless.

When Shadow was created, he had no knowledge of the world, and he still had very little when I passed. He was devastated. I had to do it, to save him. I was diagnosed with NIDS, and I was dying. I wanted Shadow to live his own life, one that didn't include me in it.

Maria slightly frowned, as though thinking of what to say.

He didn't take it very well. Now, he's afraid that everyone he loves will perish. My dear Grandpa was almost Shadow's adopted grandfather. It broke him internally when we both passed. My brother, Shadow. We referred to each other as best friends, and siblings. Remember, he'd had no indication of love and affection apart from myself and Grandpa. He blames himself for our deaths, when it was really just G.U.N. He feels as if anyone who loves him will be hurt somehow, by him, so he guards his heart strongly.

Maria paused, and looked serenely at the blue hero. Please take good care of him, Sonic. I'm depending on you to fill in the hurt in his heart, and replace it love, instead.

Sonic nodded quickly, but noticed Maria's form fading. Giving him one last glance, she mouthed, Thank you.

As she completely disappeared, Sonic noticed Shadow had started moving again. Grabbing the dark agent's arms, he turned Shadow all the way around, enveloping him into a warm embrace.

"Oh, Shadow, it wasn't your fault! Maria sacrificed herself for you! It was so you could have a chance at living life. She knew she didn't have, long to live, so she gave you her life."

Shocked, Shadow just sat there. "Sonic, how do you-"

"Shhh. Shadow, you have to stop blaming yourself for everyone you couldn't save. As a hero, every single person I lose to Eggman's robots, is devastating. But I bear it. And that's how I enjoy life."

Shadow was silent. He's serious for once.

The blue hedgehog had always been energetic and hyper, never running out of energy. He was always cocky and arrogant. This was one of the only times he'd actually seemed serious.

Seconds passed before Shadow dropped his head onto Sonic's shoulder. "Thank you." He looked back up at Sonic, his blue hero, and just smiled peacefully.

Returning the grin, Sonic lay down, and wrapped his arms around Shadow again, pulling him down until they were both on their backs, watching the stars.

Cuddling Shadow, Sonic whispered into the fuzzy ear.

"Shadow? One more thing."

The black hedgehog just gave him a quizzical look. "What?"

"I love you."

"I-I love you too, Sonic. So, so much."

A/N: Woohoo! This is the finale of this short story. I hope you've enjoyed reading my book, and once again, THANK YOU ALL!

Signing off,
Novasette