Dear Maria,
I...
Have something to tell you.
Me and Pinkie... Well...
I.. I kissed her.
And I told her that I love her. You know what she said?
SHE SAID SHE LOVED ME TOO!
Words cannot even begin to express how happy I am right now! I.. haven't been this happy in a while.
As I write this, it's been a few days, and it's early morning as my pink angel is still fast asleep.
Heh, I just called her an angel. Well, it's true, at least for me.
Tangents aside, I don't know how I was blessed with this light for my life. If it was you, I thank you. I love you sister.
And now, I have someone else to love as much as you.
Oh, and, uh, Sonic and his friends know.
I still don't know their opinions on me and her, but for now, I don't think I really care. Ironic, I know.
She's happy, and I'm happy, and that's what matters.
Love, Your very happy brother,
Shadow
Shadow stood from his bed. It was early morning, and the sun was just starting to rise. He glanced at Pinkie, whom was still fast asleep. He smiled softly, and walked over to her bed.
'She's so cute.'
He gave a quiet sigh, and continued to wonder Pinkie's rooms until he reached the balcony. He stopped at its doors, and stared for a moment. He turned, and walked towards the doors, opening them.
The morning light poured into the room, and onto him. He stepped out onto the balcony and stood, looking out onto Ponyville. Hues of orange, yellow, and blue bloomed across the horizon.
Shadow inhaled and exhaled deeply, his breath visible in the cold air.
Suddenly Shadow felt hooves wrap around him from behind.
He blinked with surprise, and glanced behind him. Pinkie beamed at him.
"What are you doing up so early?"
Shadow looked back at the sunrise.
"Admiring the view."
Pinkie let go of him, and came to a stance next to him, watching the sunrise.
Shadow put his hand on her back and smiled softly.
"Thank you for coming to check up on me."
Pinkie giggled softly at his comment, and leaned onto him. "I wanted to. I think I've gotten too used to your breathing patterns."
Shadow chuckled back. A comfortable silence came upon them.
After a while, Pinkie stepped away.
"It's almost time for Twilight's weekly breakfast. Which means I have to get cooking." Pinkie turned, and started to walk.
"I'll see you there Shady."
Shadow chuckled again.
"You forgot something."
Pinkie was slightly confused, and turned back to him.
"What's that?"
Shadow walked up to her.
"This."
He gave her a quick teasing kiss, making Pinkie blush. Shadow smirked.
"Good morning pink angel."
Pinkie giggled again, and put a hoof on his chest fur.
"Good morning handsome prince."
She turned and walked away, leaving Shadow to stare up into the sky.
"A little run before breakfast should do."
He hopped off the balcony, and took a brisk run.
"Mmm, Pinkie, these pancakes are delicious!"
Fluttershy hummed happily as she took her first bite of the pancake.
The mane 6 were being served breakfast by Twilight and Pinkie. Twilight handed a pancake to Applejack.
"Thank ya kindly, Twi."
Rainbow Dash deeply inhaled the scent of the pancake Pinkie handed her, mouth beginning to water.
"They especially smell like cinnamon today."
Twilight levitated a pancake to Rarity, Rarity taking it with her own magic.
"And they look just heavenly, darling."
Twilight and Pinkie went to sit down at their sides of the table.
"Thank you girls for the complements! But Twilight really did work hard on them too." Pinkie spoke as she sat down, grabbing two plates and placing a huge stack of pancakes on one, three pancakes on the other. Twilight smiled.
"Thanks Pinkie. But you did most of the work."
Pinkie gave a scoff, still smiling.
"It was your recipe."
Just then, Shadow came walking in to the room. He had two flowers in his quills.
"Am I late?"
They all gave a smile to the ebony hedgehog, and Twilight shook her head.
"No, you're just in time."
Shadow walked over to take a seat next to Pinkie.
He smiled, and took one of the flowers from his quills and put it in Pinkie's hair.
Pinkie beamed, and kissed his cheek.
"Thanks Shady!"
Shadow smiled softly, giving a small blush. He rubbed the back of his head bashfully.
"No problem."
They all started to eat, but strangely, Twilight and her friends were silent. They kept looking at the couple.
Shadow finally noticed the ponies' eyes on him. Halfway through breakfast, he swallowed the piece of pancake that he had been currently eating, and stared at them with a questionable look .
"What?"
He suddenly realized why they were starring. He glanced at Pinkie, whom was not paying attention to the moment, and was busy biting into her stack of pancakes.
He sighed, and put his fork down. That got Pinkie's attention.
"If you're going to gush about us, just do it now. Get it out."
Silence followed for the next few seconds, before Rarity busted out.
"You two are SO CUTE!"
And just like that, conversation erupted.
"Rarity was holding that one in for a while you know." Rainbow Dash commented, with a smug smile.
Fluttershy spoke with a smile.
"We all knew that you both would get together eventually, and I'm very happy for you two."
Applejack rubbed the back of her head. "And I'd be lyin' if I'd say I didn't agree with y'all."
Twilight chuckled, and smiled.
"What we're trying to say is, congratulations. We are all very excited to see where this new adventure will take you two."
Pinkie grinned at her friends. "Awww, thank you guys. That really means a lot to me. And to Shady, right?"
She turned to him with a smirk, tying to replicate his.
Shadow chuckled, and gave a small smile, to her, then to her friends.
"Of course. Thank you girls."
Knuckles walked into the room, still feeling a little groggy. He then noticed that Shadow was smiling. Shadow was quick to notice Knuckles too, and stopped.
Knuckles looked at him with a face full of confusion.
"Were you just smiling Shadow?"
"No. Definitely not." Shadow lied. Pinkie nudged him, and Shadow glanced at her. He sighed, and smiled with defeat.
"Yes, I was. And I am right now. Happy?"
His face abruptly turned back to normal. Knuckles inhaled to speak, but Shadow interrupted.
"Good. You'll never see it anywhere else, expect in Equestria. Got it?"
Knuckles nodded, and quickly smelled the scent of pancakes.
"Did someone cook pancakes?"
Applejack responded to his comment.
"Pinkie and Twilight did. Y'all are welcome to take some. She made plenty for everyone, when they wake up eventually."
Knuckles nodded again.
"Uh-huh..."
His eyes drifted back to the pony and hedgehog couple briefly.
"Was I dreaming? Am I still dreaming now?" He thought aloud.
Pinkie shook her head.
"Nope. It was all real."
"And you might want to get used to it."
Rainbow Dash was the one to have spoken, Twilight preparing another plate with her magic, and placing it at an empty spot on the big dining hall table.
Knuckles was hesitant, but hunger made him think otherwise. He walked over, and sat down in the chair in front of the plate.
Another long moment passed, as everyone started eating, and conversation finally went back to normal.
Shadow finished the last bite of his pancake, and stood up quickly.
"My morning shift is about to start. It's counter and storefront work."
He was going to grab his empty plate when Twilight objected.
"You can leave it there Shadow. Pinkie's probably going to lick it clean anyways."
Shadow stifled a laugh, as well as Pinkie, although, she had some pancake in her mouth already. She swallowed, and smiled.
"See you after work Shady."
Shadow smiled back, and quickly kissed her before running to the door. He stopped at the door frame.
"Oh, Pinks?"
Shadow turned to look at Pinkie. He smirked.
"You taste like strawberries."
Pinkie blushed at the remark, and Shadow sped off.
Pinkie suddenly had a love-struck grin, and put a hoof to her chest, letting out a small, happy sigh.
The mane 5 glanced at her with knowing looks. Pinkie noticed, and she smiled shyly.
Knuckles had witnessed the whole ordeal, and was still quite puzzled, and a little stunned.
"Is anybody going to tell me how this happened, or am I going to be left in the dark?"
"What are we going to get this morning Tails?"
Tails and Silver were making their way to Sugarcube Corner. It was still morning, and the sun was fully greeting the land. It didn't make much difference though, as it was still cold out. The two wanted to grab a sweet from the shop to eat later, as they, Sonic, and Knuckles were going to look for more Chaos Emeralds that afternoon. So far, they had 3.
"Probably just a loaf of sweet bread. I don't want anything too sugary today." Tails answered as they walked towards the bakery doors.
Silver shrugged. "Suit yourself. I'm going to get as many banana and chocolate muffins as I can!"
As they walked in, they witnessed something peculiar, to them at least.
Shadow stood behind the clerk counter, and placed two pig pink boxes on it. He put a hand on the top of the pile. He was speaking to the customer, whom was a grey pegasus with a blonde mane and tail. She had on a satchel.
"Now, Derpy," He spoke in a stern voice, "As much as I love your frequent trips to the shop, you have to stop ordering so many muffins. I'm practically running out every morning."
Derpy cringed at herself, and rubbed her neck, looking away. Tails and Silver noticed her eyes were derpy.
"Sorry Shadow, you know I can't help myself."
Shadow sighed, and slid the boxes across the counter to her.
"Just, try not to show up this week then. These should be enough for you."
Derpy smiled, and reached into her satchel, handing Shadow a pile of bits.
"Thank you Shadow, but I can't promise anything."
Shadow nodded, but gave a sigh as the mare placed the boxes on her back. Derpy turned, and waved as she left.
"Thanks again! I'll try to at least not come back tomorrow."
Shadow rolled his eyes at the remark, but waved back as she walked out. Tails and Silver stood next to the door, a little surprised to see him here.
"Shadow? What are you doing here?" Tails asked, as he and Silver walked up to him.
"This is my job. Well, as long as we're staying in Equestria for." Shadow replied simply, retaining a neutral expression.
He raised a brow, and crossed his arms.
"Is there a problem with that?"
Silver slightly winced, and shook his head.
"No, not at all Shadow. We're just surprised to see you here."
Shadow rolled his eyes again.
"So, you are here to buy something, right?"
Tails nodded, and quickly glanced around the store.
"Do you guys have any sweet bread?"
Shadow pointed to the far left of the store, where the breads were kept.
"Sweet breads are on the top shelf."
Tails nodded again, and smiled. Tails walked over to observe his options as Silver stood there for a few seconds.
He smiled cautiously.
"..I'm guessing that previous pegasus just bought all the muffins then."
Shadow didn't answer, he just turned towards the kitchen doors, and gave a shout.
"Ms. Cake, do we have any more banana or chocolate muffins in our inventory?"
A voice answered from the kitchen.
"Some hot and fresh ones are coming out of the oven right now! Could you be a dear and help me box these up?"
Shadow turned to see a stunned Silver staring at him.
"How-?"
Shadow rolled his eyes, and turned again.
"This may take a minute."
He walked into the kitchen, leaving Silver puzzled and confused. Silver sighed, and shook his head in disbelief. He turned, and walked over to Tails to browse.
Shadow walked into the kitchen, grabbing a few pink boxes on his way to the next counter, stocked with hot and fresh muffins.
Ms. Cake closed the oven.
"So, who's getting first pick of the non-Derpy batch?"
Shadow placed the pink boxes on the counter, as Ms. Cake came over to assist him in taking the muffins out of the tin.
"Silver."
Ms. cake seemed a little surprised.
"Really? He's never come in when you're working."
Shadow chuckled, placing three banana and two chocolate muffins in a small box. "You can blame Pinkie for that one. She's seen keeping Sonic and his friends away while I'm working counter shifts."
chuckled back.
"You know, she really loves you."
Shadow took the small box, and gave a small smile.
"I know."
He turned, and walked back into the main store.
Tails had returned to the counter, cinnamon bread in hand. He placed it on the counter as Shadow placed the pink box on the counter as well.
"So, did Pinkie give you this job because you're her boyfriend now?" Tails smirked, attempting to tease the Ultimate Life Form.
Shadow rolled his eyes again.
"No, I've been working here since my 4th day in Equestria. The pay is quite decent."
Tails was stunned to hear this news.
"Really? How come we've never seen you around?"
"That's Pinkie for you." Shadow answered, looking over the goods, counting up the cost.
"She was determined to make sure you or anyone else from Earth(Mobuis) didn't know I lived here."
"Wait, you live here too?" Silver asked, a little surprised.
Shadow sighed with annoyance. "Yeah."
"I didn't know that you two were so close before becoming a couple." Silver noted, suddenly smelling the muffins in the air.
"There's a lot of things you don't know about me Silver." Shadow replied, arms crossed.
"Like how you try to kiss Pinkie every chance you get?" Tails teased again, remembering what Knuckles had told them about this morning.
That one got to him. He growled, and glanced down and away. He closed his eyes, not only by embarrassment, but also by insult at Tails' remark.
"I do not. I respect her deeply, and I give her the space she needs."
Silver started to smirk.
"Well, we heard from Knuckles that earlier this morning, before you went off to work, you kissed her and flirted with her. You really are risky with her, aren't ya?"
"I love her in the ways that I do. Do you got an issue with my love for her?" Shadow suddenly gave a death glare at the two, and they quickly panicked.
"Ah-no, not at all!" Tails quickly responded, glancing at Shadow, then at Silver, attempting to get away from Shadow's glare.
"We're just- It's just a little weird to us, that's all." Silver corrected himself, and rubbed his neck nervously.
Shadow's glare relaxed, and he let out a small chuckle.
"Of course."
Tails and Silver had never herd him chuckle before, and they were stunned again for a second.
"That'll be 15 bits." Shadow spoke, snapping them out of their shock.
"W-What?" Silver asked, missing the question.
Shadow lowered his arms back to his sides.
"Your total is 15 bits..."
He saw their expressions change into realization, then embarrassment.
"...And I'm guessing by the look on your faces that you don't have any bits on you."
Silver and Tails chuckled nervously, and Shadow rolled his eyes once more.
He sighed heavily. "It's 10 dollars in all. I'll do some currency exchanging later."
Tails and Silver Gave him 5 dollars each, and picked up their items.
"Uh, thanks." Silver thanked Shadow, and Shadow waved his hand.
"Yeah, yeah. Good luck."
"Good luck? With-?"
Tails suddenly realized.
"Wait, how did you know?"
Shadow was also surprised at what he had said, and how he knew.
"I didn't... Until I said that."
He quickly realized why. He he thought about it for a moment, then smirked.
"Guess that's proof I hang out with Pinkie way more than you thought."
Tails and Silver looked at each other with disbelief. He just had a Pinkie Pie prediction.
They looked back to Shadow, whom was just smirking them.
They were going to say something, but Silver had another thought that made him stay silent. Silver smirked.
"We should get going Silver." Tails spoke, noticing the time.
Silver nodded, and Tails turned to walk out. Silver gave Shadow a smirk, making Shadow come back to a neutral face.
"You better not be thinking about trying anything Silver."
Silver turned, but did not respond. He only smirked, and walked out with Tails, the two beginning to chuckle. Shadow shook his head, and gave an audible sigh.
He felt endless teasing coming his way in the future.
"So, how did you fall in love with Shadow exactly?"
Pinkie Pie's job as a teacher was over for the day, and she was sitting at the outdoor cafe'. Amy and Rouge had just finished shopping when they noticed Pinkie waiting there for somebody. So, they came over to talk.
Amy had asked the present question, very curious about her side of the story.
Pinkie smiled softly. "Well, it started as any of my friendships; I saw someone new, talked to him, then threw a welcome party for him. To be honest... It was his striking appearance that first attracted me." Pinkie Pie looked down to the table, blushing.
"I... do think he's really handsome."
Amy and Rouge beamed at the pink mare, Amy feeling a slight squee rise up in her throat.
"I love everything about him. But... I think, the one thing that made me fall in love with him the most...Was his voice."
Pinkie looked back up, and saw Rouge motion for her to continue. Pinkie gave a shy sigh, and continued, even though she was still blushing as red as Shadow's highlights.
Speaking of, he was approaching. Although, they were all too engrossed in the story to notice.
"It's such a soft, soothing, rich, voice. When he speaks, I can feel it through my bones. I especially love it when he whispers. It tickles my ear, and sends shivers down my spine."
"Like this?"
Pinkie's ear suddenly felt the whispering breath of him, and her blush covered her nose. She jumped slightly, and gave an out an "Eeep!"
She turned her head to see Shadow standing very close behind her. He wore a smirk, making Pinkie redder. But she beamed back, keeping her composure.
Shadow went back to a neutral expression, and took his gaze to Amy and Rouge.
"So, what have you been telling them about me?" Shadow asked Pinkie, his attention on Rouge.
"Or more specifically, what have they been telling you about me?"
Pinkie giggled.
"Oh, nothing that'll put your reputation in jeopardy." Rouge smirked, teasing him. Shadow rolled his eyes, and took a seat next to Pinkie.
"Actually, Pinkie here was just telling us about how she thinks you're very handsome." Amy giggled, beaming.
Pinkie Pie blushed again, and smiled big, hiding her bashfulness.
"Oh, I know I am." Shadow replied with another smirk, making Pinkie burst out with laughter.
Pinkie's contagious laughter spread around the table, and yes, even to Shadow. Amy abruptly stopped when she herd the strange noise. Rouge lowered her volume, so they both could witness the glorious sound of Shadow and Pinkie laughing together.
The couple stopped laughing, and smiled at each other. Shadow then caught the fascination in Amy's eyes, and Rouge's all knowing look. He returned to a neutral expression. He turned to them.
"What?"
Amy's grin spread across her face. She brought her hands together, eyes sparkling.
"You two are sooo adorable!"
Shadow felt slight embarrassment at the unexpected comment. He was able to keep a straight face though. Pinkie giggled.
"That's what Rarity said this morning!"
Rouge closed her eyes, and chuckled.
"I was lucky enough to be the first Shadow confessed to."
Shadow gasped, and felt a blush on his muzzle.
"Rouge!"
Rouge ignored the ultimate life form, and continued exposing him.
"At first he was all quiet about it, but then he suddenly exploded into a passionate soliloquy about you Pinkie. It was truly a wondrous sight to behold. He was crushing on you so hard."
Shadow closed his eyes, with an unamused look on his face, along with it being entirely red.
Pinkie giggled.
"Really? Awwww!" Pinkie looked at Shadow, whom was extremely flustered, eyes still closed.
Pinkie beamed, blushing happily.
"Love you too Shady!"
She leaned over and kissed his cheek, making Shadow open his eyes in surprise. He turned his head to her, mouth open, searching for words. Pinkie only smiled, and motioned her head to the two female mobians. Shadow closed his mouth, and turned to look at them.
Amy's smile stretched across her face, her eyes and smile growing bigger every second, sparkling.
Rouge smiled with a smirk, arms crossed.
Shadow rolled his eyes, and smiled small.
"You're welcome."
He returned to his resting face, and stood from the table.
"Now, we have someplace to be."
Amy was about to speak when she realized something. Guilt was now written all over her.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry we interrupted your date!"
Shadow shook his head as Pinkie stood from the table.
"It's okay Amy. You didn't."
He gave Rouge a look before turning to Pinkie.
"You ready?"
Pinkie nodded her head.
"Yes indeedy!"
Shadow nodded, and swiftly carried her into his arms, bridal style. Pinkie gasped. She was not expecting that, and she blushed
"Shadow!"
Shadow looked down to her, and smirked.
"You did say you wanted to frolic in a field flowers, right?"
Pinkie gasped again, this time with happiness. Her smile grew big, and she nuzzled her face in his chest fur. Shadow smiled back, and skated away from the scene, pink pony in his arms.
Amy and Rouge watched them leave, both grinning.
Suddenly, Rouge spoke.
"How long have you shipped them for?"
"Since we've met her."
Sonic was speeding along, taking a well deserved break. He had looked for Chaos Emeralds all day with Tails, Silver, and Knuckles, and they had managed to find one. It was evening, and the sky was a tinted pinkish orange.
He was causally running along, when a voice was brought to his ear.
He skidded to a halt. He herd the voice again. It was... A singing voice. He grew curious, and he ventured towards the source.
As he did, the voice became more and more quiet.
He suddenly realized whom the voice belonged to. The voice fell silent.
As he got close, he jumped onto a tree branch to observe the scene.
Pinkie Pie was laying down in Shadow's lap, his arms around her, holding her close. He had his head resting on top of hers. Shadow was smiling softly, as was Pinkie.
Pinkie sighed happily.
"Thank you for today Shadow."
Shadow looked down to his pink angel, and smiled.
"No big deal."
They both continued to stare at the sky.
Shadow abruptly let out a sad sigh, making Pinkie concerned.
"Shady? Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
He was silent for a minute, before sighing again.
"It's just.. How did I get so lucky?"
Pinkie gave a small smile, and glanced up to him without moving her head.
"It was simply fate, shady. "
"I guess."
He sighed again, and pulled his head away, looking down to her.
"I'm just... a little anxious, is all."
Pinkie turned to him with curiosity. He stared at her, feeling able to be vulnerable. He inhaled, and exhaled slowly. He was having a hard time putting his thoughts into words.
"...We're both so different, you and I. I really want to make you happy Pinks. You make me happy. But..." He sighed.
"I'm worried that I'm going to lose you. Or worse, break your heart. Because of our differences. I, to tell the truth...
I get nervous about love, and being in love."
Pinkie stared at Shadow for a few moments, before giving a smile.
"Oh Shady,"
She nuzzled into his chest, making him blink in surprise.
"It's okay to feel that way. We're going to have our rough patches every now and again, but that won't mean I'll ever stop loving you. I do see us working out. Just know that my love for you is stronger than anyone else before."
Shadow blinked again, and smiled at her.
"How do you always say what I need to hear?"
Pinkie brought her face to his.
"Maybe we're more connected than you thought."
Their lips met for a sweet, slow, and long kiss, Shadow's hands sliding up her back, nearer to her neck. Pinkie held a hoof on his chest, keeping them balanced.
Once again, Sonic did not know what to think. He was wide eyed for a bit, before he began to think. And the longer he thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense. Sonic started to smirk, as the couple had concluded their intimate moment.
Pinkie looked up to the sky. It was growing dark blue, and the sun was setting.
"I should be heading back to Sugarcube Corner."
She climbed off of Shadow's lap, and stood.
"You coming along?"
Shadow stared at the sky.
"I'll stay out here for a bit."
Pinkie smiled.
"Alright. See you at home Shady!"
Shadow chuckled, and waved as she exited the scene.
"See ya Pinks."
Shadow once again looked to the sky, and he gave a sigh of content.
He put his hands behind his head, and laid down, smiling.
He abruptly heard a soft noise land in the grass, and walk over to him. Shadow stopped smiling. He could sense who it was.
"What a surprise to see you happy Shadow."
Shadow opened his eyes to see the blue blur staring down at him, smirking.
Shadow turned stone-faced, and looked very unamused.
"Shut up faker."
Sonic shrugged, and rolled his eyes with a smile.
"Whatever."
He sat down next to the Ultimate Life Form, Shadow glaring at him before bring his attention back to the colors of the sky.
"So... You and Pinkie Pie, huh? It's a little odd."
"I suppose it is. There's nothing wrong with that, right?"
Shadow glanced at Sonic, who was still wearing that grin. "Not at all. I'm just curious... How would the Edgey the Hedgy himself fall for such an opposite personality?"
Shadow sat up, and looked at Sonic. He gave a humph, and looked away, crossing his arms.
"Aww, come on Shads!"
"No."
"Please? Pretty please?"
Shadow turned his head to glare at Sonic with an unamused look.
Sonic sighed, and stood.
"Okay then Shadow. If you won't tell me, maybe Rouge will."
That made Shadow blink in surprise, as Sonic started to walk away. Shadow turned his head to Sonic.
"Sonic!"
Sonic turned back, with a smirk on his face. Shadow sighed, and motioned his hand to the ground.
"You're going to have sit down for this one."
...
"Wow, I didn't know how serious you actually were with this."
Sonic wore a surprised, but sympathetic face as he had just finished listening to Shadow's story. He had not expected Shadow to be so genuine about it.
Shadow sighed, and brought his legs to his chest, holding them there.
"Sonic, I truly and deeply love her. She brings more light to my life than anybody I know. If you want to make fun of me for that, whatever. Just know this: I probably wouldn't even be telling you all this without her influence."
Sonic suddenly smiled.
"I appreciate your honesty, faker. Although, I cannot promise that there won't be at least some endless teasing in the future."
Shadow chuckled, and smirked. "Alright then."
Both Sonic and Shadow stood, and they looked up to the now starry sky.
"I guess I should leave you to it then."
"Yeah. I promised Pinkie I'd kiss her goodnight."
Shadow realized what he just said, and blushed in embarrassment. He eyed Sonic to see him smirking again. Shadow stared at him.
"You never heard that."
Sonic shrugged, and rolled his eyes with a smile.
"You do you man."
Shadow turned away, but before he could take a step, Sonic called out to Shadow.
"Hey shads."
Shadow turned.
Sonic smirked.
"Pink's a good color on you."
Shadow rolled his eyes, and smirked back.
And with that, the hedgehogs went their separate ways. They weren't going to forget that conversation for a long time.