Hi everyone! Sorry for the long wait! I was busy helping my family prepare for my niece's 1st birthday, and now it's finally done! I'll try my best to update the chapters, so please be patient. As you can tell in the last chapter, Shadow will be staying with Sonic & Shion in their shack. Let's see how life will be with Shadow as their new housemate.

He thought having Shadow here will be tense for him and Shion, but surprisingly, it wasn't all too bad. Well, except for the fact Shadow likes to observe Shion, and sometimes Sonic when he isn't looking. Sonic recalled the time when he was giving Shion a bath, thinking Shadow was still sleeping. He didn't realize Shadow teleported into the bathroom, and when Sonic was done drying Shion while holding him wrapped in a fluffy towel, Sonic turned around and nearly had a heart attack, making sure not to slip in the wet tub.

Another event is when Sonic was busy changing Shion's diaper, trying to pretend that Shadow isn't hovering him from over his shoulder. When he finished changing Shion's diaper and picked him up to take him to his bassinet, he turned around and bumped into Shadow, forgetting he was still there. Sonic prepared for an insult, but all he got was a mischievous smirk as he walked away, leaving Sonic confused.

Though the weirdest moment he recalled is when he got done cooking lunch and was about to let Shadow know their food is ready, he was certain what he saw could only happen in dreams and not in real life. Shadow the Hedgehog was holding Shion close to his body, letting Shion snuggle against his white chest fur while sitting on the couch. A green aura surrounded them, as Sonic heard Shadow mumbling words to Shion.

Sonic wasn't sure if they were cuddling, but had to check and make sure it wasn't a dream. Surprisingly, what he saw is real and not a figment of his imagination. Though the biggest surprise is he saw Shadow smiling a little when he gazed down at Shion, holding him protectively in his arms like a father would towards his baby.

"Before you say anything, I'm helping him maintain the balance with his chaos energy," Shadow spoke, his eyes not leaving Shion. "Once his energy is calm, his training will begin."

"… Are you the real Shadow?" Sonic looked at him suspiciously.

"Do you still have shoddy craftsmanship who brings shame on all hedgehog kind?"

"Hey! My friends and I worked all day on that bookcase!"

"It was still pathetic."

Sonic rolled his eyes. "If you're done being a jerk, then you should know lunch is ready. I already prepared Shion's bottle, so I'll feed him while you eat."

"Well, aren't you a kind host?" Shadow smirked and looked at Sonic. "Though I have to say, seeing you as a parent is something I never thought would happen."

"And you volunteering to train Shion while staying here is also out of character for you."

"It's rare to find someone with strong chaos energy like mine. I can't let that opportunity go to waste."

Shadow got up, as the green aura faded away while Shion is held close to his chest. "Luckily, you chose a good name for him and not something embarrassing or weak." He approached Sonic, handing Shion back to him. "But why did you choose to mate with a knight who resembled me? Were you so lonely and pathetic that you resorted to someone who reminded you of me?"

Sonic flinched, and spun around so his back would face him, scrunching his eyes shut so he wouldn't cry. He held Shion close to him, trying to repress the memories of Sir Lancelot as he prevented himself from yelling at Shadow. How dare he think Sonic was cheap? He had no idea what happened to him, and his time in Camelot made him miss his friends so much.

He didn't care if Lancelot resembled his rival or anyone else. He was very courteous and nice to Sonic. He wasn't like Shadow at all. To Sonic, Lancelot is the best thing that had happened to him, and Shion had been a blessing as well. Sonic wouldn't dare stoop so low in liking someone over their looks. He prefers a person's personality, actions, and characteristics. But not only that, Lancelot didn't mind listening to Sonic's problems, and is patient with him.

Sonic opened his eyes and turned his head to glare at Shadow, feeling tears forming in the corner of his eyes. "Don't make assumptions about me, you bastard. I liked Lancelot because he was respectful, kind, polite, and courageous. I never cared about his looks, and sure, he did resemble you but you and him are different." He fully turned around so he could face Shadow. "I would never stoop so low in sleeping with anyone. I chose to give my virginity to Lancelot because I trust him, and he felt the same way."

He wiped his eyes, hoping to get rid of his tears. "Lance has no idea that I had gotten pregnant with his kid. I can't return back to Camelot without Merlina's magic. He'll never know he's a dad, and Shion won't be able to meet his father. It isn't fair at all, so don't you dare judge me without getting your facts straight!"

Sonic didn't want to look at Shadow during that time, deciding to focus his entire attention on Shion. Lunch was quiet, and so was dinner. The shack had been silent and void of chatter, except for Shion's cooing and babbling. Sonic could tell Shadow was busy staring at them, but chose to ignore it. If Shadow won't apologize for what he said, then Sonic will ignore him forever.

Right after he put Shion to sleep in his bassinet, he felt someone's hand grabbing his wrist, tugging him somewhere. "I'm still mad at you, Shadow."

Shadow's grip tightened, as he told himself to calm down. "Let's talk outside. I don't want to awaken your pup."

"Why? So you can insult me more?"

"I'm not gonna insult you. I just wanna talk."

"If I do that, you'll let me go?"

"As long as you're willing to listen."

Sonic wanted to refuse at first, but figured Shadow won't release him until he listens. Since he had no choice, he and Shadow teleported from inside the shack and outside near the beach. Sonic was able to get out of Shadow's grip, folding his arms over his chest as he looked away. "What do you wanna say?"

"… I'm sorry…."

Sonic looked back at Shadow with his eyebrow raised. "Come again?"

Shadow snarled, but then stopped as he let out a huge sigh and folded his arms. "What I said to you earlier was out of line. I should've been more careful on what I said."

His eyes flickered towards Sonic, and then turned his head to look at the sand. "You were right that I mustn't judge someone without reason. I didn't know what happened to you when you vanished, and it isn't my business on whom you are with."

"You also had no right to think I'm some sort of cheap slut," Sonic glared at him. "I would never sleep around with anyone. I'm a person with feelings, Shadow."

"I know. I had no idea my words would make you cry."

"You really should be careful on what you say, Shadow. Don't judge someone without knowing their story first!"

Shadow was silent for a minute, and then glanced back at Sonic. "I'll try my best to not judge someone based on appearances."

"Y-You mean it?"

"Yes."

"No more hurtful comments or insults?"

"I'll lessen them to a bare minimum."

"And you're really sorry for what you said to me and making me cry?"

"Yes, and I seek your forgiveness for my cruel words."

Sonic looked at the ground in interest, letting his mind ponder on what Shadow did. His rival apologized to him. He didn't think Shadow would actually apologize to him, and in person. He thought Shadow would be too proud to even dare apologize, but here they are outside their shack, and he said the words Sonic wanted to hear.

At first, Sonic wasn't sure whether he should accept his apology. But when he looked at Shadow, he could see Shadow's expression is stoic, though his eyes held guilt and regret. Closing his eyes for a minute and then opening them, he sighed and glanced at Shadow. "Okay, I forgive you. Just promise me you won't say those types of words to me or to Shion ever again."

Shadow sighed in relief, and nodded. "I'll make sure to remember that."

In the end, Shadow kept his promise and is careful on what he says. Though sometimes, he would make comments on the furniture after learning his friends built a crib for Shion once he outgrows his bassinet. He even started interacting with Shion, mostly with cuddles. Sonic made sure he didn't say any bad words in front of Shion, and he even showed Shadow the proper way to feed Shion with a bottle.

To Sonic, Shadow is starting to change bit by bit, and it's all thanks to his shooting star. Shion's smile and giggles can melt anyone's cold, frozen heart, especially the grumpy ones like Shadow. Sonic is thankful to have Shion in his life, and hope that someday, Lancelot would be able to meet him.

"Sire, please stay here with me forever."

"Uh, are you sure Shion is ready to be out in the village?" Sonic asked, holding Shion close to his heart.

Amy sighs. "Sonic, we talked about this. Shion has a check-up with Dr. Ginger, so we must bring him there."

"But he's still too young!"

"Sonic, it's already been a month. He has to go get his shots."

"No needle is touching my baby!" Sonic held Shion protectively.

Amy groaned, and glanced at the others. "Guys, help me convince him."

"I agree with Sonic. Needles are pretty scary," Knuckles shivered in fright.

"My tetanus shot wasn't too bad, but I still don't trust anyone who works for the government," Sticks replied.

"Sonic, Shion needs his shots so he won't get sick. If he doesn't, he can get a deadly disease or illness," Tails explained. "At his age, he won't be able to handle it since a baby's immune system is still weak. He must get his vaccinations."

"Which is why all of us are going there together to offer support to you and to your bundle of joy," Amy happily clapped her hands together. "So get his diaper bag, and we can get to her office early."

Sonic shook his head. "Not yet. Shadow isn't back yet from his errand."

Tails looked around. "I wondered where he went?"

"I bet he's plotting something against us! We need to retaliate!" Sticks exclaimed.

"Sticks, he's not retaliating. He mentioned he was gonna go do something, and won't be back until sunset," Sonic replied, sitting on the couch as he saw Shion sucking on his pacifier.

"Until sunset? You mean late?" Knuckles asked.

"Something like that."

"Then we'll leave a note so he'll know you two are gonna be gone for a while," Amy suggested. "I'm sure he'll understand how important it is for Shion to get his shots."

"As long as he's behaving, then I guess I could do that," Sonic replied.

Once they got the diaper bag and placed the note on the dinner table, Sonic and his team left his shack and arrived at the village in minutes. He held Shion close to him, feeling everyone's stares as they noticed their hero is holding a bundle wrapped in a blue blanket. He tried to ignore their surprised faces, but it was obvious word will spread around that Sonic the Hedgehog is a parent.

He felt a poke on his arm, and looked over to see it was Tails. "What is it, buddy?"

"Can I hold Shion? I never got the chance to see you yesterday due to me oversleeping," Tails pleaded. "I promise I won't drop him."

"Do you remember on how to hold a baby properly?"

"Yup!"

Sonic ignored the whispers, as he handed Shion to Tails, who held him carefully. Tails made funny faces at Shion, causing him to giggle a little. Sonic did saw Zooey and the twins cooing at the sight of Shion, along with the rest of the females who would walk by them. Most of the males were stunned at the sight of baby Shion, and Sonic noticed Dave had stopped sweeping when they walked past Meh Burger.

The walk to the doctor's office felt like forever, but luckily, they finally arrived at Dr. Ginger's clinic. As they went inside, Amy helped took care of the paperwork while Sonic and the rest of the team sat in the waiting room. Tails gave Shion back to Sonic when he started whining, and Sonic softly shushed him as he rocked him gently in his arms.

"Don't worry, shooting star. Dr. Ginger is just gonna give you a quick check-up to make sure you're healthy," Sonic nuzzled Shion. "I'll be right here with you so you won't go through this alone."

"We'll make sure everything is legitimate," Sticks whispered to him, as she checked her surroundings. "And disable any cameras so the government won't monitor us."

Sonic shook his head at her crazy theory, and noticed Amy had finished the paperwork and is handing them to the receptionist. Tails is busy reading a magazine, while Knuckles is in the play area trying to fit a cube in a circle hole. Luckily, there was no one else in the waiting room area except for them.

He also didn't have to wait that long because Dr. Ginger came out while speaking with Lady Walrus and her 2 sons: Stratford & Chumley. Hopefully, she won't see them since she tends to be a little too overdramatic, especially when it involves her sons getting into dangerous situations.

"Remember to come back next month for his next check-up, Lady Walrus."

"I'll write that down on my calendar, doctor. Thank you for everything."

As she asked the doctor another question, Stratford and Chumley, who was held by him, noticed Sonic & his team and waved. Sonic waved back, and Stratford was surprised when he saw the blue bundle in his arms is Shion. Chumley sucked on his pacifier while staring at Shion, and Shion stared back at Chumley while also sucking on his pacifier.

Lady Walrus turned around to leave, and was startled when she saw Team Sonic. "Good heavens! Is that a baby I see, or am I seeing things?"

"I thought the same thing when Sonic had him!" Knuckles replied.

Sonic got up and sped through the door where Dr. Ginger is waiting, not wanting to answer any questions. She guided him to an examination room, and he placed the diaper bag on the chair while laying Shion down on the bed. "So it's only a check-up, right?"

"There is a chance he might need his vaccinations today, but I'll do a quick check-up on him first before we decide," Dr. Ginger said, getting her clipboard out. "Could you please undress him so I can do a full body check up? He just needs to wear his diaper."

Sonic did as he was told, as Dr. Ginger performed an examination on him. The pacifier kept Shion calm, and he hoped it'll last until the check-up is over. Soon, she was done examining him, and wrote down in her clipboard. "It seems to me he is growing well as a healthy baby hedgehog. Everything is normal, and I don't detect any problems. However, he does need a Hep B shot. Are you okay with that?"

"Will it hurt him?" Sonic asked with a concerned look.

"Not at all, but for most babies, it feels like a painful pinch for a few seconds. But after that, it'll all be over."

"Then I guess he should take the shot so he won't get sick."

"Excellent. I'll go start preparing."

She left the room to prepare the vaccine, and came back with some items to prepare the injection. Sonic held Shion in his arms as Dr. Ginger rubbed Shion's outer right thigh with a rubbing alcohol pad. After she was done, she injected the shot into his thigh, causing Shion to wail in pain as she finished giving him the shot and covered the spot with a bandage.

Sonic could feel himself crying, but held it in as he comforted his baby. "Don't cry, my brave little boy. You did great. You're a strong fighter. It's all over now."

Luckily, there was a tissue box nearby that he used to wipe any escaping tears. Sonic is glad it was only one shot, but paled when Dr. Ginger explained to him he must come back next month for Shion's next vaccinations once he turns 2 months. He really doesn't like needles, and hates it when his baby feels pain from them. Hopefully, the pain will lessen as Shion grows.

The first thing that Sonic and his team saw when they left the doctor's office and headed towards the center of the village is a camera flash, and a microphone shoved too close to Sonic. "Tell us, Sonic the Hedgehog! When did you became a father?"

Sonic pushed the microphone away from him, keeping Shion's face covered with his blanket. "No questions today. He needs his rest."

Soar the Eagle didn't listen, and continued to bombard him with questions as the camera crew recorded them. "Who is the baby's mother? Is it the pink hedgehog Amy whom you refer to as a friend? What does your baby look like? What's his name?"

A crowd formed nearby, as everyone had the same thought as Soar. They were curious on when and how their hero became a father, and who are the parents of Shion. Sonic would never tell them that he was the one to give birth to Shion, and they won't know about Shion's father being Lancelot, along with his resemblance towards Shadow.

Luckily, Knuckles & Sticks are keeping the crowd away from them, while Tails stood in front of Sonic so Shion wouldn't be seen, and Amy had her hammer out to keep Soar the Eagle and his camera crew away from them. Sonic hoped none of this is live, because he'd rather deal with Eggman than this.

"Please tell us, Sonic! What is the name of your little baby!? The whole world wants to know!" Soar pleaded. "And who is the baby's mother?"

Sonic could feel himself breathing heavily, as questions are being shouted at him from everywhere. Why must they make a big deal about it? Even though he is their hero, his private life is none of their business. And he won't let anyone in the entire world see Shion. His baby must be kept safe from any outside danger. He promised himself and to Lancelot he'll be a good parent to Shion.

He held Shion protectively, looking around to find an escape route. His breathing is getting heavier, and there's no way he wants everyone to see him getting a panic attack. Sonic must find a safe place where he and Shion can hide. Even Team Sonic is feeling overwhelmed at how many people want to see Shion's appearance. Why can't they just leave them be so they can go home and rest?

Suddenly, the crowd screamed when something exploded near them, causing the ground to rumble. Soar the Eagle and his camera crew jumped back to avoid getting hit by the next attack, and the appearance of a familiar black hedgehog materializing in plain sight frightened the villagers.

Shadow snarled viciously, as he used a Chaos Spear to destroy the cameras and video recorder. "Get the hell out of my sight before I use you bumbling buffoons as target practice!"

Soar quivered in fear. "Y-You are-

"NOW!"

The camera crew ran off screaming in fear, along with Soar who hightailed it out of there. Shadow turned his head to glare at the villagers, bringing his hand out to prepare another attack. "What are you waiting for!? Leave at once unless you wish to fight me!"

The villagers ran off screaming in fright, not wanting to be the ones facing Shadow. As soon as the area is clear of anyone else, Team Sonic sighed in relief, glad the villagers and the news crew have finally left. However, Shadow noticed Sonic is still breathing heavily, his legs giving out as he held Shion close to his body.

He quickly went over to them, kneeling in front of Sonic as he placed his hands on his shoulders. "Sonic, listen to my voice. Breathe slowly, and softly. You are safe now. There is no huge crowd or anyone near you."

Shadow took Shion from Sonic's arms, giving him to Amy as he continued to talk to Sonic. "Look at me, Sonic." Sonic looked at Shadow, as his breaths became a lot slower. "Take slow breaths. You are safe. No one is going to come near you nor Shion. You're both safe with me."

Sonic wanted to say something, but couldn't due to his heavy breathing. Eventually, he was able to slow it down as he gazed into Shadow's crimson eyes. They were so vivid and pretty, showing warmth and safety as he continued to look at them. Sonic could get lost in them forever, not wanting to look away from those gorgeous ruby eyes.

Once his breathing is now under control, Sonic tried to stand up, but couldn't since his legs were still shaking. He gasped when he was scooped up in Shadow's arms, who is carrying him princess-style. "S-Shadow?"

"You almost had a panic attack, Sonic. You can't walk while recovering from it. You need to rest."

"M-My baby-

"He's safe. I gave him to Amy so he wouldn't feel your stress."

Sonic looked over, glad to know Shion is in safe hands. Amy gave him a reassuring smile as she gently bounced Shion in her arms, while Knuckles, Tails, and Sticks checked on both Sonic & Shion to make sure they're okay. He could feel himself getting tired, but he also needs to get home so he can let Shion sleep. Unfortunately, it was too late for him as he fell asleep in Shadow's arms.

Hope you all liked it! Don't forget to review and comment!