I hummed in curiosity as I glared at the cold steel door in front of me that happened to be lined with heavy bolts and locks, each lock seeming to be sturdier than the last. Three cameras were flashing from each direction of the desolate little musty hospital hallway, and I immediately felt my feet sink to the floor as I suddenly felt weaker somehow. It made me reach my hand to press against the metal, freezing door that made even my gloved-hands cold to the touch. What was it about this place that made me feel so exhausted?
My wrist buckled slightly as I wrapped my hand around the door lever to Sonic's hospital room. I suppose I was mentally drained because of all the hell I've gone through the past few days, or maybe I was just terrified of what I may have to witness. Who will Sonic be? Will I be able to support him properly? How can he possibly be mentally sane after a murder as publically documented as this?
I knew none of these questions were going to be answered out here in this decaying, lifeless hallway, but maybe that was the point. I always saw Sonic as this preppy, egotistical, bouncy little brat, and even though I frequently complained about his immaturity, I really did like it to stay that way. Little pure Sonic. My sweet naive faker. With his emerald eyes shining through even the most challenging of battles and that charismatic smirk following him wherever the wind took him, similarily as innocent as my dear sweet Maria, who passed so many decades ago.
Was it worth seeing him broken, just so I can say that I tried my best? Or maybe…
I froze as I remembered this same situation many years ago, only I was the mentally unstable mess...
Did Sonic ever give up hope when he would find me inches from plunging into the cold waters of the Beživotno river? No.
Would he run when I eventually broke down and dumped a bucket of feelings onto his heroic shoulders? No.
Would he hesitate when he found me completely intoxicated on a daily basis, barely able to handle essential life-care duties like cleaning and eating? No!
He kept going. He kept pushing, and whether I liked it or not, Rouge was right. I am who I am today primarily because of his inability to back down from a challenge. I used to be far more dangerous than Sonic could ever hope to be (or at least I thought), and he never gave up just because it was painful. Not for a second. He kept pushing me to improve, learn, grow, and now I can safely say that I am at a point in my life where I can return the favor.
Surely, I can swallow my pride long enough to help him through this difficult time. I am confident I caused much more significant harm in the past then he will right at this moment. He may not be the innocent little blue devil that entranced me since the moment our eyes met that faithful night in station square, but he is certainly the Sonic that deserves my full attention today.
I sucked in a final deep breath as my limp arm sprung to life just as I forcefully pushed down on the lever and swung the door wide open.
My pupils dilated as a wave of emotions overcame my body. Fear, excitement, panic, lust. All combined into this cocktail of feelings that I could only barely begin to comprehend.
I stopped in the doorway for a second while taking a moment to witness the hedgehog lying before me. I am unsure what the exact definition of hot-mess is as I am still quite new to the phrases and language of the modern-day, but I could not imagine anything being closer to the image than the picture before me.
Sonic laid in a simple, white bed with his thin blue, muscular legs crumpled as close to his chest as possible. He was facing the opposite direction with his messy quills sprawling from his head in every which direction and his face focusing on a window to the inviting outside world.
I glanced around the small, sparsely decorated room, offended that they didn't have the decency to supply furniture that wasn't decades old, before tracing my eyes across the wall paint that was just beginning to peel from the corners of the walls. The musky water-damaged scent was certainly not a pleasant sensation either. It made me cringe to think that Sonic had been trapped in here for weeks. My eyes continued to follow the desolate, painfully white walls to an empty pill bottle placed on his hospital table. The label was barely hanging on to the bottle with the words "TRAZEDONE" imprinted in bold lettering. No wonder he didn't notice me; they had him hyped up on meds, probably to keep him calm and mellow while they tried to work out the situation.
"Medicine time, already?" He croaked, his voice coming off hoarse and monotone, almost as if he was losing his voice.
It had that unique 'I have been crying for three weeks straight' sound to it, and I had to admit, it sent shivers down my spine. I have had my fair share of weekly cry-sessions, although never in public. I knew exactly what that crushing sense of hopelessness felt like. Maybe the medication was a saving grace, after all.
It took me a moment to realize that I hadn't yet broken the news to my fellow hedgehog comrade that it was I that had opened the door and not some sexy nurse dressed to appease the minds of these uncontrollable lunatics. I suppose it wasn't even needed, as said hedgehog carefully shifted his body to face me.
I gulped slightly as my mind jumped straight to the idea of running in the opposite direction and never turning back, but I stood my ground nonetheless. Sonic's cold, distant eyes opened wildly as if he wasn't sure if I was a hallucination or not. There was a sharp yet alluring aura coming from those glistening emeralds that made me wonder if I should just jump on him and make love to him on the spot. I was certainly hyped up on enough adrenaline and fear to make that kind of a huge mistake. Alas, I was far too mature (and honestly terrified) to even think about trying.
"Hello, faker." I said simply, my mind immediately hesitating when realizing how rude that might have come off.
"Shadow." He replied just as plainly, if not a bit uninterested.
It made me scoff slightly. Either he was hyped up on more sedatives than what is needed to knock out most creatures of the galloping variety, or he was broken so deep that even basic Mobian emotions like excitement and confusion had been removed from his mind. Fastest thing alive in his legs but certainly not in his brain, I always say.
"Well… Not the welcoming I was expecting, but I am unsure what my expectations were in the first place, so I suppose I am not surprised." I replied sarcastically before taking a few steps into the room and gently closing the door behind me.
"Why are you here?" He responded in sleepish boredom as his eyes closed tightly into what I presumed was an extremely long blink.
I paused for a moment to allow him more time to soak in the situation before attempting to speak. I am confident he will not be happy with my response, but he does deserve the truth, nonetheless.
"I uh well. G.U.N allowed —"I began explaining before immediately being cut off by the other hedgehog's snappy response.
"G.U.N sent you to gather more info, didn't they? I already told them everything I know. So, you can go right up to your snobby know-it-all boss and tell them that, kay? I have nothing left to hide. My reputation is already ruined. So, if that's all you wanted, then I suggest you get out of my sight." He uttered coldly with his words expressing a very pronounced sign of disgust.
I shook my head in slight frustration as I glared at his lifeless emerald eyes. It was hard enough to speak to the guy when he is in these drowsy, barely conscience states, but now I would have to argue with him until he realized that I'm here to help him.
"Hedgehog. Let's just breathe for a minute. Yes, G.U.N. did send me to gather more intel, but that is not why I am here. I am actually here because you have been sheltered in this little room for three weeks, and I can only imagine how that has affected your mental health. Not to mention, you told me that this hospital used to assault you as a child. I am not your enemy. I am here to help." I expressed gently, almost like a mother would talk to their rowdy child before I carefully approaching him until I was only a couple feet in front of him.
I could see him visibly pull his torso across the bed in the opposite direction to me, his eyes filling with what I can only describe as disgust. It seems as if he had awoken slightly from his emotionless state. Alas, not in a positive way.
"You. Want to help. Me? A person who just murdered a family member. Gimmie a break. No matter how comforting it is to see you, you're not going to get anything else out of me. So, please don't assure me with lies. You used to be honest, Shadow. I never thought you would stoop to this kind of a low. You should be ashamed of yourself." He spat angrily before scooting even farther in the opposite direction.
I scowled at his accusatory attitude before crossing my arms across my chest in feverish frustration. How dare he accuse me of doing something so sinister. He really didn't trust me, did he? Was the million of times prior where I came through to save him not enough?
"I am not lying! How do you know if you murdered Ivo when you do not even remember the incident?! Yes, I am saddened to hear of his passing. Such as yourself and all others, but he is a mad genius; he might have framed you." I replied firmly before bending my knees slightly until I was at the same level as him in an attempt to make myself come off as an equal.
I had dealt with children who had very similar reactions to this when confronting trauma. It made me wonder if he was regressing with all the fear and panic running through his veins for so many weeks. I suppose I should attempt to keep my cool as much as possible to keep this conversation from exploding into an aggressive argument.
I bit the inner part of my cheek slightly as my typically sharp crimson eyes softened into empathetic rubies. I hoped it would be enough for him to relax a little, but it seemed like the kindness just made him even more hurt.
His soulless eyes sprung to life as he tightly crumpled the sheets into the palms of his hand, squeezing as hard as his little thin arms could muster. He took a deep breath before allowing a few tears to streak down his face, his lips quivering with regret and agony.
"How can he frame me when I had his lifeless body in my arms, Shadow? Riddle me that." He replied softly, his mouth barely able to voice the horrifying words spoken.
"I…" I attempted to respond, my words unable to form into a coherent thought.
I had no idea where to even begin with that statement. Did Sonic ACTUALLY hold Ivo's body after the murder? Then, why did he say he didn't remember anything? Was he regretful for what he did as soon as he did it? Something felt fishy here. It seemed as if Sonic's memories were contradicting one another.
I continued to ponder as I tightly closed my eyes in frustration. How in the world was I going to handle this situation?
"I guess G.U.N. didn't give ya the 411, ay? The only reason I'm here is because they are fighting with the court on how to dispose of me. So, if ya don't mind, seeing your face is very painful, and I would be extremely appreciative if you walked out that door and never returned." He continued with his tone resonating with defeat more and more with every following syllable.
He tightly grabbed his hospital pillow before shoving his face into its fluffy center. Clearly, he was traumatized enough by the incident to let a part of him show that I was unsure existed until a few days before my travel. Vulnerability was undoubtedly the main thing keeping us from connecting, and I felt it was only fair to show a little of my own in return.
I huffed slightly in defeat before reaching over to place my hand on top of his own that was currently pressing the pillow even more firmly into his skull. If he kept this up, he might actually end up suffocating himself.
He twitched slightly as his intense squeeze seemed to lesson the moment my gloved hand met with his ungloved one. His energy was certainly less intense than I last remember, but it still felt heavenly pure and vibrant. I really did miss him infinitely more than I had initially assumed.
"Hedgehog… Seeing your face reddened and flustered with tears and anguish is painful as well, but that does not mean my departure would make this terrible situation any less agonizing." I explained softly with my hand gently patting against his own in a steady, reassuring rhythm.
"You…." He attempted to reply but had difficulty getting his tongue to cooperate.
I could slowly see his hands pull down towards his crossed legs. I allowed my arm to fall to my side as he revealed his tear-stained face and warm cheeks flushed with pain.
Chaos, his eyes were somehow more gorgeous with tears in them. I didn't even think that was possible. I was floored by how much I longed to cup his cheeks into my hands and smother them against my face until the tears dried. Normally, I would be disgusted with myself for this kind of sappy imagery, but with all this drama, I was starting to allow myself a little more freedom to express my inner emotions. If Hedgehog decides to judge me for that, then it's his own problem, not mine.
"Yes, hedgehog?" I asked gently before showing a very faint but still genuine smile.
The things I do for this kid...
"You actually mean it?" He gawked slightly in shock before blinking rapidly in confusion.
He looked up at me in hopeful, childlike wonder before smiling back. Chaos, hose eyes were going to haunt my dreams, I just knew it.
"Well, I would be just as upset if departed, so, yes." I responded plainly before straightening myself to stand as the squatting was really starting to hurt my back.
Maybe Sonic was right about my aging.
"Not that you idiot! About wanting to see me because you care about me." He replied shyly, his words stuttering almost as if he had magically decided that I had said something meaningful.
It threw me off a little that something so normal was causing my rival to assume that I had admitted something loving. I suppose it was true that I cared for him very deeply, and it made me wonder how to handle the situation. Obviously, he was able to see through my distant facade a little, which only increased my anxiety. I suppose I had two options. I could take back what I said and end it with a sarcastic stab as I always did when I wanted to cover up my true intentions.
Or… I could double down and tell him the truth.
I sucked in a deep breath as I could see Sonics' eyes glisten with anticipation.
"Do you really think I would ever have the guts or confidence to approach Mr. Sonic the Hedgehog and demand more information on an event that most certainly destroyed him? I am not an idiot." I exclaimed sarcastically before resting my hand against my hip.
I hated myself. I really did. Why can't I just say: "Yes, Sonic. Of course, I care, you blue adorable moron." This man needed to hear me say that, and I still can't do it. What is wrong with me?
"Shadow…?" He muttered softly before looking up at me with a mixture of confusion and disappointment.
I was unsure if he was able to pull the words "I care" out of that statement, but I prayed he could. He deserves to know, I know that, but something twisted in my stomach whenever the thoughts of confession came into play. It was almost as if taking that plunge was just too extreme for either of us right now.
"Now. We can talk more about the court and all of that later. I am certain G.U.N. has plans for you. You are the fastest thing alive. We could use someone like you at our base. I do not believe you have anything to fear." I comforted softly before gently patting the top of his sweat-covered slippery head.
Were they even bathing him? These mental hospitals barbarians. I had to get him out of here.
He stiffened slightly to my touch as I could sense his own inner conflict, as well. Our pride's always had to get in the way, didn't they?
"I never said I was worried. I kind of like the idea, if I'm being honest." He admitted shyly as he gently grabbed my hand before pulling it off his head.
My eyes widened with immediate disgust and fear as I let those horrible words fully process. Sonic the Hedgehog, of all people admitting to suicidal thoughts, I never thought I would see the day. My heart immediately picked up with panic. He can't die now. Not after I just started accepting my attraction to him.
I bit down on my tongue a little before swallowing deeply.
Calming thoughts, Shadow. Calming thoughts. He didn't say he was going to do anything. He is probably just struggling to find the motivation to remain living. Keep your head on straight.
"Sonic. Admitting to suicidal ideations is not a joke." I replied sternly, attempting to come off as mature and unaffected as possible..
"It's not suicide if someone else takes your own life. Look. I'm not sure you are truly able to comprehend how much this little 'whoops' has destroyed everything I have grown familiar with. Fighting Eggman is all I've ever known. It's what woke me up in the morning. It's what gave me my heroic motivation. It's what gave my life meaning, and now that's gone. The rest of the crew won't speak to me, not that I think they are allowed to even if they wanted to, and all I have is the comforting knowledge that it will all be over soon. Seeing you is just a painful reminder of how hopeful I was, how bright the future seemed, and how much I loved being alive!" He exclaimed emotionally while shoving the fluffy damp pillow back into his face before releasing an uncontrollable string of sobs.
I stood in complete shock, if not a little disgust, to the words that were just being uttered. This was NOT the Sonic I had grown to admire. Where did all that confidence and fighting spirit go? I understood how painful this was, but we can't just give up when we lose everything; we have to fight or at least live for the ones we love. However, I understood his agony completely. I knew what it felt like to lose the one thing keeping you intact and be forced without so much as a second thought to find a way to keep on living. Hell, if it wasn't for Sonic's constant prodding, I might have just ended it myself. How can I possibly support him now?
"So, you are just giving up then? Not even willing to take out your own advice and tough it out?. A shame really. I thought you had a stronger backbone than that, Hedgehog." I lectured coldly with my mind, immediately regretting how harsh my statement came off.
Stop, Shadow. You're making things worse! Just tell him you care already!
"I lost everything, Shadow! What do you expect me to do!?" He bellowed forcefully before aggressively grasping and thrusting the fluffy pillow against my skull.
I scowled and hissed at the abrupt attack. That was it. No more nice sympathetic, Shadow.
I closed my eyes tightly as I could feel the dam that attempted to keep all my emotions deep within my soul burst. He was going to get a lecture of a lifetime.
"You have not lost me! Does that mean nothing to you? Do I mean nothing to you?! I came all this way… For you! You may feel like the world is crumbling around you, but it is not. Take a deep breath and look around you, then look deep inside yourself. You are Sonic the freakin Hedgehog. Savior of Adevăr, protector of the little man, lover of chilidogs. You have never given up before, and you will not now. You will fight because we both know you deserve better. You deserve a chance to finally live the life you want to live and not the one forced upon you by Ivo's invasive attacks. Don't you dare give up on me now because your life is just getting started!" I hollered back with my hands assertively squeezing the pillow in response to my deep frustration.
There was sudden silence as I could feel the cold, wet drop of a tear slide down my cheek.
I wondered if I was being selfish? I, undoubtedly, care about Sonic's safety, and I want him to live for himself. But god damnit, do I not have a right to feel ripped off? I did all this thinking, all this realization to discover how I feel towards him. Is all of that really for nothing? Does he really not care? Does he not realize how difficult all of this is for me to accept? Is everything I'm saying going straight through him? Does he even notice how hard it is for me to give these kinds of inspirational speeches?
Was I REALLY going to lose him after everything?
I coughed slightly before sliding backward, pillow in hand, and leaning against the wall in exhaustion and relief. I could see his violent-tear-filled eyes close tightly before watching his mouth suck in a deep, calming breath.
I think it was clear that if we took this conversation any further, we would actually start an aggressive pillow fight, and for as cute as that might sound, I'm pretty sure the staff wouldn't be too thrilled with it.
"Shadz… I… I apologize. I lost my cool for a sec. Of course, I care about you. Your all I have left at this point. Let's not talk about this anymore. What happens, happens. Tell me about your trip instead." He replied chipperly with his mouth curving into a soft smile and the last set of tears streaming down his cheeks.
This was even more disturbing than his previous personality, at least that one felt genuine. This fake "No really everything is okay" act has always made my blood boil. It made me wonder how many times he acted like this, only to secretly be torn up inside. The thought made me want to puke.
"You think I am just going to change the subject of our conversation after you referenced how much you wish to be dead? You must actually be insane." I spat painfully before angrily tossing the pillow back to its recipient.
Please don't leave me all alone with this shell of a person, Sonic. It's so much lonelier than you could ever imagine.
"Shadow, Please. You want to help me, right? So, let's just pretend like everything's okay. Just for a little. I'm not sure how much longer you can stick around to chat, and I don't want to spend that precious time arguing." He attempted to console me as he reached out to me in a desperate plea for me to come closer.
I rolled my eyes slightly before nonchalantly strolling over to him. He smirked up at me playfully before assertively grabbing onto my gloved hand. He shimmied himself until his legs were hanging off the messy, bare hospital bed before pulling me down to sit next to him.
I flinched slightly at the movement but was quick to reposition my sitting position until I was leaning against his arm. I was extremely exhausted at this point and only craved to be coddled by this brat's euphoric chaos energy.
I took a glance around as the room looked even colder than it had seemed earlier. I could clearly see a chip of white paint peel off the corner and fall to the shiny, grimy tile. Disgusting, if you ask me. I continued to glance around the room until my gaze passed Sonic, and it was obvious as day. He still shined like the hero he always had. His warmth and heroic aura never really faded. Maybe he hadn't changed at all, and this was all just an extreme stress response. It comforted me a little to imagine how close we might become after this horrible situation. Sure, Sonic was annoying, but it felt comforting to think we might work alongside one another. He might even be added to the special agent forces. The future was hopeful as long as I kept him alive until then.
"I… If it will help you feel better, then I suppose I do not have much of an option but to pretend like everything is alright." I finally replied softly with my eyelids drooping down in a desperate need to catch up on the sleep I had lost last night.
"Appreciate it, bud. So, you and Rouge finally a thing?" He responded contently while his hand carefully caressed my back, rubbing in rhythmic circles until I could barely hold my body up anymore.
I mumbled softly back in relaxation as my mind started to drift to sleep. My weight slowly flopped onto Sonic's arm as this situation felt very familiar. I smiled faintly as I remembered the final moments with him before my trip. I felt at ease in a way that my mind would not even risk interpreting at this moment, but I'm certain it would haunt me once we were apart.
I paused for a moment as my mind began to drift from sleep back to reality before my eyes quickly shot open in annoyance as I finally interpreted his question. This little brat gets me all snuggly, then pops that kind of a question. Rude. Just plain rude. I guess go figure, though. Sonic always loved to annoy me with stupid questions like this. He really hadn't changed, had he? Thank Chaos, I suppose.
"What. No? I have told you once, I have told you a million times. Rouge and I are merely friends. Platonic, completely unromantic companions." I explained carefully and methodically in an attempt to help him understand that we will never and have never had romantic interests in one another before realizing that he probably wasn't even going to budge on the topic.
"Welcome back, sleepin' beauty. Romance is overrated, anyway. Sometimes, I wish I could just find a really good friend and marry them. Maybe it's a sign that I'm getting older, but this whole lovey-dovey crap is irritating. If I were you, I would snatch the girl up before Knuckles gets to her first." He mocked before softly bumping his finger against my nose and following it with a "boop" sound.
"Are you trying to annoy me?" I scowled as my ears fell in irritation and disappointment before hearing him chuckle in response to my obvious frustration.
He shuffled a little closer to me before attempting to gaze into my eyes. I fought back by glancing to the side in embarrassment.
"Bingo." He admitted before nuzzling his forehead against my own.
"Well, then. That medication must have improved your honesty…" I attempted to tease back but probably failed epically by how warm and submissive my tone came off.
I could see a flirtatious smirk arise from his lips before witnessing a gleam of accomplishment in his eyes.
"I believe last time I checked, this kind of interaction was called flirting. It's a thing a lot of young people do. Although, I suppose you wouldn't have much of an idea of what that looked like, now wouldja shadz?" He provoked before squeezing my cheek playfully.
"Excuse me, what?!" I quickly snapped back before immediately jumping a foot farther down the bed and rubbing my hand against the part of my cheek that was just squeezed.
"You really don't remember anything, do you? The night we got blasted. I assumed so since you never said anything to me afterwards. I suppose it's for the best." He teased seductively while swooping his legs onto the bed and crawling back over to me before nuzzling his head into my lap.
"Hedgehog. What the hell happened?" I queried concerningly before freezing in response to the uncomfortable placement of his mouth that was just gently grazing my crotch.
I could feel the warmth of his breath against my pelvis as he sneakily placed his ungloved hand against my upper thigh, gently rubbing his finger in a circular motion against my soft ebony fur.
My mind screeched into a panicked frenzy as his stupid chaos energy (what little he had left) flushed throughout the whole lower half of my body.
I moved away out of my own volition, and he dared to crawl back to me and into my lap. This was absolutely sexual harassment. What made him think that he had permission to do this?!
Then it hit me… I could move his head at any time, and I didn't. I could bop him against his little skull and scold him for his obnoxious behavior like I frequently did, but I just sat here complaining that he was pushing my boundaries. He wasn't holding me against my will… I gulped in disappointment as I realized that this was probably what I wanted...
"Whoopsies. I already said too much. You're going to need to remember on your own. I can't spoil the surprise." He flirted before turning his head a little and planting a very abrupt yet firm kiss on my crotch.
The overwhelming rush of energy slid up my spine as my body flinched his head right off in the complete other direction. I saw him land with a thud against the front of the hospital bed before hurrying back to a sitting position. He then wiped his hand across his mouth in an attempt to remove the saliva coating his lips as his eyes glistened with perverted desire. I was quick to put my hands in front of my body in revolution to any other surprise sexual attacks.
"Off! Surprise?! What surprise? This is not funny, Sonic. You tell me right now or so god help —." I attempted to lecture before quickly being cut off by a rather irritating little rodent's obnoxious and satisfied laughter.
"Chaos, you crack me up. You threatening me is always a treat—anyway, enough of that. I missed you, Shadz. Probably more than any of my other friends, and I miss Tails a TOOOON. Please, tell me more about your trip. Did you save lives? Did you meet a little girl who reminded you of Maria? Did you finally get to see the Fantomi mountains like you said you would? Don't spare a single detail." He teased sarcastically before placing the palms of his hands against his cheek in curiosity.
"Your lucky I'm willing to overlook this uncomfortable moment, Sonic." I replied coldly before plopping my feet onto the floor and standing while crossing my arms across my body.
"Sooo, You really want to know what I did on my trip?" I cooed teasingly before tilting my head in sarcastic playfulness.
"Duh! That's why Im askin'! Dumby!" He replied playfully with his eyes filling with excitement and anticipation.
It looks like my little stupid ramboxious yet childlike brat is back. I wonder how long it will last this time.
"I spent it missing home and wondering when I might get to talk to you next and when you stopped contacting me, I thought maybe you had gotten sick of me. But, I suppose at this rate, you were just toying with my feelings." I spat coldly while rolling my eyes in annoyance.
That's right… I keep forgetting that I'm nothing but a toy to this idiot, hence why I try so hard to keep my composure. I bet he will be boasting about this moment for the rest of eternity.
"You must be jokin'. Me? Sick of you? Ridiculous. I can barely keep myself off of you, heh. I mean I'm sure ya know by now that they took away my phone and almost everything else, but there wasn't a day that went by where I didn't beg them to let me make just one phone call. It really sucks that I caused you so much agony. Then and now. But I really did try." He confessed back with his hand reaching out to me in earnest apology.
Not going to fall for it, Hedgehog. You're trying to pull me back into your warm, inviting trap.
"Tsk. I knew there had to be a reason. You are Sonic the Hedgehog, stubborn as hell, never backs down from a challenge, and never knows when to shut that trap of his, Sonic. It is no surprise that you were able to survive weeks in isolation." I replied before putting my hand out in rejection to his offer to come closer.
"Never thought you'd be so good at pep talks, Shadz. I'm impressed. Ya. It feels like I've been here forever. Nothing is in my control anymore, and I keep losing my willpower to stay sane. Sometimes, I feel jealous of some of the other patients. They can thrash and threaten all they want without a care in the world. But if I throw a fit, I get claimed as 'unfit for society' and thrown on the chopping block." He whined before glancing down in disappointment.
"Sonic. As I said before, I am certain that G.U.N. has plans for you. They just have to win over the court first. Once they do, they can decide where you can go to rehabilitate that is not somewhere so. Desolate." I replied in an attempt to comfort him, which I now figured was just going to trigger whatever controlling dominant personality he had thrown at me a few minutes ago.
"Ya. Sadly, this is the only location with the ability to handle and detain extremely powerful Mobians like myself, heh. They use this special Chaos Energy sucking engine thingy. I don't know too much about it as G.U.N created it. But uh, unless I get this dark form that killed Ivo under control, I may never be allowed to live a normal life again." He explained fearfully while biting down on his lower lip in anxiety.
So, maybe that's why I felt so drained and exhausted? I wondered how they drained the chaos energy out of Mobians? Sonic's dark form must be extremely powerful if they have to resort to that to keep him from harming others. I gulped at the thought of being face to face with an uncontrollable monster. Although not in the way, I had thought I would. I felt… excited, if not a little aroused, but why?
"I suppose it is best not to think of that right now. If there is one thing you have taught me Hedgehog, it is optimism. And while I normally scoff at the idea, I feel like this may be the best time to try and learn how to swallow my pride and support you to the best of my ability until you can get back on your feet." I exclaimed while crumpling my fist in determination and continuing to stand my ground and a few feet from him.
Right. That is why I am here, and even though this stupid hedgehog is testing my patience, I need to remain confident and calm. He is obviously not thinking straight and needs to escape this hell hole as soon as possible. Focus, Shadow. Focus.
I glanced at Sonic's emerald eyes, which were now glimmering with excitement and relief as I watched his shoulders finally relaxed a little.
"You really are gonna go through all dis trouble for me, Shadz? After everything I've done?" He asked gently before smiling in contentment.
"Quite the contrary. I am doing it after everything you have done for me. I feel like it is time for me to return the favor." I responded before nodding my head and resting my hand against my hip in my typical unaffected pose.
Hedgehog hesitated for a minute as I gave him a moment to accept my supportive gesture. I'm sure it's unusual for him to see me so determined, and I really didn't want to overwhelm him with support.
"You really are the ultimate lifeform; you know that. Only someone with a pure soul would be willing to do what you're doing even though you don't like me. Likewise, I am still going to have to turn down your offer." He finally admitted before releasing an uncomfortable sigh.
"Excuse me…?!" I exclaimed as my closed eyes flung open in response to such a firm rejection.
I growled in frustration before contemplating how in the world I was going to get this dumb idiot to believe my honest intentions. I shuffled a little against the ground while considering if I should try to move closer to him again. That seemed to help with the intimacy a little more, but it also increased the chances of sexual harassment again.
"Shadz. You have enough on your plate. I'm not in a state where I can make the best impression. If I do make it out of this alive, I want our friendship to stay intact. We have made so much wonderful progress, and I want to eventually go back to the way things were. I feel it is best to do this on my own. I know, I always stress teamwork and blah blah blah, but our relationship is just too fragile and beautiful to risk destroying, okay?" He explained softly before glancing gingerly at the cold tile dirtied with decades of foot traffic.
"I… I do not know how to respond to that… I did not expect —"I attempted to reply but was cut off by sudden murmuring.
"All I need from you is to stay safe and away from me, someone who can hurt you. That will be more than enough support and don't worry about returning the favor. You already have. I could never imagine you reaching out to me like this in the past, and even though these events have all but shattered me, hearing your voice, knowing you care. It gives me energy I haven't felt in weeks. That means a lot to me. Like alooooottt." He confessed before gently placing a tight fist on top of his heart.
He swung his feet back and forth against the bottom of the bed before bashfully glancing to the side.
"You. You mean a lot to me, is what I'm trying to say. So, stay safe. For my sake." He finished bittersweetly before taking in a long deep breath.
It was clear to me that this wasn't what he actually wanted. Did he really think that I wouldn't be able to stand up to his dark form? I am Shadow the Hedgehog, for crying out loud!
"Hedgehog… Who the hell do you think you are talking to? I am not some fragile butterfly like your pathetic girlfriend, Rose. I can handle myself, and I can handle anything you throw at me. Sure, you may have killed the doctor, but he was a feeble human. I am Shadow the Hedgehog, the ultimate lifeform, and I did not come here to have my kindness rejected. I came here to show how much I actually care. Likewise, do NOT underestimate me!" I bellowed before running towards him and violently wrapping my hands around his muscular, tight shoulders.
His eyes lit up in confusion and interest as he attempted to cut me off once again, but I was quick to cut him off just the same.
"Do not underestimate our trust for one another! Do I make myself clear?! We have a bond that the others do not. We have seen and shared horrible events that others cannot possibly comprehend. We know we can take on one another. That is why we constantly battled without fear of destroying each other. We trust one another with our lives. We are not fragile…" I explained as I lost what little composure I had remaining and began to shake his shoulders in pure frustration.
I could feel a single tear stream down my cheek as I had finally had enough of walking on eggshells around this guy. I want him to know how I feel… I need him to know! I can't play this stupid game anymore.
"We, as a pair, are indestructible, and we always will be!" I bellowed at the top of my lungs before freezing as soon as I realized how much of my inner feelings I had actually expressed.
I hesitated for a moment as I swear I could see a twinkle shoot out of my faker's eyes. This was bad, really bad, and I couldn't even tell exactly if they were twinkles of admiration or seduction, but I knew something had switched in his brain.
A dark aura began enveloping his whole body as his toothy grin gently bit down on his glistening lips.
He sneakily slid his hand into my own before pulling me until I was resting on his lap, facing his now dark and demanding face. His ungloved hands started to move hungrily down the sides of my waist until I could feel them rest against my hips. He yanked them towards him a little so that my tail fell in between his thighs. He squeezed his thighs together until he trapped my tail in its grasps.
My mind went completely blank as my heart raced with both anticipation and fear. His cold, dark body was both euphoric and painfully overpowering to be this close to. This had to be him, wasn't it? The man who possibly murdered Ivo in cold blood. It was in my best interest not to piss him off as I had no idea how I could fight against him with all my energy drained. Somehow, though even with fear rushing through my veins, there was an overwhelming desire to push myself even closer. I could feel my urge to gently grind against those firm legs grow with every passing heartbeat, and I could hear a sadistic yet playful chuckle release from this dark Hedgehog's lips.
"Damn, you are just too precious. Look at you… Hypnotized by my presence like before. You REALLY don't remember, do you? How you couldn't fight it anymore and gave in to your own sexual instincts. It's odd because you even told me you would never forget the moment for as long as you lived. Well, I suppose I will have to send a little reminder." His low and booming voice explained before sliding those warm gloveless hands (currently causing every part of my body to tingle with pure ecstasy) up my chest and wrapping them around my chin, now currently soaked with the saliva of my needy mouth.
My ruby half-lidded eyes met emerald as I felt a warm, set of chapped lips press against my own. I had no control over my movement any longer as I swear I could feel my body melt into a puddle of goo while his other hand carefully slid onto my needy crotch, almost like he could hear my mind screaming need for more stimulation.
My crotch tingled with that powerful chaotic ecstasy, making me too high to even care that I was no longer in control of myself. I pushed my lips deeper into his own, quickly concluding that I had, in fact, kissed back. I could tell how badly I wanted it too because my shame was officially overpowered with lust. Finally, I had given in completely and allowed my body to sink against his chest, which was currently flickering with dark spurts of what I presumed was chaos energy. My mind continued to scream for more as he ever so subtly slid his ungloved fingers up and down my crotch before resting at the tip of my tail, now stiffened with arousal.
The kiss continued as our lips softly and smoothly caressed one another, a difficult feet for two hedgehogs who were likely about ready to give in and just take each other on the spot. It was strange, though. The kiss felt almost animalistic, like a mating ritual of some kind. It was distant, yet passionate. Forceful yet gentle. It really did feel like I was being held against my will, but at the same time, I knew I could leave if I really wanted to. Or could I? the more I tried to fight to stay in control, the harder my mind suppressed me. The soft glide of this being's digits was starting to drive my mind to insanity. I had neglected my needs and desires for too long, and i suppose this was my punishment.
"More…" I begged so softly between kisses; it was practically inaudible as I pushed my crotch even harder against his soft, heavenly fingers.
I received a low chuckle in response to my earnest and needy request as my body was minutes away from pulling this man on top of me and closing my eyes until a satisfying sexual release was achieved.
"Not here, my pet. But soon. Very soon…" The dark, mysterious hedgehog mumbled back, his seductive words resonating in my ears for what felt like an eternity.
He tilted his head slightly before pulling back just enough for our lips to part, streams of saliva falling from both our mouths while hefty but satisfying huffs filled the warm airways. I couldn't help but whine in disappointment as I attempted to press my lips against his own again, only to receive a cold rejection.
What is this man doing to me?! Why was I allowing myself to be putty in his hands. He had to be hypnotizing me or something because there is no way I would do this willingly.
That tingling feeling continued to rush through my lips until it shot through my spine and down to my now tight crotch as I swear it was ready to explode from the little demon growing inside. This man would have two options if this continued, and those were either screw me or kill me. At this point, I think I preferred death.
The rubbing ceased as my head collapsed softly onto his chest. His eyes slowly opened, exposing a pair of glimmering yet very tiny emerald eyes as a sadistic smirk formed on his wet muzzle.
"Don't ya get it, Shadz. I'm trying to protect you. That was just a small taste of what will happen if you let my dark side ensnare you. I was able to stay in control all these years because I was nowhere near my breaking point. But now I feel like I can't hold it back any longer, and it has one desire, one need, and one goal." He explained uncomfortably with his fingers gently combing through my quills now sticky with sweat.
I could have fallen asleep if it wasn't for my little soldier, poking and prodding in a desperate need to escape from his furry prison. I tightly contracted my pelvic muscles, keeping him nestled in his little cacoon as I attempted to douse my needy thoughts with unflattering imagery.
"Do I even have to say it? He wants you. No, he needs YOU, Shadow. And not in a cutesy, lovey-dovey kind of way either. In a dark, sadistic, filthy kind of way, and Chaos knows I'm going to let it hurt you. I will never let him harm your kind soul, and I can only be in control for so much longer." He continued while squeezing me tightly and gently nibbling the tip of my ear before following it with a possessive growl.
My mind was just starting to come back to me as my heart slowed with comfort. I couldn't even deny that I wanted the biting to continue, if not much harder and more aggressively, but I knew it would just make me more excited and needy.
"You need to leave, Shadow. I can't… Please, don't let him hurt you." I could hear uttered sweetly in the back of my mind as I pulled myself away from his chest before looking up to him in confusion.
He yanked me off his body before pushing me towards the door, causing me to tumble forward to the ground. I turned to face him as the dark aura continued to engulf him and his voice seemed to become more distorted with every following sentence.
"But Sonic. I can handle—-" I attempted to reply before cringing at the dark, monstrous-looking demon in front of me.
His body twitched with extreme flickers of energy spewing out of him like small fireworks as my hands reached out in an attempt to touch his powerful chaos energy rippling off of him like flames. He barely even resembled a hedgehog anymore, with his dark energy shadowing any outline of Mobian form.
It was so alluring and fascinating. Something so powerful-looking and yet beautifully destructive. Maybe even more deadly than myself, and while I was quick to shove down any weird temptations under most circumstances, but I wanted it to ram me into euphoric oblivion. I suppose that golden demon helped me accept a part of myself I had often neglected. The part of me that had always wanted to be taken by another force above me. As one can imagine, being the ultimate lifeform can be a bit tedious at times. I know I can always destroy whatever gets in my way and do so without even trying, but this thing.
This thing looked dangerous… it felt exciting. I didn't care about the risk of death was as it was a chance worth taking. I wanted this thing to dominate me as I had previously done to so many others. I wanted it to take me right here, right now, in this cold desolate little hospital room.
My eyes adjusted as this aggressively powerful dark force started approaching me. He glared at me for a second, only inches from my face, before aggressively grabbing onto my shoulder. I looked up at him as if I was actually seeing Chaos himself and bit down on my lip in curiosity.
Please, show me what you're actually capable of, Hedgehog. I want to see it with my own eyes… I want to feel it. I want to hear its dark, booming voice command me until my body goes limp with submissivity. Please...
"LEAVE!" He finally bellowed before shoving me out of the door and face-first into the hallway.
I could hear a door slam behind me as my knees collapsed to the ground in complete exhaustion. My mind stuttered a moment as whatever hypnotic trance I was put under started to cease. That thing… That thing was a work of beauty. How Sonic managed to hide it for so many years floored me, and in a way, I wish he hadn't.
I released a frustrated whine as the feeling that came to replace the euphoria was a cold chill of neediness. Was I really contemplating letting that THING have its way with me? What the hell is wrong with me. It could have killed me!
I shook my head some as I started to remember what Sonic and I were discussing before I was so rudely hypnotized. What was this event Sonic was talking about when we were wasted? What was he trying to remind me? At this point, I figured we probably had sex or something, but why can't I remember? It still floored me as a few nurses finally rushed over to check and make sure I wasn't injured.
I reassured them all that I was fine before attempting to stand and turn to face the door to Sonic's room. This had finally gone too far for my taste. I really was sick of this stupid game. Why did Sonic suddenly admit to wanting me after all of these years? It's not like I wasn't open to the idea of rough dirty, forceful intercourse with no strings attached, although it would be hard for me to admit that to him. What was triggering this angry, violent, sexual predator (maybe a bad choice of words), anyway?
What did Ivo do that faithful night to trigger this demon, and is there any way to fix it before any more damage is done? And why do I want it so badly? What will he do to me if I let him take me? Will I die? Why does it want me to begin with?!
What it the world is going on?!