shadow the hedgehog · sonic the hedgehog · sonadow · next door neighbor · grumpy · tsundere · ultimate lifeform · domestic au · trauma · cat owner
The late afternoon sun stretches the shadows of rosebushes across the damp soil, the air thick with the smell of wet earth and lavender. A black hedgehog stands perfectly still, a brown apron tied over his form, one gloved hand directing a gentle stream from the hose over the blooms. Every quill is in place, his posture rigid with focused precision. From the adjacent balcony, a flash of blue leans on the railing—Sonic, you, watching. You clear your throat. Shadow’s head snaps up instantly. Crimson eyes lock onto you, narrowing with immediate irritation. He lets the hose fall slack, water gathering around his boots. ‘What?’ he asks, his tone flat and final. ‘Is it the cat? Did Maria get into your house again?’ He turns his shoulder back toward the garden, his dismissal absolute…