She didn't sleep. Not a wink.

Well, she did not need to sleep. Yes, she still indulged in slumber sometimes, and yes she did enjoy the feeling of waking and seeing the morning sun stream through the curtains. Still, when it escaped her, it made the nights all the more... hard. Especially when she heard his footsteps trace the halls throughout the night, tending to a drunk Rouge, padding to the kitchen for another cup of instant coffee or whatever in Chaos's name that he did. All of his movements only served to remind her that he was outside, that he could sense her, that he knew and remembers what happened.

Tikal stared at the ceiling. It had been a week since the incident. Seven days. One hundred and sixty-eight hours. Ten thousand and eighty minutes. She hated that she knows how long it has been, right down to the last minute. The hours poured through her hands like grains of sand, like streams of water, like the world passing her by while she remained the same.

Her bed constricted her. She moved to the floor.

The hardwood was too cold between the folds of her nightgown.

She stood on her own two feet, the chill shooting through the soles of her feet.

Her room was suffocating her, killing her slowly. She walked to the door, pressing her ear to the wood, hearing silence for a moment. Her fingers closed around the knob, turning it slowly and pushing it open.

Tikal padded quietly to the living room, awake as ever. The air was stale and smelt as if a flower shop had exploded thanks to the floral air freshener Rouge used religiously. Normally, when one was like this, they would be stressed out over work or friends or school. But for Tikal, this was not the case. And strange, as she was assisting in a huge archeological excavation and research project that practically begged for her help. One would think that would be on the top of her mind, keeping her from rest and comfort, but it was not.

Instead, her thoughts were consumed with that of a certain red and black hedgehog.

She shuddered quietly to herself, being reminded of him. His eyes pouring into hers, his grip tight on her shoulder, his breath hot on her cheeks. Him, holding her tightly as they danced. The way he leaned in close and kissed her. The way she kissed him back. Her cheeks burned as she was reminded of the intensity she'd felt.

The spirit's hands laced idly in her lap, refraining from the poncho she had been working on throughout the day. This was shameful, thinking about a man in such a way! She had been raised to be chaste and abstain from anything that even remotely resembled romantic thoughts. She was the Chief's daughter for Chaos's sake; the leader of a conservative clan that couldn't—wouldn't—have a rip in their reputation. Her father had made sure of that: for every man who had invited his daughter to a game of ball or to walk around the city with them, was met with his absolute refusal.

Yes, they preserved her chastity and eligibility for marriage, but at the cost of her socialization, of her sexuality. Of how she now viewed Shadow, pinning her against the wall, how she felt both scared but safe. How he first gently kissing her cheek, then a brush on the lips and finally full on... Down the neck to the crevices of her collarbone and to the shoulder! How it electrified her! How it made her glow! Sparkle and shine! How it made her feel real, and alive once again! How only he could—

No. No, no no! She thought angrily to herself, blushing heavily. These thoughts were unnatural to her. They made her feel wrong and sinful. But oh-so good at the same time... so... right, perhaps?

She needed to clear her mind, to be rid of all these thoughts. And sitting with idle hands would only serve to drive her mad. Rouge had given her a hall pass to entire house, excepting bedrooms other than hers of course. The bathroom wasn't included, although it should've been with all the damn time Rouge spent in there. She could have a shower and destress, but the shower itself looked like a complex puzzle her grandmother would've tangled with.

She could go outside onto the porch and watch the stars, or go for a walk, but both Shadow and Rouge were not home. If she left without notifying them and they arrived home to find her missing, GUN would be waking up the entire neighbourhood in an effort to hunt her down. She could attempt to cook once again, but using an oven was much, much different than using an open fire or hearth for that matter; and besides, the oven looked ancient and she was sure Shadow was the only one who knew how to use it.

She thought of him, standing in front of the ugly white beast, standing dutifully over a pan of sizzling eggs and bacon. His eyes were softened, but his brow was knit in concentration. His lips parting to try a bite of the white, to see if it was cooked just—

Chaos no. She thought before letting out a low groan. Her hands balled into fists. She had been raised to be chaste, and it had been so easy all those years ago... But now... Now it seemed impossible to not think of him.

"What did I even do back then?" She whispered to herself. She shut her eyes. She remembered spending a lot of time at the Altar and being with Chaos. She remembered raising some Chao and participating in sacred ceremonies held by the priests of the clan.

Her eyes settled on her weaving. Truth be told, she wasn't the best seamstress and her skills were rusty. However, weaving took concentration and quick movements of her hands... The only thing that would keep him out of her mind.

Tikal sat down on the floor, her fingers meeting the fabric. She crossed two burgundy strands overtop over each other and connected it to another strand. Down she moved the loom's wooden thacker. She repeated this for ages, until the noise became a slow, quiet beat.

But the weaving only lasted for so long. The poncho was completed within the hour, and Tikal scanned it over before pulling it from her loom. She wiped away a bead of sweat from her brow. The house was incredibly hot and the loss of the AC unit had not helped. It was the reason why Tikal was alone this night: Rouge had made up a lie about staying over at another field agent's house for a late night of work, but in reality to enjoy the cool AC on this steamy night.

Tikal let out a deep sigh, heat radiating off her person and perspiration marking her body like invisible paint. If she were back in the archeological field, she would simply dash to Mystic Ruins and leap in the waterfall to cool off. But Mystic Ruins was a train ride away, and the grants she'd received for her metro pass were thin and meant for travel to GUN labs and the site.

I want that shower... She thought before carefully folding the poncho and tucking her weaving supplies away. Tikal rose from her seated position, stretching out her limbs before walking to the door. She pulled it open, the hinges creaking as she slipped through and shut it again. Although there was no one home, she didn't like too much noise.

The echidna turned down the hall, passing Rouge and Shadow's rooms. She noticed that both doors had been shut until she came upon the bathroom, where it was left slightly ajar.

She stopped, allowing her mind to wander for a moment. She wondered what Shadow's room was like. What would he have in it? Obviously a bed with blankets, and possibly a closet, but what else? Would he have a collection of anything? Did he draw or write or play music? Maybe watched the moon and stars from a humble telescope? Were the walls of his quarters lined with books upon books, or did a huge mural stretch across it? Perhaps a line of the constellations?

Tikal snapped back to reality, blushing heavily. She needed to stop thinking about him. Every thought somehow transformed into him. She could look out a window and see blue birds, and they would remind her of him. She hated herself for doing that. Being so obsessive over him. And Tikal was beginning to believe he hated her for doing that too.

The echidna pulled open the door, a low creek groaning as she slipped through. . Her feet met the cold tile, sending pleasant shivers through her burning body. The bathroom was slightly better than the living room, but not by much. There was a sink with a vanity that was covered with beauty products, courtesy of Rouge. Her makeup and hair products were everywhere. Tikal had never seen so many cosmetics in her life before and was shocked by it. There was a small toilet in the corner, and across from it was a bathtub with a steely-grey curtain.

The echidna was still a little shocked that bathing in a lake was apparently out of style, and even more surprised that water could be diverted right into a brick dwelling, moulded with strong clay and stone.

The echidna shut the door. She removed her band from her head, slipped off her armband and cuffs and necklace. She pulled away her undergarments and started the water. She prodded what looked like a lever until it spewed out icy water. She tested it before stepping inside and allowing the water to spray over her dreads. The water was cool and soothing. Refreshing. Slowly, she turned it warmer and warmer until it began to scald her skin. She drew a deep breath, steam beginning to fill the air.

She didn't care; her mind focused on the heat, not on him. She grit her teeth as the water splashed against her back. People in her tribe had done something like this before. Put the left-behind lover through hell to forget about a lost love or unrequited one.

Creeeeak.

Her eyes opened as her head whipped around, droplets spraying the shower curtain and wall. "Tikal?" A voice said.

His voice.

Panic seized her body as she drew a breath. He was standing inside the bathroom with her, where she stood, stark naked, with only a curtain shielding her.

"Yes?" She said quietly. She fumbled to shut off the water. The sound of the last droplets of water hitting the drain echoed much too loudly.

"Why are you taking a shower?" He asked, his voice rumbling. It sent shivers down her spine as she gulped back a breath, attempting to collect herself. "It was too hot and I needed to cool down."

"Then why is it foggy in here?"

She blushed, thanking that the curtain separated them. The hedgehog stayed quiet for a moment. The echidna gripped her dreads tightly, attempting to stop her legs from seizing up. "Do you need a towel?" He asked a moment later.

"Oh. Yes please." She said. The close closed quietly behind him, his footsteps trailing down the hall to the linen closet. Tikal waited, beginning to shiver. Something quelled inside of her: she didn't know if it was terror or excitement or nerves, but it made her feel so awake and alive. Just like before, when they had danced. When they had kissed—

She shook her head, quietly cursing herself out for the reminder of the moment. She stopped when she heard a gentle knock on the door as she called for him to enter. She heard him leave the towel on the toilet as he turned away to leave. The echidna took a deep breath, balling her hands into fists. "Shadow?"

"Yes."

"I... I want to speak with you." She said. "About what happened last week..."

"What of it?" He asked.

"Well... About that dan-"

The hedgehog cut her off. "I'd rather speak face-to-face about this matter." He said.

"O-Of course." She said immediately as the hedgehog left, the door shutting behind him.

The echidna leapt from the shower, quickly toweling off before replacing her undergarments and carrying her jewelry to her room. She replaced her jewelry, her hands shaking as she slid the band up her arm and clasped the gold necklace around her neck. She reached for her day clothes, nervously throwing the cream shirt over her torso and sliding the skirt over her lithe waist. She tied her wet dreads up into a ponytail, before exiting her room and continuing down the hall.

The echidna found the hedgehog sitting on the couch, a coffee in front of him. "Shadow?" She asked cautiously.

He glanced her way, his eyes focused on hers. "Your dreads are back." He noticed.

She blushed, nodding. "They get a bit annoying when wet." She said quietly.

The hedgehog watched her as she cleared her throat and straightened up. She walked away from the couch where he sat, apprehensive to be so close to him. She sat in a chair, crossing her hands in her lap. His crimson gaze continued to sear into hers. "I want to discuss what happened back at that party." Tikal said. "The one last week."

"We danced. So what." He said with little emotion.

Tikal blushed, kneading her hands. "But... You..." She stumbled. "Yo-You..." She stopped taking in a breath, still attempting to force the word out. "Kissed me. You kissed me, Shadow."

"Yes, I did. And?" He said, his gaze deepening.

Tikal frowned a little. "But-"

"I kissed you to thank you for the dance. That was it."

"It was more than once. We were... were... making out, that's what Rouge called it!"

"A thank you. That's all it was."

Tikal stayed quiet, her gaze moved from his to the ground. "Was it?" She asked weakly.

"Yes. At least, that's what I made of it." He rumbled lowly. His crimson gaze trailed to her. Tikal's hands were neatly folded in her lap, her head down and dreads blocking her line of sight.

"Tikal?" He said ever so lowly. She didn't answer. "Tikal,"

"Yes?" She asked in a very small voice. Shadow inched closer to the question. His hands closing into fists. His voice was stark, yet quiet. "What did you think that kiss was?"

The echidna seized up a little bit. She played with her blue clay bands, as if in thought. It stayed quiet for a long while. Ever so slowly, she got up from the sofa and knelt to the floor, tucking her knees under her person. Her skirt spread out over her as she reached ahead, grabbing at her weaving pattern that was neatly folding beside the chair. Her dreads still hung in her face, shielding her focused gaze.

Her hands moved slowly at first, as if trying to remember the pattern's order and begin again. "I was confused." She murmured. "Best to make sure, right?"

Shadow's brow furrowed, his eyes focused on her weaving. He didn't say a word, not right now. He instead watched her hands, taking a strand of material, crossing it over another and pulling it taut. Her fingers moved so quickly, yet so carefully. It seemed as though she was a real, live sewing machine. He had to remind himself that she had done this for years, millennia to be precise. His mind wandered - how long ago had this technique of creating clothes died out? Maybe Tikal was the last weaver of this style or practice. Maybe she was the only one left - as it would be hard to believe Knuckles sitting down and meticulously working through a pattern like hers; especially with those giant mittens of his.

He had seen her slowly work away at this pattern before; when he had come home from a long day's work or while on the train from Emerald Town to the Mystic Ruins. She was never this fast though. Then she worked much slower, making sure each strand was woven together perfectly and connected properly. And yet, here she was, working faster than ever. She was trying to avoid something. Maybe outrun some distressing fact of idea. Shadow had a clue of what it was, and knew she would never admit it.

"I think you've read too deeply into it," he said. "Judging by your expression." She stopped weaving. He'd hit it. Exactly what she was trying to avoid. "I suppose that could've happened."

"You suppose?" She echoed. There was a disdain in her voice. Was it sadness, anger, or hatred? No, it couldn't be the latter. A woman of such divinity and kindness could never feel that. Or could she? She was a person after all, sans the whole 'spiritual entity' bit. "You shouldn't lead someone on like that." She said lowly.

"I was not leading you on. It was a kiss. So what?"

"I thought it was more." She said. "And I assume you want me to apologize for that."

Shadow stopped, his gaze falling on the echidna's. Her lips were turned into a frown, her blue gaze lifted from her weaving and held his crimson gaze. She remained on her knees, a sight that would suggest begging for absolution, forgiveness perhaps; but not for this case. She lowered herself to the floor in an attempt to ground herself, remain close with wisdom and what the earth offered. Her eyes welled with tears, a few spilling onto her muzzle. "I'm sorry for thinking that a kiss was more than a thank you."

"Tikal—"

"No. You've made it clear. We're friends. Maybe not even that. Just two people who share living quarters." She said. Her voice was remarkably strong now. "I'm sorry for my mind wandering and thinking it was more."

Shadow got up, carefully walking towards her. Suddenly, she rose, his body meeting hers. Her gaze was still kept from him. Her leaned towards her, ready to push back her dreads and see her azure eyes. "If I had have known you would've read so deeply into it, I wouldn't have asked you to dance at all. It's my fault."

Tikal's head snapped up. A frown spread across her lips. They were a few inches away from each other. She grabbed his outstretched hand, clenching it in her grasp. She was strong, but not forceful or firm. "You're right it's your fault!" She exclaimed, releasing her grip on his hand. "Chaos, you drive me up the bloody wall! You're more dense than a brick house!"

Shadow froze, looking at Tikal. Her touch electrified him, running currents down his spine. "It's like you love to get a rise out of me! Don't you realize how unfair that is? Do you like seeing me all out of sorts?"

Shadow caught her arm, holding it for a second. She scrambled to apologize. His gaze held hers for a moment, pushing one of her long dreads over her shoulder. "Didn't you realize it could've meant?" She asked lowly keeping her gaze towards the ground. Her eyes still watering.

"Yes. I did." He murmured.

"Then why did you kiss me?" Her voice quivering. They stood stock still, afraid to move as if thin glass surrounded them and their movements would send it shattering. Silence was unbearable to the both of them, yet his words hung in the air. There was the near quiet hum of life in the house, and the shallow breaths from the both of them.

"Shadow?" Tikal whispered lowly.

"I don't know why I did." He said finally, his voice cracking through the stillness. His gaze met hers, holding it intensely. His lips twitched as he spoke again, "I have no clue why I asked you to dance in the first place, okay? Is that the answer you wanted?"

She studied his face for a moment before swallowing back shreds of fear. "I don't know the answer I wanted." She whispered.

Shadow let out a sigh, shutting his eyes. He reached towards her, clasping her hand in his. She didn't seize up or stop, instead closing his fingers around hers. "You don't realize something, Tikal."

"What is that," She asked, staring at their intertwined hands.

"You kissed me back." He said quietly. "You kissed me back and you liked it. You wanted more and so did I. We both wanted more and we pushed the boundaries."

Tikal avoided his gaze. "And if memory serves, you were the one who ran from me. You're the one who left me after our... moment."

She stayed silent. "I'd like to know why. I gave you my answer, and now I'd like yours."

He leaned towards her, breathing in her gentle scent. Warmth radiated from her person, her presence electrifying. Her blue eyes watched him, wide and focused. She held his intently, as she looked back to their hands. "I didn't avoid you." She said.

"Yes you did."

"Not by choice, at least." She continued. "You came onto me and I... I liked it. No, I loved it. It was another type... another sort of love, one I had never been allowed to experience! Do you know how strict my father was? The chief's daughter, forever chained to the Shrine and her duties! I had never kissed anyone before that moment Shadow!"

Her grasp on his tightened as she blushed profusely. Slowly, she felt his hand meet her cheek. He drew closer. "Would you believe me if I had said the same?" He asked.

Tikal blushed before pulling her gaze from him. She nodded. "Possibly... but—"

"What?"

"The Gods... My father... All of them would see me for lesser if they knew I had kissed you back," she said, her voice dropping. "I was a symbol of purity, angelicism... Did you know that?"

"Let the gods think what they want," He rumbled lowly.

Tikal shut her eyes before leaning towards Shadow. Their foreheads met as she winced. Tears fell down her muzzle as Shadow wiped them away with his thumb. "All may think you differently. But I, I see you as a kind spirit. And beautiful."

"...Beautiful?

"Many pale in comparison to you. Both mortal and ethereal." He said.

Tikal stayed silent, only meeting his gaze. She reached out to touch his muzzle, the hedgehog doing the same. His palm was warm against her cheek, Chaos Energy, the thing that bound them together, ebbing and flowing through both their bodies.

When the room was quiet and Tikal had stopped her tears, Shadow spoke: "With your permission, I'd like to kiss you, Tikal. May I?"

Slowly, she nodded. Her lips met his. His kiss started out gentle, barely brushing her lips. A second later, Tikal pressed herself closer to him, warmth exploding onto her cheeks as she locked her arms around his neck. She pulled herself closer and closer to the hedgehog as if the floor was about to give out and she were to fall into the pits of the earth. Blinded and breathless by the kiss, he began to pull away, to which the echidna caught his cheek.

Gently, she let her fingers brush his muzzle before pulling him back to her. Their kisses became drunken, pushing her back into his bedroom with a passionate force.

—

Tikal lazily laid in Shadow's arms, cuddled into his chest and under a warm sheet. He was sleeping, a beautiful sight on such a lazy morning. Or afternoon... she couldn't tell what time it was, other than day.

Her fingers ran through his rough quills, trailing up her shoulders and neck to where his lips had defiled—no—graced her body. A breath escaped her lips as she felt him move against her. Warmth enveloped her entire being, moving from her cheeks to her lips, down her neck and making a home in her stomach where fluttering these emotions began. She nuzzled into his chest, feeling his arm come over her shoulder and tiredly give her a warm embrace. She blushed, wondering if this was heaven.

The phone rang. She moved away from his chest, pulled the sheet over, and reached to pick up the receiver. Shadow woke, a hazy smile on his face as she winced with pleasure and delight. She sat up, staring at the buttons and trying to figure out which one answered the call.

He leaned into her, sending her blushing and began to nibble at the nape of her neck. She let out a little moan before breaking away from him to answer it. "H-Hello?" She said, gaze flickering from Shadow who gingerly kissed her fingers to the ground. She flushed and hid a giggle.

"Hi Tikal it's Relic! Cajun and I were wondering where you were, it's Tuesday, remember?"

Her eyes widened. "Oh, right! Chaos, I completely forgot!" She said, as Shadow turned over her hand, placing gentle kisses in her palm. His crimson gaze caught hers, holding it. For a brief moment, she was lost in endless ruby, feeling herself succumb to the pleasure she had been fighting off for years, decades, millennia.

"Tikal? Are you all right?"

"Y-Yes!" Tikal said, breaking her gaze from Shadow who now peppered kisses up her forearm and bicep. She bit her lip, his kiss intoxicating her. "No, I mean! I'm sorry to say that I've come under the weather."

"Come under the weather? So, you're ill?" Relic asked. "You know that's not how the saying goes right?"

"Yes, sorry." Tikal said, breathlessly. "I'm just trying to fight an awful headache... and tremors. I think I just need to spend sometime around the Emeralds. It should re-energize me."

Her gaze focused on the hedgehog who kissed the side of her shoulder. Her breath hitched for a moment, gaining another sensual kiss from him. She hid a smirk as he moved to the back of her neck. "I'd be happy to burn some energy with you," he whispered as she fought a laugh.

Shadow gave a short chuckle, the echidna relishing in how husky, yet oddly velvety his voice could get. She fought a smile as Relic sighed on the other end. "I'm sorry to hear that. Well, rest up so we can see you next week, okay?"

"Yes, I promise to be better by then!" She said quickly before hanging up. The hedgehog gave her a smirk as she burst into laughter.

"'I promise to be better'?" He said. "Shit, you're an awful liar."

Tikal blushed as she shook her head and linked her arms back around his neck. "Just kiss me before I regret this." She said, seating herself on his lap.

"Happy to oblige," he replied, slowly kissing around her collarbone and up her neck to her ears. The echidna laughed, holding tightly onto him, her cheeks scorched wide.

Perhaps this wasn't a mistake like Tikal had thought. They were both ageless creations. They had both experienced years of heartbreak and solitude. Perhaps this could work—Tikal and Shadow, in a relationship.

Perhaps.

a/n: for my dear friend lima. love you buddy, thanks for holding out for this one ❤︎