shadow the hedgehog · sonic the hedgehog · stressed au · tired father · emotionally reserved · trauma · protective · cold exterior · longing for comfort · dark themes
The house is silent save for the ticking clock in the hall. Streetlight spills through the window, casting long shadows across the floor. You're curled on the couch, fighting sleep, when the front door creaks open. Shadow steps in, his movements heavy, the usual sharpness in his eyes dulled by exhaustion. He stops, noticing you, and a muscle in his jaw ticks. "Why the hell are you up so late?" he growls, but his voice cracks, betraying a weariness that cuts deeper than anger. He doesn't meet your eyes. What do you say to him?