「 light in the darkness. 」

≻ . beat down

"Do you think Sonic and Amy will be happy to see us, Shadow?"

Light was skipping at Shadow's side as the two walked between the trees. The two were on their way to visit Sonic and Amy, solely for Light who really wanted to see them. While Shadow could have simply had them there in the blink of an eye, he decided that walking would give Light something nice to look at. This way, she'd hopefully learn how to travel there herself and Shadow wouldn't have to accompany her each time.

"Maybe not me, but they'll welcome you just fine," the male answered, leading her over a rock in the path so she wouldn't trip.

"Oh? But are they not your.. friends?"

"I don't have friends."

Light's expression was almost one of shock.

"Why?" She asked, seeming as though she was genuinely sad due to this discovery.

"I don't need any."

Shadow picked up the pace. As much as he admired her curiosity, there were only so many questions he could hear and answer until they became a bother to him.

"Please don't get upset at me. I know I ask too many questions, but I really don't mean to bother you. I just want to be your friend."

"That's real thoughtful of you, Light. But don't waste your time on that. Sonic and Amy can be your friends."

Though there was a slight pout of disappointment, Light nodded and dropped her gaze towards the ground as they walked. Shadow held no regret for being as harsh as he was, but he was making it up to her by bringing her to see the others, wasn't he?

"Fix that frown, kid. Sonic and Amy are just ahead. You don't want them seeing you pout like a child, do you?"

Light looked up at Shadow whose expression was the same as it always was. What caught her off guard was the small grin that appeared, but before she could question it, his hand lifted and ruffled her quills.

"Look ahead. They're waiting."

Sonic and Amy had spotted the two hedgehogs emerge from the trees and Amy, who'd untangled herself from Sonic's arms to run towards Light who met her halfway.

"Light! How'd you find your way— oh. Hi, Shadow."

Shadow, who Amy spotted from over Light's shoulder, watched as the female's hugged.

'Strange,' he thought.

"Shadow?" Sonic's voice rang into the mix, the blue hedgehog's arm wrapping around Amy's waist as he stood at her side.

"Faker."

"Oh, come on! Ames, you said you'd stop him from calling me that, will you hit him?"

Light watched in confusion, Shadow snorting in amusement.

"You can't hit him, Amy. That's not very nice."

"Hey, I was joking!"

"She doesn't understand jokes, Faker," Shadow spoke, pulling Light back to his side with a simple, gentle, tug of her arm.