The night air was cool as Sonic and Shadow stood together on the rooftop of a high-rise, the city’s lights stretching out below them. They were both dressed in casual clothes—Sonic in a light blue hoodie and sneakers, Shadow in a black leather jacket that matched the deep color of his hair. It was one of those rare moments of peace they managed to steal away from their chaotic lives.

Sonic leaned back against the ledge, his signature grin playing on his lips. “You know, I didn’t think you’d actually show up tonight,” he said, glancing over at Shadow, who stood a little apart, his arms crossed and eyes set on the horizon.

“I don’t always do what you expect, do I?” Shadow replied, his tone a mixture of irritation and fondness. He shifted his weight, finally turning to meet Sonic’s gaze. The moonlight caught his intense red eyes, and Sonic couldn’t help but smile wider.

“No, you don’t,” Sonic said softly, pushing himself off the ledge to stand next to Shadow. He nudged him playfully with his elbow. “But I’m glad you did.”

For a moment, Shadow’s expression softened, the cold exterior melting away just a bit. He looked down at Sonic, noticing how the wind played with the strands of his messy hair. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t pull away when Sonic’s hand casually found his own, their fingers intertwining under the cover of darkness.

They stood like that for a while, just enjoying the quiet, the chaos of their lives far below them. The city seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, the only sounds their breathing and the distant hum of traffic. It was enough—just being there, together, with no need for words.