A/N: Seems like I only get inspired whenever I feel mentally shitty. I'm fricken' blursed, man. I was a week away and during that time I played the new Olympic Games for Switch. It was ok, tbh. Not the best one but it was playable. Was a bit disappointed there weren't more playable characters. *cries in wanting to play as Diddy Kong in gymnastics*

Chapter title is based on a song by R.E.M.

Ya know the drill. I speak gibberish and you ignore it to read the story. We finished the first part, so finish the second part now!

Enjoy!

Sigh.

The dress had been dry for long, but for some reason, Amy really didn't want to wear it right now. It was too tight, and frankly, she preferred to wear something baggier whenever she felt apathy. It lightened her physically, and perhaps that would be the manner in which her mood would be affected. It could be a dress no problem, just more loose in its identity, like her mind. Amy was pretty sure though that Shadow didn't own any clothes (the guy strangely only wore shoes and gloves), so her options were limited. For now, her current dress would do. Her quills felt greasy; she should shower, yet figured the water she jumped into would hold her out for now.

Her eyes followed the railings, each step tentatively taking their respective turns as she made her way downstairs. As per usual, she felt nothing. Her mind was empty of anything. It was as though her brain stem was alone in function and working double its capacity.

This could explain why she didn't feel angry at Shadow, or… anything really. Sleep was a powerful tool in escaping reality and restoring yourself from the previous day. However, some things deeper beneath the surface held themselves just there, remaining obscure in their purpose. It was the only way to define her gratefulness towards Shadow in regards to yesterday, as when she'd decided to jump, she had felt rock solid in her decision. Most likely she probably felt grateful because he cared. Upon closer thought, she knew also Sonic, Tails, Cream, Knuckles and everyone else cared about her well-being, more than she'd realized at the time.

She had never been out to hurt anyone, heck, not even herself; she knew in her heart that she didn't want to die.

She just wanted her thoughts to stop.

This will and the deep abyss she'd been stuck in had been enclosed around her like suffocating vines. Both choices were set up for doom; struggling against them as they tightened further, or stay still and just have your last moments take their course.

The latter choice was easier, perhaps as a result of not requiring any strength. Hers was much too weak. At the same time, the former had been her motivation. Ugh, she went in circles again…

Her mind had gone into overdrive, although not emotionally, as she walked into Shadow's kitchen.

Amy didn't know how long she'd been out for, but not long enough for Shadow to have come back. Like his bedroom, the kitchen was sleek and modest; just a table, two chairs, and a singular twinkling light above all furnishings. It hurt to look at it all from her perspective; before she'd fallen into a black hole, decorating was her favorite hobby, second after cooking. Maybe it was time to start it up again…

Although she gave him credit where it was due; he owned a fridge. Opening it, his storage still left a lot to be desired, as it just had a small assortment of fruit and bread; neither of which technically belonged in a fridge. Confusion swept over her. Where was the dinner he had been talking about earlier…?

…Wait a sec…

"Is… is this what he meant by dinner?" Came her ponder. Well, this was a revelation. He was such a cultured person he could read 1900's poetry and classic literature, yet he didn't know very basic cooking 101. She assumed, of course; maybe he hadn't had the time lately to undergo his to-do list.

At first she just reached for what she could find, but stopped dead in her tracks when an idea came.

She could just eat as is, but automatically, her mind was already calibrating what kind of ingredients would go well with them. Why go for the bland option when you could make it better?

The speculation which convinced her to go with this feeling was that she owed him. Whether or not she'd been dead set on going for the plunge, his actions had only been an establishment of benevolence. He hadn't meant for her to get upset at him for saving her, he'd meant only to help. How could she be angry about that? It was the very least she could offer as a means of gratitude.

There was a shortage of ingredients however; so there was little choice but to just run to the little shop around the corner. From all the times she'd been looking for something fresh and new she'd mapped out all the best restaurants and markets in Mobius, in case she wanted to pay them a visit in the future. Along with it, she'd accounted for everyone's living space and convenience, in case they needed her help in the nick of time. This time, principally, it happened to be Shadow, even if he hadn't asked for it. Not that it was a requirement in her book.

As of late, she hadn't felt like cooking at all, instead resorting to moping in her bed hours on end. Forthwith, there was nothing she'd rather do. It felt... very much appropriate. Maybe it was the way to ignite that old flame of life, thriving on indulgences of this sort.

This was not an overflowing feeling, but she logically knew it would be from here on in.

And perhaps that was a start towards something better.

Shadow knew there was something different going on as soon as he stepped his foot indoors.

Perhaps it was the unfamiliar scent of caramel that lingered in the air, and the sound or rustling around in his kitchen.

"Amy…?"

Upon calling out, the noises ceased as the bearer of said name stepped out into the foyer and met him with something unfamiliar as of late; a bright smile.

"Shadow! Hi." Her smile softened, and a worrisome look overcame her countenance. "I-I'm sorry that I'm using your kitchen without your permission. I didn't have any means to contact you, so…" She explained sheepishly. Shadow noted there had been a change in her mood, and it was up for debate whether it was positive or negative. He leaned towards the former since she was finding her own way to occupy herself and not needing any looking after, thankfully. Not that he minded taking care of her or anything, he just didn't know her well enough to fulfill her emotional needs. He already had trouble trying to bring his own into completion.

"Amy, relax. I don't mind. It was collecting dust, anyway. It was about time it came into use." Assurance was key. Also, he earnestly didn't mind at all. If it helped her case, he wasn't going to give any sour rebuttals, as sadly, some people expected of him. Not that he could really blame them…

Her current worry gained a swift recovery and she was smiling like the sun again. He didn't know if it was just Amy or in general, but he has started to really appreciate her adoring smiles. Guess it was true that joy is infectious.

"Thanks, Shadow! That's so sweet of you." Impulsively, she wanted to hug him in gratitude, though abided by his earlier request by keeping a distance. Her clinginess had been partly why Sonic hadn't reciprocated her feelings… there was no jeopardizing another relationship like that ever again.

"Speaking of, it's about finished!" Amy darted back into the kitchen with Shadow emulating her startling agility. Her energy was a great influence as he couldn't help but feel a strange warmth in his stomach upon watching her enthusiasm, although he was well aware his demeanor didn't communicate this well enough for people to see it. He was way more emotional than he let on, withholding it very deliberately.

Amy brought out a pan, wearing mittens and a complexion that lit up the room. Another tingle, and Shadow knew his resolve to keep himself at a distance was going to be exceedingly difficult.

But maybe… it wasn't a bad thing. Maybe it was okay to be selfish just a little, but on the other hand he felt so scared to get any closer to her; the possibility of letting someone in, only to be crushed again, in peril. At the same time, he was tired of being a lone wolf. Tired of always having to be strong on his own, tired of not having anyone to lean on, of not having anyone to share his joy and sorrow with. He'd foresighted he would eventually cave when a sudden disturbance came along and tempted him. Perhaps it would come sooner than expected.

So either option would be painful. The question was which one was less so.

"It's caramel apples." Amy's voice snapped Shadow out of his navel-gazing, which also made him notice a plate held in front of him. She didn't draw an answer, so with a slightly nervous tone, she went on in an alarmingly rambling fashion.

"You didn't have caramel, so I went out for a little bit. I used some of the apples you had in your fridge, so I didn't shop for a year's worth of supply or anything. I wanted it to be simple, but even so, I'm still new to this dish… could you… I mean, if you like… be my guinea pig…? It's okay if you don't want to or anything… It's just… It would make me happy."

The idea that he wasn't the only awkwardly composed one in this room both calmed and amused him. It made breaking the ice a tad more facile.

"No problem, Amy." He unexpectedly grabbed the fork out of Amy's still hand. "I'm sure I won't be disappointed." There was no wasting time as the next second he was taking a bite.

At first, his eyes widened as he chewed pensively, not used to this vibrant variety of taste. Amy's eyes were anchored into him in anticipation, but upon Shadow briefly looking back with his own, her gaze quickly dove.

"Wow…" Shadow put a hand to his mouth in astonishment. "You made this?"

"Y-yeah… is it good?" Amy twiddled with her index fingers together.

"It's delicious. I'm no food critic, but the flavors balance each other perfectly. You've got some knack there, Amy."

Amy blushed and gazed sideways, barely believing that Shadow of all people was complimenting her. Days ago, he had been merely a cold, unapproachable loner in her eyes, just seeking the adventures of which he'd conjured through his indecipherable goals. And now, she was welcomed into his home, standing in his kitchen, being praised by the very same person. What a humongous difference a week can make to a relationship between two people.

"Oh, stop. It's an incredibly easy recipe. Anyone with half a brain could make it."

"I couldn't." Shadow replied, tone neutral.

Oh, crap.

"I… I didn't mean it like that, I-…" She began to stutter.

"Don't beat yourself up over it. I know what you meant." The black boar put down the now finished plate on the counter. Amy held her hands to her chest, unsure from his tone if her words had actually hurt his feelings or not. Closer or no, he was still as unreadable as he'd always been. She bet that not even Rouge could tell what he was thinking most of the time, which would be quite telling.

"Still… I'm sorry, I may take some things for granted because I'm used to cooking. To me it may be easy, but for others…" To her panic, her eyes were starting to well up with tears. "I'm… I'm sorry, I didn't..." Amy wasn't sure whether she was apologizing to Shadow or herself.

The pink hedgehog was, due to this day's events, fully expecting Shadow to comfort her, to assure her that he understood where she was coming from and to be gentle, but he actually did something that wouldn't be too out-of-character for the outward version of himself.

He challenged her words, like a glove flick.

"I'm pretty good at handling chaos control. You are not, as I can obviously see. But I believe someone with half a brain could do it."

Amy felt hurt, but strangely, her tears were no longer ebbing. Maybe that was his plan, to cease her emotional turbulence in the best way he knew to do it.

"It's a matter of perspective. Of course you would think that if you only identify with other people as you do yourself. It is unhealthy, but it is also forgiven. We can't demand everyone read our minds after all. We'll just have to go for the next best source."

Shadow took a tentative step towards her, which made Amy's heart skip a beat, curious what he was planning. Her passion was instantly diminished when he poked on her forehead, irritating in its purpose.

"Like most people, you're still stuck in that phase." Amy didn't have the time to get annoyed as his following move was to pat the top of her head, benignantly.

"But it doesn't mean I'm far past it myself." He gestured towards the empty plate she'd previously given him. "I learnt something new just now."

Shadow didn't smile, as his eyes did it for him. "Thank you, Amy."

Amy didn't know if he was thanking her for the apples or for his new epiphany, but it was a thank you nonetheless and that was enough for her to feel warm inside. Eloquence was his strong suit; whence his expressions couldn't convey, he posed in tongue.

If she had known she'd been kissing the kind of lips that could speak such poise, she would have been even more awash with ardor. An electric current commenced from the top of her head to the tip of her tail, which made it wag. There was no gambling the crack of a door he'd opened to his sealed heart, but it was getting difficult by each second passed. Amy was better at transferring her intentions through physical means, so mere words couldn't measure up to what she was feeling in this moment. It didn't matter, though.

By putting his needs first, she was also putting her own ahead. Isn't it the way it goes?

Still… you can't blame her for trying direct communication instead.

"I don't get you, though. I mean, it's all my fault."

"Your fault? How is it your fault? ...and what, may I ask?" He clarified so not to create any more misunderstandings this point onward.

"I was the one who… you know… pounced on you. If it hadn't been for that, then… well… I don't know… you seem troubled. I didn't expect you to tell Sonic about… us." Amy got out with strain.

Shadow seized her for a second before guessing himself.

"Something stronger than pride urged me to do it. I'm still trying to figure everything out myself."

Of course. Why would Shadow of all people already have had figured anything out about the whole situation? She hadn't even made a considerable effort to piece out her own, but sulking about her premises all day. He was way more active in that sense, as he was less analytical after the moment he'd set his mind on something. Maybe that's how he'd kept himself at bay all these years, not avowing any second-guesses. He was stubborn like that.

This was just Amy's theory, however…

"Nothing he said brought me closure, so…" He shook his head sternly. "It's not important right now. What matters is you're okay."

The pink hedgehog smiled shyly, and she could tell he was mirroring one of his own behind that mask of apathy.

"Well. I believe I should head home. Everyone must be worried sick. Especially Tails. I have about 30 missed calls from him." Amy laughed caustically at herself while she made her way to the front door. That is, until she remembered something, and turned herself to face Shadow.

"Oh… and Shadow?"

"Hmm?" He perked

"I would really appreciate if you didn't… tell anyone about any of this, okay? I don't want them to worry about me even more…"

"On one condition." As quick as the flow of the wind, he'd swept up until he stood closely in front of her. Way too close to dismiss as coincidental, and for her not to feel balmy in its breath.

"Can I… I mean… could I… hold you?"

"What?" She cawed like a croak, her voice not ready to speak to his question.

"Don't get any wrong ideas… I mean that… I may have overshared before… about myself. I usually don't tell just anyone about the things I struggle with… barely anyone, in fact. But I felt you needed to hear it at the time, and I didn't think this far…" He stopped when he heard a hush.

"Shadow, you're rambling." Amy indicated, simulating slow breath as though to signal for him to calm down.

"What I mean is… since you know… since I said I want someone to hold for a minute… I get to feel that strange affinity again… and we'll keep everything that happened today between us…. That is, if you feel comfortable… I don't mean to startle you…"

…Damn it. Why was he so cute when he was trying to be a gentleman? He probably didn't understand the basic concept itself, which meant it came natural to him. Of course she'd let him, but it was at the risk of her returning, slightly controversial, motion, the very same one that had scared Sonic away.

However, as she had said before… it was his needs before her own.

"… if you want to, then yes." The female hedgehog granted her permit. Not too soon after his arms slid around her waist, with his hands placed near her shoulders, all digits on his hands spread out and parallel to one another.

His scent was musky, with a touch of coffee mixed into it. Contrasting his usual coolness, he had that moderate body heat which intensified as he pulled her closer, her face practically pressing into the quilt on his chest. All this altogether made her feel a bit drunkenly tired… and yet, her hands remained still at her sides.

They clenched tightly.

Her breath turned slow, as did his, but neither of their heartbeats followed its lead, instead serving a portion of antipodes at the side. The invisible prance in a world beyond comprehension, beyond mind and body, overwhelmed them both and made them feel born anew.

They've been this close before. So why did it feel so different this time?

Why did this time feel so much more intimate?

Hands unclenched while remaining in place. They wouldn't… move…

The bitter cold returned as he withdrew, only leaving his hands on her shoulders. They trailed down her arms like a wave and consummated with his hands staying in hers for a short moment before letting go.

"Thanks, Amy." Shadow hid well the effect of their silent discourse, stepping back. "You should head home now, it's getting late."

"Shadow…" Whatever had happened, it had been there. It had sated something while still keeping it agog. It had been a shallowly physical, yet more so it hadn't. "I-I… I'll be seeing you."

"Un-unless you want me to… walk you?" Shadow offered, scarcely audible. Whatever he had felt, it wasn't indifference, she could clearly tell.

"No, it's fine!" Amy squeaked as she hurried to the front door, outside and onto the street in the mid of the moon's floating anomaly.

The sound of her pounding heart soughed in her head, still so as she stepped onto the threshold of her house, surprisingly apathetic upon feeling Tails' running up to hug her in worry. He was probably crying. Behind was Sonic, a look of equal concern with more restraint. There were also Cream, and to her surprise, Knuckles as well. Her eyes stared far in the distance, having barely acknowledged the situation. Cream had quickly followed Tails and was now also bawling into her dress, her tears moistening it once again.

They were such kids… immature, lost, unknowing of the world and its distant ends.

Just like Shadow and herself.

A/N: This is probably the least sexual chapter I've written so far. I didn't even have it in mind while writing it. I guess I wanted to convey the emotional aspect of everything. There's more to intimacy than just banging, it's a strong subconscious connection to someone. I guess what I'm trying to say is... shame on you, perverts! *points at you while also pointing at myself*

I have ideas for future chapters, but it feels the story is at some kind of intermission now. It can be tricky starting off from that... but I'll try!

Tune in the next time we see each other, which we won't because we're on the internet and we're strangers... tune in next time whatever then! See ya!