Hello! I did have a plan fr this next chapter when I wrote last chapter. Sadly I have forgotten this plan. Ah well, I'm winging it ;) there was a basic idea flowing through it all anyhow. So please forgive my lateness and enjoy the next instalment!

Disclaimer: Yeah...no.

Never had Shadow thought something so small could create so much… chaos.

Shadow couldn't recall putting a sauce into the little boys lunch, but the evidence suggested he had. Gloveless paws, fur stuck up and down with sticky stuff, had left ghosts in their wake. Paw prints weren't his only problem. Bread crumbs coated the floor, table, chair and even Sonic looked like he'd been rolling in the stuff. His fur was fused in various places, his quills either pierced various ingredients or were dripping with what Shadow guessed was the same sauce?

His muzzle was the worst though. Bits of just about everything he remembered (and didn't remember) putting into the sandwich was swirling around his gob like the distorted galaxy encircling a black hole. Might as well have been a black hole considering he vacuumed that up in no time at all.

The Ultimate Life Form was noticeably reluctant to get within arms length of the grubby little creature. But, casting his sneer aside, he reached out and gingerly took the empty plate. After placing it on the sink to be thoroughly cleansed he returned to that dining table and thrust a damp wash cloth at the hoglet. Who blinked up at him in confusion. " Use this-" Shadow shook the rag, water droplets spraying in all directions, to emphasise his point. "-to wash off that grime you managed to get all over yourself." With understanding Sonic grasped the cloth in his hands and began the arduous task of gunk removal.

The Ultimate Lifeform stood with a wince and pained expression as he was forced to observe Sonics pitiful and futile display. His uncoordinated limbs hindered his ability to properly remove any grime from his now downy fur. After a good 7 minutes Shadow had no other option than no swipe the cloth from the humming hedgie. Needless to say the humming came to a confused stop as Sonic tried to figure out what was happening, when he did the cloth was already making a beeline for his muzzle. Initiate evasive manoeuvres!

Shadow had a half decent excuse to manhandle his charge which was bestowed upon him as Sonic practically launched himself in surprise from his chair to the solid tiles below. Obviously Shadow had no other option than to reach out and grab the hoglets arm lest he fall to his 'doom'. While Sonic was grateful for the save he was less than impressed when Shadow, for at least the third time that day, wouldn't let go. Instead Shadow saw it as an opportunity to restrain his rival so as to remove all substances sticky and icky from his person, before he was re-released back into Shadows home.

Sonic was permitted to leave the chair only when every crumb had been eradicated. He dropped to the floor, landing on his socked feet, with a huff. Giving the elder a pointed stare which read 'I really don't like you right now!', before stomping off, quills as bristled as their stumpy-ness would allow and nose high in the air. Shadows brow was soon finding its single raise default position.

"Stoopid Faker… Guhrr… do it myself…" Sonic had began his temper march around the corridors, not really knowing where he was going. "Huff… think he is?...hurgh!... not a little…" And muttering complaints under his breath. Though these were thankfully cut short when he hit the ground.

"Gah!" Upon picking his tiny body up he soon discovered the culprit to his fall from grace. "Grrr… dumb shoe… who put it there?"

Shadow. That's who. He realised this when he noticed that a not Shadow sized coat and gloves and hat and scarf accompanied said shoes… Granted they were a bit big for Sonic, but with the sleeves etc rolled up they'd cling to his frame. They were definitely intended for him. "What?"

"You need some things in your own size. These will do for one outing."

"I'm sorry. I don't follow." Actually he did follow but was praying he was wrong.

"You are going to put on those clothes and we are going to go shopping so that the next time we go out you will have new ones that won't have to be rolled up four times." Sonic opened his mouth to protest but was cut off with a "And IF you don't do it this instant I will do it for you."

"Hah, what? You'll put em on yourself? I didn't think the Ultimate Lifeform would need a coat are-" All the ebony hedgehog had to do was lift the coat in front of the child's face. Sonic swiftly began, slightly clumsily, donning the coat with puffed up cheeks and a frown on his face.

Shadow and Sonic walked to the nearest shopping centre (they did run the first few minutes, but Shadows heart was in his mouth for most of it. Sonic was again a little… disoriented at this size. Though he did promise Sonic that'd be one of the first things on their list of to-do's) Sonic sulked once he realised the reason for their outing when entering' generic clothing store for all ages number 1' Shadows stern reminders (with terrifying undertones) kept him mostly in check.

If he was perfectly honest though, his spirits were lifted when a lovely shop assistant came to assist them. He had to remain in character of course, Shadow had reminded him how embarrassing and potentially dangerous it could be for him should his condition become common knowledge. So naturally he was as cute and adorable as possible, using kid speech and fluttering his eyelashes. Shadow could only roll his eyes at the pretty female porcupine fawned over his charge helping them get suited and booted, all the while inserting 'aws' into the appropriate places.

Shadow spent a good hour at least in the store, he left with a sizeable hole in his bank account and five full carrier bags. Sonic spent the same amount of time, zero money and was given a lollipop for his 'good behavior'. Of course the porcupine got Shadows permission before giving the little hedgie the sweet, Shadow was only too happy agree considering it would shut him up for a few minutes.

When the silent spell of the lolly wore off Sonic found himself inside another building. As a result of gleaning the most possible from the stick for the last few seconds of their stroll, little blue didn't notice the sign.

"Huh? Shads? Where are we?"

Shadow ignored him. Sonic couldn't see his face since he was partially leaning on the counter and the little hedgie was now far to small to peer past it. He missed part of the conversation being held over the front desk but managed to tune in when Shadow started to speak louder.

"Probably about 5. I will telephone to inform you if there is any delay."

"Okay, that's great. We'll make everything is sorted for 5."

"Thank you." With that the older hog knelt down on one knee, putting both hands on his rivals shoulders. Looking him in the emerald eyes he said "Sonic, best behaviour now. I'll see you soon." With that he ruffled his quills and began walking out, automatic doors scampering out of his way.

Noticing that the little boy looked ready to take off after his 'daddy' the vixen swiftly swayed her way from behind the desk to grab his little paw. She put on the sweetest smile she could conjure as he whipped his head around. Looking down into his swirling green pools she felt compelled to comfort him.

"It's all right sweetie. Your Daddy is gonna be back real soon. But till then you're gonna have so much fun with all the other kids at the nursery!"

For some reason he didn't look so comforted by her attempts.

Tah dah! Hope you liked it, please let me know :) aw poor little Sonic, guess Shadow and I have far too much fun picking on him.

Take care, till next time

Bletherskite / E-198Lou