Learn to Open Up. (Shadouge) (COMPLETE)

Assignment.

 Shadow and Rouge walked down the hall of the central G.U.N. base. Commander Towers had called them to his office, concerning their third partner, the towering robot, Omega. He had been sent on a mission five weeks ago, to destroy an old base left behind by Doctor Robotnik. But he had not returned yet. He should have reported back by now. Omega was very thorough when it came to destroying anything with the Eggman logo, and usually gets jobs like these done very quickly. So not seeing him back had the G.U.N. on edge, along with having Shadow and Rouge worried about his safety. The black hedgehog was especially concerned for the robot's well being and safety. Omega was his best friend, and while Shadow usually didn't outwardly show it, he cared greatly for both Omega, and Rouge.

"Shadow, slow down!" Rouge was having a hard time keeping pace with her teammate. His steps were more hurried and rushed than usual. Shadow had been waiting 'patiently' to be given the okay to find the robot, and he wasn't about to lose his chance because he was to slow. Rouge was worried all the same, but she had become more concerned with Shadow's mental health lately. He had stopped eating much lately, and she would often find him passed out in his office, with paperwork thrown all over his desk. She knew he worried about both Omega and herself, but she didn't know he could be self destructive. Eventually, she caught up to Shadow once he arrived at Commander Towers' office door, holding it open for her to enter.

"Agent Shadow, Agent rouge. Please take a seat." Towers gave the two no time to situate themselves in the room, instead motioning them toward two chairs that sat in front of his desk, and continued to speak as Shadow and Rouge took their seats. "As you know, Agent Omega went MIA during one of his routine missions. From our knowledge concerning the base he was sent to, there should have been no hostiles that could combat Omega. So his sudden disappearance has me greatly concerned, as I'm sure it has done the same to the both of you." Towers looked over the two agents. Verbal replies weren't necessary. The look in Shadow's eyes told him everything he needed to know. This was going to be the easiest mission assignment he has ever made.

"That is why I'm giving you the green light to go retrieve Agent Omega. You leave first thing in the morning, so I suggest you stock up your supplies, and get your rest. Your first stop is obvious. You will go to the old Robotnik base, since that is the last location we picked up on his receiver. After that, you're on your own. Once you have found Agent Omega, you are to radio us in, and you will be escorted out by chopper. And I authorizing lethal force for this mission." Shadow and Rouge both nodded in agreement. There was no doubt in the Commander's mind that the two wouldn't return successful. Shadow and Rouge were his best agents, and were very accomplished in terms of their overall ranks and mission success rates.

"You two are dismissed. Good luck." With a solute from both sides, Shadow and Rouge made their way out of the Commander's office, and began to walk to their own personal work stations. Shadow's stride was more steady this time, allowing Rouge to comfortably walk next to him. Although, his poise was still stiff and tense. He had a thousand mile stare, as his mind focused on the upcoming mission.

"Wow," Rouge's voice sounded as though it was a thousand miles away to Shadow, "it's not everyday Towers gives us the okay for lethal force. He must be just as worried as we are."

"Mhmm." Shadow only hummed a reply as he kept his eyes on the seemingly endless hallway ahead. His mind was to deep in thought about the mission. This was going to be his most important yet. He has to find Omega, he just has to. He hated the idea of not being able to protect his friends. To protect those he cares for. What will he do if they can't find Omega? Would he be considered a failure? Would he lose Rouge too? If they don't save Omega, will Rouge leave him?

"Shadow..." The dark hedgehog's ears twitched from the sound of his name bringing him out of his thoughts, "Hello, earth to tall, dark, and handsome." Rouge stopped her partner by stepping in front of him, and began to waving her hand in his face. "Sweetie, Listen to me. I know you're concerned for Omega, I am too. But we will find him. I know we will. You're letting this get to you to much. You haven't been yourself since he went missing, and I'm worried about you. Please, you don't have to suffer alone. I'm here for you." She didn't expect anything from this. She's tried many times to get Shadow to open up to her, but he would always just cross his arms, huff a response, and walk away. Why would today be any different? But to the bat's surprise, Shadow's tense shoulders began to slump, his head fell, and a quiet sigh escaped his lips.