A New World (Shadow x Reader)

Chapter 29: Teasing

When I woke up, Shadow was no longer in my bed and I couldn't help but miss his eery presence. Nonetheless, I shook the dreadful feeling away and arose from 'my' bed.

Downstairs, everything was as usual as possible. Amy was coddling Sonic, Tails was rambling to Cream, and Rouge was flirting with Knuckles. The only presence missing was Emo. Hopefully I didn't scare him away. But then again, he came to me.

"Mornin', Y/N!" Sonic chirped. It was confusing how one could remain so happy speaking to me, but so frustrated with the pink hedgehog engulfing him.

"Uh, morning...Am I still going on my mission today?" I was hoping they would understand my referral to the missing hedgehog. But they were all too focused with one another to take the hint.

"That's up to you, hun." Rouge smirked as she minimally took her gaze away from Knuckles to me. I silently nodded my head and grabbed a plate full of breakfast.

It was strange. Shadow had just disappeared and no one seemed to care. I was contemplating whether or not to ask, but when I finally made my decision, everyone was already preoccupied and couldn't answer my question.

So, instead, I remained silent. Eating my breakfast and pondering the whereabouts of my edgy friend.

I didn't scare him off...right? I mean it's not like I did anything! He's the one that went to me! He's the one that chose to go into my bed and-

"Where have you been, faker?" I looked up, trailing Sonic's voice only to find Shadow standing at the doorway. As grumpy as usual.

"None of your business, faker." Shadow grunted. Sonic growled in return and Amy quietly nudged him to back off.

Thankfully, I was able to finish my breakfast before I would be forced to watch this fiasco unfold. Shadow hadn't said a word to me, but at least he was eating his breakfast...silently.

"So...Tails, we kept following your tracker yesterday but we still couldn't find the emeralds." I broke the nearly unnoticeable tension in the room, as all of the Freedom Fighter's turned to face me.

"That's weird. I'll take a look at the device before you go." Tails gave me one last glance before turning back to Cream. I shrugged and went up to my room. The group was surprisingly not acknowledging my presence. Which hurt me in the slightest.

I sat on the bed for a little while, writing in my 'diary' that Tails gave me. I was mostly jotting down everyone's strange behavior. Why were they acting so, cold? Did I do something to upset them? Usually they give me a bit more of a welcoming than that.

Maybe I'm just overthinking it.

I shut the notes I had previously written and hid the notebook in a draw. As I was about to contemplate leaving on my own, I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in!"

Honestly, I kind of expected, and wanted, Shadow to come in. But instead, it was Rouge and she did not look happy.

"Uh, hey Rouge..."

"Hello, Y/N." I gulped. She had never used my name before, and I couldn't help but wonder what I possible could've done wrong. I don't recall ever angering her...

"We need to talk." She stated, rather harshly. I sweat dropped. She had never been so serious before.

"Um...what about?" I asked almost too eagerly.

Suddenly, Rouge bursted into a fit of laughter. I couldn't help but raise a brow at her sudden change of attitude. Was she not mad at me?

"Oh! I got you good!" She sputtered between breaths. I still wasn't comprehending what she possibly could've meant.

"I didn't mean to scare you, hun! I just wanted to tell you that Sonic's birthday is coming up and we're invited you." Once Rouge finally caught her breath, I took initiative to process what she said.

So...they weren't actually mad? They were just, playing around..?

"Okay? When and where?" I fiddled with my thumbs, unsure of Rouge's next course of actions. 

"It's tomorrow. We're having a little gathering at the beach again." She chuckled. I still was flabbergasted by her sudden cheeriness.

"What about the chaos emeralds?"

"You have the rest of your life to look for them! No rush!" Yeah, but I'd like to know my 'calling' and why I was sent here.

"I guess so." I sighed.

"Don't be so upset, Shadow's going!" Rouge shot me a wink and I was left even more confused than before.

"What's that supposed to mean?" What was she implying?

"Nothing, hun. I've just noticed you two are very cozy." I held back a gag. Did she notice Shadow cuddling me last night?! I certainly hope not! She would never let it go!

"I'm 'cozy' with all of you."

"Yeah, but especially with Shadow." Her tone was flirtatious and I did not like it. I don't like being teased about my feelings...and not when I don't even know them myself!

"Whatever. Shouldn't I be heading out now?" I rolled my eyes, unamused by Rouge's taunting.

"Yes, but not without your handsome escort!" I grunted at her as I walked past her and out the door. I could hear her faint laughs from my room and I was already growing annoyed with my friends. Even if the day had just started.

And it was going to be a long day.