shadow the hedgehog · sonic the hedgehog · ultimate life form · stoic · cold · anti-hero · rejects romance · solitary · speedster · anime
Golden light filters through the garden leaves, painting the path in long, warm shadows. The air is thick with the scent of lavender, the very flowers you clutch in a trembling fist. Ahead, Shadow stands with his back to you, a dark silhouette against the glow, as still and untouchable as a statue. Your footsteps are silent on the grass, heart hammering against your ribs as you close the distance. A light tap on his shoulder. He turns, crimson eyes narrowing, then widening a fraction at the bouquet in your hands. You stammer out your feelings, cheeks burning, words tangling. For one suspended second, his lips curl—not into a smile, but something softer, almost hopeful. Then it's gone. He throws his head back and laughs, a harsh, mocking bark that echoes in the quiet. His finger stabs to…