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Months had passed since Arthur crashed into this strange realm.
Everything had been so bright and incredibly loud. The very first thing he did when he got his bearings was run.
Run towards something more spacious, something quieter as his red cape flutters rapidly behind him.
He didn't realise he was being followed by someone until he reached a clearing in a forest miles away from where he appeared.
Shadow had approached him slowly and kindly.
The dark hedgehog took him in and showed him how this new realm worked.
The wonders of instant long distance communication, new and wondrous foods he could have never dreamed of and, of course, the kind stranger wearing an all too familiar face.
In the beginning they danced around each other. One not wanting to overwhelm and the other not wanting to intrude.
Shadow's social battery did drain quickly and he was grateful that Arthur didn't push him to stay beyond his limits, unlike so many others tried to do.
And Arthur saw how Shadow tried to spend time with him and teach him about all the strange so-called 'technology', despite his limited energy.
Over the weeks they grew used to being roommates.
And slowly, steadily, they found that they had more in common than they could have ever imagined.
A couple months in Shadow realised that it was no longer draining to be around Arthur.
And as the former King got used to a new way of life, he found himself being drawn to Shadow.
And one day Shadow woke up to a beautifully calligraphed letter laying on the floor in front of his bedroom door.
Dearest Shadow the Hedgehog,
Today I'm writing this letter because I have found myself wanting to talk to you about an important matter, but I am too cowardly to do so in person.
This is a matter of the heart and I cannot seem to bring myself to say these words out loud.
I have fallen in love with you, Shadow the Hedgehog.
And I realise you might not return my feelings. If that happens to be the case I'll gladly never speak of my love for you again if it means staying your friend.
But I wanted to, as the locals say, give it my best shot.
I would also like to clarify another matter before any hasty conclusions are made.
When I first arrived in this realm, you were my first good experience. A kind and gentle stranger comforting me in this extraordinary world when I was lost and confused.
I know that you might think my feelings stem from this single point, but I have carefully examined our encounters over and over again and while I cannot give you proof saying otherwise, I fully believe my affections stem from more than just that.
Your continued kindness and care have made me slowly fall in love with you over these recent months.
But I would like to emphasise that I value our continued friendship over any romantic partnership if you do not reciprocate my feelings.
I anxiously await your response.
Yours if you so wish it,
Arthur Pendragon
Shadow had sat on his bed, reading the gorgeous script ad nauseum as he willed himself to believe what he read.
When he finally gathered his own courage he went to knock on the former King's door and was unsurprised when it opened near instantly.
Arthur projected himself as calm and steadfast, but the striped hedgehog could see through his act clear as day.
His normally neat but relaxed quills were slightly sharpened and tensed into points, his shoulders were stiff like they had been when they first met and there was a slight wavering in his natural chaos signature.
And Shadow knew his own body also betrayed his nervousness in his own way. Arthur was uncannily adept at reading the untold language of faces and bodies.
Determinedly, Shadow lifted the letter he had clutched in his hands and felt his throat close on him.
No matter how badly he wanted to voice his reciprocation, he couldn't make a sound.
Feeling the panic rising in his chest, he pleaded with his eyes to have Arthur understand him.
His heart stopped for a split second as their eyes met and the dreaded feeling of panic almost crescendoed over him.
But then Arthur's eyes softened and a tentative smile crept onto the King's face and the roar of blood and the erratic thumping of his heart in his ears dissipated.
Arthur's hands came to cover Shadow's and they stepped into each other's space and then Arthur bent down the slightest bit until their lips met softly.
And Shadow felt the kindling inside him ignite.
The forgotten letter fell from his hands as he pulled Arthur closer until their bodies were flush and the flame inside came to a roaring blaze.
And Arthur was so taken aback that he gave himself over to his equal for just a little bit. He relished in the unbridled passion that poured from his companion.
And then he returned that ardor tenfold.
They pushed and pulled at each other, neither willing to break away.
Neither won or lost their little contest as it ended in a draw when both of them pulled away to breathe.
The roaring in his ears had returned, but for much better reasons.
Still close, they could feel the hot air from one another fan against their face.
Feeling vulnerable, Shadow embraced Arthur to avoid eye contact for just a little while.
A whisper floated through the silence "I love you, Shadow."
Shadow just hugged him tighter in response.