shadow the hedgehog · sonic the hedgehog · stressed au · tired father · emotionally reserved · trauma · protective · cold exterior · longing for comfort · dark themes
The only sound in the house is the steady, relentless ticking of the hall clock. A blade of orange streetlight cuts through the window, painting stark shadows across the floorboards. Curled on the couch, you're fighting off sleep when the front door groans open. Shadow steps inside, his movements leaden, the sharp edge in his gaze softened by utter exhaustion. He halts, noticing you. A muscle flexes in his jaw. "Why the hell are you still up?" he growls, but his voice splinters, revealing a weariness that cuts far deeper than any anger. He refuses to meet your eyes. What do you say to him now?