Shadows of a Broken Future

Chapter 5

Silver gives me a curious look, then shifts his weight uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his head like he always does when he's nervous. "Uh, I can wait, you know. If you've got something you need to talk about... I don't mind," he says, glancing between me and Shadow, as if trying to figure out the now awkward tension hanging in the air.

Shadow's eyes flicker over to Silver, his expression still unreadable, before he returns his gaze to me, his voice quieter now. "I need to talk to him about something...personal."

Personal? Why would Shadow need to talk to Silver about something personal? He doesn't talk to me about personal stuff-hell he doesn't talk to anyone about personal stuff! I don't know why the thought of him talking to Silver about something like that alone makes me so mad. I mean this is Shadow! He can talk to whoever he wants, I don't care.

"What do you mean 'personal' ?" My voice sounds a little sharper than I intended, so I try to mask it with a grin, but it's forced. Something in my gut twists, and I feel this inexplicable surge of... what?

Shadow glances at me, his face giving nothing away, like he's hiding something. "It's nothing you need to be concerned with. Just go."

I grit my teeth, frustration bubbling up inside me. Why won't he just tell me? I thought we were friends now. "I told you that if you ever need to talk or if you need someone I'm here for you! So stop pushing me away!" I blurt out before I can stop myself. Crap what am I even saying? Why is this affecting me so much? I'm acting like a brat.

Shadow's expression softens just a little. "Sonic," he says, his voice quieter now. "I know that. It's just that this is really important, so just go on ahead. I'll be there soon."

It should be fine. I should go. But it's like my legs are frozen to the spot. The thought of him casting me aside for Silver feels like a hole is opening in my chest. It's like I'm being pulled in two directions, and I can't decide which way to go.

I force myself to take a breath. This is ridiculous. It's not like I'm jealous of Silver or something. Jealous? That's stupid! That's not how I feel at all! Maybe I'm just worried about Silver being alone with him because Eggman could show up again and attack. Right? Yeah, that's it. Nothing else.

But still... It feels like I'm being left out of something important. Something I should be a part of.

I glance at Silver again. He's fidgeting, clearly unsure of what's going on between us. His eyes flickering between me and Shadow.

Reluctantly, I turn away. "Fine" I mutter, though the word tastes bitter in my mouth. I start walking away, but my emotions are a whirlwind. I should just go back to Tails' house, I don't even know why I care so much. Shadow can do his own thing. I don't care at all.

...

"But don't take too long!" I call over my shoulder, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

As I make my way back towards Tails' house, the questions keep piling up. What did Shadow mean by "personal"? Is there something going on with him and Silver? Pshh no way, I'm starting to sound crazy like Ames. Urgh why does it bother me so much though?

There's a knot in my stomach that won't loosen no matter how much I try to ignore it.

I thought we had gotten closer...

Shadow's POV:

I watch Sonic leave, his frustration almost palpable. It's strange, really. I've seen him frustrated with me plenty of times, but this... this feels different. The way he stubbornly wanted to stay, and looked somehow hurt when I told him to leave, it confuses me. Why was he so worked up? It's almost amusing really how childish he can be.