Shadow opened his eyes slowly. He often awoke like this when he didn't have nightmares about the Ark. When he does dream about the Ark, he wakes up with a start and feels confused for a moment about his surroundings. He never fully got over his experiences at the Ark, and he'll never completely heal form the loss of Maria, who he was created to save.

Not wanting to sit in his depressing thoughts any longer, Shadow exited his room and headed for the stairs, stopping to listen for Sonic's light snores. He smiled when he heard them, grateful the blue hedgehog was getting some sleep. He walked slowly down the stairs so as not to wake him as his mind ran through breakfast possibilities. No one get the wrong idea, Shadow wasn't a cook and didn't need to eat. He would have to order something for Sonic. This would be an awkward and strange experience, since he's never had to concern himself with food before, but he would do it. Shadow's trained ears picked up the obvious sound of running then heaving and hurried back up the stairs to the upstairs bathroom where Sonic was. He was supporting his weight on the toilet and looked completely miserable. Shadow wasn't sure what to do. He wanted to comfort the other hedgehog, but had a feeling Sonic wouldn't appreciate it. However, he couldn't just leave either.

Sonic leaned over the toilet, supporting it with his arms, panting. He noticed Shadow and looked away with embarrassment and annoyance in his eyes, "Did I wake you?"

Shadow rested his hand on Sonic's back gently to show his support, "No, I've been awake," Sonic was looking terrible, which worried Shadow. He had known Sonic would have morning sickness and would start to look worn but did it really need to happen this early?

"I can do this myself," Sonic practically growled at Shadow. He bit his lower lip so he wouldn't speak back to the blue hedgehog. Sonic's mood was already heading down hill. This wasn't going to be a pleasant experience for either of them. Shadow just wished he could help Sonic somehow. It was bad enough he was the reason for all of this, but Sonic is convinced it was for nothing. Shadow silently made it his mission to make Sonic believe him. It hurt more than the onyx hedgehog would admit that Sonic doesn't know how Shadow feels.

"Alright. I'll be in the hall if you need me."

"You don't have to wait-"

"I'll be in the hall," Shadow repeated calmly as he stepped out of the bathroom. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms, closing his eyes and sighing deeply. When Sonic emerged from the room, Shadow opened his eyes and examined him, noting the wear the pregnancy was already doing on the other's body. This worried Shadow greatly. What if Sonic's body can't handle it? Experiment or not Sonic is still male and the male body is not designed to carry a child, "How are you feeling?"

Sonic walked slowly down the stairs behind Shadow. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse, "Morning sickness is normal Shadow. I'm fine."

Nothing is normal about this. Shadow thought to himself. He watched Sonic closely as he went about the day. Sonic seemed to wear down as the day went on and Shadow's concern grew. he thought the day couldn't get much worse when he received a phone call.

"Umm, hi, is this Shadow?" A small, uncertain voice that could only be Tails asked.

Shadow wrote the word Tails on a piece of paper and held it up for Sonic to see. Sonic shook his head urgently and Shadow nodded, "Yes, this is Shadow."

"Hi Shadow, this is Tails. I was wondering if you knew where Sonic was. Everyone's getting worried."

Shadow side glanced Sonic who was watching him intently, "He's been injured in a mission. G.U.N. requires no visitors until further notice. Do not fear, he is alive and well. His condition is just... unique and the doctors of G.U.N. want to analyze it to make sure he is okay."

"Oh, well, do you know when he can be visited?"

"No," He said simply, "I am not given any information on his case."

The young fox sounded depressed by the news, "Oh. Okay. Thanks Shadow," Then the line went dead. Shadow almost felt guilty for lying to Sonic's closest friend, but it wasn't his choice. This was affecting Sonic's life first, so Shadow will respect that.

Sonic looked relieved, but saddened, "Thanks Shadow. I never thought I'd have to ask anyone to lie to Tails," There was so much defeat in his voice that it broke Shadow's heart, something he had forgotten he had.

"He'll understand. You need to focus on you for now," Shadow said as he observed the ring around his wrist like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

Sonic sat down on the couch and sighed, "It's not that easy Shadow. I need to worry about what I'm going to do with it once it's here."

Shadow had been wondering about that himself. He had been meaning to talk to Sonic about it and now seemed to be as good a time as ever, "Whatever it ends up being, it will never have a normal life."

Sonic glanced at Shadow then away quickly, "It can if I give it away."

The thought sounded so harsh and cruel to Shadow that he had to look away. before he could stop himself, he spoke, "Do I have any input?"

This seemed to catch Sonic off guard, and if Shadow was honest, it caught him off guard as well, "You want say in it?"

Now Shadow wished he had never said anything at all. This was bound to be the most awkward experience of his life. However, he couldn't back down when Sonic was finally opening up. Shadow sat beside Sonic and leaned back casually, as if his entire body wasn't tense, "If is my child as well, so yes I would."

Sonic was silent for a long time, and when Shadow looked at Sonic he was staring at him with a deep intensity that Shadow shuddered under the weight of his gaze. Sonic moved closer then looked down as if in pain, "I can't do it on my own," It was a soft, innocent whisper that knocked the wind from Shadow's lungs. He didn't say anything for a moment, only watched Sonic as he wallowed in despair. Shadow then lifted Sonic's face up so he had to look at him and spoke softly.

"What makes you think I would let you even try?"

Sonic tried to look away but Shadow held his face with both of his hands and whispered, "Sonic."

Sonic finally looked at up and Shadow let his feelings show full force. Sonic seemed shocked, but didn't say anything. Shadow took that as a good sign and leaned in so his lips were centimeters from his, "How can you act like this child has nothing to do with me? When it is a symbol of how I-"

"Stop!" Sonic pulled back and looked up at the ceiling, blinking rapidly as if to force away tears. Shadow wasn't sure if he was angry or hurt. It felt as if Sonic had slapped him in the face. After a minute Sonic took in a deep breath, "You have as much rights to this kid as i do without doing that. Don't worry."

Shadow ground his teeth and stood up, leaning over Sonic in a threatening way, ignoring the frightened look the other hedgehog was giving. He leaned in until all he could see were Sonic's emerald eyes, wide with fear, "The fact that this child exists is proof of how I feel Faker. I would never have touched anyone I didn't have any feelings for let alone what we shared. but you're too stubborn to see that."

Sonic moved away so quickly no human eye would have seen the movement, but it was barely noticeable to Shadow. He growled and spun around to face the other hedgehog, now seething in anger, "Why are you acting like this?"

Sonic looked away with a slouch in his posture, "Because, what you're trying to tell me is... unrealistic. You aren't the kind of person to feel like that for anyone. let alone your rival."

Shadow strode over to Sonic and grabbed his thin arm in his hand, "Once again, you have much to learn about me," He let Sonic go and headed out the door, but only stepped outside. He needed air, and some time to think. For Sonic to believe him, Shadow would need to tell Sonic straight out how he felt, but that is just so against Shadow's nature.

The door opened and Shadow turned around. Sonic looked at him with pain and longing in his eyes, and Shadow wanted so desperately to take that look away. Sonic didn't say anything to Shadow, he only walked up to him and wrapped his arms around him, resting his head on his chest. Shadow didn't even hesitate. He wrapped his arms around Sonic's head and ran his fingers through his quills. Sonic must feel so alone, if only he would believe that Shadow is sincere about his feelings. it seems both of them have a lot to learn about each other. Hopefully, this will end well for all three of them.