The snow fell softly outside the window, blanketing the world in white. Inside the cozy cottage, Sonic and Shadow were enjoying a rare quiet evening together. The fireplace crackled warmly, and the scent of hot cocoa lingered in the air.

Sonic, wrapped in a fluffy blue blanket, lounged on the couch. “I gotta say, Shads, you really know how to pick a place. This is the perfect winter getaway.”

Shadow sat in an armchair nearby, his usual stern demeanor softened by the glow of the firelight. “It’s quiet here. No distractions.”

Sonic grinned. “Except for me, right?” He playfully tossed a marshmallow at Shadow, who caught it effortlessly and smirked.

“You’re always a distraction,” Shadow replied, though his tone carried more affection than annoyance.

Sonic slid off the couch and plopped down next to Shadow’s chair. “Come on, lighten up. It’s Christmas Eve! You can’t just sit there and brood all night.”

Shadow raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t brooding. I was thinking.”

“Thinking about what?” Sonic asked, tilting his head.

Shadow hesitated for a moment before answering, his voice quieter. “About how different things feel now. Spending time with you like this… it’s not something I ever thought I’d have.”

Sonic’s teasing grin softened into a warm smile. “You know, you’re allowed to enjoy stuff like this, Shads. Life’s not all about missions and Chaos Control. Sometimes it’s just about… this.”

Shadow glanced at the fire, then back at Sonic. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Of course I am.” Sonic leaned his head against Shadow’s arm, his quills brushing lightly against Shadow’s fur. “You’ve been through a lot, but you’ve got people who care about you now. And I’m not going anywhere.”

Shadow looked down at Sonic, his crimson eyes softening. “Thank you… for staying.”

Sonic reached up, lacing his fingers through Shadow’s. “Always.”

There was a moment of silence, the kind that felt heavier with unspoken words. Sonic felt his heart quicken, and before he could second-guess himself, he leaned in, pressing his lips gently against Shadow’s.

Shadow stiffened for a brief second, but then he softened, his free hand moving to rest lightly on Sonic’s back. The kiss was tender and slow, as if time itself had paused to let them savor it.

When they finally pulled apart, Sonic grinned, his cheeks flushed—whether from the fire or the kiss, he wasn’t sure. “See? Told you life’s about moments like this.”

Shadow smirked, his thumb brushing over Sonic’s hand. “Maybe you’re not so bad at teaching me that after all.”

The snow continued to fall outside, but inside, the warmth between them burned brighter than any fire ever could.

*****
A/N: Just because I had a bit of free time, here yall go! I leave again now! Bye! Love you all! <3