A World Without Him (Shadow the hedgehog x Reader)

Chapter 14: Old Friends, New Lives

Y/N's head tilted. "You did?"

Tails nodded. "Yeah. I was one of the scientists analyzing the reports on your energy levels and physical tests. Your readings were... crazy. But I never thought I'd get to meet you."

Y/N chuckled. "Well, I'm not as exciting as a science report, I promise."

Knuckles, who had been silently watching, finally stepped forward. "I've seen you around before," he said simply. "You're tough."

Y/N smirked. "I try."

With introductions wrapped up, the group easily fell into their usual rhythm—video games, snacks, and playful banter. Y/N found herself relaxing quicker than expected, seamlessly blending into the atmosphere.

At one point, Rouge leaned in and whispered, "There's just one more person you haven't met yet. He should be here soon. He's always late."

Y/N didn't think much of it, simply nodding as she followed Amy into the kitchen to help with her so-called famous guacamole.

Y/N was mid-mash when she heard voices greeting someone new in the living room.

"Oh, that must be him," she thought, still focused on getting the consistency just right.

Amy wiped her hands on a dish towel and turned to her. "I'll go say hi real quick. Keep mashing, you're doing great."

Y/N scoffed. "Yes, ma'am."

Amy left, and Y/N continued, humming softly to herself. The avocado mash was nearly perfect when she sensed someone entering the kitchen.

"Hey, Amy, check it out—I perfected the—"

She turned around.

The spoon in her hand slipped from her fingers, clattering onto the floor.

Her breath hitched.

Her heart stopped.

Shadow.

The black and red hedgehog stood frozen, golden-ringed eyes wide in disbelief. His normally stoic expression cracked, his hands trembling ever so slightly.

"This... can't be real," Y/N whispered.

Shadow's throat worked, but no words came out at first. His mind reeled, trying to process what he was seeing. The last time he had seen Y/N, she had been ripped away from him.

"How did you... I thought you were..." His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

Y/N felt her whole body shake, too afraid to move closer, too afraid that this was some cruel hallucination.

But then Shadow took a step forward.

Then another.

And suddenly, he was right there, standing just inches away. His breathing was uneven, his chest rising and falling like he had just run miles.

Then, before he could stop himself, his arms wrapped around her.

Y/N let out a quiet gasp but didn't hesitate to return the embrace, gripping his jacket as though anchoring herself to reality.

"Shadow..." Her voice wavered. "You're alive."

He shut his eyes. "You're alive."

And for a moment, nothing else existed.