By half past twelve, Sonic was given the clear to go home. Tails drove him, Jake, Duke, Raven, and Evie back to the workshop. Team Dark headed back to figure out their living situation. Duke had offered they'd come with them, but Rouge said they could manage.

"Besides, someone's gotta look after Blue," she told them teasingly.

"So what's everyone in the mood for lunch?" Tails asked as they drove down the road.

"Something light," Sonic responded, still sounding somewhat tired.

"I'm in the mood for McDonald's," Evie said.

"Let's not go too hard on the grease kids," Tails told them gently, "you've got your own stomachs to worry about."

"Psh. I can handle a little fast food," Jake said confidently, "besides, their nuggets are the best."

Evie and Duke looked at him.

"Do you even know how they make those?" the white she-cat asked.

"Nope, and I don't care," Jake stated, "I've had a long night, so I want something in my tummy that'll make me happy."

"You can say that again," Sonic chuckled, "but maybe we should save McDonald's for another time."

"Awww…" the kids whined.

Tails glanced at them briefly and smiled.

"How about this: you kids can have your McDonald's lunch, and Sonic will have whatever Amy cooks for him."

Sonic froze at the mention of the pink hedgehog's name while the kids just snickered.

"...Do we… have to tell her about this?" he mumbled.

"You know she'd find out eventually," Jake pointed out, "better she hears it from you."

"I guess," the hedgehog sighed, "but I am NOT looking forward to an earful from her."

"I'll make sure she goes easy on you," Tails said, "besides, I know she'll be more than happy to make you something extra special after the night you've had."

Sonic paused, thinking back to all the times Amy had offered to make him something special, such as on a few of his birthdays in the past, or when he caught that cold back in 2002. He liked her sweet treats, and her usual cooking (however nothing could compare to Vanilla's cooking. Like he'll ever say that to her face).

"...Don't think she'll let me touch a chili dog if I ask."

The group laughed.

"Probably not," Tails chuckled.

"Well, whatever she decides to make," Jake hopped over and hugged the hedgehog tightly, nuzzling into his neck.

"I'm just glad you're okay now."

Sonic looked down at his golden furred son and smiled. He rubbed their head and back affectionately as he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. It felt nice to have the sun on his face and NOT feel like he's burning alive. And it was nice to know that he had good people around him who cared.

"Me too, bud. Me too."

Both didn't realize they had dozed off, not even as the rest of the siblings huddled around them. Or as Tails pulled in front of Amy's house. Or as Raven and Evie pulled away to help carry the three sleepy boys into the house.

This story was inspired by a YouTuber called Jaiden Animations. Go check out her channel, it's fun. I know it's probably... offensive or rude, or maybe just plain weird that I created a story around an unpleasant event she went through...

Yeah I got nothing. I got nothing to add to that. Still, I managed to make it into its own thing. At least, I hope I did. Oh, and as for my other stories... yeah, turns out writing on a whim without properly planning things out is a horrible writing strategy, especially if you're trying to keep a schedule. Or maybe it's just me. I honestly don't know. I can't give a date where the new chapters will be released. If you don't hear from me again in two years... eh, come to your own assumptions.

Welp, it's midnight, and I'm going to bed. Goodnight.