So here we are at long last. The final chapter. I can't believe I started this story four years ago, at one point I wasn't sure I was even going to finish it.
But I must admit I love this story. It's not perfect, there may be plot holes, grammar is definitely an issue and I've always struggled with accidentally writing the wrong words and not proof reading until after I publish because I get too excited and want to get the story up. So through all of that thank you guys.
Thank you for being so patient with me, for supporting this story, for leaving reviews and keeping me motivated to finish it. I already have another story project in mind staring these two fast dudes and a couple of one shots so expect to see more from me in the future. I am a grown woman who is still addicted to writing fanfictions and I don't think I'll ever grow out of that xD
Thank you all again for your love, hope everyone stays safe and that this ending doesn't disappoint.
It was starting to get dark outside and the only light that emitted the room was the fireplace. But it aided in creating a warm glow that was comforting within the room. Shadow kneeled on the floor next to the sofa, his attention fixated on the boy that lay down under a fluffy blanket and his hot water bottle teddy grasped firmly in his arm. The agent kept his hand rested on top of the blanket, gently brushing his thumb against the material soothingly as he spoke to the boy. Sonic's eyes were blood shot and his skin had paled to white, almost grey.
It was clear to Shadow that Sonic had passed his limit and felt unable to handle anymore, but he had to prepare him. It wouldn't be long until his father arrived.
"I don't want to see him" Sonic whispered with a shallow voice, his hand clutching further on his bear, though he felt like all his strength had left him. Shadow stayed silent, letting the boy say what he had to and get it out of the way. "I can't face anymore" he started to whimper, but too dehydrated to cry anymore tears. "I just want to die and get it over with" he confessed before hiding his face in his bear.
Shadow reached over and held his hand, gently lifting Sonic's chin as he did so. "No you don't. You never did, that's why we ended up capturing you in the first place. You're tired, you just need to get some sleep, try to get some rest before your father comes okay" he said.
"I don't want to go home" Sonic whimpered, his eyes already feeling too heavy to keep open.
"I know, I'll work something out, I promise." With that, Shadow left him to sleep. Unfortunately it wasn't a sound one, nor was it long. He could tell by the way the blue one's eyes flickered restlessly and how even in sleep he trembled that no doubt Sonic was already having night terrors. Hopefully it wasn't enough to wake him up.
It wasn't much longer that a knock came at the door, and reluctantly Shadow went to answer. Sonic wasn't the only one who didn't want to face this, but neither of them had a choice. He opened the door, and was reassured when he saw Rouge standing behind, dress in a large coat and her normal attire. At the bottom of the porch stood Jules, who nervously kept his distance for now.
"You brought him?" Shadow asked, not expecting to see her.
Rouge smiled softly, "I just wanted to know if you forgave me, I don't want you to be mad at me for two years and then use a task force to bring me down" she joked, Shadow didn't get it. "Never mind. Look before you say anything, I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but... the risk paid off" she couldn't hide her excitement anymore. Shadow's eyes widened, his legs feeling weak. "You mean..." he paused, not daring to say what he wanted. Rouge nodded frantically. "Thanks to Sonic and everyone on the team Eggman has been placed on death row. He won't be able to hurt anyone ever again!"
Shadow hadn't realised it, but his legs gave way and he fell to his knees. He felt winded and light headed, unable to grasp the words she had just said. "It's over?" he asked breathless. It was as if a boulder he had been carrying on his back for the past three years had finally been removed and he could be free once again. Rouge was about to kneel down to him, but to her surprise he stood up and threw his arms around her waist, lifting her into the air and spinning her around. He cheered loudly and Rouge couldn't help but laugh and join in at this out of character display he showed. "I can't believe it. It's finally all over! Maria can finally rest" Shadow whispered softly after putting her down. He had to quickly wipe his eyes, but he couldn't wipe away his smile which had never been so big. Rouge couldn't help but note how much in that moment Shadow looked like Sonic. It warmed her heart so much, she kept her arms around Shadow, the sense of relief making neither of them wanting to let this moment go. "Do you forgive me then?" she asked.
"For this outcome? Yes" Shadow laughed, letting her pull him into an embrace. As he held her back though, his eyes drifted to the dark blue hedgehog that stood behind them, who patiently waited for them both to have their moment before he said anything... before he took his son back home.
And just like that, the moment for Shadow was gone. He let go of Rouge, and his smile returned back to it's usual frown. "Well, let's see how this goes first" he said to her. Rouge followed Shadow's gaze, and once remembering the situation she nervously stood back and adjusted her coat.
Shadow stepped down from the porch, now meeting Jule's eye level and observing the man as if he were a stranger asking to stay the night.
The moment was tense for everyone and it took longer then it should have for someone to speak.
"Thank you" Shadow suddenly said, catching them off guard, "For helping with the Eggman case. You didn't have to do that" he explained.
Jules gave a soft smile while shaking his head. "I didn't know it was Sonic who had gone through all that. I care about my work but... he's my son, you know? I couldn't let Eggman get away with what he did to him."
It felt so inappropriate, but Shadow wanted to punch him. He knew the stories Sonic had told him, how he would lash out and be manipulative, ignoring Sonic's claims of abuse from his brother. And now this man wanted to come in last second and be this ground breaking hero for not helping a master mind criminal get away with what he did? Pathetic!
Shadow struggled to respond without saying anything back handed, so he chose to simply nod and stay quiet.
"So, how's Sonic doing? Can I see him now?" Jules asked.
Nervously Shadow looked at Rouge, but she didn't know why. In the end he just had to embrace it all and finally offered to lead them all inside. His heart sank as he watched the man walk into his home. This must have been the dread Sonic felt all day.
"Last I saw he was asleep, wait here and I'll get him up" Shadow said before leaving Jules and Rouge in the hall way. He walked back to the sofa and kneeled down once again. Sonic was fast asleep, appealingly peaceful and much needed. But it was getting late, and this shouldn't wait until morning. So Shadow gently shook his shoulder and waited as Sonic opened his heavy eyes. "Mmmm" he moaned, not happy to be woken up, but Shadow shook him further until he slowly sat up and rubbed his face.
"What's going on?" Sonic asked wearily. Shadow sat down on the sofa next to him. "Well, I have good news. We won."
"What do you mean?" Sonic questioned, too tired to fully understand. Shadow smiled softly, getting back a small part of that feeling again. "I mean Eggman is done for. They found him guilty and is giving him the death penalty."
Immediately the boy gasped, now suddenly more awake. "W-wait... a-are you telling the truth? I-is this real?" he asked, shaking with anticipation. Shadow help up his hands, "It's real I promise, it's all finally over."
Much like himself, Sonic dropped back to the sofa with a gasp of relief. "Oh thank Chaos! Thank you so much! I can't... I-I can't believe it... he's finally gone?" the boy smiled widely, tears welling up in his eyes.
He wished so badly he could find it in himself to celebrate again, but Shadow couldn't. Not now. "Yes, but this now means that your father is here to see you."
And just like himself, the moment for Sonic was gone.
"Oh" was all he said, now feeling the dread and anxiety that had been plaguing him all day once again. He watched as Shadow stood up and left him alone, then a moment later coming back with the man he feared.
Jules saw his son sitting on the sofa by himself, the son he had lost two years ago. He could barely recognise him now. Despite the injuries, the boy had grown up so much in those years. He was taller, had longer quills and his features were more defined and appeared more masculine. He had been so convinced he would never see his child again, and yet here he was. Jules didn't fight it.
Sonic had been convinced the first thing his father would do if he saw him was hit him and scream at him for running away. So when he saw the man come for him he flinched automatically. But he gasped when all he felt was the warm embrace instead.
His father held him like he would never hold him again and buried his face deep into his shoulder. Sonic could feel cold drops of water run down his back, and his eyes widened as he realised his father was crying... His father never cried! Never!
It felt like he had turn to stone in that moment, that he couldn't move if his life called for it. His father pulled away and cupped his face in his hands, letting his tears fall freely as he planted kisses on his son's forehead. At this Sonic's heart began to pound in his chest. His body trembled and his eyes watered as he lightly whimpered.
This was all he ever wanted from his dad.
Sonic fell into his fathers arms, letting the man shower him with love and affection, all of which he had never gotten before. All of which he felt he had never deserved.
Shadow stood by the door and watched. He sighed lowly, now feeling there was no hope for him anymore. It was stupid of him to think any different outcome would happen. Sonic needed to go back to his family. That's where he belonged. And he wasn't going to be the one to stop that from happening.
And yet, there was still something he felt wrong with this, but he couldn't understand what.
Rouge was standing by his side, but she gently nudged him and walked into the kitchen to give them all privacy. Shadow didn't know why she bothered, she was only going to press a glass to the door and listen anyway.
Rolling his eyes and then taking a deep breath, Shadow walked over to the sofa and sat down.
The two other hedgehog's noticed his appearance and pulled away, knowing that it was time to talk. But what could any of them say?
"So... I think now is the time for questions to be answered" Shadow said, taking control. This didn't seem to sit well with Jules however, "Do you think I could have some privacy with my son?"
Shadow glared at him briefly, "Actually Sonic asked me earlier if I would stay. As you might have guessed he has a few mental issues that he might need me to help him with if he gets too overwhelmed."
Jules had to hold back a snark "I think I can handle it, I have six children-"
"No you can't." Shadow quickly cut him off, his eyes narrowing down at the man, but Jules didn't seem to look intimidated.
"A-actually dad I would prefer Shadow to be here" Sonic confessed, lowering his gaze to the floor nervously.
Jules was hesitant to begin with, appearing insulted even, but he signed and agreed to the request. "Okay, if it makes you feel more comfortable then that's okay. I guess you've been a big part of his life recently?" Jules asked the agent. Shadow looked over at Sonic and nodded. "I helped where I could. I didn't want to see him in a foster home while all this was going on."
"Dad?" Sonic interrupted. "How... how is Sally?"
Jules was quiet. His mind raced back to the day everything changed, when Sonic ran from his hold and pushed his little sister into the glass cabinet. The sight still haunted him every night, knowing it could have been prevented had he handled things differently. "She's okay, she's doing well" he smiled. He could see Sonic's face change at his words, feeling relief over it all. No doubt he had been dealing with the guilt ever since he left home, and Jules was glad that he could at least help him with that. "Yeah she's still being a little terror, but she's completely. All the girls are actually. Sonia decided she wanted to be a lawyer ironically, so now we're looking at colleges for her to go to" he laughed. It was a small comfort, but it felt nice to know his family wasn't suffering, though he started to feel a bit sad about it. They were thriving ever since he left them. Had he really been that much of a burden to everyone?
"I'm glad... you're encouraging her to do what she wants" Sonic said, bitterness evident in his voice, and his father didn't fail to notice. Jules looked down with shame, knowing better then he had back then. "I can't change what happened. I wish I could, things would be a lot different" he mused. Sonic shook his head, not fully able to believe his father. Jules reached over and held his hand. His eyes fixated on the remains of the severed limb, a chill running down his spine the longer he looked. "Sonic, I know why you left home. You left us the note and... well it was obvious I guess. I don't want to bring up what you went through, especially after today, but I just want to know before all that happened, was there anything else that went on? I mean, you mentioned Eggman said he'd put you out for prostitution... did that happen at any point?"
Immediately Sonic flushed with embarrassment and shame. "No!" he quickly answered.
"Look I'm just saying that sometimes people resort to that and I wouldn't be angry if you... you know."
"Dad stop it! I didn't do anything like that, not willingly" he angrily replied. It was always a massive fear his father had for his children to be abused in such ways, probably because he worked with so many criminals that had done such things that he always worried about his children ever being forced into that situation.
"Were you ever forced?" he cautiously asked.
Sonic looked at him sadly, unable to meet his eyes, and wrapped his arm around himself. "A-almost... once. I... I came home... but you sold the house, after six months of me leaving. An older man found me but I got away in time." Jules bit his lip uncomfortably. He didn't realise his son had known that. "I'm... I'm so glad you weren't hurt that way. I wish I could say the same for everything else but, I'm just happy that this is all over with now" he said deflecting.
This wasn't going away though, Sonic wanted the answers. "Why did you move after I left?"
Jules remained silent.
"Answer him" Shadow spoke up firmly, pushing Jules for the answer. The lawyer glared at the black hedgehog, but carried on ignoring him and focusing only on his child. "We moved because we wanted a fresh start. Not from you! That's not what I mean! It's just... truthfully, three months after you ran away... your brother got arrested and was sentenced to prison" he confessed with sorrow.
"What?" Sonic gasped at the news. His brother was the favourite child, there's no way his father couldn't have gotten him out of prison. "What did he do?"
He didn't want to answer, but forced himself to, "After you left he started hurting the girls. He was scaring them, hitting them, trying to drown them... I just couldn't believe it when they told me. But then he punched your mother in public and was arrested. I refused to help him because of what he had done, and now I have to watch him suffer in jail." It was so clear by this man's voice that he felt responsible for what had happened, but Shadow wasn't sure if he was guilty of letting his daughters get hurt or for no bailing out his son.
But Sonic felt something different. He felt a pit of anger swell in his stomach and he wasn't sure I he could keep it contained. "So, when I told you he was doing all that to me... it was just "boys being boys" but when he does it to the girls he goes to prison?" There was so much resentment in Sonic's voice that it felt like poison on his lips while tears started to fall freely again.
Quickly Jules jumped to the defense, "No!" he said firmly, "It wasn't like that. I didn't know how bad it actually was."
"But I told you! I told you what he did and you didn't care! You told me to grown up!"
"Sonic I... I'm sorry, I really am."
He frantically shook his head, refusing to look at this man anymore, "I don't want to talk anymore" Sonic mumbled while stressfully running his hand through his quills. He removed his blanket and tried to stand up.
"No sit down, we need to talk about this!" Jules said.
"Why? You didn't want me, you didn't even look for me, just leave me alone! I don't want to deal with this anymore" Sonic said while standing up and attempting to walk away. But his father stood to his feet also and lashed out to grab his arm irritably. Before Sonic could react Shadow was already in the middle of then, pulling the man's hand away from the boy and glaring threateningly at him. "Don't touch him."
"Don't you dare tell me what to do with my own kid! He is my son, not yours!"
"You stopped being a father to moment you called off the search for him!"
"I had to deal with my family, I never gave up looking!"
"Bull crap, you just gave up!"
"ENOUGH!"
Both men were pushed away from each other as Rouge had decided to reaper from the kitchen and breakup the fight before it fully started. Sonic stood behind her with his head in his hand. He was so overwhelmed and tired that he felt ready to throw himself off a cliff if this carried on, and Rouge could sense it.
"This is not the time to be challenging each other to father of the year alright! It's late, we've all had a long day and I think these things would be best discussed tomorrow morning in a nice coffee shop where you two are less likely to throw fists at each other" she scolded them, both men looked down like young children, scowling that they had been told off.
"Fine."
"Okay. I'll head back to my hotel and meet with you tomorrow morning, sound good?" Jules offered, though not happily. Shadow responded with "Pft."
"Right, now that that's sorted, Jules shall we go?" Rouge smiled, holding her hand towards the door as she was the one who would drive him to his hotel. The dark blue hedgehog nodded before looking back at his son. Sonic stared mostly at his feet and didn't make any attempt to say goodbye. Maybe he just couldn't trust him anymore, but that was okay. Jules walked up to him and embraced him one last time. "I love you Sonny, I know you might not believe it but I do. I'm glad you're finally safe" he spoke softly before pulling away.
Sonic furrowed his brows, feeling guilty for what he had said earlier. And for some reason, he felt like he would never see this man again. So he said what he wanted to. "I really missed you dad."
With a smile, Jules planted one last kiss on the boys head and wiped the boys eyes, even though no more tears were falling. "I'll see you tomorrow, go get some sleep" he said. With that he turned away and followed Rouge out the door, Shadow walked behind and stepped out with them.
Once outside Shadow took one last look at Sonic before closing the door shut, leaving him to go to bed. He then gave a silent look to Rouge, which she understood immediately. With a slight nod she walked back to her car and got in, giving the two a private moment to really talk.
Jules wasn't sure what was happening, but waited patiently for whatever it was Shadow needed to say to him, knowing he had something to say himself.
"So, I will need to inform the authorities that Sonic can be taken off the missing persons list. He's on a lot of medication and I've had a therapist come to the house once a week to help with his trauma as well as the emotional meltdowns. I recently bought a therapeutic vest that helps manage the pain he gets in the area that his shoulder was, it's still in the post but I can send it over to your new address if you wish."
Jules chuckled lightly, his arms crossed nervously over his chest. "Wow, you really put a lot into looking after Sonic haven't you?"
Shadow looked away, not wanting to be completely honest. "It was part of my job. He's a good kid and I've been happy to look after him. But now he should be home with his family..." he lied to himself.
Yet to his surprise, Jules looked uncomfortable with what he said. The hedgehog scratched at his neck and fumbled awkwardly.
"What's going on?" Shadow asked confused.
It seemed like Jules finally found his voice to speak up, "I was just wondering... What would of happened if I hadn't of shown up? Like what was the plan for Sonic?"
Shadow hadn't expected such a question, and wasn't sure how he could answer without showing vulnerability. How do you tell a man you planned to adopt his son?
"Well there were a few different choices, but I felt it was best not to move him around and cause anymore distress then he had already been through."
"So he would have stayed with you? Like long term, until he was old enough to move out?"
Shadow raised his brow, "Yes?"
"And you were happy to do that?" Jules asked.
"Yes."
"Okay good, I'm glad he was going to be looked after. See I'm just thinking... maybe taking him away right now isn't the best idea... for him. There's a lot of chaos going on back home and he seems really comfortable with you. I know it's a lot to ask but you're helping him so much I just think that maybe he should stay, don't you?" Jules explained.
And it was that very moment Shadow understood why he didn't trust this man from the start. Sonic had been right about him. Sly, manipulative and selfish. And it made him feel disgusted.
"You son of a bitch. You don't want your own child to go home with you? Why because he'd be too much work? Because you don't have enough time for him? What the hell is wrong with you?" Shadow balled his fists, ready to use them at any excuse he found.
Jules was quick to the defense however and held his hands in the air, "Alright I know it looks bad alright, but it's not that simple. It's not just Sonic I have to think about, I have other kids and a wife to look after."
"And you can't do that with Sonic around huh?" Shadow spat sarcastically.
Jules sighed, "No. I can't. Look, I wasn't completely honest with Sonic before. The truth is we didn't move house for a fresh start. We moved because... after Sonic hurt his little sister Sally... she went blind."
Shadow softened his stance. "What?"
Lowering his head, Jules went on to explain. "Sally got glass in her eyes after Sonic ran into her and threw her into the display cabinet. We rushed her to the hospital but there was nothing we can do, her eyes were too damaged to do anything. My wife didn't deal with it well, she had been very protective of Sally because we almost lost her as a baby. So when this happened she was... happy Sonic was gone. I had to put the missing person report in behind her back and no matter what I said she wouldn't listen to reason. She wasn't able to cope with what happened and how she felt so she just stopped acknowledging that Sonic ever existed. She did the same with Axel when he went to prison. Because of all that we moved to house that would be more safe for Sally's condition. The girls don't have any good memories of their brother, they're really afraid of him and they've told me that they don't want him back. I know it was selfish but my wife went as far as to call off the search for him and I was angry she did but what else could I do? If I bring Sonic back now it's going to end badly and I don't think that's fair to any of them. Surely you can agree?"
Shadow pondered his words carefully, but none of it sat well with him. His opinion didn't change, and likely it never will. "I understand. You're a coward" he said. Jules didn't bother to argue anymore.
Shadow continued. "You're a father to all of your children. Yet when your daughter went blind you moved to a house that would benefit her, made sure she was looked after and comfortable by sheltering her from the truth that you were partly to blame. Meanwhile while you're helping her to her chair for a nice warm meal in a comfortable home, reading her bedtime stories and telling her that she'll be okay and will get through all this, your other child is sitting out in the cold, digging through trash for food which most days he couldn't find, and being treated like filth by everyone around him. He has had to watch as people walk by him, looking on with disgust because he was filthy and starving. He had to endure older kids pushing him to the ground and beating him because they thought it was fun. Older men who tempted him with a warm bed for the night but he had to share it with them, which he was brave enough to turn down. Every night could have been his last and he knew it. Yet despite all that he didn't join Eggman and put himself through these horrors for himself, he did it to save a young boy that was dying. Even at the lowest point of his life was a good kid. And all this started because he gave a homeless man some food. Do you wish someone had done that for him or would you have told them not to bother?"
Jules said nothing. He couldn't. He couldn't answer him because he knew that Shadow was right. There was no defense, no way to spin the story. The agent was right and he couldn't argue with it.
"If you truly loved your son, you would have made sure your wife and children realised he was a good kid and stopped them from building up this resentment. So I'm going to give you one last chance. Are you willing to put in the effort and make up for the last two years of neglect that you put your son through by taking him home and putting his needs and wants first above the rest of your family until he is well enough to be on his own or not?" Shadow already knew the man's answer, but he gave him the chance to say it. But the man stayed quiet, his head drawn low and arms folded.
"I... don't know what to say" Jules whispered, his breath coming out as a mist as the cold settled in.
Shadow looked down on him, all respect he may have had now completely gone. "You don't need to. I think you just gave your answer."
Jules sighed, knowing Shadow was right.
"Go home, don't bother with tomorrow. Sonic will contact you when he feels ready to. Don't worry about telling your wife about this, as far as I'm concerned nothing has changed. Sonic will continue to live with me and I will be legally adopting him and you will no longer have any claim to him."
Quickly the man straightened up, "You can't do that!"
Shadow stepped closer threateningly, "You either take him home now or it's never. I gave you the opportunity and you didn't want him. Are you going to go back on your defense because of pride?"
"No but... I-I..." Jules felt his heart sink and his voice swell in his throat. "I just wants what's best for him. Clearly that's not with me..." He turned back to look Shadow straight in eye, struggling to hold his gaze under the power of the intimidating red iris's that stared back. "Look after him please" was all he could manage to say before he finally walked away.
Shadow watched as the man stepped into the car and Rouge drove him away. He didn't know when he'd next see him or hear from him, but now after seeing the car fade from out of sight, he was left worried and troubled. Did he do the right thing?
The cold started to have an affect on him as he rubbed at his arms, the chill rushing through his bones. Winter was a couple of days away, but the temperature had decided to come early.
Shadow turned back to the door, but part of him didn't want to escape the cold. How was he going to explain to Sonic what he did? The kid said he didn't want to go home, but what if those feelings had changed after seeing his father? How much of the truth should he tell him?
The last question ran through his mind repeatedly, again and again as it became a frenzy. He didn't know if he should lie. Yet, when he opened the door to walk back into his home, he realised that he didn't have to.
"Sonic?" Shadow gasped as he saw the teenager stood behind the door. The boy looked at him with sorrow on his face, his chest heaving as he wept quietly. Tears streamed down his face once again and his strength seemed completely depleted as his legs struggle to stand.
"I heard it all..." Sonic cried, feeling himself shrinking down and almost collapsing under his own weight.
Shadow ran and caught him in time, helping him to the floor where he sat with him. He held the hedgehog carefully in his arms and made Sonic rest his head as he grew dazed and limp. "I'm sorry... I wanted to stay with you b-but... I-I..." he sobbed tiredly. Shadow rested his head on top of his and gently rubbed his peach coloured arm in comfort.
"It's okay. I understand. You didn't want to see your father because you were afraid of being rejected. That's why you wouldn't let us call your parents from the start, isn't it? Not because of me, but because you didn't want to go back and them not want you."
"But it happened anyway... they hate me! I hurt Sally! I'm a monster" he cried out disparagingly.
Shadow couldn't help but smile softly as he held the boy close. "No you're not. You're just a child. You didn't deserve any of this. And I promise I will look after you until the end... son."
"Okay do you have your phone?"
"Yes."
"Wallet?"
"Yes."
"Spare keys?"
"In my hand."
"Do you need any extra cash?"
"You already gave me your card Shadow."
"Maybe I should get you another scarf."
Sonic laughed as he stopped Shadow from walking back into the house by blocking his way. "Relax, I'm already wearing a jacket and a jumper, I'll be okay" he reassured while gesturing to his outfit, complete with warm winter boots. Shadow folded his arms, reluctant to accept it would be okay.
"I'll be fine Shadow, if anything happens I'll ring immediately and the others know what to do if I have any relapses" the blue sixteen year old reassured him.
He wasn't entirely convinced, but Shadow had to trust him eventually. "Okay, have a good time. Stay safe" he smiled before giving Sonic a quick hug goodbye and watched as the teen ran down the path way to a group of young teens who had been waiting for him. He couldn't help but smile when he saw his son be greeted by the pink hedgehog of the group who kissed him and held his hand. Tails and Cream were among them as well as a few other new friends Sonic had made a while back. Shadow wished he had done more research on these new kids but Amy had been friends with them for years according to Sonic. Perhaps he shouldn't trust them...
His thoughts were broken by a hand slapping on his shoulder. "Hey there sweetie, I see I missed the big send off" Rouge laughed as she linked her arm with Shadow's. The black hedgehog, used to his partner stalking up on him, merely huffed as he continued to watch Sonic walk further away from his friends.
"You think he'll be okay?" Shadow asked.
Rouge laughed in response, "I think you should be asking yourself that" she grinned. Her eyes soon followed though as she watched the group of kids also. "Can you believe it's been a whole year since we got Eggman thrown in the death pen?"
Shadow shook his head. "Everything has moved so fast. This time last year I couldn't go to the bathroom without Sonic banging on the door to be by my side and now he's finally going out with his friends by himself."
Rouge smiled, "Well you couldn't of been tagging around with them forever, you'll be cramping his style." Shadow laughed, "I'm just happy I don't have to have them all at my house anymore. There's only so many stupid movies I can watch, and they always come in fours now."
"You really are such an old man" she joked, removing her arm from Shadow's and walking towards the front door. "Don't worry sweetie, Sonic will be perfectly fine."
With a heavy sigh, Shadow finally allowed himself to smile and accept that things would be okay. "You're right, he's worked really hard to get to this point. I'm proud of him" he said. And then he finally turned his back on the group of kids and walk to the door with Rouge.
Sonic was going to be okay.
His son will be okay.
The end.