#shadow smiling at amy when she hugged him in sa2?

[thefakehedgehogaroundhere]

why is shadamy fan content so much better than actual shadamy

[shadamyheadcanons]

For me, Shadow and Amy's dynamic is basically two different types of touch starved in a person

((If any of the gifs on this post aren’t loading for you on mobile--like they aren’t for me--you can download them or check the sources listed. As for desktop, they play just fine, but they won’t line up next to each other like they do on mobile. Tumblr is a comedy of errors.))

Yes! Absolutely. I’ve seen tons of fans say Shadow is prickly and would respond badly to hugs, but canon says otherwise. This is a bad reaction:

[Sonic 06]

Whenever I feel like being sad, I wonder if Bad-Future-06 Silver has ever been hugged.

This is a bad reaction:

[Sonic Unleashed, gif source.]

And I shouldn’t have to say this, but...yeah. These are very bad reactions:

[Sonic X]

[Sonic Generations]

Yikes. I feel bad for both of them.

But this?

[Sonic Adventure 2, gif source.]

This is Shadow’s only canonical hug in the games, and aside from jumping slightly from being snuck up on, he seems to like it just fine.

Just look at that smile! He’s happy. He finds it endearing.

It was a hug from a complete stranger meant for someone else, but he still drank it in--and, given that he’d effectively just lost Maria, he really did need it. It’s the combination of Amy’s gentleness AND her speech that changed his mind. After all, if someone as sweet as her sees something in the humans, maybe they’re not so bad.

My buddy who runs @shadowxamyweek recently reblogged a post about this hug, and their tags sum it up perfectly:

[ID: A screenshot of tags on a post. The tags read:

#official art #4kids #shadow the hedgehog #amy rose #YEAH 😭 #listen I read nothing that has happened with them in SA2 as shippy - and i ship them #THIS HUG? THR SPEECH ON THE ARK? #those are two lonely kids #those are two left behind kids #those are two kids so desperate for affection #for two vastly different reasons #Amy loves with her whole chest and will never stop doing so- no matter what happens #and Shadow does too- that is key to remember- Shadow loves... so fucking much... that it hurts #you are RIGHT op when you say this is probably the first time someone has been gentle with him in a long long time #he doesn't even run away #in the game- when Amy flees- he takes a step after her- a moment's hesitation- a 'wait' #this kid NEEDED a hug #and i firmly believe part of the reason Shadow listens to Amy in the end is BECAUSE she is the only person who showed him gentleness #softness and kindness and affection #if only for a moment #fjdodhdofjgor THIS is what i mean when i say 'be gentle- be kind' #it MATTERS #it FUCKING MATTERS

End ID]

Shadow doesn’t hate hugs inherently; it’s just that no one hugs him in the first place...

...aside from one person.

Amy’s easily the most affectionate character in the cast. It’s cute at first glance, but there’s a common thread to every instance that puts a damper on it.

She’s always, ALWAYS the initiator.

She puts more into each hug than anyone else does.

She’s always the last to pull away.

The most reciprocated Amy hug I know of in canon is this one:

[IDW Sonic issue #22]

Which is absolutely adorable...but Amy still initiated. Because it’s always her job. Even the characters who like affection don’t need it the way she does...with one exception.

And this tiny detail just killed me. The little, “wait, come back 😟”

It’s the only time I know of when someone has actually stepped after her like this. In a game where everyone left Amy behind, he wanted to follow her. Mister so-called-prickly didn’t want the hug to end.

Because he’s the only one who needs it as much as she does.

He wants to be held as much as she wants to hold someone else, and no one else is warm and sincere enough for it. Compare these instances:

[IDW issue #6]

Sonic thinks Shadow is wrong about something, so he grabs Shadow’s arm to stop him, and Shadow aggressively wrenches it away and leaves.

[Archie Sonic Universe #23]

But when Amy thinks Shadow is wrong about something and grabs his arm to stop him, he gently removes her hand and thinks about what she has to say.

Even when he doesn’t want to be touched, he makes the distinction between “don’t touch me” and “not right now, please.” These are from two different continuities, of course, but I think the point stands. Amy’s special. He’s gentler with her than he is with other people, and that’s consistent across all canons.

Side note: how often does Amy get to feel special like that? I actually really like that Sonic doesn’t place others in a hierarchy of importance, and I wouldn’t change that about him even if I could...

[IDW issue #2]

...but Amy does play favorites. I want her to feel like she’s someone else’s favorite, too. I want her to have someone who puts her first and likes her best. I think Shadow’s more than capable of that. I believe he craves clinginess like hers deep down, even if he hasn’t consciously figured that out yet.

I have an entire tag for these two being affectionate. My favorite is probably this one.

Of course, there may be those who say I’m reading too much into one (1) hug. And you know what? Maybe they’re right! We need a bigger sample size. Sega, make more characters hug Shadow, please. Let Rouge comfort him after he confides in her about something. Have Omega give him an awkward metal embrace because he read on the internet that organic beings like that kind of thing. Make Shadow himself pull Silver into a hug when he’s breaking down crying from the stress of always having to be a hero. Show Tails accidentally grab onto him out of fear when they’re trapped in a lightning storm, and when he gets embarrassed and pulls away, have Shadow hold him for the rest of the storm and admit he’s not fond of bright lights, either.

[Sonic Boom]

That scene where Shadow and Amy rescue Cream and Cheese from Cryptic Castle? That easily could’ve turned into a cute group hug.

[Shadow the Hedgehog (2005)]

And I have seen some absolutely adorable fanart where he holds Cream’s hand while he and Amy lead her through Cryptic Castle to make sure she doesn’t get lost 🥺

Have Knuckles give him an empathetic bro-pat on the shoulder when he finds out Shadow’s the last one of his race, too.

[Archie Sonic Universe #89]

Have Sonic try to hug him, and then when Shadow inevitably pushes him away and says he doesn’t do hugs, have Amy arrive and latch onto Shadow instead while he tries to stutter out an excuse as to why she’s allowed to and Sonic isn’t.

The most affection Shadow has in recent history is stuff like this...

[Sonic Prime season 2 episode 1]

...where Sonic tries to hug him and Shadow immediately pushes him away, knocks him over, and tries to punch him in the face. Kind of says it all. Amy stands out as the only one with a good track record here.

[IDW issue #36]

Especially when you have him look at her like this when someone else is on the receiving end of that affection.

So in the absence of further evidence, I have no choice but to interpret this in the most Shadamy way possible. Your move, Sega.

[nuttyrabbit]

Miles Tails Prower In... High School - Pressure 'N' Stress - Issue #134 (Sth Rewrite)

AAAAAAHHH FUCK YOU KINDLE FIRE!!! YOU DELETED THE STORY I WORKED SO HARD ON!!! NOW I GOTTA REWRITE IT!!!!!!! AAAAAAH!!!!! Oh…. *Ahem*! Now let’s get on this shizow!

Cover Art: Shows Tails and Sally walking away sad with their head down with a broken heart in the background. Tails walking towards the background and Sally walking towards the viewer. Rare Cover Art: None

Written by: Karl Bollers– I mean… Bladeque!

*In Doctor Quack’s Office*

“So, you were in space huh?” Asked Doctor Quack as he was giving Tails a checkup.

“Yeah. It was so cold and scary there. But I managed to find my way back home.”

“ Stuck anything in your ear kid? ”

“No. But I got this translator in my ear.” Tails pointed to his right ear. “They told me that I should get it out before something weird happens.”

“ Well, let’s go check. ” Doctor Quack took out his auriscope and checked in Tails’ right ear. He took a look and wasn’t prepared for what he was going to see next. “DEAR SOLARIS!!! WHAT US THAT!!!” His reaction made Tails panic.

“ Wha-what’s going on doctor? ” Asked Tails as he grabbed Doctor Quack’s coat with tears about to come out his eyes.

“I-I-I’ll be right back kid to get the X-Ray!” He ran out the room .

A hour later the X-Ray scan was finished. He showed Tails the X-Ray. Tails’ eyes widened. It showed the translator melting inside Tails head.

“Well kid. It looks like that this translator is being melted inside your ear, and will melt into your brain.”

Tails started to panic. “WAIT!! IT’S A PART OF ME??!!!” Tails started to shake Doctor Quack violently . “YOU GOTTA GET RID OF IT!!!! $ ∆¶®¢=€¥€^•€|€¡¡¡¡¡¡!!!!!” Tails began to speak in a alien language.

“Relax kid. It doesn’t look dangerous. Plus it might not be so bad knowing how to speak in different languages. And removing it may cause more harm than good… and for that gunshot wound you received,” He grabbed a painkiller bottle “heres some painkillers. I recommend you take twice a day every six to eight hours.”

Tails took the bottle. “Say Doc… since I was gone for two years. Now Knothole is a city, I’m worldwide famous, and you look different too. What happened?– I mean you don’t have to tell me if it brings up any bad memories.”

“ Ah! This ‘ol thing? ” He pointed to his eyepatch. “Just got shot in the eye by those human mercenaries.” Tails felt bad.

“ Well, doc, I’ll see you next week. ” He walked out the infirmary with his head down.

“Tails!” Sally ran to him hugging him. “ How was everything? Was everything okay? ” She rubbed his right cheek.

“Yeah. Everything’s alright. I’m feeling a guilty that you guys had to suffer from my absence. If I was here, you guys probably wouldn’t had to–” Sally shushed him with her finger.

“No. Don’t be sorry. You saved the whole planet and we’re grateful for that.” She kissed him.

Tails kissed back. They were kissing until Amadeus and Rosemary came into the room.

“*Giggles* I remember that we were like that when we were their age.” Giggle Rosemary .

“Yeah. They grow up so fast.”

Tails and Sally heard Tails parents and immediately broke the kiss, blushing.

“Haha! Dad! We were just–”

“Don’t explain yourself son. We know that you guys love each other. Me and your mom was like that when we were your age, we still are.” Amadeus and Rosemary kissed. This embarrassed Tails.

“ M-mom! Dad! That’s gross! ”

-A few minutes later - Tails and Sally walked out the doctors office.

“Well son, we got to get going to a special event. Hope to see you there.” Said Amadeus as he was getting out of his wheelchair into the passenger side of their car. ( In this universe, Amadeus suffers from NIDS. =P)

“Well, bye! See you soon!” Tails waved goodbye as his parents drove off. Sally’s limousine pulled up. Sally got in, Tails followed until–

“SURPRISE!!!!!!!” Out came Bean from a pot .

“AAAH!!!!” Screamed Tails . “Dear Solaris! You scared me!” Tails grabbed his chest.

“ Woopsie-Doodles! ” Said Bean as he stepped out the plant. “But! I brought company!” Bean dug inside the plant and pulled out Knuckles, Silver, Big, and Shard. Tails eyes and mouth was wide open as he saw that.

“How did we even fit inside there?” Asked Silver as he was twiddling with his thumbs.

“ Magic! ” Said Knuckles as he threw glitter around Silver.

“Why are you guys here?” Asked Tails confused.

“Sally invited us to go to the concert with you!” Bean said jumping up and down.

Tails looked at Sally shocked. “You invited these nuts?” Tails whispered to Sally.

“ These "nuts” participated in the event that we made. “

Tails rubbed the back of his head. "Oh… my bad… Come on guys hop in!” Everyone got in the limousine and it drove off.

30 minutes later they made it to the concert. Tails got out the limousine and was amazed of what he saw. The concert was dedicated to him. It had Tails plushies, bookbags, comic book spin-offs, his sweaters, his pants, and his shoes. He was a bit creeped out by the clothes part.

“Wow Sals. You dud all of this?” He asked.

“ No. All this was Bean’s ideas. I just wanted to give you a speech and the "funny kiss.” This made Tails blush.

“ Aw shucks. ” Blushed Tails. “Wait! Who made the clothes?”

“ Why Bean of cour–” Sally paused. “Oh no…”

-KABOOOOOOM-

“YEEEEEEOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!!!!” Screamed a victim who was wearing Tails’ shoes.

“ALRIGHT!!! IT’S A SUCCESS!!!!” Yelled Bean excitedly.

A few minutes later the ambulance came to who were injured by the explosions. After everything was cleaned up the concert continued. Mina Mongoose started singing about Tails and something like that…

A few minutes later, Mina was done singing her song. Knuckles came up stage to sing “Unknown From M.E. (SA2 Version)” . Everyone was pumped up singing along with him and stuff.

Tails was reciting the lyrics. “I was born like this to be @#$%$€¢¥¥¥¥¶¶¶¶€¥€¢ !!!” He covered his hands with his mouth. “ Sally heard the weird stuff that he was saying.

"What was that Tails?”

“ My translator in my brain is acting weird and… I just cussed in D'Novelon! ” Tails felt embarrassed.

*A few minutes later…*

Knuckles was finished with his song. He came to Tails. “You liked my song?” He gave Tails a noogie.

“ Yea– Ow! It was nice– ouch! That song is a permanent earworm for sure! Ouch! ”

King Maxamillian walked up to the stage to make a announcement. “Good citizens of Knothole City. As a effort to fortify our city against evil… me and my wife will depart from Knothole to make a all-around world trip, making Central City our final stop. During our absence, our daughter Sally is going to run the city until our return.” Sally smiled and waved around while Tails looked at her shocked. “Now everyone – continue to enjoy the celebration!!!!” The whole crowd cheered.

Cream looked at Amy. “ Wow Amy. Miss Sally is going to be our temporary mayor. ”

“I know right, girls rule!” Smiled Amy.

“Well Blazey. Whaddaya know. Sally’s gonna be our temporary mayor, I wish her the best.” Said Sonic.

“ *Purrs* ” Purred Blaze as she nuzzled her cheek against Sonic’s.

*Later*

“Max, honey? Do you think that Sally is ready to take responsibility to run the city while we’re gone? ” Asked Alicia. “I mean you saw how she was last year when she thought that Tails was… you know?”

“ Don’t worry honey. As long as she sees her therapist every week, she’ll be fine. Elias didn’t wanted to do it. I believe in her therapist that she will be fine, but I believe in her more… ”

Meanwhile Tails and Sally were in the park walking.

“Tails… I–” She was interrupted by Juli-Su.

“Come on Sally-Gurl! Get dressed, you don’t want to miss the funky jamming!” Said Juli-Su as she was hugging on Knuckles.

“You heard my girl! Let’s get funky!” Said Knuckles as he was hyped up.

“ Alright, alright. I’ll go get dressed. I’ll be right back Tails. ” She walked off with the girls.

“Okay.” Replied Tails.

-At the dance hall-

Music: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pEilNNw4orY (Swerve oN by DJ SonicFreak)

Everyone was dancing to slow, R&B music. Tails was just standing there anxiously. Everyone was dressed up except for him, all he was wearing was his same 'ol sky blue sweater, baggy green cargo pants, and his indestructible white and red sneakers.

“Jeez. I sure do feel out of place…” Said Tails to himself. 'I wonder how Sally’s gonna look… BOY am I nervous. Finally won the girl of my dreams and I’m still nervous.’ Sweat was going down his face, his heart was throbbing, and he was wobbling.

Finally out came Sally, walking down the aisle. People stopped and starred at her in amazement. Tails just stopped and starred in awe. His heart pounded fast like never before. He saw the flawless beautiful girl walking towards him. Her hairstyle was the same, except it was light brown and long and wavy, she wore a pink dress that was sparkling and it showed her nice figure. But what really stunned Tails was her beautiful face. The blue eye shadow and pink lipstick that she wore.

“Hi Miles.” She said, looking pretty. Tails was blushing hard.

“H-h-hi S-Sapplu– I-I-I mean– S-Sally!” Stammered Tails. “ You look b-beautiful! ”

Sally giggled. “Why thank you.” She reached out her hand. “ May I have this dance? ”

Tails looked at her hand, and looked at her. “S-sure!” He grabbed her hand and they began slow dancing.

Tails and Sally were enjoying the dancing. They looked each other in the eye and all they saw were sparkles and happiness.

“I love you Sally.” Tails said as he was slow dancing with her.

“I love you too Miles.”

-1 hour later -

Tails and Sally stopped dancing and just looked at each other.

“Miles?”

“Yeah”

“I’ve been wanting to tell you.”

“ I’m all ears! ”

“For two years straight I’ve been stressed emotionally and physically, believing that you were dead. Until you came back, but then you got… shot…” Sally was getting sad.

“ Woah there Sally. I’m alright! Nack and his bandits didn’t do much damage to my Tails. Before you know it they’ll heal. ”

“I know, but… when he shot you… I thought that you was done for…” She was trying hard to fight back her tears.

“ Woah there, Knuckles managed to save me back there. If it weren’t for him, I would’ve been done for. ”

“Yes. I am grateful that Knuckles saved your life. But, since I have to stay in Knothole until my parents return. I can’t watch over you and help you. So I’m asking you to, stay with me and help me rule the city until you heal and until my parents return. I have a room set up for you in my mansion, so there’s no need to worry. I am asking you as your loving girlfriend to stay by my side so that I can protect you.”

“ Aww. Come on Sally. I’ll be fine. My friends and G.U.N. are going to Angel Island to take back Angel Island from Nagaus and go to war against Robotnik . I’ll do fine without my trusty Tails. Plus I got Silver, Knuckles, and Shard who can help me get to high places. Also I don’t get hurt that much. ” Said Tails joking on the last part.

“Miles! This is serious!” Sally raised her voice.

“ But why me? ” Asked Tails in confusion.

“Well you are my consort aren’t you?” Said Sally in a raised tone. The music stopped. Everyone who was dancing stooped and was focusing on Tails and Sally.

“I know Sals. But we’re in a middle of a war and we’re trying to take back Angel Island.”

“ There are many Freedom Fighters that are willing to stop them! Take Knuckles for example! ” She pointed to Knuckles. “He turned into Enerjak and destroyed a universe while you was gone! ”

“Aw, it was nothing.” Giggle Knuckles as he was blushing .

“Woah, Knux actually destroyed a universe and transformed into a urban legend?!”

“Tails! Focus!”

Tails looked her in the eye.

“You can’t go risking your life all the time if we want to have a bright future together!

Tails looks down sad.

Sally softens up a bit and put her hand on his cheek. "Please Tails. I’m doing this because I love you so much. Please accept my offer.” She began to tear up.

Tears rolled down Tails’ face. “I’m soery Sally… but I can’t accept….”

A mixture of sadness and anger formed inside Sally and she raises her left hand and prepares to aim a powerful slap to Tails face. Tails sees this and quickly grabs her arm to stop her from slapping him.

“Woah Sals, chill…” Said Tails as he was looking at her sad.

“ Oh… my…– I-I’m sorry! ” Sally runs out of the dance room about to cry. Everyone looks at Tails. Tails starts to become anxious. All he could do was look down at the floor about to cry.

Antoine ran up to Tails and pushed him. “How could zou be so selfish?!”

Tails looked at Antoine in shock. Tears were coming down Tails face. “Selfish? SELFISH?!?” He became angry and got up. “I SACRIFICED MY LIFE FOR THE PLANET, ENDED UP ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE UNIVERSE, ALMOST GOT KILLED BY A EVIL VERSION OF MYSELF, AND DID EVERYTHING I COULD TO COME BACK HERE! ONLY FOUNDED OUT THAT I LOST TWO YEARS OF MY LIFE AND NOW I JUST WANT TO END EVIL AND BRING PEACE BACK TO MOBIUS!!!!! NOW HOW IS THAT SELFISH!!!!????”

Antoine just raised his hands. “I’m zo sowwee.” And backed back into the crowd.

Tails just walked out the dance floor, fighting back the tears that were fighting to come out. All everyone could do was just look at the poor fox who was crying.

To be continued…

[shadamyheadcanons]

I love how you portrait Shadow as sweet and caring for Amy in your headcanons ❤️ I would like to know if it's because he mellowed over the years and became more comfortable showing his affection to those close to him or it started with his crush on Amy and decided to be nicer to get close to her

Thank you! <3

To be honest? It’s neither, at least if you ask me. He’s simply always treated her that way in their few canon interactions. This is the man who was dead-set on destroying the entire world in SA2. His crimes included theft, blowing up an island, bearing a fixation on violent revenge, and assault. The assault was arguably self-defense at first, but by the end, he’s like this:

Amidst all this, how does he treat Amy? He accepts a hug from her with nothing but a smile, even though she snuck up on him. I’ve seen Shadow portrayed as prickly a million times in fanfics, as if he simply loathes hugs, but where was that when Amy hugged him? He was never like that...with her. He saved the world...because of her. She’s the only one who truly got through to him. Not even Rouge could do it. In contrast to how he treats others, he says this about Amy:

Keep in mind that SA2 Shadow doesn’t call people by their names. Eggman is “Doctor,” Sonic is “that blue hedgehog/faker,” and Rouge is just “bat girl.” Yet he holds onto--and later uses--the name he’s heard only once in passing, just for Amy.

Only someone as sweet and gentle as Amy could have done what she did. When you get right down to it, it makes perfect sense that he’d be kind to her. It’s even more powerful considering she was discarded and ignored by her so-called friends for the entire game. This supposedly vicious, “evil” character has a soft spot reserved only for her and Maria, his most treasured friend.

Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) cements this further. We can all name instances where he’s absolutely merciless in that game, can’t we? And yet, when he meets up with Amy, that harshness is gone. He has no unkind words for her. He discards his other responsibilities and happily helps her save her little rabbit friend and a Chao, even though he gains nothing from doing so. After he does, he warns her to be careful, a surprisingly gentle gesture considering how he is in that game. He later admits that he didn’t have to help her, and he can’t put his finger on exactly why he did, although I have a few ideas ;) She can completely turn him around from villain to hero with the ‘Miracle of Love’ ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) and ‘Black Hero’s Rebirth’ endings.

For real, though, I don’t think he has romantic feelings for her, at least not yet. He’s just always treated her gently like that, which only makes it more meaningful IMO. I don’t have to extrapolate or overanalyze because Sega’s already done it for me. He’s the only one who’s always, always taken her seriously and valued her input completely. Developing a crush on her would only intensify this. I don’t think it’s really hit her yet just how unusual this gentleness is, but maybe it will someday.

Even in the IDW comics, where many feel Shadow is at his most unlikable, Rouge points out that he’s unusually polite to Amy. She and Shadow have barely interacted in the past twenty years, but he’s either still kind to her by nature, or he remembers how important she is to him even after all these years. I adore both possibilities.

Of course, they may never interact again as a result. Sega seems intent on making him Always Angry with No Friends now. The way he’s always treated Amy would be at odds with what they’re trying to do. But who knows? With how the characters have been written starting with Frontiers, it’s possible that we’ll see Shadow’s softer side return and these two will properly reunite and have, like...a conversation, maybe? Maybe even a proper friendship, if we’re really lucky!!!

Well...I can dream, at least.