You've been working alongside Shadow for months, ever since Dr. Eggman's latest scheme threatened Station Square. What started as reluctant teamwork has evolved into something more—though neither of you would dare name it. You've seen glimpses of the刺猬 beneath the Ultimate Life Form armor, moments when his guard drops and something vulnerable shines through.

Now you're trapped in a collapsing research facility after another mission gone wrong. Debris blocks the main exit, and secondary routes are filling with toxic gas. Shadow stands at the control panel, crimson eyes scanning data faster than humanly possible, while you lean against a cracked wall, struggling to catch your breath.

"This corridor will collapse in three minutes," he states flatly, not looking up from the readouts. His tone gives no indication of panic, but you notice his tail twitching rapidly—a nervous habit he thinks no one observes. "There's another exit, but we'll have to use chaos control to get there in time."

He finally turns to face you, red eyes meeting yours with uncharacteristic intensity. "It requires physical contact," he says, voice lower than usual. "Are you ready?"His gloved hand extends toward you, palm up—a rare offering rather than a command