Shadow’s eyes snapped open. His body felt weak and cold.

“Sh–Shadow?” He heard Amy’s soft voice.

“I’m fine.” He said quickly. “It’s just that I…”

“That you’re as pathetic as always?” Amy finished. Her tone sounded as if the words she spoke were not coming out, but rather something calm and sweet. He could see her grin even though his vision was black.

Out of the dark shadows came Amy. She was carrying a plate of Beef Stroganoff and had a grin so wide she looked possessed. “It’s all your fault, Shadow. Everything bad that has ever happened to you. Finally getting what you deserve!”

Shadow shot up. He grabbed Amy by the throat and squeezed tighter. Blood began to trickle from her lips.

“I’m sorry, Shadow. I was… only trying to help you.”

“I don’t need to be ridiculed!” Shadow’s wet breaths made it difficult to speak. Why was it so hard to breathe? “I don’t need you, Rose! I don’t need anyone!”

“Yes you do.”

That was a different voice. It was a softer voice than Amy’s. A more human voice. Shadow stiffened.

The blonde woman of his dreams. Of his nightmares.

Shadow jerked forward as he woke up. He winced. His head was still in pain.

“Shadow, are you feeling alright?”

He didn’t respond, only staring down at his hands. They had been covered in blood.

“Amy, did I hurt you?” He said hoarsely. Shadow turned around to look at Amy behind him, who was holding a large plate of Beef Stroganoff in her hands.

“What? No, I’m fine.” Amy laughed nervously. “How are you feeling? I think you had hypothermia.”

Shadow stared up at the food. The previous events had most likely been a dream, although part of him was afraid that it was not. What if Amy had knocked him down, and that was why he was feeling so dizzy? He shivered.

“Was that a dream?” Shadow’s voice was still raspy. “That I…”

Shadow trailed off. Amy only smiled. “Oh, Shadow, did you have a nightmare?”

He stiffened. “Are you just going to hold it or are you going to let me eat?”

“Oh–sorry.” Amy scurried over and handed Shadow the plate of Beef Stroganoff.

He shoveled in the food immediately. It surprised Amy how fast he ate. The last time they had eaten together, a few months ago when Shadow saved the earth, he ate very slowly and had this reserved nature to every motion. Now, he was eating so quickly that it seemed as if all his walls were down.

Maybe that was a good thing. He needed more friends. Sure, he was technically “friends” with Rouge and Omega, although based on what Rouge had told her, Shadow barely spoke to either of them. Friends like that might as well be simple acquaintances.

It was now that Amy noticed how ragged Shadow looked. His quills weren’t brushed and he wasn’t wearing his usual red eyeliner. He also appeared to have lost a considerable amount of weight since she had last seen him. Large bags were present on his stone cold face; he looked as if he were eternally exhausted.

Shadow noticed the look of pity Amy gave him and stopped. He didn’t want her pity; his pride couldn’t take it. 

“What are you looking at?!” Shadow snapped.

At Amy’s recoil Shadow grimaced. His horrible temper was going to mess things up again. He had to be more civil.

“I… sorry Amy.” Shadow grumbled. “Thanks for making this for me.”

“Are you still feeling cold? I can get you more blankets or–”

“I’m fine. Just… Can I spend the night?”

“Of course!”

Amy wouldn’t force him out, although it made her slightly uneasy that Shadow was in her home. It was only one night, and Shadow was clearly weak, although a lot could happen in one night. 

She’d have to lock her bedroom door.