*Sonic's POV*
"Whats this?" I said once I opened the door, and Sonic came in with a gift bag and some flowers. His trademark grin plastered across his face.

"Just a little something." Sonic said with a wink as he passed me the gift bag and the red and black roses that matched me.

"What is this for?" I said as I let him in and closed the door behind him. I was taken back by all this but tried to mask it.

"No reason really, just thought you could use something nice." I looked at the flowers then at the bag I was holding. I wasn't used to gestures like these, but Sonic was doing it more often.

"You think flowers are going to impress me?" Sonic laughed at that. I was actually impressed but did not need Sonic to know that. I was impressed by him still acting this way even though he was only hurting himself by helping me.

"Maybe not. But I figure you'd like them anyway. Open the gift. I hope you like it." Sonic said, his voice quieter now looking nervous.

I hesitated and passed him back the flowers so he could hold them. I carefully opened up the bag, my eyes widening at what I found inside. I picked up the box, inside was a luxury tea set, with rare blends from across the world.

"You said you and Maria used to drink tea while looking down at the Earth." He spoke softly, a small warm smile as he looked at me. I looked at the box, my finger running over it as my chest tightened in a way I wasn't expecting.

"You didn't have to do this." I tried to speak, but it came out more like a whisper.

"I wanted to." Sonics smile grew wider.

For a moment, I was speechless. I lookagat the gift and the flowers, and while it had been a simple gesture, it was the thought and effort Sonic put behind it that really meant something more. "You're ridiculous." I scoffed.

"Yeah, but you like me anyways." He grinned.

"I never said that." I huffed, earning Sonic to step closer to me.

"You didn't have to." He teased with a wink. "It's written all over your face."

I didn't push him away when he sat beside me as we went over the different teas that were in the box. Although I didn't want to admit it, I no longer had a wall up when it came to him.

*Sonic's POV*
"So you like me, huh?" I teased as I sat back. I could feel Shadow tense up ever so slightly as he looked away.

"Faker." Shadow didn't growl at me anymore at this point, but I could tell he really wanted to right now.

"Relax. I am just a bit surprised, is all." I reached for his hand and held it. I liked holding his hand, and Shadow seemed to not mind it anymore. "So this isn't fake anymore?"

Shadow remained quiet for a short while before he finally spoke. But before doing so, he stood up and went to the kitchen, letting go of my hand and giving us some space so we could talk about this. At least he wasn't running away.

"I guess not." He said just loud enough for me to hear. My smile grew at this and watched as he started preparing one of the teas that came in the box.

"Are you okay with that?" I asked. I was glad I was finally having a real chance with Shadow and not just 'training' him for a future relationship with someone else. My feelings weren't on the line anymore because he was now as involved in this as I was.

"Yes." He flatly answered.

"Can I get a kiss then?" I teased as I walked to the kitchen and got closer to Shadow. He put his hand on my face and pushed me back.

"Don't push your luck, Sonic." He rolled his eyes and served us, then passed me mine.

"Fine." I laughed and walked with him back to the living room.

We spent the day talking and then watching a movie. At some point, we both weren't even talking. He started reading a book, and I was just on my phone, resting my head on his lap as I lay on the couch. The silence wasn't uncomfortable. In fact, it was very comforting. Shadow and I were able to be around each other without even saying a word and be okay. We just wanted to be next to the othern neither of us wanting to let go or move.

*Rouge's POV*
I stepped quietly into Shadow’s apartment, my boots making barely a sound against the floor. I had come to drop off some intel, expecting Shadow to be in his usual brooding, solitary mood. What I didn’t expect was the sight waiting for me in the living room.

There, sprawled across the couch, were Sonic and Shadow, both fast asleep. Shadow sat upright, one arm resting on the back of the couch, while Sonic lay stretched out across the cushions, his head resting comfortably in Shadow’s lap. Shadow's usually stern face was uncharacteristically relaxed, his other hand draped loosely across Sonic’s side.

A smirk quickly crept onto my lips as I crossed my arms and leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene with amusement.

“Well, well, well,” I whispered to myself, raising an eyebrow. “Who would’ve thought?”

Blue’s soft, steady breathing filled the room, his usual hyperactive energy nowhere to be found. Shadow, though still and silent, looked surprisingly at peace. The whole scene was almost too sweet for me to believe.

I chuckled, shaking my head as I tiptoed closer. "The ultimate lifeform, huh?" I murmured under my breath, glancing at Shadow. "Seems like you’ve got a soft side after all."

I considered waking them up, but the sight was too good to interrupt. Instead, I took a picture, one I would definitely send immediately so they can wake up to it. With that done, I quickly turned to leave, leaving a note on the table saying what I had come here for, and I quickly left.

Shadow has finally found someone, Maria.

But I wonder if it is right to tell him what I now know...