7:23 p.m.
The sun is a warm orange, just hovering over the horizon, turning the clouds pink and purple with its soft glow. A warm breeze sweeps over the land, just enough to ruffle the leaves on the tree branches without them falling off. The only sound that can be heard other than the rustling of leaves are footsteps breaking twigs underfoot as the person finally reaches his destination. A small smile appears on the peach muzzle as he continues his way to his hometown.
Sonic takes a deep breath walking around town in Acorn Kingdom, more exhausted than he should be. It's not so much from the fight with Metal earlier, or even from the harassment he's had to deal with from that drunk guy. No, this has been an ongoing problem from a while now. It's the reason he can't stay here for more than two days-
"Oof!"
Sonic turns around and sees a kid holding a ball that had crashed into him. He lets out a chuckle before facing the young goat. "You okay?"
The brown goat turns his head upwards and blinks before fulling turning around. His eyes go wide with excitement as he clenches the ball. "Sonic!"
"Wow, it's him! He's back!" the other boy says as he runs up to his friend, both of them standing in front of the hero.
Sonic holds out his hand. "Can I?"
The kid nods his head and gives his ball to Sonic who throws it up into the air. It lands on his finger and he balances it before making it spin.
"Woah~"
"Yeah," Sonic flashes them a grin, "-I'm back." He throws the ball in the air and lets it land. He dribbles it with his feet a few times before he kicks it upwards and juggles it with his knees before sending it back to the boys.
"That was so cool Sonic!"
"Yeah, you gotta teach me how to do that!"
The hero dusts his leg off a bit before looking back at the youth, noticing he's drawn a crowd with his short performance. "Maybe next time."
"Alright! We get to learn from Sonic!"
"Yeah, he's gonna teach us some cool tricks!"
Both boys turn to leave, which Sonic does the same, or at least tries to before he sees his path blocked by the onlookers.
"Mr. Sonic?"
He turns to find the soft voice before a smile goes on his face. "Cream? What are you doing here?"
Said rabbit runs up to him and gives him a hug, which Sonic gladly returns. "You've gotten so big now. What are you, 15?"
Cream just laughs before she shakes her head. "Haha, no. You know I'm 10, Mr. Sonic. You came to my birthday party, remember?"
Sonic pulls back from the embrace as smiles go on the onlookers faces. Even if Sonic is carefree and tends to get into trouble, it's always a sight to see him make time for the youth. Sonic was always a good role model for the kids, making sure that they did the right thing and he always made it fun too.
"How could I forget? Vanilla made the best cake! Cookies too! And you," he puts his hand on top of her head, "-you really outdid yourself on the cupcakes. They were really good. I couldn't stop eating them," he pats his stomach a few times for emphasis.
Cream chuckles. "I remember Amy and Tails had to, um," she places her forefinger on her chin, trying to find the right word, "-drag you away from the table because you wouldn't stop eating."
"Hahaha, yeah, but they were so good. How could I not?" He shakes his head, trying not to get lost on that fun day. "Anyways, what're you doing all the way out here?"
The crowd finally disappears, going back to their own business Cream starts to walk with her hands behind her back as Sonic follows. "Mother said I could stay the night with Amy."
"Oh?" Sonic stretches his arms above his head as they keep walking. "How is Ames?"
"She's doing well. The bakery she and mother opened is doing really well too. I get to help out sometimes."
"Really? Aw, that's sweet."
"Haha, thank you." Cream turns to look at the hero. "And you, Mr. Sonic? How are you doing?"
Sonic drops his arms at the question. He was expecting it but for some reason it just through him off. "I-"
"Because it looks like you're really tired."
A dry laugh escapes his lips as the round a corner. "Well, yeah, you got me. I- uh, haven't really been able to sleep lately…"
"Oh." Her ears lower just a bit. She knows that Sonic has been acting a little different than normal. He's still his same fun, free-loving self, he just seems… out of it more so than not and more quiet than usual. Oh, so maybe he isn't the same but it's not something that everyone can notice, only those who actually know him have noticed the slight change.
Sonic pats her shoulder, bringing Cream out of her thoughts and gives her a thumbs-up. "Hey, I'll be alright. Just need that good night's rest, right?"
Cream can't help but smile and nod her head.
"Oh, Sonic? You're back."
Both Sonic and Cream turn their head to find Amy outside the bakery, locking it up.
"'Sup Ames."
Said hedgehog takes her quills out of the ponytail before walking up to the duo. "If I known you were coming, I would've made you a treat."
The three continue walk and round another corner, heading towards the apartment complex a few blocks away.
"Man, I should'a called."
"Nu-uh, Mr. Sonic," Cream lightly pats his wrist. "-remember what happened last time you had sweets around us."
"Right," Amy laughs, "-that was at Cream's birthday and everyone had to drag you away from the table for most of the day."
Sonic fakes a pout as they continue on their way. "You guys were such a joy kill."
"Sonic," Amy lightly pushes his shoulder, making him laugh in return, "-you were eating all of the deserts."
"What? I was just complimenting you guys on doing such a great job making them."
The three of them laugh, remembering that day before realizing they made it to their destination. Amy fishes in her pocket for her key as Cream gives Sonic another hug. He looks over towards Amy who has her fist out, which he gladly fist bumps before Cream lets him go and walks over towards the pink hedgehog.
Amy closes her eyes and takes a breath before looking at the hero. "Are you leaving tomorrow?"
Sonic just looks at his friend before closing his eyes and takes a breath. "Actually," he opens his eyes and looks at the darkened sky, "-Rouge is picking me up in two days. I'm gonna do a mission with them."
A small smile reaches Amy's lips. "Please, make sure you get some rest. Those bags do absolutely nothing for you."
"What?" Sonic smirks and puts his hands on his hips, "Didn't you know? Under-eye bags are the newest fad. Everyone's doing it."
"Really?" Cream chirps in before Amy places her hands on the rabbit's shoulders, turning her to walking into the complex as she rolls her own eyes and shakes her head. "I think I'll pass on this fashion style."
"Aw, c'mon Ames," Sonic calls out as the two continue to walk with smiles on their faces. "-you'd look great with bags under your eyes."
"Oh, shut up." Amy laughs before she leads Cream and herself inside.
Sonic just stands there for a moment, laughing at the conversation before another breath leaves his mouth. He's been doing that quite often and honestly, it's bugging him to keep taking deep breaths out of nowhere.
With that, he takes off towards his parents' house, knowing they'll let him crash there for the night.
?
Oh, my Love.
How I've waited for you to come back home. How I've long to see those gorgeous green eyes of yours. They're not emerald in color. No, they are a peridot, an even more precious gem than an emerald can be. How they gleam and glisten in the light. I long to see them dazzling in gloss as they look at me only halfway opened, with absolute lust clouding them.
How I've long to see your smiling face. The smile that makes my heart stop and beat faster at the same time. The lips connected to that smile that make me want to touch them, caress them, kiss them, lick them, suck on them, slip my tongue in between them, but most of all, to hear my name come from them every second.
How I've long to run my hands over that beautiful body of yours. To stroke your vibrant blue quills, rub your velvety peach fur, to feel the skin underneath it all. To feel your body quiver from my touch. From our act of love-making.
My Love,
I want to do some many things to you and in return I want you to do the same to me.
I want you
I NEED you
No one else can have you.
No one else can love you the way I do
In fact, no one loves you at all. They only pretend to.
But I?
I love you with every fiber of my being. I'm waiting for the day to finally meet you in person, to finally be able to express my love to you.
Just wait for me a little while longer, Love, and I'll find a way to you.
I promise.
~Your one and only other
8:23 p.m.
Sonic raises his hand to hide a yawn as he uses his other hand to knock on the door. He can feel the fatigue creeping in. He hates the feeling. To him, it feels like life is trying to drag him down. Either that, or just tell him that he's pushing himself too much and that his body can't keep up with what he wants.
…
'Yeah, I'm stick with life trying to drag me down.' Another yawn escapes his mouth before the door opens, revealing an older, blue hedgehog.
"Sonny-boy! You're back!"
"Hey Unc-" he's cut off from the tight hug his uncle is giving him. If he didn't know any better, then he would've though Amy taught Chuck to glomp him.
Quickly Sonic returns the hugs before the older hedgehog lets him go and steps to the side so Sonic can go inside.
"How are ya, Unc?" Sonic asks as he looks around, hearing the tea kettle whistle. He sees his uncle head for the kitchen and he quickly follows.
"Well, I'm doing well," Chuck moves the pot from the stove and grabs two mugs from the cabinets. He pours his nephew a cup, handing it to him, which Sonic gladly takes, and pours himself one before setting the pot back down. He walks to the table, joining the younger as he sits himself down.
Chuck has a smile on his face, happy to know that the young hero finally decided to come back home. Or, as Sonic says, "his parent's house". Sonic is trying to get his own house built a bit away from the kingdom just in case Eggman or an enemy decided to attack him, then he wouldn't have to worry about the kingdom getting damaged in the process. Of course everyone said that he didn't need to worry about anything like that, but Sonic has always been a bit stubborn.
A small laugh leaves Chuck's lips as he looks up at his nephew, only for his smile to leave. He sees Sonic rubbing his eyes and yawning before trying to grab his mug only for his head to nod, almost falling asleep on the spot.
"Sonny,"
Said hedgehog quickly opens his eyes and shakes his head, trying to wake himself up, before going for the hot beverage in front of him.
"-when was the last time you slept?"
Sonic picks up his mug and blows on it before bringing it to his lips. "Last night-"
"I mean when did you actually have a full night's sleep?" Chuck narrows his eyes. He's not mad at his nephew, it's just this is getting unhealthy for the younger.
Sonic slowly swirls the liquid in the cup before taking a sip from it. "I'm… not sure really."
A sigh leaves Chuck's lips before he reaches out to place his hand on top of Sonic's free hand. "Do you think you'll be able to tonight?"
"I doubt it." Sonic takes another sip, cracking an eye open to see a saddened look go across his uncle's face, which makes him lower his eyes. He hates to see his loved ones affected by him.
"Hey," Sonic puts his mug down and grabs his uncle's hand, "-I'm still young, right? I'll be okay. Just gotta let whatever this is pass."
Chuck closes his eyes and shakes his head, smiling at his nephew's optimism. Opening his eyes, he points his finger at the younger. "You better keep that attitude through this whole thing, you hear me?"
A big grin reaches Sonic's face as he nods. "Will do."
"Is that my baby boy I hear?"
Both hedgehogs turn to the kitchen's entrance to see Bernadette and Jules walk in, a smile on both of their faces. Sonic gets up and walks up to his parents, hugging them both on contact only to feel them both squeezing him in return.
"I missed you, my baby," Bernadette says as she kisses his forehead and squeezes him even tighter before letting go.
"I missed you too, mom," Sonic waits until he's completely released, going back to his beverage on the table. "Don't worry dad, I missed ya, too."
Jules raises an eyebrow and smirks, "Oh, I know."
The only response Jules has is a punch to his arm by his wife, which just makes all four of them laugh.
Bernadette makes her way to the refrigerator, needing to make sure that her son had a meal. "Are you hungry, baby?"
Sonic doesn't mind his mom's names for him. They had a very long talk about it and in the end, she won. It doesn't bother him anymore if she babies him or not. "Don't worry about me, ma, I'm not hungry."
Bernadette straightens up and closes the fridge with a questioning look on her face. "When was the last time you ate?"
"-"
"And I mean a real meal." She crosses her arms over her chest.
"Uh," Sonic looks to the side while scratching the back of his head, a nervous laugh leaving his lips. "-well, you know…"
"Sonic."
A sigh leaves his mouth before he answers her. "Two, maybe three days ago…? I, uh, don't remember ha ha, ah," the laugh dies in his mouth as he sees the look his mother is giving him. "Tomorrow, I promise, I'll help you make a big breakfast and I'll eat most of it myself. Promise."
Bernadette purses her lips to the side, knowing he'll keep his word but not liking the fact that her son hasn't eaten properly.
Jules picks up a plum from the fruit-bowl on the table and tosses it to his son. "Before bed, got it?"
Sonic takes it to the sink and washes it. He dries it off before taking a bit out of it. "Got it."
8:56 p.m.
"Good night son."
"Good night Sonny."
"Good night, baby."
"G'night guys." Sonic says as he closes the door to his old room. Nothing has changed in here. He stills has his racecar bed, which everyone questioned for one reason or another. The nightstand with the lamp is still there. And his dresser is in the same place. Both his acoustic and electric guitars are hanging on the wall near his dresser and his closet full of both worn out and brand-new shoes are there. Nothing has changed at all, but he doesn't want to stay at his parent's place for the rest of his life either. That's why he's trying to find a contractor to build him a house yet, he's never really been able to talk to one because of distractions, mainly world saving distractions.
Shaking his head, Sonic heads for his bathroom and turns the light on. 'Geez, when was the last time I took a proper shower?'
He turns the water on and adjusts the knob, waiting for it to get a little hotter before he turns his attention to see his reflection. "Yikes, is that what I look like?" He leans closer and inspects how rough looking he really is. Not only are there bags under his eyes but they're red from the lack of sleep. On top of his quills being an absolute disaster.
He clearly hasn't been brushed for a while and yet, Mobians are still hitting on him?
"Well, I do make eye-bags look good." He rolls his eyes at him own comment and laughs before stepping inside the shower, letting the warmth wash all of his trouble from the past two months away.
Outside his room, a small red portal appears above his bed and another letter softly lands on top of it, waiting for the young hero to be able to read it.
Oh, my beloved
How I wish I was the water drops landing on your body every second you're in the shower. If I could trade places with it, know that I truly would.
Don't worry, water and air are the only things that I will allow to touch you because I cannot get rid of either of them.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to scare you with that.
I just wanted to let you know I'm glad you came back home and are sleeping in your bed, where I can watch you.
Watch how your eyelids move just the slightest. Watch how you breathe. Watch how your chest goes up and down in an hypnotizing way. Watch how your body shifts to another position.
I just love watching you.
If I can, I would watch you for every second of every day and never get tired of you.
Have sweet dreams and think only of me,
Your one and only love~
Sonic dries himself off and brushes and quills and fur. Well, tries to at least. The brush isn't getting through, meaning he's gonna have to use the dreaded comb.
'Ugh, I did it to myself though so no complaining there.'
After fighting with the tool to not rip anything out he walks out of the bathroom and over to his dresser, pulling out some clothes. Once he has his bottoms on he looks at the shirt in his hand, debating if he should wear it or not before finally deciding to go shirtless. He folds the article and places it back in the drawer before heading to his bed but instantly stops when he see two letters, waiting for him.
His blood runs cold and as much as he wants to burn and flush them down the toilet, he doesn't want an onslaught of them coming in his room for the rest of the night. It's happened too many times before and he'd rather try to have some type of sleep than be absolutely paranoid over this… stalker.