Shadow: Well this took awhile...

SunLove: *Bows repeatedly* I'm so sorry this took awhile. I've had, like, no time. Thank you for being patient.

Sonic: Let's hope you don't quit before you finish the story.

Silver: You better not!

SunLove: Never! I fully intend on finishing this story no matter how long it will take! With that said, let's get on with the story.

Discalimer: All Sonic characters belong to Sega. All FCs belong to me.

Chapter 23: Dress Up Time!

"Oh come on! It's not that bad. I mean, yeah I was against it at first but if you think about it, it's not all that bad," Sonic said.

Shadow crossed his arms and grunted in displeasure. He narrowed his eyes at his azure sibling wondering whether or not it was illegal to disown someone. "That's not fair," he stated, "You can't just change your opinion. We agreed that mother did not need a partner, she just needed us."

Sonic scrunched his face up, "Yeah but-"

"And it's not fair that you just included us in the situation. You know we aren't exactly comfortable or knowledgeable about dating and stuff," Silver said. He then got closer to Sonic and whispered, "And you know how Shadow gets."

The blue hedgehog chuckled nervously at Shadow when he gave him an icy glare. "Okay, okay," he said turning serious, "I'm sorry but didn't you see the woman. She was basically acting like Shadow!"

"Watch it hedgehog."

Shadow and Silver gave their brother a look and Sonic waved his hands in defeat. "Okay, being serious, really, would you rather have mom be a lonely, grouchy, cat lady forever or one of those happy-go-lucky moms that give you everything your heart desires?"

His two brothers glanced at each other for a second, deadpan expressions plastered on their face. They both took a deep breath before saying, in unison, "Grouchy cat lady."

The cerulean middle child's eyebrows dropped and his jaw hung open with disbelief. What was wrong with them? Sonic glared at them before crossing his arms in defense. For some reason he felt backed into a corner, surrounded. "I see how much you care about mom," he scoffed.

"We do care about mom," Silver retorted, "We just don't want her life to become harder because of other people-"

Sonic shook his head. "Let's get real," he said, "You guys are just afraid that she won't give you the attention she has on you now."

"That's not true and you know-" Shadow started but was interrupted.

His eyes rolled as a mocking laugh left his lips. "As if! Shadow, are you telling me that your scheduled nightmares that happen every Tuesday and Thursday at approximately 3:34 a.m. and then you go sleep with mom, you wouldn't miss that because she was instead in bed with her husband."

The crimson streaked hedgehog blushed furiously before growling, baring his fangs, he shouted, "Shut up!"

How could he possibly know about that?

Either way, he was still trying to prove his point. With a shake of his head Shadow clenched his fists. "It doesn't matter about the hallucinations you have at night. What does matter is that mother doesn't need anyone else besides us and we refuse to take part in whatever idiotic plan you've come up with, hedgehog. That's it," he stated making sure to enunciate every word in the last sentence clearly.

Were they really that desperate? Was it really that big of a deal that the other two hedgehogs absolutely despised the thought? Yes, Sonic wasn't too keen on the idea of his mother having a-it was even hard to say it-boyfriend. It was even worse thinking about how one day maybe she was going to marry that person. But here's the thing, it was her happiness. In all, Sonic wanted her happy and if having one then who was he to stand in her way? Now, all he had to do was persuade them to get his way of thinking.

He took a deep breath and ran a hand through his top quills. "Alright, I get it. Okay? But listen, please," he almost pleaded. Shadow and Silver looked at each other for any comment and when they came up with none they gave their attention to their blue brother. Sonic began, "You want mom happy, right?" When they nodded he nodded in delight. "So, if she wants a…you know what," he said having a bit of trouble actually saying the word, "and she's all depressed about it then why would you keep her away from what makes her happy? Do you get my thinking?" His bright jade eyes peered at them hopefully.

The metallic colored hedgehog sighed in defeat. He scratched the back of his head before dragging his hand over the back of his neck. "When you put it like that," he started deciding whether or not to continue but continuing anyway, "Fine, you're right." He apologetically shrugged at his elder sibling who gawked at him with disbelief.

"Traitor," Shadow scoffed.

"He has a point!" Silver defended.

Shadow just glared at both of them. His eyes narrowed and slanted as he evaluated the situation. He sighed in defeat. It was two against one and the ebony hedgehog knew if he were to stay on his current position he wouldn't here the end of this. "Fine," he grumbled. "I'll submit to your foolishness, but if this ends up taking a turn for the worst it's on you two."

"Totally," Sonic beamed happy to have all of them in this.

"Now here's the plan."

(0…)

Chelsea's P.O.V

Everything I thought I had ever known about Sonic, Shadow and Silver had been crushed into tiny microscopic pieces and scorched into flames. Although I was pretty sure they were against Noah and I, I guess I was wrong. A day after the three hedgehogs had agreed to help me it seemed they really meant it. I was to say thoroughly surprised and kind of touched. I know it was hard for them to even think of the idea of sharing their mother with someone else but they somehow hid their hardships and moved on. I felt a smile push its way on my mouth as Sonic explained to me how a typical guy thought.

"We don't really have a certain way a girl should look because, you know, everyone has different preferences but in general, they have to look pleasing to the eye. This brings us to our first step," he stated.

My head tilted to the side to show I was confused. Sonic apparently saw my confusion and further explained.

"Shadow, Silver and I are going to help you to look like a Victoria Secret model!"

"Wait, wait, wait," I exclaimed, "You're not going to make me run around in my underwear, right!?" Just thinking about the idea made my cheeks go incredibly warm. First of all, that was just disgraceful and sinful. Second of all, how could I be comfortable in my underwear in front of Noah if I wasn't even comfortable looking at myself in the position. My eyes went wide as I searched for any type of hoax in his emerald eyes. From the corner of my eye I could see Shadow's eyes burn with anger and Silver look a bit worried. I couldn't imagine what they were thinking right now. Especially Shadow, poor baby almost bit his lip open.

I was relieved to say that my second oldest threw his head back laughing. He shook his head and held his stomach, tears appearing at the corner of his eyes. "No mom, ew! I mean we're going to make you look pretty and stuff." A heavy breath escaped and I choked out a chuckle. "Thank you God."

The four of us were silent until I realized something. Was he trying to say I look ugly? Well that kind if hurt. My eyes narrowed and I cleared my throat to get the azure hedgehog's attention. Without thinking of a possible answer he could give I smacked him on his head even if he wasn't thinking the way I was. I needed to get rid of this unnecessary anger anyway.

He rubbed his head and looked at me wincing. "What was that for?" he asked. I was surprised to still see him smile and I felt a bit bad. Instead of answering, just so I wouldn't sound crazy, I shrugged and kissed him on his head apologizing.

"Anyway," I said changing the topic, "How do you plan to go about making me pretty?"

Sonic nodded towards the other two and they nodded back. I blinked, confused. What were going to do? I looked towards Silver, remembering I could talk to him through my mind. We agreed before that he not use that ability just to avoid any undesirable problems. Through my mind I asked him what was happening.

Don't worry about it.

I wasn't very satisfied with the answer but I didn't think about it too much. Whatever they were going to do with me I knew it was with good intention and that was all I could ask for. Besides, even though this was all to help me with Noah, this somehow got that embarrassing moment out of my mind. The one where I pushed him away when we were about to kiss. For the rest of the day I couldn't face him. I avoided his wondering and apologetic blue eyes the entire day. I wanted to go back and apologize for rejecting him so harshly but the embarrassment was too much to bear. For a number of times he had tried to talk to me before my shift was over but each time I found some way to elude him. It was such a horrible feeling to feel but each time he touched my arm or he talked with that light voice of his I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit better. But that terrible feeling always found some way to slither back into the front of my mind.

I shook my head. I shouldn't be thinking about that anymore. I turned my attention my three hedgehogs. Silver took my hand and lead me upstairs while Sonic and Shadow followed behind. I could hear something like fabric rub together. It was obvious they were carrying clothes but I slightly wondered how they could've gotten them without me knowing. I shrugged it off. No use in wondering about that.

We had gotten to my room which was cluttered with my make-up supplies and different outfits were laid on the bed. Many magazines filled the spaces and it was apparent the three of them had been doing some studying. Open perfume bottles tinged the air with their scents all mixing together to create a fruity aroma.

I silently let Silver sit me down on the bed which creaked because of my weight. My eye wondered on the trio before me seeing two with loads of clothes and one getting make-up supplies. Not being able to contain my curiosity for much longer I couldn't help but ask, "What are we going to do?"

Shadow grunted as he placed his stack of outfits on the bed next to Sonic's pile. He crossed his arms and looked at Silver as he prepared something I couldn't see too well but guessed it had something to do with make-up. "Like Sonic said earlier. We're going to help you with your physical appearance, mother," he said.

From his, barely, twitching brow to the slight growl he had in his tone, Shadow was not in the mood. In fact I could see a fang hang out. I had no idea Shady was so against this. Then why was he helping? I mused on the question for a bit before Silver's cheery voice brought me back to reality. His cute voice always brought a smile to my face.

"First we have to search for a couple outfits that suit you best," he said pointing a finger in the air.

A light blue color surrounded, I thought to be, ten different outfits. They lifted in the air and spread apart. I silently awed at some of them thinking how cute they looked.

I turned to Silver. "Do I have to try on all of them?" I asked.

He nodded. "Yes. Before you put anything on your face you have to try them on so we know what colors we should use. And besides, we wouldn't want to ruin the clothes."

Taking in his words, I nodded and gasped as I caught the outfits flying towards me. The impact pushed me back but I still kept my ground. My eyes met three pairs of colored orbs ranging from ruby red, forest green and sun kissed yellow. I blinked wondering why they were giving me such looks. It was as if they were waiting for something.

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

Sonic rolled his eyes as Shadow and Silver sighed. I furrowed my brows together feeling irritated from their actions. "What?" I questioned.

"Mom, aren't you going to put them on now?" Silver chuckled.

Feeling embarrassed I nodded fiercely. I randomly picked out a an outfit made up of blue high waisted shorts and a black, no sleeved, top. The two items were held against my chest as I frowned at them. Were they going to watch me undress? I mean, I know their my sons but I just don't feel it's polite to watch someone undress.

"What?" Shadow asked after noticing my glare.

"Aren't you going to turn around or something? I have to undress," I said in an obvious tone.

They all scoffed at me and turned away. I didn't really care if they thought this was absurd or not. If I wasn't comfortable then oh well. Turning my attention back on the task I undressed and put on the clothes. I told them it was okay to look and they turned around. My cheeks grew warm as evaluating eyes scanned my appearance. Who knew this would make me so self conscious

"I actually kind of like it," Sonic spoke.

"Mmm….I like the top but, in my opinion, she could do well without the shorts," Shadow stated.

"Really? I kind of like the shorts. It's bleached and everything," Silver said.

I looked down at the clothes and grimaced. I wasn't used to outfits like this. I used to wear them a lot when I was a couple years younger, when I could pull off the look, but now, I wasn't so sure. Throughout the years I had grown like any other girl. Many places on my body had developed and such, including places I didn't want to grow. Now, shorts just weren't my thing. Through my eyes, I thought my thighs were too large for them. The top was fine however.

I picked at the side and said, "I like the design and everything but I don't think the shorts are really my thing. Let's be honest, my thighs are a little on the large side, don't ya think?"

"Well the magazine did say that girls are a bit self-conscious about, mainly, their stomach and thighs. I guess if you're not comfortable then we can change the shorts," Sonic stated.

I nodded, deciding not to respond to the statement that was generally true and picked up two clothing items at random. They turned away, once again, as I stripped. The next outfit I had on was a mini skirt and a half top. I didn't even need them to turn around before I made up my mind. No matter how much they liked it or not, I wouldn't know because I was not walking out of the house like this. I don't think this will attract the attention I want. Immediately the items were put away and changed into dark blue skinny jeans and a purple sweater with holes that hung just before hips.

"You can look now," I said.

The three hedgehogs turned around inspected the clothes. Shadow narrowed his eyes and tilted his head seeming to take in the outfit with all perspectives. Silver pressed his lips together. Sonic put a finger to his chin and hummed.

"Next," Shadow suddenly called out.

I sighed and undressed only to put another one on. What a shame, I really liked that outfit.

"Next," Sonic said.

The next one was put on.

"No," Silver sighed.

Then the next one.

"No."

And the next one.

"Absolutely not."

And another.

"Not a chance."

And another.

"Like that's happening."

The process went on for at least two hours. At the very end, when I had run out of possible choices, we all lied on the bed frustrated and tired. I laid on my back as the blue hedgehog his head on my stomach, the dark one had his next to mine and the silver hedgie had his head on my chest.

"Who knew this would be so tiring?" Sonic said with a sigh. He yawned tiredly.

"Don't forget this was all your idea," Shadow snapped.

"Well I didn't know it would e this hard. Trust me, this was definitely not part of the plan. We didn't even get to step two."

"Because of your stupid idea."

"Shadow, be nice," I warned. He just grunted bringing his arm over his eyes as he exhaled deeply. My hand ran through his quills as my other drew tiny circles on Silver's. To my surprise the hedgehog was sound asleep. Shadow soon followed suit after awhile. His steady breathing and the little movements he ceased to make made it obvious. My eyes closed as silence filled the air. Slight shuffling was what I felt on my stomach. Sonic had gotten up and crawled over in between Shadow and I. For a second we didn't breathe as the dark male growled; we thought we might've waked him up. We sighed in relief when he just turned to his side, his back facing us. I welcomed the cerulean hedgehog into my arms after I covered Shadow with a blanket.

"Hey mom?" Sonic said lowly.

"What is it Speedy?" I hadn't used that nickname in forever. It felt kind of nice to use it again.

"Can we continue later? I really want to help you. We're not even close to finishing."

Silently I hit my head against the wall for a number of times. Truthfully, I didn't think I could continue. This wasn't exactly my cup of tea. I didn't like doing this stuff anyway in the first place, but I couldn't say no. The fact that the three hedgehogs took the time to help me with Noah was really, well, sweet. If I were to turn them down I would sound ungrateful for the amount of dedication they put in this.

Sonic's expression brightened as I nodded. It was always warming to see him smile. Every fan knew that Sonic had this type of smile that just reached your heart no matter what situation. To see this famous smile up close and personal made it even more priceless. I closed my eyes and gently kissed his forehead. He soon dozed off, lightly snoring in less than three minutes. I also chose to take the time to rest. Before I surrendered to the shadowy abyss called sleep, I smiled thinking about how lucky I was to have these three boys.

(0…)

Third Person Omniscient (General)

Chelsea didn't know why she was here or for what but she was here. She was at a local park and on a swing. This park had no symbol that was engraved in her heart, it wasn't special to her, she barely came here because of the heat and somehow she would always end up grazing her knee or something. No, this park was not comforting whatsoever. It was just a plain old, dumb, park to her.

Her dainty fingers grasped onto the chains that were attached to the red poles and black seat. The artificial ground beneath her, which was somewhat soft, made noises each time her shoe scraped it. Chelsea pushed her legs in and out slowly moving back and forth. For some odd reason she felt like getting out of the house. She had somehow escaped without waking any of her children. Just so their efforts weren't in vain she picked out the skinny jeans she liked and a regular green t-shirt she deemed comfortable. He messy hair was carelessly put up in a bun with fly-aways all over.

Ever since Chelsea had awaken her mind was plagued with her previous issue: Noah. She had already openly admitted, to herself, that she liked the guy. He was cute, charming, good-looking, kind and everything about him just attracted her. His platinum blond hair that looked silver always looked sleek and clean as his lean body had her eyes go wild. Her pounding heart never seemed to lessen its pace each time she would get lost in his sapphire blue eyes. The way they were filled with only happiness and kindness had the girl wondering how someone that looked like a prince could exist.

After she had pushed him away, there was no doubt in her mind he wasn't interested. Only her stupid mind would react in such a way in that particular situation. Maybe this is why she found it so hard to date, because she was picky and impulsive. Her rash decisions always made way for the worst. Never would anyone pass an opportunity for their crush to kiss them, only her.

Chelsea felt tears burn her eyes. She tried to blink them away, but only ended up making more appear. Her teeth sunk in her bottom lip as she tried to control the oncoming sob. The tears that hurt to keep in soon rolled down her hot cheeks. Her grip on the chains tightened to the point of where it was safe to say she would leave a bruise.

But she didn't care.

It was too painful. Chelsea didn't know why thinking about it hurt so much. It almost hurt as much as when she had gone through her first break-up, when she had caught her significant other all over another girl. Even then, she had forgotten about it in a week or so. This on the other hand inundated her mind for at least two weeks. Noah had been part of her life for such a short time yet she was so attached. Why? Why was it so hard to let this go? It didn't make sense.

Her hand met her eyes and cheeks as she tried to rub the hot tears away. There was no use though. They kept coming. Her bottom lip trembled as she gasped. She could no longer control her cries. Chelsea firmly placed her hands on her eyes and choked out strangled sobs. Her throat burned as did her eyes but all that was ignored. The swing stayed put and she hunched over, elbows on her knees and face in her hands. The soft breeze of the warm air and the rustling of the trees were the only sounds heard besides her sobs. She cried for awhile releasing built up sadness.

Chelsea hadn't heard the soft footsteps near the swings. If she did she ignored it, and she probably disregarded the sounds of someone sitting in the swing beside her. She did not want anyone to see her crying. It would be too embarrassing. In hopes that they would go away if she ignored them, the girl kept quiet, only gasping for air. But she definitely was hoping it wasn't someone she knew.

"Hey, are you alright?"

Her head jerked upright as did her body. In an instant her spine straightened and her chocolate irises were revealed when her lids snapped open.

Now of all times!?

Chelsea cautiously spun her head to her right to see the person she dreaded yet longed to see. Noah had is brows furrowed together and a concerned expression plastered his handsome features. He leaned over peering into her light red eyes. A strangled gasp left her lips from shock and fright. She had no idea why she was scared, but she was.

"Noah-"

The dark-skinned woman, out of pure alarm, wrenched back hitting her head on the chains. She yelped in more of surprise than pain as she clutched her head. A dull ache spread through the back of her head. The man in front of her rushed out of his seat and aided the woman. He held her head, forcing her to drop her arms, in his hands and inspected it for any bruises.

"Jeez Chelsea, don't hurt yourself," he exclaimed.

His fingers gingerly glided over a spot which cause Chelsea to wince. "It's probably just sore," he stated. Chelsea didn't respond or look at him. She instead steadied her gaze on the fake ground. She heard Noah kneel before her. He sighed and took one of her hands in his own.

For awhile he had noticed her behavior change towards him. Ever since he had almost kissed her she wouldn't even look at him. For the longest of times he had tried to apologize but she wouldn't give him the chance. Noah had feared she was angered at him. He didn't want that. He didn't want that at all. All he just wanted was for her to smile and laugh again. Although he didn't know here at all, well, barely, he had grown attached to her in some way. In some way he kind of feared but dismissed.

"Hey, Chelsea?" he softly said.

To his disappointment she didn't move an inch. All that moved was the hair that flew in the wind. The pieces of hair that escaped her bun then laid down as the wind ceased. She kind of looked pretty with her hair up. It framed her face beautifully, in his opinion. Noah couldn't help but to tuck a strand of hair behind her small ear that was pierced with a black pearl as an earring. He left his hand there, his thumb on her jaw line.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for what happened to happen. I was just…I don't know." he admitted. "Please, at least look at me."

Her hand suddenly found his that was on her face and took it away. Chelsea looked down at it painfully and let it sit on her lap. She didn't have to look at him to know that the small gesture hurt him. She gritted her teeth.

"Noah," she started trying to form some type of coherent sentence, "I-I'm sorry I'm-I don't…b-because-" she couldn't continue. Her body started to shake from nervousness and her face burned uncontrollably. Mistakenly, her eyes traveled his which she thought she was unworthy to look at. His eyes were so beautiful and sparkled like jewels while her irises were dull and murky.

Chelsea began to shake her head and wrapped her arms around herself. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm crying," she repeated multiple times. Noah didn't know what else to do but find some way to comfort her. He rose whispering, "I know, I know. It's okay. It's alright," he encircled his arms around her. Chelsea gasped as she fell in his embrace. Her wide eyes soon narrowed as more tears filled her lids. She opened her mouth, closing her eyes, and clutched the back of his shirt and cried out.

Noah placed his hand on the back of her head into his shoulder. He smiled warmly, closing his eyes as he calmed the girl.

"Just let me handle everything."

Sonic: Hey, looky here, you did a different P.O.V for once.

SunLove: Yeah, I decided to do something else for a change. It was fun, I might be doing it all more.

Silver: Sounds good

Shadow: How did you guys like first person P.O.V? Review if you can.

SunLove: And before I forget, have a Merry Christmas, and for any others that don't celebrate the holiday, Happy Holidays!

Thank You R&R

~God Bless You~