Chapter 6: Euphoria

A/N: I guess this has a smidge of Sonadow fluff? Like if you blink you'll miss it type of deal. But next chappy the romance should move forward. Also I realized the second hedgehog is just kind of just chilling in the development chamber, I had originally intended for him to have some complications but I'll clear that up as he gets closer to coming out.

A few days passed and with everyone's help Sonic was quickly learning how to take care of the baby. It had been week since the baby had become a part of their family but the short time span didn't stop them from falling in love with the little hedgehog. Even so, Shadow still wouldn't come by the house to meet the baby.

No one said anything in fear of what Sonics reaction would be towards the absent broody hedgehog but Rouge had had enough. One night after leaving Sonic and Tails residence she went home to Central city walking into her apartment in utter annoyance. Scowl on her face as she placed a hand on her hip stepping into the place and she moved towards the sitting living room finding her field partner on their red couch with a large book in hand and a glass of red wine on the coffee table besides him.

"Yes?"

"You're unbelievable you know that?" Shadow lowered the book raising a brow at the bat and a red eye took in the womans demeanor noticing the irritation on her movement.

"Excuse me? I don't know what you're on about…" She scoffed and threw the apartment keys on the table making a harsh clank on the glass coffee table and Shadow put the book away.

"You've got a lot of nerve, Sonics been nothing but a good friend to you and you cant even stop by for a friendly visit."

He rolled his eyes at her crossing his arms.

"This this isn't about me not visiting that blue rat Rouge, I know you're just trying to guilt trip me into going over there to see those dame lab rats. I already said I want no part in their lives."

"You can at least pretend to care… Hes trying his best with that child and if it wasn't for the rest of us it might of worn him down by now…" She ran a hand through her growing hair with a sigh and sat down gently besides Shadow on the couch. She softened her features as she spoke. "Shes amazing Shadow, you should meet her. Everyone loves her and there doesn't seem to be anything evil about her… Who knows, this could be good for you."

He turned his head away with a sigh, his fingers tapping along his arms in thought.

"You say that now, just wait till their abilities start to show…" Rouge stood from the couch in anger and she huffed in frustration .

"You know what, you're being a baby. Maria raised you better, you think she'd be proud of the way you're acting? This is your chance at having a family Shadow, you don't have to be alone anymore! Think about that for a minute… It doesn't hurt to just stop by for a visit Shadow…"

The hedgehog sat silent on the couch, red eyes staring out at nothing as he remained lost in his thoughts about what his partner had said. He looked over just as she turned around and started walking away.

"What's her name?" He asked, and the bat turned with a tired smirk on her face.

"Go find out for yourself…"

With that she turned and left the room, the ebony hedgehog now sat alone with his thoughts. Perhaps he was being foolish, but he felt certain nothing good could come of these children. Though now that he thought about, he was rather curious what everyone's fuss was with the hedgehog offspring.

Another few days would go by and Shadow grew more curious. Everyday Rouge would come back from visiting with Sonic and Tails and he noticed her mood would be brighter and she seemed less stressed. She would talk with him about her evenings after making a fresh pot of coffee and moved to the living room with him to watch unsolved mysteries. He would sit on one end of the couch and she would sit on the other and extended her legs putting her knee high stocked legs on his lap. Shadow always grumbled as she got comfortable but he allowed it as she placed a blanket across them and she passed him his own cup of coffee. Slowly he brings the rim of the mug to his favorite matte black mug and sighs in relief. On days like these, he remembered being with Maria in a similar position. The blonde blue eyed girl grabbed her favorite books and Shadow would snuggle with her beneath warm plush blankets as she read.

Maybe, it really was time to move on. He didn't have to be alone.

On a random day off, Rouge went to check on her club and Shadow finding himself alone in the flat found himself feeling rather anxious. The book he was reading was somehow no longer interesting and every line seemed to drag on endlessly. Eventually he put the book away and stood up in the middle of the apartment uncertain of what to do and he dropped his folded arms in frustration because really?

"This is ridiculous, I'll go if only to settle this infuriating curiosity."

Shadow went out into the parking lot going for his favorite motorcycle. It belong to G.U.N, obvious by the giant white shining logo on the side on the bike. He got on and started the engine roaring it to life with a smirk, he loved that sound. Again he made the bike roar and sped off through the parking lot floors till he left driving off through the bright streets of central city.

It was around five in the afternoon but with the time shift it was still bright out. He knew it would get dark soon though and he drove faster on every green light, he didn't feel like wasting time. Shadow knew they had moved out to Mystic Ruins, of course nobody else but the team knew where the blue speedster had relocated.

Quickly he found he was there and parked his bike outside the two level house that stood before him. The front yard was fenced in, and there were ridiculous little flamingos on the lawn turned towards each other touching beaks. He rolled his eyes opening the little latch to the fence door and walked up the path way to front steps of the house. He paused there for a second in thought. Should he really be doing this? The sound of laughter ripped him from his thoughts and he turned looking to the left of the house listening for the sound. Again the bubbly laughter perked up his ears and he followed the sound curiously going behind the house.

The sight before him caused him to freeze mid-step, paralyzed with a mixture of uncertain emotion. His hands fisted at his sides and the ebony hedgehog swallowed dryly. By this time the sun was starting to set, the sky a beautiful oil painting of orange and pink hues and the soft breeze that blew stray leaves off the ground was warm despite the growing late hour. Red eyes focused with interest. Two forms sat in the grass, both hedgehogs. The blue fur of the male sparkled golden in the distance around him and his hands extended holding onto a child as it giggled in the air. The expression his rival held was pure and delighted. Eyes closed with creases at the end as he laughed rubbing his nose against the smaller hedgehogs. Shadow was choked up with emotion as he stared at the pair, he wasn't sure what to do. He had never seen the other so happy and he wondered maybe if Rouge had been right all this time. He must have been staring so long Sonic must have felt his presence in the distance and the cobalt hero looked over flashing his famous grin though now it seemed softened, warm and inviting. The hedgehog held the child close and waved.

"Well, are you going to stand there all day or come over and say hello?"

Tan lips in took a sharp breath feeling caught off guard and he quickly composed himself walking over to the pair. Two steps away he paused in front of them observing them on the ground.

"Where's the other one?"

Sonic looked up placing the girl down and she laid in the grass pulling at its green pointed strands with gurgling delight and gummy smile. It was oddly endearing and something strange fluttered up his chest.

"He's not due for another few days, Tails says it because Egghead got started later on him…" The hedgehog adjusted himself on the ground picking the girl back up and set her in his lap. "Want to hold her?"

Shadow stared for a moment, the small creature in Sonics hands moved in small fits of kicking legs and wiggling fingers. Curiously, he sunk to the grass on his knees in front of the cobalt hedgehog. His hands resting on his knees pulled at the fabric of his ripped up jeans nervously as he tried to decide if he wanted to go through with this. Red eyes glanced up once more and some how that warm inviting smile made his hands move on their own reaching out for the offered child.

His fingers brushed Sonics but the girls weight within his hands had him on high alert. She was light in his hands and he finally took in her appearance. Her quills sticking out behind her except for the two framing her face in the front like long strands of hair. The fur on this tiny creature was a midnight blue, unlike his own there were no red streaked quills and instead of a tan muzzle hers was peach like Sonics. His eyes blinked down at the girl and lifted her closer studying her eyes, they weren't red, but magenta. He couldn't deny the child was beautiful and she radiated happiness like an aura of sunshine. The baby reached out her tiny hands capturing Shadows face bringing their noses together and she erupted in a fit or gurgling laughter. Sonic chuckled in front of them watching the scene warmly, the heros laughter is soft and bubbly making him look over at the hedgehog who now turned to stare at the sunset. In the distance they could see Tails applying a fresh coat of paint to the Tornado. They're silent comfortable in the moment in the golden rays of the setting sun and Sonics voice is soft against the cool breeze that blew past them.

"Do you want to know name?

Shadow looks over holding the child in his lap, she playing with his fingers and he nods unconsciously. Green eyes looked up at the sky as he places his hands behind him for support and leans back basking in the golden glow with a gentle smile.

"Its Violet. Violet Maria Hedgehog…"

Again the ultimate lifeform finds himself frozen in place, red eyes slowly looking away from Sonic to glance down at the tiny creature in his lap. He could feel the small tremors shake his shoulders and he bit his lip as his vision began to blur. He brought his face down closer to the childs his tears falling down on the girls face as he cried with a kind sincere smile. His gloved hand came up holding the back of the girls head with care and he brought their foreheads together with closed eyes.

"Hello… Maria…"

Sonic looks out towards the sunset away from them, he doesn't need to look at them to know the scene that unfolded. He was only glad that Shadow had finally come around.

…

…

…

As the days went on, Sonic would be playing with the baby and a knock would distract him getting up to answer the door. Peach lips smiled as he was greeted with a bored looking ultimate lifeform leaning on the door frame and he moved aside letting in the older hedgehog. Shadow would move into the living room quickly but Sonic wasn't worried as when he retuned the ebony hedgehog was already standing with Violet giggling in his hands. The man would lift the girl up with a wide smile looking like the happiest man alive but Sonic would keep this information for himself because he knew the ultimate lifeform would deny being seen so vulnerable.

The cobalt hero moved into the kitchen and began making dinner with Tails while Shadow helped watch the baby.

Often they would find themselves in this routine now, and oddly enough Shadow was beginning to enjoy it. The scent of spices and meats wafted through the house and the hedgehog picked up the child trying to balance her on a hip as he walked into the kitchen. Sonic would always smile warmly, the sight dusting a pleasant blush on his face was a constant uninvited guest lately making Shadow cough nervously in a pathetic attempt to will the blush away. It never worked and would only grow darker as Sonic dipped a wooden spoon in a sauce pan walking his way with outstretched hands to keep the sauce from dripping.

"I don't know, I think it might need more garlic. Shads, what do you think?"

Red eyes looked at the extended spoon and the hand that was close below his chin made him quickly shift his gaze away with a blush as he opened his lips. Sonic tipped back the spoon a little letting Shadow sip the sauce as he stared with wonder and smiled happily once the ebony hedgehog nodded in approval.

"I think it taste fine."

Tails watched their interaction with interest but never spoke out in fear of putting a stop to whatever was growing between the pair. He'd grown use to Shadow coming over, granted it had only been the time span of a week and a half but he came by on a regular bases and to see the house without his broody presence now felt odd. Tails was thankful though, Shadow being around the house meant they had more help with the baby. Though everyone came by to help they didn't exactly live close by. Shadow learned everything quickly, paying close attention to each tiny detail with care. More often then not the fox would look up from whatever it was he was working only to find the ultimate lifeform with the child at his waist causing him to smile and laugh internally because Chaos forbid Shadow ever hear him laugh at him. Instead he'd shake his head and returned to his work thankful at least someone was being responsible and he was honestly glad it was Shadow.

….

…

...

It was on a day like this that Tails found himself within the lab of the Blue Typhoon when the chamber in the far back began to beep. He grinned excitedly and rung up the rest of his friends to come over to the lab at the workshop. He hung up the phone and fist pumped as again the chamber monitor made another fit of beeps. This time it would be perfect. Quickly he ran from the lab going through his workshop and ran out back finding the group of hedgehogs sitting out by the beach.

"Guys! Its time! He's ready!"

Sonic stood quickly running back in with Tails and Shadow followed after them curious with the baby in hands.

When Amy and Silver arrived with the kids they handed over the baby to Lily and Zero to watch as everyone else moved downstairs for the new arrival.

Just like last time, the crowd was around the chamber watching as the fluid was drained, the child floated to the bottom and the glass containment was lifted letting Tails pick up the lavender hedgehog. It gurgled oddly and where as Cream last time used the suction device she turned to Shadow and offered it to him leading him carefully. Shadow nervously pressed the ball at the end waiting till it returned to its round size. Cream held onto the baby as it wailed for the first time and like Sonics, his ears too folded back at the unexpected sound.

Sonic walked up to them with a chuckle and he held his hands out for the fully cleaned baby in a blanket and rocked him gently, a warm smile settled upon his face and Shadow was genuinely captivated. Shadow nervously extends his hands out and held the child with care as he takes in the small hedgehogs appearance. The fur of this tiny creature is a soft lavender and as he focuses on the eyes that blink open Shadow smiles warmly because they're a lime green and they remind him of Sonics.

"He looks just like you…" Shadows smooth voice comes out softly and Sonic blinks at the older male curiously.

"Is that a good thing?"

The older male chuckled softly rolling his eyes at the other, his focus back on the child as he rocked him gently.

"It's perfect…"

…

…

…

Later back at the house at the coast of Mystic Ruins, the group surrounded Sonic and the new baby. Shadow watches from a distance because while this child was partially his, he felt that this was Sonics moment.

Rouge looked away from the group cooing at the baby, Violet securely held at her hip as she looked for her broody partner. Teal eyes softened finding her target in the back corner of the living room standing in the hallway. The bat shook her head with a sigh and hugged Violet closer walking over to her team mate with a soft smile on her face.

"You did good."

He breaths out a laugh turning his face away from the bat.

"Shut Up…"

Violet started kicking her legs with outstretched hands towards Shadow. She handed him the girl who quickly erupted into a fit of laughter making the agents both smile. Rouge looked at the father and daughter with genuine happiness for her friend and suddenly found herself feeling a little jealous but this was good for Shadow, he deserved this. A thought came to mind as she looked at the pair and she crossed her arms with a smirk as she spoke.

"She'd be proud you know…"

Shadows wide smile turns soft as he looks at Rouge and suddenly his sight is blurring and the tears flow freely. The bat is slightly taken aback, frozen in place, uncertain of what to do, because in all their time together she had never seen the dark hedgehog like this. Luckily Sonic looks over and shes silently thankful the blue hedgehog walks over quickly attending to the trembling mess that is the ultimate lifeform.

"Shadow? What's wrong?"

But he can't speak he's too chocked up with emotion and he holds Violet tighter to his chest unconsciously. A gentle hand squeezes his shoulder and red eyes look up in curiosity to see Sonics face inches away with a warm smile.

"Hey, smile. We'll do this together."

Shadow blinks before returning a warm smile of his own and nods.

"Together…"

The group slept over at their house that night and they welcomed the newest member to the team. The lavender child was named Jade the hedgehog, everyone's faces with an equal wave of confusion but Tails noticed the reason the child was named so and the smile he sent his brother turned into a smirk as he paid closed attention to blue hedgehogs emerald green eyes.