Look at me

His gaze has always been a mystery to Sonic. A book he had read but not understood, which he had carefully tried to know over and over again many, many times, trying to understand the meaning of what was said, but each time he failed. It was an impenetrable wall, and if he was used to breaking the rest of the walls playfully, this time the defense was much more complicated than he was willing to admit. A thin, thoughtful network of hundreds of facts that enmeshes every layer of distrust, disgust for people. It was designed to protect so that in the event of a breach, the other layers, connected by threads of past pain, could easily contain the onslaught of the enemy. So was the black hedgehog itself. A formidable opponent. Brave to the point of self-sacrifice, but not representing themselves as part of the family. At least that's how Sonic saw him. In those ruby eyes, like blood, he saw death and life at the same time. Shadow's desire to save lives, which he denied with all his appearance, but showed by his actions, confused and delighted. Sonic knew what it was. He instilled that feeling. He was the same. Many have always seen in these rubies only a cold detachment and prudence. They seemed lifeless, if you do not pay enough attention, do not look more closely. Shadow went out of his way to keep everyone at arm's length, at least. Or better a couple of meters. That's why Sonic came closer than he was allowed to. He liked to break laws, violate the boundaries of what was permissible, causing sparks of genuine emotions in indifferent precious red stones. Over time, he learned to recognize what Shadow doesn't want, but shows. Feelings. As it turned out, these eyes were so expressive that you could read a black hedgehog by them. A secret language, subject only to the one who deciphered this complex text. Twitching of the ears, covered, or vice versa, wide-open eyes, a raised eyebrow, nervous tapping of fingers, arms folded on the chest, tense shoulders, a wave of the tail, a tilt of the head. Subtle but so important movements that tell you what Shadow is experiencing at the moment. Put it all together, look at his eyes and you will understand everything. Sonic smiled when he noticed the fear in his opponent's eyes, just as he pretended to fall into the abyss. Unmistakably. This time, Shadow gave himself away. Anxiety. Was it hard to read this? It's unbelievable. — I didn't know you were so worried about me, Shads. And here, again: arms folded on his chest, eyelids covered in false contempt. — Only in your dreams. But for a split second, black ears pressed against his head, and a spark flashed in his eyes until Shadow had time to close them, dilating the pupils as black as night. Sonic grinned. Yes. He's worried. Much stronger than Sonic could have imagined. After all, if not, why did Shadow rush after him into the abyss without hesitation, catching him by the arm and instantly teleporting them both to safety? — I'm worried about you too, Shad. And I'm not ashamed to admit it. A light, playful poke under the black ribs to induce another disgruntled "snort" and Sonic escaped, winking and letting Shadow think the hero was no longer watching. Left alone, the black hedgehog gives up confusedly, and then runs his hand over his face from top to bottom, as if insanely tired. Ears down, shoulders too. He exhales doomedly and takes a few deep breaths. Sonic knows that this breathing technique helps to calm down and recover. He himself uses it when he worries. Does this mean that words have punched another hole in this impregnable line of defense? Definitely. After a while, Shadow responds with the same verbal blows. Accurate and dangerous, which Sonic does not expect, because he did not know that Shadow would decide to dig as deep as no one could penetrate. Not only that, he didn't even know that he had actually cultivated walls as strong as Shadow. It turns out that Sonic knows how to snap, which amuses the black hedgehog and at the same time delights. Sonic holds many secrets, skillfully hidden and veiled under a mask of carelessness. Shadow is determined to break it down at all costs. It's a kind of revenge for Sonic making him remember emotions he didn't want to remember and now couldn't put them in a cage again. That shouldn't have happened. Never. But it happened. It was inevitable when we're talking about two stubborn idiots willing to do anything to drive each other to exhaustion. Now they felt like a part of each other. Woven together are secrets that they shared only with each other, fearing that someday, the world will know about them if they give up under the onslaught of circumstances and accumulated pain. Sonic was right. Pain is easier to bear together. The pain becomes less when you share it with someone you trust. Shadow couldn't afford to trust anyone. Sonic, too. But now, they have become attached to each other, allowing themselves to feel safe in each other's arms. It was weird for both of them, but too desirable to stop. Now, the ruby eyes showed more than Sonic could have imagined. A silent conversation that penetrates the very soul. "I adore you", "Are you okay?", "Caught you!", "You're annoying...", "If you don't stop, the whole world will see that you are mine, okay?", "Watch out!", "You're sweet", "Thank you for being with me". It made smile. It warmed heart. Made the stupid butterflies flutter in stomach. Reading Shadow was more fascinating than the most interesting book. Seeing his smile was more satisfying than watching the most interesting movie. To feel his warmth and listen to the pounding of his heart was... It is impossible to describe in words, so Sonic simply poked his nose into this stunning soft white fur and barely held back tears of happiness when previously rough fingers, now gently and reverently combed his needles, expressing the thoughts of the owner: "I will always be with you"