A/N: Also revised this one and took down "chapter" two. :) Enjoy!

Warning: Slash (ShadowxSonic hints of one-sided KnucklesxSonic), Knux bashing, and a bit of angst.

Sonic walked quietly; if anyone else were to see him, they would be quite worried indeed. The blue speedster was always running everywhere, even when he was needed to be still; in fact, it was especially if he was still. Then he really needed to run!

Ruby eyes watched from atop a light pole, before disappearing. Sonic stopped, looking up to the star-speckled sky, silent tears running down reddened cheeks. How could...he just couldn't get it through that...that he would do that...! And after all the trust he had put into him.

"This isn't like you, Faker."

Sonic spun on the spot, eyes traveling from the sky to meet with the ruby gaze of his dark counterpart. His guard dropped immediately, very comfortable in his presence; however he turned his head away, trying to hide his reddened face, and tear-stained cheeks. He may have been comfortable, but he wasn't about to openly cry in front of him.

"What are you talkin' about? I'm fine." he said in his usual cheery tone; the forced effort behind it slipped only a little, but just enough for Shadow to recognize the facade.

"Not even. Don't lie to me, faker. I can see right through you," he said, walking to stand at his side. He let his fingers brush under his chin, before lifting his face; emerald met ruby, and Sonic turned his gaze away.

"W-what are you...?"

"Asking what happened." There was no "faker" at the end of this sentence, a hint of curiosity masked craftily in his voice. Sonic looked back, before grabbing his hand and pulling it away. However he did not let go.

"It-I told him. I told Knux," he said quietly, watching Shadow's reaction. His face was blank, but his mind began to reel. Noticing the lack of response, he hurried on. It was like ripping off a band aid; the faster you did it the less painful it would be.

"I had taken him out for...y'know food or whatever. We were there for a while, just the two of us, and I brought it up about an hour into our stay. He didn't say anything, just watched me with the most curious expression; it almost looked like he wanted to laugh. So I told him quickly, and quietly. And then...a-and...he exploded. He started yelling at me, cursing and using the...nastiest words." Shadow had a good mental image of the scene, and he inwardly winced. Sonic continued, new tears falling. "And he did it so loudly, on purpose so everyone could hear! He rejected me and told the whole pizza shop I was queer. The whole city's gonna know soon..."

Shadow could take no more, as he pulled the sobbing younger into his arms. Stroking his quills softly, he murmured sweet nothings as Sonic wetted his chest fur as the tears flowed quickly. May it have been a moment or more, Sonic pulled away finally looking up.

Shadow watched, then opened his mouth.

"Sonic." The blue hedgehog's eyes widened at the change of name. "You're hurting right now, aren't you?" The boy nodded once, eyes narrowing slightly. Shadow went on. "I can help you. I can make the pain go away, just for a while. Would you like that?" The message was loud and clear and Sonic understood.

A moment more passed, and Sonic nodded his head. "Please, make it go away, Shadow..." he whispered quietly. "Please..."

That was enough for Shadow, as he nodded. He leaned down, pressing his lips to the younger hedgehog's gently. He pulled away, leading him away and to his home.

He would make sure that there was no pain for Sonic. If only for a little while.