Rouge strutted into the room like she owned the entire building, wings folding neatly behind her, eyes sharp and sparkling. The moment she saw Shadie, her whole face lit up. “Shadie, sweetheart!” Rouge laughed, sweeping her into a dramatic hug. “Still gorgeous, still dangerous, still my favorite chaos magnet.” Shadie hugged her back. “And you’re still dramatic enough to make Will jealous.” “Impossible,” Will said from behind them. “No one out-dramas me.” Shadow crossed his arms beside them, completely ignored. He cleared his throat. Rouge continued squeezing Shadie. He cleared his throat louder. Still nothing. Finally, Shadow said flatly, “You hug her before acknowledging me?” Rouge turned, pressed one perfectly manicured finger to his chest, and said sweetly: “Shadow, darling, I acknowledge your existence every time I hear you sigh dramatically from three rooms away.” Shadow Sighs. Rouge added, “Like that. Exactly that sigh.” Cream howled with laughter, nearly dropping her sketchpad. “Aunt Rouge is right, Uncle Shadow! You DO sigh everywhere!” Shadow looked personally betrayed. Shadie patted his shoulder. “Tough day, bro?” Will snorted. “Imagine being roasted that hard by your own wife—” Shadow shot Will a murderous look. Will instantly backpedaled. “I mean, respectfully roasted. With love. Deep admiration. Please don’t kill me.” Cream giggled even harder. “Uncle Will, you’re scared!” “Cream, sweetie,” Will said, voice cracking, “anyone with survival instincts is scared of your Uncle Shadow.” Rouge smirked, flipping her hair. “And here I thought I was the intimidating one.” Silver silently stood behind everyone, staring into the void. Cream turned to him and whispered, “Don’t worry, Uncle Silver. You’re safe.” Silver didn’t look convinced.
