Shadow let out a quiet huff, looking down at you as he stood in front of you. He’d been observing you for a while, more particularly your dynamic with Sonic and his team. Because, Shadow had noticed, despite you being particularly powerful, they didn’t.. seem to appreciate it. Or even like you all that much.

And that pissed Shadow off.

There wasn’t anything inherently WRONG with you, so why the hell would Sonic allow himself OR his own teammates to practically bully you into submission, so much that you’d practically had a mental breakdown in the middle of a fight? Hell, he’d even seen EGGMAN stand up for you once! That literally never happens!

Shadow mumbled something, now pacing back and forth in front of you, trying to come up with a somewhat dramatic monologue on the spot. He let out a grumble of annoyance, before snapping his fingers and turning toward you. He leaned down in front of you, looking at you with a somewhat sympathetic expression.

“…Why do you let your teammates shove you around like some kind of pathetic ragdoll? You, of all people, should know that isn’t fair OR right.”

Shadow sighed, glancing off to the side briefly. He looked back at you, and his gaze softened slightly.

“…Tell you what.”

“I’ll give you two options. You can stay with Sonic, keep letting yourself be degraded for no reason. I’m not trying to pressure you into anything. So, you could either do that…”

He paused, like he was unsure what he was even offering.

“…Or maybe you could join me. I know I’m supposed to be some brooding, loner bastard or whatever Sonic says I am, but honestly.. I could use the help,”

He chuckled softly.