I'm SO SORRY for the long wait for this next chapter I DIDN'T MEAN TO MAKE YOU ALL WAIT ALMOST TWO YEARS FOR THE NEXT ONE. This one has been sitting in my docs for the longest time because I just kept procrastinating over and over and I finally finished it and if I don't post it now I won't for a while so here you go! Next chapter will be the last one I promise! Sorry for an misspellings! :)))))
"YOU'RE LYING"
Shadow and Silver's hands were currently busy attempting to restrain Sonic who was thrashing in the bed attempting to rip the bandages that wrapped around his eyes.
"LET ME GO. LET ME GO. LET ME GO!"
Neither would be the first to admit it but the blue heron was strong, no matter how much they attempted to get him to stay on the bed.
"Silver, get the Nurse, I got him."
Silver eyed Shadow hesitantly before letting Shadow take over the panicked hedgehog. He runs out the hallway and Shadow can hear Silver yelling for someone.
Shadow had no choice but to climb on top of the bed, hands and legs on Sonic's wrists and thighs.
"Sonic stop, you're going to hurt yourself," but Sonic's thrashing and screams didn't cease.
"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME, WHY ARE YOU LYING!? STOP LYING-"
"Sonic we're not lying. I'm not lying. Sonic-"
"Take it off, p-please p-p-please take it off," Sonic's voice so awfully raw it drives a knife to Shadow's heart.
He stops resisting, he's so tired he can't keep fighting. He can't bring himself to believe them, a million thoughts run through his head all at once. He can't help but sob out loud.
Shadow lets go of one wrist to bring up to cup his cheek, "Shh Shh I know, it'll be okay. You're going to be okay Sonic. Shhh"
Sonic's head is lolling, sweating from the fight, it just couldn't be true.
Silver returns with a nurse, she's quick to scorn Shadow off the bed. "His vitals are stable overall, he'll just need much rest in the next few days. He should be ready to be discharged by tomorrow afternoon. All I can do at this moment is administer more morphine to relieve the pain.
Silver frowns on Shadow across from him, "That would be great, thank you."
Afters the CC's are administered Sonic grows quiet, his breathing seemed abnormal but they are certain it's to help remain relaxed. The three are quiet, not a word spoken from one another and it remains that way for awhile. That is;
"I'm sorry"
Shadow and Silver direct their eyes to Sonic, "We're the ones who should apologize," Shadow adds.
Sonic shakes his head, "It's my fault, I was stupid and reckless a-and-"
Both hedgehogs are quick to be on his side, "You did everything you could've done in that situation Sonic. The blame game isn't going to help anyone moving forward," Silver contradicted.
"It could've been any of us."
They all remained quiet, Silver left it at that. Surely he didn't want to cause more harm than good in this situation right now.
The following days didn't bring any improvement. Sonic remained stubborn, hard as a board and grew easily agitated. There was no accepting this new life of his, his heart sunk to the deepest of cavities in his soul. Everything he ever wanted to do just seemed impossible, out of reach.
The walls surrounding him felt as they were closing in and beeps from the machines only made it feel more real this wasn't a fantasy.
He felt horrible of the feeling but he quite frankly couldn't take it with Shadow and Silver seeing him like this. Depending on friends and family was never his strong suit, he was bound to explore the world and live life by his moral ways without anyone limiting him.
But that soon changed so quickly and dramatically. It was slowly breaking him.
He felt like a pane of broken glass. Shattered and bleak and no matter how hard he can try to put himself back together, it'll never be the same.
Logic was thrown out the window, he felt the entire world lay on his shoulders. If he can't help stop Eggman who can he ensure the survival of his home and the planet?
Sonic could almost feel the anger of the world on him, from Tails himself to even the nurses as they seemed he was no longer a value. How quick they were to turn on their hero.
After five miserable days, the doctor cleared Sonic to be able to be taken home. Shadow and Silver could only remain humble as they know the journey to recovery was long ways from being over.
Sonic didn't know how but he somehow made it back to his bedroom. The scent of his belongings and the room proved itself. It felt like he woke up from a horrible nightmare but unfortunately he really did wake up to find himself in said fantasy turned reality.
Shadow and Silver sat the kitchen table. It was late near midnight and they settled down with a cup of coffee.
Shadow's hand cupped at his cheek, "I don't know what we're going to do Silver, he's lost. He won't let us help,"
Silver finished his sip of coffee, "He needs time but most of all he just needs our support."
"I understand how hard this can be especially for someone like Sonic but I just wish he was willing to accept the circumstances. I understand that he needs time to accept things but he can't let himself go. I won't allow it," Shadow replied.
The time traveler sighed, "He'll come around eventually, hopefully. We just need to break him out of that shell of his."
Shadow raised from his seat to place his dish into the sink when a thought enveloped, "Maybe there is a way. Maybe not us but someone else…"
He was quick to pull out his device and the first name that popped into his contacts was Tails.
Tails' hand cupped the doorknob that would lead him to his brother just on the other side. He couldn't lie to himself, he was nervous. His furry legs shook in anticipation, he could just feel how this could go all wrong and he'd have to accept it. He appreciated the call from Shadow and was horrified to hear the events of what had happened to Sonic. They had been on non-speaking terms for a minute now. Their argument weeks prior was nothing but stupid. It shouldn't have happened, it was all his fault.
"You're never here!"
"Tails I always try to make time for us but you're always cooped up in that garage!"
"So now it's my fault?"
"You know what I meant."
"You're always with someone else whether that be Shadow or Silver or even Amy for crying out loud! It's always someone else!"
"But I'll try!"
"On your time Sonic, it's always on yours."
"It's you that never has time for us, Tails."
"Right…"
"Tails I don't understand why you're blaming me?! How many times already have I tried to pry you out of that garage to be with your big bro here but always are telling me your projects are 'too important to leave behind now'. How many times please enlighten me."
The younger of two remains silent.
"Why I'm usually with Silver or Shadow or Amy, well I don't know?! Maybe because my best friend would rather mingle around with some crappy technological stuff that I'll never understand than with me."
The silence that lingers after is suffocating.
"Get out."
"What?!"
"I said GET OUT Sonic!"
The blue heron stands before his pal, stunned. He scoffs.
"So you're punishing me for your poor time management? Fine, then I'll get out your fur then."
"FINE."
"FINE."
Sonic steps out of Tails' home not caring if the door slam shut behind him leaving Tails to himself in what would be Sonic's last visual memory between the two.
Finding the courage to go in, he turned it shakily and it squeaked open as he slowly opened the door. His eyes instinctively lay on was his brother who sat on the edge of the bed staring into nothingness in what would be the sun's rays of the window if he were still able to see. He quietly closes the door behind him, eyes pinned on Sonic. He moves quietly. He finds small stool nearby and brings along to sit in front of his brother. He keeps his eyes fixed in Sonic's own. They look lifeless, deprived of any indication of the ability of sight.
Sonic knows someone's in the room but unsure who it could be. Maybe Shadow to give him his medication.
Tails makes his presence known when he takes Sonic's hands in his own, the hero flinches at his touch as it comes suddenly. The fox lets Sonic entangle his hands on his own, feeling for features only prescribed to one. Tails bring one of Sonic's hands to his face cupping his cheek, his other hand follows as he feels the one in front of him. A full furred muzzle, big ears, it couldn't be none other than, "Tails".
The twinned tailed fox smiles in pleasure, a small smile itched to form over Sonic's muzzle.
"You came," he softly voiced.
"How could I not? Wanted to come see my favorite person."
Sonic's smile faded into a frown. Tails now had guilt rising, afraid that he might've said something wrong.
"You came- you only came because I'm blind now," Sonic alluded sourly as he pulled his hands away from Tails' grasp.
Tails reflects back at their said argument. He realizes how incredibly wrong he had been to put his inventions first and Sonic last. The last time he'd seen him on that day. How angry he was towards hedgehog, how misdirected it was. That was the last impression Sonic had on him and it was Tails' biggest regret.
Understanding he deserved the coldness his older brother was giving him, he tries to explain himself all the while trying to keep his tears that threatened to spill in. "Sonic, I- I made a mistake. Y- You were right about everything. I should've made time for you when you would try to m-make t-time with me" Chaos he was tearing up now.
"My anger was misdirected." He once more entangled his hands in Sonic's. "I -I came to see you because I wanted to see you. I was going to come a few days prior but I was afraid of what you would say or if you would forgive me…"
Sonic's thumbs ran over the soft knuckles of his younger brother, he continued. "I didn't know about- about you and what happened with Eggman until I was told and I knew I had to see you a-and S-Sonic I-I'm so sor-sorry. I-I di-didn't mean-. Tails was a babbling mess at this point. He buried his face in his own hands, the guilt overwhelming him.
He feels his hands being pried from his face. Looking up through glassy eyes he sees Sonic with a small gentle smile over his muzzle and one hand goes to cup his younger brother's cheek caressing it.
"It's ok, I forgive you."
His eyes lighten, "Do you really mean it?"
Sonic holds out a fist waiting for Tails to bump it. When he finally does, "Promise." Tails sniffs as he giggles to himself. Tails decides to question Sonic carefully about the now sensitive topic. He sets the stool aside and Sonic makes way for him to sit beside him.
"S-so, you can't see anything?
Sonic inhales hesitantly, "No not really. It's hard to explain. If anything it's just very very Blurry and gray. Like a mirror after taking a hot shower. Something along those lines. Maybe a few flashes here and there but not much."
They both stay silent after
"At least I'll always remember what you look like," the hedgehog stated humbly.
"B-but you won't see me grow up. You won't be able to see my new inventions again, you won't-" he cuts himself off.
"I'm sorry Sonic, I didn't mean to downplay you."
Sonic raises a brow, "I mean it's true is it not? It is what it is." he chokes back a small sob as ears flatten.
"Hey, you can overcome this, you're the strongest person I know. Don't let this stop you from living your life to the fullest. Don't let this setback change the adventurous Sonic that I know. You're worthy to keep going."
"And Eggman?"
"We'll find a way, we always do. You know that's true."
Unsuspecting tears drizzle down Sonic's cheeks. He wanted to believe Tails he truly does but he isn't sure this time it'll follow through. He drops his head down, foiling around with his fingers.
Tails senses Sonic doubt, he brings his hands to his cheeks, "Hey, I love you. That is a fact that will never change." His throat is catching his voice. "I know that you can overcome this, I know you don't believe it in yourself but I do, more than anything."
More tears threatened to spill.
"You're allowed to feel sad. To be angry. To want to throw a fit or a tantrum of your loss. You have every right to be. I may never understand what exactly you are going through but you know just as well as I do I also have lost something too. You don't have to go through this alone because there are people like myself who are more than willing to help you through these woods you find yourself in right now. I know that right you're trying to have this brave face for everyone, not wanting everyone to see you falter and crumble in emotions but Sonic if you keep that bottled in not only will it eat you from the inside out but you'll blame yourself for something you had no fault in. You are allowed sometimes not want to be strong. You're allowed to let it all out. No one will judge you for it."
Sonic's voice is so raw. "Sometimes I don't know if I can Tails, I-I'm so t-tired. I-I'm tired of f-fighting a war I've already lost-"
"And who said this war was done? Soliders can recover and rise up again and be better than before. You just have to give us and yourself a chance."
"I- d-don't know if I can."
"Yes you can and you know that to be true more than anyone. More than me."
Sonic closes his eyes, trying to not fall apart in front of the younger one.
"Have faith, if you can't be strong for yourself just know I'll be strong for you. That's a promise."
All Sonic could do was nod.
Pondering before ultimately deciding, Tails pulls out a small box with contaminants from a pouch he had brought. He places it in the palm of Blue's hand.
Sonic feels and shakes the small box before realizing there was a flap on the small package. He pries it open and pulls out its contaminants. He feels that of a thin sheet of plastic lined with foil but it was bumpy. He shakes it bringing it close to his ear and then it hits him.
"Pills?" Sonic worded, baffled.
"Shadow told me that you've been really closed off as of late. He also mentioned you've detached from everything and cooped up in here. I only worry that it could lead to something serious."
Sonic raised a brow, still confused about what the pills purpose is.
Realizing his remaining confusion, Tails thought he should straight up clarify, "They're antidepressants, in case you need them. I won't tell Shadow or Silver or anyone for that matter. You've been through a lot, just keep those in hand when you feel the need to take one."
Although not a pleasant thought about falling into the deep end, he was still grateful for Tails to bring this to him in case he did feel like he was going to fall into it.
"Thank you," he said sincerely. He stashed them away in his quills to keep them on hand if so he ever needed them.
"Anytime, just let me know what you need and I'll be here."
Sonic smiled, "Since when did you become the caretaker?"
Tails smiled back, "You took care of me, let me take care of you for one."
He playfully scoffed, "Thank you, for everything Tails. I love you always."
"And I'll always love you too, Sonic."
The duo embraced happy tears spilling.
Tails pulled away briefly from their embrace,"Now, you gonna let Shadow, Silver, and I help you?"
Sonic sighed, he supposed this was the only way forward.
