[There's a chance that Shadow can tell that Xion isn't quite human. Uncanny knows uncanny. But she looks and acts human enough -- he'll go with the simplest answer]

It is a blessing, one that I intend to capitalize on. [he'd been alone for so long] ... She needs more friends her age. If you intend to stick around for a while, I can introduce you.

[.... god. this is what Rouge is always trying to do to him!!!! But Maria actually wants friends so it's DIFFERENT]