This one-shot takes place shortly after Issue 36 of the IDW Sonic comics. The Dark Chao that looked like Shadow was so adorable and I couldn't help but wonder if Sonic decided to adopt the little guy so… this happened.

NOTE: I OWN NOTHING!


Chao

Sonic chuckled as he looked over his shoulder, spotting the little Dark Chao fluttering behind him. Bits of apple stuck to their face as they made their way over to the Blue Blur. All of Clutch's Chao were having a tea party with Cream behind Tails' workshop, but this little guy decided to tag along after he and Shadow parted ways.

"Chao!" The Dark Chao chirped and snuggled into Sonic's waiting arms.

"Awww… You wanna come with me, little one?" Sonic asked, petting the red ball floating atop the Dark Chao's head. The ball morphed into a heart as the Dark Chao cooed and curled up in the blue hedgehog's arms.

"What do you want me to call you?" asked Sonic as they walked amongst the apple trees. In response, the Dark Chao waved its stubby little arms up at the apples growing above their heads. Picking an apple off one of the trees, Sonic smiled as they eagerly reached for the fruit.

"Apple it is."

Apple smiled as Sonic handed them their snack.


Having Apple around made Sonic realize how much he had missed having a constant traveling buddy. Tails was busy inventing and helping out the Restoration in rebuilding, Amy was showing Jewel the ropes on managing the Restoration, Knuckles was back on Angel Island guarding the Master Emerald, the Chaotix were off solving cases and helping Tangle and Whisper look for people still missing after the Metal Virus pandemic ended… and he didn't really know what Team Dark was up to now.

It was nice having Apple to talk to during lonely nights. The Dark Chao was a sweetheart with a little mischievous streak and they loved to play tag with him.

"Who's the sweetest little guy? You are! Yes, you are!" Sonic cooed, tickling Apple's belly. Apple babbled and squeaked, a heart hovering over their head.

Sonic sighed, nuzzling Apple. "It's funny… You look like Shadow but don't act like him at all. Or… maybe he's got a soft side but doesn't want to show it. I think I saw a little glimpse of that the last time I saw him when he gave you that apple…" he said as they settled in for the night.

Apple cooed and tilted their head curiously at him, getting comfy in the crook of Sonic's arm.

"Y'know, Apple…" Sonic yawned, cuddling the Dark Chao. "Sometimes, I wish I could get through to Shadow. I really wanna be friends with him… and maybe something more. I don't know if he swings that way but… I still like him a lot," he mumbled before falling asleep, Apple letting out a tiny yawn of their own and closing their eyes.


The next morning, the universe must have heard Sonic's wish. Because, as he and Apple journeyed through the fields just outside Vista View, Sonic spotted a familiar face.

Shadow only felt a light breeze before he suddenly found a blue hedgehog standing beside him. "Heya, Shadow! Long time, no see!" The cobalt speedster grinned.

"Chao, chao!" Apple greeted the Ultimate Lifeform as it perched atop Sonic's head.

Shadow regarded the Chao on his rival's head with mild curiosity. "Is that one of Clutch's old Chao?" he inquired.

"Yup! The little one just decided to follow me and I couldn't say no," Sonic said as he picked Apple off his head, the Dark Chao making grabby hand motions at Shadow. "You wanna say hi to Shadow, Apple?"

Shadow fought the urge to smile at how adorable Sonic sounded when he cooed to the Chao. "And you've named them. Of course," he deadpanned.

Apple flew over to Shadow and got comfy on the dark hedgehog's head, babbling contently.

"Aw, Apple likes you," Sonic said, blushing when he saw his little Chao companion hugging Shadow's top quill. The sweet little sneak was trying to send Shadow signals… he just knew it. If Shadow noticed anything, he didn't react. He chose to just look out over the horizon while Apple relaxed on his head.

For a moment, neither hedgehog said anything. Apple soon tired of sitting on Shadow's head and flew down to get cozy in Sonic's arms. Shadow glanced and noticed the soft smile gracing Sonic's lips as he rocked the Dark Chao to sleep. A slight dusting of pink formed on his cheeks as he listened to his blue rival hum a lullaby. He had to admit that Sonic looked… rather sweet with the Chao that greatly resembled him.

Sonic looked up from Apple to see Shadow looking at him and his already reddened cheeks flushed a deeper shade of scarlet.

That prompted Shadow to remember something important.

"I… I'm sorry."

Sonic blinked at Shadow, confused.

"What I said to you back at Sunset City was completely out of line. You didn't deserve to get infected and… I should have listened to you when you told me to retreat," Shadow admitted, casting his eyes downward.

Sonic took a moment to register Shadow's words before smiling brightly at his dark counterpart. "It's alright, Shads. We were stressed and we said some things we didn't really mean. All is forgiven," he said softly.

Shadow looked at Sonic, surprised at how forgiving the blue hedgehog was, before smiling a little. "May I?" he asked, holding out his arms and looking at Apple who was sleeping peacefully in Sonic's arms.

Sonic carefully passed the Dark Chao to Shadow and grinned as he watched his edgy rival cradle Apple in his striped arms. He was then thrown in for a loop when Shadow extended a hand to him.

"I know that we've had many disagreements. But the recently-concluded crisis has made me rethink a few things regarding our… relationship." Taking a deep breath, Shadow decided to just say it. "I'd like us to start anew. Truce?"

Apple opened one eye and sleepily cooed at Shadow. Looking at Sonic, they realized what was happening and their little red ball became a red heart as Sonic smiled and shook hands with Shadow.

"Truce," said Sonic, feeling hopeful for the first time in a long while, as Apple flew out of Shadow's arms to hover over them.