That tilt of his head with emerald persisting in his gaze left Shadow feeling weak at his knees, and he was unsure why. Something about him, everything about him left him fascinated, the way he acted, the way he looked, the way he sounded, the way he ran, the way he fought... everything. It left him breathless at times, and in those moments, he had to wonder who the real Ultimate Lifeform was.

Was it him, or was it this hedgehog he so closely resembled?

He snapped back into reality upon his voice reaching his ears - so lax, so chill, so lighthearted - and he swore he felt something in his body melt. These little things left him both curious and perhaps even mildly afraid. Why did Sonic do all of this to him? What even was 'this'?

Words, Shadow. Speak words.

"Nnn," he sounded, blinking out of his stupor and hurriedly nodding. "Mm. We hardly need another biohazard."

Enough of that. He pulled his face away, yet not enough to tug his hand off of his shoulder. He wanted it to just stay... right there.

Or-- no. Ugh. What was he thinking?