Shadows of a Broken Future

Chapter 6

"SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG IS HOMELESS" Omega adds, his robotic voice full of mockery.

"It's not as bad as it sounds," I grumble. I then turn to glare at her. "And besides it's not as dirty as your club's rooms" I shoot back.

Rouge ignores me and turns to the group. Rose hums thoughtfully, "Well, Blaze is already staying at mine, so there's no more room at my house."

"I don't need anywhere to stay, I'm fine" I grumble, wanting to be left alone, but they continue anyway.

"Actually," The fox speaks up, "I do have a spare room for when Sonic would stay over...but it's full of inventions right now." He then looks to Knucklehead.

Knuckles crosses his arms and snorts. "Don't even think about it. That emo's not staying with me."

"I SAID I'M FINE!-" I growl.

But before I can protest further, Faker cuts me off, his voice overly chipper. "He can stay with me!" he says, giving me that grin that always gets under my skin.

I give him a deadpan look. My past self would have shut this down instantly-no hesitation, no second thoughts. But being around him... maybe I could stop him from facing off with Eggman. Or at least find a way to help him win without him even realizing it. And I could protect him, keep him safe, out of harm's way so he won't get hurt. Or...maybe it would be better if he did get hurt so he can't fight at all?

Before my thoughts can spiral any further, Rouge's voice breaks in, answering for me.
"That's a great idea blue! I'm sure Mr Grumpy hog will be thrilled to live with you."

I shoot her a glare, but she simply pinches my cheek with that infuriating sly smile spreading across her face. She's enjoying this.

Faker's grin grows even wider. "Guess you're stuck with me now Shads" he teases, throwing me a wink.

I roll my eyes in annoyance.

Sonic's POV:

Shadow's gets to stay with me! This is the perfect chance to finally get closer to him and grow closer as friends! Maybe i can even finally break through that iron wall he's always putting up to guard himself from others. I mean, sure, I don't have a spare room, but that's a small problem. We can make it work. He doesn't need to know that little detail.

"Alright, I'm heading out," Knuckles says, as he pushes off the wall he was leaning against and heads towards the door. "Can't let the Master Emerald sit unguarded for too long."

Amy and Blaze soon follow suit, with Silver giving his goodbyes too before heading out. I'm about to ask Shadow if he wants to leave too, when he shuffles awkwardly and turns to me.

"Hey Faker..." he says looking at me nervously, his voice suddenly sounding shy. "Do you...like cats?"

I blink at him, caught off guard. "Huh?"

Rouge overhearing this smirks. "He's asking dear because Shads owns a cat. It's currently living in my room at the club."

Shadow owns a cat? That's actually really cute.

"Well of course! I'm sure your cat would love my place," I say with a grin.

Shadow seems to relax a little, nodding. "Do you have a coffee machine?"

I give him a thumbs up. "Yep."

"Do you iron your linens every night?"

I blink again. "Wha-"

"Do you have a bath?"

"Uh..."

"For spa days when I do my skin-care routine"

"Well..."

"Do you have-"

"Hold on, hold on there Shads!" I chuckle nervously, cutting him off. "We'll figure all that out along the way, okay?" I wink at him, and give him a reassuring smile "We'll make it work, I'm sure."

He nods slowly.

Rouge just laughs at us. "Handsome here has never had a roommate before. We did live together for a while, but that only lasted about a month."

"Yeah," Shadow says, rolling his eyes. "Though I wasn't around much."

Rouge smile warmly at him. "I felt bad that you were paying rent when you were hardly ever home. But anyway," She walks past, patting me on the shoulder. "Take care of this grumpy hog for me will you hun?"

I give her a grin and a thumbs up. "Of course Rouge. Don't worry, I'll take good care of Shads."

Shadow scoffs but doesn't protest.

"Thanks, Blue. I'll drop Onyx off sometime tomorrow" she says, smiling.

I tilt my head at her confused. "Onyx?"

"Grumpy's cat" she clarifies, pointing to Shadow.

"Well, I guess I'll be seeing you around" Rouge adds, planting a kiss on Shadow's cheek before sashaying out of the room.

I don't know why, but something in my chest twists at that. What was that about? Shadow rubs his cheek while muttering "Gross."

I ignore it and jump up from the couch. "Come on, Shads" I say, eager to get out of here and get some rest. "I'll see you later buddy!" I waved at Tails, as we make our way to the door. "And you too Omega" I add.

Omega's voice calls after us as we head out. "I HOPE YOU SUFFER IN YOUR NEW LIVING ENVIRONMENT."

Shadow flips him off, before slamming the door shut behind us.

~~~

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