Shadows of a Broken Future

Chapter 16

"Oh, hey Ames, what's up?" I ask, trying to act casual while I inwardly groan.

"I was wondering if you want to go on a date today! You sound like you're in a really good mood" she chirps.

"Ah, sorry Ames, but I've already got plans today" I say quickly, hoping she won't press further.

"Oh?" she sounds disappointed, but her curiosity is obvious. "What are you doing today? Is that why you sound so happy?"

I scratch the back of my neck. "Well, me and Shads are... um, hanging out. Just getting out of the house and all that, you know?" I say, laughing nervously.

"What! But why spend time with Shadow when you could be with me?! He-" she starts to complain, but I quickly cut her off.

"Sorry Ames, I really gotta go. Catch you later!" I say, hanging up before she can say anything else.

I exhale sharply in relief.

After splashing my face with cold water to wake up, I run downstairs to find breakfast waiting for me, looking more like something you'd get from a fancy five-star restaurant than at home. Toast with avocado, salmon, and a poached egg covered in hummus, all carefully arranged on plates with a steaming cup of coffee on the side. The sight makes me feel warm inside.

Shadow's already at the table, having just finished a phone call of his own. When he sees me, he nods, and I sit across from him, digging into the delicious breakfast.

"Who was that?" I ask, taking a bite.

"Rouge, she was just checking in" he replies, sounding casual, though there's a slight hint of something else in his tone.

I nod, swallowing my food before looking up at him and smiling. "This food is amazing Shads! You're really good at cooking. If the whole G.U.N thing doesn't work out, you should seriously consider becoming a chef."

He scoffs, but I notice the small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he sips his coffee.

After breakfast, I quickly get ready. I brush my quills, even spritz on some cologne-is that too much?-and apply some lip balm on to make my lips look glossy, because why not? Maybe I'm overthinking it, maybe it's too much, but I really want to look good.

By the time we're at the door, I'm practically bouncing on my feet, barely able to contain my excitement. Shadow looks perfect as always, dressed in his leather jacket, his quills now looking sleek and neatly styled.

He slides a set of keys out of his pocket with a small smirk. "How would you feel about taking my bike?" he asks, his tone teasing.

Chaos, that smirk is hot.

"Yes!" I practically blurt out, my tail wagging involuntarily. Shadow chuckles and leads the way to his bike, which he starts up with ease while I stand there awkwardly, watching him.

"Are you gonna get on, or just stare at me all day?" he says, rolling his eyes.

I fumble with my gloves nervously. "Uh, I've never been on a bike before, so... I don't really know how." I admit, my voice trailing off.

"It's not rocket science. Just get on behind me and swing your leg over" he replies with that confident smirk off his, clearly amused.

I awkwardly follow his instructions, my hands nervously clutching the sides of my legs as I settle behind him.

"Hold on tight" he says, his voice low.

I blink. Hold on tight to what?

Before I can ask, he revs the engine, and we're off in a blur of speed.