In an AU where Sonic's long-term exposure to chaos energy made him so corrupted that he became unable to age much like the ultimate lifeform. In a futuristic world where Sonic gains an honest living as an appointed low-key detective, leaving his show-off heroics in the past; where his only remaining companion of those fast days being his longtime rival, Shadow T. Hedgehog, however, aging had made the ebony hedgehog softer while the blue one became harsher. Making Shadow's howling restrained feelings for the other much more intense. SonicxShadow. Mature R for later chapters. Work on Progress.
I. The beginning of a none end.
The best part of trying to remove sand with the oceans' waves
Is the lingering genuine thought that you had a quick solution.
Now, you only have an itchy sensation full of wetness.
Sonic the hedgehog, cunning, handsome and vigorous in more ways than one. His history as the world's renown hero had soon come to pass once those he saved began to fade, due to the flow of time, confidential archives and lack of story-talking. Now, his fame was less notorious and more vigilante oriented. He would be lying if he didn't reminiscence all the events from his past as the fastest thing alive, but he would acknowledge that most of the things were caused either by his fault or his friends, yes, he even included the old doctor in his list, for in the end the old coot ended hitting himself so hard on the head that evil schemes came to an abrupt stop. So abrupt that made Sonic grow relentless with energy and time to time feeling guilty for wishing Eggman's robots to rise again.
The world was at peace from the doctor's plans, but not safe.
'The world is never safe…" Blue thought. A small smile creeped on a peachy muzzle, emerald eyes looking directly into his glass filled with an alcoholic beverage that he didn't bother to remember which kind it was anymore; made him get a little intoxicated, is all that mattered to him at the moment. His slender ears would flick to different directions, one would try to keep up with the tune of a jazzy singer from the back of the underground bar he allowed his ass to succumb into, while the other would flick constantly to keep a track of any juicy gossip that may come to his advantage later.
'Times surely have changed…" He finally allowed his eyes to rise to an indifferent point, as long as it made his face stop pointing at the bar. He hated when things slowed down in his line of work: made him think of the past. Mostly old events that nobody else could recall anymore, not only by the lack of their presence, but simply because their memory would be erased. He would remember his and Merlina's conversations the most in times like these. That dammed sorceress.
"The world didn't become eternal, I did…" He mustered out of his lips, letting his head rest on his hand gently as his gaze finally turned to the singer. Her face was none important, his attention was locked on in the extravagant dress that would fickle light in all direction due to the material; he felt he was staring into a disco ball instead. The soothing and melancholic voice made his chest tighten, while the drink worked on making it warm. The experience was becoming hazy, with just the right touch of harmless sadness.
Meanwhile, a dark hedgehog was already making his way through the small crowd, his movements silent and direct as his usual demander. With ease, his crimson eyes targeted the set of unique blue quills that haven't changed of color tone in the slightest. His fists clenched inside the pockets of his coat when the distance became almost none between him and Sonic, positioning himself beside him using a blind angle.
He observed him for a moment, taking in the attire the blue boy was wearing today: it was always an odd thing to see Sonic dressed so formally and neatly, despite that every single time they met that would be the case, he couldn't help to remember the times Sonic barely wore his shoes and gloves, and that was because he needed them to go adventuring or running; now, he observed the other male in his high cut gray suit with shoes darker than Shadow's own black fur, a long coat resting on Blue's legs for the crude coldness that was waiting outside. Once gloved hands were now bare, showing signs of roughness in them and neatly cut nails that expressed how neatly he arranged himself.
All of that, plus a tint of cologne.
Times had changed, where no matter the species, you had to dress up.
Shadow just could never adjust of seeing Sonic dressed as a jewelry clerk instead of a mountain hiker or pro-active athlete. The thoughts were worse once he actually remembered what he did in those neatly clothes: investigate, hassle, perhaps even kill.
"How long are you planning to scan me?"
Shadow's thoughts were abruptly ended not only by Sonic's voice, but also by his slow rising from the seat he was peacefully resting on. Sonic's height was roughly the same as his, but his height was never something that made ebony's muscles tense: The deep emerald eyes, never unwavering from the target once it was a lock down. He could feel the moxie and confidence irradiating from them, a move that eradicated all Shadow's protective walls every single time without fail.
"I'm clean this time, alright? See, no bruises." Blue broke the silence once more, jokingly pointing to his peachy muzzle where there were no bruises, only a set of freckles and a bright smile. The gesture only made Shadow let out an exasperated groan, making his way to the sitting boot that had been set aside for him using Sonic's small suitcase, which ebony shoved off the seat roughly and unto the floor, causing an immediate 'dude' reaction from the other hedgehog, followed by a soft snicker.
"You are already drinking? I'm not even late." Sonic's snicker came to a stop once he heard the other's protest. "Come on, Shads. I was just warming up, and there could have been explosives inside that thing you know…" He jested, slowly returning to his seat, unknowing how warm it made the other feel whenever their nicknames from the past would arise in such a casual way. "Though I must say, is obvious you were rushed since…" A peachy hand slowly trailed to Shadow's chest, where the remaining of something that looked like veggie baby food was cleaned off. "Were you feeding a dinosaur?"
Shadow's quills rose slightly, not because of the crude joke or the stain that was found in his jacket. Sonic's hand had felt extremely warm and the tenderness of the action made ebony glare at him slightly to try and hide his bashfulness. Quickly, Shadow slapped the hand away while the other began to snicker again, the unwanted hand now signaling the bartender to bring two more drinks.
"No, but when I have the need, I will immediately use you as bait. Hedgehog." His snark was enough to make Sonic stop with his laughter and the smile on his face be neutral.
"Sorry for calling you on such a short notice, and to meet in a bar of all places. It was the only place I could think of when I texted you." Sonic nodded to himself as he readjusted on his seat. When both males had their drinks on their hands, he continued "I just wanted to speak with you… Privately…"
Shadow eyed his drink while he listened to the other's voice. 'He sounds tired…' He thought. 'It's obvious he just finished a task…and doesn't know how the handle the void that remains.' Shadow knew well those feelings, he could understand Sonic more than the other could realize: for they shared not only their speed and their once friends, they also shared a common line of work. These types of meetings always reminded him of the times he would impose on his bat friend, whom always carefully and teasingly listened on his regrets and sorrows, but unlike Shadow, Rouge had a talent when answering.
"A bar is not exactly a conversation point, and I have a phone. Your point?" He took a large sip from his cup, returning it empty to the bar.
"How are you holding up with Silver? How big is he now?" Blue darted away from the question, not wanting to say he enjoyed the messiness of sound that made their talk surprisingly private. "Last time I saw him he was barely days old…to be honest I thought he would be designated to someone else due to your history with children, which is none."
"I thought you would be quitting by the next time I saw you, private agent. Seems our expectations weren't met by either of us."
"Ha, you would love that wouldn't you? You lasted a few centuries."
"and I regretted them, Sonic…"
Their exchange was cut down by the silence that invaded between them, both hedgehog's hiding with the use of alcohol, the older male restraining more his drinks than the other.
While Sonic became a P.A, Shadow found himself unneeded and with a new-found freedom once his history was deleted from the world. His perspective in life was still the same, but the road which he took allowed the ebony hedgehog to explore sides and feelings he didn't know about himself. Forgiving himself for the damage he did to Maria and the earthlings was the first step, the second and third step being quite easy once he allowed himself for others to worry about him and help him when he truly needed it.
He stopped counting the steps, all he knows now is that everyone is gone. All those who founded his stairway to happiness had gone long ago due to different events, and he preferred for their heritage to live unknown of his existence so they could have normal lives in a no war society.
Everyone was gone, except two.
Omega.
Sonic.
Shadow still remembers the time him and Miles Prower were together in a lab, him silently holding his arm that was pinched to withdraw blood from him to be compared, watching as Sonic was delivered news of his new found eternal life: exposure to the chaos emeralds and the Master emerald had corrupted Sonic to the point that his body was a perfect vessel for chaos energy, but in return of that power, Sonic was now a being unable to die for natural causes.
If Sonic would ever want to end his cycle, it would be in a catastrophe event.
"Our conversations always go like this, huh?" Sonic's voice broke Shadow from his bubble once more, this time red eyes slightly looking at him.
"Yet you always come back, expecting to incite a brawl in which I handle you the last blow. Isn't that so?"
"Die cowardly? Never. Besides, with what would you remove the blink of my existence, a diaper?"
"Used, definitely" Ebony corrected him "You try to deceive me, but the only reason you are still risking yourself even now is because you can't let those moments go…the rush of adrenaline in a chase, the heat of a battle, the urgent need of being in danger…we both know you are addicted to those sensations…so you desperately seek them out in the line of your work…but it can never compare, can it?"
"Hah…" Blue sheepishly let out a snort, seeing his X attempt to brawl with Shadow completely nullified. "I'm starting to forget how Knuckles' punches felt…but they were definitely stronger than yours." His gaze met with Shadow's, his ears pointing softly forward "It happens more than what I like to admit, but…my memories have become blurred. Only a few instances are still crisp in my mind…so each time I remember something, I'm finding myself writing it down." He took a moment to pause, another thought distracting him "Isn't it hilarious that you and I are in Silver's future? it won't be long before we bump with Blaze…and you…Silver's father. That only makes this 100% more crazier." He let out a snicker "I would love for Silver to return to this timeline and help him stop you from being his father."
Shadow glared the other softly, watching him burst in a loud laughter by his own lame joke, giving him a full circle of different thoughts, which he needed to process. "Silver is a gifted child. If we expect for him to excel in his abilities, he needed someone who could withstand training him. Besides, anything is better than a foster home…or being out in the run." His gaze smoothing over at the last words, observing how blue's attention was somewhere else. "I'm quite sure you understand this, but you are the owner of your own destiny. When I feel you are trying to kill me, then we will fight." He slowly stood up, arranging his jacket and looking for his wallet since Sonic was always losing his money somewhere or with someone. "but for now, you can settle by still being just a faker."
"Who are you calling fake?" The response was so immediate that Shadow couldn't hold in a fly smirk, though he was surprised the other was reaching in his jacket to get out what looked like smooth new bills. "Not this time, bud. If I won't give anything to you, the fair thing to do is not to take." Blue announced as he let the bills rest on the counter as he rose from the seat once and for all, moving quickly to put his coat over his shoulder as he remembered the slight drizzle that was waiting for him outside.
"The downpour will get harsher soon, we should get going…I'm sure you didn't bring a ride. Like usual." Shadow was already on his way out, his hands sweating inside the pockets of his jacket once more as he could feel blue following close behind.
"Well, the city does have an adequate transporting system. Incredible slow…but efficient."
"199 miles per hour is slow to you? Wait, don't answer that." Shadow was quick to lift his hand to avoid some teasing from the other, taking a large breather once they were out of the bar "Though seeing how you don't use your sneakers often anymore, I presume that 199 may be a high number to you in the end…you just call the train slow out of spite." Shadow was being snarky, noticing that he had just speeded through their meeting, and if he didn't spark the other to bicker, their time together would end right now.
Nevertheless, Sonic was absent once more, the word miles per hour could only remind him of his time with his younger sibling, who quickly outgrew him and had more offspring he could deal with by choosing Cream as her wife. A smile began to crept on his face, remembering the times they spent as a family, until those days came to a stop when Sonic agreed to Shadow's way of thinking: allow those children to live a life freely, with no connection with special beings like themselves.
Ah right, Shadow was talking. "Oh, so you ignore me now? You really have a nerve to…" The words came to a stop, a knot forming on ebony's throat as he observed the blue one covering them from the soft drizzle with the coat. It was odd having Sonic so close, and the sudden lack of soft light between them made heat rise over his muzzle. The water creeping over Sonic's shirt was revealing tints of blue and peach that forced Shadow to look elsewhere, or else he thought his reaction would be easy to read. No, he couldn't have that.
"Well, I never have a ride ready but certainly we both forgot an umbrella. Jokes on you, buddy." Never letting something slide, Sonic chuckled before looking onto the street and then quickly upward, where large tubular intersections held multiple cars over them. Cars that floated over air: what started as one futuristic city, it was now almost a whole planet. Things barely touched the floor now: cars, vending machines, even a few buildings.
Ah, and also Shadow's latest ride.
"Shut up…What hotel are you staying this time? I'm hopeful is close." Shadow twisted his mouth slightly, still trying to focus his eyesight on the drizzle covering gently buildings and vehicles.
"I haven't reserved anything. I forgot." Sonic's remark almost made Shadow's bones jump out of him, if they could. "I'll escort you to your motorcycle. I'll look something in the area…is not like I will sleep much; I need to head back into the office early. I only came into the city to see you after all."
Shadow finally looked at the other, his hands unclenching inside his pockets before getting them out completely. He knew Sonic was not one to lie, but commonly their meetings were to get free drinks out of him or simply a test of might; this time around though, it seemed it was a genuine meeting of seeing each other to be alright, even if mostly what they did was to softly bicker. In Shadow's case, also to enjoy seeing blue in another shade of clothes.
"Hmph…" He could only mouth that as his eyes faltered against emerald ones, rubies looking somewhere else "Well next time come over to my place…you would save us a lot of time and effort." He crouched slightly to grab the suitcase blue had left on the ground and began to walk, ignoring Sonic's coat as shelter. "Come on, you said you have to head back into hell's hole early." Stopping lightly, he turned to see the other confused "What? Have you never ridden on my bike before? Hurry up."
Sonic raised an eyebrow before stepping behind Shadow once more, a smile resting on him as he continuously heard the other bickering that he didn't need to buy him a drink to stay over at his place or what not. The azure one had no intention to impose himself like that, he simply wanted to feel slightly null…but was a coward each time he tried to do it alone. He was being a coward right now even, not openly telling the other why he desired to see him.
Desire was a strong word, but blue knew it was used in the right context.
It was never about looking for Shadow to start a fight, but instead quench the thirst of tiresome thoughts that made his soul creak in despair. He always felt it, that tingly sensation whenever he stared at Shadow's frown or even jollier, his smirk or laugh whenever his poor executed decisions showed in a mission or just daily life.
Shadow was much more generous than him, giving his time and effort to raise a child knowing it would be complicated but it was worthwhile, while all he does is to pretend, pretend he serves society for the greater good. He wondered, how Shadow did it for so long and he still had the strength to go on.
He knew somewhere down the line he used to be like that, but whenever he tries to look back…only hurtful memories arise. Memories of his sibling, his friends, his lovers and even his enemies. He wonders where they have gone, all those talks about being ready to let go of things and live freely. All he does now is follow orders in search for some stability and control in his life, when once upon a time all he wanted was freedom.
Even now, he is following orders from Shadow; who told him to get in his bike and ride home with him or else. His emerald eyes would delightfully rest unto nothing as they passed multiple colored lights, lights which meant there were people there. People who had homes that most of the time held someone waiting: a pet, a plant or a loved one.
"You drive awfully." Sonic spoke, only to dryly tease the other as he came to an abrupt stop, forcing him to hold the other to not fall from the motorcycle. "Are you sure you have the license for this type of vehicle?" His arms were snaking around the other softly, the hold only growing tighter when traffic advanced once more.
"It's not my issue if these people don't know to change lanes properly, if you keep bickering, you will become one with the glass." Shadow tried to intimidate the other, but failed miserably as his tone of voice was more cracked than an over boiled egg. The other's touch was so familiar and warm that if he hadn't hit the brake in time, they would have crashed.
Thankfully for Shadow, the ride came to an end and all he had to do was to worry about opening his apartment door. Spitefully, Shadow threw Sonic's suitcase somewhere in the apartment as he went inside, greeting the babysitter he had left to take care of Silver for a few hours, enjoying the background sound of Sonic huffing about the state of his belonging. It was only fair, for he felt his heart was in worst state than that old metal box.
"I apologize for coming sooner than expected, I will still pay you what we agreed on." Shadow tried to be as quick and polite as he could, checking on his baby boy before escorting the babysitter out, hearing about Silver's behavior while finally handling over the payment for the service. When he finally had peace and quiet, he sighed blissfully, only to quickly widen his eyes as he knew this home couldn't be quiet. Not because of Silver, no no…
He had Sonic in it.
Shadow almost thought of using chaos control to head toward the living room again, his other personality crashing in to stop him for he was obviously exaggerating. His eyebrows rose when he found the blue one casually sitting on his couch, checking a few papers that became more and more around his coffee table as the other continued to arrange things…but he did spot a pair of red
He couldn't stay longer staring, for he still had to check Silver one last time before calling it quits for today. The ebony hedgehog smiled as he saw the mere pup resting on his crib, soft cooing noises escaping him for what seemed a pleasant rest.
'Seems his nocturnal activity is finally over…' He thought, remembering the hard times he suffered while adjusting to Silver's behavior; deep down though, he will probably miss these days when Silver begins to walk and talk…
And probably remember the time he had to hit him on the back of the head, never being able to tell him so.
Shadow always imagined that the Mephiles incident was just a horrible nightmare, more so when no one else had recalls of things happening between them, well…except Sonic and future Silver. His thoughts recalled on Sonic once more, even if his eyes were resting on Silver, the blue one telling him about his adventures in books…
"Me, your father in a legend…I suppose some legends are true…though I wished you would have had a chance for a happier life start." He sighed softly, knowing Silver lost his mother in birth while his real father remained a mystery, a mystery he did not care to investigate for he was Silver's family now.
He has high hopes that dastard perishes somewhere. His focus shifted when he heard steps coming closer to them, and finally a voice he could never get tired of ringing in his ear.
"Wow, he is fatter than I thought…I don't want to deal with his diapers." Blue mumbled.
A soft sigh escaped ebony while he adjusted the baby monitor "Is that all you came to say?"
"Sorry…" Blue apologized, his apology sounded so genuine that made the other snicker softly, his hand having to cover his mouth to not disturb the sleeping one.
Shadow softly pat Sonic on the back, inviting him to leave the room with him to head over the kitchen. He could finally snicker a little louder "You are such a roller-coaster, hedgehog…" Without waiting for approval, he began to prepare some coffee. "I invited you to sleep here, not to make a mess in my home. Got it? So, you better put those papers away." His tone was demanding and his rubies became full of determination while looking at the other "I won't deal with two messy children."
That made blue scoff, crossing his arms over his chest as the insult hit its target like a bullseye. "Then why are you making coffee if you don't intend for me to actual sleep? I'm not drunk… Are you teasing me now?"
"No, Maurice. I want us to talk…actual talk." Shadow's voice became smoother if that were even possible, the tone used against him made blue's quills only get spikier and the furrow on his eyebrows stiffen, getting ready for what felt like a threat.
'Using my name against me…how low…' He thought, trying not to look at the other for he knew what was awaiting that way. Shadow has been doing it at least once whenever they meet, that soft scowling on his face that only lasts a few seconds before returning to the stern look the ultimate life form is known for. It was so instant, but it didn't need to be longer to work on him. He hated it, he hated to be in a situation where pity would surely ensure on him, yet, he always returned for it. It was like an ending cycle that he didn't wish to escape from. He didn't know why. Sonic didn't expect something else, a warm hand holding his arm so his eyes would shift focus.
"We…have gone through a lot. Though I understand fully why you are on this shitty path…I want you to know that I'm ready to take you down if you fully turn." Sonic blinked, yet before he could answer to that Shadow's other hand rested on his left free arm, he could feel his fingers digging softly on his flesh. "but I'm even more ready to be here to support you instead, for that's what you gave me even when I didn't want it…even when I despised it…you made me stop belittling my life" Shadow stressed the last words as he sensed Sonic's body tensing in his hold, for which he finally let go.
"I can't watch my…" he stuttered for a moment, before looking elsewhere. "friend…be killed...either by the cold streets or by someone's hand. This needs to stop."
Sonic waited for more, but seems that would be it. His arms were still crossed over his chest, but he slowly allowed them to relax. He was feeling a mixture of feelings: betrayal and anger; a bit of pride and reassurance but mostly it was a sole tranquil sensation invading his body. "I…see." That's all he could muster, being distracted by the whistle of the pot where Shadow had been boiling water.
That damn ebony hedgehog, why would his chest tighten by seeing that expression on his face: was it pity? no, sorrow? no, worry? no, Embarrassment perhaps? He kept asking this himself in his mind while his heart would beat up faster. Is always this for what he comes for, not the sensation of dreadfulness evident but more for the peaking emotion of someone breaking him out of it; more precisely, the dark hedgehog being the one piercing through. Nor alcohol, work or mitigated touches could do that to him, it was only the bearer of those crimson eyes that he could swear would become soft just for his eyes to admire.
But it would be unfair to take advantage of that, Sonic knew this well, it would be shameful to drag Shadow into a life he had the courage to escape from while he was now twirling into it. A life full of danger and concerning dread.
"Come live here. Don't just stay the night."
Shadow seemed to be ready to make Sonic's head explode it seems.
"You are always coming over anyway, how about just living here and actually paying some of the expenses of this place? It would be way cheaper than those cheap ass hotels you tend to stay at, and at least you could have some belongings here."
Sonic raised an eyebrow at this point, and before he could answer to something the other would be quick to cut him off "Listen, I know I just said I wouldn't deal with two children, but I'm willing if that makes you stop being an alley cat that just comes out when he needs some feeding."
Sonic couldn't take it anymore, escaping from Shadow's eyesight for a moment, he finally went to turn the stove off, letting a sigh out. 'Alright, alright. Geez…Oh boy…" He turned around, a peach hand softly passing through his long quills as he tried to decipher everything that was being put on his plate. "One: The only belongings I have are what I'm wearing, the things on that old suitcase and whatever is at the locker back at my base so I really don't need a home; Two: We both know you are crawling with money due to the revenue of the Ark since Egg-head made it into a theme-park so you don't need my income and; Three: I would shoot a bullet at my head before turning into whatever monster you think I'll become." He let out a sigh "Though…is reassuring you have my back…either the end or…right now."
Both hedgehogs stood in silence for a moment, the only thing breaking it was the soft whistling from the pot now and the beeping light of the refrigerator. With a few steps, Sonic broke their distance a little while trying his best to give ebony one of his old refreshing smiles that used to be almost all the time on his face. "You've become very soft…and your blood rushes faster to your face than before."
Almost a small pout formed on Shadow's face, trying his best to hide the obvious embarrassment from his face while his body to do the exact opposite. "Well your face is as stupid as ever, in fact, you now look even more laughable. I can't imagine who would take serious orders from you."
"A lot of people did, still do…you even once took on my lead when we participated on that sport event to win that ramen supply for a year."
"You promised you would never bring that into conversation again!" Before Shadow could hand him some ultimate nagging, he had his hands full all of the sudden, for the other hedgehog had brought him into a tight embrace that made all his chaos energy tingle.
"You're a good man…sure, you blew up half the moon and whatnot but…I'm sure Silver couldn't find a better father than you. Just don't get mad when he becomes a side-kick of mine."
There was the tingling again, that voice lingering in his ear as the whole warmth of the other invaded in his body with what seemed a very needed hug. Sonic needed it, that he was sure of, but he hadn't realized how much he needed it as well. "You're the one who will be the sidekick, not him." He finally spoke, trying to hide the higher pitch in his voice as his hands couldn't decide to either rest on Sonic's side or back. The hug finally ended for his sake, though Sonic's hands still lingered on his shoulders.
"I'll move in, I can assure you I won't be a hassle to you for…I won't be often here, but I'll take care of my responsibilities…and open more." Shadow raised an eyebrow as he heard on, trying not to mock him immediately for how severely serious he sounded. It was so teasingly hot, oh dear, how Shadow wished sometimes to still be a criminal or vigilante.
"I asked you to live here, not to tell me your daily life." Shadow managed to speak out, moving away from Sonic's hold and to finally start serving some coffee "but…if you want to talk, we could always talk. Just don't ever, ever, tease me of having food on my shirt."
With a small snort, Sonic nodded. "Only if you promise to stop throwing my suitcase everywhere."
With a bit of hesitation, Shadow nodded as well and handed the other his cup of coffee. "I'll try to diminish…how often I do so."
With a bit more of bickering and little chat, both hedgehogs sat down in the living room to enjoy the warm cup of coffee. One more concentrated on papers while the other was lingering on blue quills until he decided to help the other with the mess he had made; after all, Shadow felt that kicking that thing around so much caused some papers to mix in the first place. Still, what became soon the focus of the table were the red shoes that despite their usage they always seemed to be impeccable.
"When has been the last time you have used them?" Shadow asked, before taking another sip from the coffee that wasn't so warm anymore.
"What do…Oh." Sonic soon knew what they were charging at. "…I don't remember…I always carry them for if I need to use a higher speed, but…crooks don't usually manage to deal with my regular speed…and tailing isn't exactly meant to be done fast." That made Shadow let out a small chuckle.
"You need an excuse to run at high speeds? Hmph, I'm pretty sure you must be rather slow now then…" Shadow aimed to his pride, but took direct contact unto a softer feeling.
"Well, I can't use them often now…since there isn't someone who can tune them up like before." A short silence followed after that, but Shadow quickly amended the situation.
"What? Who do you think tinkers with my shoes then?" A toothy grin escaped as he watched emeralds eyes almost flare up in curiosity, and then into annoyance. "What? If you had spent less time drinking and sleeping who knows where and with whom, I could have told you before that Omega and I are getting very good with repair machinery."
"Is that so?" Blue let out a huff but a soft smirk rested on his muzzle "So you punish me by hiding this information?" He finished the last folder that needed to be slightly polished in its arrangement, finally closing his suitcase and grabbing the cup once more." What, are you jealous of my little flings or something?" He took a sip, enjoying how the other almost spat his. "I can hook you up if you need some guiding…" He pressed more, though he soon realized it wasn't needed.
"I can do my own hooking, thank you very much!" Shadow was already digging his own grave, though Sonic began to enjoy every moment of it.
"So…you can call yourself a hooker then?"
Was the joke worth it? It was, for both of them. Sonic enjoyed watching the other almost become a full tomato even under the dim lighting of the room, while Shadow; despite wanting to murder the other hedgehog, his anger and shyness was slowly fading away due to the sound of the other's obnoxious laugh that he hadn't heard in a while, also observing wrinkles and dimples that haven't appeared on blue's face for a while.
Shadow knew he couldn't allow him to make fun of him anymore, for deep down he was slightly hurt and jealous, so he was quickly to shut the other up, using two of his fingers to send a jolt of energy to the other. The laughing finally ceased, though time to time between groans of pain soft chuckling would emerge, from both of them.
Then, both of them went silent. Only for a moment, both males enjoying the aftermath of the coffee and their exchange of 'healthy' social time.
"I would…actually not sleep around, you know…" Sonic played with the small spoon in his mug as he traced his memories. "I would just sleep there, sometimes on a couch or on the bed…there were nights I would break into tears that I could mask due to the haziness of the alcohol but…no, I never actually had intercourse with them…I'm not that courageous to attach and de-attach myself of people that way. No pun intended." For a moment blue thought his joke would make the other unfocused of the bomb he had let out, but it was a large miss "So I stopped doing that to myself and to the other person…it was unfair for both: we both had hopes of something and neither of us landed on what we actually wanted."
Shadow's hands were focused on moving the now empty mug around, his ears flicking while his heart seemed to race faster than before. Was he relieved? Was it even okay for him to be relieved on something so prejudiced? Chaos. His heart sunk imagining the other breaking apart in a stranger's domain.
"What were…you actually seeking then, Sonic?" He finally asked, seeing as the other was awaiting a response from him.
"Sometimes I'm not sure, you know? There are days I think I'm just searching to fill in a void. You have said so yourself…we have changed. Our needs, our focuses, our paths…yet, there are times I am simply looking for a touch…to remind myself that I'm actually alive. Despite this…long overdue hangout of mine, I sometimes feel like I'm automated." Peach fingers would tap softly on the couch, green eyes focusing on racer shoes. "but just that, a touch…a hold…nothing lustful or in seek of releasing some steam. Sometimes I could hide my embarrass state by saying I was too drunk in the first place or just saying I couldn't do a thing…the plus side of it is that normally I would be the one to leave so I didn't have to deal with the next morning mess."
"Do you still have that…need?"
Sonic lifted his eyesight to stare at Shadow, trying to figure out his intentions or perhaps a hint of amusement; but all he could see was a bit of coyness and none ill intentions. His mind was a bit hazed between the time the other invited him to sleep with him and when he stood under hot water inside the shower stall. He was offered a warm drink, a warm shower, and even a warm roof to sleep under.
Still, he was also being offered a warm embrace. Sonic just had one with him a few moments ago, an embrace showing his gratitude, but now, he was going to be able to feel another embrace that had no focus whatsoever. He observed the water droplets falling from his skin and fur, easing him slightly watching the droplets splat unto the floor before becoming a small puddle.
Just out of this door unto the next, Shadow would be waiting for him in his bed. Ready to hug him.
Could he do it?
Was it okay to do so?
'Using Shadow like this…I should be ashamed of myself.' He thought to himself as he dried his fur, quickly going over the clean clothes Shadow offered and left over a counter. 'This is stupid' He kept repeating to himself as he finally dressed and went over to Shadow's bedroom, his hand trembling as he twisted the door knob over to finally enter a room that was darker than the hall connecting every room. He slightly left the door open to be able to see where he was stepping, though hedgehogs being nocturnal creatures their eyesight was not too shabby in a dim lit room; still, Sonic's emotions were making every sense in him fail.
He finally found the bed, sitting on it slowly as he thought about what he was going to do. From the corner of his eyes he caught a small walkie talkie and a baby monitor on the night table, his eyes observed Silver for a moment, wondering if it was fair for him to dote on Shadow while clearly all that belonged to him now. Was it fair for any of them? His thoughts were cut short when he felt a hand rest on his back, a voice lull him and invite him to lay down. Slowly he accepted, letting his phone rest on the night table as well before he finally let his whole body ease unto the mattress and sheets, while he expected his head to fall unto a pillow, he soon found it was resting on a soft and warm chest.
"I'm sorry, you don't have to…" Sonic began to apologize, though the ebony hedgehog was soon to shush him before he could continue. He exhaled softly against white fur, feeling how the other stretched slightly at the sensation of his breathing being so close to him.
"It's fine…just…rest." The older hedgehog suggested, though it was easier said than done. It was obvious both of them were reacting to this odd encounter, but none of them moved away from each other.
"Feels nice…doesn't it?" Shadow was bold enough to ask as one of his hands dared to go through Sonic's quills, they felt like silk going through his fingers; still damp and a tint of some kind of citric scent escaping from them. It filled his heart with hope and another sensation he didn't dare to question at the moment, the fact that Blue was allowing his quills to relax this way in his hold meant more to him that the other could imagine. "Oh?' Shadow sheepishly mouthed as he felt himself being held closer. He could melt at any moment, and perhaps he wouldn't mind at this point.
There was a strange sensation, despite they were being separated by clothes, their energies flowed in a same timed manner, almost if they were exchanging chaos power unwillingly. It made Sonic's muscles ache less and that void ripping inside of him filling up, he felt a long overdue phase ending in his core. He felt this embrace genuine, with no hostile intentions and overall, he began to wish he had done this sooner. He was just so ashamed to admit, to even ask…he just couldn't believe this was all he needed for a moment.
"It…does." Blue mouthed slowly, trying not to escape from the heavenly touch. He felt like a sick puppy, for what he was embarrassed by, his own cheeks tinting in a soft pink when he felt a soft petting on his back and arm.
"Everything will be alright…just do your best, but…try to come back alive every day. We can do this…often, if you need it…or…want it." Shadow offered as he closed his eyes, trying not to imagine Sonic's face at the moment: perhaps disgust or hurting? He just wished this could show more than his words and actions have done so far. He just wished he could be bold enough to tell him what feels, but deep down, he knows it would all come crashing down at this moment. A complete failure.
"…Alright, I'll hold on to you on that." Sonic's response was the exact opposite of Shadow's thoughts. He felt a small relief, and despite just having a doze of caffeine hitting his system he felt the opposite of hyped; he just wished to fall asleep, melt into his dreams with the warmth of the other and the scent as well.
Both of them stayed there, one enjoying being held while the other relished on doing the holding. Soon enough, with the hours crawling forward into the night, both hedgehogs fell into a deep slumber. Neither one letting go of the other anytime soon, facing an unknown tomorrow that they can tackle, together this time.
