Thanks for the reviews, faithful readers! I'm glad that people like this story!

I know that most of you didn't like the cliffhanger, but i'll try not to do it again, unless I can't think of a good way to end the chapter.

Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story.

Chapter 5

Sonic kept running. He didn't care where he ended up. 'Why didn't he tell me?' he thought angrily.

He couldn't believe that Shadow had kept something like this from him! Then again, they had met just earlier that day. Still, what gave Shadow the right to hide a secret that big? That important?

He ignored the reasons Shadow had said that kept him from revealing the particular information.

He felt like his whole world was crashing down on him again.

"Sonic, watch out!"

Sonic had been so lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize that he was heading for one of the balconies outside. When he did, he tried to stop in time, but he crashed into the railing, breaking it, and was sent hurtling to the ground.

Luckily, Shadow had managed to catch him by the wrist before gravity could completely take over.

Sonic looked up at his rescuer, confused and surprised, but hurt was still evident in his eyes.

"Sonic…I understand your pain, but give me a chance to explain everything, and…if you want to, you can stay here permanently."

"You don't understand…you'll never understand."

"Then help me understand. I want to ease your suffering, but I can't do that if you don't trust me."

"Why should I trust you?! You should've told me when you found me!"

"I wanted to, but I thought that if we had some trust between each other, it would be easier to tell you the truth!"

"Easier for me? Or for you?"

"For the both of us, but you especially. I thought that you would be able to handle the truth better if we had a stronger bond."

"Your thoughts were selfish!"

"They weren't selfish," Shadow reasoned, pulling Sonic up. "I was thinking of you the whole time."

"It sure as hell didn't seem like it!" Sonic yelled.

Shadow's eyes narrowed. "Watch your language!" he scolded.

"Why should i?! I'm not a little kid!"

"But you're not an adult, either, Sonic! You still have some restrictions until you are!"

"In case you forgot, I've lived in the streets the past couple of years! I had no restrictions!"

"Would you rather live out on the streets fighting for food and being scorned? Or live somewhere where you don't have to worry about that anymore?"

Sonic looked away, conflict in his dual-colored eyes. Where did he want to live?

Shadow, understanding that his son needed time to think, let go Sonic's wrists. "It's your decision. When you're ready to answer, I'll be in the den." He turned to leave, but before he did leave, he said, "If you leave, you're free to come back at any time. My doors are always open to you." And with that, he left the balcony.

Sonic sat down, leaning on the section of rail that hadn't broken, thinking of the pros and cons of both choices.

If he left, he'd be free again, but he would have to deal with hunger, finding shelter from the elements, and hate.

If he stayed, he'd have food, a nice home, and a family, but it also meant he would have to stick to any rules that Shadow set.

What was he going to do?

30 minutes later…

"I've made my decision."

Shadow looked up from staring at the fireplace, and turned to look at his son. "Well?"

T.B.C.

…JUST KIDDING!

"I've decided…that I want to stay. I mean, I know I got used to being on the streets, but…I used to think that one day, I would find a family. Now that it's happened, I don't want to lose that now. I want to live here with you…dad."

Shadow's eyes widened in surprise. Did Sonic just…?

Before he knew it, Sonic was being hugged again. This time, though, he hugged back.

Their family bond had been rekindled.

T.B.C. (for real this time)

lol I couldn't resist tricking you guys. Sorry. Also, sorry for the wait. It was a combination of writer's block, and being out of town again, this time for student orientation at SFASU. (Stephen F. Austin State University) Axe 'em Jacks!

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