[Shadow couldn't help but feel suddenly more uncomfortable as Sonic takes the spot next to him, something that makes him sense awkwardness jogging through his entire body like a marathon runner.

The tension here could only ever plausibly be cut by a flaming meteor, he's sure.

Now... how to explain? He turns his gaze away from him, staring at a nearby bookcase as if it is the most fascinating thing in the world.]

... Lies. My attempts were to ensure that I never developed anything for you. I knew from the ARK that I would come to respect you.

Platonic or no, I wanted nothing to do with you, let alone any other... mortal.

[... Look at how much he failed there, though.]