*Sonic's POV*
I decided to visit my grave, I couldn't just wait around for Shadow to wake up, and I knew if I went for Eggmans base, Shadow would be the one to kill me first. So I went to the cemetery and walked to my grave, there was no one around so I sat down in front of it.

"It's strange." I muttered. "I mean, you'd think this would feel normal from all the times I've left my friends behind. But this." I looked at the roses that sat by my tombstone. "This is another level, isn't it?"

Talking to myself sometimes soothed me. Especially in cases like these when I felt like I had no one but myself. All the jokes and light-hearted comments I had made until now were just for myself. I was trying to convince myself that what I was doing was right, that everything would be okay, and I'll get to explain to my friends and my family what had happened.

Heck. I would even take a hit from Amy's hammer about now. I can already imagine how mad she's going to be when she finds out I faked my death. It was hard doing this. It hit me even more when I saw Tails crying. I'm sorry, buddy. I promise I will do anything to come back to all of you.

Anything.

Except risk their lives.

"Sonic. What did you get yourself into this time?" I ran my hands through my quills as I stood up and picked up a single rose. It reminded me of Amy.

When did she stop chasing after me? Why didn't I notice that before? I was so focused on trying to defeat Eggman that I lost track of everything else.

Staying away from Amy was the best choice anyway, I don't think I could do a relationship. Not that I felt anything towards her, I just always felt bad for running away from her. I am glad she decided to move on. I am not one to stay in one place, I have to be moving, and Amy wouldn't have liked that. A relationship with her would have drained me mentally, trying to keep her happy. She deserved someone better. That wasn't me.

I placed the rose back down beside the others and took in a deep breath. Closing my eyes and letting the wind blow past me. I let out my breath and opened my eyes, then looked at the time on my watch.

"Im sorry, guys." I whispered to no one yet I hoped someone somehow would listen.

When I got back to Shadows' house, I quietly closed the door as I walked in. The house was silent, that was until I started to hear something coming from Shadows room. I knew he'd hate me for it, but I walked to his room and took a peek.

Shadow was tossing and turning in his sleep, his expression tense and sharp as he muttered something. Was he having a nightmare?

My ears perked up when I noticed his breathing become heavy. He was panicking. Whatever he was dreaming of was stressing him out. I walked closer without hesitation. I gently placed my hand on Shadow's shoulder and gently shook him to wake him up.

"Shadz. Shadow, wake up." My voice soft in a whisper. "It's a nightmare, Shadz. You're okay. It's just a dream."

Shadow jolted awake, sitting up instantly, breathing hard. His eyes were wide with lingering fear. He quickly looked at me. He looked disoriented for a moment until he realized where he was.

"Shadow?" I spoke softly so as not to scare him. I was worried. Was he always like this when he slept? Is this why he never sleeps? "Are you okay?"

Shadow didn't speak. He was staring down at his hands as if something was there or maybe something was missing? For a brief moment, they started to tremble, so he clenched his fists and shook his head.

"You were having a nightmare." I rubbed his back, something my sister would do when I would have a panic attack. It would calm me down a lot. Shadow was tense under my touch, I guess he wasn't expecting it.

*Shadow's POV*
Maria was the last person to ever be this close to me that I would allow. The first person who didn't treat me like a weapon, the first person who ever cared about me. When I looked at Sonic, looked into his eyes, showing how worried he was about me, I could see Maria. So it didn't come as a surprise when I felt safe for a split second. It was as if everything had been taken off my shoulders, as if I was just like everyone else, like I could be happy. Then he spoke. Shattering the illusion.

"About Maria...?" His tone was gentle, very soft as if he was afraid of those words. When I didn't answer him, he took it as a free pass to keep talking. "Is that why you never sleep? Do you have nightmares about what happened?"

I don't know what came over me, but I nodded, briefly closing my eyes. Flashbacks of my dream coming back to haunt me. I couldn't save her. It's always the same.

"I know it hurts." I looked at him, my gaze meeting his as he spoke. "But you're not alone, Shadow." His smile, his words, the tilt of his head as he said that. Maria. "You've got me, alright? You're safe."

Was it alright for me to break down my walls? Even for a brief moment?

*Sonic's POV*
Shadow still didn't respond, but I could tell he was fighting himself in his mind. His eyes were searching mine for something, for an answer, but I didn't know for what.

Then slowly, he leaned closer to me, resting his head on my shoulder, allowing himself to accept the comfort. This was new. It wasn't often for Shadow to let anyone see him this way, so vulnerable. So I stayed quiet as I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him.

Just for now, Shadow. Accept my help.

"Thanks." He whispered.