Bottom of Form

New chapter, guys! Had some fun writing this one, you'll see a bit of a bond forming between Sonic and Shadow… Still no meddling from Silver yet, sorry! But Tails is gonna be in it!

On a side note, I'm considering abandoning/deleting Turn Back the Clock. It's a nice concept, but I just don't feel that motivated to continue with it. If you care, give your thoughts.

Anyway, I don't own Sonic or Shadow, otherwise I wouldn't be writing fanfiction. And I'm sorry for the absolute shiteness of the title, the pun kinda works. A bit. Anyway, on with the show!

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"Would Sir care for any more food?"

The albino hedgehog stood at the head of the table, hands by his side and head held high, his stance giving off both an air of formality and casualness. While the long table was intended to be used for feasts and banquets, only two people were currently seated at it, Shadow and Sonic. Between them were several smudged, silver trays, some still holding the odd bit of leftover food.

"No, that will be all, thank you…" Shadow replied, leaning back in his chair, napkin in hand, wiping crumbs from his tan muzzle. "You may clear the table when you are ready, Silver."

The butler simply nodded, leaning across the table and picking up the empty trays, expertly balancing them on his hands and arms. He slowly made his way across the dining hall and through a passage hidden in a niche in the wall, which led off to the palace's kitchen.

"So, Sonic…" Shadow began, eyes drifting from the retreating Silver. "How was breakfast?"

"It was very nice, thank you master…" He said, smiling at Shadow. The smile still contained no warmth, though. Even if Shadow seemed nice, Sonic had been owned by people who acted the same before. They would build up a sense of security, and when he was least expecting it, bam, just like the dream. He was beginning to think all the nobility derived some sick pleasure from tormenting their pets.

Shadow returned the smile, a genuinely warm, sincere smile. "Glad you enjoyed it. It's not the best food we've had, but the harvest was rather bad this year, sadly…"

"Oh no, it's fine… It was amazing, compared to some of the things I've had…"

The Lord pressed his lips together. He didn't want Sonic to have to recall any bad memories. That would only breed mistrust, and that was the last thing that he wanted right now. "Anyway," He said, trying to change the subject. "Would you like to go get fitted for your clothing now?"

"I guess so…" Sonic sighed, slowly getting up from his chair. "Where is it?"

"It's just down in the village. They've been tailoring for my family for generations, so don't worry too much. I'm pretty good friend's with the owner."

"Alright…" Sonic said, feeling a little reassured as he raised his head. "Let's go…"

Shadow strolled through the crowded marketplace. The square was a sea of noise and colour, every sound, aroma and sight revealing a little more about the market. Knowing this, one could infer that the bazaar was a very difficult place to navigate, which would be true for a commoner, but as Shadow made his way through, the crowd seemed to separate in his path, the people looking on in fear and awe as the black hedgehog made his way through, closely followed by his slave. It was not as though he had much choice though; Shadow had insisted that he wear a leash and collar before they had left. Sonic had found the concept ridiculous and faintly insulting at first, but a few minutes after entering the village, Sonic was beginning to see why Shadow had wanted him to wear it, even without the people the place was a maze. Besides, Sonic found the collar strangely comfortable compared to the shoddy rope loops he was used to. Both it and the leash were made of smooth leather that almost caressed his skin, rather than chafe it. Shadow never attempted to drag him by it, or rush him, either. Sonic supposed he should respect Shadow for that.

"This is it." Shadow said rather suddenly, stopping outside a building. The small store was almost identical to the others that flanked its sides, save for a small sign hanging above the street marked with the word 'Tailor'. Sonic simply nodded slightly in response, looking around the store front. He jumped slightly as Shadow pushed the wooden door open, the loud ringing of the small bell startling him. A fox standing at the counter looked up as the couple entered. "Oh, hello, Lord Shadow." The yellow vulpine said cheerfully.

"Good morning, Miles!" The Lord replied, walking up to the desk. "How's everything going here?"

"Business as usual…" The fox said simply, his eyes moving to stare at Sonic. "I see you have bought a new pet."

"Yes, I have. His name's Sonic, by the way." Shadow explained, gently stroking Sonic's quills as he did.

Miles smiled gently at Sonic, reaching out to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you, Sonic. I'm Miles, Miles Prower."

"Hello…" Sonic murmured, tentatively reaching out his hand and gripping the fox's.

The tailor turned back to Shadow. "I take it you want me to measure him up?"

"Yes, if you would. I have to step out to get a few things, I trust you can take care of everything?"

"Of course, my Lord."

"Excellent." Shadow turned to Sonic and gently kissed him on the forehead. "I'll be back soon, you'll be OK here with Miles. I promise."

"OK, master…" Sonic said, trying his best to sound convincing. Even if he didn't completely trust the hedgehog, he at least knew that for now, he wanted to keep him safe. With this fox, anything could happen.

Oblivious to the conflict in Sonic's mind, Shadow simply grinned, passing the handle of the leash to Sonic before sliding back out the door.

"Well, Sonic, this way pleased." The kitsune smiled as he lifted up a part of the counter, creating a small walkway. The blue hedgehog followed him out into a back room, which contained a mirror, a loom, and a few other devices and items that Sonic had never seen or recognised.

"Stand on here, please." Miles requested, gesturing to a small pedestal in front of the looking glass. Sonic nervously poked the platform with his foot, slowly climbing onto it.

"So, Sonic…" Miles began, as he grabbed a few items out of a box. "How are you?"

"I'm fine…" Sonic replied. Silence, for a few seconds. "H-how are you?" He said nervously.

Miles simply chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Pardon me for the awkwardness, I usually get a little nervous when dealing with the Lord… He's a nice man, but he's still got that feared stigma, you know? Being a Lord and all…"

"He seems nice…" Sonic murmured, staring at the floor. "Do you and him get on well?"

"Yes, I've known him since I was a child. We're pretty good friends, he helps fund the business, and I usually get a high seat at the annual feast."

"Oh…" Sonic grunted, a squeal escaping his muzzle as he felt the cold measuring tape against his side. "Uh, sir…"

"Please, call me Miles!" The yellow kitsune grinned.

"Uh, Miles…" The slave began, raising his head as the tape measure was pushed under his chin. "H-have there been any… Before me?"

"What, slaves?"

The hedgehog nodded meekly.

"Of course, Shadow is a Lord, after all. It's traditional for the nobility to own pets."

"Oh… What happened to them?"

"Most escaped…" Miles explained, carefully wrapping the tape measure around Sonic's neck. "A few died in his care, though… Not by his hand, fortunately."

"Did he treat them well?"

"In fact, yes, he did. He's a very odd person, sometimes…"

Sonic mentally sighed in relief, tensing up as Miles wrapped the measure around his hips. At least he knew he would be somewhat safe with Shadow.

"Hmm… 63…" The kitsune murmured, staring at the tape. "May I say, you have a nice figure, Sonic."

"Oh… Thank you…" Sonic mumbled, a faint blush forming. He wasn't used to compliments from strangers, or compliments at all.

"Anyway…" Miles began, as he entered the measurements into a small book. "I've got all that I need, so all that's left is to pick the colours, and we should wait for Shadow to return before we do that…" Almost on cue, the small bell rang in the storefront. "Ah, wait here…" The fox said, making his way out the front.

Sonic took the moment of peace to look around the room. Unlike the storefront, this room was quite untidy, with cloth, thread and other paraphernalia strewn around. Quite a number of mannequins populated the room as well, all covered with a range of vibrant clothing. The hedgehog's eyes fell upon a green and white tunic, he liked it a lot. The two colours were gentle, yet eye-catching together. What would it look like on him…

A kiss on the cheek brought him back to reality. "I'm back." Shadow said, holding up a small bag. "And I've got you a surprise."

"Alright, Shadow, we just need you to select a colour for the outfit…" Miles explained, walking over to the loom. "Which ones would you like?"

Shadow stared at the many spools of thread. Which to choose, which to choose... He looked back up at his slave. Which colours would best display his beauty to the world? Following the pet's gaze, his eyes also fell upon the green and white shirt.

"Hmm… You know…" Shadow began, a small smile emerging on his jaw. "I think something just like that piece would be great."

"Ah, I agree." Miles said, running his hand along the tunic. "I should have this done in a few days," He explained as he walked over to the loom. "I'll have someone send in up to your manor when it's finished."

"That'd be excellent, thank you Miles." The Lord pulled a small bag of coins from his belt and threw it to the kitsune. "I think that should cover the payment. Have a nice day, Miles!" Shadow led Sonic out of the workroom, back into the store. "Now, Sonic, I got you something while I was out. I hope you like it…" Slowly, he opened the bag, and pulled it out.

Sonic's eyes widened as he saw it. In the Lord's hand was a black leather collar, studded with green emeralds. He gently raised his hand to touch it, running the paw over the smooth gem. "It's lovely, master…"

Shadow smiled softly. "I'm glad you like it… It wasn't cheap, to be honest. But I think you're worth it…" Slowly, he removed the old collar from Sonic and replaced it with the black one, fastening it around his neck. "Beautiful…" He declared, running a hand through Sonic's quills.

"M-master…" Sonic murmured, a little shocked by Shadow's kindness. Why was Shadow acting this way to him? What did he have to gain? He was a little frightened by it, but he didn't question him. It was not his place to.

Shadow clipped the black leather leash onto the collar, tugging on it gently. "Ready to go home?"

Sonic looked up at Shadow, a faint smile on his jaw. "Yes… My Lord…"
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As always, thanks for reading, don't forget to give a review, and don't forget to give your thoughts on abandoning TBtC!