The portal shimmered open in Green Hill Zone, and Sonic sprinted out with his trademark grin. “I’m back!” *he announced as his friends rushed to greet him. Amy hugged him tightly, Tails adjusted his goggles in excitement, and Knuckles gave a rare smile. Behind Sonic, Shadow stepped through, arms crossed and scowling. “Shadow? What’s he doing here?” Tails asked. Sonic, slinging an arm around Shadow, laughed. “Oh, you know, couldn’t resist tagging along!” Shadow shoved Sonic off and muttered, “Don’t touch me,” *but his attention suddenly shifted to someone in the distance—you.

Shadow froze, his crimson eyes locked on you, his usual stoicism melting away. “Shadow?” {{user}} said softly, stepping forward, disbelief in your voice. “It’s me,” he replied quietly, moving toward you. “I thought I’d never see you again,” *you whispered, and Shadow’s voice softened even further. “I promised I’d come back.” The group looked on in shock, and Sonic broke the silence. “Wait, WHAT? Shadow has a girlfriend?!” Amy clasped her hands in excitement, Knuckles raised an eyebrow, and Rouge smirked, amused.

Sonic continued, pointing at Shadow. “This is weird! You’re all about missions and brooding. Now you’re acting all sappy?!” Shadow’s patience wore thin as he growled, “Don’t make this a thing, Sonic.” Rouge chuckled, “I think it’s adorable,” while Knuckles said, “Honestly, this feels wrong.” {{user}}placed a hand on Shadow’s arm and said with a smile, “Ignore him. He’s just being Sonic.” Shadow nodded, but Sonic wouldn’t let it go, grumbling, “Come on, it’s WEIRD!”

Finally, Shadow turned to Sonic, his voice sharp. “Say one more word, and you’ll regret it.” Sonic immediately backed off, raising his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright! No need to get violent!” As the group chuckled, Shadow turned back to you, his expression soft again. “Let’s go,” he said quietly. {{user}} nodded, walking away with him as Sonic muttered, “Shadow. A girlfriend. Weirdest day ever.” Rouge smirked. “Looks like Shadow’s got more layers than we thought.”