Ch. 7: New Couple on the Block

Later, the Dazzlings, Scourge, and Fiona rounded a corner to find Sunset in a darkened hall. "You're never gonna get away with this," she said.

"Why? Because you didn't?" asked Adagio, surprising Sunset. Then Shadow teleported behind them.

"Because your partners here are only in it for themselves," he said, pointing to Scourge and Fiona.

"Oh please, they told us all about you, Stripes," said Aria. "And you're going to fail to save this world, just like you failed to save her." Then Shadow had a fast flashback to Maria dying on the ARK. But he shook his head.

"Oh, we know all about you both, Sunset Shimmer," said Adagio. "You've got quite the reputation where you come from."

"That was then. This is now," said Shadow.

"I've changed. I'm in a much better place now," said Sunset.

"Waiting in the wings while your friends have all the fun?" asked Aria.

"Oh yeah. You guys are real tight," said Scourge. "And yet, they never asked you to join them Sunset."

"Probably afraid no one would wanna see them play if she was with them," said Fiona.

"Too bad. So sad," said Sonata. Shadow slowly reached down for his pistol and moved the little leather strap holding it down.

"If it's any consolation, no one is going to remember you at all by the time we're done here, Sunset." said Adagio as she and the girls walked past.

"Wait a minute, Scourge," said Shadow. "Why are you with them anyway?"

"Well, every good singing group needs musicians for back-up," said the green villain.

"Which will only last until they gain enough power," said Shadow. "Once that's done, you'll be kicked to the curb or enslaved like everyone else."

"We'll see," said Fiona. "Oh, and give my best to Sonic." Then she blew a kiss at Shadow, but he shot it down before it reached him. "Touchy, touchy." Then she and Scourge caught up with the Sirens.

"Just ignore them, Sunset," said Shadow, holstering his pistol. "It's psych-out warfare. Crooks like them think they're pros at it, but they typically suck as much as any of the other demons and out-of-control science experiments Sonic and I have fought."

"All right then," she said and the two walked away. "By the way, Shadow, who was Aria talking about when she said 'her'?" Shadow looked down in pain. "I mean, it's cool if you don't wanna talk about it, but-"

"Maria Robotnik," he said. "The granddaughter of my creator. She died on the ARK just before I was sent down to Mobius." Then he blushed and chuckled. "It's stupid really,"

"What is?" asked Sunset.

"You kinda remind me of her," said Shadow. "Only she was practically my sister, so I couldn't do this with her." Before Sunset could ask what he was talking about, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her. Her eyes shot open in surprise, but they gradually closed and she quietly moaned, wrapping her arms around Shadow's neck, their tongues wrestling in their mouths. Soon they broke for air and stared dreamily into each other's eyes.

"Been waiting to do that long?" asked Sunset.

"Since I got here," said Shadow, blushing. "This might sound crazy, but… I love you, Sunset."

"I love you too, Shadow," she replied and hugged him, tears coming from her eyes. Then they heard someone wolf whistle and blushed madly. They turned and saw Sonic cleaning his teeth with a toothpick.

"Wha- bu- du- How long have you been standing there?" asked Shadow.

"Heh-heh. Long enough." Sonic chuckled.

"I'm gonna go see who's on next," said Sunset quickly and ran off. Then Shadow walked up and grabbed Sonic by his vest.

"You tell anyone about this, and I will grind you into paste." he growled.

"Chill man," said Sonic. "Practically everyone is gonna know about this soon anyway. This place is littered with security cameras." Shadow realized he was right when he saw one of the cameras above where he and Sunset just made out. He let Sonic go and quickly facepalmed at his own ignorance.

"Why didn't I see that there?" he asked himself.

"'Cause, no offense, but you're kind of an idiot sometimes," said Sonic. "But I don't actually blame you. Sunset's kinda hot when she's not acting like a power-crazed extortionist."

Shadow smiled at Sonic's understanding and put his hand on his shoulder. "Thanks, man," he said.

"Hey, no sweat," said Sonic. "Now cmon. Let's go find the others." With that, they walked down the hall smiling.

"So when does a couple usually start dating?" asked Shadow.

"Why're you asking me?" asked Sonic.

"Well, I just thought of your long list of past romances and all…" began Shadow.

"Oh okay. Um, probably sometime after they first admit their feelings," said Sonic.

"Ah, I see. So, would dinner Saturday night be out of the question?" asked Shadow.

"Man, you are so hot for her, aren't you?" asked Sonic. Shadow glared at him to answer the question. "Uh yeah, Dinner Saturday sounds good to me."

"Cool." said Shadow, as he walked off.