Disclaimer: This chapter is a joke chapter.
Hang on, let me explain.
So, I'm not familiar with the concept of mpreg. Plus I didn't really want to write a chapter about either of these two becoming pregnant. So I decided to parody mpreg instead. This chapter also makes fun of my own format. Like, a lot.
The jokes in this chapter are all fourth wall jokes. I made the characters extremely self aware to the point that they talk to you, the audience, and make fun of me.
I just want you to know that all the jokes in this chapter aren't meant to offend or insult anyone. I cannot wrap my head around the concept of mpreg, but that doesn't mean I don't like it and will go out of my way to insult anyone who writes or enjoys mpreg. If you like mpreg or like writing or doing anything with mpreg, then you do it my friend, I hold nothing against you.
This chapter does poke fun at a few things, but like I said, they're just jokes and I'm not trying to insult anybody. If anything, most of the jokes are making fun of me if it makes you feel any better.
It's very easy for me to make fun of me. So I did.
There is a hint of some social commentary in this, though, and you might be able to guess what it is. It's entirely located in the sections where Sonic and Shadow are talking to Junior. Just a heads up.
I hope you enjoy and hopefully I haven't insulted anybody. I'll see you at the bottom for my authors note.
Shadow arrived home after a long, uneventful day at GUN. As he entered the house and closed the front door, he almost immediately noticed something was wrong. Usually Sonic was there to greet him, but he wasn't, in fact he was no where to be seen. Shadow glanced around the downstairs living area, confirming that there was indeed no one there. That's odd. Shadow thought to himself. Sonic's normally home by now.
He decided to call out, just make sure that he was truly alone. "I'm home!" He shouted.
There was the sound of footsteps coming from above, and mere moments later Sonic appeared at the top of the stairs looking rather miserable. "Shadow, thank chaos you're back." The blue hedgehog signed with relief as he made his way down the stairs.
"What's wrong?" Shadow questioned, approaching the stairs and meeting Sonic halfway.
"Junior's locked himself in his room and is refusing to come out." Sonic responded. "I've tried everything, but he won't tell me what's upset him so much. Do you think you could try talking to him?"
"It's worth a shot." Shadow replied, moving passed Sonic and making the climb upstairs. Sonic followed close behind as they both made their way to Junior's room. They paused outside, with Sonic leaning against the wall while Shadow stood directly in front of the door.
Shadow hesitated for a second before lifting his hand and knocking on the bedroom door. "Junior?"
The only response he got was a quiet sob. Shadow exchanged a worried glance with Sonic, and then lowered himself down into a crouch, so that he was level with Junior, or at least he assumed that he and Junior were now at the same height. "Junior, what ever has happened, me and your dad, we want to help you, but we can't if you don't tell us what's wrong."
Junior sniffled softly on the other side of the door.
Shadow sighed and rested his head on the door and closed his eyes, hoping that his son could at least feel his presence in some way even if he wasn't right beside him. "You can't stay in there all day, you know. And even if you do, it won't make it any better." He informed him. "I- we want to help you, Junior, and no matter what it is, we'll try and fix it." He told him comfortingly "Just please come out... Please."
There was a moment of silence. No crying, no sniffing, just silence. But it didn't last long. The sound of a bolt sliding alerted the two adult hedgehogs, causing Shadow to move his head away from the door as it slowly creaked open and Junior peered out into the hallway.
Shadow smiled warmly at the young hedgehog, but received nothing in return except for a blank stare. "You really think you can make it better?" He asked.
"I know we can." Shadow reassured him.
Junior glanced down at the floor, and then back at Shadow. He then looked at Sonic, who had pushed himself off the wall, and was smiling at the child comfortingly. Junior hesitated for a moment before pulling the door open fully and stepping out onto the landing.
The young hedgehog looked like a combination between the two adults. He had Sonic's royal blue fur, and Shadow's red stripes on his short quills and running up his arms and legs. The fur on his chest was pure blue, but thick and rugged. His ebony black nose was dripping with snot, and his gentle, green eyes were red and puffy from all the tears.
Junior shifted on the spot, clenching his hands together as his eyes started to well up with tears once again. He then threw his arms around Shadow and hugged him, causing Shadow to almost fall over, but luckily he managed to maintain his balance. Junior gripped Shadow tightly, burying his face in his white chest fur as he cried.
Sonic knelt down and began to comfort Junior by running his fingers through the child's quills in a fatherly manner. After some time had passed of the two adults simply consoling their distraught son (by that time he had calmed down), Shadow gently pulled away from him but kept hold of his arms and gave them a squeeze.
"What's the matter, Junior?" He dared to ask, though he was fearful that he might set him off again. He would have to pick his words carefully.
Junior let out another sob "The kids at school have been making fun of me." He told him, sniffling sadly.
"What have they been saying?" Sonic piped up, equally concerned as Shadow.
"They keep telling me I'm not normal, that I should have a mum, not two dads. And then they ask me where my mum is or if I even have a mum and-" he paused as he began to sob again, and his sobs turned into hiccups. "And they called me a freak!"
"Oh Junior." Sonic murmured sympathetically.
"Why do people have to be so mean?" Junior whimpered.
"They make fun of what they don't understand but you mustn't let them get to you." Shadow told him wisely. He lifted his hand and proceeded to wipe the snot and tears off of Junior's face.
"Do I have a mum?" Junior quizzed "Where is she?"
Shadow lowered his hand and sighed "It's complicated." He replied simply.
"How was I born if I don't have a mum?" The young hedgehog continued to question.
"It's a long story." He replied, reinforcing his earlier statement.
"But I want to hear it."
"I don't think you do." Sonic commented.
"Why not?" Junior asked childishly.
"You don't know what you're getting yourself into and it's best that you don't hear about it. Maybe when you're older, but right now you are far too young."
Junior turned his gaze off of Sonic and looked at Shadow with big, pleading eyes. He just wanted to know where he came from, so that he understood more than the bullies did. He had a right to know. Who was Shadow to deny him that knowledge. He bit his lower lip "I can't say no to that face." The black and red hedgehog stated, rising from his crouched position.
The young hedgehog smiled weakly, thankful that Shadow had agreed to tell him. It was good to see him happy, even if it wasn't much, but it fill Shadow with such joy.
"Shadow he's just a kid, we can't tell him about this yet." Sonic argued.
"I think it's about time he knew how he was born. If he wants to know, then we as his parents are obliged to tell him."
"Yeah, I know that, but what if it makes him feel worse?" Sonic questioned worryingly.
"It won't, I'm sure of it."
"Well, if you're really that sure then okay, let's tell him the story. But you better not hog all the good parts!"
Shadow smirked and Sonic grinned back at him. Despite being parents and role models, they still loved to tease one another. Some things would just never change.
"You're going to tell me how I was born? For real?" Junior quizzed. He sounded excited, and looked a lot more perky. Hopefully by the end of the story all of his troubles would be washed away.
"Yep. Just as long as you promise to keep that cute smile on your face." Sonic replied, tickling his stomach.
Junior giggled "Okay, I promise."
Shadow was glad to hear that. He hated seeing him so sad. "Come on, Junior." He said, taking him by the hand and leading him into the bedroom he had come out of not too long ago. The three sat down on the bed, with Sonic and Shadow on either side of Junior.
"Now..." Shadow began. He quickly glanced at Sonic "You don't mind if I start, do you?"
"No, not at all, go right ahead."
Junior sat silently and patiently, staring at Shadow as he waited for him to fully begin. "It all started not long after our honeymoon..."
Sonic and Shadow had stopped in Spagonia on their extended honeymoon. They only had a few more places to visit before they would head home to their apartment in Empire City.
Shadow stood in front of a hot dog vendor and was waiting for his order. It was not long before he was served and money was exchanged. With two chilli dogs in each hand, he turned around and walked over to Sonic, who was sitting on a bench and observing some young children playing in the fountain in front of the university.
Shadow offered Sonic his chilli dog, holding it out in front of his face to get his attention as he seemed rather distant. It took a second, but Sonic snapped out of his trance as soon as he caught a whiff of the chilli dog. He glanced up at Shadow as he took it from him. "Thanks." He said gratefully.
Shadow moved aside and sat down beside Sonic, staring at his own chilli dog. He wasn't sure why he had taken the offer of two for the price of one, since he could have easily bought one. He didn't even like chilli dogs. He should've gotten something else.
He glanced over at Sonic, and was unsurprised to find that he had already finished and was licking the sauce off his fingers. Shadow looked back at his own chilli dog and was about to tuck in when Sonic spoke up. "Shadow." He addressed him.
"Yeah?"
"Have you ever thought about having kids?" Sonic asked.
Shadow took a moment to think before answering. "No, not really, why?"
"Well, I've been thinking..." He paused, glancing over at the children playing in the fountain "... About how great it would be to have a kid." He finally stated.
Shadow gazed at him, intrigued by this sudden confession. He couldn't help but wonder how long this had been Sonic's mind. It was obvious that he had wanted to bring this up for a while. "It would be like a little me running around... Causing trouble... Keeping me on my toes... I could teach them how to fight Eggman, the little guy or girl would really give him hell. We could do all sorts of things and go on loads of adventures... Man, imagine how great it would be to have a child of our own."
Shadow wasn't sure if Sonic was even talking to him anymore. He was more or less speaking his thoughts aloud at this point and repeating himself. "What are you trying to say?" Shadow questioned.
Sonic turned his head to look at him "Isn't it obvious?"
"You want a child, yeah, I get that, but that's not entirely possible for us, Sonic."
"But it's not impossible." Sonic pointed out. He only got a blank expression in response. He looked down at the pavement and sighed "Yeah, I guess you're right." He muttered.
"I guess you regret marrying me now, huh?" Shadow joked, trying to make light of the situation.
Sonic chuckled, but his laughter soon faded along with the small smile on his face.
"How long have you been thinking about this?" Shadow asked in a serious tone.
"A while before our wedding." Sonic told him honestly.
"And you brought it up now...?"
"I thought now would be a good time." He said with a small shrug.
"Why?"
"I- you know what, nevermind, it doesn't matter. Forget about it." Sonic replied.
"Sonic..."
"Forget about it." Sonic told him, with more force this time as he stared at Shadow momentarily with a strong gaze. He then looked away once again and a long silence washed over the couple. "Are you going to eat that?" Sonic asked, pointing at the chilli dog, and shifting the topic entirely.
Shadow glanced down at the piece of food. He had almost forgotten that he had it. He didn't even give it a second thought and handed it to Sonic. The blue hedgehog took the chilli dog and began to tuck in, trying to distract himself from what had happened prior.
Shadow leaned and rolled his head upwards, staring at the clear, blue sky. Was Sonic serious about wanting a baby? Did he truly want one this badly? And if so, what lengths would Shadow go to to give him that opportunity? The opportunity to be a father.
Shadow touched his stomach. Perhaps the opportunity had already arisen.
"So why did you want to have me?" Junior asked, looking up at Sonic.
Sonic scratched the back of his head awkwardly and blushed "Well, I- you see-" he stammered.
"He thought it would be cool." Shadow answered for him.
"Hey, not true! I wanted us to raise a child together and be like a proper family." Sonic explained.
"Yes, but that sounds boring coming from you."
Sonic glared at Shadow, but the black and red hedgehog interrupted him before he could speak "Can I continue with the story?"
Sonic folded his arms "Fine."
Several days later...
"Home sweet home." Sonic murmured as he and Shadow entered the apartment, carrying their very small amount of luggage and dumping it in the living room. "It's good to be back. I mean, going around the world was nice, but there's no place like home." He stated. "Right, Shadow?"
Shadow had disappeared.
"Shadow?"
The black and red hedgehog had gone out onto the balcony and was staring down at the hustle and bustle of the streets below. He began to fiddle with his wedding ring, twisting it on his finger as he became lost in thought.
"Is everything alright, Shadow?" Sonic questioned as he walked onto the balcony.
"Everything is fine." Shadow replied as he turned around and headed back into the apartment. "I'm popping out for a bit." He declared, already making his way out of the front door.
"But we only just got back." Sonic argued.
Shadow frowned. "If you have a problem with me going out, you could just say."
"I don't have a problem with it, I was just hoping that we could relax and... Y'know, spend some time together."
"We've spent enough time together. Anyway, I won't be long."
"Fine, if you insist on leaving me here... Alone." Sonic replied, walking over to the kitchen area "While you're out, do you think you could grab some shopping? The fridge is kind of empty." He said, opening up the aforementioned fridge to find nothing but a single lettuce leaf. What was that even doing in there?
"Sure thing."
"And while you're doing that, I'm going to do some unpacking." He stated, picking up the luggage.
"I'll see you later." Shadow said his goodbyes, and then departed, shutting the apartment door before Sonic could even wave him off.
"Bye..." Sonic muttered quietly. His gaze lingered on the door for a brief moment before he got to work on unpacking.
Shadow had no intention on going shopping. Well, he did, but not right now. He was heading to Tails' workshop, to see if the two-tailed fox was there. He had a something very important to ask him.
Using his speed that could even rival Sonic's, he was able to leave the large city behind and make it to Tails' place within no time at all. He hesitated for a second, before knocking on the front door. He then waited, fiddling with his wedding ring again. There was the sound of movement coming from inside, and only moments later, the door swung open, and Tails appeared, dressed in a white lab coat.
Tails was well on his way towards his young adult years at this point. He was growing at such a rate that he was starting to become taller than Shadow. But Shadow would never change, so there wasn't any way for him to grow and make up for the height difference.
The two-tailed fox smiled in greeting "Hey Shadow, I was wondering when you and Sonic were getting back, I expected you to return over a week ago."
"We got a little sidetracked." Shadow admitted. "May I come in?" He then asked, gesturing inside.
"Oh, yeah, of course." Tails replied, pulling the door wide open and inviting Shadow in.
The workshop was cluttered with tools and bits of machinery, along with many blueprints scattered across the entire room. "Sorry about the mess, I haven't cleaned up in a while." Tails apologised as he made his way through the mine field of unfinished projects and over to his chair and computer.
Shadow moved aside a few blue prints and hoisted himself onto the workbench, declaring that as his seat. "So what can I do for you?" Tails asked.
Shadow instinctively placed his hand on his stomach "I know this may sound like a stupid question but..." He paused for a moment. He couldn't believe what he was about to say, let alone believe that Tails would take him seriously "Do you think it would be possible for a male to get pregnant?"
He was surprised to find that Tails didn't immediately burst out laughing. Instead, the fox kept his cool and even managed to keep a straight face. "Well, the short answer is no, and the long answer is no, because men don't have the same reproductive organs as females." Tails responded. "Why do you ask?"
"What if I told you that I might be pregnant?" Shadow questioned.
"I'd say that is not scientifically possible in any way shape or form." Tails replied. "But since I can tell you're being serious, then I'll ask you one question: how do you know that you're pregnant?"
"I don't know, I just do." Shadow told him with a shrug. "Really it's just convenient for the author that I know, but we won't address that."
"Well, I guess I could do a body scan of you with my portable device and take a quick look..." Tails muttered, standing up and grabbing said device off his desk. "Stand up for me and I'll do a quick scan." He instructed.
Shadow did as he was told and got off the workbench. Tails began to fiddle with the dials on his device as he pointed it at Shadow. "It'll only take a second." He murmured, adjusting the settings a little more. A green light erupted from the device, scanning Shadow from head to toe. "There we go."
Tails turned around and plugged the device into his computer as Shadow sat back down. A minute passed, with Tails typing away at his keyboard and examining the scan that he hadn't even shown Shadow yet. "Incredible..." Tails muttered after that short period of silence, putting a zoomed in image on the computer screen. "I can't believe I'm going to say this, but... You are at least a week into pregnancy."
The image on screen showed a small, developing embryo, which Tails had even highlighted with a red circle so that Shadow was looking in the right place. "But... But how is that even possible?" Shadow questioned, completely stunned by the image. Was this real? Was this actually happening? How could it be?
Tails rubbed his chin as he thought "Maybe it has something to do with you being genetically modified, or your alien DNA. Perhaps the male species of the Black Arms could reproduce. If they actually had genders, that is."
"But I've never experienced a 'time of the month', I don't even have female reproductive organs!" Shadow exclaimed. "This doesn't make any sense!"
"I'm just as confused as you are." Tails said. "But this is a miracle, Shadow, no male has ever been able to have a child, and it's unlikely you will ever be able to again. This is a once in a life time opportunity, this is-"
"Everything Sonic has ever wanted." Shadow interrupted him.
"What do you mean?" Tails quizzed.
"Sonic has wanted a child for quite some time now, and he only just sprung the idea on me recently." Shadow paused for a moment "But how could this child possibly develop? I don't have a womb, I cannot provide for it like an actual mother could..." He sighed, clutching his stomach "If push comes to shove, do you think you could...?" He didn't even want to say it. "I just don't want it to suffer."
Tails touched Shadow's arm comfortingly "Shadow, if you were able to even conceive a child, then I'm certain that it will be able to develop enough for you to eventually give birth to it."
"You really think so?" Shadow questioned.
"Not really, I mean, most of this is beyond me, but I'd say that I'm at least fifty percent certain." Tails replied. "I think you need to go and talk it over with Sonic, figure out what you and him want to do about it." He paused, looking at the grimace on Shadow's face. "He doesn't even know you're here, does he? He doesn't have a clue about any of this?"
Shadow shook his head "No. Not yet, anyway."
"Well, I think it's time you told him." Tails said with a small smile. His smile faded as he addressed the underlying issue "And if it comes down to it, then yes, I probably could terminate the baby."
Tails removed his hand from Shadow's arm and turned back to his computer "But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Just talk it over with Sonic first and let me know when you come to a decision."
"Thank you for your help, Tails." Shadow said gratefully.
"No problem, you couldn't exactly go to an actual hospital about this sort of thing."
Before Shadow left, he turned back to the two-tailed fox for one last thing "Could I take a picture with me?" He requested.
"Oh yeah, of course." Tails replied, quickly sending the scan off to print. It only took a second, and Tails picked up the image and handed it to Shadow "If you're not sure what to say, just tell him what I told you." He advised. "I hope it goes well." He then added.
Shadow turned away and made his way towards the front door. "Me too." He murmured quietly, clutching the picture close to his chest.
"Wait, so Daddy Shadow was the one that had me?" Junior asked, interrupting the story. "I never actually had a mum?"
"Nope. It was always just me and your dad." Sonic told him, touching Shadow's hand.
"So Daddy Shadow is actually Mummy Shadow?"
"Well... In a way... I guess." Sonic replied, scratching the back of his head.
"Please don't ever call me that." Shadow groaned.
"You're the one who insisted on telling him the story, you only have yourself to blame." Sonic commented.
Shadow glared at Sonic, causing the blue hedgehog to hold his tongue. Shadow's gaze softened as he turned to look a Junior "Do you want to hear the rest of the story or is that all you need to here?"
"I want to hear the rest." Junior stated.
"Are you sure?" Sonic questioned.
"Yeah, why, what happens next?" Junior wondered, confused by how much the adults were questioning him.
"It's just there is some quite heavy and revealing stuff coming next." Shadow explained.
"That makes me want to hear it even more." Junior admitted.
"Well, luckily for you the story we're telling you is really toned down compared to what the audience is reading."
"Yeah, you guys didn't actually think we were telling Junior all this stuff, did you?" Sonic asked, chuckling lightly. Yes, he is talking to you. "That would be ridiculous!"
Junior looked at the two adults completely bewildered. "Who are you even talking to?"
"Don't worry about it, Junior, it doesn't matter." Sonic told him.
"Can I continue with the story now?" Shadow asked.
"Haven't you told enough of it already? When is it my turn?"
"You'll get your turn, just be patient." Shadow assured him. He then turned his attention back to Junior "Now, where were we..."
"You were going to tell Daddy Sonic that I was in your tummy." Junior filled him in.
"Ah yes. I was heading back to the house to let Sonic know about the big news."
Shadow walked into the apartment and gently closed the door behind him. Sonic rushed into the living room "Hey Shadow, I was wondering where you had gotten off to." He greeted, kissing him on the cheek. He glanced down, noticing the absence of grocery bags "You didn't go shopping, did you?"
"Sorry... I forgot." Shadow apologised.
Sonic sighed "It's alright. I'll order us a pizza and go food shopping tomorrow."
Shadow glanced down at the picture and then glanced back up, watching as Sonic walked over to the kitchen and reached for the house phone. "Sonic, there's something I have to tell you."
"Okay, what is it?" He asked, pausing from picking up the phone.
"You may want to sit down." Shadow suggested, gesturing at the sofa. Sonic compiled.
"Oh no, what happened?" Sonic asked concernedly as he sat down on the sofa. Shadow walked over and stood in front of Sonic.
"Sonic, how badly do you want kids?" Shadow answered him with a question.
"More than anything... But that's not exactly possible for us, huh?"
"I beg to differ."
Sonic gave Shadow an odd look. Shadow glanced down at the picture and sighed "I don't really know how to explain this, so... Here, you should see it for yourself." He said, holding out the image to Sonic. The blue hedgehog took it and stared down at the picture.
"What is this?" He asked, looking up at Shadow with big, hopeful eyes. Shadow could tell he already knew the answer.
"It's a scan of an embryo is the early stages of pregnancy." He told him. "The scan is of me, Sonic. I'm pregnant." He confessed.
"...You're kidding, right? You're kidding." Sonic blurted out.
Shadow shook his head. "I wouldn't joke about that sort of thing."
Sonic glanced down at the scan, then at Shadow, then at the scan, then back at Shadow once again, as a smile appeared on his face and he began to grin from ear to ear. He practically leapt off the sofa in excitement. "Shadow, that's amazing!" He exclaimed, hugging him tightly, so much so that Shadow could barely breathe. He then quickly pulled out of the embrace and looked down at Shadow's stomach. "How did this happen? Because this isn't making any sense to me right now."
"Your guess is as good as mine." Shadow replied "Tails tells me it might have something to do with me being genetically modified or my alien DNA, or maybe something else entirely."
"All of those reasons sound a little far fetched, Shadow." Sonic commented. "It's sounds more like a half-arsed explanation that someone pulled out of their backside."
"Well, it's a bit difficult to make sense of a male getting pregnant. It's hard to tackle such an idea from a logical standpoint, so it doesn't really make sense even with some context."
"This is incredible." Sonic murmured. "Not too long ago I was telling you how much I wanted a kid, and now you're pregnant? It's like my wish has been granted!"
"So I'm guessing you want to keep it?" Shadow questioned, although the answer was obvious.
"Of course I do!"
"Although you have to keep in mind that, since I don't have a womb, the baby might not be able to develop, but Tails thinks that it's possible, but it's worth remembering... Just in case." Shadow told him, addressing the serious issue. He didn't want Sonic to get his hopes up.
"Okay, I'll keep that in mind." Sonic responded, nodding firmly.
He and Shadow embraced each other in a hug. "Just think, our own little son or daughter." Sonic muttered, touching Shadow's stomach as tears began to form in his eyes. "I have to tell everyone!" He exclaimed, pulling away from Shadow and rushing over to the front door.
"Sonic, wait-" Shadow began.
"Be back in a flash!" He cried out as he ran out of the apartment.
Shadow smiled to himself. He was glad Sonic was happy. But, if Sonic was happy, then... Why didn't Shadow feel happy too...?
The next day...
"Pregnant?!" Rouge exclaimed. The entirety of the GUN agents gathered in the mess hall turned their heads to look in Shadow and Rouge's direction. "You're pregnant?!" She hissed, more hushed this time.
Shadow watched the other agents as they turned their attention back to their food. "I'm just as surprised as you are." Shadow responded.
"But that doesn't make any sense, how could you possibly be pregnant?"
"People sure are saying that a lot, it's almost as if the author has run out of varying dialogue and we're not even half-way through yet." He commented.
"I don't really know how it happened, it just did."
"But you're not keeping it, are you?" She asked.
"I am." He stated simply.
"You can't be serious about going though with this, do have any idea about how hard having a baby is?"
"Do you?" Shadow quipped.
Rouge frowned. "Haven't you even considered adopting a child instead?"
"Then the plot wouldn't nearly be as interesting or character driven. Plus, a lot of people wanted to see this, it was the only request we got, especially from a certain SOMEONE, not naming any names."
"Because Sonic wanted a child of his own, a baby that would belong to both me and him. I know an adopted child would be ours, but not... completely. Adoption would be a great thing, for us and the child we'd pick out, but it's not what Sonic would've wanted." Shadow explained.
"But aren't you worried?" Rouge questioned vaguely.
"About what?"
"If it really is yours and Sonic's child... Then what if your high immunity and immortality is a dominant gene? What if this child ends up inheriting both of those things? You'd be basically creating another you. Would you be able to live with yourself knowing that you brought a child into this world that would end up living through the same pain you're going through? And if it doesn't inherit those things, then that's another person that you care about that you're eventually going to lose."
"Whoa, could you be anymore out of character?" Shadow scoffed "Then again, I'm not one to talk, have you seen the first couple of chapters?"
"Don't talk about our baby like that." Shadow growled lowly.
"Don't pretend that you haven't thought about all of this already." Rouge retorted. "Do you even want to child?"
"Yes, I do." He replied firmly.
"You don't really strike me as the type of person who'd want to raise a kid." She commented, placing her hand on her hip.
"Look, Rouge, let me make something very clear to you. Sonic has wanted a child for some time now, and if this is my one chance to make him truly happy, then I'm going to take it, because it's unlikely that something like this will ever happen again."
"Shadow, we're not talking about how Sonic feels and what Sonic wants, we're talking about you and what you want. If you're only doing this for him, then you really need to start thinking this through and soon, because if you're having even a shadow of a doubt about this baby then you need to say something before it's too late."
"Would you please just stop? I have enough of this going on inside my head without you bringing it up." Shadow grumbled.
"So you admit that you have thought about it?" Rouge questioned.
"I-" He began, but was interrupted by an alert tone coming from his phone. He had never been so relieved to receive a text message. He picked his phone up off the table and examined the text. "It's Sonic, he's waiting for me at Tails' place." He announced. "I have to go." He said, rising from his seat and grabbing a piece of meat off his plate and stuffing it in his mouth. He had to eat something, not just for himself, but for the baby too, even if it wasn't sharing the food Shadow was consuming just yet.
Rouge grabbed Shadow's arm before he could leave. "I'm just looking out for you, Shadow. You know that, right?"
He nodded "I know."
"Just..." She trailed off, and released Shadow's arm "Just give it a little more thought, okay? If not for me, or even yourself... Then do it for Sonic. You have to stay honest with him."
Shadow walked backwards to the exit "I should know. I was the one that married him."
"So... You didn't want me?" Junior asked, his eyes welling up with sadness.
Shadow looked at him in alarm, not knowing what to say or do, he turned to Sonic for help.
"Of course he did, he just didn't realise it yet." Sonic told him, giving Junior a small hug.
"Oh, okay." Junior replied, bouncing back from being on the brink of tears.
"Well, that was easy." Sonic muttered quietly so that Junior didn't hear.
Shadow let out a sigh of relief and continued with the story. Crisis averted.
That same day...
Shadow arrived at Tails' workshop, only to find Sonic standing outside and patiently waiting for him. "Hey Shadow." Sonic greeted, walking up to the black and red hedgehog and kissing him on the cheek. He then took Shadow by the hand and led him over to the workshop "Come on, Tails is waiting."
Shadow allowed himself to be dragged along by Sonic, whilst the blue hedgehog went on and on about their child. Shadow zoned out for most of it, but there was one thing that caught his attention. "What do you think the little guy or girl will be like?"
"He or she will probably be the most unoriginal and uncreative character to ever grace the Sonic fandom, which is saying something." Shadow responded.
"What do think we should call it? I was thinking Sonic Jr."
"You should probably wait until we know the gender before you start deciding on names." Shadow replied as he and Sonic entered Tails' workshop.
"Hey you two." Tails piped up. The two tailed fox got up from his chair and gave his older brother figure a brief hug. "I'm guessing you've come to a decision about the baby then." He said, patting Sonic on the back and pulling out of the embrace.
"We have." Sonic replied, taking hold of Shadow's forearm and pulling him closer.
"And judging by the smile on your face, Sonic, I'm guessing you're going to keep it?"
"We sure are!" Sonic exclaimed, grinning happily and jumping up and down in excitement, causing Shadow to sway despite being rooted to the spot.
"I'm glad to hear it." Tails said with a smile. He spun around on his chair and looked at his computer "I've been thinking about the development process of the baby, and I've come to a conclusion on what might happen."
"And what's that?" Sonic asked.
"I think that if Shadow was even able to conceive a child, then as the baby grows and develops, his body will adjust in order to suit the baby's needs. Tails explained.
"Wait, so you're saying my body might end up changing? In what way exactly?" Shadow spoke up.
"I think you're body will end up adapting to provide for the baby. For example, you might end up developing a temporary womb. But that's all just a theory of mine."
"Will it hurt?" Shadow asked, touching his stomach.
"Most likely." Tails replied honestly. "I'm no doctor, and I don't think even a real doctor could make sense of any of this, but I'll need you to come over on a regular basis so that I can check up on the baby and see how your body is adjusting."
"Alright, I can do that." Shadow agreed.
"And I'll come with you anytime I can." Sonic declared. The blue hedgehog then turned to look at Tails "How long do you think it'll take for Shadow to give birth?" He asked curiously.
Tails shrugged "It depends really. The baby could end up developing normally, or it could develop at a rate of which the Black Arms reproduced. There's no real way to tell at this stage, but for now I'm going to play it safe and say four to six months." He told him. "The author did consider following the pregnancy timeline of an actual hedgehog which is four to six weeks, but that isn't nearly enough time to focus on unnecessary drama."
"Will I need to take time off from GUN?" Shadow asked.
"In the late stages of pregnancy you will, but for now you're fine." Tails replied. "Is that all the questions you wanted to ask or is there more where that came from?" He questioned, glancing at the two.
"Yeah, what about-" Sonic was cut off when Shadow put his hand over his partner's mouth. He still insisted on talking, despite his words being muffled and hard to depict.
"That will be all." Shadow replied, glaring at Sonic as he removed his hand. Sonic remained silent. "Thank you for your time, Tails."
"Yeah, thanks." Sonic chipped in.
"No problem. I'd do anything for you guys." Tails responded.
Shadow pulled Sonic over to the door, just like how Sonic had pulled him into the workshop not long before. "Come by again in about a week or two, okay?" Tails called after them.
"Sure thing." Shadow acknowledged him. "See you later, Tails."
"See you soon."
Shadow closed the door behind him so that Tails didn't have to get up and shut it himself. "Why did you do that, Shadow?" Sonic asked grumpily.
"Grumpily? Seriously? Just because you add another word onto it doesn't mean it covers up the lack of variation. Readers, I implore you to go back and count how many times the author has used 'asked' and 'replied' and anything else that is such a common adjective. Because they certainty haven't." Shadow responded. "See, that's another one added to the counter."
"I had so many other questions I wanted to ask." Sonic mumbled.
"Save them for another day, Sonic." Shadow instructed. "We still have a long way to go."
Later that day... So night time, basically...
"There certainly is a lot of scene jumping in this one." Shadow commented quietly.
The two lovers lay in bed, with Sonic resting his head on Shadow's stomach in order to be closer to his unborn child that wasn't even a fetus yet. At least, that's what I think. I did do some research into pregnancies before I did this, you know. I'm not making all this up.
Shadow had his head rested on the pillow and his arm wrapped around Sonic as he listened to the hum of traffic outside. The artificial light of the city shone through the gap in the curtains, causing streaks of bright orange to land on Shadow's face and illuminate the dark room ever so slightly. Shadow felt Sonic nuzzle up a little closer to him, which drew the black and red hedgehog's attention off the sound of the busy city night life and onto his partner, who he discovered to be awake and looking up at him with tired eyes.
"Can't sleep?" Sonic whispered.
Shadow simply shook his head in response.
"Me neither." Sonic replied, gently running his fingers along Shadow's stomach. "I could not want this baby to come any sooner."
"You have to be patient, Sonic." Shadow warned.
"I know, I know." Sonic mumbled drowsily. Shadow was sure that sleep would take him soon. But there was something on his mind that he knew he had to get off his chest sooner rather than later. He recalled what Rouge had said that day and the advice that she had given him. Perhaps now would be a good time to tell Sonic that he was having doubts about the baby.
Sonic had his eyes closed, but Shadow could tell that he wasn't asleep. He wouldn't nod off that quickly. He was most likely having a moment, thinking about his child. It was quite touching, it almost made Shadow not want to interrupt, but he had to speak up and take his chance. "Sonic, there's something I have to tell you..." Shadow told him in a hushed voice.
Sonic opened his eyes and rubbed his cheek along Shadow's stomach as he positioned his head to look at him. "What is it?" He asked.
"I-" Shadow began. He stared deep into Sonic's emerald green eyes, and saw how they were filled to the brim with happiness. Shadow recalled on how excited Sonic had been after he had heard the news, and how that excitement hadn't died down afterwards. Everything he had ever wanted had finally been given to him. And now Shadow could potentially take all that away. Would he really be the one to break Sonic's heart? The hedgehog that he loved so dearly and even asked him to marry him?
He couldn't bring himself to do it. Not now, and probably not ever.
So he did the worst thing he could ever possibly do in a marriage. He lied.
"I'm really excited about the baby too." He told him. "I just wanted you to know that, since I haven't really shown you how I feel. I know I can seem miserable all the time, but... I really want this baby, just as much as you do." Shadow expressed his feelings. His feelings that weren't even close to the truth.
"Shadow, you don't have to tell me that." Sonic replied. "I know you're excited, you wouldn't have agreed to have it if you weren't."
Shadow had to use every ounce of strength and willpower he had to not break down right then and there. "I'm glad you understand."
"Is there anything else you want to tell me?" Sonic questioned.
Shadow and Sonic locked eye contact. This was the perfect opportunity for Shadow to tell him how he really felt. He just had to say it.
But he didn't.
"No, nothing. That's all I wanted to say."
"Well, it's good that we got that all cleared up." Sonic said. "Now, I think I'm going to get some shut eye, and hopefully dream about our little son or daughter." He declared. He leaned forwards and kissed Shadow on the cheek "Night, Shadow". He then went back to his earlier position and kissed his stomach. "Night, kiddo." He whispered softly.
Shadow blinked rapidly, fighting back tears. Or maybe it was just his eyes watering from lack of sleep. "Night... Sonic."
"Nothing really note worthy happens after that, except filler that nobody really wants to see, and even if they did the author is too lazy to write it." Shadow explained.
"Though we did go shopping for lots of baby stuff in between visiting Tails and having scans. But the best part was when we had a baby shower." Sonic told Junior.
"But what about Daddy Shadow? Did he ever tell you about how he felt?" Junior quizzed.
"Oh yeah, we still need to get to the obligatory drama that we've been building up to that always shows up in these chapters. The author loves doing that. They also love to make the readers feel something, whether it be sadness or happiness. It's either one extreme or the other, although it's normally the former rather than the latter." Shadow prattled on.
"Yeah, Shadow will get to that really soon. And then afterwards we can get to my favourite part of the story which is your due date."
"It would be best if Sonic tells that part of the story, since I don't really want to. It was a pretty traumatic experience that I don't want to talk or even think about." Shadow stated "Although one good thing did come out of it." He then added, a smile on his face.
"What was that?" Junior asked.
"You." Shadow replied, tapping the young hedgehog on the nose.
Junior blushed bashfully.
Five months into the pregnancy... So that it's accurate to everything addressed in this scene...
"Things sure are developing nicely." Tails commented as he examined a new scan of the baby hedgehog.
Shadow was leant back against the workbench, as hoisting himself and his large baby bump onto the work table was just too much for him to handle. "That's good to hear." He replied, touching the bump.
"Looks my theory was right about you developing a temporary womb." Tails added to his earlier statement.
"You were right about it being painful as well." Shadow responded.
"Is it really that bad?" Tails questioned.
"Extremely." He replied simply with a grimace.
"I'd recommend that you take painkillers then."
"I've already cleaned out most of the painkillers from our medication cabinet." Shadow admitted.
"Well, pain is to be expected. It'll feel a lot worse when you have to give birth."
"Oh, don't worry, I am already painfully aware of that."
Tails looked back at the scan "You know, I can tell you the gender of the baby if you want. This is normally a critical moment in any story, but that's definitely not the case in this one, seen as though the readers already know the gender, so it lessen's the impact of the reveal dramatically."
"Sure, I'd love to know." Shadow replied. "Wait, could you put it in an envelope? I want me and Sonic to find out the gender at the same time." He requested. "We could probably do that cake thing, but that would be rather pointless filler."
"Okay." Tails agreed. He disappeared into another room to write down the gender of the baby and slip it into an envelope. He returned not long after carrying a brown envelope and handed it to Shadow. "I hope you two are happy with the result."
Shadow took hold of the envelope, but Tails did not release his end. "Are you alright, Shadow?" He questioned concernedly.
"I'm fine." He replied "Why do you ask?"
"You just seem miserable every time you come here, that's all." Tails answered.
"I'm always miserable."
"Well, more miserable than usual."
"It's just the pain really." Shadow brushed off his question like it was nothing.
"Oh, okay." Tails replied, although he didn't completely believe or was satisfied with his excuse. He let go of the envelope and allowed Shadow to take it. "If you ever need anything, just let me know."
"I will." He lied, before taking his leave. He desperately wanted to talk to someone about his problems, but Tails wasn't the type of person he'd want to discuss them with. He was too close to Sonic, so if he even expressed a single doubt to him about the baby, he would inform Sonic about it. He was sure of it.
Shadow returned home to the apartment immediately. He didn't actually have anywhere else he could go or needed to be, as he had left GUN a few weeks earlier for maternity or paternity leave. Who knows which one since he was male and giving birth. Perhaps it was both.
As he entered the apartment, he realised that Sonic still wasn't home. He hadn't been there when he had left for Tails' place either. That's when Shadow noticed that a message had been left on the answering machine, judging by the fact that there was a blinking red light coming from the house phone, flashing at him.
He hit play.
"Hey Shadow! I'm just calling to say that I won't be able to make the scan." The message from Sonic informed him "I'm a little tied up with Eggman- WOAH!" The sound of Eggman yelling and gun fire could be heard in the background "-I hope I don't miss anything important. Anyway, I'll talk to you later, fill me in on how the baby's doing. Gotta go, bye!" The message ended.
Shadow sighed. He glanced down at the envelope and then touched his stomach. He walked over to the sofa and slumped down. He needed someone to talk to. Just someone, anyone. He pulled out his phone and decided to make a call.
"Shadow? What can I do for you?" Rouge answered.
"Rouge..." He sniffled sadly, fighting back tears
"Are you crying?!" She sounded generally shocked by this. He couldn't blame her.
"Maybe." He muttered. "Do you remember what you said when I first told you about the baby?"
"That insensitive stuff I said five months ago? Yeah. How many times do I have to tell you I'm sorry? I was just putting your best interests in mind."
"No, you were right. I don't want this baby, I never did." Shadow blubbered "Now I don't know what to do."
"Shadow, you're not thinking straight right now, it's the hormones talking." Rouge dismissed him.
"Rouge, I'm serious."
Rouge let out an audible sigh. "Look, Shadow, I'll tell you exactly what I told you that day. Tell Sonic. You have to stay honest with him."
"Wow, that was on point, it's almost as if the author forget and had to reread an earlier part of the chapter in order to get that right." Shadow commented.
"I don't know if I can." Shadow whimpered. "He'll hate me."
"He won't hate you. He'll understand. Just talk to him." Rouge instructed. "It'll be okay." She added, speaking soothingly.
The sound of the apartment door opening alerted Shadow to Sonic's presence. "He's back. I have to go." He declared.
"Tell him, Shadow."
Shadow let out a shaky sigh "I'll try." He said quietly, before ending the call and turning his phone off just as Sonic walked in.
"I'm home!" The blue hedgehog exclaimed as he entered the living room. "Man, that Eggman attack was rough, but don't worry, I handled it." He stated, despite that he had black scorch marks on him, probably from a robot blaster. "How did the scan go? Anything worth mentioning?" He asked.
"I um-" Shadow paused, wiping the tears from his eyes and sniffing back some snot. "I got the gender of the baby."
"Aw, you found out without me?" Sonic sulked.
"No, I have it in an envelope right here." He replied, showing him said envelope "And don't worry, I didn't peak."
"Hm... Do you think Sonic Jr. will be out of the question if it's a girl?" He wondered. "How about Sonia?". Sonic drew closer and examined Shadow's face "Have you been crying?" He asked concernedly.
"What? No." Shadow denied it.
"Yes you have, your cheeks are wet." Sonic pointed out. He rushed over to the sofa and sat down beside him. "What's the matter, Shadow?"
"Sonic, I-" he wasn't sure if he could say it, even now. No, he couldn't stay silent forever. He had to tell him. "There's something I should've told you a long time ago."
"What is it?" Sonic asked.
Shadow took hold of Sonic's hands and squeezed them gently. He looked Sonic in the eye, and opened his mouth, but the words got caught it his throat. And before he even realised it, tears were streaming down his cheeks. And when the tears started flowing, the words finally followed and rolled off his tongue. "I don't know if I want this baby."
"Wh-why not?" Sonic stuttered, a little stunned by this confession.
"Oh, there are so many reasons." Shadow admitted. "I don't know if I could live myself knowing that I'm going to bring a baby into this world that might end up being just like me. That they'll grow up and have to watch everyone they know and love die. And if it doesn't end up like me, then I'll have to live knowing that I'll eventually lose my son or daughter." He sobbed. "And worst of all, I don't think I'd be a good dad. They need a father that actually wants them and doesn't put his own feelings before him or her. But that's not me, I'm not the dad they deserve, and I never will be." He finished.
Sonic stared at Shadow silently, just taking it all in. And without saying a word, he lifted his hand and wiped away Shadow's tears. Sonic smiled warmly at him and then embraced him in a hug. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Sonic asked, running his fingers through Shadow's head quills in a soothing manner.
"Because you wanted a baby, I didn't want to ruin it for you just because I was having doubts." Shadow explained. "I just wanted to make you happy."
Sonic laughed. "Oh Shadow, I am happy. I was happy just being with you. I wouldn't want you to put yourself through all of this just for me, but I'm very grateful that you've been putting up with it for so long. But you don't have to feel like you need to do all of this just for me. I would've been as happy as I am now if it was still just me and you." He told him. "I'm glad you finally told me. And to be honest, I've been having doubts too." He admitted.
Shadow pulled out of the hug "Really?"
"Yeah, of course. I'm sure every parent does at some point. It's normal, and I don't blame you for having doubts. We all worry about how our child will turn out, but I know, whether it be like me or like you, that we'll raise it right, no matter what." Sonic stated. "And, well... I think you'd make a pretty great dad."
"You really think so?" Shadow questioned.
"I know so." Sonic responded. "And I think someone might agree." He added, placing his hand on Shadow's baby bump. "Kick twice for yes and once for no if you think Shadow will be a good dad."
The baby kicked twice.
"Looks like we're all in agreement." Sonic commented, giving Shadow a reassuring smile. And the look that he gave him helped to wash away and cleanse any doubt that Shadow had left remaining.
"Ah." Shadow grunted, feeling the baby kicking some more. "Someone really does agree." He commented.
"He or she is going to be a runner." Sonic declared.
"You'd be disappointed if it wasn't." Shadow quipped. He then held up the envelope "But we can guarantee one thing."
Sonic gasped "Can I open it?" He asked gleefully.
"Go right ahead." Shadow replied, handing the envelope to his partner.
The blue hedgehog opened it up without hesitation and pulled the piece of paper out, quickly glancing over what was written on it. "It's a boy!" He exclaimed, leaping off the sofa and throwing his hands up in the air in celebration. He then turned back to Shadow and kissed him, and then kissed the baby bump.
Shadow smiled at him. "Thank you, Sonic." He said gratefully.
"For what?" Sonic asked, pausing from his celebration.
"For understanding, and talking some sense into me." He replied. He took hold of Sonic's hand and dragged him back onto the sofa "And just for being you." He added, kissing him on the lips.
"And that is how Sonic and I solved the issue." Shadow stated. "Through the power of love." He exaggerated.
"Aw, that's sweet." Junior responded.
"Really? Normally kids your age would claim it's 'gross'. Oh wait, that's just a cliche."
"Now we can get onto my favourite part of the story." Sonic butted in.
"Yes, but we won't go into detail about the whole 'birth' thing, not because we don't want to, but because the author refuses to. Plus they've kind of given up at this point." Shadow explained. "Just between you and me, but I think it makes them uncomfortable. Not the birth process, but having to describe it. I think we all know who the real baby is here."
"Stop talking!" Sonic shouted, although the tone of his voice wasn't very loud "It's my turn now."
"So, Shadow was going into to labour, so I heroically scooped him up in my arms and rushed him to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately, Eggman tried to stop me with an army of robots, but they were no match for me. I destroyed every robot that came my way, whilst still carrying Shadow in my arms, obviously. But then, just when I thought all of my foes were vanquished, Eggman's giant pet lizard, Eggzilla, showed up. But I knew exactly how to fight him. I put Shadow down and started fighting Eggzilla, giving him a left hook and right hook. But when I thought I had defeated him, he got back up, and ate me!"
Junior gasped. Shadow rolled his eyes.
"Shadow cried, more so for my loss than the whole 'giving birth' thing. Suddenly, just when all hope was lost, I punched a hole in Eggzilla's teeth and broke free. Shadow cried tears of joy as I defeated Eggzilla once and for all and sent Eggman packing. After shooing away my adoring fans and maybe giving a few autographs, and scooped Shadow up in my arms and rushed to the hospital just in time for him to give birth to you. And that is how I saved the world from, Eggman, his robot army and Eggzilla, and helped my loving husband give birth to our beautiful baby boy." Sonic finished.
"Wow!" Junior exclaimed in amazement, his eyes wide open after such a tale.
Shadow facepalmed. "That's not how it happened."
"That's because you were going through a painful experience, you don't remember it like I do." Sonic brushed his claim aside.
"Yeah, sure..." Shadow responded sarcastically.
"But what happened at the end after I was born?" Junior pipped up.
"The story hasn't ended, it's still carrying on, even now." Shadow told him, sounding rather philosophical.
Junior wasn't impressed nor understood by Shadow's answer. "Could you just tell me that part of the story, please?"
"Okay, fine." Shadow agreed.
Shadow lay in a hospital bed, with pools of sweat dripping down his face. "Man..." He groaned "That was painful. That thing we didn't go into detail about and you didn't read... Yeah, that was super painful. It's also pretty disturbing when you think about it since men aren't supposed to give birth. It would probably be ten times worse compared to a female going through with it."
He was still recovering from the long, almost endless amount of time he had spent in labour. He doubted that he'd ever feel a pain like what he had experienced like that again.
Sonic entered the room with a small bundle of cloth in his arms. The doctors had taken the baby away as soon as it was born, just to check up on it, since it was rather unusual for a male to give birth to a baby. And yes, I'm not going to stop addressing the fact that a man giving birth is odd. However, Tails had let the hospital know in advance that Shadow would be coming in and about the situation itself.
"Heyyyyyy Shadow." Sonic greeted soothingly. Because saying 'hey' is the only way Sonic greets him for some reason. "There's someone you ought to meet." He said, walking over to Shadow's beside and holding out the small bundle of cloth.
Wrapped snuggly in a blanket was a small, blue with red striped hedgehog. The baby opened it's eyes and stared up at Shadow, blinking a couple of times. Shadow sat up in bed, wincing in pain as he did so, and took the baby from Sonic, cuddling the small child. "Hey little one." He greeted, tapping his black, button-like nose. "I'm your dad." He told him softly. The baby hedgehog reached up and took hold of Shadow's finger with his tiny hands. Shadow smiled down at him, his eyes welling up with tears of pure joy.
"Meet Shadow Jr." Sonic announced.
...
What a twist!
"I liked that story." Shadow Jr stated, resting his head on Shadow and nuzzling up close to his father.
"Even though it didn't make much sense?" Sonic asked.
"Yeah, I thought it was pretty great. Thanks for telling me in Daddy Shadow, and you too Daddy Sonic, you're part was funny."
Sonic grinned "I'm glad you liked it."
"Did it make you feel any better?" Shadow asked him.
"It made me feel a lot better, but... does all of this really mean I'm not a freak, even if I didn't have a mum?" Shadow Jr asked.
"Oh Junior..." Shadow murmured, gently stroking his head back quills "You're not a freak, you're special."
"You're our little miracle." Sonic added, speaking softly.
"And if anyone ever calls you awful things, or says things about you and where you came from, then you'll know that you understand so much more than them. And even if someone makes you upset again, makes you feel so low that you might not be able to overcome it, just know that we love you, and we always will." Shadow told him.
The two adult hedgehogs kissed him and the three embraced each other in one, big family hug. They'd always look out for and protect him, no matter where life would take him, no matter how old he got, they'd always be there for him. Their son.
Their baby boy.
A/N: Well, I had fun.
Don't worry, the chapters won't be like this from now on. I just fancied doing something different and I thought this was the perfect idea to do it with since it's the only request I ever got. I looked up another mpreg Sonadow story that was pretty cool judging from the tiniest of sections that I read but for the life of me I cannot remember the name of.
Chapters will be back to normal after this, but I hope you liked my parody of mpreg and me basically criticising myself through Sonic and Shadow. What can I say, I am my worst critic.
Once again, this chapter really isn't meant to insult or offend anyone. I don't spend a week of my life writing a 10,000 word chapter just to be a dick. I'm not like that.
So I'll see you all later. Let me know what you thought of... whatever this was in the reviews. Bye!