[ gossip? At that, she actually looks offended, her ears flattening as she balls her fists in frustration. Here she is, going out on a limb and trying to be nice for once, and this is how she's treated for it. Logically, it's just Shadow being cagey the way Shadow always is when it comes to his past and his feelings... but Rouge isn't exactly the queen of logical thinking and emotional regulation, herself. ]

Gossip? So that's how you think of me, huh? Well, fine! Keep being miserable by yourself.

[ with a snort, she folds her arms across her chest, turning her head away. Still, she stands her ground. She has half a mind to ditch him here and push on, just like he was insisting, but she doesn't want to give him the satisfaction.

(And, well, he really is hurt. Even if she's annoyed, she can't bring herself to leave him here. What if more trouble pops up while he's half-dead? The turret could come back on, or the backup he's worried about could show up... If being annoying was enough to make her cast him aside, she would've already done it a long time ago.) ]

Maybe it matters to me because you matter to me - ever think of that? [ she huffs. ] I bet the thought never even crossed your mind. Typical.