Morning once again!

So this weekend there will be a convention relating to Sonic that I'll be attending to so the story I intended to put before this one isn't complete due to prepping for that and other things. It's longer than this one that's for sure but luckily that's why I do multiple ones per week to keep ahead hehe, but they still have to be proofread before I even put them in.

Anyway here's another one-shot of you know whos! Hope you enjoy! ^u^

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or locations. They belong to Sega.

Cuddling

Knuckles was in paradise.

Normally his everyday life would be guarding the Master Emerald and enjoying the quiet scenery around him as he continues his duty of protecting the giant gem from the hands of evil. It was not only the Master Emerald that he guards, but the seven Chaos Emeralds as well though to a normal extent since at times they would be used outside the altar or stolen. Whenever Sonic, Tails, or Amy aren't on the island visiting or Rouge annoying him with her flirtatious antics and attempts of taking away the gems, he is at peace with only the calm wind and ambient sunshine that comes during the day. At night he felt the same way except the stars greeted him with a lesser glow, the emerald guardian not minding it since he was more into rather having almost complete darkness than intense bright light on his face. Either way he loved the peace and quiet he gets when he's doing his role as guardian, having been chosen since birth to protect the emeralds and ensuring that they don't fall into the wrong hands.

However right now he isn't nowhere near the altar. He is instead in a small dome-shaped home built near the altar in a bed. White sheets covered his form with plush pillows nestled behind his head, Knuckles enjoying the softness that came with it. They felt better than the stony floor atop the altar and while he didn't want to be out of touch with keeping watch, he didn't mind days where he could disconnect from nature for a bit and relax like how modern people do.

Not only that, but his paradise wouldn't be complete without another… who was sleeping on top of him with their arms and legs wrapped around his own.

Knuckles' eyes looked down and he smiled.

Orange ruffled quills greeted him along with light purring being heard from them. Their head laid on his chest with one of their hands on it as well, the other entwined with one of his own. Knuckles looked to their joined hands in content, his larger one feeling the softness of their own smaller one. Their body was the same way, velvety in every part that met his own and he felt their equally silky legs wrapped around his. Basically he was sort of trapped under them but he didn't mind, his smile never going away as indication.

He was in paradise, but it was different than the one he normally experiences when he's at peace.

He was in paradise… because he isn't the last of his kind anymore. And he was with someone that has not only lifted that burden, but plan to be with him for the rest of his life.

That someone was Tikal.

Thought to be dead but was brought back by the Master Emerald, now living peacefully alongside Knuckles and supporting him in his tasks. Her kind nature was the opposite to his hotheaded one but he became more relaxed and cautious when she is with him. She brings life and meaning to his lonely one and while she experienced a traumatic past, she finds comfort and relief in him as he calmed her with his own experience. Upon knowing him she saw that he was completely different from the echidnas in her time and just as such fell in love with him, Knuckles himself also as well for her. It didn't take long and they have accepted each other's feelings, spending each day together and not letting go.

Today is one of those days where they are together, more intimate yet calm.

Sleeping in the bed they shared to their heart's content, with Tikal's ear on his chest listening to his heartbeat.

Knuckles silently watched the smile on her face, small petite lips curved upward happily with closed eyes that hid beautiful blue orbs from the world. Long thin eyelashes made her stand out and exposed more of her natural beauty, the emerald guardian seeing her way more attractive than a certain ivory bat with all that make-up she wears which usually wasn't natural. All in all, he was really in paradise no longer being the last echidna in the world.

Continuous purring can be heard from the echidna princess, Knuckles picking up the sound which vibrated gently upon his body. He also emitted his own purr, Tails explaining that when it happens that means that they are very happy and delighted. He took that into account and trusted his answer, the emerald guardian seeing his mate sleeping joyfully on him. He felt her grip on his hand tighten as a result, his own tightening on hers as a reflex. Whatever she did he would return just the same: whether it be a kiss, hug, or holding hands he would always return the favor in part of his love.

Without waking up Tikal moved herself up a bit to get more comfortable, Knuckles feeling her face near his neck and the soft breathing she emitted being felt upon his red fur there. Not only that but her small black nose wiggled upon inhaling his scent, her purring becoming more audible with her hold tightening around him. Her hand moved from his chest to rest on his shoulder, eventually the emerald guardian REALLY being trapped within her grasp.

'Hehe, she really is something in the mornings.' he thought. His own nose picked up the sweet aroma coming off her, the scent of lilacs entering his nostrils. Knuckles closed his eyes and nuzzled the top of her head with his face, taking in more of the scent which calmed him further. Tikal, while still asleep, returned the gesture and nuzzled further into him with her face rubbing his neck. She took deep sniffs of his fur and sighed blissfully in knowing that her guardian was there.

Using his free hand Knuckles placed it on the small of her back and caressed it in small circles. Her silky fur felt smooth to the touch and although she came from the distant past where hygiene was incredibly primitive, Tikal really knew how to groom herself. His digits dug a bit into her further, feeling equally soft skin as he curled his fingers a bit to lightly graze it with his sharp claws. This caused the orange echidna to twitch a bit and let out a small yelp, Knuckles becoming a bit spooked and stopped doing it.

'Okay don't do that. Knuckles don't make her feel pain you moron.' Knuckles thought as he continued moving his hand on her back.

…

…

"…aaahhh~." Tikal let out a small moan in her sleep, her face digging further into his neck. Knuckles twitched a bit, loving how his massage is affecting her as indication of her cute sounds she let out after.

"Shhh…" the red echidna let out near her ear as his hand went up her back and he hugged her closer. Her response was her hand tightening his own and her other hand tightening on his shoulder. Her scent became fuller to Knuckles and already his eyes were becoming droopy, apparently the effect becoming incredibly soothing.

'Wow… I feel… thank you, Master Emerald…'

"Knuckie… mmm~…" Tikal mumbled in her sleep, eyelids opening a tiny bit to expose her blue orbs then closing once again. The echidna princess whimpered and moved her face closer to his neck until her mouth met it and opening to show her small fangs, lightly bit on it.

"Ah." Knuckles gasped quietly, feeling his lover beginning to nibble there. He closed his eyes in pleasure and let her do her thing, his tail wagging under the bed as best it could. He opened an eye a moment later and looked down, seeing the sheets raise up a bit as it started going back and forth. It looks like her own tail did the same gesture, equally pleased.

Her nibbling went on for a few minutes with Knuckles continuing to caress her back slowly. Tikal's hand that was on his shoulder loosened and moved towards herself but didn't stay long as it began caressing one side of Knuckles' torso. The emerald guardian felt her soft digits run through his crimson fur, sometimes tickling due to her own sharp claws running across it. He didn't mind it, the years of battles and training hardening him to the point that a small action like this doesn't hurt him.

Knuckles purred a little louder on his own. He was in heaven from all of this and he could tell his peach-colored lover was as well. Their hands traveled each other's bodies, the emerald guardian moving his hand on Tikal's back while the latter nibbled on his neck. Their heartbeats synced as one, the two feeling the rhythm with how close they are to each other. Small movements were noticeable: when Tikal shifted, Knuckles ensured he did as well to make her comfortable and always kept watch on her sleeping expression. If she had a small frown he would remedy that and once he gets to see the smile he loves deeply on her then he would remain still and let her do what she pleases.

It was ironic for Knuckles. His life was destined to watch over the Master Emerald alone and at the ready, training himself everyday at every hour to ensure he is powerful enough to deal with any threats that come for the gem. He knew he was strong, fighting on equal footing with the world's fastest hedgehog and the Ultimate Lifeform; heck way back then he knocked the former out of his super transformation like nothing. Things like what he is doing now would be the very last thing on his mind since he is hardwired to be a warrior that protects the good in life and helps out whenever he can.

Things like this were pretty much nonexistent as well, having assumed that he wouldn't find love in his life. His solitude on the island was proof of that and although he made friends and had to deal with a batgirl that annoys him later on, he still felt as if he wouldn't find that special someone. With the batgirl there would've been a chance ever since Knuckles first laid eyes upon her, but once he got to know her better did he find out that it wouldn't work. Her love for jewels is far greater that she wouldn't even think about settling down with someone and her flirtatious personality often drives him angry.

It would be an unstable and unhealthy relationship at best; it could've worked if they met in different circumstances but overall, he didn't have any feelings for the batgirl beyond a fellow treasure hunter.

Tikal is different.

Upon her coming to life one day when he was sitting there gazing at the horizon, it was as if his lifelong prayer has been answered. Sharp violet eyes met gentle blue ones and the stare went on for quite some time. Eventually did they realize then and looked away awkwardly, smiling the same as well. He noticed how vastly different she was compared to the ivory batgirl: sweet, caring, kind, gentle, and very down to earth. She also shared the same aspect of protecting the emeralds from the wrong hands, except with her she'd use words to settle the fights rather than fight physically like he does. He learned that she doesn't like violence at all as she explained her life story to him as he did the same to her.

They learnt that both don't like fighting much and for Knuckles, he does it to protect his friends and those he cares about. They learnt that they were each lonely within their respective times, Tikal feeling like an outcast ever since her grandmother died while her father and all the others in the tribe only caring for power and conquest while she did not; Knuckles the same way since he was essentially the last of his kind and never knew much of his own past. The two echidnas shared that aspect of being alone and once they conversed with each other on it, they found out over time the cure for it.

Each other.

How beet red Knuckles and Tikal was an understatement upon confessing to each other at the same time. Their first kiss was a bit awkward since they were new to it with the emerald guardian very surprised that the echidna princess didn't have anyone that admired her for her beauty and personality. The fact that he also said this aloud made her feel incredibly happy and although she is normally reserved, Knuckles felt the full force of her small body tackle him to the ground and his face covered in kisses afterwards.

They found the answer to their loneliness upon that and their hearts fully healed. Each day together was incredible, Knuckles making sure Tikal was comfortable and helping her in anything. Tikal found him quite the gentleman unlike the vicious male echidnas back in the day and found a lot of solace being with him to the point that she worries if he leaves her sight for a bit of time.

Knuckles on his part was the same as well, seeing how she can effortlessly calm his anger just by standing there next to him and seeing the small things she does such as knitting and collecting herbs. He also noticed that she can be clumsy at times which brought a small laugh on his part, Tikal sometimes doing a cute pout as she watched him with slight annoyance when she goofed. Nonetheless the emerald guardian helped her out in anything and wouldn't make fun of her. With how adorable and cute she can be in his eyes he really couldn't, the same way she couldn't tease him much with how helpful and handsome he was to her.

Overall they basically found each other, separated by time and bonding their hearts into one after a tragic death and a welcoming resurrection. The Master Emerald may have acted on its own at this, seeing it as destiny for the pair to make the new generation very different from the one before it. Unlike the violent, rash and power hungry one back then the gem would know this new one would be different from that: benevolent, level-headed, and most off all kind and trustworthy.

For now though the latter is not the focus as they are simply focused on each other, the scene changing back to the two cuddling into each other.

Knuckles felt Tikal shifting to the side and had her hand latched onto his side, trying to pull him as well. The male echidna got the hint and he as well turned to his side. Their entwined hands slowly unclasped from one another with his going around her waist as he felt her own travel up his chest. Her nibbling ceased and she released his neck with a small pop, but not until the echidna princess gave a gentle lick before moving back. Knuckles eyed her sleeping expression, nestling herself a few centimeters away on the pillow and eventually did her eyelids raise up.

Her ocean-colored eyes watched his violet ones quietly. Since she was smaller than him she had to raise her head up a bit to see him with the latter lowering his own. They didn't mind it, the peaceful setting soothing to them. It was until Tikal raised her hands slowly to cup his face did Knuckles bring her closer as well. Their gaze didn't break one bit from this.

"Knuckie…" she mumbled.

"Tikie…" was his reply.

Their noses touched one another, not minding how close they were since they were together after all.

"I…"

"I…"

"I love you…"

They both said at the same time.

The result was a soft smile from each of them, both closing the distance and engaging in a passionate kiss. Tikal moaned softly into it, Knuckles doing his part in enjoying the experience as well. Their lips danced with each other, the emerald guardian loving her soft ones on his own with the echidna princess incredibly happy when his tongue caresses hers. She brought his face closer to her, thumbs caressing his cheeks softly while Knuckles rubbed his hands up and down her back feeling her velvety soft fur. All in all they were enjoying the morning kiss they'd give each other every day, ones like this being very special.

They separated after a few minutes, eyes opening slowly to see each other again. Tikal giggled softly with Knuckles giving a soft laugh as well. No more words were exchanged after, the two knowing that the peaceful silence was all that was needed.

Tikal watched her lover happily one more time before she moved closer to him and snuggled up. Her face dug into his chest with her hands cradled in between, blue orbs hiding behind her eyelids once again as slumber overtook her. The purring began immediately as well.

Knuckles watched her with a grin, settling himself and hugging her closer. He kissed the top of her head and rested his chin atop, sleep also taking him in but not before he felt her lips peck his chest to apparently return the gesture.

Within seconds the two were out and purred to their hearts' content, their heartbeats synced together in unison with each other.

It was one of those mornings that they enjoyed and they knew more of them will occur throughout their life.

After all, Knuckles and Tikal shared the paradise.

Together.

Fin.

Well that was something hehe.

Hope you enjoy while I'll be off to enjoy the convention! Next story I will put some updates regarding it.

Stay tuned! ^u^/