Shadow x Reader Lemon: A Tale Less Than A Year

Chapter 16: Stitch on a Smile

He murmurs in a hushed voice, Pull it back to your cheek *adjust your hands*. Not too close, you'll hit yourself... Release." The arrow whistled softly as it broke through the air meeting its mark with a *thunk*. He handed you another arrow, "Hmmph, not bad." You restrung the arrow as he rested on the bench to rummage through his black duffle bag. A faint *click* came from his direction. Not paying him much attention you focused on the bale of hay, "Shadow what are you doing over there?" Discharging the arrow, it struck further from the center but still managed to stay within the boundaries of the target. "Capturing the moment," he held a bulky black and white device. Glossy white paper drooped over through the top. He fanned the piece of paper until colors phased onto it. He admired it before stashing it away in his bag. Strutting over to you he draped his arm around your shoulder and pushed the corner of your lip up, "Say cheese." The device's lens was pointed at you. Another *click* went off and more paper filed out. After the image appeared on the other side he passed the sheet to you. It's a picture. Tiny 2D Shadow is staring back sternly at you and tiny you was gawking at tiny him in confusion. Oh! A camera, what a curious design. I thought these only came in small rectangles or in large funnel two piece equipment. (Reference to old digital cameras and stereotypically paparazzi cameras). Though if you covered half of your face it appears as though you're bewildered but if you cover the other half and ignored Shadow's hand you were smiling. It was sentimental, "It's a sweet picture, unexpected." "Keep it, I'll take more." Smiling at him teasingly, "You suddenly took an interest in photography?" He packed it away neatly, "Only for what's important."

The dull *thunk* of arrows piercing the target accompanied the occasional sound of mental clicking together as Shadow was off to the side rummaging through one of his tool kits polishing his old pistols. You have wanted to talk to him for a while. You just recently decided to be newlyweds so there should be no secrets right? But how do you bring up the fact that you felt uncertain. Uncertain of what exactly was a list a mile and a half long to sort out. It's best start with the basics. Seating yourself behind Shadow you leaned against him, "Dearest of mine?" He looked over his shoulder with a smirk, "Yes, dear." You began to lace your fingers anxiously, "Now that we are married I've been pondering whether it would be a good time to mention our relationship... to the Doctor." He audible exhaled, "That's a terrible idea." "Do you think he wouldn't allow this to happen?" "No, I know he won't." Your heart sunk. How long does he intend to sneak around, forever? The Doctor is quite reasonable and has shown nothing but love for you both. You couldn't wrap your head around why Shadow didn't agree. If anything you can imagine the Doctor celebrating with his usual howling whoops and trying to throw a wedding party single handedly. He appears to be the type for social gatherings after all he should be if he wants to build the Eggman Empire. The thought of the Doctor dancing around brought a smile to your face, "I am patient." "Thank you... Trust me (y/n) it is better this way." You squeezed his hand before getting back to target practice, "I don't doubt you love."

Life can be quite forgiving. It is though nothing has changed, as though you never left. Besides getting married your return hasn't rustled a feather. Shadow was there at your beckoning, postured as handsomely as the first time you met. Yet you felt something was off. Ever since your escape somethings didn't fit together anymore. The objectives are set but there's an almost invisible film layering it with doubt. Nothing was in stone anymore, the true right, the true wrong. There was a gray area, but you couldn't tell which way it was pulling. I suppose this is what people call a moral dilemma. There was one thing that was certain. This is your home. The memory of finding the Doctor asleep at his desk after a long day of work and the time the robots were shushing each other over who was the best hero causing them to miss the comic book signing completely gave you're heart a comforting squeeze. Shadow was so involved in his work he didn't notice you gazing at him. If not for me, I'm doing this for them. That was the dream, your aspiration, and theirs. Now that you mention it... "I haven't seen the Doctor in a while. How is he?" Shadow held out his hand towards you, "You're guess is as good as mine."