Chapter Text
After that night in the cave, Sonic confessed to Shadow that he'd been having trouble sleeping, but when he was with him, he'd slept better than he had since the whole Prism Incident happened. So now they either go to each other at 3 am or something for a race and end up passing out under the stars together, or Sonic just stays the night at Shadow's house (cave). Shadow's crush has intensified with this new development and he loves it when Sonic falls asleep on top of him, curled up like a kitten. Chaos he's adorable when he's asleep. He's even found that on the occasions where he finds himself falling asleep with Sonic, the nightmares stay away.
One night, after another stupid o'clock race, they're laying together in a field of daisies. Sonic picks one and tucks it into Shadow's quills, behind his ear. Maria used to have a book on floriography, she'd teach him all she knew on the subject. He knows what daisies symbolize; loyal love, beauty and strength. He doesn't know if Sonic knows this though. His breath catches and he feels his muzzle heats up anyway.
He sees Sonic give him a sleepy smile, before curling up on him and falling asleep. He runs a gentle hand through azure quills fondly.
Once he's certain Sonic's asleep, he presses a gentle kiss to his cheek, before sighing and letting his hand drop to his side. "Why can't I get myself to confess to you?" He whispers aloud. "I've had this crush for so long and yet I still can't get myself to tell you I love you. Not when you're awake and it matters." He sighs and closes his eyes. "I haven't let myself get close to anyone since I lost Maria... I guess I'm scared that I'll lose you too, if I were to confess how much I really care.
"Every time I find someone I love, the universe reminds me that I'm just a weapon. Weapons don't love. Weapons don't have feelings. They only do one thing, destroy for whoever wields them. I'm not built for love. I keep trying to kid myself with hopes, but I know deep down, I'm not meant for a happy ending. Not like everyone else is. Especially not like you. You deserve everything..."
He doesn't notice until a warm hand touches his cheek, that Sonic isn't as asleep as he thought. His eyes snap open and he sees Sonic looking at him, frowning softly, hand cupping his cheek gently.
"Shadow... you're not a weapon. You're a living being who can feel and have emotions. You deserve everything too.... And I've had a crush on you as well... since that night on the beach..." He whispers gently, but firmly.
Shadow can't believe it, Sonic likes him too, and, after everything he just said, he still wants to be here, with him. He speaks, voice soft and unsure. "R-really...?"
Sonic nods and that's all Shadow needs. He leans forward and Sonic, sensing what he's about to do, meets him in the middle. The kiss is messy, neither of them knowing what to do, but neither of them cares, they've both wanted this for a while. He bites Sonic's lower lip with his fang, causing the other to gasp and allow his tongue entry into his mouth. The other moans as Shadow's tongue explores his mouth, causing Shadow's heart to flutter and continue his exploration. His hands move down Sonic's sides to his waist, earning him a shudder and a whimper from the hedgehog.
When they pull away, panting and struggling to catch their breaths, Shadow hugs Sonic tightly, as if scared he'll disappear any second.
Sonic smiles softly and, after catching his breath, kisses his cheek, purring. "I love you, Shads." He whispers, pressing their foreheads together gently.
Shadow's breath hitches, before he responds in an even quieter tone than Sonic. "I love you too."
Then they kiss again, softer and shorter this time, but still filled with love and care for the other.
-fin-