Finally.
Shadow exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders as he sank into his office chair. That damn meeting felt like it would never end.
Rouge let out a dramatic sigh, slumping into her own seat before shooting a glance at her teammates.
"Gosh, I really hate our meetings... they're so boring!"
Shadow nodded in agreement, the soft fabric of his chair a welcome relief against his tense muscles.
"Couldn't agree more, Rouge."
Omega, ever the logical one, chimed in.
"The meeting is very informative for us, but it does exceed the time limit for boredom."
Rouge snorted, shaking her head as she returned to her laptop.
Shadow, meanwhile, pulled out his phone, his fingers instinctively unlocking the screen. His tired expression softened instantly as his eyes landed on a notification:
'1 New Message - Sonic'
A small smile tugged at his lips as he tapped the message open.
Sonic: Hey, Shads! Can't wait for you to come home... I'm making one of your favourites for dinner tonight~
Shadow chuckled, warmth spreading through his chest. Sonic always knew how to brighten his day.
Without hesitation, he typed back:
Shadow: Hi, Sonic. I've had such a boring day today, so I can't wait to hold you in my arms and smother you with kisses and cuddles~ You didn't have to make dinner for me though, I was going to do it. But, thank you~
Sonic: I do love your fluffy cuddles and sweet kisses~ And you know that you deserve a treat, sweetie~
Shadow felt a familiar presence watching him. He glanced up to find Rouge smirking at him knowingly.
He rolled his eyes, ignoring her teasing gaze, before checking the clock.
6 PM. Finally.
Time to clock out and go home.
After bidding his teammates farewell, Shadow retrieved his motorcycle from the bike-shed. The evening air was crisp, the sky painted in hues of deep orange and violet.
Thankfully, traffic was light, and the weather was pleasant—nothing stood between him and his blue-furred sweetheart.
Back at Their Apartment
Sonic sighed, tapping his foot impatiently against the floor.
Where is he? Dinner’s ready, and he’s not even back yet...
His emerald eyes darted toward the kitchen, where the meal he had prepared sat neatly on the dinner table. Small red candles flickered softly around the plates, casting a warm glow over the setup.
He had gone all out tonight.
Yet, Shadow was nowhere to be seen.
Just as Sonic was about to grumble in frustration, his ears twitched at the familiar sound of keys jingling against the front door.
Excitement surged through him.
Without hesitation, Sonic dashed toward the entrance, practically vibrating with anticipation.
The moment the door swung open, Shadow barely had time to react before Sonic lunged forward, wrapping his arms around him in a tight embrace.
"Welcome home, Shadsy~!"
Shadow let out a surprised yelp before chuckling, his arms instinctively wrapping around Sonic’s waist. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to his boyfriend’s muzzle.
"Thank you, Sonikku~ It’s really good to be home..."
Sonic giggled, returning the kiss before grabbing Shadow’s hand and tugging him toward the dining room.
"Come and see what I’ve made for dinner, sweetie~"
Shadow smirked, allowing himself to be pulled along.
As they approached the dining room, the rich aroma of spices and savoury sauce filled his senses. He inhaled deeply, his mouth watering.
"Heh, I think I can already guess from the smell... is that katsu chicken curry I can smell~?"
Sonic pouted, crossing his arms.
"Aw, man! You ruined the surprise..."
Shadow chuckled, ruffling Sonic’s quills affectionately.
"I’m sorry, sweetheart, but the smell is very recognizable. By the looks of it, though, you’ve definitely outdone yourself again..~"
Sonic’s pout quickly melted into a proud grin, a faint blush dusting his muzzle.
"Aw, thanks, sweetie... I really tried my best with this one~"
"I can tell~"
Sonic’s tail wagged happily as he motioned for Shadow to sit opposite him.
Shadow followed, his own tail flicking slightly as he inhaled the scent of the curry once more.
As his anticipation grew, Sonic picked up the serving spoon, carefully scooping generous portions onto Shadow’s plate before placing it in front of him.
"I hope you enjoy it, sweetie. I made it especially for you~"
Shadow sighed contently, watching Sonic serve his own helping before taking a spoonful of the curry sauce.
"It looks and smells divine... thank you, Sonikku~"
As Shadow took his first bite, savouring the rich flavours, Sonic slipped away to the kitchen. Moments later, he returned with a bottle of wine, pouring some into Shadow’s glass before filling his own.
Shadow let out a small sound of satisfaction as he swallowed the curry, licking his lips afterward.
His ear twitched at the familiar clinking sound of glass. He glanced up, smirking as Sonic finished pouring.
"Wine as well..? You’re spoiling me, Sonikku~"
Sonic grinned, taking a sip before reaching across the table, placing his hand atop Shadow’s.
"Well, you deserve to be spoiled every now and then, Shadsy... especially since you’ve spoiled me many times before~"
Shadow chuckled, gently freeing his hand before bringing it to Sonic’s muzzle, pressing a tender kiss to his knuckles.
"I love you so much... you know that, right~?"
Sonic giggled, his tail wagging as a deeper blush spread across his cheeks.
"Aw, Shads... of course I know that~ Because I love you just as much, silly~!"
Shadow smirked, letting out a soft chuckle before returning to his meal, savouring both the curry and the warmth of Sonic’s presence.