#catytuesdays

[paigesbasketball]

Shadow the Hedgehog Headcannons

Shadow the hedgehog x reader Warnings: None Notes: just shadow if he were being a tease to his significant other (a little sum cause the movie was dropped)

Sarcastic Remarks: Shadow loves to make sarcastic comments, often poking fun at your habits or quirks. He'll tell you things like, "Guess I’ll have to show you how it's done, again," whenever you try to do something he thinks you can’t handle.

Mocking Your Speed: Since he’s known for being incredibly fast, Shadow might tease you about not being able to keep up. "Hurry up, unless you're planning on slowing me down," he’ll smirk, knowing full well you’ll catch up in your own way.

Feigning Ignorance: Shadow loves pretending he doesn’t know something when he clearly does, just to get a rise out of you. If you ask him for help with something, he might say, “I’m not your tutor,” then end up showing you anyway.

The ‘Unexpected Compliment’: He’ll drop a compliment in the most unexpected way, making it seem like he’s trying to be rude at first. "You actually look halfway decent today. Guess it’s the lighting," he'll say with a smirk, knowing you’ll blush or respond defensively.

Teasing Physical Touch: He may deliberately brush up against you or playfully nudge you when you're not expecting it. Sometimes, it’s just to mess with you, and other times, it’s to see how you'll react to the sudden closeness.

Over-the-Top Drama: Shadow might act overly dramatic when you do something he finds amusing. "Oh, sure, that’s how you’re going to solve it? Classic,” he’ll say with exaggerated disbelief, even if it’s a simple solution. It’s all in good fun to see your reaction.

Competitive Tease: In friendly competitions or games, Shadow will never let you forget who’s winning. “Not bad, but I am the ultimate,” he’ll taunt, grinning whenever you get even a tiny bit close to beating him.

Mocking Your ‘Flustered’ Moments: If you get flustered or embarrassed, Shadow loves to notice and point it out with a sly grin. “Did I say something that made you blush? How cute,” he’ll tease, not letting you live it down for a while.

"I’m Not Interested" (But He Totally Is): Shadow will act uninterested when you flirt or compliment him, saying things like, “Stop wasting your time,” but his small smirk or subtle eye contact will tell you otherwise, making you wonder if he’s just playing hard to get.

Unbothered Smirks: Whenever you try to challenge him or show off, he’ll give you that signature smirk and say, “Is that all you’ve got?” His teasing tone makes it sound like a challenge, even if he knows he’s got it all under control.

Tease and Walk Away: Shadow is notorious for saying something teasing and then walking away before you can respond. He loves leaving you with no time to react, knowing you’ll be caught up thinking about what he said.

Messing with Your Routine: If he sees you’re in the middle of something important, Shadow might deliberately distract you with a harmless comment or playful taunt, just to see how easily you can lose focus.

"You Could Use Some Help": If you’re struggling with something, Shadow will occasionally offer his help in a teasing way. “You could use a lot of help,” he’ll say, just to make you roll your eyes before he steps in to assist.

Becoming More Touchy: After spending more time together and getting to know you, Shadow begins to show more affection in a subtle, touchy way. He may rest a hand on your shoulder or casually wrap an arm around your waist when you're close. It's his way of expressing how much he's grown to care for you, but in typical Shadow fashion, he’s still a little reserved about it. These moments are rare, but they show his soft side emerging as he grows more comfortable with you.

So... i fear after watching the movie I have fallen a little for shadow, like i have been with the fandom for along time since i have played that games as a child but wheeeewwww movie shadow did sum to me or maybe it was the final push...

-Caty writes

[paigesbasketball]

stand by this cause...we all remember munch madness

you can not convince me she isn't a munch

cuz holy

[paigesbasketball]

Shadow Headcannons: If Someone Tries to Flirt with You

shadow x reader warnings: none!

Immediate Defensiveness: Shadow would notice the flirtation right away, and his first instinct would be to step in and assert dominance over the situation. He wouldn’t tolerate anyone making you uncomfortable, even if it’s just playful banter. He’d give a cold glare to the flirter, silently letting them know to back off.

Cold, Deadpan Responses: If the flirter persists, Shadow would probably respond in a deadpan manner. His words would be blunt, maybe something like, “Your advances are pointless,” or “I don’t have time for your games.” He wouldn’t entertain them, making it clear that you’re already taken or that he simply isn’t interested in engaging in the situation.

Direct Confrontation: If the flirting goes too far or becomes more invasive, Shadow might step in with a more direct confrontation. He could say something like, "I don’t tolerate anyone disrespecting my woman" or “Stay away from them.” Shadow would never hesitate to stand up for you, even if it means being confrontational.

Subtle Possessiveness: While he wouldn’t show it outright, there’s a subtle possessiveness about Shadow. He wouldn’t like the idea of anyone else trying to catch your attention. When the flirtation happens, he might subtly position himself closer to you, perhaps standing between you and the other person, without making a scene but marking his territory in his own way.

Silent, Intense Gaze: Shadow’s usual demeanor of intensity would only heighten in such situations. He wouldn’t say much, but he’d shoot a sharp, icy stare at the flirter. That look alone would be enough to make most people back off, realizing they’ve crossed a line. His body language would say everything: no nonsense, no space for anyone to try anything.

Unbothered, But Internalized: On the outside, Shadow might appear unaffected or uninterested, but internally, he'd be irritated. He doesn’t have to outwardly show that he’s annoyed, but the idea of someone flirting with you would gnaw at him. He’d think, "I don’t have time for this," but deep down, he would be silently protective and a bit possessive.

Sarcasm as a Weapon: If the flirting is over-the-top, Shadow might use sarcasm to shut it down. He could say something like, “You think that will impress them? You’re wasting your time.” His dry, sarcastic remarks would cut through any nonsense and make it clear that he’s not interested in anyone trying to get your attention.

Protective Gesture: Without saying a word, Shadow might subtly place a hand on your waist or stand just a little closer to you. It’s not something he does consciously—it’s more of a reflex. He would be silently telling the other person that you’re under his protection, and anyone who tries to flirt with you is going to have to deal with him.

Ignoring the Flirt: If the person continues, Shadow might just ignore them entirely, as if they weren’t even there. He’d be focused on you, keeping an eye on you to make sure you’re okay while tuning out the other person completely. This tactic is his way of asserting that he doesn’t need to engage with people who don’t matter.

No Time for Games: If the situation escalates or the flirting becomes annoying, Shadow’s patience would wear thin quickly. He might give a sharp warning: "If you don’t stop, you’ll regret it." Shadow isn’t one for playing games, and anyone trying to flirt with you would soon realize that he doesn’t tolerate wasting time.

[paigesbasketball]

A December to Remember

Paige x Reader Warnings: smut, cursing (i think) notes: I saw something similar to this months ago and though i would do a Christmas version.. Inspiration from: iceinmyveins on a03!

The holiday season was always a magical time of year. Snow fell softly, dusting the world in white, and the air was crisp with the chill of winter. But for you, this December felt especially full of surprises—and a little mischievous fun. Your girlfriend, Paige, had been teasing you with a mysterious “secret admirer” gift exchange that started on December 1st, and by now, you were fully caught up in the game.

It all began innocently enough: A small, beautifully wrapped gift appeared on your doorstep. You opened it to reveal a soft red scarf, the perfect shade to brighten up a cold winter day. A note attached simply said, “To make your days warmer.” You smiled, knowing that Paige had a playful side, and it felt just like something she’d do. But as the days went on, the gifts became more personal and more thoughtful. The 3rd brought a cozy blanket. On the 5th, a cute snow globe. On the 7th, a pair of fluffy socks that matched your style. Each one had a little note, each one a flirtatious tease.

By the time you hit December 12th, you were certain that Paige was behind it all. Her playful hints, the way the gifts reflected your tastes—there was no way it wasn’t her. You were thrilled and amused by it all. The mystery was exciting. But when you received another gift on the 14th—this one, a hand-knitted sweater—you knew Paige was stepping up her game.

But December 20th, the day before your team’s away game, brought even more confusion. You were in your hotel room with the rest of the team, preparing for the upcoming game when another gift arrived at your doorstep. You opened it quickly, expecting another thoughtful piece, and this time you found set of lingerie, a soft lavender. It wasn’t from Paige—was it? You still didn’t know, but now you were getting frustrated by the mystery. Had the gifts taken a wrong turn somewhere?

You decided it was time to talk to Paige about it, but there was no opportunity. The team was leaving for a series of games, and you were all holed up in a hotel for a few days. With a little time to kill before the evening’s game, you tried to ignore the strange gifts piling up, but your mind kept drifting back to them, trying to connect the dots.

The day of the game arrived, and the mystery surrounding the lingerie gift only deepened. You could feel your curiosity building. But before you could bring it up, you got another surprise. Paige wasn’t there when you returned to your room after the game, and there, on your bed, was a package. Another beautifully wrapped gift. You opened it to find a another set of lingerie. This one, a deep wine-red, more elaborate than the others, with delicate lace details. Your stomach did a flip.

You froze for a second before reading the attached note: “For when you’re ready. Merry Christmas.” It was signed with a small heart, the handwriting that didnt look fully like Paige’s. Your heart skipped a beat. The note sent a clear message—this was something more intimate, something that meant more than just a playful joke.

As you sat there holding the gift, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, but confusion clouded your mind. Was this part of a larger surprise? Or was it a mistake in the grand plan? You were starting to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to approach Paige with this gift.

“Hey, I got another gift from my secret admirer,” you said lightly, trying to gauge her reaction. Playing a cat and mouse game with her had to be one of the best aspects of your relationship

Paige's eyes narrowed almost immediately, a slight flicker of confusion crossing her face. She didnt sent you your gift today…atleast not yet…“Another one? What did they send this time?” Her voice was tight, and you could tell she wasn’t as playful as usual.

You hesitated for a moment before showing her the lingerie. “This came today… from my secret admirer.” You grinned, waiting for her reaction. But instead of a teasing smile, Paige’s face turned red with frustration.

“What the hell is this?” she demanded, her voice rising slightly. “I did not send this. Who the fuck sent you this? She paced in frustration, her hand rubbing her temples. 

You blinked, a little stunned by her outburst. “Wait, what do you mean? You didn’t send it?”

“No!” she snapped. “I mean, i sent the others and I had a plan, and it wasn’t supposed to go like this. This wasn’t my idea! I don’t even want to know who did this, but clearly, someone is messing with me, and I’m pissed.”

You were taken aback by how upset she was. You had expected teasing and maybe some playful jealousy, but not this level of frustration. “Okay, so you didn’t do it. Who do you think it is?”

Paige took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “I don’t know. Maybe the team? They’ve been way too interested in my secret admirer game. I’ll bet they’re behind this.”

You frowned. “So, the lingerie…?”

“It wasn’t supposed to happen like this,” Paige muttered, her face flushed with both anger and embarrassment. “I had something sweet planned for you, not… this mess.” She glanced over at the lingerie, then back at you. “But now? I’ll make them pay. I’ll find out who did this, and when I do, they’re going to regret it.”

You sat there, still processing the sudden change in tone. “What are you going to do?” you asked, half-amused, half-nervous.

Paige smirked, her anger quickly turning to a devious grin. “Oh, I’m not going to let them off easy. I’ll make them pay for messing with my plans.”

The next day, you were all gathered at the hotel, preparing for the evening game, when Paige finally confronted the team. They were lounging in the lobby, clearly relaxed from their day off, when she stormed up to them, her eyes narrowed with determination.

“Alright, which one of you idiots thought it’d be funny to send my girlfriend lingerie?” Paige demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.

The team members exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out if she was joking or genuinely angry. One of them, kk , raised her hand sheepishly. “Yeah, uh, sorry. We thought it would be funny.”

Paige’s eyes darkened. “Oh, it was funny, huh?” She smiled, but it wasn’t a nice smile. “Well, i can do something funny too.”

The team members laughed nervously, clearly unsure of what was coming. “What do you mean?”

Paige’s grin only widened. “You’ll see.”

Later that night, after the game had ended and everyone was winding down, Paige led you into her room. “I got my payback,” she said, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “And you won’t believe how. Let’s just say, they won’t forget this for a while.”

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “How so?”

Paige walked over to you, her eyes full of affection and something darker—playful and a little wicked. “Let’s just say they’ll be hearing of you tonight,” she whispered, before pulling you close and kissing you deeply.

She moved down to kissing your neck and sheds you of your clothes leaving you bare in front of her.. After she asks you to change into the lingerie that the team has so graciously given you. 

Once you emerge from the bathroom she stares at you with a mix of hunger and a wicked as a small smile forms on her mouth. “You’ll help me with my prank won’t you honey” she says forming hickies on your neck, and rubbing the soft flesh of your breasts through the lace making my npples peak. “ I- umm do you think the team-” I was cut off with my own gasp as paige starts to rub the little nub of my clit. Whimpers fill the room as I try to be quiet and considerate to the team members in the hotel room next door. Little did I know thats what paige wanted. 

She takes the hand that clamps over my mouth and the one that bunches her shirt and holds them in one hand of her own proving how bigger she is than me. My knees buckle as she shoves two fingers into my heat moving back and forth a couple time before she picks me up by the back of my thighs and throws me on the bed.

The next few hours passed in a blur of lovemaking and teasing moments between you and Paige. It was a Christmas to remember. When the team finally found out what Paige had done to get her revenge, they all knew better than to ever mess with her again. But it was clear: Paige had won this round—and she had made sure to end it with, a playful victory, and a promise that the best gifts were yet to come.

I do not usually write smut so i apologize for this....

-Caty Writes

[paigesbasketball]

The Workout Distraction

Paige Bueckers x Reader Warning: flirting!suggestive

It was just another typical day at the gym for you and Paige. You had recently started working out together more often, and while Paige was always focused on her basketball training, you liked to mix things up with squats, cardio, and a bit of weightlifting. Today, though, Paige was finding it harder than usual to focus on her workout.

You had just started your set of squats, your form perfect as you bent low, pushing back up and repeating the movement. Paige, who had been quietly doing her own workout across the gym, couldn’t help but glance over every few seconds.

Her eyes lingered on you a bit longer than usual. She had always thought you were beautiful, but today, there was something different about the way you moved. The muscles in your legs flexed and stretched with each squat, and she couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly you controlled your body, how graceful you were, how strong you looked. The beads of sweat on your skin, the way your hips shifted with every motion—it was almost too much to bear.

Her thoughts began to wander. Unholy thoughts, as she would later admit to herself. Thoughts she definitely wasn’t supposed to be having while you were working out. She tried to focus on her own routine, but it was hard to ignore the way your body moved in those tight workout clothes. Her mind, though, just couldn’t stop. The more she watched, the more she found herself distracted.

She caught herself staring, unable to look away as you dropped low into another squat. She could see the muscles in your thighs and glutes flexing, and the way your body moved so effortlessly had her heart racing a little faster.

Paige shook her head, trying to snap herself out of it. But it was no use. You were just too distracting.

You finished your set and stood up, glancing over at Paige, noticing her staring at you. You wiped the sweat from your brow, a playful smirk tugging at your lips.

“What’s going on over there, babe?” you teased, walking over to her.

Paige’s cheeks flushed slightly. She quickly looked away, a little flustered now. “Nothing… nothing at all,” she said, trying to sound casual, though the slight crack in her voice gave her away.

You raised an eyebrow and crossed your arms, clearly unconvinced. “Really?” you said, stepping even closer to her, locking eyes. “Because it sure looked like you were really focused on me.”

Paige let out a nervous laugh, biting her lip. “Maybe I was. But, uh, I mean… you look good when you work out, okay?” Her words came out more flustered than she intended, and she immediately regretted them.

You smirked, taking a step closer until there was only a few inches between you. “So, I’m distracting you, huh?”

Paige let out a small sigh, her eyes flickering to your lips before looking back into your eyes. “You have no idea, babe,” she whispered, her voice low and almost too tempting.

You leaned in closer, your lips brushing against her ear. “Well, I guess you’ll just have to focus then,” you teased.

Paige’s breath hitched, and she took a step back, trying to regain some composure. “Yeah, right. Easy for you to say…” she muttered, still struggling to shake off the thoughts swirling in her mind. She looked back over at you, and before she could stop herself, she added, “It’s your fault. You’re just too distracting.”

You smiled knowingly and playfully placed a hand on her arm. “I’ll make it up to you later,” you whispered, a glint of mischief in your eyes.

Paige’s heart skipped a beat, her face still flushed from the intense attraction she couldn’t seem to shake. She wanted to kiss you right then and there, but she wasn’t sure if she could keep it together after the way you’d been looking at her.

“Deal,” she said finally, the tension between you thick in the air as she looked at you with undeniable desire. “Now, let’s just finish this workout… before I get too distracted.”

[paigesbasketball]

Yall diabolical for this 😭😭

Side by side🤭

[paigesbasketball]

A Bueckers Christmas

Paige Bueckers x Reader Warning: Just a little suggestive Notes: not related to the story but these photos do something to me...... also sorry this was late

The glow of the city skyline lit up your new high-rise apartment, the snow outside falling gently like something out of a Christmas movie. Inside, the smell of pine filled the room as you and Paige worked on decorating the tree. Well, you were decorating—the same couldn’t be said for Paige, who seemed far more interested in distracting you. Her wife.

She was standing on a chair, carefully hanging a string of lights across the wall, her hoodie riding up just slightly. “How does it look?” she called over her shoulder, her voice laced with amusement. “Festive enough to impress my adoring fans?” she says wiggling her eyebrows looking at me.

You glanced up from the box of ornaments in your hands, pretending not to notice the way her smile lit up the room more than the lights did. “It’s fine,” you said, trying to sound casual. “Now get down before you hurt yourself. If you twist an ankle, your coach will kill me.”

Paige hopped down gracefully, landing right in front of you. She didn’t step back, though—instead, she stayed close, her blue eyes sparkling as she reached out to adjust the tinsel hanging around your shoulders. “You worry about me too much,” she teased, her fingers brushing your neck. “But I like that about you.”

You took a step back, trying to focus on the task at hand. “Paige, we don’t have time for this. Your team’s going to be here in—”

“Fifteen minutes,” she interrupted, her voice dropping as she leaned against the counter, her smirk unmistakable. “Plenty of time.”

You groaned, grabbing a strand of garland and holding it out to her. “Then make yourself useful. Here.”

But Paige ignored the garland, taking a slow step toward you instead. “You know,” she said, her voice softer now, “you’re way too cute when you’re all flustered.”

“Paige,” you said, trying to sound firm, but your voice came out quieter than you intended.

She reached up, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “I’m just saying,” she murmured, her face close enough that you could feel the warmth of her breath, “it’s hard to focus on decorating when you’re standing there looking like...well, like you.”

Your cheeks flushed, and you opened your mouth to respond, but the words caught in your throat as she leaned even closer. “Paige, your team—”

“They’ll survive,” she whispered, her lips curving into a small smile. “This is way more important.”

Before you could argue, she closed the distance between you, her lips brushing softly against yours. The kiss was warm and sweet, with just a hint of the boldness that made her Paige.

For a moment, the world outside disappeared—the snow, the lights, the looming arrival of her teammates. It was just her, and the way her hand cradled your jaw as if you were the only thing that mattered.

When she finally pulled back, her eyes searched yours, that playful smirk returning. “See? Decorating’s not so bad when you have the right motivation.”

You let out a breathless laugh, shaking your head. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here you are,” she teased, grabbing the garland you’d dropped earlier. “Don’t worry, I’ll finish decorating. But just so you know…” She leaned in close again, her voice dropping to a murmur. “That wasn’t the last one.”

The sound of the doorbell cut through the moment, making you jump. Paige grinned, pulling away with an exaggerated sigh. “Saved by the bell,” she said, winking.

You turned to answer the door, your heart still racing. As her teammates flooded in, the room filled with laughter and chatter, but Paige’s eyes never left yours.

And somehow, you knew she wasn’t done making this the most memorable Christmas ever.

[paigesbasketball]

Teasing Fate PT.2

This is part two to: A night to remember shadow x reader Warnings: just a kiss

The days following that party had left you with more questions than answers. Shadow's brooding silence, the way he looked at you with those piercing crimson eyes—it was enough to send your heart racing every time you crossed paths. You'd teased him, kissed his cheek, and yet he hadn’t exactly shown his cards. In fact, the more you tried to figure him out, the more you realized how much of a mystery he truly was. But that only made you more curious. The aloofness, the cool indifference—it was part of his charm, wasn’t it?

You couldn’t stop thinking about Shadow—his quiet strength, his intimidating yet strangely alluring presence. You weren’t used to being this intrigued by anyone, let alone someone who barely spoke. But there was something about the way he’d looked at you, the way he’d teased you, that had left an undeniable mark on you.

It wasn’t long before you saw him again. It was an afternoon at the gym, the usual quiet hum of equipment being used and the occasional sound of conversation filling the air. You’d just finished a light workout and were taking a break when you spotted him. Shadow was standing near the weights, his arms crossed as usual, eyes focused intently on the floor as though deep in thought. His posture was still as imposing as ever, but there was something about him that day that seemed... different.

You couldn’t help it. You walked over to him, stepping around a few other gym-goers as you approached. He noticed you almost immediately, his head lifting just enough to acknowledge your presence. His expression didn’t change, but you could see the faint glimmer of recognition in his eyes.

“Shadow,” you said, breaking the silence between you two. “Still pretending you don’t care about anyone?”

He raised an eyebrow, glancing up at you. “I never said I didn’t care. I just don’t waste time on things that don’t matter,” he replied smoothly, his deep voice carrying the usual undertone of confidence.

You smirked, folding your arms. “Uh-huh, sure. So, I guess I don’t matter?”

His crimson eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to you, his arms still crossed in that signature stance. “Don’t make assumptions,” he said, his voice a little colder. “You’re the one who doesn’t seem to take me seriously.”

You leaned in slightly, an amused smile on your face. “Oh, I take you seriously, Shadow. Just not in the way you probably think.”

The tension between you two was thick, charged with something neither of you wanted to admit. Shadow tilted his head, his lips curling into a faint smirk. “You’ve been saying a lot of things lately,” he said, his gaze flickering over you as if he was analyzing you, looking for any sign of weakness. “And you’re not as composed as you pretend.”

You straightened up, determined to keep up your usual confidence. “I’m perfectly composed, thank you very much. It’s you who seems a little on edge,” you teased, your voice light but with a hint of challenge.

Shadow chuckled lowly, a sound that made your heart skip a beat. “On edge, huh? Funny, you don’t seem all that composed now,” he said, his gaze darkening slightly as he stepped closer to you.

For a brief moment, your breath caught in your throat. His proximity, his intensity—it was unlike anything you’d felt before. But you weren’t about to show any signs of weakness, not now, not when you knew you had the upper hand. Or so you thought.

Without warning, Shadow reached out and gently cupped your chin, lifting it so your eyes met his. The suddenness of his touch caught you off guard, and for a split second, you were completely frozen. He leaned in just a bit closer, his breath warm against your skin. “You’re flustered,” he said, his voice now soft but with an edge of teasing that sent a shiver down your spine.

Your cheeks flushed with heat, and you took a quick breath, trying to compose yourself. “I’m not flustered,” you quickly muttered, even though your heart was racing.

Shadow’s smirk deepened. “Really? ‘Cause it sure looks like you are.”

You swallowed, trying to steady your breathing, but your body felt like it was betraying you. “I—” You cleared your throat. “I don’t get flustered.”

Shadow chuckled again, his hand still holding your chin lightly. “You’re doing a terrible job at hiding it.”

Before you could respond, he leaned in closer, tilting his head as though he was about to say something. And then, in a move that completely caught you off guard, he kissed your cheek.

It was brief, just a soft brush of his lips against your skin, but it sent a rush of heat through your body. Your breath hitched, and for a moment, everything went still. You weren’t sure whether you were shocked, embarrassed, or excited, but whatever it was, it had you reeling.

When he pulled back, his eyes locked onto yours with that same knowing, mischievous glint. “Now you’re the one who’s flustered,” he teased, his lips curling into a teasing smile.

You quickly looked away, your heart thumping in your chest. “You’re unbelievable,” you muttered under your breath, trying to regain your composure.

Shadow’s grin only widened, clearly enjoying the reaction he had pulled from you. “I thought you liked a challenge,” he said smoothly, stepping back and giving you some space.

“You—” you started, your voice a little shaky as you struggled to hold onto your confidence. “I wasn’t ready for that.”

“I didn’t think you’d be so easy to rattle,” Shadow said, his voice full of amusement, his eyes gleaming with something that bordered on admiration. “Maybe I misjudged you.”

For a brief moment, the teasing stopped, and something else passed between you two—something genuine, something you weren’t sure you were ready for. But before you could say anything else, Shadow’s expression shifted back to his usual cool, collected demeanor.

“Anyway,” he began, his voice steady as ever, “if you want to keep pretending like I’m not getting to you, that’s fine. But just know this—this isn’t over.”

………

“So…” you said, breaking the silence, trying to fill the space between you. “What’s your idea of a perfect night?”

Shadow glanced up from his plate, his eyes narrowing slightly as he thought. “A perfect night?” he repeated, his voice low and thoughtful. “I’d say something quiet, something simple. No distractions. Just me and… someone I can trust.”

You felt a small smile tug at your lips. “You’ve got trust issues, don’t you?”

“Maybe,” he said, leaning back slightly, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “But I’m learning to get past that.”

That made your heart skip a beat. There was something in the way he said that, like he was opening up to you in his own quiet, reserved way. You decided to press further.

“So… is that someone sitting right across from you?” you teased lightly, trying to keep things playful.

Shadow’s gaze flickered to yours, and for a moment, you could have sworn he was studying you. “Maybe,” he said, his voice still steady, but now there was something more—something softer in his eyes. “But I’m not sure if you’re ready to hear the rest.”

You tilted your head slightly, a mixture of curiosity and amusement on your face. “What, is this some sort of secret?”

Shadow chuckled, a low, almost growling sound that made your stomach flutter. “You could say that. But only because I’m trying to figure out if you’re serious about this.”

Your heart skipped again, and your mind raced. “Serious about what?”

“The teasing, the games,” he said, his eyes darkening slightly with intensity. “Are you just here to play, or is there more to it?”

You swallowed, feeling the weight of his words. This wasn’t just a casual dinner. It was a moment of reckoning, a moment where everything between you two could change. You were silent for a moment, the air thick with tension as you thought about how to respond.

“Well, if you’re asking if I want more than just games, then yeah. I’m serious about this,” you said, your voice quieter than before. “I want to know where this could go.”

Shadow’s eyes softened, and for the first time, he didn’t look so distant. He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping just a bit. “Good. Because I don’t want to play games anymore, either.”

There it was. The truth was finally out in the open, and the tension between you two shifted, becoming something else—something more honest, more raw. You looked at him, your heart racing, and before you could say anything else, the waiter returned to clear your plates.

Once everything was cleared, Shadow leaned back in his seat, his eyes still on you, but there was something different in his gaze now—something more vulnerable. The silence between you wasn’t awkward this time, though. It felt comfortable, almost like a quiet understanding had settled between you.

Then, without missing a beat, Shadow looked you square in the eyes and asked, his voice steady but with a rare sincerity: “Would you go on a proper date with me?”

Your heart skipped a beat, but this time, it was in a good way. You smiled softly, feeling a mix of excitement and relief flood through you. “Yeah,” you said, your voice calm but filled with certainty. “I’d like that.”

Shadow’s lips curled into the faintest of smiles, a smile that reached his eyes for the first time in a long while. “Good. I’m not the best at this whole dating thing,” he admitted, “but I’ll do my best to make sure you enjoy it.”

You laughed, feeling a weight lift off your shoulders as you relaxed in your seat. Shadow, the brooding hedgehog you had spent so much time trying to figure out, had finally made his move—and it was everything you had hoped for.

As the meal wound down and the night continued, Shadow’s gaze never strayed far from you. The connection between you two was undeniable, the teasing and games that once defined your interactions now giving way to something deeper.

And then, as you were walking outside, under the soft glow of the streetlights, Shadow stopped. He turned to face you, his expression more serious now.

“I know this might be sudden,” he began, his voice almost hesitant for the first time. “But I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I’m not great with words, but I know what I want. I want you to be my girlfriend.”

Your breath caught in your throat. This was it—the moment you had been waiting for, the moment everything between you two clicked.

“Yes,” you said, your voice clear and filled with warmth. “I want to be your girlfriend.”

Shadow’s face softened, and for a moment, you could see a side of him that was rarely ever shown—vulnerable, open, and completely sincere. He reached out, pulling you into a hug, and you melted into it, your heart swelling with joy.

As he pulled away, he looked into your eyes, his usual confident smirk back in place. “I knew you’d say yes.”

And just like that, the teasing stopped, and something real began. Shadow the Hedgehog had finally opened up to you, and now, everything felt like it was exactly where it was supposed to be.

As the night grew quieter, the soft hum of distant city sounds filled the air around you. Shadow stood before you, his crimson eyes never leaving yours. The moment felt like it had stretched into eternity, and yet, you couldn’t help but feel like everything had fallen into place at once.

“I knew you’d say yes,” he said with that signature smirk, but there was no hiding the warmth in his eyes now. It wasn’t the teasing, distant Shadow you had once known; it was someone new—someone real, someone you were beginning to understand.

You couldn’t help but smile at him, feeling the rush of emotions that had been building up over time. “Yeah, well,” you teased softly, “you were right.”

The smile that tugged at Shadow’s lips was softer now, but it was no less intense. There was a tenderness in his gaze that you’d never seen before. As he stepped a little closer, you could feel the air between you both shift, the distance narrowing in a way that made your heart race all over again. His hand reached for yours, his fingers brushing against yours lightly, almost as if testing the waters.

He looked down at your hand for a moment before meeting your eyes again. The teasing was gone, replaced by something deeper, something genuine. “I’ve been waiting for this,” he said quietly, the words somehow more intimate now, as if this was the first time he was truly letting down his guard with you.

Your breath hitched, and before you could respond, Shadow moved closer, his hand gently cupping your cheek. His touch was soft, his thumb brushing over your skin in a way that sent a shiver down your spine. His gaze dropped to your lips, his face inches from yours, and in that moment, everything else faded away.

Without a word, Shadow leaned in, closing the space between you two. His lips met yours in a kiss that was slow, deliberate, and full of unspoken feelings. It wasn’t just a kiss; it was the culmination of everything that had been building between you two—the teasing, the shy moments, the laughter, and now, finally, the connection.

When you pulled away, your heart was racing, your breath coming a little more quickly. Shadow looked at you with an intensity that left you breathless. His smirk was back, but there was a softness to it now, a quiet pride that you could see in his eyes.

“You look even better than I imagined,” he murmured with a teasing tone, but the sincerity was there, too.

You smiled, a little breathless from the kiss, and felt the warmth of his presence settle over you like a promise. “Guess I’ll have to keep surprising you, then.”

And as the night stretched on, it was clear that this was only the beginning of something real. Something that no amount of teasing could ever take away.

[paigesbasketball]

Echos of the Fallen

Chapter 1: A ghost in plain sight Shadow the hedgehog x reader Warnings: cursing/slowburn

Failure. Ghosts. Revenge.

If you had asked me to describe my life, those three words would sum it all up. Three words that captured the entire meaning of my existence. I wasn’t alone; I had a trusty team. Sure, I didn’t tell them everything, but I didn’t need to. They trusted me, and I trusted them enough. They were the closest thing I had to family, even if my real family had disappeared. My life took a turn for the worse once they were killed. I was put into foster care, bouncing from home to home… No mobian wanted a sad, broken girl who watched her parents get killed. The last thing my mother told me was to run. I was frozen as I watched a G.U.N. agent take her life.

When I aged out of the system, an old lady took me in and taught me to fight. She said she was too old to have kids, but she was fine with having me. I was quiet, did what I was told, and in return, she taught me how to defend myself. She would always say, “I will never leave a child in a world where they don’t know how to defend themselves.” Years with her taught me a lot. And when she died, I knew much more. She claimed that nobody should know who I really was if I wanted a fresh start. So that’s what I did. I went to a black site and bought a fake name and identity. As far as anyone knew, the old girl was dead—she died in a car crash. My "end" was my beginning. That’s when I found the closest people to my heart today… or what was left of it.

Scar: She's a high-level fighter, not better than me, who was kicked out of the agency for "playing too rough." I loved her from the start. Unless she trusted you, she played by no rules. I saved her from being homeless, so I guess that earned me her trust. Zero: A top-tier hacker who used his talents for the wrong reasons—greed. I don’t blame him; he was in a bad place, and he thought it was his last resort. Too bad the state doesn’t take fraud lightly. He did time, but got out on good behavior after helping the FBI. Once he was out of jail, I took him in. He started seeing me like a mother, and I made a promise to protect him. He was only 17. Viper: She was our supplier. I didn’t know much about her, but she had been jailed, and she knew everyone, though nobody knew her. She helped me out of a tough spot, and I’ve never had a reason to doubt her since. She was like that cool party girl who always knew what to do. Nova: She was our chemist. The weird part was she never went to school. I grew up with her in foster care, and when she expressed how much she loved chemistry, we clicked instantly. But she never went to school... She learned everything on the dark web. Part of me wishes she went to real school to make something of her life, but I knew she didn’t want to be normal. She hated normal. Her mother threw her into foster care because she was "weird." She didn’t like typical girl things, and her mother couldn’t stand it. Good thing we loved her for it.

September 28th, 5:00 PM

“Guys, come on, we’ve got 30 minutes,” I say, irritated. We have a mission to kidnap a G.U.N. agent for information—Carson Palo. A mid-tier lieutenant working for one of the higher-ups at G.U.N. The timing couldn’t be better—during the annual fall ball. G.U.N. hosts this event once a year, desperately trying to gain more money for their corrupt ways.

“Yo, Zero, we on the list?” I ask the finger-typing boy on his computer. He dramatically rolls his eyes.

“An art like this takes time, ladies,” he says with sass.

I roll my eyes. “You know what else doesn’t take long? Getting arrested,” I reply, matching his sass.

“Viper, how are we with G.U.N.?” I ask, turning to the cool-headed supplier.

“Looking good, Capt,” she says immediately.

At the Event

Scar and I make our way further into the event, both using fake names thanks to Zero. We spot our target, but not before I catch the eye of Shadow the Hedgehog. He stares at me, as though he’s never seen me before, and starts questioning the nearest person about my appearance.

I speak into my earpiece. “Girl, I think it’s time to wrap it up. A red-and-black hedgehog won’t stop staring at me. I think he’s getting suspicious,” I say, trying to get out of his line of sight.

Scar responds immediately. “Did you ever think maybe he finds you attractive? Or is growing old with multiple Chaos your thing?” she teases.

I roll my eyes. “First of all, Chaos are adorable, and second, I am not interested in anyone at the moment,” I say, scatter-brained, trying to move out of his view.

“Yeah, um... you trying to run from him isn’t working like you think it is. Just trust me, he’s hot on your tail, and looking hot, dare I say—”

I cut her off, “Get to the damn point.”

“Stop responding and listen. He’ll hear you. Keep walking until I say so.”

I follow her instructions, trying my best to avoid Shadow’s gaze. After a few seconds, Scar continues. “Okay, he’s seriously not giving up. I need you to distract him for, like... hmm... five minutes. Trying to seduce our target is hard, but I think I almost have it. The area you’re in is good. Turn around in three seconds.”

“Get me his name,” I whisper quietly.

I stop, take a deep breath, and turn around to be met with a handsome hedgehog staring back at me. Scar wasn’t lying.

Okay, five minutes. Four minutes, fifty-nine seconds…

“Hi, how may I help you?” I say to the grim hedgehog.

“Who are you? This venue is for G.U.N. agents only, and I haven’t seen you… ever,” he says, staring deeply at me, waiting for me to crack. Sadly for him, he wasn’t going to get that satisfaction.

“Well, I think the reason you haven’t seen me is because I’m new to the office,” I say smoothly.

“Wrong,” Zero’s voice cuts through the earpiece. “You don’t even work at G.U.N. Your persona is Danny’s wife.”

Shit.

“Hmph,” he mutters, looking at my name tag, which conveniently rests near my chest.

Fuck. I’m making Scar buy me an apple pie for this later... Two minutes remaining.

I slap him and raise my voice to draw attention. “YOU PERVERT STARING AT MY BREASTS! WAIT UNTIL I TELL MY HUSBAND ABOUT THIS!” I yell, playing the damsel in distress.

A few men rush to my aid and confront Shadow without even questioning who I am. Idiots... Men always want to be heroes without thinking.

One of the many reasons I prefer Batman over Superman. I wink at Shadow playfully as I make my escape out the back entrance. But a woman stops me.

“Ms., are you okay? Do you need to talk to someone?” she says, concerned.

I quickly form tears in my eyes. “N-no, I just need to be alone right now... T-thank you though. I just feel so violated.”

I rush out the door. It's been five minutes.

“Scar, I just put on a fucking performance. You better be done,” I say with venom.

“Yeah, I’m done. Calm your tits,” she says, letting out a snicker.

As I walk toward the van, I ask, “What’s so funny?”

Zero intercepts. “I don’t know what was worse—watching that ‘performance’ or watching an unscripted telenovela.”

He and Scar burst into laughter as I get into the van.

“Just erase me from the camera footage and shut up,” I say, taking out my earpiece.

“Is he out?” I ask Scar, curious.

“Like a light, thanks to this stuff Nova gave us.”

“Alright, time to do my favorite part. Interrogate.”

Back at G.U.N. (Shadow’s POV)

“Wow, Shadow, when I told you to flirt with a girl, I didn’t mean to violate them,” Sonic says, and Shadow shakes his head, brooding.

“I wasn’t looking at her breasts. I was reading her name tag because something was off about her. Yes, I admit, I initially followed her because I thought she was attractive, but I would never treat a woman like that,” he says, spitting with venom.

Sonic adds, “Ah, I believe you, buddy, but who was she? I’ve never seen her.”

Shadow rolls his eyes while sipping his drink.

“She said she was Danny’s wife.”

Sonic looks at him, confused. “What?”

“I didn’t further pursue after that,” Shadow says.

Sonic’s voice takes on suspicion. “Well, I don’t think Danny would care, considering he doesn’t have a wife.”

I nearly spit out my drink.

“WHAT!? Then who the hell was she, and how did she get past security?” I ask, confused.

“Well, wanna find out, buddy?” Sonic says with a grin. “An adventure with my buddy Shadow the Hedgehog sounds fun.” I scoff at the blue blurs enthusiasm.

All I cared about was one thing: Who the hell was that girl?

[paigesbasketball]

I fear this might be facts

it gets to a point where maybe it isn’t the refs…

[paigesbasketball]

Echos of The Fallen

Chapter 3: Crimson Heist Shadow the Hedgehog x Reader Warnings: A little firting but thats it

September 30th - 7:45 AM - G.U.N. Headquarters

The remnants of the explosion still hung in the air, the scent of charred metal and burnt rubber clinging to Shadow’s uniform as he stepped into the war room. The monitors on the walls flickered with the latest updates—feeds from the wreckage site, reports from analysts trying to piece together what little information they had. The entire building seemed to hum with tension, the weight of last night’s failure pressing down on everyone inside.

Rouge was already seated at the long metal table, idly examining her nails as she waited for him. Omega stood nearby, his mechanical frame motionless save for the occasional whir of servos adjusting his position. The moment Shadow entered, Rouge glanced up, arching a perfectly sculpted brow.

“Well, well,” she mused, tilting her head. “You look like hell.”

Shadow ignored her, dropping into the chair across from her and flicking open the latest intel file. “We lost her.” His voice was clipped, edged with irritation.

“No kidding.” Rouge smirked, leaning forward. “You let a woman get the best of you. Now that’s a first.”

Shadow’s crimson eyes narrowed. “She was ten steps ahead. The explosion was a diversion, and we took the bait.” His fingers drummed against the table, betraying his frustration. “She’s not just some rogue mercenary. She knows how we operate.”

Omega’s monotone voice rumbled to life. “RECOMMENDATION: TERMINATION OF TARGET UPON IDENTIFICATION.”

Rouge scoffed. “So dramatic. We don’t even know who she really is yet. ‘Danny’s wife’ doesn’t exactly lead us anywhere.”

Shadow turned the file toward her. “She’s connected to Cipher. That’s all we need to know.”

Rouge’s expression darkened slightly at the mention of the name. “So, Cipher’s making moves again. Last time he popped up, it took half of G.U.N.’s intelligence division to track down just one of his hideouts. If she’s working with him, she’s dangerous.”

“Obviously.” Shadow’s voice was tight. “The question is why. What does Cipher want with G.U.N.’s classified weapons project?”

Rouge shrugged, leaning back in her chair. “Power? Leverage? Or maybe he’s just bored. But something tells me your little rooftop admirer is more than just an errand girl.”

Shadow frowned. “What do you mean?”

Rouge’s smirk returned, playful and knowing. “She could’ve killed you last night, but she didn’t.”

Shadow remained silent, his jaw tightening. He had considered that already. The explosion had been designed to wound, to scatter forces, not to kill. If she had truly wanted him dead, she wouldn’t have left it to chance.

Omega interrupted the thought. “QUERY: NEXT COURSE OF ACTION?”

Shadow pushed the file toward the center of the table. “We find her. We stop her. No more games.”

September 30th - 10:12 PM - Underground Safehouse

The glow of multiple monitors bathed the dimly lit room in a soft blue hue, casting flickering shadows against the exposed concrete walls. The safehouse was tucked beneath the remnants of an abandoned subway station, far from prying eyes.

I sat in front of the main screen, scanning through lines of encrypted data as Zero worked his magic on the G.U.N. servers. The room was filled with the soft clacking of keys, the occasional beeping of software processes running in the background. Scar stood near the entrance, arms crossed, her gaze flicking between me and the screens.

“G.U.N. is scrambling,” Zero announced, his fingers flying across the keyboard. “They’ve got teams sweeping the city, but they’re running in circles.”

Scar smirked. “Shadow must be pissed.”

I didn’t react, my eyes still focused on the data. “Let him be. It won’t change anything.”

Zero’s hands stilled for a moment, his brow furrowing. “Hold up... This is new.”

I leaned forward. “What?”

He pulled up a series of documents, most of them redacted, but one detail stood out. A shipment manifest. Destination: G.U.N. Research Facility - Grid Sector Seven. Contents: Prototype X-09.

Scar whistled lowly. “Well, that sounds interesting.”

I exhaled slowly, my mind racing. “That’s what Carson was talking about.”

Zero nodded. “Whatever X-09 is, they’re keeping it locked down tight. I can't seem to find information on it. If G.U.N. wants it then that just makes it automatically bad.”

I tapped my fingers against my arm, calculating the next steps. “Then we move first. we break into the G.U.N. bank and steal some of their assets so they will be unable to fund this project anymore"

Scar raised an eyebrow. “You sure about that? If we intercept, we’ll be putting ourselves directly in Shadow’s path.”

A part of me hesitated, just for a fraction of a second. Then I pushed the thought aside. “Let him come. this time he won't know I know his turf.”

Zero cracked his knuckles, already preparing the next phase of the operation. “Then let’s get to work.”

Viper stood up, stretching her arms. "Alright, I’m grabbing food. Try not to blow anything up while I’m gone."

She slammed the door behind her, making the walls shake slightly. Nova immediately huffed, turning toward the door with an irritated glare. "Can you not? I’m working on an experiment!"

Viper’s voice called from the hallway, "Oh, I’m sorry, Princess! Didn’t mean to disrupt your evil genius time."

Nova scoffed. "At least I actually use my brain."

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. "Guys, let’s be real. Unless you’re both on your period, let’s not bicker like this."

Nova shot me a glare, and Viper's laughter echoed from down the hall. "You wish, sweetheart!"

I smirked but turned back to the screens, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. The banter was familiar, almost comforting, but the weight of our situation pressed heavy on my mind. G.U.N. was moving fast, and we didn’t have time to waste.

Zero leaned back in his chair, exhaling sharply. "You really think we can pull this off?"

I didn’t answer right away, my eyes scanning over the shipment details. The security routes, the escort patterns—it was tight, but not impenetrable.

"We don’t have a choice," I finally said. "I do not trust them to have that weapon"

Scar crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. "And what happens when Shadow shows up?"

A beat of silence filled the room. That was the real problem. Shadow wasn’t like the grunts G.U.N. usually sent after us. He didn’t make mistakes. He didn’t let people slip through his fingers twice.

I exhaled. "Then we adapt."

The tension settled in the air, thick and unspoken. This wasn’t just another job—this was a battle waiting to happen.

The door creaked open again, and Viper strolled back in, holding a bag of takeout. "Alright, nerds, eat up. If we’re gonna risk our lives in forty-eight hours, you might as well not do it on an empty stomach."

Nova snatched the bag from her hands. "Finally, you’re useful for something."

Viper smirked. "Careful, Princess. Keep talking like that, and I might ‘accidentally’ forget your order next time."

As they bickered, I stared at the screens, the blueprint of the G.U.N. transport route flashing in front of me. This was it. The moment we made our move, there was no turning back.

I clenched my jaw, determination settling in.

We had forty-eight hours to pull off the impossible.

And failure wasn’t an option.

1:45 AM – G.U.N. Financial Holdings, Downtown

Everything had been going smoothly—too smoothly. Scar and I had just finished loading the last of the stolen assets into our bags when a sharp, high-pitched beep cut through the silence.

"Tell me that wasn’t you," Scar muttered.

I looked down at my wrist device, where a flashing red warning glowed across the screen. Silent alarm triggered.

"Shit," I hissed. "We need to move—now."

We bolted for the exit, weaving through the dimly lit corridors of the underground vault. But as we reached the stairwell, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the space. Heavy. Coordinated. Armed.

Scar gritted her teeth. "They’re fast."

"They’re G.U.N.," I shot back. "Of course they are."

We reached the main hall just as the security doors slammed shut behind us. A single figure stepped through the haze of flashing red lights. Black and red. Sharp crimson eyes locked onto mine.

Shadow.

Behind him, his team—Rouge and Omega—stood ready, blocking the only other exit.

"You really thought you could just waltz in and take what you wanted?" Shadow’s voice was low, measured, but there was an edge of irritation in it. "You’re getting sloppy."

Scar and I exchanged glances before moving in opposite directions. Shadow’s eyes flicked between us, assessing. Calculating.

"Take them," he ordered.

Rouge lunged for Scar while Omega charged forward, aiming straight for me. I dodged, ducking behind a pillar as his massive arm smashed through it like it was paper.

As Omega charged toward me, I tried to dodge his powerful swing again, but this time I had a better idea.

"Geez, Omega, you ever think about toning it down?" I taunted, hoping to get under his circuits. He growled in response, tightening his grip.

"NEGATIVE," Omega boomed, his voice full of pure mechanical rage. "FULL DESTRUCTION MODE ENGAGED."

I couldn’t avoid his next hit in time, so I took a deep breath, waiting for the right moment. Omega swung harder, and this time, his fist collided with a wall near Rouge, sending debris flying everywhere.

A vulnerable moment.

Before he could adjust, I whipped out a small device from my belt. With a quick motion, I slapped it onto Omega's back. The device activated with a small electric buzz, sending a surge of energy into his system, causing his circuits to short-circuit and his movements to freeze.

Omega's massive frame shuddered, and his body froze in place. The once-booming voice became erratic. "ERROR. SYSTEM MALFUNCTION..."

I gave a sly grin. "Guess I’ll have to remind you how to play nice."

I turned just in time to see Shadow coming for me. Fast. I barely managed to block his first strike, but the sheer force sent me skidding back. He was relentless, each blow more precise than the last.

He feinted left before sweeping my legs out from under me. Before I could react, I was flat on my back, Shadow pinning me down, one knee pressing into my ribs, his hand gripping my wrist.

I struggled, but he didn’t budge. "Give it up," he said. "You’re done."

My mind raced. I needed a distraction. Something to throw him off—just for a second.

I locked eyes with him, smirking. "You gonna kiss me or something, handsome?"

Shadow’s expression flickered. Just for a second. A flash of confusion.

That was all I needed.

I drove my knee into his stomach, making him grunt in surprise. Using the momentum, I twisted us around, grabbing a pair of cuffs from my belt. Before he could recover, I snapped them around his wrist and slammed the other end to a reinforced pipe. The cuffs magnetized instantly, locking him in place.

His eyes widened slightly as he tested the restraints.

I grinned. "Gotta say, I didn’t expect you to be so easy to trap."

Shadow glared at me, but there was the faintest trace of pink on his face.

Scar broke free from Rouge’s grip, sprinting toward me. "We need to go!"

I pulled a smoke bomb from my belt, slamming it against the ground. Thick clouds engulfed the room, obscuring everything.

"See you around, handsome," I teased, before grabbing Scar’s wrist and making a break for the exit.

We darted through the emergency hatch we had scoped out earlier, leaving chaos in our wake. The sound of Shadow yanking at the cuffs and Omega’s booming voice echoed behind us, but we were already gone, disappearing into the night.

2:30 AM – Warehouse Hideout

We crashed through the doors, breathless, adrenaline still surging through our veins.

Zero looked up from his laptop. "I take it things didn’t go as planned?"

Scar dropped her bag onto the table, grinning. "Oh, it went great. Got the goods, fought Shadow, and someone got a little flirty mid-fight."

I rolled my eyes, slumping into a chair. "It was a tactical distraction."

Scar snorted. "Sure it was."

Viper raised an eyebrow. "Wait—you flirted with Shadow?"

Nova nearly choked on her drink. "Hold on, back up. Shadow the Hedgehog?"

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "I’m going to regret this later."

Scar smirked, kicking her feet up onto the table. "Maybe. But for now? Totally worth it."

3:00 AM – G.U.N. Financial Holdings, Downtown

Shadow's POV

The smoke was thick, the echoes of their escape still ringing in my ears. I yanked futilely at the cuffs, feeling the cold metal dig into my wrist. They were designed to hold even the strongest, and for once, it seemed they might have me. But I didn’t have time to waste on my restraints. I had a bigger problem on my hands.

Omega was down, his system glitching from whatever trick that woman had pulled on him. He was muttering about malfunctions as Rouge approached me, her footsteps sharp and mocking.

“Well, that was quite the show, Shadow,” she said, her voice dripping with amusement.

I narrowed my eyes at her, trying to ignore the frustration bubbling inside me. “Save it, Rouge.”

She leaned in closer, her lips curling into a playful smirk. “Not so tough when you're distracted, huh? You got all flustered with her little stunt. Was that... flirtation? You know, I’ve seen you fight harder. Looks like someone’s got a soft spot.”

I could feel my pulse spike, irritation mixing with something I couldn’t quite place. "This isn't the time for your games."

Rouge raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Oh, I’m not joking. You practically let her tie you up. Seems like you let your guard down for something more than just the mission."

I grit my teeth, pushing back the surge of heat in my chest. “She got lucky. That’s all.”

But Rouge wasn’t done. “Sure, sure. I mean, she’s pretty good, I’ll give her that. Had to be quick thinking to get you like that.” Her eyes twinkled as she surveyed the room, her gaze shifting from me to Omega’s malfunctioning state. "But the real question is—how did she even know how to get past all the security systems? Couldn’t have been just luck."

A thought clicked into place, something I hadn’t fully processed in the heat of the moment. The woman’s movements, the way she seemed to be one step ahead, even the tech on her person—it all seemed too familiar. My mind whirred.

“Wait...” I muttered, looking toward Rouge. “She... she knew too much about our systems. She moved like someone who’d been trained to break into places like this.”

Rouge leaned against a wall, watching me. “You think she was G.U.N. trained?” she asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly amused.

“Impossible,” I muttered under my breath, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Her style, her tactics—everything about her reeked of G.U.N. precision, just twisted in a way I hadn’t expected.

“I don’t know, Shadow,” Rouge said, her voice softer now, more serious. “Maybe we should start asking the right questions. Why would someone like her target a G.U.N. facility... and why are we just now seeing her face?”

I clenched my fists, the truth dawning on me. “We’re missing something. Whoever she is, she’s connected to G.U.N. in ways we don’t understand yet.”

Rouge gave me a knowing look, her smirk fading into something more thoughtful. “You think this is the beginning of something bigger?”

I nodded, my gaze shifting back to where Scar and the woman had vanished. “It’s more than just a heist. It’s personal now.”

Guys be honest im trying to find a good length for the chapters i believe this is fine but please let me know

- Caty

[paigesbasketball]

If requests are okay, can i request a shadow the hedgehog x reader where the reader has been struggling for awhile but been well..bottling it up and shadow gets them down and talks to them to get them to open up, allowing the reader to feel safe to cry?..

Safe in Crimson Arms

Shadow the hedgehog x reader warnings: a little angst Notes: filling out requests sorry this was a little late (requests are open)

The house was quiet, the dim glow of the moonlight spilling through the curtains. You sat on the edge of the bed, your heart heavy and your mind racing. For weeks now, you had carried the weight of your secret alone, fear and doubt swirling in your chest. Every time you’d thought about telling Shadow, a little voice in your head would whisper doubts, and you’d back out.

Would he be upset? Would he feel burdened? Would this push him away?

The thought made your stomach twist painfully.

The sound of the front door closing pulled you from your spiral. Footsteps echoed down the hall, and moments later, Shadow appeared in the doorway. His sharp crimson eyes softened when they met yours, but there was still a flicker of concern.

“You’re awake,” he said, his voice low but steady. “What’s going on?”

You tried to muster a smile, shaking your head quickly. “Nothing. Just couldn’t sleep.”

Shadow wasn’t convinced. He moved closer, his movements purposeful but calm, and sat down beside you. He reached out, placing a gloved hand over yours.

“Don’t do that,” he said gently. “Don’t pretend with me.”

Your breath hitched, and you turned your gaze away, trying to keep yourself composed. But Shadow leaned in slightly, his presence grounding yet inescapable.

“[Y/N],” he murmured, his voice quieter now. “Talk to me. What’s wrong?”

The words hit harder than you expected, breaking through the wall you’d tried so hard to hold up. Your shoulders sagged, and before you could stop yourself, tears welled in your eyes.

Shadow’s expression shifted immediately. Without a word, he wrapped an arm around your shoulders, guiding you into his lap. His other arm came around your waist, holding you securely as he settled you against him.

“Let it out,” he said softly, his voice steady but kind. “I’ve got you.”

The dam broke. The tears came fast, and sobs wracked your body as you clung to him. His hand moved soothingly up and down your back, and you felt him press a gentle kiss to the top of your head.

“I’m pregnant,” you choked out between sobs. “I’ve been so scared to tell you.”

Shadow froze for a moment, his hand stilling as your words hung in the air. Then he pulled you even closer, his embrace firm and steady.

“Why were you scared to tell me?” he asked quietly, his tone filled with a kind of soft intensity that only he could manage.

You buried your face in his chest, your hands clutching at his shirt as you tried to find the words. “I… I thought you’d be upset. Or that you’d feel trapped. I was so afraid you’d leave me…”

Shadow’s arms tightened around you, his hand moving to cradle the back of your head. “Leave you?” he echoed, his voice both shocked and hurt. “How could you ever think that?”

“I don’t know,” you sobbed, your voice cracking. “I just… I didn’t want to lose you.”

Shadow leaned back slightly, just enough to tilt your face up so you could see him. His crimson eyes were fierce, yet there was a tenderness in them that made your heart ache.

“You’ll never lose me,” he said firmly. “You’re my everything. Do you understand that?”

Your breath hitched again, and fresh tears spilled down your cheeks. But this time, they weren’t just from fear—they were from relief.

Shadow gently wiped the tears from your face with his thumb, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone so guarded. “You’re not in this alone,” he said, his voice steady. “We’re in this together. I’ll always be here for you, and for our child.”

The way he said the words, with such certainty, made the tightness in your chest finally ease. You collapsed against him again, your head resting on his shoulder as he held you.

“I love you,” you whispered, your voice muffled but sincere.

Shadow pressed another kiss to your temple, his voice quiet but filled with emotion as he replied, “I love you too. More than anything.”

And in his arms, for the first time in weeks, you felt completely safe.

[paigesbasketball]

“PAIGE AND KK WILL END UP ON THE SAME WNBA TEAM AND SARAH WILL TRANSFER TO THERE TEAM..”

I say as they drag me into the padded room

Those are my three goats I don't want them to leave.…

[paigesbasketball]

Clock it✨

Like guys please don’t…I highly doubt she wants to go home and see THAT on her fyp or even on the ride home

For the editors out there , PLEASE keep those clips out of the edits . You wouldn’t want people editing your vulnerable moments so please . Let’s not speculate right not until we know what’s going on when tests are performed. Let’s all just please pray for paige’s both physical and mental health .

[paigesbasketball]

Court of Revenge pt.2

Paige x basketball!reader

Warnings: Swearing

DISCLAIMER: The things i wrote are for story purpose not based on true emotions.

"you weren't here for the bullshit and neither was she"

As you walked off the court, the tension of the game still pulsing through your veins, the sound of the crowd celebrating seemed distant, muted. Your eyes stayed focused straight ahead, the adrenaline still surging, your heart racing. You had done it. You’d taken your shot—both literally and figuratively. But something inside you told you this wasn’t the end.

In the locker room, your teammates gathered around, their voices high with excitement. The win was sweet, but the personal victory was even sweeter. You’d achieved your goal—made Paige feel what your sister had felt, even if just for a moment. Still, as you peeled off your jersey and sat down to catch your breath, the satisfaction felt hollow, like a fire that still hadn’t fully burned out.

You couldn’t shake the look on Paige’s face after you spoke. The way she had frozen, the way she had felt the weight of your words. Part of you felt vindicated, but another part—one you couldn’t fully understand yet—felt something different. Something that unsettled you. Did you just want to win? Or did you want more?

The buzzer had gone off, the game was over, but you couldn’t stop replaying that moment in your head. Your sister’s face flashed in your mind, her frustration, her dreams dashed. You had done this for her. But that look on Paige’s face... it was almost like she didn’t understand. Or maybe, she did, but didn’t care.

“Hey,” your teammate, Ella, slapped you on the back, snapping you out of your thoughts. “You were amazing out there! That block on Paige? Priceless.”

You forced a smile, nodding as the locker room erupted in chatter. But as you grabbed your bag and headed for the exit, your thoughts kept drifting back to her.

You hadn’t heard the last of Paige Bueckers. Not by a long shot.

The next few days were a blur. Classes, practice, life—all felt oddly routine compared to that night. But the messages started coming in. News outlets, reporters, social media. Clips of the game went viral, your final free throw play, the confrontation with Paige. You couldn’t escape it. Every headline seemed to have the same angle: “The Rivalry No One Saw Coming.”

And then, the message from Paige. It was short. Simple.

We’re not done. Not by a long shot.

You sat back in your chair, staring at the text. Part of you felt a rush of anticipation. Finally, a challenge. Finally, someone who didn’t just see you as another opponent. The adrenaline, the rivalry, it was only growing stronger.

Your phone buzzed again. Another message, this time from your sister.

You did it. You made her feel it. But don’t let up. Finish it.

You smiled, a cold, determined smile. Your sister had been watching, from home, from the sidelines. She hadn’t just been cheering for a win. She was cheering for the closure you both needed.

The season wasn’t over yet. But the stakes had just gotten personal. Paige may have thought she could walk away from the past, but you weren’t going to let her forget.

And you? You wouldn’t forget the name that was going to haunt her thoughts for the rest of her career.

The days after the game felt like a whirlwind. The win had sparked a fire, not just in the gym, but everywhere. Your phone was buzzing constantly, the constant notifications a reminder that the rivalry between you and Paige Bueckers had become something bigger than either of you had expected. You’d stepped into the spotlight, and now everyone wanted a piece of your story.

It started with a flood of messages from friends and classmates, congratulating you for the game, some even joking that you were now a "household name." But it wasn’t just your friends. News outlets quickly picked up the viral clips, your block on Paige, your game-winning free throws, and, of course, that unforgettable confrontation. The headlines screamed: “The Rivalry No One Saw Coming.” Your name was everywhere, and not just locally. National sports networks were calling. Your inbox was overflowing with interview requests, podcast invitations, and even an offer to appear on a late-night talk show.

At first, it all felt like a blur. The requests kept piling up. Sports commentators and analysts were dissecting your every move, comparing you to legends, asking questions about Paige’s future, about your sister’s injury, about what this rivalry meant for the game itself. You had no time to breathe. There was always something else to do, somewhere else to be.

But amidst all the chaos, there was one message that stood out.

It was from a producer at a major sports talk show, The Final Buzzer. They wanted you to come on as a guest to discuss the game, your rivalry with Paige, and how it had all unfolded. You stared at the message for a long time, weighing it. This wasn’t just another interview. This was the interview. It was your chance to speak directly to everyone—sports fans, athletes, critics, and, yes, even Paige herself. You couldn’t back down now.

You agreed to the interview, but as the date drew closer, the weight of the situation began to sink in. The cameras, the stage, the spotlight. You had always focused on the game, not the media. But now, your personal vendetta was a headline, and you would have to speak about it. You knew this wasn’t just about basketball anymore. It was about your sister. It was about making sure everyone understood why you were doing this.

The night of the interview, you walked into the studio, a rush of nerves and excitement flowing through you. The set was sleek, polished, cameras set up at every angle. The host, a charismatic former athlete with a sharp sense of humor, greeted you with a warm handshake. "We’ve been waiting for this moment," he said with a smile, clearly aware of the magnitude of what was unfolding.

The lights dimmed, and the camera focused on you. The host introduced you, and the audience cheered as you took your seat. For a moment, you almost forgot you were on national television. The adrenaline from the game, from the rivalry, was still coursing through your veins, but you kept your focus. This wasn’t the time to lose yourself in the moment.

“So, here we are,” the host began. “We’ve seen the viral clips, the game-winning shots, the epic showdown with Paige Bueckers. But, as everyone knows, there’s a deeper story here. Let’s talk about your sister—what happened to her, and why this game, this rivalry, means so much more than just a win for you.”

Your throat tightened, but you pushed through. You hadn’t spoken publicly about your sister’s injury since that night. It was too raw. Too painful. But this was your chance to make it clear, not just to the audience, but to Paige, and everyone watching. You took a deep breath.

“It’s not just about basketball for me,” you began, your voice steady, though the emotions were close to the surface. “It’s about my sister. A year ago, she was playing in a game, and Paige made a play that ended my sister’s career. It wasn’t a dirty play, but it was reckless. One bad foul, and everything she worked for, everything she dreamed of, was gone. And Paige... she just walked off the court, like nothing happened. Like it didn’t matter.”

The host nodded, his expression solemn. The audience sat in quiet attention, the weight of your words sinking in.

“That night, when I stepped on the court against Paige, it wasn’t just about winning. It was about making sure she felt what my sister felt. Making her understand what she took away. I don’t think Paige even remembers my sister. But I won’t let her forget. This rivalry—it’s not just a game. It’s about justice.”

The host paused for a moment, letting your words sink in. “And then, after the game, you walked right past Paige at the handshake line. That moment, the way you didn’t back down... People are still talking about it. What was going through your mind?”

You smirked slightly, remembering the confrontation. “I wasn’t going to let her have that moment. She thinks she can move on like nothing happened. But she can’t. I’m not going to let her forget what she did, and I’m not going to let her forget me. Not after what she took from my sister.”

The host raised his eyebrows, clearly impressed. “Strong words. But let’s talk about Paige for a moment. The media’s been buzzing about this rivalry—there’s a lot of talk about her future, how she’s going to respond. What do you think?”

You leaned forward, eyes focused. “I think Paige is a great player. I won’t take that away from her. But I also think she’s used to getting what she wants. She’s used to being the star, the one everyone loves. But this rivalry... it’s different. She’s not going to be able to walk away from this one. And I’m not going to let her forget it.”

As the interview continued, you felt the weight of the words you were saying. The pressure of the public eye, the expectations, the rivalry—it was all starting to feel more real. You weren’t just playing for the game anymore. You were playing for something bigger. For your sister. For closure. And, whether you liked it or not, for the world to see.

The next few days saw more interviews, more attention. Podcasts invited you to share your side of the story. You were a headline now, the story of the girl who had taken on Paige Bueckers, not just as a rival, but as a force of reckoning.

I mean... thats how you earned your nickname.

The Equalizer.

you didn't think Paige Bueckers was tough shit. She was the same as everyone else, and people tended to agree with you.

But even with the spotlight, even with the excitement of being in the media’s gaze, you couldn’t escape the feeling that this wasn’t over. Paige was out there, watching, preparing for the next chapter of the rivalry. The next time you faced her, you knew it would be even bigger. The stakes were higher now. And you? You were ready.

Paige Bueckers added you on Instagram

Paige messaged you

"We need to talk Ms. Equalizer"

[paigesbasketball]

Yall gotta hear me out

Last years team, with a healthy azzi, Sarah strong, and a healthy Aubrey.