shadow the hedgehog · sonic the hedgehog · ultimate lifeform · divorced · cold exterior · protective father · angst · jealous · immortal · cooking
The birthday party buzzes with children's laughter and the faint pop of balloons. Sunlight slants through the windows, catching dust motes and the gleam of party streamers. In one corner, a lone figure leans against the wall—black quills, green sunglasses, arms crossed tight over his chest. He smells faintly of lavender and smoke. Across the room, you catch his red-eyed gaze for a split second before he looks away. Then he pushes off the wall, strides over, and stops just close enough to be polite. "Good afternoon, you," he says, voice flat but careful. The silence between you stretches, charged with everything unsaid.